Steelers Draft Prospects - Part 4

Here's the fourth installment of Steelers Draft Prospects. Again, these names and the scouting reports come from NFL.com, with a majority of these players making visits with the Steelers.

WR Odell Beckham (LSU)

5-11, 198lbs

2013: 59rec/1,152yds/8TDs

Paul Hornung Award Winner

combine: 40- 4.43s, 7reps, 38.5in vertical jump

Beckham has quick hands and feet to slip from the jam. He has good balance with terrific leaping ability. He creates after the catch with burst and shiftiness as a runner. He has playmaking ability with return experience.

He lacks top-end vertical speed. His route running needs polishing. He can be out-muscled in a crowd and his blocking needs improvement.

Beckham could be that Mike Wallace playmaking WR for the Steelers. He'd be a near-perfect compliment opposite Antonio Brown.

NFL.com grade - 6.16 (instant starter)

OT Ja'wuan James (Tennessee)

6-6, 311lbs

combine: 40- 5.34s, 22reps, 39in vertical jump

James has good hand placement and is patient in pass protection. He matches well versus size-power. He has outstanding personal and football character.

His footwork is raw and doesn't always roll off the ball with power and generate strength/movement in the run game.

The Steelers could always use more depth on the offensive-line, and James would be a fine addition in the middle rounds.

NFL.com grade - 5.76 (chance to become a starter)

OT Jack Mewhort (Ohio St)

6-6, 309lbs

combine: 40- 5.37s, 28reps, 26in vertical jump

He engages with urgency. He drive and widens and seals the lane. He has good anchor strength and is alert to stunts and blitzes. He has an ideal temperament for the trenches.

He's stronger than he is explosive. He lacks ideal foot quickness and is vulnerable to strong bull-rushes. He can slip off of blocks and struggles to cut off fast-flowing LB's.

Like James, Mewhort would be a welcome addition to the Steelers OL, with his ability to pick up blitzes being a key factor.

NFL.com grade - 5.62 (chance to become a starter)

OT Seantrel Henderson (Miami,FL)

6-7, 331 lbs

combine: 40- 5.04s, 24in vertical jump

He's light footed, with long arms and recovery that enable him to push rushers wide of the pocket. He widens the hole and walls off/seals and passes off stunts.

He needs to strengthen his core. His technique lapses at times and he's stressed by quick inside moves. He struggles to adjust  to moving targets in space. He's also been suspended multiple times in college.

Henderson would be another good depth piece for the Steelers on their OL. 

NFL.com grade - 5.52 (chance to become a starter)

FS HaHa Clinton-Dix (Alabama)

6-1, 208lbs

2013: 50tckls/2INTs

combine: 40- 4.58s, 11reps, 33in vertical jump

He's quick to read and react. He keeps pace with slot receivers and tight ends. He has good hands to intercept and doesn't shy away from contact. He's a secure tackler.

He has ordinary speed and leaping ability. He occasionally gets stuck on blocks and doesn't always play with abandon. He has average ball production/playmaking ability.

 

With the departure of Ryan Clark, Clinton-Dix would be a fine addition to the Steelers secondary.

NFL.com grade - 5.99 (chance to become a starter)

FS Calvin Pryor (Louisville)

5-11, 207lbs

2013: 71tckls/3INTs

combine: 40- 4.58s, 18reps, 34.5in vertical jump

He runs the alley and throws his weight  around. He's a physical/lights-out hitter. He's instinctive and aggressive with a pre-snap recognition. He's rangy enough to play center field.

He plays with too much reckless abandon and lacks discipline playing cutback. He has average production  on the ball with average leaping ability.

Much like Clinton-Dix, Pryor would also be a good addition into the secondary ranks with the Steelers, with his physical nature.

NFL.com grade - 6.32 (instant starter)

OT Taylor Lewan (Michigan)

6-7, 309lbs

combine: 40- 4.87s, 29reps, 30.5in vertical jump

He has a clean kickslide in pass protection. He has good footwork and recovery quickness to handle outside speed and inside counters. He has very good balance and plays with intensity. He's also very durable.

