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Senior Bowl 2020: Prospective Steelers tight ends to watch

By Ryan Pawloski

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 02: Brycen Hopkins #89 of the Purdue Boilermakers catches a pass against Will Honas #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers late in the fourth quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 2, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 02: Brycen Hopkins #89 of the Purdue Boilermakers catches a pass against Will Honas #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers late in the fourth quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 2, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Senior Bowl week in Mobile is now! The Steelers will be well represented along with all 32 NFL teams while they scout this years top prospects. One of those prospects that the Steelers should be highly interested in is Purdue tight end, Brycen Hopkins. 

Brycen Hopkins has the size that all NFL teams covet, including our Steelers,  at this position at 6’5 and 245 pounds. He is a great red zone threat with his ability to catch the ball. You just look at his highlight reel and that is the first thing to stand out to you.

He has the ability to get past defensive backs and create space for himself. If he doesn’t create the space before the catch, he will bull over defenders after the catch is made. He just knows how to get sticky hands and make tough catches.

Hopkins had 61 receptions, 830 yards receiving, and 7 touchdowns in his senior campaign. He has been getting better year in and year out while attending Purdue. This kid is a monster in a class that already has high ceiling athletes at the position.

The ability to make big plays before, during, and after the catch will catch the eye of every NFL team in attendance, one of those teams will be the Pittsburgh Steelers. There is no secret they will be in desperate need to fill at the tight end position and the addition of this player would fill that need immensely.

Other names to keep an eye on for this position in Mobile for the Senior Bowl include…

Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt

Another guy with size at 6’4 and 260, he had an amazing year during his Junior season but struggled this year. Adding a great performance this week could catapult him into a better draft slot and someone that is most certainly worthy of keeping an eye on.

Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic University

If you want to find production at the position in regards to this class then look no further than Bryant. He put up incredible numbers at FAU in his final season there. He had over 1,000 yards and put up 7 touchdowns.

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The biggest issue with him is size. We all saw the plays he made and his ability to do so, but can he do that against NFL talent. That is the biggest question mark that will begin to be answered this week in Alabama. At only 240 pounds (maybe, that is not totally accurate) will he be able to get past NFL talent and make the same plays that he did at FAU?

That will be determined this upcoming week and beyond while heading into the draft. Another interesting name to keep in mind as we lead up to the draft for the Steelers.

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