Gerry: Roethlisberger might get his wish -- a tall WR

Friday, 11 January 2013 13:30

Written by Gerry Dulac

The Steelers will need a wide receiver in the draft if Mike Wallace is not re-signed, as expected, and not just any receiver.

            A tall wide receiver, something Ben Roethlisberger has wanted all along.

            And he might have Plaxico Burress to thank.

            One of the things the Steelers noticed in the final game against the Browns was that Roethlisberger threw more quickly and assuredly to Burress, who is 6-foot-5. Burress caught two passes, one for a 12-yard touchdown in which Roethlisberger showed no hesitation throwing over the middle.

            It is not known if the Steelers will bring Burress back next season. He signed a one-year contract for the veteran minimum in November and is an unrestricted free agent.

            Wallace, who was listed as 6-foot, was the tallest of the team’s top three wide receivers. And, if he does not come back, that leaves Antonio Brown, who is listed at 5-foot-10, and Emmanuel Sanders, who is listed at 5-foot-11, as Roethlisberger’s two top wide receivers.

            The Steelers believe it is easier for Roethlisberger to throw over defensive backs when he has a taller target. With Brown and Sanders, he sometimes has to wait a little longer for them to gain separation before he can throw over a defender.

            Roethlisberger has campaigned for several years – well, since Burress left after the 2004 season – that he wanted a tall wide receiver.

            The Steelers might finally grant him his wish.