By now, you’ve probably already noticed that the Pittsburgh Steelers spent a seventh-round draft pick on a punt returner who just so happens to be able to play wide receiver. With that, you’ve also already probably noticed that the player in question, DeMarcus Ayers, best 40-yard dash time of 4.66 seconds isn’t necessarily one that most people associate with a top-rated punt returner.
During his Saturday press conference with the local media, Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith was asked if he thought straight-line speed is overrated and as you’ve come to expect, his response was quite interesting and enlightening.