Calvin Austin III, the diminutive but explosive wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been making waves in the NFL with his impressive performances on the field. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Austin has been on a journey to prove himself as a valuable asset to the Steelers' offense. In this article, we will delve into his career, his recent performances, and what the future holds for this young talent.
1. Early Career and Draft
Calvin Austin III was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite being selected relatively late, Austin's speed and agility caught the attention of scouts and coaches. His journey to the NFL was not without its challenges, as he suffered a preseason injury in his rookie year that sidelined him for the entire season. However, this setback did not deter him from working hard to improve his skills and regain his place on the team.
During his rookie season, Austin was primarily used as a punt returner, where he showcased his speed and agility. He played 18% of the special teams snaps and 35% of the offensive snaps, totaling 249 yards on punt returns and 237 yards from scrimmage with two touchdowns. His impact on the Steelers' offense was initially negligible, but he was slowly gaining traction as a potential playmaker.
Austin's position coach, Zach Azzanni, has been instrumental in his development. Azzanni praised Austin's work ethic and improvements over just eight weeks of work leading into mandatory minicamp. 'He's been outstanding. That's a guy who's gone from here to here in just eight weeks,' Azzanni said, highlighting Austin's rapid progress. This endorsement from his coach has given Austin the confidence to continue pushing himself to new heights.
2. Recent Performances
In Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season, Calvin Austin III had a career day against the Los Angeles Chargers. He caught four passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, including a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown that showcased his speed and agility. This performance marked a significant milestone in his career, as it highlighted his potential as a reliable wide receiver for the Steelers.
Austin's performance was not an isolated incident. He has been consistently showing flashes of brilliance throughout the season. His ability to make plays outside of George Pickens, the Steelers' clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver, has been particularly notable. The Steelers' coaching staff has made it clear that they are not concerned with naming a No. 2 wide receiver, but Austin's recent performances have certainly made him a strong contender for that role.
The Steelers' victory over the Chargers was a significant one, as it marked their third consecutive win to begin the 2024 season. The team's offense, led by new quarterbacks and a new offensive coordinator, has been performing much better than expected. Austin's contributions have been instrumental in this success, as he continues to prove himself as a valuable asset to the team.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been critical of Austin's potential as a No. 2 wide receiver. In a recent podcast, Roethlisberger stated, 'Not Calvin. Calvin Austin.' This skepticism highlights the ongoing debate about Austin's role within the Steelers' offense. However, his recent performances have certainly silenced some of these critics and raised hopes for his future with the team.
3. Fantasy Football Impact
For fantasy football enthusiasts, Calvin Austin III has been a topic of interest. His recent performances have led to increased projections for his future games. In Week 7, Austin is expected to face off against the New York Jets, where he could potentially make significant contributions to his fantasy team. According to projections, he is likely to see more targets and could be a valuable start for fantasy players.
The article from Bleacher Nation provides detailed projections and stats for Austin's upcoming game against the Jets. It includes advice on whether to start or sit him, based on his recent performance and the team's overall strategy. This information is crucial for fantasy football managers looking to make informed decisions about their lineup.
Film study has also been crucial in understanding Austin's strengths and weaknesses. A recent film study by Steelers Depot highlights the importance of getting the ball to Austin more often. The article emphasizes that his speed and agility make him a threat whenever he is on the field, and that the Steelers should look to exploit these qualities more frequently.
This emphasis on film study underscores the need for strategic play-calling to maximize Austin's potential. By understanding his strengths and weaknesses, the coaching staff can tailor their game plan to ensure that he is in the right position to make impactful plays.
4. Future Prospects
As the season progresses, Calvin Austin III will continue to face challenges and opportunities. The Steelers are still searching for their No. 2 wide receiver, and Austin's recent performances have made him a strong contender for this role. However, the team may also consider trading for other wide receivers, such as Davante Adams or Brandon Aiyuk, to bolster their receiving corps.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have until the trade deadline to make any significant moves. This period will be crucial in determining whether Austin solidifies his position as a key player or if the team decides to explore other options. The Steelers' coaching staff has been clear that they are not concerned about naming a No. 2 wide receiver, but Austin's recent performances have certainly raised hopes for his future with the team.
In conclusion, Calvin Austin III is a rising star in the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver room. His recent performances have highlighted his potential as a reliable and explosive wide receiver. While there are still challenges ahead, Austin's work ethic and improvements under his position coach have given him the confidence to continue pushing himself to new heights. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Austin develops and contributes to the Steelers' success.
