2011 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Host Ras-I Dowling, Da'Rel Scott and More

With the 2011 NFL draft drawing closer, the Pittsburgh Steelers played host to four prospective draft picks on Thursday.

All teams are allowed to host 30 out-of-town prospects before the draft, which will be held April 28-30.

Earlier in the week, the Steelers hosted some top offensive tackle prospects, including Alabama's James Carpenter, Florida's Marcus Gilbert and South Carolina's Jarriel King.

They followed up those visits by bringing in some defensive backs and offensive skill players. 

Two defensive backs where in the group of players who visited Pittsburgh today.

Virginia's Ras-I Dowling and small school cornerback Cortez Allen of The Citadel were the two who came to town.

Dowling was once considered a first round talent before being plagued by injuries, while Allen offers an intriguing combination of size and speed at the position.

On the offensive side of the ball, a potential big-time redzone threat in Austin Pettis visited the Steelers.

Pettis is an intelligent, solid route runner who would be an excellent compliment to rising star Mike Wallace and a nice player to groom into the eventual successor of veteran Hines Ward. 

The final player to step foot inside the Steelers facility today was former Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott.

Scott ran a blazing 4.34 in the 40-yard dash and really caught the eye of multiple scouts. He is a player who is on the rise and should hear his name called on day two of the draft.