When the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field for the first time in 2018, there’s a pretty good chance that rookie wide receiver James Washington will be one of the 11 men jogging out from the sideline for the first snap. As with most teams, the Steelers primarily run out of three-receiver sets, and the expectation is for Washington to be that third receiver.
Endearing himself to his new coach doesn’t hurt his chances. Wide receivers coach Darryl Drake, in his first season with the Steelers but coming in with a lengthy and impressive resume, spoke glowingly during minicamp of the second-round pick out of Oklahoma State.