WRs and TEs thread

[Born2Steel]

Whether the Steelers keep or trade AB or clean out the TE room, the possibility of drafting a WR or TE in this upcoming draft is very real. Thought I would start a thread to post stats, measurables, opinions, and general discussion on players and options.

[Shoes]

Well, it's not hard to guess what I would do. :chuckle: If the Steelers keep or trade AB I would still draft a TE, T.J. Hockenson would be my first choice, Fant would be the second. I think the history of WR's on this team in the last 5 years or more has shown that despite all the talent at this position they still come up short. I mean it's not like AB and JuJu aren't getting enough balls thrown their way.

I agree we need to run the ball more and by drafting an all-around TE you help your run game with a two TE set, open up short 5-10 yard pass plays and with Hockenson & Fant you have deep threat options. I think Hockenson is the better blocker of the two, Fant may be a bit more polished on the deep stuff but Hockenson is amazing at catching the ball in heavy traffic, he is also good deep. Both of them are better than McDonald. I think a WR could be picked up in FA, or later in the draft.



Noah Fant







Receiving
Rushing
Scrimmage


Year
School
Conf
Class
Pos
G
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Plays
Yds
Avg
TD


*2016 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2016.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2016.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2016.html)
FR
TE
6
9
70
7.8
1
0
0

0
9
70
7.8
1


*2017 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2017.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2017.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2017.html)
SO
TE
12
30
494
16.5
11
2
-1
-0.5
0
32
493
15.4
11


*2018 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2018.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2018.html)
JR
TE
12
39
518
13.3
7
2
1
0.5
0
41
519
12.7
7


Career
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/)




78
1082
13.9
19
4
0
0.0
0
82
1082
13.2
19







T.J Hockenson






Receiving
Rushing
Scrimmage


Year
School
Conf
Class
Pos
G
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Plays
Yds
Avg
TD


*2017 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2017.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2017.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2017.html)
FR
TE
10
24
320
13.3
3
0
0

0
24
320
13.3
3


*2018 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2018.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2018.html)
SO
TE
13
49
760
15.5
6
1
4
4.0
1
50
764
15.3
7


Career
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/)




73
1080
14.8
9
1
4
4.0
1
74
1084
14.6
10

[DesertSteel]

I like the idea of taking an elite TE with the Brown pick, if a trade happens. We’ve had good success with mid round receivers so I’d pick a diamond in the rough there. Maybe someone like Tyre Brady from Marshall.

[Mojouw]

I strongly suspect that the Patriots will be taking Hockenson when their pick is up in the first round if he is still available. Looks like the best Gronk replacement to show up in the draft in several years.

[steelerdude15]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers drafted a couple of receivers depending on how free agency plays out and if we trade AB.

As of right now, DHB and Justin Hunter are unrestricted free agents. Eli Rodgers is a restricted free agent.

JuJu and Ryan Switzer won't be UFA's until 2021 and James Washington won't be a UFA until 2022.

I would also assume that the Steelers would draft a tight end too. Both Xavier Grimble and Jesse James are unrestricted free agents.

Vance won't be a UFA until 2022.

[Born2Steel]

Well, it's not hard to guess what I would do. :chuckle: If the Steelers keep or trade AB I would still draft a TE, T.J. Hockenson would be my first choice, Fant would be the second. I think the history of WR's on this team in the last 5 years or more has shown that despite all the talent at this position they still come up short. I mean it's not like AB and JuJu aren't getting enough balls thrown their way.

I agree we need to run the ball more and by drafting an all-around TE you help your run game with a two TE set, open up short 5-10 yard pass plays and with Hockenson & Fant you have deep threat options. I think Hockenson is the better blocker of the two, Fant may be a bit more polished on the deep stuff but Hockenson is amazing at catching the ball in heavy traffic, he is also good deep. Both of them are better than McDonald. I think a WR could be picked up in FA, or later in the draft.



Noah Fant







Receiving
Rushing
Scrimmage


Year
School
Conf
Class
Pos
G
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Plays
Yds
Avg
TD


*2016 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2016.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2016.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2016.html)
FR
TE
6
9
70
7.8
1
0
0

0
9
70
7.8
1


*2017 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2017.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2017.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2017.html)
SO
TE
12
30
494
16.5
11
2
-1
-0.5
0
32
493
15.4
11


*2018 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2018.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2018.html)
JR
TE
12
39
518
13.3
7
2
1
0.5
0
41
519
12.7
7


Career
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/)




78
1082
13.9
19
4
0
0.0
0
82
1082
13.2
19







T.J Hockenson






Receiving
Rushing
Scrimmage


Year
School
Conf
Class
Pos
G
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Plays
Yds
Avg
TD


*2017 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2017.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2017.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2017.html)
FR
TE
10
24
320
13.3
3
0
0

0
24
320
13.3
3


*2018 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2018.html)
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2018.html)
Big Ten (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2018.html)
SO
TE
13
49
760
15.5
6
1
4
4.0
1
50
764
15.3
7


Career
Iowa (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/)




73
1080
14.8
9
1
4
4.0
1
74
1084
14.6
10




Lol! You said TJ in another thread and my brain went to Watt not Hockenson. Totally different conversation. Lol!

[Shoes]

I strongly suspect that the Patriots will be taking Hockenson when their pick is up in the first round if he is still available. Looks like the best Gronk replacement to show up in the draft in several years.
:faint::faint:

[steelreserve]

If they do not stupidly trade Brown, there is no need to draft a WR or a TE. Maybe in the late rounds to replace James or Grumble, but that's it. Is there anything else to seriously discuss in this thread?

[steelerdude15]

If they do not stupidly trade Brown, there is no need to draft a WR or a TE. Maybe in the late rounds to replace James or Grumble, but that's it. Is there anything else to seriously discuss in this thread?

If the Steelers trade AB and lose people to free agency, they're going to have to draft receivers and tight ends.

[Born2Steel]

If they do not stupidly trade Brown, there is no need to draft a WR or a TE. Maybe in the late rounds to replace James or Grumble, but that's it. Is there anything else to seriously discuss in this thread?

Make a roster list of the Steelers WRs and TEs. Know who is coming back or not? Deep, very deep talent pool in this year’s draft at both positions. Any you would like to discuss? Why so serious?

[Shoes]

If they do not stupidly trade Brown, there is no need to draft a WR or a TE. Maybe in the late rounds to replace James or Grumble, but that's it. Is there anything else to seriously discuss in this thread?

So how is the offense going to improve? With JuJu and AB it still isn't happening.

[steelreserve]

If the Steelers trade AB and lose people to free agency, they're going to have to draft receivers and tight ends.

I'm not sure I understand this. The WRs will be AB, Juju, Washington, and Rogers, who we can be guaranteed of keeping because he is an RFA. All but AB are very young. McDonald is fine at TE.

The rest of the players at both position, it makes little difference if we re-sign or let go. DHB or Justin Hunter's production is that of a minimum-salary street free agent. James is the only one I would consider bringing back, but if not, no biggie. A late-round pick would likely be as good or even better. If backup TE is our biggest concern at those positions - it's not a concern. Just avoid trading AB and everything is in pretty awesome shape.


So how is the offense going to improve? With JuJu and AB it still isn't happening.

Correct me if I missed something, but I thought the offense was pretty damn good. If anything, it suffered from stupid mental mistakes, definitely not a lack of talent. I don't think either of these positions are ones that need to be improved, and if they were, how much does improving the #3 WR or #2 TE position actually make a difference?

[Mojouw]

:faint::faint:

Yeah. My thoughts as well. I think if the Steelers want him, they might have to take him at #20. See how the draft boards look like in a few months.

[Shoes]

I'm not sure I understand this. The WRs will be AB, Juju, Washington, and Rogers, who we can be guaranteed of keeping because he is an RFA. All but AB are very young. McDonald is fine at TE.

