Category Archives: Steelers Draft

steelers draft

Steelers Hosting CB Verrett, CB Richardson, And LB Crichton For Pre-Draft Visits

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The Steelers are hosting 3 more prospects for visits today. The three prospects are TCU CB Jason Verrett, Arizona CB Shaquille Richardson, and Oregon LB Scott Crichton.

Jason Verrett is a corner who I’ve long thought would be high on the Steelers radar. He’s got excellent coverage skills, he’s really fast, and he’s undersized. I know “undersized” isn’t a valued trait in a cornerback, but the Steelers have a penchant for small, fast corners. I don’t believe Verrett’s name gets mentioned in the top 5 corner discussion much, but it should be. If he were 2 inches taller, I’m sure most would say that he’d be gone before the Steelers pick in round one.

The almost 5’10”, 189 lb corner ran a 4.39 at the combine. He was limited at times during the 2013 season, as he played through a torn labrum. At the combine, Dr.’s said that he would not require surgery, but he elected to have it anyway. Before the surgery, he still managed 19 bench press reps at his pro day. He is expected to be ready by the time training camp rolls around. Here are a couple of his games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShK_qWUGQjU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPcwP2oFOl8

Shaquille Richardson is a mid round prospect out of Arizona. He impressed scouts during East-West Shrine Game practices, but was a surprise Combine snub. He’s 6’0, 194 lbs and runs 4.4x 40 yard dash. Richardson brings a possible character concern, as he was kicked out of UCLA in 2010 after being arrested for theft. He was also one of several players suspended after an on field brawl in 2011. Here are a couple of his games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0NGLGD50Bs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqLEYa0iRZ4

Former Oregon DE Scott Crichton is an interesting prospect. He doesn’t really fit into any specific position in a 3-4 in my opinion. In the games I watched, he was predominately lined up with his hands in the dirt at 5, 6 and 7 technique. He measured in at almost 6’3″, 273 lbs at the combine. The defensive lineman registered 7.5 sacks last year, and 9 in 2012. He also recorded 3 forced fumbles in 2013. It would be interesting to see how he is used in the Steelers scheme, though I imagine they will transition him to OLB. LaMarr Woodley was 6’2″, 266 coming out of college.

I enjoy watching Crichton play, as he has a great burst and can bull rush tackles back fairly easily at times. He will probably be drafted sometime on day 2. Here are a couple of his games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlc7xZetlzY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjnrvhhgl-s

Thanks for stopping by, and as always, share with your friends.

steelers draft

Steelers Hosted CB Roby, LB Pierre-Louis, and LB Bradford For Pre-Draft Visits

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The Steelers had CB Bradley Roby, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, and LB Carl Bradford in for pre-draft visits today.

Roby is quite likely in the mix for the Steelers first round pick. Aside from a relatively low vertical jump, the former Ohio State cornerback had an excellent showing at the combine. The 5’11, 194 lb defensive back has all the traits the Steelers would covet in a corner- prototypical height, lightning fast speed, good ball awareness, and lots of experience playing zone coverage.

Having said that, if you watch enough of Roby, you’ll likely begin to have some concerns about how he’ll transition to the NFL. While watching him last year, there was one word that would ring in my head from time to time- discipline. Roby can be frustrating at times because he has a tendency to not wrap his man up when making the tackle, and will get overtly grabby when he’s being beat.

Here are two of his games, one good, one not so good.

Bradley Roby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMjNxhpHFeM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whr1Cr9TW-M

Carl Bradford had 61 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss last year at Arizona State. The 6’1″, 250lb linebacker was a defensive swiss army knife for the Sun Devils. Here’s a couple of his games from last year.

Carl Bradford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b4T7KCuhI0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0Y5TuNKh08

Kevin Pierre-Louis is a 6’0, 228 lb late round prospect out of Boston College. He amassed 108 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks last year for the Eagles. Pierre-Louis had the fastest 40 time of the linebacker group at the combine. In an interview after the combine, he told reporters that some teams asked if he would switch to safety- a position he’s never played.

Kevin Pierre-Louis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HshbfGjDRLg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR0xsexwq-U

steelers draft

[Audio] LSU WR Odell Beckham Jr Had Dinner With The Steelers Last Night

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Former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was on SiriusXM’s Moving The Chains with Pat Kirwan and Jim Miller this afternoon. During the interview, he told the hosts that he had dinner with “the Steelers” last night. Presumably, he had dinner with Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, and Todd Haley who were all in attendance for today’s Pro Day at LSU.

Here is the audio from that portion of the interview:

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/siriusxmsports/lsu-wr-odell-beckham-talks[/soundcloud]

Beckham Jr. is 5’11, 198 lbs, and ran a 4.43 official at the combine. His 2nd attempt was a 4.31. His overall combine performance was pretty spectacular, which only helped his stock after 3 very good seasons at LSU. Last year, OBJ had 59 receptions, 1,152 yards for a total of 8 TDs.

