The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to round out their future contracts, signing TE Ryan Malleck today. The team announced the transaction on Twitter.
Weighing in at 6’4/4 247 at last year’s Combine, he jumped 34.5 inches in the vert and 10’1″ in the broad. After opting against the 40 at Indy, he turned in a 4.81 at VT’s Pro Day.
In three years with the Hokies, he caught 62 passes for 658 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 21 passes and averaged nearly 14 yards per reception as a senior. The move shouldn’t come as a surprise. Tight ends coach James Daniel went to their Pro Day and spent time with Malleck last year.
At the time, Malleck had this to say about the thought of becoming a Steeler, in reference to replacing Heath Miller. From the Roanoke Times.
“That’d be awesome. I really like the way he [Miller] played the game the last 11 years. I think my game is similar to his and his style, being able to run block and catch the ball down the field.”
NFL.com’s scouting report gave him high marks for his football IQ, hands, and effort as a blocker. They didn’t like his ability to separate downfield. He initially signed with the New York Giants after the draft.
He makes the second Hokie player signed in as many days. Punter A.J. Hughes was inked yesterday. Malleck will sit low on a depth chart behind Ladarius Green, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble, and David Johnson (if he’s re-signed).