The rest of the players at both position, it makes little difference if we re-sign or let go. DHB or Justin Hunter's production is that of a minimum-salary street free agent. James is the only one I would consider bringing back, but if not, no biggie. A late-round pick would likely be as good or even better. If backup TE is our biggest concern at those positions - it's not a concern. Just avoid trading AB and everything is in pretty awesome shape.



Correct me if I missed something, but I thought the offense was pretty damn good. If anything, it suffered from stupid mental mistakes, definitely not a lack of talent. I don't think either of these positions are ones that need to be improved, and if they were, how much does improving the #3 WR or #2 TE position actually make a difference?


It will surely improve the run game and open up the shorter field as Miller did. There is no element of surprise on this offense. It's Ben to AB, Ben to JuJu, Ben to Switzer season over.

[Mojouw]

You would think this is the year they finally draft a TE.

Jesse James should be allowed to leave. He brings nothing to the table that a much cheaper rookie can not replicate. He has pretty good hands, runs okay routes, has below average run after the catch skills, and still can't block very well.

Let's also hope they end the Xavier Grimble experiment. Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane. Well that isn't really fair - Grimble trys hard and throws his body around, he just isn't very good.

So MojoUW's call would be McDonald, DRAFT PICK, Bucky Hodges (more upside to mess around with than Grimble), and whatever of the walking wounded and PS kinda guys they mess around with every year they want to bring to camp.

TE is among the several position groups where I am kinda over having guys on the roster you know can't start in the NFL. It is high time to churn that group and hope you find someone who can push to get starter playing time.

[pczach]

It will surely improve the run game and open up the shorter field as Miller did. There is no element of surprise on this offense. It's Ben to AB, Ben to JuJu, Ben to Switzer season over.


I love Hockenson.

I don't think everyone understands how a great TE can influence the game...particularly a complete TE that can really block.

If they were to draft Hockenson, they would be able to run 2 TE sets and be able to dictate terms to the defense. If the defense goes with big personnel, they match up a LB to cover the TE or TEs. A very good TE should win that matchup most of the time. If the defense goes small, the should be able to gouge them with the running game, and it really sets up play action. On top of that, a quality TE is a mismatch against smaller defenders by using his body to block off the defender in the middle of the field, and have a huge height advantage when going down the field or in the red zone.

A great TE helps the running game, the passing game, and red zone offense.

[steelerdude15]

I'm not sure I understand this. The WRs will be AB, Juju, Washington, and Rogers, who we can be guaranteed of keeping because he is an RFA. All but AB are very young. McDonald is fine at TE.

The rest of the players at both position, it makes little difference if we re-sign or let go. DHB or Justin Hunter's production is that of a minimum-salary street free agent. James is the only one I would consider bringing back, but if not, no biggie. A late-round pick would likely be as good or even better. If backup TE is our biggest concern at those positions - it's not a concern. Just avoid trading AB and everything is in pretty awesome shape.



Correct me if I missed something, but I thought the offense was pretty damn good. If anything, it suffered from stupid mental mistakes, definitely not a lack of talent. I don't think either of these positions are ones that need to be improved, and if they were, how much does improving the #3 WR or #2 TE position actually make a difference?

I would have to imagine that AB is going to be traded. Why keep someone who doesn't want to be here? Also throw in the fact that Hunter is coming of shoulder surgery; they may not want to keep him so there are 2 holes right there that will need to be filled.

While I like Vance and think he's a good tight end, we need better quality depth behind him for when he gets hurt. If Jesse actually made those comments about the team at the end of the season, who's to say he wants to come back?

[Born2Steel]

All I can say is this is an offense driven league. You must keep pace with the rest or continue to fall behind. This team does need an upgrade at TE. Picking one of these tall, fast, athletic freak WRs in this year’s draft is a good idea as well. There is a need for a 3rd RB to replace Ridley and hopefully compliment the other 2 also. Quality OL depth/upgrade is always on the table. You cannot go into the offseason with blinders on and not consider the big picture and all possibilities.

[HollywoodSteel]

So how is the offense going to improve? With JuJu and AB it still isn't happening.

All we need is a kicker. Maybe a punter. And this offense is good enough to get home field advantage throughout. :)

Juju won’t be worse next year. Neither will Conner. And Ben still has at least another year of being in the best shape of his life. AB will be more than elite next year. Hell our OC will have his rookie year out of the way so he can only improve. Our Oline will be fine even without Foster. He will get overpaid somewhere else. I really like Foster but I believe he benefits more from the people around him than they do from him.

And Ben made more mistakes at crucial times in 2018 than he ever will again.

If we keep AB we don’t need first round talent on offense to get more Ws. Our offense will be as good or better than in 2018 barring injuries.

If we improve at ALL on defense then I think we’re as good as any team in the NFL.

[steelreserve]

I would have to imagine that AB is going to be traded. Why keep someone who doesn't want to be here? Also throw in the fact that Hunter is coming of shoulder surgery; they may not want to keep him so there are 2 holes right there that will need to be filled.

While I like Vance and think he's a good tight end, we need better quality depth behind him for when he gets hurt. If Jesse actually made those comments about the team at the end of the season, who's to say he wants to come back?

Why would you want a player who doesn't want to be here .... Let's see ... maybe because he is the best receiver in the league, and it costs you just as much money to NOT have him on the team as it does to have him, and because there is no urgency to trade him duento him being on a 3-year contract? That seems like a great reason to have him on the team.

He can bitch all he wants, it would still be a Redskins-level stupid move to trade him. It would take a LOT of bitching to make up for 15 touchdowns and $21 million in cap space. So I am assuming we are not as stupid as the Redskins and he will be on the team come September.

Justin Hunter is a nothing. He's done jack shit his entire career. Don't even need to worry about filling a roster spot, we already have 5 WRs on the roster counting Switzer and all are better than him.

So zero holes at WR ... I can see us making a move for a better #2 TE, sure. But I also don't think it's THAT important. Lots of other things that would do us.more good first, including every single position on defense (yes, DL too, we could use depth).

So that leaves us at what, like a 4th-round TE, hopefully you get someone who can block. That's fine if we do it, but I don't think you base your draft plan around it. Maybe if some insane value player falls to us in R3 or something we pull the trigger, but that goes for any position.

[st33lersguy]

If they keep AB, no need to spend a day 1 or even a day 2 selection at WR or TE. If they don't, then WR or TE becomes a higher priority

[steelerdude15]

Why would you want a player who doesn't want to be here .... Let's see ... maybe because he is the best receiver in the league, and it costs you just as much money to NOT have him on the team as it does to have him, and because there is no urgency to trade him duento him being on a 3-year contract? That seems like a great reason to have him on the team.

He can bitch all he wants, it would still be a Redskins-level stupid move to trade him. It would take a LOT of bitching to make up for 15 touchdowns and $21 million in cap space. So I am assuming we are not as stupid as the Redskins and he will be on the team come September.

Justin Hunter is a nothing. He's done jack shit his entire career. Don't even need to worry about filling a roster spot, we already have 5 WRs on the roster counting Switzer and all are better than him.

So zero holes at WR ... I can see us making a move for a better #2 TE, sure. But I also don't think it's THAT important. Lots of other things that would do us.more good first, including every single position on defense (yes, DL too, we could use depth).

So that leaves us at what, like a 4th-round TE, hopefully you get someone who can block. That's fine if we do it, but I don't think you base your draft plan around it. Maybe if some insane value player falls to us in R3 or something we pull the trigger, but that goes for any position.

On the flip side of that, you keep a player around who could become even more of a distraction because he doesn't want to be here. Unless the two sides speak to each other and make up, he's probably gone. Also, the Steelers tend to keep 6 receivers on the roster so I wouldn't be surprised if they used it on a reciever at some point in the draft.

Let me also say this. I agree with you that we have more important needs and that most of the focus needs to be on defense. I never said that we should put all of the focus on tight end and reciever, but if we lose people to free agency and trades, they'll have to restock those positions at some point in the draft.

[teegre]

I’m going to say it in every TE thread...

Hockenson is the best offensive weapon in this draft. You have to strongly consider taking him at 20 (regardless of any other factors: draft needs, AB).

