New Steelers WR Has Specialized Role in Mind Instead of 'Replacing' Antonio Brown

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have their work cut out for them as they try to recalibrate their offense in the absence of Antonio Brown. Brown, a perennial All-Pro and arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL during his time in Pittsburgh, cannot simply be replaced on the Steelers roster, but that doesn't mean the Steelers won't have valuable pieces that can contribute big things to the team.

One player who has shown a strong work ethic and self-awareness about his value is Johnny Holton, a wide receiver who the Steelers signed in May.

Of course, Holton is not in the same galaxy as Brown in terms of talent, but because he last played for the Raiders, where AB was recently traded, Holton was asked if he viewed himself as Brown's replacement.

According to Steelers writer Chris Adamski, Holton was honest in responding that he had no intentions of viewing himself that way. Instead, he thinks he can use his speed to carve out a valuable niche role for Pittsburgh.

In Oakland, he was used mostly as a "gunner" on punts, the player who sprints down the sideline to tackle the return man. The speed that makes him an asset on special teams also means he could be a deep threat for the Steelers.

Despite logging just 11 catches in his 32-game NFL career, he's averaged 22.7 yards per reception and brought 3 of those receptions for touchdowns –– numbers indicative of his ability to blow by defensive backs.

In this way, Holton more closely resembles another former Raider-turned-Steeler wide receiver: Darius Heyward-Bey, who used his blazing speed to become an asset despite questionable hands.

It remains to be seen whether Holton will make the final 53-man roster, but if he does, he could turn out to be a nice under-the-radar addition in Pittsburgh.