Speed and the ability to grab contested balls give Deon Cain a chance to be a difference-maker in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a promising group of young receivers with Juju, James Washington, and Dionte Johnson. Another young receiver could be in the mix, too. Picked up from the Colts’ practice squad in the middle of 2019, his name is Deon Cain.
One reason you may not know him is that Cain had an uneventful 2019 season, gaining only 72 yards on five catches. But this year could be different. With Big Ben coming back, and the run game rejuvenated with a healthy James Conner, Deon Cain could be a viable deep threat for the Gold and Black.
Even if Cain comes through, I don’t see him as the Steelers’ #1 option. He wasn’t that at Clemson. What Cain showed in college is that he could be a serviceable receiver. As a sophomore, he averaged +19 yards a catch and scored nine TDs. As a junior, Cain racked up +725 yards.
And Cain has something else going for him in Steel Town. The Steelers are known for developing WR talent, and Cain could be the next entry on that list.
Speed is one reason I’m high on Cain. He ran a 4.43 40-yard dash in the Combine, second on the Steelers’ incoming roster behind Chase Claypool, who ran just 0.01 seconds faster. I also like Cain’s ability to catch highly-contested balls.
Mind you. Cain may never be a 1000-yard per season receiver, but I believe he has the skill-set to get a good share of playing time.
Remember the name, Deon Cain.