[DesertSteel]

I’m going to say it in every TE thread...

Hockenson is the best offensive weapon in this draft. You have to strongly consider taking him at 20 (regardless of any other factors: draft needs, AB).
How does a guy with 73 catches in his entire college career and two total games over 100 yards become such a sexy pick, even before the combine?

[Born2Steel]

How does a guy with 73 catches in his entire college career and two total games over 100 yards become such a sexy pick, even before the combine?

His “entire college career” is 73 catches in 2 seasons and over 1000 yards. Almost identicle to the numbers Fant put up in 3 seasons.

I don’t think this is for arguing IF or WHEN the Steelers should consider drafting a WR or TE. It’s for discussing options at those positions. Since we don’t KNOW the future(AB, James, Grimble, Hunter, DHB, Rogers), these players could very well move to the front of conversation. Especially draft days 2&3.

[DesertSteel]

His “entire college career” is 73 catches in 2 seasons and over 1000 yards. Almost identicle to the numbers Fant put up in 3 seasons.

I don’t think this is for arguing IF or WHEN the Steelers should consider drafting a WR or TE. It’s for discussing options at those positions. Since we don’t KNOW the future(AB, James, Grimble, Hunter, DHB, Rogers), these players could very well move to the front of conversation. Especially draft days 2&3.
So how does that answer my question? What makes him worth a #20 pick? I've never seen him play so it's a fair question. Ne never dominated in college and had 2 games over 100 yards. He might be the next Gronk, so somebody tell me why if he's being touted as a possible pick.

[hawaiiansteeler]

personally, I would much rather draft a CB in Round 1 (we have a hole the size of the Grand Canyon opposite Joe Haden) or a speedy 3-down ILB that can go sideline to sideline and has coverage skills than a WR or TE in Round 1.

[Born2Steel]

personally, I would much rather draft a CB in Round 1 (we have a hole the size of the Grand Canyon opposite Joe Haden) or a speedy 3-down ILB that can go sideline to sideline and has coverage skills than a WR or TE in Round 1.

I completely agree. I think our pick at #20 should be BPA of the top 3 ILBs. If they are all 3 gone then I think BPA out of the 2top safeties or 5top CBs. I’m still hoping we get a CB in FA to take some heat from that position. BUT, if these 9-10 guys are already off the board there is nothing wrong, IMO, in taking the BPA at another position, even WR or TE. There are lots of possibilities, some not even explored yet. I made this thread just to discuss possible WR and TE interest in this draft period. Whatever round you want to take one. Or not at all if that is your opinion. Merely a discussion on the subject of WRs and TEs available.

[Born2Steel]

Shoes already started a list of top TEs. You can see Fant's and Hockenson's stats at Iowa in his post above. I will start posting more today, as well as WR prospects. This is a very deep crop at both positions so will take more than 1 post most likely.

Josh Oliver 6'5"-250 San Jose State.
https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/13/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-josh-oliver/
https://steelersdepot.com/2019/01/2019-nfl-draft-player-profiles-san-jose-state-te-josh-oliver/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5_XikE4uBA
https://247sports.com/Player/Josh-Oliver-52053/Videos/

[teegre]

How does a guy with 73 catches in his entire college career and two total games over 100 yards become such a sexy pick, even before the combine?

1. I somehow missed this. My apologies. Responding... now!!!

2. Eff the Combine. I’ve never put much faith in any of it. #MikeMamula

3. Hockenson projects well. It’s more of an “eyeball” test for me... sort of like the book “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell.

4. His blocking isn’t “stattable”.

5. His stats are very similar to Gronk’s (who is the TE that Hockerson is most like).

[Dwinsgames]

personally, I would much rather draft a CB in Round 1 (we have a hole the size of the Grand Canyon opposite Joe Haden) or a speedy 3-down ILB that can go sideline to sideline and has coverage skills than a WR or TE in Round 1.



THIS

[Shoes]

Irv Smith Jr.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/01/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-irv-smith/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fqQCrcifqM

[hawaiiansteeler]

Whether the Steelers keep or trade AB or clean out the TE room, the possibility of drafting a WR or TE in this upcoming draft is very real.

yes, it is.

since 2005, the Steelers have taken at least one WR in every draft except in 2011 and over the past 30 seasons, they've taken at least one WR in all but four of the drafts.

[Born2Steel]

Irv Smith Jr.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/01/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-irv-smith/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fqQCrcifqM

Glad you saw this guy and posted his highlights. He was the next one i was going to put on here too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKWVUrdmXyc

And from WalterFootball:
2/2/19: Smith was excellent in 2018 as a mismatch weapon for Alabama. He is a shifty route-runner with quickness down the seam, good hands, and the size to be dangerous after the catch. He seems to have one speed and is not on the bigger side of tight ends, hence he is not a top-20-caliber specimen. In 2018, Smith caught 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith has upside to grow as he gains more playing experience. Sources say they think Smith is likely to return to Alabama for 2019.

Smith's father was a first-round pick out of Notre Dame by the Saints in the 1993 NFL Draft. Irv Smith Jr.'s uncle, Edward Smith, also played tight end in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, so he has a NFL pedigree that could help him to assimilate to the pro game.

8/28/18: Smith flashed some real receiving ability in 2017, but Alabama's passing offense really struggled with Jalen Hurts at quarterback. For the year, Smith totaled 14 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns. He was capable of producing a lot more if he had been given more targets. Smith is the son of Irv Smith Sr., who was a top-20 pick in the 1993 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.

[Shoes]

Glad you saw this guy and posted his highlights. He was the next one i was going to put on here too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKWVUrdmXyc

And from WalterFootball:
2/2/19: Smith was excellent in 2018 as a mismatch weapon for Alabama. He is a shifty route-runner with quickness down the seam, good hands, and the size to be dangerous after the catch. He seems to have one speed and is not on the bigger side of tight ends, hence he is not a top-20-caliber specimen. In 2018, Smith caught 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith has upside to grow as he gains more playing experience. Sources say they think Smith is likely to return to Alabama for 2019.

Smith's father was a first-round pick out of Notre Dame by the Saints in the 1993 NFL Draft. Irv Smith Jr.'s uncle, Edward Smith, also played tight end in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, so he has a NFL pedigree that could help him to assimilate to the pro game.

8/28/18: Smith flashed some real receiving ability in 2017, but Alabama's passing offense really struggled with Jalen Hurts at quarterback. For the year, Smith totaled 14 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns. He was capable of producing a lot more if he had been given more targets. Smith is the son of Irv Smith Sr., who was a top-20 pick in the 1993 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.




Hockenson & Fant are R1 picks, Smith could move up to R1 also as said your vid link. I have a hard time thinking 3 TE will be drafted in R1, just hope we can get one of them. Thanks for the vid link.

[teegre]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZalQgNLofo&app=desktop


Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa St.

My favorite receiver in this draft. Size, hands, speed, power... he’s got it all.

[Shoes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZalQgNLofo&app=desktop


Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa St.

My favorite receiver in this draft. Size, hands, speed, power... he’s got it all.

Dang!

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/28/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-hakeem-butler/

[Born2Steel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZalQgNLofo&app=desktop


Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa St.

My favorite receiver in this draft. Size, hands, speed, power... he’s got it all.

That was an insane play. I want to see more on Butler.

Here is a DK Metcalf look. Guy had a terrible neck injury requiring surgery. He may not get a combine invite because of rehabbing that surgery. If not, he may slide down boards and be available in the mid rounds. (Hope, hope, hope)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9tfZyomswM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdrVCHId7pA

Info on Metcalf's injury:
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/ole-miss/2018/10/15/ole-miss-wide-receiver-d-k-metcalf-season-ending-injury-versus-arkansas/1648730002/

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-heres-what-d-k-metcalfs-neck-injury-means-for-the-wide-receiver-class/

[Born2Steel]

Hockenson & Fant are R1 picks, Smith could move up to R1 also as said your vid link. I have a hard time thinking 3 TE will be drafted in R1, just hope we can get one of them. Thanks for the vid link.

