PITTSBURGH -- Markus Wheaton can envision himself as primarily an inside receiver for the Steelers, and that vision is harmonious.

He sees a "two-man game," with Antonio Brown on one side and Wheaton on the other. Both of those receivers have the capability to lure a safety.

"The middle will be wide open," said Wheaton, the Steelers' third-year receiver. "That will be a benefit for me."

The Steelers have not labeled Wheaton the primary slot receiver. To be sure, Wheaton played outside and inside "evenly" last year, he said. He likes both spots and isn't sure what's going to happen.

But the Steelers' positional depth is such that Wheaton inside makes too much sense, especially with his 5-foot-11 frame and quick feet. Bryant and rookie Sammie Coates are natural outside guys. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley's offense places a premium on the short passing game.

Wheaton's 644-yard performance last year was emblematic of the Steelers' success with the "other guys" in the passing game. Brown will always get his yards, but the Steelers' offense took off in the final eight weeks as Ben Roethlisberger averaged 322 yards per game, when Wheaton, Bryant and Lance Moore had enhanced roles.

"I wouldn't mind it," said Wheaton of the slot. "I like the outside, too. I like football."

That means he likes the ball. And playing the slot means getting it.

Wheaton has noticed the evolution of the position over the years, how slot receivers can rack up receptions with a good quarterback. Look no further than New England's Julian Edelman and Green Bay's Randall Cobb, who each surpassed 90 catches last year.

"That’s where a lot of balls are thrown, short routes," Wheaton said. "I think those guys on the inside do end up having a lot of catches. Definitely a lot of catches intrigues everybody. Everybody wants the ball."

The Steelers would be foolish not to use Wheaton on the outside in certain situations. In November, Wheaton burned Ravens corner Lardarius Webb on a 47-yard touchdown, a go route by the sideline that Webb played perfectly, but simply couldn't catch up. Wheaton was clocked at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash coming out of Oregon State.

Wheaton's other touchdown last season was an 18-yarder against zone coverage against the Colts, when he lined up next to the tight end in a bunch formation and cut toward the sideline.

Wheaton finally started to feel comfortable in the offense last year. His goal for this offseason is to erase any doubts about what he's doing on the field, whether that's playing inside or outside.

"I want to be 100 percent comfortable with everything we're doing," Wheaton said.