Believe it or not, the 2017 NFL Draft is well on its way, with the combine and pro days behind us. Like in prior years, I've put together a list of players who could be dressing up in the black and gold come the '17 season. These players are connected either through mock drafts (mainly Bleacher Report's Matt Miller), or Steelers visits. The profiles are summarized from NFL.com.
LB Jarrad Davis - Florida (6'1", 238lbs)
2016: 2nd All-SEC, 60tckls/6TFL, 4PBUs
Strengths: Twists & turns to slither into gaps. Has plus acceleration. Runs downhill with choppy steps. Effective in spy mode for mobile QBs. A wrap-up tackler. Forceful redirect of TEs. Athletic tools to be better in coverage.
Weaknesses: Problematic downhill routes to the ball. Sometimes prioritizes attacking blockers too high. Struggles to free himself when snatched by blockers. Average instincts create inefficiency with early, post-snap movement.
Comp: Shaq Thompson
Grade: 5.98 (Could become an early starter)
S Josh Jones - NC State (6'1", 220lbs)
2016: Honorable All-ACC, 3ints/8pbu's, 109tckls/4TFL
Combine: 4.41 40, 20reps, 37.5in vert jump
Strengths: Acceleration and top-end speed to range all over the field. Has reactive quickness. Fluid in his movement and is an explosive leaper when challenging the high-point. Eager eyes stay glued to QB's intentions. Closing burst to challenge throws. Accelerates through collision. Does a good job of punching and playing off of blockers.
Weaknesses: Will come in too hot, end up missing mark as a tackler. A little slow to anticipate routes from zone coverage. Will lose track of assignments getting hyper-focused on the QB. Will bite on play-action bait and get drawn out of position.
Comp: Mike Mitchell
Grade: 5.88 (Could become an early starter)
CB Rasul Douglas - West Virginia (6'2", 209lbs)
2016: 70tckls/3.5TFL, 8ints/8pbu's
Combine: 4.59 40, 16reps, 33.5in vert jump
Strengths: Very aware from zone coverage. Reads QB's drops and will break early to race ahead of slants. Plays with strong hands. Able to go up high and win 50-50 balls. Good recognition of route combinations.
Weaknesses: Upright in his pedal, affects balance & transition quickness. Below average closing bursts. Coverage limitations could limit scheme fits. Makeup speed is below average. Inconsistent hitter, defaults to arm tackles.
Comp: Daryl Worley
Grade: 5.81 (Could become an early starter)
S Budda Baker - Washington (5'10", 195lbs)
2016: 1st All-P12, 71tckls/10TFL, 2int's/6pbu's
Combine: 4.45 40, 15reps, 32.5in vert jump
Strengths: Screams off the edge as a blitzer. Waiting to race to action on a dead sprint. Smooth backpedal and diagonal shuffle. Plus instincts from any coverage area. Not easily pulled from coverage responsibilities by bait routes. Click & close ability of a CB in coverage. Accelerates through WRs to jar the pass loose. A tackle finisher.
Weaknesses: Force as a tackler just average against big RBs. Small hesitation to accelerate when forced to open and sprint down field. Can be too overzealous when stepping downhill to tackle.
Comp: Bob Sanders
Grade: 5.91 (Could become an early starter)
LB Reuben Foster - Alabama (6', 229lbs)
2016: 1st All-American, Butkus Award, 115tckls/13TFL, 5scks
Strengths: Springy, reactive feet. Loose hips and long stride allows him to open and close immediately. Elite sideline to sideline range. Willing to take his shots downhill. A coverage ability asset. Can carry long speed against RBs on wheel routes & nine routes.
Weaknesses: Instincts are average. Overly reliant on speed, athleticism over instincts & feel. Inconsistent deflecting blocks. Too eager to take on everyone at the point of attack. Needs to improve stock and shed technique to keep himself clean. Drops head at times as a tackler.
Comp: Bobby Wagner
Grade: 6.40 (Chance to become a good starter)
CB Marlon Humphrey - Alabama (6', 197lbs)
2016: 2int/5pbu's
Combine: 4.41 40, 10reps
Strengths: Fluid hips and hard-charging makeup speed. Disciplined eyes and good balance between high-low responsibilities in zone. Short-area acceleration to close out WRs and attack throwing lanes. Aggressive from press with powerful punch. Looks to intimidate when opportunity arises. Will not let blocking WR punk him. Tears through blocker and attacks downhill. Searches for the opportunity to strip the ball.
Weaknesses: Impatient from press coverage. Allows separation opportunities. Feet are fast but sloppy. Concerns in playing deep ball. Scrambling style too reliant upon athletic gifts. From off coverage, overreacts to route fakes and opens the door to a big play. Can be slow to locate the ball and finds himself out of optimal position to the play the ball.
Comp: Jimmy Smith
Grade: 6.16 (Chance to become a good starter)
And that'll do it. Check back after the draft for a full Steelers draft review on all of their selections.
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