Category Archives: Steelers Draft

Coach Tomlin And Kevin Colbert At Manziel/Evans Pro Day Today

Leave a reply

As you may have expected, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Kevin Colbert were in attendance for the Manziel/Evans Pro Day today. At the center of media focus today was obviously QB Johnny Manziel. The main interest of Steelers staffers today though, was of course,  WR Mike Evans.

Evans and 5 other receivers fielded passes in shorts and t-shirts while Manziel donned pads and helmet during the event. The QB took all snaps under center and connected on 61 of 64 passes. After the showcase, he credited his receivers for making him look good. “I got to give a lot of credit to those six guys because they ran their hearts out and really helped me look good,” Manziel told the Houston Chronicle.

75 Scouts were in attendance to watch the festivities. Mike Tomlin was 1 of 8 coaches and Colbert was 1 of 8 GM’s. Oddly enough, the Dolphins and Browns were the only two teams that were not represented today.

The event was televised on ESPN and NFL Network. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKDhZTYOZQY

Steelers fans will most likely only be interested in this part of the clip- the 60 yard pass to Mike Evans in the endzone. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, be sure to share with your friends.

ManzielLastThrow

DE Jackson Jeffcoat Has Pre-Draft Visit Scheduled With The Steelers

2 Replies

Former Texas Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat has a private workout scheduled with the Steelers, according to Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram.

Jeffcoat is the son of retired NFL defensive end Jim Jeffcoat. Steelers scouts were on hand today at Texas’ Pro Day to see Jeffcoat, who measured in at 6’3″, 253 lbs. The former Ted Hendricks Award recipient stood on his combine numbers, which can be seen here: http://thesteelersfans.com/2014-nfl-combine-results-defensive-line/

Jeffcoat is a flexible defensive lineman, who will have his hand in the dirt at 5 technique on one play, and be standing as the Will linebacker on the next. In 2013, he registered 82 total tackles (40 solo), 13 sacks, 4 passes broken up, 15 QB hurries, 2 FF, 1 blocked kick, and 1 interception. There are some questions about his durability. In 2011, he suffered a rupture of his left pectoral muscle. The following season, he missed time due to a ruptured right pectoral muscle.

The defensive end is most likely to be selected late on day 2 or on day 3 in this year’s draft. Here are a couple games of 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=ZZHlmo_Q0aM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XBdTBsyE-Sc

 

2014 NFL Compensatory Picks Announced, Steelers Receive 3

Leave a reply

The NFL has notified teams of the 2014 compensatory draft picks each club will receive. The Steelers will receive 3. A 3rd, a 5th, and a 6th- picks 97, 173, and 215. I projected the comp picks a few months ago, and I’ve always thought we’d get two- a 3rd and a 5th. Getting three is fantastic, especially in a draft that’s being touted as one of the deepest and best in the last ten years.

A comp pick “expert” had originally predicted a 3rd, 5th, and a 7th for the Steelers, but later revised it to a 3rd and a 5th.

The Steelers qualifying losses were Mike Wallace, Keenan Lewis, Rashard Mendenhall, and Ryan Mundy last year and only gained Bruce Gradkowski via free agency. The Steelers now have 9 picks this year in the 2014 draft. This article may be helpful in answering any questions about the process- http://thesteelersfans.com/1588/looking-at-the-2014-steelers-nfl-compensatory-picks/.

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

Baylor RB Lache Seastrunk To Visit The Steelers

1 Reply

Former Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk tells the Star-Telegram that he has a visit lined up with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Seastrunk led Baylor’s rushing attack with 1,117 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns last season. A groin injury kept him out of two games and hindered him in a third. Lache (pronounced Lake) Seastrunk is quick and elusive. He is one of those backs that has uncanny balance at times. He is a big play threat, especially around the edge. His desire for the big play can occasionally backfire though, which results in yards being left on the field at times.

