NFL teams are quickly learning the hard way why you shouldn't kick to Kaden Wetjen

From Iowa Western Community College to the NFL, Kaden Wetjen continues to show the world why he belongs.

After a dynamic career for Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Iowa, Wetjen received only two offers from Massachusetts and Central Arkansas before choosing to start his career at Iowa Western. Following two successful seasons at the JUCO level, Wetjen walked on at Iowa, and the rest is history. Now in his first preseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers, "The Jet" is showing why the Steelers were so high on him.

Wetjen capped off his solid preseason with a dynamic return TD

Iowa's inconsistent offense hampered Wetjen's offensive output in college, but he is getting the chance to show why he can contribute on offense and on special teams. His biggest early value will be on special teams, but he has also shown his great hands and speed on offense. During Pittsburgh's final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Wetjen put the cherry on top of his preseason with a punt return touchdown.

Wetjen caught a punt around the 45-yard line, reversed fields, and used a burst of speed to get by Buffalo essentially untouched as he notched the first punt return touchdown of his career. Iowa fans got very used to seeing him do that over the past few years as he became Iowa's new program leader for career return touchdowns (6) last season, passing the great Tim Dwight. Iowa's opponents never really figured out that they shouldn't kick to Wetjen, and now Buffalo learned that very same painful lesson.

Nothing was ever a guarantee, but Wetjen's solid preseason performance solidified Pittsburgh's faith in him. In the Steelers' three preseason games, Wetjen tallied three receptions for 86 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown, and 203 total return yards and a punt return touchdown. Wetjen wasn't as fully unleashed on offense as we would have liked, but in a small sample size, he proved he can be effective if the offense gets the ball in his hands in the open field. Wetjen will most likely start the season as Pittsburgh's primary punt/kick returner, but we shouldn't be surprised if the offense steadily works him in as the season progresses.

He is currently listed as Roman Wilson's primary backup, so he could be anywhere from fourth to sixth on the WR depth chart, depending on the scheme. His elite speed and vision are easily his best assets, and making a name for himself on special teams isn't a bad way to start. If he makes the most of his opportunities as a wide receiver, Wejen will boost his usefulness to the squad as the navigate year two with Aaron Rodgers under center.

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