Analyzing Pittsburgh Steelers' 2015 Predraft Prospect Visits
As the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted their final predraft visitors last week, the team’s big board began to come into focus.
In all, 29 non-local—and three local—prospects met with the Steelers’ brass in Pittsburgh. Of the 32 players they met with, 18 play on the defensive side of the ball. Given their defensive struggles in recent years, an emphasis on defensive prospects was expected.
Although Kevin Colbert did not give away whom the Steelers will select with the No. 22 selection in the first—or any other pick for that matter—he did provide insight regarding an overall plan. In total, nine cornerbacks and seven edge defenders came to Pittsburgh for a predraft visit.
Based on recent history, several of these players will be in the black and gold by the end of the draft.
Since 2010, the Steelers have selected 23 players whom they have brought in for a predraft visit. That includes three first-round picks (Maurkice Pouncey, Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier) as well as four second-round picks (Marcus Gilbert, Mike Adams, Le’Veon Bell and Stephon Tuitt).
Last season was the second consecutive year that the Steelers that at least 66 percent of the draft class came from the list of predraft visitors. Specifically, six of the nine selections visited Pittsburgh prior to the draft, including Shazier, Tuitt, Martavis Bryant, Shaquille Richardson, Jordan Zumwalt and Rob Blanchflower.
Expect Colbert to continue this strategy in his approach to the draft. With that in mind, here is an analysis of Pittsburgh’s predraft visitors as well as a final preview ahead of the 2015 NFL draft.
Quarterback
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In a rather surprising move, the Steelers did bring in one quarterback for a visit prior to the draft. Even with Ben Roethlisberger—who signed a new deal this offseason—Bruce Gradkowski and Landry Jones all under contract, Pittsburgh’s front office thought that it was wise to look at Tyler Murphy out of Boston College.
The 6’1” quarterback only has two years of playing experience, including one season at Boston College after transferring from Florida. With the Eagles, he threw for 1,623, while completing 57 percent of his passes.
Murphy is a work-in-progress, but his college coach, Steve Addazio, believes he can develop if given time (via Jackie MacMullan of ESPN.com):
"If he had a couple of more years, he'd be really dynamic,'' Addazio said. “He’s dynamic now but the other part of his game -- the reads, the experience -- would continue to grow.
I hope someone gives him a chance. He's a great athlete, a great kid, and I see so many of these guys that get opportunities who are marginal guys.
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If the Steelers look to add Murphy, expect it to be after the draft, with him likely competing for a practice-squad spot.
Running Back
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One year ago, the Steelers appeared to have a one-two punch at the top of their depth chart with Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount. They are still set at the position, but they now have DeAngelo Williams as their No. 2.
With Bell as one of the top backs in the league and Williams still with some fuel left in the tank, Pittsburgh has a strong duo to carry the load. However, Colbert may want to look for a long-term backup in the draft if he is not confident with Dri Archer or Josh Harris.
However, if there is any interest, the Steelers are not showing it. Of their 29 confirmed predraft visitors, none were at running back. That does not mean they will ignore the position as they had contact with at least seven running backs at the NFL Scouting Combine or during pro days.
Several of these backs include T.J. Yeldon (Alabama), Duke Johnson (Miami), Tevin Coleman (Indiana) and Matt Jones (Florida). While that leaves a running back possible in virtually every round, it will not be a priority position for the Steelers to address in the draft.
Tight End
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As the Steelers prepared for the draft, no position garnered more attention than the tight end position as six prospects visited Pittsburgh over the past month.
Based on the visitors, the Steelers seem content to add a future No. 2 in the mid to late rounds of the draft. Wes Saxton out of South Alabama is the highest-rated prospect on Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller’s final big board.
Although a third-round prospect on Miller’s board, others aren’t so high on him, including Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. He believes that Saxton is a fifth- or sixth-round prospect and considers him a "developmental prospect." Another area of concern is Saxton’s inability as a run-blocker, something that the Steelers demand from their tight ends.
Rather than take a risk on a small-school prospect, Colbert may revisit one of his favorite colleges—Ohio State. Jeff Heuerman was one of five prospects whom Charles Davis of NFL Media believes will be a better pro than college player:
"Heuerman never posted a huge statistical season during his career with the Buckeyes, but his numbers still dropped significantly last season, going from 26-466-4 in 2013 to 17-207-2 in 2014. He dealt with a foot injury last season, but played through it.
He's an excellent blocker at the point of attack and an outstanding pass protector. I know he can catch the ball and make big plays downfield. Heuerman's a much better athlete than people think, too. I expect him to be an excellent pro.
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At 6’5” and 254 pounds, he has ideal size to play in Pittsburgh’s scheme and the skill set to develop into the type of all-around tight end whom Todd Haley can employee in his offense. More importantly, he may be available as late as the fourth round.
