2015 Steelers NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v16.0

Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

I understand that the Steelers re-signed Matt Spaeth this past offseason. In addition, I am fully aware of the fact that the team drafted Rob Blanchflower last year and signed Michael Egnew, a former third-round pick, to a futures contract last winter. However, the Steelers could still be in the market for a tight end in the draft.

Heath Miller has only two more years left on his current deal, and the team appears inclined to move on from Michael Palmer as one of their backups. While they are unlikely to use a first or second day pick on a tight end, I can see this front office making a savvy move if someone like Notre Dame’s Ben Koyack falls into the fifth round.

A patient prospect, Koyack sat behind Tyler Eifert and Troy Niklas during his first three seasons at Notre Dame (14 catches, 215 yards, 3 TDs). During his junior campaign in 2013, Koyack saw some extended playing time and illustrated his immense value as a blocker in “12” personnel packages. However, it was last fall when the former Fighting Irish tight end showed off his receiving skills as the team’s starting tight end (30 catches, 317 yards, 2 TDs).

While Koyack doesn’t possess the vertical or horizontal field-stretching abilities of a Maxx Williams or Clive Walford, he has a skill-set which Pittsburgh’s coaching staff values in their tight ends. Koyack possesses a large frame (6’5″ 255 lbs.), long arms (32.625″) and the strength and technique to be an asset as a run and pass blocker.

Koyack might have issues creating separation against more athletic defenders. However, he has some deceptive athletcism to his game to make him a threat on short to intermediate routes and occasionally in the seams. Best of all, Koyack has large and reliable hands which will make him a valuable safety-valve in the passing game.

Koyack’s limited work in the passing game during his collegiate career is a definite minus, but he would be a tremendous fit for a team looking for a developmental prospect to groom at tight end. If Koyack falls into the fourth or fifth round, he would represent tremendous value for a team like the Steelers and I hope they would consider him.

Next: Round 6