Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers signed free agent tight end Ladarius Green to a four-year, $20 million contract this week, the team is still showing interest in draft hopeful tight ends.
According to Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk, the Steelers were one of several teams that waited for extra time to work with Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett after Friday’s pro day concluded.
Vannett, who measured in at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at 6’6”, 257-pounds, wasn’t used very much in the Ohio State passing game during his four years at the school as he only caught 55 total passes for 585 yards and 6 touchdowns during his college career.
While not used that much in the passing game, Vannett excelled as an end-of-the-line blocker at Ohio State and was also used some as a detached receiver.
The 2016 draft class isn’t rich with tight end talent this year and especially when it comes to players who can function as both a receiver and blocker. For that reason, Vannett is expected to hear his name called during this year’s draft somewhere within the first three rounds.
The Steelers offseason roster currently includes tight ends Green, Jesse James, Matt Spaeth and former undrafted free agent Xavier Grimble. A few weeks ago, veteran tight end Heath Miller decided to retire.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was present at the Ohio State pro day in addition to other members of the organization.
