Odom is obviously worth a look with his size and measurables, but I could easily see him being amongst the first cuts. He may show enough to get on the practice squad, but IMO, it's a long shot. My opinion is probably biased on Shaheen because I really wanted him to be a Steeler and love the way he plays. You're right though, he's definitely no guarantee.
Eric Green was probably the closest thing to a burner the Steelers have had at TE. My point is, teams usually have a starting TE that either stretches the field in the passing game, or a starting TE who can block in the running game. I guess time will tell whether or not James has improved his blocking. He's by all means an adequate TE who can get the job done, but he's not spectacular.
I remember reading somewhere Ben wanted a TE in the draft. I don't recall where I read it, but google will probably provide you with an answer. Could have just been rumors, but I wouldn't blame him for wanting an upgrade.
Found the article
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...Yict26B9zxZIfQ
James' 11 receptions out of 15 targets and 137 yards / 12.5 ypc in the playoffs is about what you might expect from Heath performance-wise.
Outlaw is still young and developing so it is possible he could continue improving.
On a side note I have noticed when he runs straight routes he tends to drift right. It could be an ear thing...
"With love, with patience, and with Faith
....She'll make her way" ~ Natalie Merchant
I like James let's see what he does this year and, I think he will keep getting better. Alot of Steeler fans need to understand that players like Troy P & Heath Miller & Ben Roethlisberger don't come around very often like every 20-30 years.
Those ears are unfortunate.
James is ok, he is not anything special. And while they can win with him and did last year, he seems more like a no. 2 TE and could be upgraded by any TE who can gain yards after the catch and/or can block
My biggest problem is that them not addressing TE seemed to be based on them thinking Green would be available and that they didn't take into account enough that he had a high risk of not being available
"With love, with patience, and with Faith
....She'll make her way" ~ Natalie Merchant
If Barnidge would take a 1 year deal worth about $1mil. I hope they take a look.
He's a 10 year vet, I'm sure he would be interested in playing for a contender after playing with Cleveland for 4 seasons.
I do believe they will run a lot of 10 personnel formations ( 4 wide and 1 RB no TE ) we have not done much of that in the past but the current roster configuration points to that IMO .
they have All world WR A.B. who is the clear #1 , Bryant who truly is a #1 WR in his own right ( when he can stay on the field ) and potentially the biggest game changer at the Position in the league.
Rogers who proved capable as a rookie and should take a step up in year 2 and they drafted a tough guy WR in JuJu in the 2nd round who can block , catch and make yards after the catch with physicality ( TE like to some degree but with the size and speed of a WR )
they are going to want all 4 of those guys on the field for a significant number of snaps IMO
do you take arguably the best RB in the league off the field to add a subpar TE to the above grouping ? I wouldn't because it does nothing for you and only tips your hand with the RB on the field they still have to respect the run or get killed by it .... take him off the field and they can pin their ears back and rush the passer
This is what I'm saying. This offense is top 5 at the very least WITHOUT a superstar TE. We can get one next year. The problem right now is covering those type of TE's like Gronk. Depth needs to be added to ILB and Safety if at all possible. Does anyone feel good with what we have if Shazier and Davis were to go down? I sure don't!
Colon envy?
Seriously though, while it is fun to read and debate this stuff, noone (including Ben imo), will truly believe this until he puts up top 5 numbers.
"With love, with patience, and with Faith
....She'll make her way" ~ Natalie Merchant
I'm hoping Jesse can develop this year into "Heath-Lite." With our other weapons, it would be enough from the TE position.
Top 5 tight end is a major reach
Top 5... in height.
Top 5 is crazy talk. I doubt JJ will ever become that type of player, can he become a solid starter? Yes I believe he can.
Also, he just turned 23 years old, and continues to get in better shape. I'm fine with JJ as the #1 TE on this team.