Kaden Wetjen
Kaden Wetjen
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kaden Wetjen earlier than most expected, including himself. But coming into the draft with a major need for a return man, the Steelers didn’t let Wetjen pass them up in the fourth round.
So far in training camp, special teams coordinator Danny Crossman has been impressed by Wetjen.
“A lot of the same things that we saw on tape. You know, good decision maker, he’s got good burst and got very good vision. So we’re still, in my opinion, very early in this race. But we’ve been very happy with what we’ve seen from him so far,” Crossman said Saturday via Steelers.com.
All of those traits Crossman mentioned were reasons the Steelers thought Wetjen was the best player on the board when they picked him. Wetjen didn’t earn much of an offensive role at Iowa, but he was electric in the return game. His vision and decision making as a runner, with all 11 defenders in front of him, was very impressive.
He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands, and there is some optimism for him as a receiver. Back in college, he did have some concentration drops, a problem he can’t afford to bring to the NFL level. However, he has a lot of burst as a route runner. That’s was on full display back at the Shrine Bowl during the offseason.
Another day of defenders just having no shot to guard @HawkeyeFootball WR Kaden Wetjen.
This guy is so explosive and sudden. He is destroying defenders time and time again. Has to be a helpless feeling for DBs here in Frisco. pic.twitter.com/GsKUO0q0rD
If he’s active on gamedays, which he likely will be as the best return man, Kaden Wetjen is probably going to have a package offensively. The Steelers could utilize him as something of a gadget player, or they could even try and stick him in the slot on some occasions.
Regardless, his ability as a returner will get him on the field. During camp, he’s predictably been getting a bulk of the return duties. But it does seem like he’s taking advantage of the reps he’s getting at receiver, as well.
Final play of 7 on 7 period. Kaden Wetjen gets wide open on a corner route and Will Howard finds him for a big completion. #Steelers
Pocket collapses on Will Howard on final throw of team period but rookie Kaden Wetjen a nice grab off his shoetops for the catch. #Steelers
It feels like there’s a bit more pressure on Wetjen then there usually is for a return man. Many fans were shocked to see him come off the board that early and felt like the Steelers reached. If Wetjen has a bad return or two to start the year, that pressure might start to ramp up.
However, he’s a very talented player. If Kaden Wetjen is anywhere close to as productive as he was in college, it’s a solid return on a Day 3 pick. So far, he’s living up to expectations during camp.