If Hunter Henry TE Arkansas is Available in Second

[ark steel]

Because Henry would get so much playing time with Spaeth, Miller, and James on the roster?


I prefer that edge be upgrading CB /SS / and OLBer.


That is the edge this team so desperately needs.

Hunter would upgrade Spaeth immediately. He could go. As far as James, his stats look better than what I expected, but I didn't see much actual play. Hunter could be Miller's replacement and spending a year learning blocking assignments from Miller would be very beneficial to him. We already know that Spaeth aint the answer to replace Miller. James may be, but I don't know if he would have lasted to the 5th round (or wherever he was picked) if he is expected to be that good. Hunter seems to have a high probability of being closer to Miller than anyone else on our team.

 

[wig]

Colbert traded our 5th for Boykin...then Tomlin did not play him.

epic fail.

epic, epic fail.

 

[Vincent]

Why would you EVER trade next year's first to get a guy in the second, that YOU passed up in the first?

21 is a keen observer of politics as well.

 

[slashsteel]

Hunter would upgrade Spaeth immediately. He could go. As far as James, his stats look better than what I expected, but I didn't see much actual play. Hunter could be Miller's replacement and spending a year learning blocking assignments from Miller would be very beneficial to him. We already know that Spaeth aint the answer to replace Miller. James may be, but I don't know if he would have lasted to the 5th round (or wherever he was picked) if he is expected to be that good. Hunter seems to have a high probability of being closer to Miller than anyone else on our team.

perhaps

but he isn't enough of a lock for me to want to eat next years first for him. If he falls to 2, sure.

 

[ark steel]

perhaps

but he isn't enough of a lock for me to want to eat next years first for him. If he falls to 2, sure.

Yeah, I agree it would be a hard pill to swallow. 2nd for sure.

 

[Troglodyte]

trading your #1 the following year, just gets you a first round graded player a year earlier.

Right! The Steelers trading away a 3rd round pick just got them Shamarko Thomas a year earlier, think of the possibilities!

 

[deljzc]

Just watched Henry's tape vs. Miss St.

I have to disagree with some people here. I think he's a legit target for us in Round 1. While I would probably put his grade as a solid 2A or 2B prospect (depending on how the drills and speed turn out), when I watch the film he is an ideal Steelers TE prospect. Lots of Heath Miller in him. Lots.

Exceptional blocker who keeps his head on a swivel, looks to help and isn't solely focused on his assignment. Understand blocking and looks like a OT at times which makes sense since his dad was a OT. Good receiver and route runner and looks to have good hands. Appears to understand choice routes. Better scouted in the pass game than James by a lot. Speed could be better than you think and is a long strider. Adequate but not elite athleticism. Is not the Vernon Davis type. Will not blow up combine.

I think at pick #25 he is definitely in the range based on what we need, what could be available and talent/rank on our board.

I love Heath Miller but he will be 34 next year. He's missed 8 games in his 11 year career and never missed a playoff game and has a lot of wear and tear on his tires.

James was a great draft pick (one of my highest rated last year) and I like what James flashed this year as a rookie, but everyone here has to realize his ceiling as a 5th rounder is somewhat limited. He's never going to replace Heath Miller's talent. With how many times our team (and the NFL) likes to potentially put out 2 TE's, drafting someone like Henry, releasing Spaeth (who's 33 next year) and keeping Miller, Henry and James on next year's roster is a perfect fit for this team right now.

Again, the modus operendi of this team says it doesn't look at secondary this early. There are no safeties worthy of a 1st round pick. The corners might be 4-5 deep by the time we're on the clock (and we have hopes for Golson). I don't see another 1st round linebacker. And we've talked about the D-line and drafting for potentially only 500 snaps every year for the next 3-4 seasons (because Heyward and Tuitt are entrenched getting 850-900 snap counts each).

This draft makes sense for something like a very good tight end or more depth on the O-line.

I think Henry is definitely in play at #25.

 

[slashsteel]

Just watched Henry's tape vs. Miss St.

I have to disagree with some people here. I think he's a legit target for us in Round 1. While I would probably put his grade as a solid 2A or 2B prospect (depending on how the drills and speed turn out), when I watch the film he is an ideal Steelers TE prospect. Lots of Heath Miller in him. Lots.

