202SportsBlog

During this year’s draft, I was a bit puzzled when the Steelers selected Matt Spaeth in the third round of the draft.  They all ready had a very good starter in Heath Miller, who doesn’t get much respect in the league, but has made a number of big plays in his young career.  It made more sense once it was known that Aryans, the Steelers offensive coordinator, planned on using a lot of two tight end sets.  Historically, the tight end in Pittsburgh has been a glorified tackle, used more as a blocker then as a pass catcher.  But with the change in offensive philosophy, beginning two years ago and evolving further with Aryans, the tight end is becoming an important position.  After two games, it is crystal clear why they drafted Spaeth.  He makes for a big target at 6’7”, has great hands and has a knack for getting open in the endzone.  Currently the Steelers have two former Mackey winners – an award given to the best tight end in college football – and as these two continue to develop, they could become the best tight end tandem in the NFL.  And combining them with Hines Ward and the Steelers young receiving corps, it gives Big Ben plenty of passing options.