UNC Football Alumni in NFL: Ryan Switzer earning role with Steelers

Ryan Switzer has carve out a role for himself with the Pittsburgh Steelers through the first four games of the 2018 NFL season

Former University of North Carolina standout Ryan Switzer is on his third NFL team in just two years but he seems to have found his role.

Switzer was selected in the fourth-round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys but never really got his shot with the franchise. The wide receiver caught just 6 receptions for 48 yards but was able to have an impact in the return game.

He was then traded on draft day in 2018 to the Oakland Raiders, giving him a fresh start with quarterback Derek Carr and new head coach Jon Gruden.

Switzer’s time in Oakland didn’t last long, however.

Less than three months after the Raiders acquired him, Switzer was then traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, switching from the AFC West to the AFC North. Switzer would join a Steelers team that was pretty stacked at wide receiver featuring Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie James Washington.

But so far through four weeks of the 2018 NFL season, Switzer has been able to carve out a role for himself.

Switzer has caught 11 of his 13 targets for 55 yards and already has a touchdown on the year. He hasn’t been left out of Pittsburgh’s offense, a good sign moving forward for the former UNC product.

Recently, Switzer sat down for an interview Missi Matthews of Steelers.com, talking about his journey to Pittsburgh. Switzer broke down some early struggles and revealed how he’s been able to gain the trust of veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

“The trust factor is very important in terms of creating a role for yourself offensively. It’s hard to create trust in a short amount of time”, Switzer said via Steelers Depot. “But I felt like I’ve come in and I’ve done a good job of knowing the plays and knowing what I’m supposed to do and [where I’m supposed to be]. Hopefully I can continue to earn this coaching staff’s trust, and Ben’s trust. I took a step in the right direction this week and I’m looking forward to down the road”.

Switzer’s ability to be a mis-match for linebackers or safeties is something the Steelers could look to expose more in this offense. Teams will be focusing on Brown by doubling him up, leaving more chances for Switzer and Smith-Schuster.

It’s still early in the season but it appears that Switzer has grabbed a hold of the No. 3 receiver job in Pittsburgh and should hold onto it barring any injury.

The Steelers will take on the Atlanta Falcons in a big Week 5 game as they look to begin turning their season around after a 1-2-1 start which has them in last place in the AFC North.

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