Former Iowa football star Kaden Wetjen was the best return specialist in the country over the past two seasons. And one NFL draft analyst is expecting him to pick up right where he left off at the next level.
The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many in the football world when they took Wetjen in the fourth round of last month’s draft. The two-time Jet Award winner was projected by most to hear his name called late on day three. The Steelers identified their guy and nabbed him early on that third day.
Wetjen addresses a huge need in Pittsburgh, which had the fourth-fewest average kick return yards per game last season. With a clear path to immediate playing time and a big role, draft analyst Emory Hunt is high on what Wetjen will accomplish in his rookie season.
Speaking as a guest on Ross Tucker’s College Draft podcast, Hunt had the following to say about Wetjen:
“Kaden Wetjen, the returner, slot guy from Iowa, instantly starting punt returner, kick returner,” Hunt said. “And he’s probably going to be an All-Pro as a rookie in that regard while he develops more so as a receiver.”
In his Hawkeye career, Wetjen averaged 27.5 yards per kick return and an impressive 17.7 yards per punt return. Last season, the Steelers averaged a paltry 8.8 yards per punt return. Putting Wetjen back there could easily net Pittsburgh a free first down every single possession, which can’t be understated.
Iowa fans are very familiar with what Wetjen can do with the ball in open space. And if Hunt’s projection comes to fruition, it won’t be long until fans in Pittsburgh see that special ability too.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: NFL draft analyst sees ‘All-Pro’ potential for Steelers’ Kaden Wetjen
