One of the positions that many fans feel is in need of both an upgrade and depth is at tight end. While the debate ranges from “Heath just needs a capable backup” to “We need a Gronk-type tight end now!” it picked up steam today as the tight ends took to the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Three guys that the Steelers are likely to be watching are Jesse James of Penn State, Maxx Williams of Minnesota and Nick O’Leary of Florida State.
Of the three, Williams is most likely to be the first off the board but his first forty-time today left that in question as he went above 4.9. He recovered on his second run with a respectable 4.77 which included a 1.63 10-yard split. I don’t think his draft status will suffer much with the first run.
At 6’7″, James showed off some athleticism with a 37.5 vertical jump. He also had nine more reps at 225 lbs than did Williams (26-17). Comparisons can certainly be made to current free agent tight end Matt Spaeth but I find James to be more athletic.
O’Leary didn’t help himself with a 4.94 in the forty but he catches everything thrown his way and he uses his hands which scouts love. He goes hard on every play and can be used in multiple formations spots on the field.
Mark Kaboly suggested today that it wouldn’t be out of the question to see the Steelers take a tight in the first round and he makes very plausible arguments as to why it could happen if the draft goes a certain way. Still, I think it’s a long shot.
What fans have to understand is that finding another Gronk isn’t like finding leaves on a tree. There are certainly guys capable of being very nice pro tight ends and right now that’s what the Steelers need. Heath Miller isn’t quite done yet.
The Steelers also spoke with Minnesota running back David Cobb back on Thursday and like T.J. Yeldon who they also spoke with, it’s likely Cobb could be a guy taken in the third or fourth rounds.
Is that too high for a running back? I’m starting to think “no” simply because of the guys the Steelers are expressing interest. Cobb rushed for over 1,600 yards in his final season for the Gophers and is a solid kid who has a low center of gravity.
Numbers courtesy walterfootball.com, picture courtesy twincities.com
