Steelers bolster impressive WR corps with James Washington

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected wide receiver James Washington out of Oklahoma State in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 60th overall.

The pick comes about 24 hours after Pittsburgh dealt receiver Martavis Bryant to the Oakland Raiders for a third-round pick. The Steelers used a second-round pick on a receiver for the second year in a row with Washington, having taken JuJu Smith-Schuster at No. 62 in 2017.

Washington will likely slide in as a slot weapon for the Steelers with Antonio Brown and Smith-Schuster starting in outside roles. The Oklahoma State product can also easily shift to the outside position and has a fantastic ability to churn out yards after the catch.

James Washington Bio

Position: WR
School: Oklahoma State
College Experience: Senior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 213 lbs

Strengths

• Tremendous vision running after the catch; similar to Golden Tate. Can separate in a hurry with open field in front of him or weave through defenders.
• Quick to separate off line of scrimmage on shorter routes from slot or outside position.
• Adjusts very well to ball on deep routes. Tracks ball in air and keeps position without being phased by crowding cornerbacks. Builds up speed on longer routes.
• Extremely productive at Oklahoma State. Three straight seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards, 53 catches, and 10 touchdowns. Unanimous All-American and Biletnikoff Award winner in 2017.

Weaknesses

• Ran limited route tree at Oklahoma State. Excelled on routes without multiple cuts and struggled to keep speed when using complex footwork.
• Didn't face many NFL-level defensive backs in Big 12.
• Awkwardly built. Large upper body usually seen with running backs and shorter arms and legs.

Athletic testing