He's not a gritty physical finisher. He doesn't explode  on contact and could do better recognizing/adjusting to the outside blitz.

Lewan would certainly be an upgrade to the present Steelers OL.

NFL.com grade - 6.31 (instant starter)

DE Scott Crichton (Oregon St)

6-3, 273lbs

2013: 46tckls/7.5scks

combine: 40- 4.84s, 24reps, 31.5in vertical jump

He has a good burst off the snap and flashes power. He has nice closing speed and is a good tackler.

He tends to rush upright and defend too tall against the run. He can be dominated by double teams and gets sucked inside and loses containment. He needs to cultivate his pass-rush moves to counters.

Crichton would add some nice depth to a young Steelers DL at defensive-end.

NFL.com grade - 5.58 (chance to become a starter)

WR Allen Robinson (Penn St)

6-2, 220lbs

2013: 97rec/1,432yds/6TDs

combine: 40- 4.60s, 39in vertical jump

He has a good line release and breaks off sharply, creating separation. He climbs the ladder and has elevation and body control to contort and make plays in air. He gets upfield quickly and shows shiftiness, vision and run strength. He has a full route tree.

He lacks elite top-end speed. He occasionally traps catches and his leap timing can be off. He tends to swing the ball loosely  as a runner.

 

Robinson would be a nice physical WR for the Steelers, with great athletic ability.

NFL.com grade - 5.68 (chance to become a starter)

CB Shaquille Richardson (Arizona)

6-0, 194lbs

2013: 55tckls/3INTs

He's quick and agile. He's aggressive at jumping routes and can make spectacular plays look easy.

He lacks eye discipline to sort out run-pass reads. He's late to locate the ball and support the run. He has marginal physicality. 

Richardson would be a nice mid-late rd depth addition at CB.

NFL.com grade - 5.1 (chance to make the roster)

CB Jason Verrett (TCU)

5-9, 189lbs

2013: 39tckls/2INTs

combine: 40- 4.38s, 39in vertical jump

Co-Big 12 Defensive Play of the Year

He's quick/twitchy  and explosive popping out of his pedal. He has good eyes and anticipation and footwork. His instincts are outstanding. He consistently makes plays on the ball and is very willing in run support.

He has durability issues. He's a low-dive tackler. He can be overwhelmed by bigger blockers and struggles to shed blocks. He has average play strength. 

Verrett could be the type of CB the Steelers are looking for with his read ability.

NFL.com grade - 5.92 (chance to become a starter)

Steelers Draft Prospects - Part 3

Here's the third installment of Steelers Draft Prospects, looking at players who have been in someway connected to the Steelers over the past few months, whether its been visits, etc reported throughout sports media.

WR Donte Moncrief (Ole Miss)

6-2, 221lbs

2013: 59rec/938yds/6TDs

combine: 40- 4.40s, 13reps, 39.5in vertical jump

He has terrific size and can stretch the field vertically. He creates separation and has a leaping ability.

His route running needs sharpening. He doesn't always play to his size. He can drop catch-able balls and traps catches.

Moncrief would be a fine depth piece at WR for the Steelers, fitting in a slot position. He would have the potential to be that physical WR for the Steelers.

NFL.com grade - 5.92 (chance to become a starter)

CB Bradley Roby (Ohio St)

5-11, 194lbs

2013: 68tckls/3INTs

combine: 40- 4.39s, 17reps, 38.5in vertical jump

He has protypical speed and shadows slot receivers. He's quick footed and agile, shows recovery speed. He's physical and aggressive.

He can be boxed out by tall receivers. Durability  could be an issue in the future. He misses some 1 - on - 1 tackles in space.

Roby could be that CB that the Steelers desperately need. A smart playmaker, he could keep up with the likes of Josh Gordon (Browns).

