Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Players who must step up in 2020
By Samuel Teets
4. Terrell Edmunds, S
The Steelers reached when they selected Terrell Edmunds with the 28th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The team took a third-round prospect with their top selection, and Edmunds proved unworthy of the honor through his first two seasons. However, there’s still hope the 23-year-old can turn things around.
In his second season, Edmunds produced 105 tackles, three passes defensed and no interceptions. While he technically plays a different position, Edmunds’ numbers look terrible when compared to Minkah Fitzpatrick‘s production. The difference becomes even more pronounced considering that both safeties came from the 2018 draft class.
Edmunds is the fifth-best defensive back on Pittsburgh’s roster right now, trailing Fitzpatrick and the team’s top three cornerbacks. If Edmunds’ play doesn’t improve in 2020, the Steelers could ship him off and go looking for a more reliable replacement.
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
The USC product set several records during his two seasons with Antonio Brown. In his second season, JuJu Smith-Schuster produced at a Pro Bowl level. He finished the season with 111 receptions, 1,426 yards, and seven touchdowns. However, Smith-Schuster struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in 2019.
The third-year receiver produced 42 receptions, 552 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games this past season. While he did suffer from bad quarterback play, Smith-Schuster did not create many opportunities for the offense. Arguably, Diontae Johnson left a greater mark on the team than Smith-Schuster.
With Roethlisberger back at the helm, Smith-Schuster must prove he’s a true number one wide receiver this season.