There’s nothing Pittsburgh Steelers fans love more than hometown players playing for their team. The fans loved Derek Moye, the receiver out of Penn State, however he wasn’t able to stay with the team. The Steelers didn’t take long to find their next Penn State alum to add to their roster.
In the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected tight end Jesse James. Before the addition, the Steelers had Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth on their roster. Now, with the retirement of Miller many fans are wondering: will it be James who takes over for Miller?
James could be a suitable replacement. James is a big guy, standing tall at 6’7. He’s got the body figure of Rob Gronkowski, as Gronkowski 265 pounds and James is 261. He’s young at 21 years old, but now he has a year of experience. To make it more valuable, James got mentored by Miller, an 11-year veteran who holds his name in the Steelers record books.
James wasn’t targeted as much as he could have been this past season. He had eight receptions, played in eight games, and made two starts. In his eight receptions, he had 56 receiving yards. James had one touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9.
The Steelers could still target another another tight end. The most valuable tight end, so far, in the draft is Hunter Henry from the University of Arkansas. He’s 6’6, 255 pounds, and is projected to go early in the draft.
However, the Steelers should stick with James as their number one. In training camp, he could be taught more by Matt Spaeth. The Steelers could also target a tight end in free agency, if they want James to be their number two tight end. Coby Fleener, Zach Miller, Jared Cook
and Jermaine Gresham are just a few names on the free agent market.
No matter where they get their next tight end from, it’s a must for the team. Two tight ends is not enough. Preferably the Steelers should find one from free agency, as a veteran presence would be best for the team.
