Steelers 2015 NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v4.0

Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Addressing a lack of depth at tight end might be a serious concern for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the next few months. Top backups Michael Palmer and Matt Spaeth are going to become unrestricted free agents in March, and starter Heath Miller will be 33 this fall.

The Steelers need to begin to look for a current compliment and an eventual replacement for their Pro Bowl tight end, and they might be able to find a solution in the first round of this year’s draft with a prospect like Maxx Williams.

In the Gophers’ run-first offense, Williams (6’4″ 250 lbs.) was not featured as much as many tight ends of his caliber would in his team’s passing game. Nevertheless, the redshirt sophomore proved to be a terrific blocker and a valuable part of his team’s offensive line in that particular capacity. As solid of a blocker as the former Golden Gopher can be for a professional franchise, his versatility and underrated athletic ability are what could take an offensive unit like Pittsburgh’s to new heights.

Although the 2014 John Mackey Award semifinalist does not possess the raw athletic ability of a Devin Funchess or a Clive Walford, he can be lined up in numerous areas on the field and did an array of important things for the Golden Gophers’ offense.

Armed with reliable hands and the ability to get open on numbers of routes, Williams was a weapon for the Gophers in the slot, in-line, as an H-Back and occasionally outside the numbers (2013-2014: 61 catches, 986 yards and 13 touchdowns).

“12” personnel packages with Williams in the game would not be run of the mill “Ace” formations with both tight ends lined up in-line for the Steelers. With two receiving threats as well as competent blockers in the game at tight end, the possibilities would be endless for Todd Haley and his offense.

Next: Round 2