Kaden Wetjen may have a chance to carve out a real role for himself in Pittsburgh. The Steelers drafted Wetjen in the fourth round, and while his experience as a returner could give him a clear path onto the field, his first NFL appearance suggested he may have more to offer than just special teams. Wetjen played only 13 receiving snaps in his debut, but he made them count.
He averaged an impressive 6.08 yards per route run, thanks largely to a 74-yard catch-and-run that nearly ended with him in the end zone. That's the kind of play that gets a rookie noticed quickly. Sports news: Commanders’ Dan Quinn is Under Extra Pressure This Season Wetjen's speed and ability to make something happen after the catch could give Aaron Rodgers another intriguing option in Pittsburgh's offense.
He doesn't need to walk into a massive role immediately, either. If he can contribute as a receiver while handling return duties, the Steelers have a useful piece on their hands. The return game could actually be his clearest route to consistent playing time early in his career.
That's not a bad thing for a young player trying to get time in play. Once he's on the field, though, performances like his 74-yard reception could create chances for more offensive snaps. Wetjen's preseason debut was strong enough to earn him an 88.0 PFF grade.
Gordon McGuinness of PFF also ranked him among the best rookies in the NFL so far after the opening week of preseason action. That's notable considering the Steelers have other young players competing for time on the field. More sports: Rams’ Puka Nacua Has to Avoid a ‘Year With Struggles’ For Pittsburgh, the goal will be figuring out exactly how much Wetjen can handle.
His return ability already gives him value, but if he continues making explosive plays as a receiver, it becomes much easier to find ways to get him involved. One big catch doesn't guarantee a major role, of course. Still, Wetjen gave the Steelers something worth thinking about for both now and the future.
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