DK Metcalf was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ splash acquisition this offseason. Not only did they trade a second-round pick for him, but they also signed him to a massive contract extension. That’s not something the Steelers usually do, but Metcalf has proved that he’s a big-time playmaker. However, it doesn’t seem like everyone believes that. Former NFL receiver Bryan Walters thinks Metcalf is a little overrated.
“I’ve been very vocal on my thoughts on DK [Metcalf] as a wide receiver,” Walters said recently via Seattle Sports’ Twitter. “I’ll be a little nice, but slightly overrated. I think he’s gonna do well in Pittsburgh. At the same time, I just think that [the Seahawks] really revamped this wide receiver room to fit that Kubiak scheme, and a lot of guys that are better route runners and guys that complement each other.”
It’s debatable if Metcalf is overrated or not. Is he one of the top receivers in the NFL? Probably not, but he’s still a solidified number one receiver. Metcalf’s combination of size and athleticism is rare. Players like him don’t grow on trees. That’s what makes him special.
Metcalf isn’t an incredible route runner, but that’s not how he wins. Metcalf uses his physical gifts to dominate defenses. In his career, he’s been named to two Pro Bowls, while also being named a Second-team All-Pro once. Over his six-year career, he’s recorded three 1,000-yard seasons and two years with double-digit touchdowns.
None of that happens by accident. Metcalf has yet to finish a season with fewer than 900 receiving yards. He isn’t Justin Jefferson, but he’s still a fantastic player. Still only 28 years old, Metcalf’s best football could still be in front of him, too.
Also, Metcalf should give the Steelers’ offense an instant boost. Whichever quarterback Pittsburgh has should have success throwing to Metcalf. If that’s Aaron Rodgers, then Metcalf could find himself in for a great season as well. While Rodgers isn’t the same player that he once was, his arm is still very strong. He would likely fit well with a downfield threat like Metcalf.
It’s fair to criticize Metcalf. He’s not a perfect receiver. However, he’s still a great number one option in the passing game. The Steelers would likely benefit from adding a quality number two receiver opposite of Metcalf, though. Metcalf can’t do everything himself. Pittsburgh saw what happened last year when they didn’t have adequate depth at receiver.
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