Immediately I full my streak of early offseason additions for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This text will study Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) large receiver Allen Robinson II’s run-blocking rankings in the course of the 2021 season, his ultimate marketing campaign with the Chicago Bears, following my 2021 reception, in addition to 2022 receiving and run-blocking articles on him. I am going to additionally embody Pittsburgh’s main receivers in 2021, see how they stacked up within the league, and examine that info to final season as properly.
Listed below are the large receivers’ run blocking snaps (200 minimal) and their PFF run blocking rankings from the 2021 season:
Robinson II had the fewest working pictures of targeted gamers (231) who ranked fiftieth out of 64 certified gamers in 12 video games performed, affected by a mid-season hamstring damage that satirically occurred towards Pittsburgh. He had a 57.9 block ranking that yr (thirty first) which landed barely above the NFL common, in comparison with his significantly better block ranking of 68.9 in 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams, who ranked ninth general within the NFL final season. It is an encouraging enchancment he can hopefully carry to black-and-gold, which might be big given the Steelers have lacked that ability on the slot receiver place, the place Robinson II is predicted to play primarily. Let’s hope he can do exactly that and keep wholesome given he additionally suffered an damage final season, a foot damage that required surgical procedure and restricted him to 10 video games in 2022.
Pittsburgh’s receiver ends in 2021 have been stronger than I anticipated, with Diontae Johnson main goal gamers in each knowledge factors. He had a block ranking of 64.5 factors in 2021 that ranked tenth within the NFL in 2021, on 327 rush snaps (14th). Most likely larger than anticipated for those who watch the Steelers frequently, however how PFF categorizes receivers as run blockers is essential to outline:
“If a receiver is much sufficient away from a run play that their block has no impact on the play, they don’t obtain a PFF run block ranking. For instance, if an offense is energy, an idea designed to hit between guard and sort out, and goes three yards, then it does not matter what the receiver did as a blocker they usually do not obtain a ranking.
This is essential context, and whether or not or not we agree with this facet of their rating, it highlights Johnson’s sturdy high quality in PFF eyes on runs to his area. He additionally did properly in line with PFF on this regard final season, with a block ranking of 63.5 which ranked barely decrease than 14th, out of 376 working snaps (twelfth). Operating block in his space the previous two seasons deserves props, and hopefully he can proceed to supply in 2023.
Former Steeler Chase Claypool additionally carried out properly in 2021, above common in each, particularly with a block ranking of 60.7 (twenty fourth) on 283 run pictures (T-Twenty eighth) that was barely above the NFL common. An essential takeaway from my 2022 article was on George Pickens, who was beneath common in each, which was stunning given his strong repute, and highlights the reel blocks of his 2022 rookie marketing campaign. which I hope can enhance with its sturdy general talents.
Total, the Pittsburgh Steelers large receiver room prospects ought to be capable of enhance the sport in some ways in 2023 in my view, together with run blocking. The addition of Robinson II, not less than on paper, must be a welcome improve general, primarily within the slot place the place he ought to play probably the most. Hopefully that fills an enormous positional void beginning within the 2022 season. Knock on wooden, the positional room can have an amazing season as run blockers this yr, which might be big for the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers who’ve invested closely within the offensive line and constructed their id as a first-run group, which hopefully pays dividends. One factor is for positive, I am unable to wait to see how the Steelers do that season, and the working recreation is actually no exception.
What do you consider the info and the place group for the 2023 season? Thanks for studying and let me know your ideas within the feedback.
