The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of drafting the wide receiver position extremely well. The team seems to find late-round talent and these players seem to work out more often than not. It's something that fans can always count on when the Steelers select a wide receiver. In the 2023 offseason, the Steelers added wide receiver, Allen Robinson. Robinson had a great start to his NFL career having 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Jacksonville Jaguars in his second professional season.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan joined Pro Football Talk PM and explained that the Steelers had an interest in Robinson when he was first coming into the draft.
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Steelers Allen Robinson reaching out for an NFL Touchdown
"Well, I'd say that's where it all started... Coach Tomlin got a great feel for him when he was coming out of college at Penn State. Got to know, you know, his parents at the Pro Day and got to know Allen a little bit." ~ Omar Khan on #PFTPM
Khan went on to speak about why they were looking to target Allen last offseason and in 2023.
"He was a free agent last year. We had an interest in him, you know, didn't work out. He ended up going to the Rams. But one of the things that Coach and I had discussed earlier this year was we wanted to find a veteran leader in that receiver room and when the opportunity came about and where we were able to have some conversations with the Rams and they went on for a few weeks, it was a no-brainer for us. Just the leadership, obviously the talent. He just brings so much to the organization. He's just a great community person. It's going to be it's exciting to have him as a part of this team"
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Allen Robinson emerged on the scene with the Jacksonville Jaguars before a few solid seasons in Chicago.
Robinson will be entering his 10th season in the NFL after getting drafted by the Jaguars in 2014. Some injury concerns surround Robinson for the 2023, but the Steelers like what the veteran receiver brings on and off the field. Robinson is a big physical receiver at 6'2" and 220 pounds. Khan explained why they wanted to add a veteran leader to the receiving corps.
"We've got a young group and you always like having a veteran in there. You know he can play in the slot, he can play outside, just adds some flexibility. It's always good to have a strong leadership, a veteran leadership presence in that room. Ever since I've been here, when we've been successful, there's always been that individual in the room"
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Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson in the Chicago Bears' 100-year alternative uniform
The Steelers don't just have a young wide receiver room, but a young offense. The team had the youngest average offense in 2022 at 25.3 years old. A veteran leader who knows his way around the NFL is something that all teams look for, but especially young teams. Khan highlights this:
"Ever since I've been here when we have been successful, there's always been that individual in the room."
The Steelers are looking for success now, and are repeating a formula that has brought playoff wins and Super Bowls to one of the most decorated franchises in all of sports.
What do you think about the addition of Allen Robinson? Do you think the Steelers' wide receiver room has gotten better or worse than a year ago? Let us know in the comments or on our social media.
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