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)
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