Pittsburgh Steelers: Mid-late-round targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh Steelers mid-late round targets: John Bates, TE Boise State

Here is a late-round target that will be a day three guy in many people’s eyes. John Bates, after a nice couple of days at the Senior Bowl, has become a potential darkhorse at the tight end position.

The Steelers need depth at the position for veteran Vance McDonald who decided to retire this offseason from football. Bates could be a nice secondary target for the Pittsburgh Steelers and an underrated third-day target.

Bates stands at a towering 6-foot 6 and weighs around 260 pounds at the tight end position. He proved to be a nice complementary tight end at his time at Boise State being effective in the run game with blocking and catching passes down the field as well.

Last year he had 12 catches for 117 yards in only three games. Bates’ stock rose from the Senior Bowl where he showed he had soft hands and the ability to catch balls at the highest point.

As mentioned earlier, McDonald will not be a Pittsburgh Steeler next year and he was the primary blocking tight end for the team. Bates showed a solid capability to chip block opposing edge rushers and be effective upfield on running downs. Bates could be a nice replacement as the secondary tight end and depth at the position.

Bates is looking to be most likely a day three guy going in rounds 5 to 6. This could be a nice addition for the Steelers at a position that needs to be attended to this offseason. Bates could be a nice late-round target for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a solid complementary piece to Eric Ebron at the tight end position.