Many have the wideout projected to go in the first round, but the Steelers are not likely going to want to use the #15 pick on him. Here are a couple videos of him in action. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share with your friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_M52KgXSJ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOXnTM2OsWk

steelers draft

Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, And Todd Haley Attend LSU Pro Day

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As you might expect, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, GM Kevin Colbert, and Todd Haley are in attendance for LSU’s Pro Day today.

 


Obviously there’s a handful of prospects performing today that the Steelers could have a legitimate interest in, but one would have to think that LSU’s receiving corps is going to be their main focus there. Here is a list of LSU’s attendees.

LB Lamin Barrow
WR/RS Odell Beckham Jr.
RB Alfred Blue
WR Kadron Boone
FB J.C. Copeland
DT Ego Ferguson
LB Seth Fruge
LB Jarett Hardnett
DT Anthony Johnson
RB Jeremy Hill
LB Tahj Jones
WR Jarvis Landry
S Craig Loston
QB Zach Mettenberger
G Trai Turner
OL Josh Williford
WR James Wright

Beckham Jr. stood on his excellent 40 time from the combine of 4.43. Jarvis Landry, who had a very poor showing at the combine for his 40 yard dash (due to a hamstring pull reportedly), improved on it today going from 4.77 to 4.58. Landry is a legitimate possibility for the Steelers in my opinion. He’s an excellent route runner and has great hands. He could very well have a successful future as a physical possession receiver in the NFL.


I’ll close this with a couple videos of both Landry and Beckham Jr. if you haven’t seen them in action. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share with your friends.

Landry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN3lII9T3XE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHZVb8vPRWU
OBJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cjvErKu35g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTARGC1MBos

steelers draft

[Gifs] Kevin Colbert And Mike Tomlin Represent Steelers At Penn State Pro Day

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Steelers GM Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin were in attendance at Penn State’s Pro Day today.

 


Here’s the list of prospects who participated today:

  • Punter Alex Butterworth
  • Linebacker Glenn Carson
  • Receiver Brandon Felder
  • Offensive lineman Garry Gilliam
  • Offensive lineman Adam Gress
  • Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones
  • Tight end Matt Lehman
  • Defensive back Stephen Obeng-Agyapong
  • Receiver Allen Robinson
  • Offensive lineman Josh Urschel
  • Defensive back Malcolm Willis

As you may already know, there’s one guy on that list who is high on my radar, and likely the team’s radar as well- Allen Robinson. Robinson improved greatly on his combine performance today, posting a 4.4x 40 yard dash and a tremendous 42 inch vertical jump. To put that into perspective, that’s higher than what any receiver posted at the combine, and 5 inches higher than Mike Evans’ vertical jump in February.

The 6’2″, 220 lb Robinson had 97 receptions, 1,432 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. One of Robinson’s stats that jumps out at you is his yards after catch on screens. You may have seen this in the forum a couple months ago, but here are some gifs that capture how shifty he can be in those situations.

Thanks for stopping by, and as always, be sure to share with your friends.

steelers draft

Steelers Hosting Safety Calvin Pryor For Pre-Draft Visit Today

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The Steelers are hosting former Louisville Safety Calvin Pryor today according to Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette.


The 5’11”, 207 lb defensive back played mostly at free safety, but can play either free or strong. Many were surprised when Pryor went from being that “big safety” who was listed at 6’2″, to that averaged sized safety who shrunk 3 inches at the combine. Regardless, Pryor is a first round talent who is the best or second best safety in this class, depending on who you ask.

The big hitter’s specialty is zone coverage, as he didn’t play much man in college. Here are some of his games if you haven’t seen him in action. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, be sure to share with your friends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Io0tKa1cCeU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2D6uqoUpNgs

steelers draft

Former Miami OT Seantrel Henderson Has Pre-Draft Visit Scheduled

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According to Omar Kelly of the Miami Sun-Sentinel, Seantrel Henderson has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Steelers.

Henderson was one of the country’s top recruits coming out of high school in 2010. Unfortunately, he didn’t live up to the hype. He was suspended multiple times at Miami for violating team rules, and his play on the field was never dominant. The 6’7, 331 lb mountain of a man also was hampered by back injuries during his college career.

Henderson split time between right and left tackle last season, and has great size and length to play at either side. Despite his size, he still gets beat in situations you wouldn’t expect him to. Also, his hand work needs a lot of improvement. To make matters worse, some reporters said he “quit” at his pro day today.

