Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Needs: Is tight end a real concern?

Jesse James

The Steelers longest tenured tight end is Jesse James. The Outlaw is a solid player although not spectacular. Although he’s no Heath Miller, James is a dependable target for Ben Roethlesberger. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 draft James was a developmental prospect who was very thin. Although still very slim James is a capable starter.

I don’t think that James will ever be a star, but he has an important role in the NFL. He’s a solid player who can come up with a big play or two when you need him. He’s never going to be a thousand yard receiver, but they don’t need him to be.

The Steelers have a lot of weapons in their offense, that means James flies under the radar. With teams focusing all their energy on Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and the rest of the offense James doesn’t need to do anything spectacular. He just needs to make the plays the defense gives him.

Conclusion

If the Steelers feel like a tight end is the best player available then they should definitely take him. However, the position is not a major need. All of the players on the depth chart have definite limitations, but in a talented offense, that’s fine. McDonald is a vertical threat who can run away from slower linebackers. Jesse James is a solid receiver who can get himself open, and make key catches. Neither of them are world beaters, but both can be solid options.

Next: Hunt Steelers Mock Draft 3.0

If Pittsburgh uses a committee approach to the position there is no reason to think the tight ends can’t produce. There is no one on the roster who’s a star, and it’s unlikely that any of them will become one. That being said, stars at positions like wide receiver, and running back means the team doesn’t need one.