Jesse James, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Graham Tiedtke, Staff Writer
Jesse James would be a great fit for the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are in need of a blocking tight end and James is capable of doing that. He helped the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line push running back James Conner close to a 1,000-yard season in Conner’s second NFL season…in the absence of Le’Veon Bell.
James averaged 14.1 yards-per-reception during the 2018 season. Standing at 6’7” and weighing in at 261 pounds, he is not going to blow anybody away with his speed. He ran a 4.81 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL combine.
However, the Broncos have a few other speedsters on offense.
The key to this signing is his ability to run block. Phillip Lindsay surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in his rookie season, and with a guy like James (again, 6’7”, 261 lbs), that could be the key to Lindsay following up his rookie campaign with an even better second season.
Yes, James is a tight end. But the addition of Mike Munchak as the team’s offensive line coach should be intriguing to James.
Denver has three unrestricted free agents at the tight end position: Jeff Heuerman, Matt LaCosse, and Brian Parker. I am sure they will draft a tight end in April’s draft, but signing James, in my opinion, should be a priority.