The Steelers conducted tryouts for tight ends Dakota Allen and Parker Hesse on Monday, as reported by NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
Dakota Allen, distinct from the NFL linebacker with the same name, played college football at Eastern Kentucky. In his final collegiate season in 2022, the 6’4, 249-pound tight end managed 26 receptions for 353 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an ACL injury.
Notably, Allen had a minor association with the new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, having undergone a workout for the Atlanta Falcons in August 2023.
Parker Hesse, on the other hand, has a stronger connection to Smith, having been part of the Falcons from 2021-22. During his time there, he played in 25 games, securing 14 receptions for 132 yards. Despite his limited touches, Hesse proved efficient, with nine of his catches resulting in first downs.
Hesse played college football at Iowa and entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent signed by the Tennessee Titans when Smith was the team’s offensive coordinator.
Although neither tight end has officially signed with the Steelers, their tryouts could potentially mark the initial roster moves aligned with Arthur Smith’s vision for the revamped Pittsburgh offense.
