3 college tight ends Steelers fans need to watch this season

The Steelers could have a hole at tight end after the 2020 season. Here are three college tight ends who should be on their radar for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The tight end position is one of major importance in today’s NFL with the need for a big target that could provide blocking ability in the trenches. The position has become essential as of late and the Steelers were certainly lacking in the blocking department in 2019.

With potential holes to fill, there are always young and moldable prospects that come out of college each and every year. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh could get out of both Eric Ebron’s and Vance McDonald’s contract after the 2020 season if need be. Here are three tight ends the Pittsburgh Steelers could potentially target in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Pat Freiermuth, Penn State

The man that they call “Baby Gronk” has been outstanding at Penn State ever since cutting it up on the field in Happy Valley. Freiermuth is still extremely young and at 6’5, he has a very high ceiling. Going into this college season, Freiermuth is the best tight end in this draft class.

During his two seasons at Penn State, he has totaled, 875 yards receiving and added 15 touchdowns to his resume, according to Pro Football Reference. The only question with this Nittany Lion is if he will stay in school or leave early. If he continues to add numbers and grow as a player this season, then Freiermuth will be a sure-fire first-round pick and one that will haunt NFL defenses for years to come.

Kyle Pitts, Florida

Kyle Pitts has the height advantage of the top three Tight Ends, but he still needs to add weight to his frame at just currently 239 pounds. Pitts had a nice breakout year for the Gators last season with 649 yards receiving and adding five touchdowns.

This season will be big for Pitts to see how he can add to his successful season last year. If Pitts can put up similar yardage numbers and add more than five touchdowns then,  the 6’6” tight end will start moving up draft boards come April.

Brevin Jordan, Miami

The biggest asset Brevin Jordan brings to the table his ability to make plays and his youth and ceiling of potential that he brings along with him. After two seasons with the Hurricanes, Jordan produced 782 yards receiving and six touchdowns.

Jordan struggled with injuries all throughout last season, but he was still able to put up some nice numbers. If Jordan can stay healthy, continue to grow as a player, and test well before the draft then he will move up draft boards come April.

The Pittsburgh Steelers love tight ends but have struggled to find a true number one ever since Heath Miller retired. Perhaps this upcoming 2021 draft class will produce that heir apparent that the fans of Steelers Nation have been starving for.