2015 Steelers NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v6.0

Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Although it might not be as pressing of a need as the ones which exist at outside linebacker and cornerback, Pittsburgh needs to find a compliment to and eventual replacement for Miller very soon.

Matt Spaeth and Michael Palmer will be unrestricted free agents this spring, and some personnel insurance needs to be acquired by the front office. With this in mind, E.J. Bibbs of Iowa State could be a player the Steelers target on the draft’s second day.

Bibbs might not be as explosive as other tight ends in this draft class, but he still possesses the athletic ability to work the short-intermediate routes in the passing game. Bibbs might not be as tall (6’2″ 258 lbs.) as some of the other tight ends in his draft class either. Yet the tight end established himself as a reliable target in the Cyclones’ passing game, particularly in the red zone, over the last two seasons (2013-2014: 84 catches, 844 yards, 10 touchdowns).

Bibbs displayed a knack for making incredible catches at at Iowa State, and he also illustrated that he can break off routes to help quarterbacks under duress. Unfortunately, questions about how much he can improve his blocking and whether or not he can create enough separation against NFL safeties will likely drive his stock into the draft’s third day.

Also not helping the former Cyclone is the fact that he is coming off of a knee injury which ended his 2014 regular season with two games left to play. Thus, his Pro Day will be Bibbs’ last-best chance to show what he can do in front of scouts since he could not participate in any postseason games.

Next: Round 6