Steelers Rookie May Fit Well With Aaron Rodgers' Scheme

Kaden Wetjen may have a chance to carve out a real role for himself in Pittsburgh.

Key points

• More sports: Rams' Puka Nacua Has to Avoid a 'Year With Struggles'.
• Wetjen's speed and ability to create something happen after the catch could provide Aaron Rodgers another intriguing option in Pittsburgh's offense.
• Wetjen played only 13 receiving snaps in his debut, but he created them count.
• For Pittsburgh, the goal will be figuring out exactly how much Wetjen can handle.

Kaden Wetjen may have a chance to carve out a real role for himself in Pittsburgh. The Steelers drafted Wetjen in the fourth round, and while his experience as a returner could offer him a clear path onto the field, his first NFL appearance suggested he may have more to offer than just special teams. Wetjen played only 13 receiving snaps in his debut, but he created them count. He averaged an impressive 6.08 yards per route run, thanks largely to a 74-yard catch-and-run that almost concluded with him in the end zone. That's the kind of play that gets a rookie noticed rapidly. Sports news: Commanders' Dan Quinn is Under Extra Pressure This Season Wetjen's speed and ability to create something happen after the catch could provide Aaron Rodgers another intriguing option in Pittsburgh's offense. He doesn't need to walk into a massive role immediately, either. If he can contribute as a receiver while handling return duties, the Steelers have a useful piece on their hands. Notably, the return game could actually be his clearest route to consistent playing time early in his career. That's not a bad thing for a young player trying to obtain time in play. Once he's on the field, though, performances like his 74-yard reception could create chances for more offensive snaps. Wetjen's preseason debut was solid enough to earn him an 88.0 PFF grade. Gordon McGuinness of PFF additionally ranked him among the best rookies in the NFL so far after the opening week of preseason action. That's notable considering the Steelers have other young players competing for time on the field. More sports: Rams' Puka Nacua Has to Avoid a 'Year With Struggles' For Pittsburgh, the goal will be figuring out exactly how much Wetjen can handle. His return ability already gives him value, but if he continues making explosive plays as a receiver, it becomes much easier to find ways to obtain him involved. One major catch doesn't guarantee a major role, of course. Still, Wetjen offered the Steelers something worth thinking concerning for both now and the future.

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Wetjen played only 13 receiving snaps in his debut, but he created them count. He averaged an impressive 6.08 yards per route run, thanks largely to a 74-yard catch-and-run that almost concluded with him in the end zone. That's the kind of play that gets a rookie noticed rapidly. Sports news: Commanders' Dan Quinn is Under Extra Pressure This Season.

Wetjen's speed and ability to create something happen after the catch could provide Aaron Rodgers another intriguing option in Pittsburgh's offense. He doesn't need to walk into a massive role immediately, either. If he can contribute as a receiver while handling return duties, the Steelers have a useful piece on their hands.

Notably, the return game could actually be his clearest route to consistent playing time early in his career. That's not a bad thing for a young player trying to obtain time in play. Once he's on the field, though, performances like his 74-yard reception could create chances for more offensive snaps.

Wetjen's preseason debut was solid enough to earn him an 88.0 PFF grade. Gordon McGuinness of PFF additionally ranked him among the best rookies in the NFL so far after the opening week of preseason action. That's notable considering the Steelers have other young players competing for time on the field.

For Pittsburgh, the goal will be figuring out exactly how much Wetjen can handle. His return ability already gives him value, but if he continues making explosive plays as a receiver, it becomes much easier to find ways to obtain him involved.

One major catch doesn't guarantee a major role, of course. Still, Wetjen offered the Steelers something worth thinking concerning for both now and the future.

Taken together, the developments around steelers Rookie May Fit Well With Aaron Rodgers& #039; Scheme point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.