Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller has been a steady and consistent option for Ben Roethlisberger. Even in his tenth season Miller was productive, hauling in 66 passes for 761 yards and three touchdowns last year. But Miller will turn 33-years-old in October and the Steelers have to start thinking about a long-term replacement.
Perhaps that is why the team met with Miami tight end Clive Walford shortly after the Hurricanes' pro day, ESPN reports. Both general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin were present for Miami's workouts and kept an eye on the tight end.
The 6-foot-4, 251 pound pass-catcher ran a somewhat disappointing 4.79 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. But he proved his worth on the field with 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns last year.
"Walford could go as early as the second round of the NFL draft because of his athleticism and upside - and because the tight end class is lacking in both depth and quality, pushing the better players up in it," ESPN Steelers reporter Scott Brown wrote.
Walford was a finalist for the Mackey award which is given every year to the top tight end in college football. The Steelers, who finished second in the NFL last season in yards per game (411.1), don't need to replace Miller and backup Matt Spaeth right away. But the idea is in the back of Pittsburgh's collective mind.
The Steelers have previously hosted Penn State tight end Jesse James for a pre-draft visit and they are monitoring all of the other top TE prospects. Minnesota's Maxx Williams is considered the No. 1 TE prospect in this draft though it is unlikely he will fall to the middle rounds where the Steelers hope to address the position.
"I am the best tight end in this draft," Walford said at the scouting combine. "I can block, I can catch, I can run after the catch, do everything that a tight end is expected to do."
