Steelers Have An Extremely Rare Opportunity To Draft The Next Heath Miller At Pick 32

All eyes are on the Pittsburgh Steelers as they are officially on the clock with the first pick in the second-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The team has already addressed perhaps their biggest positional need at left tackle with the addition of Broderick Jones, but still have plenty have options to choose from on Day 2. With defensive backs Brian Branch and Joey Porter Jr still on the board, the most obvious pick at 32 would be either of these players. However, if Omar Khan decides to further address the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers could land arguably the best tight end prospect in this year's class, Notre Dame's Michael Mayer. 

Tight end is far from the most pressing need for the Steelers as they currently have an ascending star at the position in Pat Freiermuth. With a solid first two seasons as a pro, Freiermuth is poised to cement himself as one of the best tight ends in the entire league in 2023. He has already become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and has developed tremendous chemistry with Kenny Pickett. 

Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward are slated to be the team's other tight ends this upcoming season. Gentry is back with the Steelers after testing free agency this offseason, signing a one-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh. Heyward is entering his second season in the NFL after being a sixth-round draft pick in 2022. At only 6'0", he does not possess the prototypical size of a tight end at the professional level and may serve as a Swiss-Army-Knife of sorts in 2023, playing both tight end as well as fullback. The Steelers currently have not shown any interest in bringing back Derek Watt and recently gave away his #44 to recently signed inside linebacker, Tanner Muse. 

Could The Steelers Realistically Pass On Both Porter Jr And Branch At Pick 32? 

The Steelers' secondary needs depth at both safety and cornerback. Either Porter Jr or Branch would help solve this issue and be legitimate candidates to be starters for the team in 2023. Both players were projected as first-round selections, so to have them available at pick 32 is a great problem to have for Khan. However, Mayer was also a consensus first-round selection, as he is widely considered to be a top-two prospect at tight end. Many thought he would hear his name called by the Buffalo Bills at pick 25, but the team opted to go with another tight end, Dalton Kincaid from Utah. 

While Kincaid is inarguably a better receiver than Mayer, there is no denying that Mayer is a more complete player who is effective in both run blocking as well as pass catching. During his three seasons at Notre Dame, Mayer hauled in 180 receptions for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns. Furthermore, he was extremely effective as a run blocker, using his impressive size at 6'4" and 250 pounds to pave the way for the Fighting Irish ball carriers. He is undoubtedly a plug and play tight end prospect who in the correct system could exceed expectations in terms of his receiving abilities. 

Mayer And Freiermuth Would Be The Most Dynamic Tight End Duo In The NFL

Freiermuth is perhaps the most reliable pass catcher on the entire Steelers' roster heading into next season. His crisp route-running and soft hands have made him one of Pickett's favorite targets and is the team's most dangerous red zone threat. With that being said, he is far from a great blocker as an in-line tight end. While the Steelers already have Gentry as their primary blocking player at this position, he is limited in his abilities as a receiver. Mayer would not only be a significant upgrade at TE2 next year, but his ability to play beside the offensive tackle would allow for Freiermuth to play more in the slot, where he is an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. 

Freiermuth is the unquestioned number-one tight end for the Steelers. He fits the mold of a modern player in this position and is well on his way to being a Pro Bowl-type of player. Mayer, on the other hand, is a bit of a throwback in his style of play. He is not an explosive athlete who will blow you away with his speed or jumping ability. However, he is extremely well-rounded and can be a serious difference-maker for the Steelers should they decide to select him at pick 32.

 With his size and physical play, many draft experts have compared him to Steelers' legend, Heath Miller. This is in no way saying that Mayer will have the same type of career in the NFL as Miller. The two simply play a similar non-nonsense, smash-mouth style of football. 

With Freiermuth already on the roster, the Steelers have good reason to look past Mayer at 32. The team may also be able to address the tight end group at pick 49 with Darnell Washington or Luke Musgrave. With that being said, there is no telling what Khan is up to with his plans heading into night two of the draft. If he does end up deciding to go with the former Notre Dame star, he may just create the best duo of tight ends in the NFL today. Mayer might just be exactly what the Steelers offense needs to compete for the AFC North title in 2023. 

Alright, Yinz. How are we feeling about the possibility of drafting Mayer at 32? Would you rather the team add depth in the secondary with Porter Jr. or Branch? Is there another player you hope the team considers in the second-round? Let us know in the comments! 

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