I still hope to take an ILB at pick 20. White, Wilson, or Tre Lamar. I see White and Wilson as 1a and 1b, however Lamar has become a dark horse favorite of mine. I think this team's D goes as the LBs go and to me that is a bigger need/want. Somebody is going to fall to pick 52 though. Watch and see.

[Born2Steel]

Every team needs guys like Hunter Renfrow. He just makes catches when his team needs a catch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq_3wPpcXa8

Maybe a "Taysom Hill" type guy for Fichtner to play around with???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4w5nda6OAo

Highest floor of mid to late round prospects.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/01/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-hunter-renfrow/

[Shoes]

That was an insane play. I want to see more on Butler.

Here is a DK Metcalf look. Guy had a terrible neck injury requiring surgery. He may not get a combine invite because of rehabbing that surgery. If not, he may slide down boards and be available in the mid rounds. (Hope, hope, hope)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9tfZyomswM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdrVCHId7pA

Info on Metcalf's injury:
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/ole-miss/2018/10/15/ole-miss-wide-receiver-d-k-metcalf-season-ending-injury-versus-arkansas/1648730002/

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2019-heres-what-d-k-metcalfs-neck-injury-means-for-the-wide-receiver-class/

dang, there's a real deep threat! He (Metcalf)has no need of two hands and he can power clean 350 pounds. Looks like a Steeler R2 pick, but I still want a TE. :chuckle:

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/12/05/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-d-k-metcalf/

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/28/dk-metcalf-primed-to-confirm-status-as-freak-athlete/

[Born2Steel]

dang, there's a real deep threat! He (Metcalf)has no need of two hands and he can power clean 350 pounds. :chuckle:

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/12/05/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-d-k-metcalf/

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/28/dk-metcalf-primed-to-confirm-status-as-freak-athlete/

I am extremely high on Metcalf. I see the next Randy Moss/Calvin Johnson/Julio Jones in him. I think he can be a real special player in the NFL. The neck injury could force him down draft boards and keep him there until our 2nd/3rd round pick. I doubt it but maybe. One can HOPE.

[Shoes]

I am extremely high on Metcalf. I see the next Randy Moss/Calvin Johnson/Julio Jones in him. I think he can be a real special player in the NFL. The neck injury could force him down draft boards and keep him there until our 2nd/3rd round pick. I doubt it but maybe. One can HOPE.

He really does look like a special player, going to be a headache for a lot of teams.

[Born2Steel]

CJ Conrad, TE, KY. 6'4"-250

From WalterFootball:Love the comparison to Tamme.
2/2/19: Conrad recorded 30 receptions in 2018 for 318 yards with three touchdowns. He is a similar player to former Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme. While he does not have great speed, Conrad has quality hands and is a nice route-runner. He is also a very good blocker and really contributed to running lanes for Benny Snell. In January, Conrad had a solid week of practice at the East-West Shrine.

8/28/18: According to NFL teams' preseason data provided by team sources, Conrad checks in at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds. He is said to run the 40 in a quick 4.75 seconds. The data has his arm length at 30.38 inches, his hand size at 9.25 inches, and his wing span at 74.13 inches.

Conrad caught 16 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns in 2017. His season ended early because of a foot injury that required surgery. Conrad impressed in 2016 even though he had limited opportunities. He caught 19 passes for 262 yards with four touchdowns that season. Conrad has a lot of upside to grow in the years to come.


https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2018/09/26/nfl-draft-cj-conrad-report-kentucky-football/1403272002/

Very much a Jesse James type receiver, but is an excellent run blocker and has good YAC stats.

[Shoes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PInNyPXZ5Hs


https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/10/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-nkeal-harry/

https://steelersdepot.com/2019/02/2019-nfl-draft-player-profiles-arizona-state-wr-nkeal-harry/

[Shoes]

Does anyone know what the "Concerns about his personal makeup" are about? If you can't get Hockenson, go for Irv Smith hopefully in R3. I wouldn't even waste a pick on a TE after R3, that dog don't hunt.


Noah Fant*, TE, Iowa
Height: 6-5. Weight: 241.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2019): 2-3.
3/7/19: In 2018, Fant totaled 39 receptions for 519 yards and seven touchdowns. He is an athletic mismatch weapon as a receiver who could develop into a three-down starter in the NFL if he can improve his blocking. Team sources feel that Fant's blocking is weak entering the next level. They also feel that he does not have really natural hands, but he can run. They have concerns about his personal makeup. Fant helped himself with a fast 40 at the combine.

8/28/18: Iowa has produced a lot of good tight end prospects in recent years, and Fant could keep that trend going after a breakout sophomore season. He hauled in 28 passes for 486 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2017. Fant has size to his frame with the ability to get stronger and become a better blocker for the NFL. He could have three-down starting potential with the ability to contribute as a receiver.

https://walterfootball.com/draft2019TE.php

[DesertSteel]

I'm starting to get the feeling that Noah Fant is the pick at #20. The two premier ILBs will be gone and Colbert won't reach for a CB. Offense is the direction and Fant is an athletic freak that can stretch the field at TE.

[st33lersguy]

I'm starting to think an Iowa TE would be a good idea. There won't be an ILB or OLB remaining worth at pick 20 (ILBs like Devin Bush won't last until pick 20), I don't think a WR is needed in round 1 with Moncreif sugned and I am not sure CB is as much of a pressing need as it was on paper, depth is an issue, but a pressing starter might not be a much of an issue with Nelson signed

[Born2Steel]

I'm starting to think an Iowa TE would be a good idea. There won't be an ILB or OLB remaining worth at pick 20 (ILBs like Devin Bush won't last until pick 20), I don't think a WR is needed in round 1 with Moncreif sugned and I am not sure CB is as much of a pressing need as it was on paper, depth is an issue, but a pressing starter might not be a much of an issue with Nelson signed

Not disagreeing but a different thought. What about a top notch CB that can learn the NFL game behind players like Haden and Nelson to be the starter in year 2-3. I won't take CB off the first round board just yet. I read and posted an article yesterday that talks about Trayvon Mullen(Clemson) has moved ahead of Greedy Williams and Deandre Baker on some draft boards. That makes me think right before or right after Byron Murphy. This moves 4-5 CBs into the 1st round conversation. Sitting at 20 almost guarantees one of them to be available. Depending on where Rock Ya Sin, Amani Oruwariye, and Julien Love place on your top 52 could see 7 possible CB picks at 20.

IMO, Metcalf is the only WR worthy of a top 20 pick and Hockenson is the only TE worthy of a top 20 pick. That said both Fant and Smith will probably be gone by 52. As well as Harmon, Samuels, Butler, or AJ Brown. If we are looking to get one of the 'elite' of the class(my opinion), may have to reach at 20.

ILBs - what is the need exactly? IMO, it's either White or Wilson at 20. Bush's lack of natural length is too much of a handicap for him to be effective in the role we need. We do not need another run stuffer, IMO.

[Mojouw]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZalQgNLofo&app=desktop


Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa St.

My favorite receiver in this draft. Size, hands, speed, power... he’s got it all.

This is like a damn comic book hero:

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/hakeem-butler

[SteelerCountry58]

Hockenson and Kaden Smith are the best TE available. If Hock is there at 20, hard to pass that up. Especially when glassman McDonald is you’re main option.

[Shoes]

Tomlin meets with Hunter Renfrow and parents.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XfKtGwGRiw

[hawaiiansteeler]

WR Hunter Renfrow Says Steelers Remind Him Of Clemson; Compares Tomlin To Swinney

By Dave Bryan
Posted on March 17, 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a large contingent at the Clemson pro day this past week and while most of their focus was probably on several of that school’s top defensive players, they certainly didn’t ignore the top offensive on display during the event, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.

Renfrow confirmed on Saturday from his football camp at Nettles Park in Clemson that he spoke with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during his pro day last week. When asked if he could reveal what all Tomlin had to say to him during his pro day, Renfrow obliged.

to read rest of article:

https://steelersdepot.com/2019/03/wr-hunter-renfrow-says-steelers-remind-him-of-clemson-compares-tomlin-to-swinney/

[teegre]

This is like a damn comic book hero:

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/hakeem-butler

Indeed... a total freak.