Seastrunk would be an interesting mid-round addition behind Le’Veon Bell. He has been known to make bold claims in the past, which don’t always work out to his advantage. Some examples would include predicting the Heisman trophy, and running a sub 4.3 at the combine.  His actual 40 time at the combine was 4.51. He ran a 4.46 at his pro day. His broad and vertical jumps were the highest by any back at the combine. You can view his combine numbers here: http://thesteelersfans.com/2014-nfl-combine-results-running-backs/

The 5’9, 201 lb back wouldn’t make a prediction about where he’d go in the NFL draft.

“I don’t want to put anything out there,” Seastrunk told the Star-Telegram. “I just want to go in there and play to the best of my ability. You guys want me to say like I’m going to be the best player to ever play in the NFL, huh? I haven’t even [played] in the NFL. I’m just going to earn my job and earn my keep. That’s it.”

Here are a couple videos of Seastrunk in action last year at Baylor.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cpmjGqi6hQY

150px-NotreDameFightingIrish.svg

Steelers Staff Busy At Notre Dame Pro Day

Leave a reply

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.

Here is Colbert collaborating with scouts after a 40 yard dash.


Possibly the highlight of the day was when head coach Mike Tomlin sat in as center while Louis Nix did drills.


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.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpLaAId0zIU

Kelvin Benjamin: Football

Colbert, Tomlin, And Other Coaches Finish Their Rounds In Florida

2 Replies

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin, Todd Haley, Carnell Lake, and a slew of scouts have been busy the last couple days. Yesterday morning, Coach Tomlin spoke for the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse at spring training camp in Bradenton, Fl.

 

 

 


Kevin Colbert and Todd Haley were also there. Photo

Later that day, they headed north to Gainesville to watch prospects perform at the Florida Gators Pro Day. Several inches of rain fell, which caused problems for some people during parts of the day. “You kind of feel sorry for these guys working out in these conditions,” Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake told Jeff Barlis of ESPN.

Lake was on hand to examine Florida’s top 3 cornerbacks.  Loucheiz Purifoy, Marcus Roberson, and Jaylen Watkins were said to have commanded a lot of attention. Defensive tackle Dominique Easley was in attendance at the event, but did not participate as he is still rehabbing from an ACL tear. He will host private workouts next month.

Watkins decided to let his 4.41 40 time from the combine stand. Roberson and Purifoy were clocked in around the mid-4.5s to low 4.6s on most watches. One scout had Roberson at 4.71 according to Rob Rang of CBS Sports. Florida wide receiver Solomon Patton ran a 4.31 40, and was said to have performed well in drills. The 5’9″, 171 lb receiver was a combine snub, but his speed and special teams ability make him a late round sleeper.

Last night, after the UF festivities were over, Tomlin, Colbert, and Todd Haley were spotted dining and mixing with former Florida State WR Kelvin Benjamin and former Florida State RB Devonta Freeman.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”FSUMeeting”]

“Had a great #business meeting/dinner with the#pittsburgh steelers representers. Mike tomlin x kelvin Colbert x Todd Haley” Freeman wrote from his instagram account.

Today, a total of more than 70 scouts and members from NFL coaching staffs were in attendance to watch the FSU prospects perform at the Pro Day. Tomlin, Colbert, Haley, Lake, and others no doubt. There’s no shortage of talent to evaluate there. Names like WR Kelvin Benjamin, DT Timmy Jernigan, C  Bryan Stork, S Terrence Brooks, S Lamarcus Joyner, RB Devonta Freeman, RB James Wilder Jr., LB Telvin Smith, and LB Christian Jones.

Talent evaluator Gil Brandt said that Benjamin stood on most of his combine numbers, but had an impressive day, and made a case for himself to be chosen late in the first round. Lots of reps from the Steelers were said to be focusing on Benjamin for what it’s worth. Here’s a look at some of the FSU Pro Day action made available on the Seminoles website. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share with your friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7xfwZHYgGc

Colbert With Justin Gilbert Last Night, At Pro Day Today With Tomlin

Leave a reply

Oklahoma State held their Pro Day today at Sherman E. Smith Training Center, where at least 20 teams had representatives in attendance. Of course, the only team we care about is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had Kevin Colbert on hand to observe prospects. Most notably, CB Justin Gilbert. Coach Mike Tomlin and other Steelers coaching staff members were also in attendance.

