Build Upon His 2017 Productivity

JuJu Smith-Schuster was a productive receiver in 2017 — particularly for a rookie — but he should be able to increase his productivity in 2018.

In 14 games, including a target-free Week 1, Smith-Schuster amassed 917 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions, which both ranked second on the team. Although JuJu never scored more than one receiving touchdown in a game, he was inconsistent week-to-week from both a catch and yardage standpoint. In the wide receiver’s rookie season, 450 yards and 22 of his 58 catches came in just three games.

Smith-Schuster’s impressive 73.4 percent catch rate — which led all Pittsburgh wideouts — indicates that the receiver catches the ball when he’s targeted. JuJu needs to continue to win the trust of Roethlisberger, who tended to target Smith-Schuster only when the wideout was clearly open, although the QB rarely hesitated to target wide receiver Antonio Brown regardless of the defensive coverage.

If JuJu works on his route-running skills, continues to develop his quarterback’s trust and plays a full 16-game season, he should easily eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in 2018.

Next Page: Goal No. 2