Playing-wise: he’s a human highlight reel.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Steelers to meet with sleeper prospect WR Miles Boykin

By: Curt Popejoy | March 20, 2019

No team is better at finding mid-round wide receiver in the draft than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Guys like Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown are just the highlights of how well the Steelers can find and cultivate receiver talent.

The 2019 NFL draft could be the next opportunity for Pittsburgh to bring in a sleeper receiver and turn them into a star. Despite using second-round picks in consecutive seasons to draft wide receivers, the Steelers must go back to the well in 2019 after the Antonio Brown trade.

A prime candidate for the Steelers this year is Notre Dame’s Miles Boykin. According to reports, the Steelers will meet with Boykin and this is a great thing for the Steelers.

Most casual fans found out who Boykin was when he had a monstrous scouting combine.

to read rest of article:

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/20/steelers-to-meet-with-sleeper-prospect-wr-miles-boykin/

[DesertSteel]

Steelers to meet with sleeper prospect WR Miles Boykin

By: Curt Popejoy | March 20, 2019

No team is better at finding mid-round wide receiver in the draft than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Guys like Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown are just the highlights of how well the Steelers can find and cultivate receiver talent.

The 2019 NFL draft could be the next opportunity for Pittsburgh to bring in a sleeper receiver and turn them into a star. Despite using second-round picks in consecutive seasons to draft wide receivers, the Steelers must go back to the well in 2019 after the Antonio Brown trade.

A prime candidate for the Steelers this year is Notre Dame’s Miles Boykin. According to reports, the Steelers will meet with Boykin and this is a great thing for the Steelers.

Most casual fans found out who Boykin was when he had a monstrous scouting combine.

to read rest of article:

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/20/steelers-to-meet-with-sleeper-prospect-wr-miles-boykin/
I’m all in on Miles Boykin.

[BlackAndGold]

Steelers to meet with sleeper prospect WR Miles Boykin

By: Curt Popejoy | March 20, 2019

No team is better at finding mid-round wide receiver in the draft than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Guys like Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown are just the highlights of how well the Steelers can find and cultivate receiver talent.

The 2019 NFL draft could be the next opportunity for Pittsburgh to bring in a sleeper receiver and turn them into a star. Despite using second-round picks in consecutive seasons to draft wide receivers, the Steelers must go back to the well in 2019 after the Antonio Brown trade.

A prime candidate for the Steelers this year is Notre Dame’s Miles Boykin. According to reports, the Steelers will meet with Boykin and this is a great thing for the Steelers.

Most casual fans found out who Boykin was when he had a monstrous scouting combine.

to read rest of article:

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/20/steelers-to-meet-with-sleeper-prospect-wr-miles-boykin/

Your 3rd round pick

Look at his SPARQ

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/miles-boykin

I'm extremely intrigued.

- - - Updated - - -


Tomlin meets with Hunter Renfrow and parents.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XfKtGwGRiw

I'm going to miss watching him on saturdays.

Hard worker, catches everything, big game performer.

When I hear the work clutch player, I use to think Michael Jordan, I still do but Renfrow also comes to mind.

[Steeldude]

So how does that answer my question? What makes him worth a #20 pick? I've never seen him play so it's a fair question. Ne never dominated in college and had 2 games over 100 yards. He might be the next Gronk, so somebody tell me why if he's being touted as a possible pick.

Think Heath Miller

[teegre]

I would not be surprised by a WR pick early and another WR pick late. Something like a freak early (Hakeem Butler) followed by a “clutch” guy later (Sills/Renfrow).

[Born2Steel]

I would not be surprised by a WR pick early and another WR pick late. Something like a freak early (Hakeem Butler) followed by a “clutch” guy later (Sills/Renfrow).

I’m hoping for that actually. Keep throwing competition on the pile.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Report: Steelers Have Massachusetts WR Andy Isabella Scheduled For Pre-Draft Visit

By Dave Bryan
Posted on March 22, 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers pre-draft visits might just get underway as early as this Sunday, according to a Friday report on Twitter.

According to Connor Livesay of SB Nation on Friday, Massachusetts wide receiver Andy Isabella has an official pre-draft visit scheduled with the Steelers for Sunday.

Isabella, who reportedly had a strong pro day on Thursday, is considered to be one of the top slot wide receivers in this year’s draft class. At the combine, Isabella measured in at 5086, 188-pounds with 29 3/4-inch arms and 8 3/8-inch hands,. He ran his 40-yard-dash in 4.31-seconds while in Indianapolis and registered 15 reps on the bench to go along with a 36.5-inch vertical jump and a 10’1″ broad jump. His short shuttle time at the combine was 4.15-seconds and his 3-cone time was 6.95-seconds.

to read rest of article:

https://steelersdepot.com/2019/03/report-steelers-have-massachusetts-wr-andy-isabella-scheduled-for-pre-draft-visit/

[hawaiiansteeler]

I strongly suspect that the Patriots will be taking Hockenson when their pick is up in the first round if he is still available. Looks like the best Gronk replacement to show up in the draft in several years.

NFL Rumors - March 24 Updates:

The Patriots "aggressively courted" Jared Cook in free agency. - Mike Reiss, ESPN

New England missed out on Cook, who signed with the Saints. Given that the Patriots pursued a high-end tight end and whiffed, it's reasonable to expect them to use an early selection on a player at the position to replace Rob Gronkowski.

Read more at http://walterfootball.com/nflrumors#3JK2FWBt0vQrmcOw.99

[teegre]

Let’s talk about Hakeem Butler. We already had a discussion going about him, but I don’t remember which thread. Anyway...

MEASURABLES:
-freakish
-6’5” 227 lbs
-98th percentile (ever) for 40 time considering his hieght/weight

GAME TAPE:
-dominated the competition

HOME RUN HITTER:
-55% of his receptions were 20+ yards
-highest YPR in draft class
-5th highest yards per routes run

BUT...
-lesser competition
-drops
-“one year wonder”

Lesser competition doesn’t bother me... see: Randy Moss, Khalil Mack, etc. Normally drops would scare me, but Butler’s target radius was so huge that he would get his hands on ball that NO other receiver would even get a finger on (let alone possibly catch). Ergo, Butler was penalized (statistically) for “dropping” balls that would have been “overthrows” for most other receivers. The “one year wonder” thing is a bit concerning.

[Shoes]

Bad idea to draft a WR that drops footballs.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Bad idea to draft a WR that drops footballs.

Yeah, but if he has "upside" like Sammie Coates.....there is optimism in the fan base. :doh:

[Mojouw]

NFL Rumors - March 24 Updates:

The Patriots "aggressively courted" Jared Cook in free agency. - Mike Reiss, ESPN

New England missed out on Cook, who signed with the Saints. Given that the Patriots pursued a high-end tight end and whiffed, it's reasonable to expect them to use an early selection on a player at the position to replace Rob Gronkowski.

Read more at http://walterfootball.com/nflrumors#3JK2FWBt0vQrmcOw.99

So, somehow, someway, one of Hockenson, Fant or Irv Smith will be a Patriot after this draft. Great.

Of course the Pats will cross everyone up and draft Butler and Boykin and just throw back-shoulder fades all day.

[Born2Steel]

There are good value TEs later in this draft too. Steelers had a meeting with Moreau of LSU. Same with WRs. I do think there is a very real possibility of a 1st or 2nd round WR. Half the guys they spoke to at the combine are WRs. For no other reason than gut feeling, I think they are really looking at AJ Brown.

[Fire Goodell]

I know it won't happen but I hope to god TJ Hockensen somehow makes a Decastro-like fall to us at 20. He's one of those guys our FO would just have to pull the trigger on, he's Heath Miller #2

The guy's overall game is already strong, I think he'd come in and be an immediate contributor

[Shoes]

So, somehow, someway, one of Hockenson, Fant or Irv Smith will be a Patriot after this draft. Great.

