Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Players fighting for roster spot vs. Panthers

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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 09: Zach Gentry #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Mason Rudolph #2 after scoring a touchdown in the second half during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field on August 9, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Zach Gentry, TE

Pittsburgh selected Zach Gentry out of Michigan in the fifth round of this year’s draft. In college, Gentry only saw action at tight end in his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he posted 32 receptions, 514 yards and two touchdowns.

In Week 1 of the preseason, Gentry had three receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t post anything in Week 2 but did catch a pass for 15 yards in Week 3. Right now, Pittsburgh’s official website lists Gentry as the team’s fifth option at tight end. The current depth chart isn’t complete or final though and there will be plenty of shifts between now and Week 1 of the regular season.

Right now, in order, Vance McDonald, Xavier Grimble, Christian Scotland-Williamson and Kevin Rader are ahead of Gentry on the depth chart. McDonald will be the team’s starter and Grimble has been with the team for the past three seasons. Rader and Scotland-Williamson are both rookies who could be cut. If either of them is let go, then Gentry will make the active roster.

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At 6-8, 265 pounds, it’s easy to see why the Steelers are interested in Gentry. The question is, is Gentry a long-term project best fit for the practice squad as a rookie, or can he contribute immediately? The Steelers aren’t going to completely discard a rookie fifth-round pick with the physical traits that Gentry has, but the young tight end still has a lot to prove.

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