Why Wetjen is So Similar to Austin III<\/p>\n
The first similarity is how they entered the NFL. The Steelers selected Austin III with the fourth pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, taking him 138th overall. Four years later, Wetjen is the man they take in the fourth round, selecting him with the 121st overall pick. <\/p>\n
Next is the physical limitations that were placed on them during the pre-draft process. Austin is an undersized receiver, measuring in at 5\u20199\u201d and under 200 pounds, <\/p>\n
This year, that same criticism was levied against Wetjen<\/a>. During the pre-draft process, he was clocked in at 5\u20199\u201d and 193 pounds. Like Austin, there is doubt about how well Wetjen can translate his game to the next level due to his size. Also like Austin, Wetjen is trying to overcome the doubt and rise above the low expectations. <\/p>\n Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n The Trait That Stands Out<\/p>\n Those are the not-so-great similarities, but there\u2019s one other that stands out. That\u2019s Wetjen\u2019s speed. Not only did he run a time of 4.47 seconds during his 40-yard dash at the NFL Draft Combine, including a split of 1.58 seconds during the first 10 yards, but he also displayed a game-breaking quickness during games. <\/p>\n That\u2019s what led Wetjen to being one of the most productive special teams players in the nation over the past two years. He\u2019s a quick-cut runner whether he\u2019s moving through his routes or is looking for an open lane on a return. <\/p>\n And in both the NCAA and NFL levels, Austin III<\/a> has always had the quickest feet on whatever field he\u2019s on. It made him a star at Memphis in college, and it helped him reach two seasons with at least 350 receiving yards as a member of the Steelers, including a career-best 548 yards in 2024. <\/p>\n The one thing Wetjen didn\u2019t accomplish like Austin III in college was establishing himself as a receiving threat. While Wetjen figures to be the main kick and punt returner for the Steelers in 2026, the organization hopes he can find even more to his game. With a comparison like Austin III to strive toward, the Steelers hope to add a dynamic and underrated talent to the roster with Kaden Wetjen. <\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kwvtnxd8cyb2hyq4m5.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
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