News: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that receiver Markus Wheaton could be the rookie from the Steelers' draft class of 2013 who makes the biggest impact. Wheaton, the leading receiver in Oregon State history, fell to the Steelers in the third round partly because of his 4.45 time in the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I know it probably hurt his feelings and made him feel bad, but we were happy because, when you put the tape on, he plays fast,” offensive coordinator Todd Haley said of Wheaton, who caught 91 passes for 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. “He's a fast player and quick. He's an exciting guy to have around.” Haley also called Wheaton “a versatile, good, polished” player. Wheaton said he can envision himself “anywhere” in the Steelers' offense because “I like being all over the place. The defense can't plan for you when they don't know where you're going to be.”
Analysis: The Steelers will likely go with Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders as the starters with Wheaton lining up in the slot. All three receivers can move around, and with Heath Miller (ACL) hurting, don't be surprised to see a lot of three-receiver sets. We like Wheaton as a late-round flier in seasonal leagues, and he's worth a second-round choice in rookie-only formats.
News: The Pittsburgh Steelers chose former Oregon State wide receiver Markus Wheaton in the third round of the NFL draft. The 6-foot-1 Wheaton caught 91 passes for 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Beavers in 2012. The Steelers are in need of depth at receiver after Mike Wallace left for the Miami Dolphins last month. Wheaton also gives the Steelers some versatility. He also ran for 631 yards during his collegiate career with an average of 7.3 yards per carry.
Analysis: The 22-year-old Wheaton will compete with veterans Plaxico Burress and Jerricho Cotchery for a spot behind starters Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. That's a gig he could land and do moderately well in. The Steelers have a track record of drafting fast receivers who make an impact within two years and Wheaton looks as if he could fit the bill. There are some issues surrounding his hands and his willingness to go over the middle but his quickness is what makes him appealing. He's a late-round flier in seasonal leagues, a late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a middle-round choice in rookie-only drafts.
