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Mike Tomlin reveals speed is how Calvin Austin will be successful in the NFL

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•05/14/22
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 28: Memphis Tigers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (84) breaks free from a tackle attempt by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Jan Johnson (36) during the Cotton Bowl Classic between the Memphis Tigers and Penn State Nittany Lions on December 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire)

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin took some time to speak to the media about the Steelers offseason this week. Tomlin addressed a wide variety of topics, including the progress of his rookies during the team’s recent minicamp.

One player the media has a particular interest in is former Memphis Tigers wide receiver Calvin Austin. Austin’s 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame is smaller than the prototypical NFL receiver. But the rookie does have one asset at his disposal to make up for the lack of size.

“Speed,” said Tomlin when speaking to the media on Saturday. “Speed.”

As far as how to utilize Austin’s speed, Tomlin replied yet again in the style we have come to know and accept from the Steelers head coach.

“Run extremely fast,” he added. “When you’re small man you better be fast in this game, and that’s the reality of it; that’s nothing new. It’s not earth shattering or groundbreaking. That is his distinguishing trait and it has to show up in all aspects of his play.”

Thanks to his blazing speed and agility, Austin put up big numbers for the Tigers in his junior and senior seasons. In each of the past two seasons, Austin had 60-plus catches for over 1,000 yards and averaged at least 15.5 yards per reception. He also had 19 of his 22 career college touchdown receptions during that span.

The Steelers hope to utilize Austin’s speed in the open field and big-play ability. If he can do that, the rookie has a chance of enjoying a successful NFL career similar to that of the Miami Dolphins Tyreek Hill.

Steelers sign rookies Conner Heyward, Mark Robinson and Chris Oladokun

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed three of their 2022 NFL Draft picks, making things official with rookies Connor Heyward, Mark Robinson and Chris Oladokun. All three players were selected on Day Three, with Cameron Hayward’s younger brother going in the sixth round and the other two in the seventh round.

Connor Heyward comes to the Steelers after playing fullback and tight end at Michigan State, while Mark Robinson showed raw potential playing linebacker at Ole Miss. Fellow seventh-round pick Chris Oladokun, a quarterback from South Dakota State, joins the Steelers along with first-round pick Kenny Pickett and joins the competition.

While the team did not release contract details in the press release, the trio now join the team ahead of rookie minicamp and offseason workouts. They each will be given a chance to earn their spot on the roster, with the Steelers’ staff providing great reviews of all three.