pghrob
Hail to the Chief
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/08/05/On-the-Steelers-Lilttle-known-Eli-Rogers-gives-Steelers-different-look-at-the-slot-receiver-position/stories/201608050096
On the Steelers: Lilttle-known Eli Rogers gives Steelers different look at the slot-receiver position
August 5, 2016 12:00 AM
By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
One year ago today, the Steelers waived an injured, little-known, undrafted rookie wide receiver, and few paid attention.
One year later, all kinds of people take notice of Eli Rogers, including his offensive coordinator and starting quarterback.
“We’ll see when we get to the games,” Todd Haley said, “but everything we’ve seen to this point, we haven’t had a slot guy like him since I’ve been here. It hasn’t been close.”
Ben Roethlisberger expressed similar sentiments.
Haley even compared Rogers to Wayne Chrebet, who caught 580 passes and 41 touchdowns over 11 seasons playing in the slot for the New York Jets. Chrebet also went undrafted from Hofstra and was the same size as Rogers, 5 feet 10, 187 pounds.
“Wayne Chrebet was probably more like this guy — quick, he’ll separate, catch the ball, make you miss,” Haley said.
Rogers not only has made a fast impression, but he had the advantage of developing as a slot receiver in college at Louisville. Haley was looking at another Cardinals player in 2015 when he noticed Rogers and how perfect he was for the slot, a “prototype,” he called him.
Most top receivers who enter the NFL played on the outside in college. They must worry about just beating the man covering them, even if it’s a double-team. The slot or inside receivers have to be aware of everything because they get it from the right, the left, down the middle and must adjust to it all.
“He’s unique,” Haley said. “Most of the college guys we get are outside receivers in college, and then you’re trying to convert them. Well, he played inside a bunch, so he’s got a very good feel already. He’s ahead of the game and he’s lightning quick.”
Haley has used Rogers in the slot often in practices with the first team when they use three wide receivers. If he continues to develop as they believe he can, it would allow Markus Wheaton, the Steelers’ slot man last season, to play more on the outside where he is better suited.
"I told Markus in the offseason I didn’t want to pigeon-hole him because he might be our second-best outside guy,” Haley said. “We know what he does inside, it’s very good and we can win with him but we may need him outside.”
They also have Sammie Coates on the outside to go with Wheaton and Antonio Brown, and veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey caught 21 passes and started four games last season. Even without the suspended Martavis Bryant, the Steelers have a deep and talented group.
All along, the Steelers had Rogers in mind. Although healthy for only the first few weeks of his first pro training camp last summer, he made an impression. When no one claimed him off waivers, the Steelers brought him back and put him on injured reserve for the entire season. Dr. James Bradley performed surgery on his foot, inserting a screw.
Rogers then made the most of his time during the season, even if he was not permitted to practice.
“I studied everything, I studied defenses, studied players, broke down players and defenses,” Rogers said of his routine, examining that week’s opponent. “Coach Todd challenged me every week. He challenged me to really get better from the neck up.”
He already has the attributes of a good slot receiver, which he provided:
“Being able to read coverage, certain nuances to give defenders, knowing the angles, knowing the right holes and where to sit in defenses. And great route running. I believe that’s what makes up a good slot receiver. Blocking, too. I like blocking.”
Added Haley, “He has to be fearless.”
It’s much simpler playing on the outside.
“On the outside,” Rogers noted, “you just have to win.”
One reason he picked the Steelers after he went undrafted last year is Brown. Rogers said he grew up in the same Miami neighborhood a few blocks away from Brown, who is five years older.
“I feel he’s the best receiver in the league,” Rogers said.
When it comes to slot players, the Steelers have had a few good over the years, including Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El. They think Rogers has the talent to fit right in.
Oh, and one more thing: Rogers has a bead on replacing Antonio Brown as their punt returner.
On the Steelers: Lilttle-known Eli Rogers gives Steelers different look at the slot-receiver position
August 5, 2016 12:00 AM
By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
One year ago today, the Steelers waived an injured, little-known, undrafted rookie wide receiver, and few paid attention.
One year later, all kinds of people take notice of Eli Rogers, including his offensive coordinator and starting quarterback.
“We’ll see when we get to the games,” Todd Haley said, “but everything we’ve seen to this point, we haven’t had a slot guy like him since I’ve been here. It hasn’t been close.”
Ben Roethlisberger expressed similar sentiments.
Haley even compared Rogers to Wayne Chrebet, who caught 580 passes and 41 touchdowns over 11 seasons playing in the slot for the New York Jets. Chrebet also went undrafted from Hofstra and was the same size as Rogers, 5 feet 10, 187 pounds.
“Wayne Chrebet was probably more like this guy — quick, he’ll separate, catch the ball, make you miss,” Haley said.
Rogers not only has made a fast impression, but he had the advantage of developing as a slot receiver in college at Louisville. Haley was looking at another Cardinals player in 2015 when he noticed Rogers and how perfect he was for the slot, a “prototype,” he called him.
Most top receivers who enter the NFL played on the outside in college. They must worry about just beating the man covering them, even if it’s a double-team. The slot or inside receivers have to be aware of everything because they get it from the right, the left, down the middle and must adjust to it all.
“He’s unique,” Haley said. “Most of the college guys we get are outside receivers in college, and then you’re trying to convert them. Well, he played inside a bunch, so he’s got a very good feel already. He’s ahead of the game and he’s lightning quick.”
Haley has used Rogers in the slot often in practices with the first team when they use three wide receivers. If he continues to develop as they believe he can, it would allow Markus Wheaton, the Steelers’ slot man last season, to play more on the outside where he is better suited.
"I told Markus in the offseason I didn’t want to pigeon-hole him because he might be our second-best outside guy,” Haley said. “We know what he does inside, it’s very good and we can win with him but we may need him outside.”
They also have Sammie Coates on the outside to go with Wheaton and Antonio Brown, and veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey caught 21 passes and started four games last season. Even without the suspended Martavis Bryant, the Steelers have a deep and talented group.
All along, the Steelers had Rogers in mind. Although healthy for only the first few weeks of his first pro training camp last summer, he made an impression. When no one claimed him off waivers, the Steelers brought him back and put him on injured reserve for the entire season. Dr. James Bradley performed surgery on his foot, inserting a screw.
Rogers then made the most of his time during the season, even if he was not permitted to practice.
“I studied everything, I studied defenses, studied players, broke down players and defenses,” Rogers said of his routine, examining that week’s opponent. “Coach Todd challenged me every week. He challenged me to really get better from the neck up.”
He already has the attributes of a good slot receiver, which he provided:
“Being able to read coverage, certain nuances to give defenders, knowing the angles, knowing the right holes and where to sit in defenses. And great route running. I believe that’s what makes up a good slot receiver. Blocking, too. I like blocking.”
Added Haley, “He has to be fearless.”
It’s much simpler playing on the outside.
“On the outside,” Rogers noted, “you just have to win.”
One reason he picked the Steelers after he went undrafted last year is Brown. Rogers said he grew up in the same Miami neighborhood a few blocks away from Brown, who is five years older.
“I feel he’s the best receiver in the league,” Rogers said.
When it comes to slot players, the Steelers have had a few good over the years, including Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El. They think Rogers has the talent to fit right in.
Oh, and one more thing: Rogers has a bead on replacing Antonio Brown as their punt returner.