Tomlin and Colbert were also in Michigan yesterday to see CB Darqueze Dennard in action at Michigan State’s Pro Day. According to Tony Pauline, Colbert and other coaches (Tomlin included most likely) were meeting with Gilbert last night before today’s Pro Day.

Gilbert did nothing to hurt his already superb draft stock today. He opted out of some events that he did at the combine (40 yd, bench), but did some footwork and positional drills. Gil Brandt noted that he looked exceptional in his positional drills today, especially in his backpedal.

Regardless of the team’s moves in free agency, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where Gilbert is on the board at #15 and the Steelers pass on him.

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

Kevin Colbert And Scouts On Hand At Texas A&M Pro Day Today

Leave a reply

The Steelers, and probably every other team in the league, have personnel in attendance at McFerrin Athletic Center for Texas A&M’s Pro Day today. Kevin Colbert and GM’s from a couple other teams are on hand to watch players like OT Jake Matthews perform tests and run drills. QB Johnny Manziel and WR Mike Evans will not be participating today, though, Evans will be in attendance to meet with team representatives. Mike Evans will not work out for scouts until March 27th.

Here is a complete list of the prospects in attendance today according to a statement released by the Aggies.

LB Nate Askew

DL Kirby Ennis

WR Mike Evans

TE Nehemiah Hicks

DB Toney Hurd Jr.

DB Tramain Jacobs

LB Steven Jenkins

WR Travis Labhart

RB Ben Malena

QB Johnny Manziel

OL Jake Matthews

WR Derel Walker

 

Steelers Staff At Auburn Pro Day To See Robinson, Ford, And Others

Leave a reply

Auburn is one of a few schools having their pro day today, and the Steelers have personnel in attendance to meet with some of the prospects. Some of the players the Steelers are likely interested in having a close look at there are OT Greg Robinson, OLB/DE Dee Ford, RB Tre Mason, CB Chris Davis, and FB Jay Prosch just to name a few. While Robinson is likely to be picked in the top 5, the team is going to gather as much information as they can.

Dee Ford, who was a surprise medical scratch at the combine, was said to have had a big performance today. The 6’2″, 252 lb pass rusher did 29 bench press reps at 225 lbs, and ran a 4.45 40. He definitely helped his draft stock today.

Here is a pic of Steelers offensive assistant coach Shaun Sarrett talking with Greg Robinson.

 

Steelers Met With Dion Bailey, Jalen Saunders At Combine

Leave a reply

Adding to the formidable list of prospects the Steelers met with over the weekend, the team reportedly met with USC Safety Dion Bailey and Oklahoma WR Jalen Saunders.

Saunders is a small, speedy wide receiver. He measured just over 5’8″ at the combine, and weighed in at 163. His official 40 time was 4.44. While he’s small in size, he carries a big attitude on the field. He’s not afraid to get in linebacker’s faces. You could say that he plays tougher than some much larger receivers. Last year at Oklahoma, he had 61 receptions for 729 yards. He has experience as both a punt and kick returner. I know there’s been a lot of media hype about the Steelers drafting a tall receiver early, but don’t be too surprised if they don’t go that route.

Here’s a moving picture of Saunders making a good effort against Alabama’s Clinton-Dix.

Jalen-Saunders-Clinton-Dix

 

Dion Bailey

Dion Bailey started his USC career as a linebacker, but moved to safety last year. Sound familiar? Former USC standouts Carnell Lake and Troy Polamalu followed a similar path. Bailey was actually recruited by Lake, when he was a position coach for USC.

The red shirt junior had 58 tackles last year and 5 interceptions during the 2013 season. He measured in at 5’11”, 201 lbs and clocked an official 40 of 4.66 at the combine. Bailey is a round 3 or 4 prospect IMO, who could see a hybrid role on the Steelers defense.

Here are a couple games of him in action.

Here are a couple games if you haven’t seen Saunders play.