The Rich get Richer: Hunter and Smith-Schuster making noise at Steelers Camp
Antonio Brown rolling up to Steelers camp in a chauffeur driven Rolls-Royce set the internet abuzz, but it’s his fellow pass-catchers that have the local media and his teammates buzzing.
Juju Smith-Schuster and Justin Hunter have reportedly looked phenomenal thus far in Steelers training camp.
Smith-Schuster is young, and it is very early, but the Steelers have a knack for finding receiver talent in the draft.
Drafted by the Steelers in the second-round, Smith-Shuster has been sensational, drawing rave reviews from everybody from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to legendary wideout Hines Ward.
Time will tell for the rookie, but the preseason opener against the New York Giants will be a true testament to just how real the hype train is.
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Smith-Schuster is all but guaranteed a roster spot for the upcoming season, a situation much different than that of surprise camp star Justin Hunter. The NFL journeyman has been turning heads in camp so far due to his explosiveness and ability in the red zone.
Hunter, a 26 years old former Tennessee Volunteer has played for the Titans, Bills, and Dolphins before landing on the Steelers roster this offseason.
The departure of Ladarius Green opened a hole for a true red zone target for Big Ben, and at 6’4 209 lbs, Hunter seems to fit the bill physically.
Roethlisberger told ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler that despite it being early in camp he likes the presence Hunter brings to the offense.
Hunter’s catch radius has been on display as well at camp.
This is training camp where the hype train rolls on 24/7, but for Justin Hunter, the future sure does look bright in Pittsburgh.
With Sammie Coates plagued by injury, this preseason offers an opportunity for not only Hunter to make the roster but also for him to potentially take his spot on the depth chart.
The saying “The rich get richer” must be true as these two talented receivers would add to a receiving corps that returns Antonio Brown, breakout slot receiver Eli Rogers, and the recently reinstated (for the preseason) athletic marvel that is Martavis Bryant.
The coaching staff will have a tough time keeping just six receivers on the roster, and it should be entertaining to see how the young position group fares this preseason.