CLEVELAND -- Caught up with wide receiver Sammie Coates at the NFL Rookie Symposium, where he said he has done everything possible in offseason workouts to show he belongs in the NFL.
Coates also recognizes the Steelers' deep stable of receivers, and he knows he has to perform every day. Coates will likely start the season behind Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton on the depth chart.
"You’ve got to showcase you can do everything they can do," Coates said.
Sounds like Coates doesn't plan to defer to anyone, though that doesn't mean he'll press to make plays.
"You have to go there and be relaxed," Coates said. "You can’t think about all the plays. You have to make the plays that present themselves to you."
Coates is labeled as a deep threat who might need time to master the nuances of an NFL system. The Steelers' offense has Coates excited because it can display his range, he says. He won't be limited to deep balls.
The way Coates explains Todd Haley's system, receivers must be solid at every position. In offseason workouts, Coates never knew where he was lining up until the play was called.
"I’m just trying to do everything I can to showcase I'm an all around guy who can play anywhere," Coates said.
As for the receiving group in Pittsburgh, the Steelers will have "one of the nicest" in the league, Coates said.
"It's going to be fun to watch us play this year," he said.
