Calvin Austin Impressing In Training Camp

What They're Saying

Alan Saunders: "He hasn’t quite been as productive as he was during OTAs and minicamp, but he’s shown versatility and the ability to play inside and out, run short or deep, and make an impact on a variety of different routes. Austin has been the team’s second-best receiver since the start of the year, and nothing has happened in one week to push him from that mantle.”

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Austin is a deep sleeper, but the buzz around him has been growing since the season went on.

Rookie WR Roman Wilson has also drawn praise from beat reporters, noting that he has improved since a poor showing in OTAs, but Austin appears to have the pole position on the open WR2 spot for the Steelers.

Though Arthur Smith's offense will focus on the X WR (George Pickens) and TE (Pat Freiermuth), the WR2 on the offense should provide some standalone value in weekly spot starts.

Austin can be a last round pick in drafts and an easy cut if he doesn't win the job. 

This is a situation to keep an eye on through the preseason.

Dynasty Impact

Austin is an extremely cheap dynasty piece that can be added on the waiver wire in most leagues.

If he does earn the WR2 job, his value should increase to be tradeable for a future rookie pick, or as a hold in hopes for a big game or two.

Though it is unlikely Austin is a long term piece, he was very productive in college combining for 2,202 yards and 19 receiving TDs in his final two years at Memphis.