Steelers-by-position: TEs

steelers5895 wrote:

To me Mercedes Lewis is the best option at TE.  He is a big guy, decent hands and great at the point of attack.  He has been buried in Jacksonville forever and then knocked to second string with Jags signing Julius Thomas.  he wont break the bank and come in as an immediate starter.  

Like another poster said, our TE position isn't a make or break position for us on the offense BUT we do need an over the middle threat and Lewis is that.  we don't want our WRS going over the middle too much.

Yeah, Lewis is better than his production shows.

Miller did a great job catching in traffic and as I stated in another thread, he was money with those catches. Given the WR threats the Steelers have, it's not so much "over the middle" as much as it's the underneath. One could say it's the same thing, but there's a big difference. Over the middle implies throwing in traffic where linebackers or safeties are waiting to disrupt the catch with hard hits on the receiver. Underneath is when the WRs are taking the corners and safeties deeper down the field leaving the TEs or RBs isolated in open space against LBs. This is where the Steelers missed Lev Bell against Denver and/or a TE that could run a little faster than what Miller had in him.

That's why I like Hunter Henry. I see a young version of Heath Miller (hate using the comparison because the kid hasn't played in the NFL yet, but he looks similar to Miller when Miller was at UVA). Henry didn't have huge stats, but he seemed to be an afterthought in the passing game. Watch his highlights and you'll usually see the Arkansas QB (Brandon Allen) look to Henry when all else fails. He wasn't the primary or even secondary receiver. Henry isn't really a precise route runner, but he quickly finds those open spaces in the secondary and that is a big plus at the next level. I think this guy fits the Steelers TE mold better than Maxx Williams and I thought he was a decent TE coming out last year.

Gerry Dulac
Colbert said Steelers “liked what we saw” of TE Xavier Grimble, who spent most of last season on the practice squad. Grimble is 6-5, 257.

https://twitter.com/gerrydulac/status/702573226644213760

Wexell also said that Grimble looked impressive. Maybe he's a sleeper?

Miller, while was in decline, was still an important part of last year Steelers offense. He was still second in reception last season. I like James but he's more like a red zone threat instead of every down TE as his blocking is still below average and he is not good at create separation. That's why I like Hunter Henry in first round.

But if we look at the Steelers recent draft history, the Steelers may be more interested in Nick Vannett which I also won't complain.

Dale Lolley ‏@dlolleyor

Stanford TE Austin Hooper said he will meet with #Steelers tonight

Hooper also said he's done his homework. Not only knew #Steelers had Heath Miller retire last week, but also knew Rob Blanchflower released

https://twitter.com/dlolleyor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Dale Lolley ‏@dlolleyor  

Stanford TE Austin Hooper said he will meet with #Steelers tonight

Hooper also said he's done his homework. Not only knew #Steelers had Heath Miller retire last week, but also knew Rob Blanchflower released

https://twitter.com/dlolleyor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

More of a receiver than a blocker IMO. If they can improve his blocking, then maybe he becomes an all around TE.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Dale Lolley ‏@dlolleyor  

Stanford TE Austin Hooper said he will meet with #Steelers tonight

Hooper also said he's done his homework. Not only knew #Steelers had Heath Miller retire last week, but also knew Rob Blanchflower released

https://twitter.com/dlolleyor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

More of a receiver than a blocker IMO.  If they can improve his blocking, then maybe he becomes an all around TE.

I've seen knocks on him for his routes and dropping contested balls. Projected at rounds 2-3 we could do better with those picks. If Steelers arent taking Hunter Henry in the first then I think we should assume Jesse James is who theyre banking on because Austin Hooper isn't gonna come into the league with much more to offer. IMO its Hunter Henry or get back to looking at the secondary like we were before Heath retired.

Well Heath is retired. It is time to look for some new blood. Will miss Miller though.

KeepHarrisonTilHes92 wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Dale Lolley ‏@dlolleyor  

Stanford TE Austin Hooper said he will meet with #Steelers tonight

Hooper also said he's done his homework. Not only knew #Steelers had Heath Miller retire last week, but also knew Rob Blanchflower released

https://twitter.com/dlolleyor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

More of a receiver than a blocker IMO.  If they can improve his blocking, then maybe he becomes an all around TE.

IMO its Hunter Henry or get back to looking at the secondary like we were before Heath retired.

My exact thoughts but every year we get a big surprise. Maybe this year it will be a 5'4" 250lb cb.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Dale Lolley ‏@dlolleyor  

Stanford TE Austin Hooper said he will meet with #Steelers tonight

Hooper also said he's done his homework. Not only knew #Steelers had Heath Miller retire last week, but also knew Rob Blanchflower released

https://twitter.com/dlolleyor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

More of a receiver than a blocker IMO.  If they can improve his blocking, then maybe he becomes an all around TE.

