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Pittsburgh Steelers set to meet with Stanford TE Austin Hooper Thursday night

The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting the process of interviewing athletes who might be on their draft board. Their first of the combine? Austin Hooper, tight end from Stanford.

By Jeff.Hartman
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Compared to other NFL teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers had been rather quiet this offseason when it comes to meeting with potential draft picks. Teams have the ability to meet with college athletes at the East/West Shriner's game, as well as the Senior Bowl, and while most NFL teams were doing their diligence at these All-Star games, the Steelers were patiently waiting for the NFL Scouting Combine.

The only player the Steelers have officially met with before the Combine was Cody Kessler, QB from USC, at the Senior Bowl. However, that all is set to change with the Combine getting underway.

In fact, the Steelers are set to meet with Stanford TE Austin Hooper Thursday night, which will be one of many interviews which will take place in Indianapolis.

The Steelers will certainly be looking to add to their TE depth chart in the upcoming NFL Draft, especially after Heath Miller's recent retirement. The team only has Matt Spaeth, Jesse James and Xavier Grimble on their roster at the TE position, which means they could attack the position in both free agency and in the draft.

Hooper is a well-rounded athlete with many positive attributes which could help any NFL team, including the Steelers. The 6-foot 4-inch and 254-pound tight end is seen as a player who is better known for his catching skills than his inline blocking, but is more well-rounded than most scouts give him credit for. Keep an eye on Hooper when the tight ends take to the drills, it is clear the Steelers will be watching.

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