Can Calvin Austin III Carve Out a Role in the Steelers’ Offense?

Can Calvin Austin III Carve Out a Prominent Role in the Steelers’ Offense?

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Calvin Austin III in the fourth round, 138th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft and I couldn’t love the fit more. Coming out of Memphis, Austin showed well at the NFL Combine, especially his 40-yard dash time of 4.32 seconds. The Steelers addressed the speed of their offense this offseason, adding burners, especially in the draft with the selection of Austin and George Pickens, both helping them receive a high grade in our draft grades. The speed on the outside should do wonders for Austin, but at his size and frame, plus the depth in Pittsburgh, can he carve a prominent role in this offense? Let’s dive in.

The rumblings coming out of training camp have been mostly good things. Austin has been getting high praise from leaders on this team like Cameron Heyward down to first-year guys in the system like future starting QB Mitch Trubisky. Training camp is the place to make your mark in this league, especially for rookies, so hearing all the good things coming out of camp for Austin is music to Steelers fan’s ears. This makes me wonder, however, how does he fit on this team to where he can be featured on a week-to-week basis?

#1) Filling The Slot Role

Austin is as close to a perfect fit for the slot as you can find. At 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, Austin could easily transition to a slot role for this team and burn ILB and Nickel corners underneath. This Matt Canada offense likes to run WR sweeps as we have seen with Chase Claypool, and giving defenses the idea of running sweeps with either Claypool or Austin is just another wrinkle to worry about. His route tree will grow with experience in the league, and over time I believe he could mold into a superior slot receiver.

#2) Dangerous Return Man

While he was not known for being a return man, Austin did receive 25 kicks in his last two seasons in college, taking two back for touchdowns. His blazing 4.32 speed would make him a weapon returning kicks. Beginning his NFL career returning kicks could also help him with coordination for catches and working in the open field against defenders. If he can impress in the return game, he will get more looks at WR as well.

#3) Potential Chase Claypool/Diontae Johnson Replacement

Diontae Johnson recently signed a two-year extension, keeping him in Pittsburgh for the next few years. Claypool is still on his rookie deal, but his up-and-down career could lead to his departure from the team when his contract is up. Working with such a talented WR room will only help Austin, and with a few years under his belt, he may be viewed as a long-term replacement plan for either Claypool or Johnson when their respective contracts come up. A WR room centered around Pickens and Austin in 2025 sounds mighty intriguing if both other men decide to walk.

Calvin Austin III shows a lot of promise. He has a great work ethic and wants to be great in this league, and he is with a team that will certainly help him get the most out of himself. The Pittsburgh Steelers have developed solid receiving talent over the past decade, and there is no reason to think that Austin won’t be added to that group. The sky is the limit for Austin, and I can’t wait to see how his career pans out in the Steel City.

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