The NFL Draft is officially over and attention will shift to OTAs and off-season camps. The 90-man roster is set and the team will be looking at their depth chart for every position entering training camp. This series will examine who has the inside chances to be higher on the depth chart come August. For this edition, we will look at tight ends.
Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End Depth Chart Projections
1. Jesse James
With the release of Ladarius Green, Jesse James will step in as the Steelers number one option at tight end for the 2017 season. James was the number one option for the majority of 2016 with Green sidelined due to injury. James proved himself as a reliable target last season, adding a change of pace from the focus on fast receivers or Le’Veon Bell. His size makes him a match up issue for the opposition, and he will most likely add to his statistics this season as the undisputed number one tight end in 2017.
2. David Johnson
Although he will be in a battle for playing time with Xavier Grimble, David Johnson will enter the season as the backup option at tight end. This is a tight battle for number two, but many projections have Johnson ahead of Grimble. This is due in part to Johnson’s experience, entering his ninth season. Although not thrillingly excellent in any certain area, Johnson is a gritty and dependable veteran, the type of player needed in a young offense. His balance of wisdom will help those around him grow and he will add production in receptions on the field.
3. Xavier Grimble
Coming in on David Johnson’s heels is rising tight end Xavier Grimble. Grimble was a relative unknown entering last year, but saw time thanks to Ladarius Green’s injury issues. Now entering his second season, many would not be shocked if Grimble moves into the number two slot at tight end before the regular season begins. Standing at 6’4″, Grimble hauled in two touchdowns last season. His youth and hunger for playing time will benefit the Steelers when he sees the field. Look for Grimble to have a breakout season in 2017.
4. Phazahn Odom
As an undrafted free agent, Phazahn Odom will need to work hard to make the regular season squad. However, it is likely he can make the roster if he can use his size to his advantage. At 6’8″ and 251 pounds, Odom is an interesting project that should show promise blocking and can even play some special teams. Being an injury away from playing time, look to see Odom make the roster and work his way up the depth chart in the coming years.
5, Scott Orndoff
Scott Orndoff is a good story. From Waynesburg, PA, the University of Pittsburgh prospect was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Steelers 90 man roster. Unfortunately for Orndoff, he will have to turn some heads to make the regular season roster. Most likely for Orndoff, he will be serving time on the practice squad, working hard to get a more prominent role with the team in the future.
