Why Steelers UDFA Lake McRee Is A TE3 Contender

Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

Finding the next UDFA gem in training camp is a difficult but achievable task.

 In 2022, Oklahoma State running back Jaylen Warren entered camp with minimal expectations and performed at such a high level that he not only secured a roster spot but also contributed meaningfully during the regular season, finishing with 379 rushing yards on 77 carries and one touchdown.

Enter UDFA tight end Lake McRee out of USC. McRee fits the profile of a true training‑camp sleeper because his blend of size, production, and physicality gives Pittsburgh a developmental tight end they normally don’t find in the UDFA pool. At 6'5", 240 pounds, he already looks the part of an NFL in‑line tight end, and unlike many college prospects with that frame, he’s not just a projection.

What makes McRee particularly intriguing is the college production that quietly stacks up with mid‑round prospects. During his collegiate career, he accumulated ninety‑seven catches, 1,154 yards, and seven touchdowns. Last season with the Trojans, McRee set career highs in receptions with 30, receiving yards with 450, touchdowns with four, and yards per reception with 15.0. Ultimately, this suggests someone with legitimate involvement in a high‑volume passing offense.

The Steelers’ current tight end room also creates a clear runway for a depth role. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington are locked in, but the third spot is wide open. Riley Nowakowski profiles more as a fullback/H‑back, not a true tight end who can play 15–20 snaps if injuries hit. McRee’s combination of blocking toughness and proven receiving ability gives him a legitimate path to stick — especially in an offense that values versatility and doesn’t want to become predictable when rotating personnel.

It would be simple to project that veteran tight end (and former Aaron Rodgers teammate) Robert Tonyan is the likely candidate to take over the third tight end spot on the Steelers’ roster. Yet the last three seasons have seen Tonyan’s production decline in a manner that raises legitimate concern, despite his experience. McRee’s upside, youth, and recent trajectory present a stark contrast, giving Pittsburgh a developmental option whose arrow is still pointing upward and whose skill set aligns more closely with what the team needs from its TE3 in 2026.