Pittsburgh Steelers: Final 7-round 2018 mock draft

Let’s be honest — the Steelers could use some help at tight end. It didn’t seem like enough of a need to address it with the team’s first couple of picks, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that actually happened during the 2018 NFL Draft.

For now, I decided to add a high-upside talent to the mix for Pittsburgh. Tyler Conklin may not turn the position around overnight, but he offers enough intrigue to give the Steelers a little more hope for consistent production from the tight end spot. I mean, it just hasn’t been the same since Heath Miller hung ’em up.

At this moment, Jesse James is penciled in as the starter. And while he’s no slouch, I don’t think he’s a plus starter at this point in his career. He’ll make some solid catches and can hold his own as a blocker, but an upgrade wouldn’t be a terrible thing. Behind him, Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble offer athleticism and unrealized potential, but not much else.

I’ll admit Conklin is in a similar boat. A converted basketball player, the Central Michigan product has size, athleticism and a surprising feel for the position. Although not a star in the passing game, he can make his presence felt while also pitching in quality in-line blocking. He’s the whole package, if he can stay healthy and develop the raw tools he currently possesses.

Can Conklin be the Steelers’ starting tight end some day? Yes, but there are a lot of ifs that come with it. For now, let’s just say he’d be an interesting get in the fifth round.