Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers tight end position in 2019

The Steelers lost Jesse James this offseason, and didn’t do much to add help at the position. Here’s how I graded Pittsburgh’s tight ends heading into 2019.

The Steelers really backed themselves into a corner at the tight end position. After letting Jesse James walk this offseason, Pittsburgh made very little effort to fill the void through the draft or free agency.

Here’s a rundown of the Steelers tight ends in 2019 and the grade I have given this group:

Vance McDonald

Vance McDonald is the clear-cut, no-questions-asked, number one tight end on the Steelers. With a coveted combination of size and athleticism, Vance excels as both a blocker and pass catcher.

Though injuries have cut short all six of his seasons in the NFL, Vance is a difference maker when healthy. He was clearly a better option than James as a receiver last year, despite what their snaps counts might indicate. Vance is a threat on every play with his scary ability after the catch, and has a chance to be one of the leagues best tight ends if healthy in 2019.

Xavier Grimble

I recently wrote an article on why the Steelers need to add depth at tight end, but that has yet to happen. Grimble has proven to be an adequate rotational piece for the Steelers, but possesses no special traits to indicate that he will be better than Jesse James.

Grimble has just six NFL starts under his belt, despite turning 27 years old this season. He has made a home in Pittsburgh for three years now, but has yet to be a difference maker on the field. The Steelers could do much better at the number two tight end position.

Zach Gentry

I was less than thrilled when Pittsburgh elected to go with Zach Gentry in the 5th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The former quarterback is tall and long, but possesses poor athleticism for the position, and doesn’t have the traits or physicality that stands out.

Gentry is easily the front runner to land the third and final tight end spot on Pittsburgh’s roster, with just Christian Scotland-Williamson  and Kevin Rader behind him.

Tight end Grade: C-

Though I really like Vance McDonald as a number one tight end, I’m am more than a little concerned with the depth the Steelers have at the position.

Xavier Grimble is best suited as a team’s number three option, and we don’t know yet if Zach Gentry will play well enough in preseason to earn a roster spot, or be handed one by default.

The Steelers have made some questionable decisions this offseason, and not bringing in an experienced tight end may be one of the them. A lot is riding on the health of Vance McDonald this year. If he can’t stay healthy (like every other season so far), Pittsburgh will be in big trouble at tight end in 2019.