The Steelers lack size at wide out, in terms of needing a tall wide out that could be a red zone threat. Saturday they hoped that change, as the team selected Clemson’s Martavis Bryant with their fourth round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
“We felt like we needed a guy different from what we had,” Steelers receivers coach Richard Mann said. “He’ll be a great weapon for us in the red zone. What he does really well is track the football. I’m surprised he lasted long.”
Bryant is 6’4, 211 pounds. The tall wide out has size on all other WR’s on the roster.
Here’s a scouting report on Bryant from CBS Sports:
A tall receiver with the ability to stretch the field, Bryant was named the No. 3 prep school prospect in the country by 247Sports.com after playing for Hargrave Military Academy in 2010. He played in the Shrine Bowl and the U.S. Army All-American game and was a top 100 recruit by every service.
Bryant caught nine passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 2011, adding two kickoff returns for 45 yards while seeing action in 14 games – two starts.
He really emerged as a downfield threat as a sophomore, averaging 30.5 yards on 10 receptions – four of which went for touchdowns. Bryant also had 10 kickoff returns while seeing action on 245 snaps in 10 games. His average per catch led the nation among receivers with double-digit catches.
Bryant, 6-4, 200 pounds, caught 42 passes for 828 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013, averaging 19.7 yards per reception. Two of his three catches in the Orange Bowl victory over Ohio State went for touchdowns.
It proved to be his final game in a Clemson uniform, as Bryant told the Post and Courier in a text message two days later: “I have decided to enter the draft, it’s best for me and my family.”
According to CBS, Bryant compares to current Jets WR Stephen Hill, a tall, legit vertical threat. Here’s highlights on Bryant.
Dave B.
May 10, 2014 at 7:46 pm
This kid has the potential to be special . He should really put some pressure on Marcus Wheaton .
sdean
May 11, 2014 at 12:39 pm
I think Wheaton is gonna be good this season. With this new addition Ben should have plenty to throw to with Archer having great hands too. Gonna be a faster offense.
Luigi
May 12, 2014 at 4:20 am
Great pick