The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising move just over a week before the 2023 NFL Draft bringing in stand-out wide receiver Allen Robinson via trade from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for seventh-round picks. Before the trade with the Rams, there was speculation going around that the Steelers may try to draft a receiver with one of their three picks in the first two rounds, most notably Jordan Addison who was one of Kenny Pickett's top targets during his career at the University of Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' newly acquired receiver Allen Robinson lining up with the Chicago Bears against the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November, 8th 2021. Robinson finished the game with four receptions for 68 yards.
With the Steelers acquiring Robinson, it looks pretty likely they will steer clear of any receiver until the later rounds. Robinson has had a stellar career with multiple teams across the NFL. He is only three years removed from an incredible 1,200-yard season with the Chicago Bears where he also ended up recording six touchdowns.
The last two seasons, however, have been a bit of a struggle for Robinson. He has seen a drop off in overall production and has only recorded seven touchdowns and 749 yards combined. Staying healthy has also been a struggle for Robinson who finished the 2022 season after he exited the Rams' Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and ultimately was finished for the season when it was determined he suffered a stress fracture.
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Allen Robinson scores a touchdown in the Rams' Week 6 matchup in 2022 against the Carolina Panthers.
Most of the fan reaction on Twitter has been extremely positive when it comes to the Steelers acquiring Robinson. Although there has been a decline statistically over the past two seasons, the upside with Robinson is still tremendously high. At one point Robinson was one of the most productive receivers in the entire NFL. Especially his sophomore season with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he finished with 1,400 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdown receptions. That version of Robinson may be in the rearview mirror, but Steve Palazzolo with Pro Football Focus was asked his thoughts on the PM Team on 93.7 The Fan and he thinks Robinson still has a tremendous upside.
"The payoff for what Allen Robinson could be, is still huge."
Palazzolo stressed that the move is an extremely low-risk and high-reward move for the Steelers. He also touched on how Robinson is still exceptional at the catch point and can still run solid routes. Palazzolo also thinks that the Steelers will use Robinson as more of an underneath threat or a complimentary threat to George Pickens.
AP Photo/Matt Durisko
Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) could see tremendous benefits in 2023 due to the acquisition of Allen Robinson.
Steelers fans must have realistic expectations of Robsinson heading into the 2023 season. As stated before, he is not the same receiver he was years ago, but having him play the slot or be a third option for Pickett in the passing game will likely pay tremendous dividends for the Steelers' offense next season. With the Steelers having Pro Bowl-worthy talent at seemingly all the skill positions heading into 2023, there is plenty of reasons for the fans on Pittsburgh's north shore to be optimistic about what lies ahead for the Steelers next fall.
What do you think of the Steelers acquiring Robsinson? Do you expect him to have a comeback season and fit right in with the Steelers' offense? If not, who would you rather have seen the Steelers go after instead? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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