Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin, Joey Porter, and other Steelers staff members were in attendance today to see Notre Dame’s prospects work out in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams. The Steelers were no doubt interested in seeing players like NT Louis Nix III, DE Stephon Tuitt, TE Troy Niklas, LB Prince Shembo, CB Bennett Jackson, OL Zack Martin, RB George Atkinson III, and more in person.
Tomlin was one of two head coaches in attendance, and Colbert one of the few GMs. Joey Porter was also on hand to help with player evaluation. Scouts from all 32 teams there also. The event received a great deal of media coverage, much of which found it’s way onto Twitter. Here’s Porter and Colbert keeping track of ten yard splits.
Porter talking with #Steelers GM Kevin Colbert. They're timing the 10-yard splits. #NDproday pic.twitter.com/JmQgf6gM7m
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) March 20, 2014
Here is Colbert collaborating with scouts after a 40 yard dash.
Scouts are confirming the results of the drills #NDProDay pic.twitter.com/VmLd40coxN
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 20, 2014
Possibly the highlight of the day was when head coach Mike Tomlin sat in as center while Louis Nix did drills.
Mike Tomlin is the center. Louis Nix the nose tackle. #NDProDay #Steelers pic.twitter.com/9RshEvHBag
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) March 20, 2014
A scout for the 49ers reportedly asked Tomlin to stand in for the drill. When asked about the experience, Nix said, “I heard Mike Tomlin liked big thighs…I tried to show them off for him. That’s why I wore my tights.” Nix, who is never without jokes, went on to say, “It wasn’t intimidating…I just wanted to look in his eyes and show him I am ready.” A lot of people have mocked Nix to the Steelers with the 15th pick, a scenario I’ve never agreed with personally. Nix weighed in at 331 today. Official times have not been released yet, but you can see Nix running the 40 and doing the bench below.
Louis Nix pushing weight at #NDProDay. #Bench https://t.co/z5965T3VCA
— Aaron Horvath (@NDSportsBlogger) March 20, 2014
Louis Nix runs the 40 at #NDProDay https://t.co/vHAGl21Nfl
— Aaron Horvath (@NDSportsBlogger) March 20, 2014
It probably seemed like Nix was the star of the show, and while that might be partially true, several attendees didn’t participate in drills. Stephon Tuitt showed up with his foot in a boot, due to a recent surgery he had to mend a foot fracture. TE Troy Niklas also didn’t participate because he is recovering from a sports hernia.
As a side note, Mike Golic Jr., who spent training camp with the Steelers last year, was also there working out for scouts. His dad was also there to cheer him on.
FINAL @NDFOOTBALL PRO DAY NUMBERS: pic.twitter.com/QttmztVbxa
— Aaron Horvath (@NDSportsBlogger) March 20, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpLaAId0zIU