Of course the Pats will cross everyone up and draft Butler and Boykin and just throw back-shoulder fades all day.

Crap, I'm trying to pretend this won't happen. If I'm Colbert, I'm moving up to get Hockenson. They will be getting much more for their money with this guy, plus the TE position is set for 10 years or more.

- - - Updated - - -


There are good value TEs later in this draft too. Steelers had a meeting with Moreau of LSU. Same with WRs. I do think there is a very real possibility of a 1st or 2nd round WR. Half the guys they spoke to at the combine are WRs. For no other reason than gut feeling, I think they are really looking at AJ Brown.

No thanks, the Steelers don't need another #2 or #3 TE

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

There are good value TEs later in this draft too. Steelers had a meeting with Moreau of LSU. Same with WRs. I do think there is a very real possibility of a 1st or 2nd round WR. Half the guys they spoke to at the combine are WRs. For no other reason than gut feeling, I think they are really looking at AJ Brown.

Lance Zeirline has AJ Brown pro comparison as JuJu. Do you think they would have a couple 6'0" physical receivers with 4.5 speed on the field at the same time?

Also, what do you think if the Steelers had somebody like Fant or Irv Smith at #20 and possibly look again in the 5th with somebody like Moreau or Zach Gentry? Double down on TE's , since all they really have is McDonald, Grimble and the Winter Soldier on the roster right now.

[BlackAndGold]

I think Fant is a possibility at #20.

1. Fant, TE, Iowa
2. Winovich, OLB, UM
3. Boykin, WR, ND
3. Long, ILB, WVU
4. cornerback/safety

[Mojouw]

Lance Zeirline has AJ Brown pro comparison as JuJu. Do you think they would have a couple 6'0" physical receivers with 4.5 speed on the field at the same time?

Also, what do you think if the Steelers had somebody like Fant or Irv Smith at #20 and possibly look again in the 5th with somebody like Moreau or Zach Gentry? Double down on TE's , since all they really have is McDonald, Grimble and the Winter Soldier on the roster right now.

So many good things here. But, how the hell has the "Winter Soldier" not caught on before? I really really want this kid to make the roster now as the #2 TE. I can not believe I never noticed that before!

What the Steelers draft in terms of "traits" at WR will be interesting. If they took AJ Brown, they could put three contested catch physical WR's on the field at the same time (Juju, Washington, and Brown). That would be far different than the previous model of having a precision route runner at the X, an elite deep threat, and then a shifty slot guy. But it could work, they could just beat up on opposing DBs.

If you want to do that, just go get Butler and really hulk out at the WR position.

[BlackAndGold]

FWIW: Iowa's pro day is today, Iowa State is tomorrow, Ole Miss is on Friday.

[Shoes]

I think Fant is a possibility at #20.

1. Fant, TE, Iowa
2. Winovich, OLB, UM
3. Boykin, WR, ND
3. Long, ILB, WVU
4. cornerback/safety

I'd buy that.

Hockenson not in it for the money

https://247sports.com/college/iowa/Article/Iowa-Hawkeyes-Football-NFL-Draft-2019-Nashville-TJ-Hockenson-Kirk-Ferentz-Tight-End-130520551/

[hawaiiansteeler]

I think Fant is a possibility at #20.

1. Fant, TE, Iowa
2. Winovich, OLB, UM
3. Boykin, WR, ND
3. Long, ILB, WVU
4. cornerback/safety

that's an excellent mock! :thumbsup:

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

that's an excellent mock! :thumbsup: Not bad but not mentioning the extra picks. Wouldn't mind using Raiders 3rd on a top RB to go with Conner and Samuels.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Not bad but not mentioning the extra picks. Wouldn't mind using Raiders 3rd on a top RB to go with Conner and Samuels.

B&G drafted Miles Boykin with the Raiders 3rd round pick...

[Shoes]

No Steelers at Iowa pro day?

[hawaiiansteeler]

No Steelers at Iowa pro day?

smoke screen :poker:

[BlackAndGold]

No report of the Steelers at Iowa or Iowa State's pro day.

Colbert was at Texas A&M pro day today.TE, Jace Sternberger is a potential mid round target. Not much of a blocker but he's a good pass catcher.

[Shoes]

No report of the Steelers at Iowa or Iowa State's pro day.

Colbert was at Texas A&M pro day today.TE, Jace Sternberger is a potential mid round target. Not much of a blocker but he's a good pass catcher.

They might as well just draft another WR then. If they think Hockenson & Fant are going to slide as Kettle did they as smoking some of Bells leftover weed.



Fant has had interviews with 22 NFL teams.

https://www.sidneyherald.com/national/sports/pro-day-gives-hawkeyes-a-chance-to-shine/article_2b3a3229-fbad-5703-ab63-2778f8da7277.html

[Born2Steel]

Lance Zeirline has AJ Brown pro comparison as JuJu. Do you think they would have a couple 6'0" physical receivers with 4.5 speed on the field at the same time?

Also, what do you think if the Steelers had somebody like Fant or Irv Smith at #20 and possibly look again in the 5th with somebody like Moreau or Zach Gentry? Double down on TE's , since all they really have is McDonald, Grimble and the Winter Soldier on the roster right now.

AJ Brown and Kelvin Harmon are both in the first round conversation from that JuJu mold of WRs. Metcalf and Butler are the mismatch vs nearly any DB in the first round conversation. I'm not saying it's not a real need but I don't think TE will be the pick at 20. Fant/Smith may both be there at 52 as well. Take a look at Dawson Knox, TE from Ole Miss too. Reading some compare him to George Kittle, established as a blocker and made strides in the pass game. Ole Miss just never used him as a receiving threat. I like Moreau a lot but think he will be gone before we would pull the trigger on him. Just so many possibilities with these offensive guys. With 10 picks it opens doors I'm not used to when it comes to the draft.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Fant/Smith may both be there at 52 as well.

https://i.gifer.com/SRSE.gif

[Shoes]

https://i.gifer.com/SRSE.gif


You got that right, NE Bill is sniffing all over those three(Hockenson, Fant & Smith)and there are hints that the Pats may move up to #10, plus there 3-4 teams that could draft a TE before #20. Smith might be there @ 20 but the Steelers won't pick him anyway.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Iowa tight end Noah Fant getting lots of Top 10 interest

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 28, 2019

At a time when a future Hall of Fame tight end has walked away, there’s one in this year’s draft who will walk in with high expectations.

Via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Iowa tight end Noah Fant is going to be a busy man for the next month.

He has 10 pre-draft visits set, and seven of the visits or workouts are with teams picking in the Top 10 in the NFL Draft.

Fant caught 39 passes for 519 and seven touchdowns this season, and his athleticism is going to make him a potentially immediate offensive threat.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/03/28/iowa-tight-end-noah-fant-getting-lots-of-top-10-interest/

[Mojouw]

I hope teams over-draft Fant. He simply isn't a TE. He can't/won't be a good blocker at the NFL level. He is going to be a massive WR that runs a limited route tree. So somewhere between Devin Funchess and Evan Engram. A valuable player in the NFL, but not something I would be jumping up and down about having to spend a first round pick on.

Honestly, if the Steelers wanted Fant's skill set, I would simply cross my fingers, squint really hard, and run the Winter Soldier out there and hope for the best.

Now Hockenson, he looks like a cross between Zach Ertz and George Kittle -- so, you know an actual TE. A darn good one at that...

Still, then I go watch Hakeem Butler highlights and start thinking about him as the lone WR on one side and Juju, Washington, and McDonald running out of a bunch on the other side and I just laugh and laugh at the thought of teams finding enough DBs to body up on those guys...

[BlackAndGold]

Gerry Dulac in his chat yesterday said about ILB or WR in round 1, and then noted again, "don't forget about WR"

For tight end, he said "Third round, no later than fourth."

