Steelers Need To Seriously Consider Tight End In 2015

I don’t think there’s a Pittsburgh Steelers fan out there who doesn’t love to hear the deep roar of “Heeeeeeeeeeeath!” when #83 catches a pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  For almost nine and a half seasons, Steeler Nation has seen the offensive edge and middle of the field in the passing game anchored by Heath Miller.  He’s one of the best under appreciated TE’s during the same span.  He won’t be around forever, and it’s time the Steelers started considering adding a TE with the same blocking/receiving skills in to replace the big man very soon.

Matt Steel from SteelCityInsider.com quipped on Wednesday that Miller “looks to the offense what Troy looks to the defense — on his last legs.”  A little harsh in the sense that Troy actually looks a little lost and wild out there at times, where Miller is showing major signs of his age and probably more so – wear and tear. But, at least he’s still not trying to jump the snap count and wildly being wrong.

You’ll recall that two seasons ago, Miller was having one of his best season’s to date.  He was on pace for almost 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.  However, an injury to his ACL, PCL, and MCL cut his season short by a game, and major surgery followed.  Miller had an uphill battle with that type of injury, and the chances of a full recovery – one of the likes of Adrian Peterson, who suffered the same injury the year prior – were low.  Miller was slow to come back the following season.  Production was down, and he struggled to get open in the middle.

This season is no different.  Miller is struggling to free himself from coverage of even the pedestrian of linebackers.  If Antonio Brown is Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite target, Miller is… well was… his second favorite.  And really, could one argue that Brown is targeted more frequently over the last two seasons due to Miller’s lack of separation?  Miller’s decline and the Steelers struggles with short yardage third downs and the red zone are not merely coincidence.  The TE as receiver in this offense is a key component.

Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) catches the ball to score a touchdown in front of Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive back Andrew Tryon (21) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Unless Miller has a rather significant turnaround, a renaissance if you will, the Steelers are in sore need of a pass catching bruiser of a tight end.  The front office could have addressed this upcoming need with the selection of rookie TE Eric Ebron.  Ebron was nabbed by the Lions with the 10th pick, and the Steelers appeared content to pass on him (not an effective run blocker) as well as other positions of need.  The need for TE still exists, and Kevin Colbert will need to find one in either the 2015 draft or in free agency.

A mid-round pick with good value is fully within the realm of possibilities.  Guys like Nick O’Leary (Florida State), Clive Walford (Miami-FL), or Ben Koyack (Notre Dame) are all potential 3rd or 4th round picks in the 2015 draft.  Neither are special projects and could contribute fairly early in their young careers – certainly before Miller would need to ride off into the sunset.  Another option would be through free agency – boy wouldn’t it be something if the Steelers nabbed Jordan Cameron away from the Browns when he becomes a free agent this offseason?

Bottom line, Miller’s stock is falling and needs an heir.  Question is, will the Steelers be smart enough to find that player before it’s too late?