Breaking Down Pitt's Depth Chart Part II: Receivers

It's a shame that the celling for Pitt QBs is so low this year because there are a lot of good pass catchers on this squad.

Wide Receivers

1. Jonathan Baldwin (18 catches, 404 yards, 3TDs)
2. Oderick Turner (21 catches, 298 yards, 1 TD)
3. CedrickMcGee (23 catches, 201 yards, 0 TDs)
4. Aaron Smith
5. Andre Wright (34 yards rushing, 1 rushing TD)

Behind Jonathan Baldwin and Turner it appears to be a real fluid situation at WR. Even a guy like Mike Shanahan or Cam Saddler could work their way into the lineup if things go well.

The thing I like most about this group is that they compliment each other well. Jonathan Baldwin is a great deep threat. A big body with phenomenal leaping ability, Baldwin should be able to give Billy Stull a large margin for error on the deep ball.

Oderick Turner had a lot of drops last year but by all accounts he had a good camp. He's very good at getting open on the short and intermediate routes, if he can eliminate the drops he should be solid.

While McGee is slated at No. 3 right now, I like the idea of Smith or Wright in the slot a lot better. Both players are explosive athletes who can make people miss after the catch. Having guys who can turn a five yard slant into a 50 yard TD gives the safeties that much more to think about. The less the safeties can focus on Jonathan Baldwin the better.

Tight Ends

1. Nate Byham (20 catches, 260 yards, 1 TD)
2. DorinDickerson (13 catches, 174 yards, 2 TDs)
3. Mike Cruz

If this group is healthy then they are the best unit on the offensive side of the ball, maybe on either side of the ball.

Unfortunately, all three players have missed time in camp. Byham has missed time with a concussion, Dickerson had a hamstring injury, and Cruz took a leave of absence.

All three players should contribute this season. Byham is an all-conference selection at TE and Dickerson is probably the best pure athlete on the team. Look for Pitt to use a lot of two TE sets to emphasize this duo's play making ability.

Cruz probably wont factor much on offense but he has a chance to be the long snapper on special teams.

For all things Pitt athletics check out The First Church of Fitzgerald