No NFL player had a breakout season like Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster did in 2018. Smith-Schuster went from 58 receptions in 2017 to 111 receptions in 2018. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards and became one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. And according to Pro Football Focus he did most of his damage from the slot.
92 of Smith-Schuster’s 166 targets in 2018 came while he was lined up in the slot. This is clearly his strength as he’s too physical for slot cornerbacks and too fast for safeties and linebackers.
But this season, with Antonio Brown on his way out, Smith-Schuster could be forced to adjust to life on the outside much more. Hopefully, James Washington can adjust to life as a starter but unless Pittsburgh can find another competent wide receiver who can play on the outside, it’s going to be up to Smith-Schuster to do it and leave Ryan Switzer in the slot.