Exceptional blocker who keeps his head on a swivel, looks to help and isn't solely focused on his assignment. Understand blocking and looks like a OT at times which makes sense since his dad was a OT. Good receiver and route runner and looks to have good hands. Appears to understand choice routes. Better scouted in the pass game than James by a lot. Speed could be better than you think and is a long strider. Adequate but not elite athleticism. Is not the Vernon Davis type. Will not blow up combine.

I think at pick #25 he is definitely in the range based on what we need, what could be available and talent/rank on our board.

I love Heath Miller but he will be 34 next year. He's missed 8 games in his 11 year career and never missed a playoff game and has a lot of wear and tear on his tires.

James was a great draft pick (one of my highest rated last year) and I like what James flashed this year as a rookie, but everyone here has to realize his ceiling as a 5th rounder is somewhat limited. He's never going to replace Heath Miller's talent. With how many times our team (and the NFL) likes to potentially put out 2 TE's, drafting someone like Henry, releasing Spaeth (who's 33 next year) and keeping Miller, Henry and James on next year's roster is a perfect fit for this team right now.

Again, the modus operendi of this team says it doesn't look at secondary this early. There are no safeties worthy of a 1st round pick. The corners might be 4-5 deep by the time we're on the clock (and we have hopes for Golson). I don't see another 1st round linebacker. And we've talked about the D-line and drafting for potentially only 500 snaps every year for the next 3-4 seasons (because Heyward and Tuitt are entrenched getting 850-900 snap counts each).

This draft makes sense for something like a very good tight end or more depth on the O-line.

I think Henry is definitely in play at #25.

I think the importance of DL/NT

is higher than what some people want to give credit for.


why?

#Mclendon isn't a lock to return

#Heyward and Tuitt were overused somewhat last year

# even if a NT/DE would say play first and second and then get pulled....

how critical is it to limit those 6 7 8 yard runs on first and second down ?

A drop of in play is what you have if one of the starters is out, and at NT Mclendon can be upgraded.....


you limit that yardage at NT or DE and the results is more favorable 3rd down perhaps third and long matchups....

and lord and behold one of those starters go down for any extended amount of time

who are you comfy giving the start to?

Would a TE help more this year than a DE or a NT ?

I feel DE/ NT shouldn't be downplayed as a solid need in 1..........

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

i would be upset if the steelers spent the 2nd rounder on a TE, nevermind trading a #1. I just don't see TE as a huge need. The Steelers only need their TE to block and be a chain mover. The TE will not be the focus of the offense. Heath still has a good year left at least and James is a good enough #2 who can develop into the #1.

TE is not like QB where you need to develop one over years. Jesse James was able to play as a rookie. They can draft one next year if Heath is gone. By then they will have a grasp on James as well. If James steps up and looks like the replacement for Heath, then all you need is a TE for depth. If James looks like he'll just be a solid #2 then you spend a high pick or sign a free agent.

 

[deljzc]

i would be upset if the steelers spent the 2nd rounder on a TE, nevermind trading a #1. I just don't see TE as a huge need. The Steelers only need their TE to block and be a chain mover. The TE will not be the focus of the offense. Heath still has a good year left at least and James is a good enough #2 who can develop into the #1.

TE is not like QB where you need to develop one over years. Jesse James was able to play as a rookie. They can draft one next year if Heath is gone. By then they will have a grasp on James as well. If James steps up and looks like the replacement for Heath, then all you need is a TE for depth. If James looks like he'll just be a solid #2 then you spend a high pick or sign a free agent.

History says TE's have a pretty difficult transition into being really productive their rookie season.

Over the past 7 seasons (since 2009) Heath Miller plays 95%+ of snaps and gets targeted 5.5 pass attempts a game. Extremely consistent on these numbers.

I just don't see James being capable of that roll. I don't see how anyone that has watched our offense over the years and watched all the little things Heath Miller does for this offense and not think that is of HUGE importance in our offensive scheme.

Since 2011 and I've been following snap counts we average: 1.58, 1.30, 1.37, 1.32 and 1.28 tight end snap counts per game.

That means we AVERAGE double tight-end alignments on about 35% of our offensive plays over the last 5 seasons. That's a lot of plays.

I just don't know how anyone can be comfortable with our future at that position when we have a 34 year old, a 33 year old and a 5th round, 2nd year talent. Any type of injury to Heath Miller would radically change our offense away from what we practice in training camp. It would have the same type of drastic impact when we lost Larry Foote that one year and had no plan B and radically changed our defensive philosophy mid-season (and derailed the entire season).