Henderson did not speak to media after the event. His agent addressed reporters, telling them that he was dehydrated and began to feel ill. Even though his stock has continued to slip, it seems unlikely to me that the Steelers will take a chance on him, even in the later rounds. His character flags have reportedly caused other teams to take him off their draft boards.

Here are a couple Miami games that highlight the tackle’s performance. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, be sure to share with your friends.

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0xy3ZpozCzY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=t4hl__3-XVA

steelers draft

Former OSU LB Ryan Shazier Had Pre-Draft Visit With The Steelers

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Former Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier was on SiriusXM NFL tonight and told Alex Marvez that he had a pre-draft visit with the Steelers.


If you’re not familiar with him, Shazier is an extremely athletic and versatile linebacker who can play both outside and inside. He’s got a very high football IQ, and it wouldn’t surprise me (or really disappoint me) if the Steelers picked him at #15. If you’re still with me, and aren’t totally focused on that mainstream mock you read the other day that had the Steelers picking Justin Gilbert, well, gold star for you then.

Shazier was named First-team All-American, First-team All-Big Ten, and finished with 144 tackles, seven sacks, 23.5 tackles for a loss, six QB hurries, and four forced fumbles in 2013. Watching his game tape, you will never see him take off a play. Even on special teams. Here he is blocking a punt with Bradley Roby against Northwestern.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KLBnR46peVY

The former OSU standout could play in any defensive scheme in my opinion, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a 4-3 team was interested in him as a Will linebacker. He didn’t run the 40 at the combine due to a hamstring injury, but was clocked at an unofficial 4.37 at Ohio State’s pro day.

In Pittsburgh’s scheme, he’d play predominately on the inside. He is very good in coverage, and plays against the run very well, where his closing speed comes in handy. I’ll close out with a couple games of him in action for you, and with a gif of the “Shazier Suplex”. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, be sure to share with your friends.

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6F-T3UCL-fE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=l74vuXXrNq0

steelers draft

Former Ohio State CB Bradley Roby To Visit With The Steelers

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Former Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby was on SiriusXM NFL tonight and told Gil Brandt that he has a visit lined up with the Steelers.

While you mostly hear about Dennard and Gilbert, Roby is a corner who is likely very high on the Steelers radar. In 2012, he was being compared to top tier cornerbacks. In 2013, not so much. Roby possesses good size at 5’11, 194 lbs, and he displays very good speed. His official combine 40 time was a 4.39. He looks even faster on tape at times. A couple concerns about Roby are his very high burn rate in 2013, and the frequency at which he fails to wrap his man up.

Greg Peshek of Rotoworld charted out the top CBs of this year’s draft. While stats aren’t the be-all end-all, they’re a useful tool for evaluating certain aspects of a player’s overall performance. As you can see in the chart below, Roby has the worst PD rate (passes defensed) out of the group. Basically, he got his hand on the ball 1 in 5 targets. As a comparison, Verrett- 1 in 3.

TriCBs

Also concerning is how high his burn rate is. In his defense, Ohio State’s scheme played a part in that number. Having voiced those concerns, I will say that Roby is one of the more well-rounded corners in this class, and I do think he’ll be successful in the NFL. In terms of “Steelers cornerbacks”, he has many traits that they covet. He’s fast, he’s a strong run supporter, and he’s played in a variety of coverages.

In 2013 he had 63 tackles, 3 INT, 13 pass break ups, and 2 blocked punts.

Here are a couple games if you haven’t seen him in action. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, be sure to share with your friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tMjNxhpHFeM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Whr1Cr9TW-M

steelers draft

Report: Pitt DT Aaron Donald Had Pre-Draft Visit With The Steelers

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ESPN reports that former Pitt defensive line standout, Aaron Donald, had a pre-draft visit with the Steelers last week.

Aaron Donald is 6’0″, 285 lbs, but don’t let his lack of prototypical size fool you. As they say- he is a grown ass man. Donald was the most decorated defensive player in 2013. The Pitt senior won the Rotary Lombardi Award, Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, and was named First-team All-ACC. He finished the 2013 season with 9 tackles, 11 sacks and 28.5 tackles for a loss.

Having said all that, I wouldn’t get too excited. While Donald did play in a 3-4 during his first 2 years of college, he’s just not really a good fit in a typical NFL 3-4. From a technical standpoint, he’s very good. He has excellent use of hands, has a number of moves in his repertoire,  and great footwork. He mainly lines up at the 1, 3, and 4i tech in Pitt’s defense. 4-3 teams will no doubt be interested in him in the 1st round.

Here are a couple of his games from last year if you haven’t seen him in action. Enjoy.

*Update- I figured I’d update this since I’ve had some questions regarding his visit. Teams are allowed to host up to 30 prospects for pre-draft visits. Local prospects do not count towards that total.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share with your friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mI1y-Z9AvYk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Tdcxwpg1OpA