NFL.com grade - 6.18 (instant starter)

OLB Anthony Barr (UCLA)

6-5, 255lbs

2013: 66tckls/10scks

combine: 40- 4.66s, 15reps, 34.5in vertical jump

1st Team All-American

He has exceptional take off speed with acceleration and a closing burst. He has recovery quickness to make plays and is an explosive striker.

He's late to locate the ball. He can be locked down  too easily while engaged. He lacks a variety of pass-rush moves.

The Steelers could always use more LB's, especially those as explosive as Barr does. Paired with 2013 1st rd pick Jarvis Jones, they could make for another exceptional LB pairing for Pittsburgh. 

NFL.com grade - 6.52 (chance to be pro-bowl caliber)

CB Loucheiz Purifoy (Florida)

5-11, 190lbs

2013: 24tckls/2INTs

combine: 40- 4.61s, 6reps, 35.5in vertical jump

He's fluid and light on his feet. He flashes playmaking ability with good hands to intercept. He also has special teams experience.

He gives up in separation and is an inconsistent tackler. He gets beat off of the snap, and has some off-field issues.

Purifoy would be a good nickel/dime CB for the Steelers. He could step in and develop to be a starter.

NFL.com grade - 5.32 (back-up/special teams)

CB Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma St)

6-0, 202lbs

2013: 42tckls/7INTs

combine: 40- 4.37s, 20reps, 35.5in vertical jump

Jim Thorpe Award Finalist

He has an outstanding size-speed ratio with athletic ability. He has fluid movement skills with transitional quickness and recovery speed. He's a natural interceptor with leaping ability, and has return experience.

He's not as aggressive/physical in run support. He can coast at times.

Gilbert could come and start right away opposite Ike Taylor for the Steelers. He would provide a piece to the secondary that's been missing for quite some time at the CB position.

NFL.com grade - 6.48 (instant starter)

CB Darqueze Dennard (Michigan St)

5-11, 199lbs

2013: 62tckls/4INTs

combine: 40- 4.51s, 15reps

Jim Thorpe Award Winner, 1st Team All-American, Big 10 Defensive Back Of The Year

He has good press strength. He has very good eyes and anticipation. He reacts quickly off the snap.

He has some durability issues and he didn't play a lot of zone coverage.

Dennard could also come in and start right away opposite Ike Taylor. His reads off the snap would be a welcome addition to the Steelers.

NFL.com grade - 6.14 (instant starter)

`NT Louis Nix (Notre Dame)

6-2, 331lbs

2013: 8tckls

combine: 40- 5.42s, 25.5in vertical jump

He commands a double team. He has good quickness off the snap and pushes blockers into the backfield. He redirects well.

He doesn't dominate single blocking. He needs to improve his hand use. He has limited pass-rush value and has some conditioning/stamina issues.

Nix would certainly be a presence on the Steelers DL He could help block running paths. 

NFL.com grade - 5.94 (chance to become a starter)

CB Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech)

6-0, 190lbs

2013: 24tckls/2INTs

combine: 40- 4.49s, 12reps, 38.5in vertical jump

3rd Team All-ACC

He has zone awareness with good eyes. He has an outstanding leaping ability and is a willing run supporter. He's also proven to be durable.

He has man-cover limitations and has tightness in transition. He gives up separation at the break point and slips off of some tackles.

Fuller would be a good value piece for the Steelers. An under the radar type of prospect, he could step in and be a real presence in the secondary.

NFL.com grade - 5.97 (chance to become a starter) 

Steelers Draft Prospects - Part 2

Here's the second installment of my NFL Draft preview, looking at prospective prospects of the Steelers. These names come from a second mock draft of Matt Miller at bleacher report.


DE Kony Ealy (Missouri)
6-4, 273lbs

2013: 30 solo tckls/8scks/3FF/1INT 

1st Team All-SEC

combine: 40- 4.92s, 22reps, 31in vertical jump

Ealy is quick off the snap, and moves like a LB. He has fast closing speed and can spin off of blocks.