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Gerry Dulac in his chat yesterday said about ILB or WR in round 1, and then noted again, "don't forget about WR"

For tight end, he said "Third round, no later than fourth." Steelers probably figure both TE's will be gone before their pick. Also not keen on changing the offense to two TE sets.

[Born2Steel]

TE will get drafted. If McDonald should go down for any stretch of games it’s Grimble-time. Show of hands, who’s looking forward to that?

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Point being Steelers are more likely to draft a WR first round then a TE. They are stubborn and don't want to change their scheme!

[teegre]

Point being Steelers are more likely to draft a WR first round then a TE. They are stubborn and don't want to change their scheme!

They utilize the two-TE set quite often. :noidea:

Tomlin & Colbert love to acquire TE/RB hybrids. Trevon Wesco (WVU) is probably the best blocking TE in the draft, because he routinely lined up as a FB. Plus, his catch rate is an unGodly 87%.

[cubanstogie]

TE will get drafted. If McDonald should go down for any stretch of games it’s Grimble-time. Show of hands, who’s looking forward to that?
more like when. McDonald always seems to get hurt, as do most. Catching passes in middle of field against faster DB's running at full speed is a tough job. If Hockenson is there at 20 I would be pumped and pick him, but wouldn't take the other 2 in first round. At 20th pick with 2-3 QB's going before us that really means we have a choice of top 17 non QB players. Taking a TE other than Hockenson with that pick is a reach IMO, there will be too good of a defensive pick still available. I would like to see a RB taken over WR. Conner like McDonald play in such a way where they will inevitably get dinged up, while Samuels can make a play here and there I don't see him being able to pick up 3rd and 1 or 2 consistently. They should be able to get quality WR, and RB in third thru fifth rounds.

[Mojouw]

I guess on the TE thing, the draft may reveal a great deal on how the team feels about Hodges. If someone finally taught the Winter Soldier to block, well then there really isn't a TE problem in Pittsburgh. We know that Hodges can get open and punish teams down the field. It is just that he blocks worse than the worst version of Jesse James.

[SteelMember]

So, around a 3rd or 4th may put us in the area of possibilities for Jace Sternberger, Kaden Smith, Caleb Wilson or Foster Moreau

[Born2Steel]

So, around a 3rd or 4th may put us in the area of possibilities for Jace Sternberger, Kaden Smith, Caleb Wilson or Foster Moreau

Dawson Knox from Ole Miss is being overlooked as well, IMO. Good blocker and pass catcher just under-utilized in Matt Luke’s offense with those WRs.

[SteelMember]

I guess on the TE thing, the draft may reveal a great deal on how the team feels about Hodges. If someone finally taught the Winter Soldier to block, well then there really isn't a TE problem in Pittsburgh. We know that Hodges can get open and punish teams down the field. It is just that he blocks worse than the worst version of Jesse James.

You seem to be really taking to the 'winter soldier' moniker... :chuckle:

[Mojouw]

You seem to be really taking to the 'winter soldier' moniker... :chuckle:

Yup! Mostly because I think a guy with a bionic arm and latent PTSD would be an asset to the team!

[SteelMember]

Dawson Knox from Ole Miss is being overlooked as well, IMO. Good blocker and pass catcher just under-utilized in Matt Luke’s offense with those WRs.

Maybe a bit overlooked, but probably one of the heavier TE prospects and I don't believe he finished his workout because of a groin injury... I think I'd prefer Smith in this window. Something about Stanford TE's as of late.
Moreau is probably their guy though.

[Born2Steel]

Maybe a bit overlooked, but probably one of the heavier TE prospects and I don't believe he finished his workout because of a groin injury... I think I'd prefer Smith in this window. Something about Stanford TE's as of late.
Moreau is probably their guy though.

I think they really like Moreau too. So do I. I just question the right round to go TE. There looks to be a decent quality one in just about every mock in every round. Never seen a ‘draft run’ on TEs before.

[Shoes]

If they don't take Hockenson or Fant, the last chance is Irv Smith. If they don't take one of these I believe they will regret it down the road.

Here is a clip from Iowa's Coach Ferentz on Hockenson & Fant
https://www.nbcsports.com/video/2019-nfl-draft-tj-hockenson-noah-fant-will-bring-unique-skills-teams

[86WARD]

They aren’t going to take a TE before the fourth round

[SteelMember]

They aren’t going to take a TE before the fourth round

Speculations were based on this earlier post so... with two 3rd rounders, very possible. /Dulac


Gerry Dulac in his chat yesterday said about ILB or WR in round 1, and then noted again, "don't forget about WR"

For tight end, he said "Third round, no later than fourth."

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

They utilize the two-TE set quite often. :noidea:

Tomlin & Colbert love to acquire TE/RB hybrids. Trevon Wesco (WVU) is probably the best blocking TE in the draft, because he routinely lined up as a FB. Plus, his catch rate is an unGodly 87%. Yea but one is always left to block. Would be cool to see both going out to catch.

[Shoes]

They aren’t going to take a TE before the fourth round

Sadly I agree with you but they will miss out on a sure thing. Hockenson, Fant, and Smith will secure their teams TE position for 9-10 years. Colbert and Tomlin will continue to draft LB, DB & WR every year in early rounds and continue to patch the inner tube at TE.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Sadly I agree with you but they will miss out on a sure thing. Hockenson, Fant, and Smith will secure their teams TE position for 9-10 years. Colbert and Tomlin will continue to draft LB, DB & WR every year in early rounds and continue to patch the inner tube at TE. I think if Hockenson is there at 20 they very well may take him, they won't trade up for him though. Probably a moot point cause he most likely won't make it to 20 but you never know.

[Shoes]

Upon further review, I would take Irv Smith over Fant.

[Born2Steel]

I honestly think some of you need to dive into the TE crop a little deeper. There will be some very talented TEs in this draft into the 4th and 5th rounds. The TE from Michigan for example is 6'7", fast and dominates in the pass game. Loves contact and beating out guys for contested catches. Both Tomlin and Colbert were at Michigan's pro day. Foster Moreau(LSU) and Dawson Knox(Ole Miss) are 2 very under-appreciated guys on this forum when it comes to draftable TEs. Point is, even if one of the Iowa TEs falls to 20 the Steelers may not select him, and it will be OK. I have yet to see a "RUN" on TEs in any draft.

[Shoes]

I honestly think some of you need to dive into the TE crop a little deeper. There will be some very talented TEs in this draft into the 4th and 5th rounds. The TE from Michigan for example is 6'7", fast and dominates in the pass game. Loves contact and beating out guys for contested catches. Both Tomlin and Colbert were at Michigan's pro day. Foster Moreau(LSU) and Dawson Knox(Ole Miss) are 2 very under-appreciated guys on this forum when it comes to draftable TEs. Point is, even if one of the Iowa TEs falls to 20 the Steelers may not select him, and it will be OK. I have yet to see a "RUN" on TEs in any draft.

You are not going to find a complete TE in the 5-7 R and this team hasn't had one since H. Miller. If the Steeler want to continue to patch the tube then happy drafting in R 5-7.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Sounds to me that Hockenson is the only complete TE in the draft. After him they all are a gamble as far as complete TE goes.

[Shoes]

Sounds to me that Hockenson is the only complete TE in the draft. After him they all are a gamble as far as complete TE goes.

Irv Smith is and Fant can be imo. In fact, from what I've been reading Smith is the guy NE is zeroed in on because they probably won't move up to get Hock.

[teegre]

As I’ve said for months: Hockerson is the best offensive weapon in this draft.

If he is there at 20, whether Colbert attended his pro day or not, Hockerson will be the pick. But, I simply do not see Hockerson dropping that far.

