The tight end position was a question mark for the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the offseason, and it's even more so one now a few weeks before the season. The likely starter in Week 1, Jesse James, has eight NFL catches.
James
ESPN fantasy projection: 16.6 catches, 171.1 yards, 1.6 touchdowns
Over or under: Over -- let's go way over. James is expected to start at tight end and has developed a chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger in the red zone. They connected on a beautiful 20-yarder in the back of the end zone during a joint practice with Detroit. Yes, Green can take James' reps. But James is in line to start at least the early portion of the season, and since he's more of an inline blocker than Green, he will see time regardless. With the Steelers expected to push 6,000-plus yards as an offense, a tight end in Pittsburgh gets touches.
ESPN fantasy projection: 44.3 catches, 562.7 yards, 4.2 touchdowns
Over or under: We'll take the under. One of the Steelers' most intriguing vertical options is simply not a reliable TE1 or TE2 until he takes the practice field, and there is no guarantee of that right now. He's recovering from an ankle injury, and reports of recurring headaches complicate matters. Green could be a good stash option for the second half of the season -- if he's healthy, Roethlisberger is throwing to him downfield -- but don't be surprised if he starts the season on injured reserve.
Who else could see time: Veteran David Johnson is a stout blocker and Roethlisberger is not afraid to throw to him. Former practice squad player Xavier Grimble is still a bit raw, but has unique athleticism and is a willing blocker. I could see the Steelers keeping him around.
