A list of backup tight end prospects for the Steelers
By Andrew Falce
Second level starters:
- Nick Vannett, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Luke Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
- Colby Parkinson, Stanford
- Nick O’Leary, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Harrison Bryant, FAU
- Seth Devalve, Jacksonville Florida
- Thad Moss, LSU
The fact that Nick Vannett is atop this list should be pretty telling for Steelers fans just how much flexibility there is this offseason with this position. Vannett was a below-average TE2 this past year, not contributing much in the passing game and being only an average blocker. Yet, the team traded a 5th round pick for him and he is familiar with the system.
Luke Wilson is a bit older but would thrive as TE2 with the Steelers. He doesn’t offer much as a pass-catcher but is a good blocker. The same goes for Nick O’Leary, and both of them should see contracts below what Vannett will earn.
Seth Devalve is more of a pass-catcher naturally, but he played for Cleveland at the beginning of his career. If the team ever saw any potential in him, now would be there time to act on it.
As for the rookies, Colby Parkinson is a tall, lanky target in the mold of Jesse James. He fits the mold of what the Steelers look for and has the ceiling of what Jesse James was: a low-end starter who is ideally a consistent backup.
Harrison Bryant has the production and the tape of a good TE but his measurable were extremely poor. He suffers from a rare disease known as “T-Rex arms” as his arm length was under 31 inches (not a good sign). That doesn’t mean he will fail in the NFL, but his fit with the Steelers takes a hit because of it. Thad Moss is more of the same, as his height and measurables are not fits for what the Steelers look for at the position. That said, he can block on tape which may tip the scales if he falls far enough.