If rookie minicamp was a tell-all, then the Steelers have some interesting plans for Kaden Wetjen, their fourth-round draft pick. But it’s not, and it’s May, so we should only read so much into how they might use him. Still, it at least provides hints about what they hope he can do, eventually.
The Steelers drafted Kaden Wetjen because they identified him as an elite return man. His versatility to return both kicks and punts was a particular perk, and a potential roster spot saver, too. But as that is a hefty price for a return man, many are wondering what else he can do.
Mike DeFabo was among the beat writers who observed the Steelers’ lone open practice session during rookie minicamp last weekend. He wrote about his observations for The Athletic, including the versatility of some receivers. Not just Germie Bernard, their second-round pick, but also Wetjen.
[Mike] McCarthy has preached versatility and position flexibility from the moment he was hired. Second-round receiver Germie Bernard and fourth-rounder Kaden Wetjen, a receiver and return specialist, both showed it. Bernard, who was used inside and outside at Alabama, was utilized in both ways at practice. Meanwhile, Wetjen’s 5-9 frame might suggest he’s fit for the slot. Not necessarily. He also was deployed in a number of ways, including out of the backfield. It will be interesting to see McCarthy come up with ways to get the ball in the hands of the dynamic return man on offense.
Kaden Wetjen is on the small side for wide receivers, certainly. His size typically profiles to the slot, as some have anticipated. But a player with a returner’s skill set does bring some other things to the table. Initial appearances suggest this coaching staff is hoping to find as many as it can.
Perhaps in time we’ll learn more about the “number of ways” in which the Steelers deployed Wetjen. Obviously, we’re not going to witness any revelations during an early May weekend. In reality, even what we see in August during training camp isn’t necessarily indicative of intentions. Many times we’ve written about developments in Latrobe, only to never see them pursued in actual games. Teams use the offseason to explore and experiment and expand their menus, including for individual players.
The Steelers will obviously want Kaden Wetjen to do as many things as possible, as is true for everybody else on their roster. And chances are, he will occupy a spot in the team’s wide receiver room, so he’ll be learning there.
But with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, and Roman Wilson, Wetjen probably isn’t going to line up all too often. Perhaps they’ll bring him onto the field for some gadget plays, initially. There’s always the opportunity to expand your portfolio, even if he knows why he’s here. And at least for some, even just that is value enough.