When exactly does tight end become a priority? What if there isn't a TE talent worthy or available when we pick NEXT YEAR? With positions like safety and tight end, every draft isn't really top-heavy with those types of talents anymore. Some drafts might only have one or two players with round 1/2 grades on them.

Isn't it better to look 1-2 years ahead and plan NOW for the inevitability that Heath Miller won't be able to contribute 95%+ participation or play up to his ability anymore? The idea you just plug and play first round picks doesn't work. You have to look at your needs 1-2 years down the line.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

How about TE becoming a priority when it is an actual need in 2 years. We have much bigger needs at DB and DL and OLB because we still don't have any good pass rush OLBs. Dupree is still an unknown and Jarvis has proven to be nothing more than a depth player.

This team can win the Super Bowl if they hit on at least 1 competent DB and pass rusher. If you put Gronk on this team, i don't think the offense is all that much different. It'd be better sure, but it would go from great to really great.

The steelers are WR driven with AB, Martavis, Wheaton and Coates will contribute next year. I just don't see the need for a big investment at TE in the draft ahead of much bigger needs.

Heath still has a year left. The need is not immediate. And you can always plug the hole in free agency. There are always solid TEs available, especially if you are mainly looking for a blocker.

Here's a list of free agents now

Antonio Gates
Ladarius Green
Dwayne Allen
Vernon Davis
Coby Fleener
Ben Watson
Zach Miller
Marcedes Lewis
Craig Stevens
Clay Harbor
Jermaine Gresham
Andrew Quarless
James Hanna
Logan Paulsen
Daniel Fells
Garrett Celek
Tony Moeaki
Rhett Ellison
Michael Hoomanawanui
Rob Housler
David Johnson
Kellen Davis
Anthony McCoy
John Phillips
Chase Coffman
Dorin Dickerson

There's guys like that available every year that can be had for a reasonable price.

I'm interested in TEs in later rounds, but i can't see spending a high pick on a TE, not when they may be 1 good defensive player away from a Super Bowl.

 

[deljzc]

Another thing to remember is Heath Miller is in the last year of his contract. He has a $7 million cap hit this year thanks to restructures.

I think you have to face the reality that this might be Heath's last year as a professional. The guy has taken a beating. Has anyone else noticed beside me that he seems to be taking bigger shots over the last couple of seasons? He used to be good at shielding himself from big hits. Now, he seems a bit late in getting low and often seems to take really scary shots to the head/mid-section.

If/when the obligatory "pay cut/lesser money" offer comes after this contract is up (and he will be 35 in 2017), why would Miller continue to play? Wouldn't that be the time you hang it up? The last contract averaged about 4.5 million/season (he's making $4 million this year take home pay). When is he going to say it's not worth it at $2.5 million or $3 million?

I don't know. I'm not saying Henry is my #1 choice. Never said that and I haven't watched any other prospects yet or made any type of big board. Believe me, I've drafted a CB as a round 1 choice 2 out of the last 3 years in my "what I would have done". I want better secondary players.

But I just want people to not be surprised or that angry if Henry is the choice. I see the logic and reasons for such a selection and actually think those reasons are pretty strong.

 

[SteelerAl]

Another thing to remember is Heath Miller is in the last year of his contract. He has a $7 million cap hit this year thanks to restructures.

I think you have to face the reality that this might be Heath's last year as a professional. The guy has taken a beating. Has anyone else noticed beside me that he seems to be taking bigger shots over the last couple of seasons? He used to be good at shielding himself from big hits. Now, he seems a bit late in getting low and often seems to take really scary shots to the head/mid-section.

I'd be surprised if Heath continues to play after this season --- I think the coaching staff is hoping that we can squeeze one more season out of him but that his days as a starter are done after 2016.

 

[Coach]

Just watched Henry's tape vs. Miss St.

I have to disagree with some people here. I think he's a legit target for us in Round 1. While I would probably put his grade as a solid 2A or 2B prospect (depending on how the drills and speed turn out), when I watch the film he is an ideal Steelers TE prospect. Lots of Heath Miller in him. Lots.

