How Many Receivers and Tight Ends?

The talk is that there will be three and four receiver sets, as well as three tight end formations. From what I can decipher, that means the Steelers are going to need to keep more players in these positions than they have in the past.

The good news is that the team has some pretty good players and some potential talent at both the WR and TE positions. Starting with the receivers, I see the Steelers keeping at least six and maybe seven. Here are the six that I believe will make the team: Dallas Baker, Santonio Holmes, Willie Reid, Hines Ward, Nate Washington, and Cedrick Wilson. The possible seventh could be Rasheed Marshall. I have to say that I like this group.

The tight end position may have the greatest depth on the team. Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman are the vets. Third round pick Matt Spaeth, Cody Boyd, and Jon Dekker are all monsters. In fact, Tuman is the smallest TE on the team at 6-4 253. I think Tuman brings a lot to the team and this unit, but he could go in a coast saving move. There has to be some intrigue in lining up two 6-7 TEs with Spaeth and Boyd in short yardage and red-zone opportunities. My thoughts are that the Steelers will keep three TEs (Miller, Tuman/Boyd, and Spaeth), and both Boyd (if he doesn’t win a job outright) and Dekker make the practice squad.

Next up, sorting out an offensive line. There are lots of decisions to be made here.