OT: Steelers Tight End position

[Chairman Moe]

With Orndoff being picked up as a free agent, what do you all think his chances are of making the 53 man roster, and honestly vying for a starting role vs Jesse James? I haven't looked at all the metrics, but my thought is that Orndoff is a better blocker and has equivalent "hands". James may be the better route runner, and has the experience of playing in the NFL, but on running plays Orndoff is an upgrade. And he showed clutch receptions. I'm glad the Steelers chose him and will be looking forward to seeing if he measures up. Tons of TE's were grabbed in the draft so it shows how important this position is to NFL teams.

 

[Swervin27]

I think the steelers are in trouble at tight end. Green is a disaster health wise, he is about 2 years away from spending his days in a dark quiet room to minimize the headaches.. James is garbage and I know nothing about that gimble guy.. If we are keeping 3 TEs, Orndoff has a great shot..

but as far as the steelers having a starting-caliber TE, im not seeing it.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

I am amazed that someone with Orndoff's good size, great hands and solid blocking ability was not picked in the draft- He is an NFL caliber TE. It's very possible the Steelers did not Pick a TE in the draft because they knew Orndoff would be available -someone as good as most of the TEs selected in the draft... so why waste a draft.

I happen to think James is a very solid TE who has come through nicely for the Steelers when they needed him. He is no Heath, but he is very capable.

I see Orndoff shining in camp and making the final roster. If he does, he will get his chance to prove he deserves lots of playing time. He is just too talented not to be playing in the NFL.

 

[pitt2533]

Steelers TE position is a mess and that is strictly due to the uncertainty around Green.

 

[Swervin27]

Steelers TE position is a mess and that is strictly due to the uncertainty around Green.

yeah, it sucks, when he's healthy, he is quite a player. guy needs to get out while his brain still is somewhat working, he is about one concussion away from being one of these nfl-cte stories..

 

[upj87]

I am amazed that someone with Orndoff's good size, great hands and solid blocking ability was not picked in the draft- He is an NFL caliber TE. It's very possible the Steelers did not Pick a TE in the draft because they knew Orndoff would be available -someone as good as most of the TEs selected in the draft... so why waste a draft.

I happen to think James is a very solid TE who has come through nicely for the Steelers when they needed him. He is no Heath, but he is very capable.

I see Orndoff shining in camp and making the final roster. If he does, he will get his chance to prove he deserves lots of playing time. He is just too talented not to be playing in the NFL.

funny, you wonder that after all the work and time you put into your craft in college it might have come down to not making that right in his hands td catch in the bowl game being the difference between being drafted and being a fa (last picture in some team's analyst mind and all)...

 

[EastOhioPanther]

I would have to agree with everyone's assessment... Not being a yinzer, and trying to fairly assess... Green has health issues, no long term stability there. If we compare Jesse James & Orndoff (without the bias), I really believe Orndoff has the higher upside. (Blocking & Pass catching)....
I really believe he is in a good situation, that I hope he capitalizes on.....
Good Luck

 

[pitt2533]

yeah, it sucks, when he's healthy, he is quite a player. guy needs to get out while his brain still is somewhat working, he is about one concussion away from being one of these nfl-cte stories..

Yep for sure.

 

[McCool]

With Orndoff being picked up as a free agent, what do you all think his chances are of making the 53 man roster, and honestly vying for a starting role vs Jesse James? I haven't looked at all the metrics, but my thought is that Orndoff is a better blocker and has equivalent "hands". James may be the better route runner, and has the experience of playing in the NFL, but on running plays Orndoff is an upgrade. And he showed clutch receptions. I'm glad the Steelers chose him and will be looking forward to seeing if he measures up. Tons of TE's were grabbed in the draft so it shows how important this position is to NFL teams.

Orndorf is in a great spot. Worst case is he makes the practice squad and waits for Green to get clocked for probably the last time. But i think he makes the active roster outright and sees the field this year.

 

[Jpripper88]

If Green is healthy he won't make the roster. If Green is out, he has a shot as the #2/3 TE with James and Johnson.

 

[JD1976]

If Green is healthy he won't make the roster. If Green is out, he has a shot as the #2/3 TE with James and Johnson.

I've come around on James but if he is the starting TE he is among the bottom third in the NFL. Orndoff should make the roster with or without Green but his chances are much higher without Green... obviously.

