Tuesday, April 22, 2014

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) 











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