He's still developing his instincts and can get locked up. His speed doesn't always equal power, and he can succumb to the double team.

Ealy would provide the Steelers with another defensive line threat. While Cameron Heyward came on last year, the Steelers still lacked that top DE presence, and Ealy could provide that.

NFL.com grade - 5.82 (could become starter)

OT Cyrus Kouandijo (Alabama)

6-7, 322lbs

2013: 1st Team All-American/ 1st Team All-SEC

combine: 40 - 5.59s, 21reps, 27.5in vertical jump

He has terrific size. He can handle the bull rush and can control the defensive line. He can also run block.

He lacks ideal feet quickness. He needs to strengthen his power step. Also he possess an injury history.

Cyrus would provide the Steelers with a large and needed presence on the offensive-line. While he already has some of the wear of a typical NFL player, given the chance, he could be a force on the Steelers OL.

NFL.com grade - 5.75 (could become starter)

NT DaQuan Jones (Penn St)

6-4, 322lbs

2013: 48tckls/3scks

1st Team All-Big 10

combine: 40 - 5.35s, 25reps, 27.5in vertical jump

Jones fires off from the snap. He has a strong upper body and presses blockers. He can also collapse the pocket.

He can take plays off at times. He doesn't threaten the edges and doesn't always accelerate off of blocks.

Jones could provide the Steelers with that DT presence they've been lacking since Casey Hampton. Jones could help to wear down an opposing OL.

NFL.com grade - 5.65 (could become starter)

WR Kevin Norwood (Alabama)

6-2, 198lbs

2013: 38rec/568yds/7TDs

combine: 40 - 4.48s, 8reps, 33in vertical jump

Norwood has good hands and makes the difficult catch. He's route savvy and understands how to get open. He'll keep working in order to get open.

He doesn't always pop off breaks or create separation with burst/acceleration. He needs to improve his run blocking.

 

Norwood would provide solid depth at WR for the Steelers. He would come into the NFL already with a strength in route-running, which lacks on occasion with young WRs.

NFL.com grade - 5.15 (good chance to make roster)

CB Walt Aikens (Liberty)

6-1, 205lbs

2013: 62tckls/3INTs

1st Team All-Big South

Aikens has good press strength and keeps stride with receivers. He's an aggressive tackler and has gunner experience.

He lacks ideal foot speed. He has average instincts and has some character issues.

Aikens would provide depth at CB for the Steelers. With his tackling skills, he could make an immediate presence on special teams.

NFL.com grade - 5.1 (good chance to make roster)

DT Daniel McCullers (Tennessee)

6-7, 352lbs

2013: 21 solo tckls/0.5sck

combine: 27reps, 20.5in vertical jump

He occupies space and holds up multiple blockers. He can overpower zone blockers and is durable.

He doesn't always make plays outside the box. He has average body power and has limited pass-rush potential.

McCullers could be a good find in the latter portion of the draft if he's still available. He has a good amount of upside and would provide depth.

NFL.com grade - 5.65 (could become starter)

TE Colt Lyerla (Oregon)

6-4, 242lbs

2013: 2rec/26yds

combine: 40 - 4.61s, 15reps, 39in vertical jump

He's a fluid route runner. He creates in the open field and has a good catching radius. He's also a functional blocker.

He's prone to outbursts and has some off-field issues. Drops can be a problem with him.

If Lyerla can control himself, he could be a great late find for the Steelers. His athletic ability could make him a compliment to Heath Miller.

NFL.com grade - 5.36 (back-up/special teams)

WR Jalen Saunders (Oklahoma)

5-9, 165lbs

2013: 61rec/729yds/8TDs

2nd Team All-Big 12

combine: 40- 4.44s, 34in vertical jump

Saunders is light on his feet and has quick soft hands. He's a good route runner and can elude the first tackle.

He's easily knocked off course and has a small catching radius. He lacks vertical top speed and is a weak blocker.

Saunders could be a prescience on the return team and would provide depth at WR with his allusiveness.

