You’re going to build the roster.
If you’re like me you’d love the chance to be a General Manager. We all have our opinions on players throughout the draft process and throughout the season of who we would prefer to have on the team or active roster. I thought this might be a fun process to look at a group of players, give some background information on each player and see who you would keep. And yes, I understand you want to see how everyone does in training camp but try to play along.
I’ll give you three players from each position group and you decide which two you will keep (one to the active roster, one to the practice squad) and one player to cut. At the end of this process we’ll have a 53 man roster and a good portion of the practice squad built by you.
Tight Ends
As a second round pick, Pat Freiermuth had some pressure on his shoulders and he handled it well. He stepped in and became a big target finishing fourth on the team with 79 passes thrown his way. In his rookie year he finished with 60 receptions, 497 yards and 7 scores with 5 of those coming from week 9 on. The Steelers are looking to expand his role in 2022 and with improvement separating against Man coverage could lead to a big year.
Zach Gentry is the number two tight end and started to show the potential to be a bigger part of the offense late in 2021. Over the last four games he had 12 targets and 10 of his 19 receptions. He came into the 2021 season bigger and stronger and he has really embraced the role of a blocking tight end. The Steelers could use more two tight end sets and with his size he should be able to win on combatted catch opportunities.
Three seems to be a good number on the roster for the tight end group so who do you want for that third tight end position.
Kevin Rader
He is in his third season with the team and he is a fighter. To this point he has been considered a blocking tight end but he is trying to change that idea. Over the past two seasons he had appeared in 7 games with 2 starts with 2 receptions on 4 targets for a modest 8 yards. He has seen 48 snaps on offense and 49 on special teams while making 6 tackles.
On the positive side, he has experience with the team and they have liked him enough to keep him around the past two and half season. He is probably the best blocker of this trio and has put in the work to improve his pass catching ability. On special teams, in limited opportunities he has produced on kick coverage teams.
Best Game: Week 17 2022 vs Cleveland (win) – 3 total tackles, 2 solo on 8 special team snaps
On the negative side, he’s an adequate route runner and may only be a check down option. Of his four targets one was a drop. He has struggled to make the active roster over his 2+ seasons. Does he have value for another team’s roster? Meaning if he were cut; is he likely to clear waivers and make it back to the practice squad?
Worst Game: Inactive for 10 of the first 11 games in 2022.
Connor Heyward
The brotherly love is strong with this organization and drafting Heyward at times seemed inevitable. He is not what you would call a traditional tight end and that was evidenced by his usage in college. He ran the ball over 200 times and had nearly 100 receptions. But if you watch him play, he doesn’t need a position. He is a football player and will do whatever is asked of him.
On the positive side, he carries the Heyward gene of being highly competitive. With his background he has experience playing in the backfield, with his hand in the dirt and in a two point stance. He has displayed good hands and an ability to create after the catch with agility and physicality. Of these three players he may be the best receiver.
Best Game: Week 11 2018 at Nebraska (loss) – 21 carries for 80 yards, 5 receptions for 78 yards, 1 KR for 19 yards
On the negative side, he is undersized as a tight end and will have to show he can hold up as a blocker. As a rookie, will he be able to grasp everything that they put on his plate. Yes, he has versatility but will they be able to take advantage of it?
Worst Game: Week 9 2020 vs Maryland (win) – 1 reception for 2 yards
Jace Sternberger
He was a third round pick of the Packers in 2019. That was the same year the Steelers took Gentry. He was a better receiver than blocker coming out and was considered by many a top five tight end in that draft class. He spent two seasons with the Packers playing in 20 games with 2 starts. For his career, he has 19 targets and 15 receptions for 129 yards and 2 scores.
On the positive side, coming out of college he was considered a good route runner with above-average ball skills. His best fit is as a move tight end with good athleticism and solid ability after the catch. As a former day two pick in the draft he may have ability that can still be harnessed.
Best Game: Week 8 2020 vs Minnesota (loss) – 4 targets, 3 receptions for 46 yards
On the negative side, he played with Aaron Rodgers and managed only 15 receptions in two years. He was suspended for two games in 2021 for violating the NFL substance abuse policy. He has limited special team experience and would need to fill that role as the third tight end.
Worst Game: Hasn’t been on the field since January of 2020.
Previous Selections
53 Man Roster – (7 of 53)
QB – Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett
RB – Najee Harris, Benny Snell, Derek Watt, Jaylen Warren
WR – TBD
Practice Squad
QB – Chris Oladokun, RB – Anthony McFarland
