Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Wide Receiver Highlights Height at Training Camp: Impressions from the Field

Steelers Rookie WR Roc Taylor Turning Heads with Physical Play, Backshoulder Mastery

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Undrafted rookie wide receiver Roc Taylor is making a strong push for a roster spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers, showcasing a physical style of play and a knack for the backshoulder catch that’s quickly gaining attention during training camp and preseason opportunities.

During Saturday’s game against Navy, Taylor demonstrated his ability to find the endzone, celebrating a touchdown at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. While not a lock to make the final roster, the 6-foot-2 receiver is capitalizing on every chance he gets.

Taylor attributes his success with the backshoulder route – a staple in modern NFL offenses – to a natural advantage. “Just mainly stay on the first route,” Taylor explained. “Can’t never look back too early,give your route up. Just run straight and last-minute, adjust to it.”

He emphasizes that his size is key. “It’s the advantage I have,” Taylor stated, highlighting his ability to leverage his frame to create separation and win contested catches.

Currently considered an outsider looking in on the Steelers’ crowded receiver corps, Taylor understands the challenge ahead. However, coaches and observers are taking notice of his physicality and willingness to learn.

Beyond the Headlines: the Rising Importance of the Backshoulder Route

The backshoulder route has become increasingly prevalent in the NFL due to its effectiveness against man coverage. It relies on the receiver subtly altering their route at the last moment, creating a window for the quarterback to deliver a quick, accurate pass before the defender can react. Receivers with size and strong hands, like Taylor, are especially well-suited to execute this play, as they can box out defenders and secure the catch in tight coverage.

What This means for the Steelers

The Steelers have invested heavily in offensive weapons, but depth at wide receiver remains a critical component of their success. If Taylor continues to impress during the preseason, he could provide a valuable target for quarterback Russell Wilson, particularly in red-zone situations. His physical style also offers a different dimension to the Steelers’ receiving group, potentially creating mismatches against smaller defensive backs.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Taylor as he battles for a spot on the 53-man roster. But his early performance suggests he’s a player to watch – a potential diamond in the rough who could contribute to the Steelers’ offense this season.

How are the Steelers adjusting their defensive strategies to counter the height advantage of the rookie wide receivers?

Emerging Targets in the Steelers’ Receiving Corps

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp is buzzing with potential, and a significant portion of that excitement centers around the rookie wide receiver class. While much attention has been given to overall performance, one consistent theme emerging from Latrobe is the noticeable height advantage several rookies possess – and how they’re utilizing it. This article dives into observations from the field,focusing on how these taller receivers are impacting the Steelers’ offensive schemes and creating matchup problems for defenders. We’ll cover key players, observed routes, and early projections for the 2025 NFL season.

Key Rookies Leveraging Their Size

Several rookie wide receivers are standing out, not just for their raw talent, but for how their height is translating to success in training camp drills.

Roman Wilson (Michigan): While not the tallest,Wilson’s ability to box out smaller cornerbacks on contested catches is already apparent. His 6’0″ frame and extraordinary leaping ability make him a threat in the red zone.

lonzy Powell (Elon): Powell,at 6’3″,is consistently winning jump balls. Reports indicate he’s been a favorite target for both Russell wilson and Justin Fields during 7-on-7 drills. His size allows him to shield defenders effectively.

Elijah Cooks (Notre Dame): Cooks, standing at 6’4″, presents a significant mismatch for most defensive backs. He’s demonstrating strong hands and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. Early reports suggest he’s quickly learning the nuances of the Steelers’ route tree.

These players, alongside others, are pushing for roster spots and perhaps immediate playing time. The Steelers’ coaching staff is clearly exploring ways to capitalize on their physical attributes.

Route Running and Play Design Adaptations

The Steelers’ offensive coordinators are already adjusting play designs to exploit the height of these rookie receivers.

1. Fade Routes: A staple for taller receivers, fade routes to the end zone are being frequently utilized in practice. Powell and Cooks,in particular,have shown success on these plays,consistently out-positioning defenders.
2. Back-Shoulder Throws: The quarterbacks are working on timing with back-shoulder throws, allowing the receivers to use their size to create separation and make contested catches. This is a key element in maximizing the impact of receivers like Wilson.
3. Red Zone Focus: A significant portion of training camp drills are dedicated to red zone scenarios. The taller receivers are proving to be invaluable assets in these situations, creating difficult matchups for safeties and linebackers.
4. Slant-Fade Combinations: utilizing the threat of a fade route to draw coverage, then hitting the receiver on a fast slant. This is a developing tactic that leverages the receiver’s height to create space.

Impact on the Quarterback Room: Wilson & Fields

The presence of these taller targets is noticeably impacting the confidence and decision-making of both Steelers quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

Russell Wilson: Wilson, known for his accuracy and arm strength, appears agreeable targeting the taller receivers on deep routes. His experience allows him to anticipate throws and place the ball strategically for contested catches.

justin Fields: Fields, with his strong arm and athleticism, is utilizing the height advantage to extend plays and create opportunities downfield. He’s shown a willingness to take risks and challenge coverage with deep throws to Cooks and powell.

The competition between the two quarterbacks is also driving them to refine their techniques and build rapport with all receivers, maximizing the potential of the entire receiving corps.

defensive Backs’ Adjustments & Challenges

The Steelers’ defensive backs are facing a new set of challenges in training camp. Covering taller receivers requires different techniques and a greater emphasis on physicality.

Jamming at the Line: Cornerbacks are attempting to disrupt the receivers’ routes at the line of scrimmage,but the taller receivers are proving difficult to jam effectively.

Over-the-Top Coverage: Safeties are frequently providing help over the top, but the receivers’ size and leaping ability make it challenging to consistently break up passes.

increased Physicality: Defensive coordinators are emphasizing more physical coverage,but penalties for pass interference are becoming more frequent.

This dynamic is forcing the defensive backs to refine their techniques and improve their overall coverage skills.

projected Role in the 2025 Season: Fantasy Football Implications

Early indications suggest that at least one or two of these rookie wide receivers will play a significant role in the Steelers’ offense during the 2025 season.

Lonzy Powell: Currently projected as a potential starter, Powell’s size and ability to win contested catches make him a valuable asset in the red zone. He could become a reliable target for both Wilson and Fields.

Elijah Cooks: cooks is expected to compete for playing time as a deep