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Steelers Host Penn State Te For Pre-draft Visit

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STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Khalil Dinkins #16 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the FIU Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 6, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Another Steelers’ pre-draft visit is in the books, with The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reporting Friday that the team hosted Penn State tight Khalil Dinkins last week.

The Steelers hosted Penn State TE Khalil Dinkins for a pre-draft visit last week, per source.

At 6-4, 251, he's known more as a blocking TE. Was one of just 6 players (of 319) to participate in every drill at the combine.

North Allegheny grad doesn't count against the 30 total.

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) March 13, 2026

As Dinkins is a local prospect, he won’t count against the pre-draft visit limit of 30 players. The Steelers have already scheduled visits with Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell and Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock, per reports.

Dinkins is a 6’4, 251-pound tight end who ran a 4.72-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He had the best season of his four-year playing career in 2025, logging 14 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

“The production doesn’t really speak to Dinkins’ explosive athleticism and potential if properly developed,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote of Dinkins in a pre-draft scouting report. “He comes from NFL bloodlines and moves around the field with the fluidity of a big wide receiver. He ran a basic route tree and currently lacks the polish needed to maximize those routes. He’s quick with good build-up speed to attack across vertical patches of the field. Dinkins is a plus move blocker and willing in-line blocker, but he needs to get stronger to sustain at the point. He projects as a Day 3 pick with upside.”

After the Steelers released Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward left in free agency to the Raiders, Pittsburgh suddenly has a bit of roster need when it comes to tight end depth.