The Pittsburgh Steelers lost Jesse James in free agency. The depth at the position is extremely worrisome with only Xavier Grimble and a few others backing up Vance McDonald. McDonald is a starting caliber tight end who has some issues playing a full season. It would be wise to draft a back-up tight end who can spot start if needed. The Steelers met with Kahale Warring at the NFL Scouting Combine. Today, we see if he would be a good fit in Pittsburgh.
Background
Kahale Warring #87
San Diego State University
Tight End
6’5″, 252lbs
RS Junior
– Honorable Mention All-Mountain West
– Played water polo, basketball, ran cross country, swimming, soccer and tennis in high school
– Walk-on at San Diego State
– Only 5 career starts
– Only played one year of high school football
– Just turned 22 years old
– Chose SDSU over Nevada and Sacramento State
– Communication major
2019 Combine
40 yard dash: 4.67s
Vertical jump: 36.5″
Broad jump: 122″
Bench press of 225lbs: 19 reps
3-cone drill: 7.21s
20-yd shuttle: 4.25s
60-yd shuttle: 11.72s
2018 Stats
31 receptions for 372 yards (12.0avg), 3 TD
*If you’re disappointed in these numbers, may I remind you about George Kittle’s last season numbers:
22 receptions for 314 yards (14.3avg), 4 TD
What’s To Like
Athletic tight end who tested very well in which his tape confirms. Excellent size and speed combination. Very willing and physical blocker, technique is decent and effort is high. Showcases strength as a blocker and uses legs to shove defenders back. Seals the edge with his technique and strength. Climbs to second level searching for defenders to block. Route running is encouraging. Exposes the empty space on the field by directing his route in that direction. Crisp routes, sinks hips with his change of direction. Savvy with contested catches, uses body to shield defender away. A hands catcher with deep focus. Displays adequate body control. Has experience in the slot.
San Diego State TE Kahale Warring (6'5", 252 pounds) is an athletic monster that's still learning the position.
– Comfortable in-line blocker
– Smooth release
– Great change of direction ability to create separation
– Soft hands and good at bringing down catches in traffic pic.twitter.com/npEwmWwi9N— Craig Stout (@barleyhop) April 16, 2019
Concerns
Shortage of production in college, never had more than 6 receptions or 95 yards in a game. Only 51 career receptions. A slight lack of explosion off the snap, a slow get off. His get off can get him redirected by physical press-man defenders. Only concern as a blocker is his balance. Finding open space and coming back to the quarterback after a broken route are areas he needs to improve on. Needs to be less subtle in his route breaks. Drop issues in 2018. Suffered a foot injury in 2016 that sidelined him for 10 games and hamstring injury that caused him to miss 2018 Bowl game.
Verdict
A high ceiling ascending player who is the perfect backup tight end. Warring can blossom into a starting tight end relatively quickly if he takes to coaching. It would be wise to invest in the tight end position, as the depth is worrisome. Mcdonald has issues staying healthy and a spot-starter is needed. Warring would fit in very well in Pittsburgh, with his combination of athleticism, raw receiving ability and blocking toughness. The Steelers met with Warring at the NFL Combine. I was very impressed with Warring’s film and ceiling. I really think he’s close to what Heath Miller had to offer in his time in Pittsburgh in terms of his skill-set. I would be comfortable drafting him in the third round.
Grade: Round 3
Projection: Round 3-4
Games Watched: 2018 Nevada, 2018 Boise State, 2018 UNLV, 2018 New Mexico
Credits: Youtube, Sports Reference, Aztecs website, SDSU Athletics