[Born2Steel]

Ole Miss TE Dawson Knox. Not used much in the passing game but when he was used averaged over 13 yards per catch.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dawson-knox?id=32194b4e-4f49-0795-942a-0c363ee9b439

https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/dawson-knox

http://www.steelersuniverse.com/forums/showthread.php/29974-WRs-and-TEs-thread/page4

https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/draft2019/2019/02/26/nfl-combine-dawson-knox-goes-walk-invitee-combine-draft-ole-miss-brentwood-academy/2905748002/

Game tape vs Bama then LSU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKAFwZhdh5w

Game tape vs Miss State. Knox against Abram mostly. Fun tape to watch. Then it goes into Sternberger vs South Carolina.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHM67Ix1wTI


Just for apples to apples comparing this is Hockenson vs Miss State in the Outback Bowl. (Who is #4 on the MissState DL?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8k61WRh854

[hawaiiansteeler]

(Who is #4 on the MissState DL?)



DE Gerri Green

https://hailstate.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4675

[Born2Steel]

DE Gerri Green

https://hailstate.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4675

I actually did know “who” he was. I guess I just meant watch him a bit too. He was tough to block even if a bit raw. Dawson and Hockenson both had trouble blocking Green. Not saying, just saying.

[Hound]

If the Devins are gone and Hockenson is still on the board I say you grab him. Much easier to find a more adequate WR in round 2 and 3 then a TE. Please just don’t reach for a position of need and over draft a player

[Fire Goodell]

If the Devins are gone and Hockenson is still on the board I say you grab him. Much easier to find a more adequate WR in round 2 and 3 then a TE. Please just don’t reach for a position of need and over draft a player

Hockensen is probably the safest pick you can get in rd. 1, his overall game is strong, I'd say he's almost zero bust potential and should immediately contribute. If he's there at 20 you almost have to take him.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Miles Sanders, Andy Isabella among prospects visiting Steelers on Monday

RAY FITTIPALDO
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
APR 1, 2019

Penn State running back Miles Sanders and Massachusetts receiver Andy Isabella are two of the five NFL prospects visiting the Steelers on Monday.

NFL teams can bring in 30 prospects to their facility over the next three weeks to get a better chance to know them. The other three prospects visiting Monday are running back Damien Harris of Alabama, receiver Dillon Mitchell of Oregon and tight end Alize Mack of Notre Dame.

to read rest of article:

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/04/01/Steelers-predraft-visits-Miles-Sanders-Andy-Isabella-Dillon-Mitchell-Damien-Harris-Alabama-Penn-State-Alize-Mack-Notre-Dame/stories/201904010074

[hawaiiansteeler]

BILL PALAICH FROM CLERMONT, FL: Do you think that Xavier Grimble is good enough or has the potential to replace Jesse James as a No. 2 tight end, or will the Steelers be looking for a talent upgrade behind Vance McDonald?

ANSWER: I believe it’s possible the Steelers will look to draft a tight end, but I would hope that doesn’t happen until Saturday (Rounds 4-7) if at all. If the Steelers don’t draft a tight end, maybe they sign one in the later stage of free agency, but I do believe there would be some players added there before the team heads to Latrobe, for the simple reason of having enough bodies for practices. And let’s be real about James – last season he caught 30 passes and scored two touchdowns. The Steelers aren’t faced with replacing John Mackey.

https://www.steelers.com/news/asked-and-answered-april-4

[Shoes]

BILL PALAICH FROM CLERMONT, FL: Do you think that Xavier Grimble is good enough or has the potential to replace Jesse James as a No. 2 tight end, or will the Steelers be looking for a talent upgrade behind Vance McDonald?

ANSWER: I believe it’s possible the Steelers will look to draft a tight end, but I would hope that doesn’t happen until Saturday (Rounds 4-7) if at all. If the Steelers don’t draft a tight end, maybe they sign one in the later stage of free agency, but I do believe there would be some players added there before the team heads to Latrobe, for the simple reason of having enough bodies for practices. And let’s be real about James – last season he caught 30 passes and scored two touchdowns. The Steelers aren’t faced with replacing John Mackey.

https://www.steelers.com/news/asked-and-answered-april-4

LMAO, same old BS thinking.

[hawaiiansteeler]

LMAO, same old BS thinking.

would you be willing to trade up for Hockenson?

[BlackAndGold]

The Steelers have a #1 TE. Not surprising that they may wait till day 3 to draft one.

Wouldn't shock me if they trade for one if there is a team out there with depth at TE.

[Shoes]

would you be willing to trade up for Hockenson?

I thought so earlier on, but now I wouldn't trade up for anyone in this draft. Hockenson won't make it past the Packers @ 12.

[Shoes]

The Steelers have a #1 TE. Not surprising that they may wait till day 3 to draft one.

Wouldn't shock me if they trade for one if there is a team out there with depth at TE.

That #1 TE has a history of glass, I expect that to resume this year and that's it for the TE's.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

That #1 TE has a history of glass, I expect that to resume this year and that's it for the TE's. I thought VD was pretty healthy last year and not sure he earns the Fragile Fred label.

[Mojouw]

I thought VD was pretty healthy last year and not sure he earns the Fragile Fred label.

VD.... Healthy....it burns when I pee!

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

VD.... Healthy....it burns when I pee! Haha and see a doctor and get rid of it Al Capone. PS I'm still suffering from the Artie Burns.

[Shoes]

I thought VD was pretty healthy last year and not sure he earns the Fragile Fred label.

I'd say he earned it from his past history. He had a good year last year, I believe he only missed the Brown's game and played in 15 games, the first time since his rookie year. His hands are not a sure thing and he hasn't been consistent in blocking and behind him we have nothing. Doesn't matter tho, we just need a few more superstar WR's so we can win the SB. LMAO!

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I'd say he earned it from his past history. He had a good year last year, I believe he only missed the Brown's game, the first time since his rookie year. His hands are not a sure thing and he hasn't been consistent in blocking and behind him we have nothing. Doesn't matter tho, we just need a few more superstar WR's so we can win the SB. LMAO! Yep he still had some hand issues last season. I still like him but would be all for trading up for Hockerson as well.

[Shoes]

Yep he still had some hand issues last season. I still like him but would be all for trading up for Hockerson as well.

I like him also, but Hock, Fant or Smith would be a huge upgrade and would add another dimension to the offense

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I like him also, but Hock, Fant or Smith would be a huge upgrade and would add another dimension to the offense Yep I'm happy with Vance but wouldn't mind seeing any of the three drafted. Instead of WR early.

[Shoes]

Antoine Wesley maybe a late pick?

Tall but thin, Wesley makes up for his lack of explosiveness and long speed with rare ball skills and attention to detail in his route running. When the ball is in the air, he can quiet his surrounding and hyper-focus on ball-tracking and catch-point. Historically, players with comparable height, weight and lack of speed numbers get drafted later and struggle to make a difference in the league; however, his ridiculous ball skills and functional separation in tight quarters give him a chance to buck the trend.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2dL_ybGgAY

[teegre]

The WR most like JuJu (and Hines Ward) is AJ Brown, Ole Miss.

A local WR who doesn’t count against the “visits” is Nehari Crawford, Duquesne.

[Shoes]

Nice interesting read from the other NFL PA team

https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2019/4/12/18308683/nfl-mock-draft-2019-pittsburgh-steelers-select-t-j-hockenson-tight-end-iowa-hawkeyes-first-round-te

[hawaiiansteeler]

I like him also, but Hock, Fant or Smith would be a huge upgrade and would add another dimension to the offense

Unless Hock, Fant or Smith are going to cover Keenan Allen, I'd rather go defense with our first pick...

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Unless Hock, Fant or Smith are going to cover Keenan Allen, I'd rather go defense with our first pick... ILB's should never be covering a teams 1WR ever! There is the problem and on the coach! Not sure drafting a better one would help that much.

[86WARD]

ILB's should never be covering a teams 1WR ever! There is the problem and on the coach! Not sure drafting a better one would help that much.

No, that’s gonna happen every once in a while with personnel mismatches. When it happens on every play...then you are right...scheme and coach have problems. Even with Shazier, even with 4 Shaziers, it’s a dumb game plan.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Yep I'm happy with Vance but wouldn't mind seeing any of the three drafted.

in the Steelers 6 losses last year they gave up an average of exactly 30 points per game. give me the 3 down LB over the #2 TE who only plays about half of the snaps (we run 11 personnel more often than any other formation).