I really don't think he's a good blocker at all. His mechanics are screwed up: he doesn't get a good base, usually with his feet too close together, then doesn't drive through the player. It almost looks like his approach is to try to just get in the way for a second (this is all a bit of a generalization and he's probably gotten some good blocks in during his NCAA days). Either blocking technique wasn't a focus for him, or he just doesn't have the mentality to execute it well. I'd pass on him. Look, the Steelers don't need another receiver, they are deep in that skillset. They need someone who can block well and still be a good receiver that presents a mismatch with LBs in the passing game. My personal feeling is I wouldn't spend a 2nd or 3rd rounder on this guy because he's not an upgrade of what we have with James, who was a 5th rounder last year.

Stanford tight end Austin Hooper a quick study when it comes to Steelers

February 26, 2016
By Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Stanford tight end Austin Hooper answers a question Thursday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS — As a student at Stanford, tight end Austin Hooper always knew to do his homework. He has certainly done it as he prepares to embark on his pro football career.

“I mean, I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t study teams who need them,” Hooper said Thursday at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. “I take a look at teams who release tight ends, teams that let other guys go, not just cut them, but allow them to hit the free-agent market; and other teams that have multiple tight ends.”

Hooper was asked if he was aware Heath Miller retired from the Steelers.

“Yes, I noticed that,” Hooper said quickly. Then, to show just how much he pays attention, he quickly added, “And Rob Blanchflower is no longer part of the Steelers I believe, too.”

Now that’s really doing your homework.

“Oh yeah,” Hooper said. “Got to do my Stanford thing.”

Part of doing the Stanford thing also is upholding the school’s tight-end tradition, something Hooper has done following in the big footsteps of Coby Fleener, Levine Toilolo and Zach Ertz.

Hooper is one of the top tight ends at the combine — draft analyst Mike Mayock of the NFL Network has him rated No. 2 behind Hunter Henry of Arkansas — and, as such, has commanded the attention of the Steelers, who will be looking for someone to help ease Miller’s retirement.

The Steelers were among the teams with whom Hooper was officially scheduled to interview Thursday night. Hooper already had met Steelers tight end coach James Daniel the other night.

“Great organization,” Hooper said. “Coach J.D. seems like a real knowledgeable guy, so hopefully I can pick his brain a little bit later.”

Hooper, who measured at 6 feet 4¾, 254 pounds, can move away from the line of scrimmage, something that many teams desire for spread formations. But he said he also is big enough and strong enough to be a good in-line blocker. That combination is something the Steelers desire in their tight ends.

“I’m very physical,” Hooper said. “I grew up playing defensive line my whole life until I came to college, so the physical side of the game of football isn’t something that scares me in the slightest. I feel confident with my abilities and, hopefully, a team does, too.”

Hooper isn’t concerned that he’s not the tallest of the top tight ends in the draft class. Both Henry and Ohio State’s Nick Vannett, another top prospect in what is considered a weak class of tight ends, are 6-6. Hooper said he makes up for that with ability.

“My blocking ability, my route-running ability, my catching ability,” he said, “And if a team doesn’t like me because I’m a quarter-inch too small, then it is what it is. Hopefully, another team will.”

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/02/26/Stanford-tight-end-Austin-Hooper-a-quick-study-when-it-comes-to-Steelers/stories/201602260142

NFL SCOUTING COMBINE: TOP TE STANDOUTS



Jerell Adams was among the tight ends to produce strong performances at the combine. How did he and the others grade during the season?

Players’ collegiate production and on-field performance is the most important part of evaluating prospects in the run-up to the draft, but the combine can at least alter perceptions and cause some players to move higher or lower on draft boards. Whether it leads people astray or not, there will be players that make or lose money based on the numbers they put up in Indianapolis.

How did the top performers in Saturday’s TE workouts grade out according to PFF this season? Let’s take a look:

1. Jerell Adams, South Carolina

This is not a tight end class blessed with super-athletes, but arguably the best performance of the group in Indy came from Adams. His 4.66-second 40-yard dash time was the fastest posted, and his 10-yard split was among the best. He also checked in with prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-5, 247 pounds. Adams this season graded positively at PFF, but it was almost entirely as a run-blocker; he earned ninth-best grade in the nation, including many players who were blocking specialists in run-heavy offenses.

Adams did catch 28 passes, scored three times and broke 10 tackles after the catch, but he also dropped five balls over the season and was only average as a receiving threat. He is a mid-round prospect in this draft, but in a weak TE class he may have raised his stock a little based on solid workout numbers.

2. Austin Hooper, Stanford

Hooper is seen by many as the second-best TE in this class behind Hunter Henry from Arkansas (who did not work out). At 10 and 5/8 inches, his hands were the biggest of any TE measured, and he has shown the ability to make spectacular catches at Stanford, but he also posted a solid 4.73 40 time at 254 pounds.

