In the wide receiver position, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had a significant turnover this offseason. Several notable names have come and go, including DK Metcalf and George Pickens. However, one of the under-radar signatures in that position is Ke’shawn Williams, brought in as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) this year.
On Thursday, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso compiled a list of names one UDFA to monitor each team as they pass MinaCamp, training camp and preseason. For the Steelers he chose Williams.
“Given their uncertain quarterback position, the Steelers are absolutely agile and can use their own slot receivers.” Trapasso wrote. “And Ke’shawn Williams has a product that will become an expert just as early as his rookie season. At 5 feet-9 and 188 pounds in a 40-inch vertical jump, this Indiana product was explosive in the short area, forcing less than 150 tackles in the last three college seasons.
It’s hard to think of the Steelers’ roster position being open for opportunities rather than receivers. After trading Pickens in early May, Metcalf, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson feel like a consensus top 3 option. After them it’s wide open.
But that doesn’t mean Williams has a great opportunity to build a roster. Robert Woods was brought in this offseason, and although he was never the case before, his resume in the league is hard to ignore. There are also Scotty Miller and Ben Skouronek. The two players are already familiar with the franchise. Then there are fellow UDFAs, including Roc Taylor and Montana Lemuful-Craig.
But as Trapasso writes, slots are the realms where Williams can carve out his own role. Williams is a fast route runner who comes and goes in and out of his break. There is no route he cannot run. Thanks to his strong lower body and willingness to block, he can make an impact in that regard. All of this makes him a good slot receiver. It is also a qualities that UDFA needs to create a list. Our own Josh Carney wrote a complete reconnaissance report on Williams. You can read this here.
At the end of the day there is a chance for Williams. There is no depth of quality in the position. No matter who the start quarterback is, his skill set could be a great compliment to other receivers on the depth chart. Williams is certainly a notable player as the roster begins to trim down.
