On whatever date, in whatever location, in front of however many fans the Steelers break their first huddle of the 2020 NFL season, here's what I envision for Ben Roethlisberger's weaponry:
One running back: James Conner
Three wide receivers: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington
One tight end: Eric Ebron
Feels like the base package, I'm betting we'd agree. If Vance McDonald joins for a two-tight set, as is deliciously likely, one of the receivers would come off, probably Washington. If Derek Watt's out there for a fullback, then someone else.
OK, now step back. Stretch a long gaze all the way across that line. And tell me, solely within that prism, which is the greatest position of uncertainty.
Yep.
And that's why, should Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin be presented with some grand temptation in the form of a wide receiver they love falling all the way to No. 49 overall in the NFL Draft a week from today, they should stay the unquestionably correct course and take their preferred running back.
I know, I know, it goes against a best-player-available approach that's largely served the Steelers well. They had little interest in getting a guard in 2012 until David DeCastro curiously plunged through the first round. That's obviously paid off big-time. Pure potential should almost always win out.
I also accept that this draft class is double-digit thick with receivers. And that there's a chance that the receiver available at No. 49, be that USC's Plaxico-sized Michael Pittman, TCU's hyper-athletic Jalen Reagor, or anyone else who might immediately fortify the Steelers' already young, exciting group.
But here's what else I know, and these are in deliberate order:
1. Ben's 38.
If I have to elaborate on that, you definitely shouldn't have been reading this far.
2. Conner can't stay on the field.
That's not a shot. Not a jab. Just an unfortunate fact.
3. There are enough receivers.
Some might dispute this, mostly because JuJu had a down year. But I'm here to remind that what he did with Ben throwing the ball was downright special. Not because of his smile or social media presence but because of this:
Unstoppable man! 10 AB, 7H (5 HR), 9RBI, OPS 2.900.
Zhu,Yu-Xian is on ???
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