Exceptional blocker who keeps his head on a swivel, looks to help and isn't solely focused on his assignment. Understand blocking and looks like a OT at times which makes sense since his dad was a OT. Good receiver and route runner and looks to have good hands. Appears to understand choice routes. Better scouted in the pass game than James by a lot. Speed could be better than you think and is a long strider. Adequate but not elite athleticism. Is not the Vernon Davis type. Will not blow up combine.

I think at pick #25 he is definitely in the range based on what we need, what could be available and talent/rank on our board.

I love Heath Miller but he will be 34 next year. He's missed 8 games in his 11 year career and never missed a playoff game and has a lot of wear and tear on his tires.

James was a great draft pick (one of my highest rated last year) and I like what James flashed this year as a rookie, but everyone here has to realize his ceiling as a 5th rounder is somewhat limited. He's never going to replace Heath Miller's talent. With how many times our team (and the NFL) likes to potentially put out 2 TE's, drafting someone like Henry, releasing Spaeth (who's 33 next year) and keeping Miller, Henry and James on next year's roster is a perfect fit for this team right now.

Again, the modus operendi of this team says it doesn't look at secondary this early. There are no safeties worthy of a 1st round pick. The corners might be 4-5 deep by the time we're on the clock (and we have hopes for Golson). I don't see another 1st round linebacker. And we've talked about the D-line and drafting for potentially only 500 snaps every year for the next 3-4 seasons (because Heyward and Tuitt are entrenched getting 850-900 snap counts each).

This draft makes sense for something like a very good tight end or more depth on the O-line.

I think Henry is definitely in play at #25.

I think he's going to be picked between spots 20-45 and view him to be better than Max Williams who was picked at #55 overall. It depends on team needs. How many teams need a TE in that spot? Temas like Atlanta, Green Bay, Miami, New Orleans, and Washington need better-starting TE's.

Based on Value, I think Washington DC could take him at pick #21 overall or perhaps Green Bay at pick #27 overall

Also, Henry will need to show good speed at the combine or pro day. Better than 4.8 in the forty. Looking at tape, I think he's faster than 4.8

 

[SteelerAl]

How many teams need a TE in that spot? Temas like Atlanta, Green Bay, Miami, New Orleans, and Washington need better-starting TE's.

Jesus, Coach. The Redskins? Do yourself a favor and go look up Jordan Reed.

I really don't understand how you can keep talking out your *** without being completely embarrassed. The Redskins have a young stud at tight end. They aren't drafting another one in the first round.

 

[Coach]

Jesus, Coach. The Redskins? Do yourself a favor and go look up Jordan Reed.

I really don't understand how you can keep talking out your *** without being completely embarrassed. The Redskins have a young stud at tight end. They aren't drafting another one in the first round.

The guy only started 8 games this season ( But played in 14 of them ), did not have a high average per catch ( 10.9 ) and seems fumble prone ( losing two for the season ). At just 6'2" 237 pounds I'll guess he's not much as a blocker. He's also a one-year wonder type in terms of production.

Okay, you think he's a stud based on this one season. Got it. I could show you a draft site that says The Redskins need TE's.

 

[SteelerAl]

The guy only started 8 games this season ( But played in 14 of them ), did not have a high average per catch ( 10.9 ) and seems fumble prone ( losing two for the season ). At just 6'2" 237 pounds I'll guess he's not much as a blocker. He's also a one-year wonder type in terms of production.

Okay, you think he's a stud based on this one season. Got it. I could show you a draft site that says The Redskins need TE's.

87 receptions and 11 TDs. Those are monster numbers for a guy who started 16 games let only a guy like Reed who did miss time with injuries in 2015. Jordan Reed is a rising star at tight end, and the Redskins are extremely happy to have him. They are not interested in investing a high draft pick or a lot of money in another tight end. I know this because I pay attention to people who follow the Redskins as closely as I follow the Steelers.

Coach, I don't care what some dumb web site says. Web sites that pretend to be expert on all 32 teams end up not knowing any single team well enough to be useful. I could go around and find 25 web sites that are completely misinformed as to what the Steelers needs are, the quality of our roster and status of our salary cap. Writers / reporters / bloggers / web sites that try to cover the whole league are useless.

 

[Coach]

87 receptions and 11 TDs. Those are monster numbers for a guy who started 16 games let only a guy like Reed who did miss time with injuries in 2015. Jordan Reed is a rising star at tight end, and the Redskins are extremely happy to have him. They are not interested in investing a high draft pick or a lot of money in another tight end. I know this because I pay attention to people who follow the Redskins as closely as I follow the Steelers.

