Participant: WR Quez Watkins
Inventory Worth: Bought
Reasoning: The Steelers haven’t but formally signed WR Quez Watkins, however the contract shouldn’t tip the scales. A 2020 sixth-round decide, he has 98 profession catches in 49 video games performed, with a restricted arsenal regardless of elite velocity. To date, his manufacturing doesn’t match his enjoying time, and he’s not a lock to make the 53-man roster come September.
Because the Steelers traded beginning WR Diontae Johnson, they signed veterans Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins. A minimum of, they’ve already signed Jefferson, and so they’ve agreed to phrases with Watkins, which isn’t but official. Provided that common supervisor Omar Khan himself mentioned it, nonetheless, we will safely assume it’s a matter of time.
However does it actually make a distinction? He has one defining trait, which is his sub-4.4 velocity, and he does flash it on the sphere now and again. Nevertheless, his restricted route tree, muted nuance, and lack of constant effort all increase flags. He’s had the occasional ill-timed drop in his profession, nevertheless it’s not an overarching concern up thus far.
One potential he exhibits is the capability to play within the slot, which the Steelers have wanted for some time. They’ve additionally lacked for true elite velocity typically and within the slot particularly, which is a distinct segment he fills. However he must make the roster first.
And he must make the roster as a move catcher as a result of that’s all he brings to the desk. He has no particular groups worth value mentioning—his restricted kick return work is dismal—and he’s an unwilling blocker.
A route-running savant he’s not, moreover, although to his credit score he exhibits an understanding of the best way to function scramble drills. On high of that, he has first rate play energy when he exhibits a propensity to truly use it.
Nonetheless, Watkins as a top-three receiver in your workforce is just not a robust group. The Steelers have George Pickens, however that’s actually it. Calvin Austin III is one other holdover, and so they added Jefferson, however this actually solely tides one over till the draft. They should draft not less than one speedy contributor on the place, and probably nonetheless add a extra significant veteran.
Because the season progresses, Steelers gamers’ shares rise and fall. The character of the analysis differs with the time of 12 months, with in-season issues being extra usually short-term. Concerns within the offseason usually have broader implications, significantly when gamers lose their jobs, or the workforce indicators somebody. This time of 12 months is filled with transactions, whether or not minor or main.
A foul recreation, a brand new contract, an harm, a promotion—any variety of issues have an effect on a participant’s worth. Consider it as a inventory in the marketplace, primarily based on hypothesis. You’ll really feel higher a couple of participant after a very good recreation, or worse after a foul one. Some inventory updates are minor, whereas others are prone to be fairly drastic, so keep in mind the diploma. I’ll do my finest to clarify the character of that within the reasoning part of every column.
