2019 NFL Mock Draft: Kinnan’s final first-round projection

This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers let tight end Jesse James walk to the Lions in free agency and are now left with Vance McDonald as the only tight end on their roster to make significant contributions. However, to round out the top 20 picks, the Steelers are able to add the second part of the Iowa tight end tandem T.J. Hockenson and give them a quality tight end for a decade to come.

While Fant is the more explosive and better pass catcher of the two Hawkeye teammates, Hockenson is the better all-around prospect as he is not lacking in his run blocking capabilities nor his ability to catch the football and make plays down the field. After these two tight end prospects, there is a steep drop off. So if Pittsburgh wants to add a quality tight end, then they should do it in the first round.

While the Steelers secondary continues to hurt, they did sign Steven Nelson to a deal this offseason and used their first round pick from a year ago on safety Terrell Edmunds. This may give them the liberty to look on the offensive side of the football to get Ben Roethlisberger another weapon to throw to. That’s what they do here with the Hockenson pick, shocking a few people in the process, surely.