This season Hooper was one of only seven TEs in the country to post solid positive grades as both a receiver and a run-blocker. He caught 63 percent of the passes thrown his way, as well as six touchdowns, but did have five drops to his name. Hooper was solid if unspectacular for Stanford, but did at least show in his workouts that he has a greater athletic profile than many will have been expecting, and does have the potential to justify his status as the second-best prospect at his position.

to read rest of article:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/02/27/nfl-scouting-combine-top-te-standouts/

2016 NFL Draft Stock Down

Henry Henry, TE, Arkansas

The consensus top tight end prospect is Arkansas' Hunter Henry, but he had a disappointing showing at the combine. Henry (6-5, 250) had a poor total on the bench press of only 13 reps of 225 pounds. It was disappointing that he didn't run the 40 or do the other jump measurements, but he did take part in the field work.

However, based on how Henry performed there, he should have declined to do that as well. He had a poor workout as a blocker and receiver. On numerous plays, Henry wasn't running the routes correctly around the cones. It seemed like he was disinterested and didn't want to be there. Sources said they felt Henry's workout was poor as well. Overall, he didn't perform well at the combine, but it probably isn't bad enough to change his status as the top tight end prospect.

http://walterfootball.com/draft2016stock_24.php#c72w2OgdEsS8T180.99

Best team fits for free agents

By Around The NFL NFL.com
Published: March 3, 2016

Dwayne Allen to Steelers

"Everybody's looking for a Heath Miller, the all-around traditional tight end that can block, can catch," Bruce Arians said last week. Dwayne Allen is that traditional tight end, as referenced Wednesday. If the Steelers land him as Miller's replacement, they can scratch tight end off their shopping list and concentrate on adding secondary help in the early rounds of the draft. -- Chris Wesseling

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000640942/article/best-team-fits-for-free-agents

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Best team fits for free agents

By Around The NFL NFL.com
Published: March 3, 2016

Dwayne Allen to Steelers

"Everybody's looking for a Heath Miller, the all-around traditional tight end that can block, can catch," Bruce Arians said last week. Dwayne Allen is that traditional tight end, as referenced Wednesday. If the Steelers land him as Miller's replacement, they can scratch tight end off their shopping list and concentrate on adding secondary help in the early rounds of the draft. -- Chris Wesseling

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000640942/article/best-team-fits-for-free-agents

If the Steelers indeed have the money to sign Allen, they would use those money on Eric Weddle first. So I really don't see him coming.

@AdamSchefter
Former Chargers TE Ladarius Green is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/707620974838083584

BlackAndGold wrote:

@AdamSchefter
Former Chargers TE Ladarius Green is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/707620974838083584

Good. Now draft secondary

kirklandrules wrote:

Vis wrote:

BlackAndGold wrote:

@AdamSchefter
Former Chargers TE Ladarius Green is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/707620974838083584

Good.  Now draft secondary

Damn right, no more distractions.

Btw the Steelers might once more have made a DeAngelo-esque extreme value signing in FA. Green certainly has upside and was tutored behind Antonio Gates, and is fairly young. Not a bad signing at all if it does go down. After this though I hope FO stays quiet.

Yeah, I like the signing. I read somewhere that Green was a possible fit for the Steelers, but really didn't have a deep resume from his backup time in San Diego. Decent enough blocker and more athletic than Miller, Spaeth or James...so what isn't to like about the signing.

Really didn't see that coming as I think the Chargers would keep him. I like this signing. He won't turn 26 until May and was under the radar only because of a future HOF TE in front of him. He could catch and I'm fairly confident that he could at least match Miller last year passing game. My only question is about his blocking.

He ran 4.56-second 40-yard at the combine. Ben would have lots of speedy targets in the coming season.

SUPER BOWL!

Fire Arians wrote:

SUPER BOWL!

Honestly this famous catchphrase has lately lost its typical sarcasm. Steelers really have been making more better moves than bad ones as of late. Hopefully Cortez Allen is the last dumb thing the FO does for awhile.

Well.. And Antwan Blake over McCain.

Ah nevermind. The sarcasm still definitely has merit. Bring on the OLB round one of the draft.

Green's contract is 4 years $20M, $4.75M guaranteed (TBC).
Allen's contract is 4 years $29.4M, $16M guaranteed.
Coby Fleener's contract is 5 years $36M, $18M guaranteed.

I like the Green deal even more when you compare the market value.

kan_t wrote:

Green's contract is 4 years $20M, $4.75M guaranteed (TBC).
Allen's contract is 4 years $29.4M, $16M guaranteed.
Coby Fleener's contract is 5 years $36M, $18M guaranteed.

I like the Green deal even more when you compare the market value.

It really is a great signing just from a value standpoint.

He is extremely fast and athletic. He is completely different from any TE they've had on the roster in a loooong time. The number they got him for is crazy good.

This is a very good signing.

They have also not spent a fortune on the players they have re-signed. There is still some room for more signings and possible FA moves. They are having a fantastic year in FA, and there is more to come.

kan_t wrote:

Green's contract is 4 years $20M, $4.75M guaranteed (TBC).
Allen's contract is 4 years $29.4M, $16M guaranteed.
Coby Fleener's contract is 5 years $36M, $18M guaranteed.

I like the Green deal even more when you compare the market value.

Green's deal is low and SD, the team that knew him best, valued him below Gates in his waning years. Is there some red flag that isn't well known that drove Green's value down?