Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III took a giant step ahead in 2024, catching 36 passes for 548 yards and 4 touchdowns. Whereas it was his third season within the league, it was solely the second 12 months that he performed after his rookie season was worn out as a result of harm. Heading into his fourth season, Austin mentioned he’s feeling extra comfy on the sphere.
“I’m actually simply seeing it increasingly more by my improvement after I’m on the sphere. Issues are simply feeling extra pure. Clearly, with time, what individuals don’t notice is, whereas sure, we’re professionals, we’re nonetheless creating. I’m nonetheless creating into the receiver that I wish to be,” Austin mentioned on the Breakfast With Benz podcast hosted by Tim Benz.
Austin felt he confirmed improvement final 12 months with extra alternatives, notably in enhancing on contested catches.
One of many criticisms of Austin early in his profession was his restricted catch radius and the affect of his dimension on making contested catches. Final season, Austin confirmed off strong arms and made a number of actually spectacular catches in tight home windows, together with top-of-the-line catches of the season in opposition to the Ravens late within the 12 months.
As Austin mentioned, regardless that he’s within the NFL, he’s not a completed product. There’s at all times extra to develop, and Austin is coming into a pivotal season. Not solely is it a contract 12 months for him, however proper now, he’s slotted in as Pittsburgh’s WR2. After final season, it is smart that Austin feels extra settled in and may play extra naturally.
There ought to be a sure consolation stage now that he’s established himself as a viable receiver. With Aaron Rodgers underneath heart, Austin may have a giant 12 months if he continues to enhance his sport and preserve creating as he mentioned he’s working towards.
Final 12 months was a little bit of a breakout season for him, and he can proceed to construct on that. Austin can be a major a part of Pittsburgh’s success within the passing sport this season, and if he continues to evolve his sport, he may earn himself a pleasant contract subsequent 12 months. Because of his pace, he’s confirmed to be a deep menace, and feeling extra comfy within the offense may give him the boldness to essentially grow to be an affect participant this 12 months.