Coach, I don't care what some dumb web site says. Web sites that pretend to be expert on all 32 teams end up not knowing any single team well enough to be useful. I could go around and find 25 web sites that are completely misinformed as to what the Steelers needs are, the quality of our roster and status of our salary cap. Writers / reporters / bloggers / web sites that try to cover the whole league are useless.

Bah, 29 players had more receiving yards and every single one of them had better than 10.9 per catch But he's a stud you say? And he only did it for one year. He sounds like a H Back type to me who was a safer option, asside from the fumbles. Merril Hoge once had 10 touchdows in a year, and he was far from great. Lastly we are talking about Washington here. They are a mess, and who knows what they will do in the draft or free agency. I think Hunter be on the board when the Washington picks. HE could be the BPA on their board at that time.

 

[obxsteeler]

Colbert traded our 5th for Boykin...then Tomlin did not play him. He's a free agent.

Trading our 6th round pick however was a good thing, by accident. The Steelers traded their 6th round pick for Scobee. While Scobee sucked, the search lead to Boswell, who's been amazing!

The good news? The Steelers should have three 7th round picks this year. I hope we pick better punter and perhaps a retrun man here.

Colbert traded a 4th for Bogden because we needed a backup slot man if Gay went down and there was some hope he could play CB. After seeing him Tomlin decided he couldn't and since Gay stayed healthy decided not to use him so the number of snaps reduced the pick to a #5. Not a bad deal to get a veteran backup even if only for a year.

 

[SteelerAl]

Bah, 29 players had more receiving yards and every single one of them had better than 10.9 per catch But he's a stud you say? And he only did it for one year. He sounds like a H Back type to me who was a safer option, asside from the fumbles. Merril Hoge once had 10 touchdows in a year, and he was far from great. Lastly we are talking about Washington here. They are a mess, and who knows what they will do in the draft or free agency. I think Hunter be on the board when the Washington picks. HE could be the BPA on their board at that time.

It's pathetic the way you misuse stats. You're knocking a tight end who missed time with injuries but still caught 87 passes for 11 TDs because 29 players (mostly wide receivers) who surely played more snaps than Reed, had more receiving yardage? That's dumb as **** and the reason I can't help but insult you at every turn.

Just do what you did with the Ryan Clady situation and say "My bad, I had no idea what I was talking about" and move on to the next thing. You can't win this one because you got caught not knowing what you were talking about again.

 

[deljzc]

Another thing to remember is Heath Miller is in the last year of his contract. He has a $7 million cap hit this year thanks to restructures.

I think you have to face the reality that this might be Heath's last year as a professional. The guy has taken a beating. Has anyone else noticed beside me that he seems to be taking bigger shots over the last couple of seasons? He used to be good at shielding himself from big hits. Now, he seems a bit late in getting low and often seems to take really scary shots to the head/mid-section.

If/when the obligatory "pay cut/lesser money" offer comes after this contract is up (and he will be 35 in 2017), why would Miller continue to play? Wouldn't that be the time you hang it up? The last contract averaged about 4.5 million/season (he's making $4 million this year take home pay). When is he going to say it's not worth it at $2.5 million or $3 million?

I don't know. I'm not saying Henry is my #1 choice. Never said that and I haven't watched any other prospects yet or made any type of big board. Believe me, I've drafted a CB as a round 1 choice 2 out of the last 3 years in my "what I would have done". I want better secondary players.

But I just want people to not be surprised or that angry if Henry is the choice. I see the logic and reasons for such a selection and actually think those reasons are pretty strong.

Seems like I was a year late in predicting Miller's retirement.

Now Henry is really on our radar in my opinion.

 

[Bigappleyinzer]

Welp....

Looking more and more like a possibility

 

[AvonOhioSteeler]

I think the Steelers may need to look into bringing in a free agent TE. A mid range TE isn't a highly priced position is it? What kind of contract would a Coby Fleener type be looking for?

 

[TDX27]

Not 2nd round but 1st round. He won't be there in round 2. He is the No. 1 TE in the draft according to most "experts".

 

[ZACKB]

Don't think he is that great. Maybe in rd 2, but not rd 1. Not even that good of a blocker or even that amazing in space. I think Jesse would be fine.