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)
No comments:
Post a Comment