Round 7, Pick #241: Davis Allen, TE, Clemson (6’5”, 245)
We’ll round out this mock draft by grabbing another depth piece at a position of need. With Zach Gentry gone (although I wouldn’t rule out a reunion), the Steelers' tight end room is remarkably bare. Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward are the only ones left with playing experience. Without Gentry, this team lacks a true in-line “Y” tight end. Given how much Matt Canada wants to run the ball from heavier personnel groups with two or more tight ends, this type of player is essential.
Davis Allen fits that role to a T. He wasn’t particularly productive during his career at Clemson, as the Tigers’ offense does not feature the tight end much. Furthermore, when they did, they preferred to use Allen as a blocker and get the ball in the hands of more athletic targets.
Allen doesn’t have Gentry’s height, but he’s a good blocker and very reliable. He finished his career at Clemson starting 24 consecutive games across his last two seasons. Allen may not be an overly dynamic receiver, but he has excellent hands, recording only 3 career drops across 115 career targets, according to PFF.
Allen might actually be able to contribute to the Steelers more quickly than Zach Gentry did. A high school quarterback, Gentry was still learning the nuances of the position when he came to Pittsburgh, which contributed to him not making an impact until his third season with the team. Conversely, Allen has been playing tight end since high school and could contribute immediately on special teams, at the very least. He is a high-floor, low-risk selection that could turn into a valuable depth piece.