The Pittsburgh Steelers have had success drafting mid-to-late-round pass-catchers, with the top three receivers on the depth chart falling between Rounds 3-6.
The next might be fifth-round tight end Jesse James, whose ability in the red zone has stood out during training camp. The 6-foot-7 tight end had several nice touchdown grabs there, including a diving catch on an over-the-middle Landry Jones toss, between the safety and corner in the soft spot of the zone coverage. He has an outstretched touchdown grab off a lob to the corner of the end zone, beating his man.
With tight end Heath Miller sidelined for Sunday's Hall of Fame game against the Vikings, James should see plenty of reps.
James has average speed, but offsets that with good hands and being a huge target at 6-foot-7 and 261 pounds. The Steelers also drafted Sammie Coates in the third round, and the former Auburn receiver is in the long-term plans, but James has a chance to play earlier because the Steelers aren't as deep at tight end and Coates probably needs a transition year. If Miller continues to be banged up, it's possible James makes his mark in what is expected to be a high-powered offense.
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