 

[MajorMajors]

James contributes a bit more than I expected him to, but he seems more like a hybrid-WR than a TE.

Orndoff needs to work on some quickness in small spaces - TEs have to be "crafty" in the NFL and have a good connection with the QB. Even when Heath was old and slow, he could still make receptions...

I do remember one long catch and run by Orndoff where he displayed surprising speed - like I couldn't believe that was SO running down the field that fast. He sure has the body for an NFL TE...

Best wishes to Scott for sticking with the Steelers - even if it's just the practice squad for a year to learn some of that "craftiness"...

Go Pitt.

 

[wbrpanther]

With Orndoff being picked up as a free agent, what do you all think his chances are of making the 53 man roster, and honestly vying for a starting role vs Jesse James? I haven't looked at all the metrics, but my thought is that Orndoff is a better blocker and has equivalent "hands". James may be the better route runner, and has the experience of playing in the NFL, but on running plays Orndoff is an upgrade. And he showed clutch receptions. I'm glad the Steelers chose him and will be looking forward to seeing if he measures up. Tons of TE's were grabbed in the draft so it shows how important this position is to NFL teams.

A lot depends on the health of L. Green. If he is healthy he starts and Jesse is the backup. Scott could stick as 3rd TE for this year.

 

[Jpripper88]

I've come around on James but if he is the starting TE he is among the bottom third in the NFL. Orndoff should make the roster with or without Green but his chances are much higher without Green... obviously.

I'd say there is very little chance Orndoff makes the roster if James, Green, and Johnson are healthy. Practically 0% in that scenario. He has a slight chance if there is a significant injury to one of those 3.

 

[raleighpanther]

Except, the Steelers were calling Orndoff's agent repeatedly, saying they weren't going to draft him, but that they really wanted him and hoped to sign him as FA. He was a priority FA signing for them, unlike some other guys who were thrown a lifeline with a mini-camp offer.
I think he sticks with the Steelers, even if that means he has to wait a week or two until Green goes on the DL.

 

[OH Pete]

Orndoff needs to work on some quickness in small spaces - TEs have to be "crafty" in the NFL and have a good connection with the QB. Even when Heath was old and slow, he could still make receptions...

Scott's mantra should be WWHD - What Would Heath Do. His chance to make the roster will probably come down to 2 things: blocking and having a rapport with Ben. He can develop both by watching tons of tape of Heath Miller. If he learns to be in the spots that Ben used to look for Heath, he has a chance.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

I think Green is a No Show Undependable much like Martavis!

Jesse James has good hands and runs good routes but blocking is a grave doubt!

Scott to me is like New England's Young Tight End Hogan, fast quick, and can run all over the place and block. I can see him developing into another Heath Miller, been saying for 3 years.

Maybe I am too high on him, and will be proven Wrong, but Just Hunch he will shine as a Steeler!

 

[CaptainMurphy]

I think James is the starting TE next year with Grimble as a solid second option. Not a tremendous duo but certainly solid. There is definitely a chance Orndoff earns a spot and from there, who knows. He definitely has the skills to succeed.

 

[Jpripper88]

Except, the Steelers were calling Orndoff's agent repeatedly, saying they weren't going to draft him, but that they really wanted him and hoped to sign him as FA. He was a priority FA signing for them, unlike some other guys who were thrown a lifeline with a mini-camp offer.
I think he sticks with the Steelers, even if that means he has to wait a week or two until Green goes on the DL.

Except the other TEs already have contracts and experience. Grimble is probably the first one Orndoff needs to beat out, if all are relatively healthy.

 

[Saboteur]

James contributes a bit more than I expected him to, but he seems more like a hybrid-WR than a TE.

Orndoff needs to work on some quickness in small spaces - TEs have to be "crafty" in the NFL and have a good connection with the QB. Even when Heath was old and slow, he could still make receptions...

I do remember one long catch and run by Orndoff where he displayed surprising speed - like I couldn't believe that was SO running down the field that fast. He sure has the body for an NFL TE...

Best wishes to Scott for sticking with the Steelers - even if it's just the practice squad for a year to learn some of that "craftiness"...

Go Pitt.

James can't block a sled.

 

[Burgh15]

Orndoff is a nice bottom of the roster tight end. He isn't great at anything, but is capable as a blocker and receiver. Four tight ends isn't out of the question, especially with Green's health situation. Orndoff will have to beat out Grimble, which isn't exactly a tall task.