The NFL draft is just around the corner, and apparently Ben Roethlisberger has a tight end at the top of his wish list.

According to NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback told head coach Mike Tomlin he needs "more help" and is "lobbying for a tight end."

Despite the team needing some more help in the secondary, a tight end is not out of the question. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers know this is a deep tight-end class and could use that to their advantage come draft time.

The Steelers' starting tight end currently is Jesse James, who totaled 39 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns last season. For perspective, Rob Gronkowski put up similar numbers in 2016 (25 receptions, 540 yards, three touchdowns), but the Patriots tight end only played in eight games.

Statistically, James' numbers ranked him 32nd among tight ends in receiving yards, and if this is the Steelers' best option, boosting the number of offensive targets here wouldn't be a bad idea.

So what are some of Pittsburgh's top options at tight end in the 2017 draft class?

Heading the list would be Alabama's O.J. Howard and Miami's David Njoku, but these two likely won't last past the first round, when Pittsburgh will likely address its needs in the secondary. That brings us to Ole Miss' Evan Engram, Adam Shaheen from Div. II Ashland, South Alabama's Gerald Everett, Michigan's Jake Butt, Virginia Tech's Bucky Hodges and Clemson's Jordan Leggett, all possibilities to address the needs Big Ben seeks to fill. That is, if they are still around by the time Pittsburgh -- which picks 30th overall in the first round, 62nd overall in the second round and 94th and 105th in the third -- might decide to scoop one up.

-- Courtney Schellin