NFL.com grade - 5.22 (back-up/special teams)

ILB Andrew Jackson (Western Kentucky)

6-1, 254lbs

2013: 98tckls/1sck

2nd Team All-Sun Belt

He's a physically strong tackler.

He lacks ideal strength and speed. His tackles can also be inconsistent. 

Jackson could provide depth on the special teams to start for the Steelers, and develop. 

NFL.com grade - 5.23 (back-up/special teams)

Steelers draft prospects - part 1

From now until draft day, I'm going to be doing some mini-scouting reports on some potential draft prospects for the Pittsburgh Steelers. These reports will be summaries from the NFL.com reports, along with my perspective on how they would fit with the team. These names and their connection to the Steelers are via Matt Miller and his bleacher report 7 round mock draft, along with NFL.com.

WR Kelvin Benjamin (Florida St)

6-5, 240lbs

2013: 54rec/1,011yds/15TDs

2nd team All-ACC

combine: 40- 4.61sec, 13reps, 32.5in vertical jump

Benjamin is than just a typical tall receiver. He has the potential to be a match-up nightmare for defenses. He's physical, and can be a red-zone target.

While he is physical, he lacks typical top-speed.

Kelvin Benjamin would give the Steelers that tall threat that they've been looking for. While its true that he doesn't have top speed, the Steelers already have a WR with that in Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton. Benjamin would be that physical receiver that would be a welcome target for Big Ben.

NFL.com grade - 6.4 (instant starter)

TE Austin Seferian Jenkins (Washington)

6-5, 262lbs

2013: 36rec/450yds/8TDs

John Mackey Award, 3rd team All-American, 2nd team All-PAC 12

combine: 20reps

 He has big size and stature. He can also be an effective blocker as well as a big target.

He's not explosive, and has limited speed after the catch.

Jenkins would be a welcome compliment to Heath Miller. We're seeing more and more teams going with 2 Tight-End sets, and Jenkins would fit that with his athletic ability. 

NFL.com grade - 5.5 (could become a starter)

DT Anthony Johnson (LSU)

6-2, 308lbs

2013: 35tckls/3scks

2nd team All-SEC

combine: 40- 5.24s, 20reps, 24.5in vertical jump

He has a quick release, with a closing burst and good upside.

He's easily turned, and his speed doesn't always equal power. He can disappear in stretches.

 

For quite some time now, the Steelers have been looking to boost their defensive-line, particularly at DT. Johnson could settle in and become a starter in the near future. 

NFL.com grade - 5.55 (could become a starter)

CB Nevin Lawson (Utah St)

5-9, 190lbs

2013: 56tckls/4INTs

1st team All - MWC

combine: 40 - 4.48s, 16reps, 33in vertical jump

He has a good build. He reads and reacts quickly. He's also a good blitzer with special teams experience. 

He allows a free release. He can often incur flags, and his ball skills need work.

The secondary is a big area of need for the Steelers, and Lawson could provide some nice depth at CB. He would need time to develop, but could be a factor in special teams.

NFL.com grade - 4.8 (should be in NFL training camp)

OG Brandon Linder (Miami,FL)

6-6, 311lbs

2013: 2nd team All- ACC

combine: 40 - 5.35s, 30reps, 26.5in vertical jump

He has terrific size and can battle in the trenches. He's alert and a vocal leader.

He has limited explosion, and can slip off blocks. 

The Steelers could always use some offensive-line depth, and Linder has a pretty good upside.

NFL.com grade - 5.26 (back-up/special teams)

OT Matt Patchan (Boston College)

6-6, 302lbs

2013: 2nd team All-ACC

combine: 40 - 4.97s, 22reps, 33.5in vertical

He has good foot speed. He's aggressive and has the tools to work with.

He lacks ideal bulk and core strength. He has balance issues along with an injury history.

Just as with Linder, Patchan would provide the Steelers with more solid OL depth.

NFL.com grade - 4.9 (should be in training camp)