We chugging along to part 33 of our 90-part series — assuming the roster does not change before we are complete — which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Let’s take a look at Steelers third tight-end:

Zach Gentry

Position: TE
Height: 6’ 8”
Weight: 265 lbs
College: Michigan
Draft: 5th Round 141st overall in 2019

2019 stats

4 Games Played
1 Target
1 Reception
4 Yards
49 Total Snaps Played

Contract remaining

Expires in 2022
$761,115 salary cap number (0.38% of total cap)
$86,115 Dead money
$765,000 Savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

It will be close, but Gentry should still be on the Steelers roster in 2020.

Even though Eric Ebron, and Vance McDonald are virtual locks for the top spots on the depth chart, the Steelers like to carry three tight ends. His competition for that third spot is 2019 training camp cut Kevin Rader, and NFL international pathway program player Christian Scotland-Williamson who hasn't played an NFL regular-season snap to this point. Gentry has the inside track.

2020 projection

I believe Gentry will again make this team but have a very similar production output to his 2019 season. Their are just too many other options ahead of the tight end to realistically expect he gets the ball thrown his way more then a handful of times.

On the flip side, if Gentry can improve his blocking he could earn more reps as a primary blocking tight-end.

Projected stats:

5 Games Played
3 Target
2 Reception
16 Yards

Summary

Zach Gentry has found himself in a pickle. It’s virtually impossible for him to move up the depth chart in 2020, but in 2021 theirs a chance he’s the only tight-end on the roster. He has to show growth this season if he wants a shot back with the club for a third season. Improving without getting a lot of reps will be the name of the game for Gentry unless someone ahead of him gets injured. He’s an interesting name to look out for a year from now.

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett
John Battle
Jordan Berry
Saeed Blacknall
Breon Borders
Chris Boswell
Antoine Brooks Jr.
Isaiah Buggs
Devin Bush
Deon Cain
Kam Canaday
Chase Claypool
Josiah Coatney
James Conner
Anthony Coyle
Jordan Dangerfield
Amara Darboh
Carlos Davis
David DeCastro
Christian DiLauro
Kevin Dotson
Bud Dupree
Eric Ebron
Terrell Edmunds
Trey Edmunds
Matt Feiler
Minkah Fitzpatrick