Steelers HC Mike Tomlin expects big growth from James Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert addressed the media on Monday ahead of the 2019 NFL draft. During the press conference, Tomlin was asked how he felt about the team’s current wide receiver depth chart.

Tomlin indicated he felt comfortable with the group they have including JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Donte Moncrief and Ryan Switzer. Having said that, Tomlin also expected serious growth from Washington in his second season.

Mike Tomlin on the group of WRs the Steelers have at the moment heading into the draft: "I'm comfortable with the guys we have in the room at this juncture."
But lays down a gauntlet that he expects James Washington to take a big leap in Year 2 for him.

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 22, 2019

Washington struggled as a rookie with route concepts and concentration and finished the season with only 16 receptions. Now, without Antonio Brown, Washington will have every opportunity to compete with Moncrief for the open starting spot.

Despite what Tomlin said at the presser, the Steelers have looked hard at multiple wide receiver prospects. No one should be surprised if the Steelers hedge their bets by drafting one in the first three rounds.