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Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Mock Draft: All defense in opening rounds

By Noah Strackbein

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 10: Defensive end Carl Granderson #91 of the Wyoming Cowboys celebrates a stop against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Wyoming 52-14. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 10: Defensive end Carl Granderson #91 of the Wyoming Cowboys celebrates a stop against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Wyoming 52-14. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – SEPTEMBER 22: Tommy Sweeney #89 of the Boston College Eagles makes a 15-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 22, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – SEPTEMBER 22: Tommy Sweeney #89 of the Boston College Eagles makes a 15-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 22, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Round 4: Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College

*Written by Noah Strackbein*

Jesse James is playing on a contract year and honestly, it’s up in the air whether or not he’ll re-sign with the Steelers. He’s a valuable part of this offense, but he can certainly find himself competing for a starting job with another team.

It’ll come down to whether or not he wants his role to improve next season as Vance McDonald has solidified himself as the starting tight end in Pittsburgh.

Leaving room to add a new offensive weapon. Xavier Grimble isn’t a second string tight end and the Steelers’ defensive needs can mostly be addressed in the opening three rounds. Which leaves them thinking about another offensive threat to add to the mix.

Tommy Sweeney out of Boston College has the size and strength to be a duel-threat end in the NFL. At 6’5 with 4.70 speed, Sweeney can find open lanes and use his big frame to get himself in front of defenders. He has reliable hands and works as a pretty sturdy endzone threat with the Eagles.

He resembles what the Steelers would lose if James decided not to resign this offseason. Depending on how much they want to retain him, Pittsburgh may already have their eyes set on Sweeney.

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