Other prospects include Jesse James (Penn State), C.J. Uzomah (Auburn), Cameron Clear (Texas A&M) and Kennard Backman (UAB). While the latter three should all be available as late as the seventh round or even after the draft, James may be drafted anywhere between the third and sixth rounds.
James is one of the local prospects that the Steelers brought in for a visit, and it's easy to understand why. He has excellent size at 6’7” and 261 pounds, yet has more room to add bulk to his frame. Though he did not run well at the combine, he timed well at his pro day running the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds.
His speed does not only show on the field and his blocking could use work, but as a Day 3 prospect, James would provide good value as a potential backup tight end.
Clear is an option in the seventh round or after the draft as a blocking tight end. At 6’5” and 277 pounds, he has the frame to develop into a plus blocker.
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Wide Receiver
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With Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant the Steelers seem set at wide receiver with young talent. Whether it is quickness, speed or size, they have it all. Yet, they brought in four prospects and spent a significant amount of time with another at his pro day.
DeVante Parker is one of the top receivers in the draft and is unlikely to be available at No. 22, but that did not stop Colbert and Mike Tomlin from spending time with him at Louisville’s pro day.
With excellent size and speed, Parker has the potential to develop into a No. 1 receiver. Combined with Brown, the Steelers would have one of the top wide receiver duos in the NFL.
Beyond the pro day at Louisville, the Steelers invited Jaelen Strong, Breshad Perriman, Sammie Coates and Devin Gardner to spend time in Pittsburgh.
Why did they investigate so many receivers? One possibility is they aren’t pleased with the development of Wheaton or Bryant. Another reason is simply to keep the pipeline full of talent. Rather than pay two receivers mega dollars, they can focus their cap dollars on Brown, while limiting their spending on a second receiver to rookie deals.
Strong and Perriman are both 6’2” and over 210 pounds with top speed to match their excellent size. Both players would add a big, physical presence to the lineup where they should excel in the red zone. Despite their similar stature, these two are different receivers.
Strong is more in the mold of a physical receiver, while Perriman and his sub-4.40 40 speed makes him one of the best big-play threats in the draft.
At 6’1” and 212 pounds, Coates is another tall, strong receiver with long arms. He is a big-play threat who averaged 20.9 yards per reception in his career and caught 11 touchdowns over his final two years at Auburn.
Gardner is a late-round prospect who is looking to make the transition from quarterback to wide receiver, but he will “do whatever it takes,” according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
Offensive Line
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After years of drafting offensive linemen high, the Steelers finally appear set with their starting five, though it may only be for the short term.
Ramon Foster and Kelvin Beachum will both be free agents after the season, so Pittsburgh may need a contingency plan in case one, or both players, is lost. Despite the potential holes in 2016, Colbert seems content waiting.
Of all of the predraft visitors, only three were offensive linemen, including local visits from Pitt offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings and guard Matt Rotheram.
Although Clemmings is one of the top offensive tackle prospects and Rotheram is a potential undrafted free agent, Pro Football Focus named both players to the CFF All-America Team. One of the main reasons they earned a spot on this team was their production in run blocking.
Quinton Spain of West Virginia was the other prospect with a private visit in Pittsburgh. He plays with a mean streak but has “anchor issues,” according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, which limits his NFL potential.
With no immediate need along the offensive line, the Steelers seem content—barring a talented prospect falling—to wait until late in the draft to add depth.
Defensive Line
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The trio of Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Steve McLendon has the chance to become a force in the trenches for Pittsburgh’s defense. Besides Daniel McCullers, there is little depth behind them making this an area of concern come draft day.
Despite the need for depth—particularly at defensive end—the Steelers did not use many of their visits with linemen. The only player to come to Pittsburgh was the 6’3” and 293-pound Xavier Cooper out of Washington State.
Cooper is strong—Washington State’s strongest man in 2012 and 2013—and has a good burst off the line. This was evident with his 32.5 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks over his three-year career. However, will his style of play fit with what the Steelers do on defense?
Here is Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had to say about Cooper:
"Cooper must play in a penetrating defensive front in order to minimize his lack of length and maximize his above-average athleticism. He lacks the power to muscle up and hold his ground, but his ability to win with his hands and be a disruptive pass rusher could offer him immediate value as a rotational defensive tackle with a shot to become a starter.
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The inability to hold his ground is a concern, but his overall talent would be too good to pass up if he slips to the third round.
Outside of Cooper, the Steelers also spent time with a number of defensive linemen at the combine and pro days, including Michael Bennett (Ohio State), Grady Jarrett (Clemson) and Gabe Wright (Auburn).
All three have upside and would provide valuable depth along the defensive line in due time. Unlike the other defensive positions that have an immediate need for a starter, the Steelers can afford to wait for a young defensive lineman to grow into a supporting role.
Linebacker
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Set at inside linebacker with Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams and Sean Spence, Pittsburgh’s brass has spent the entire draft process investigating edge-rushers.
From first-round prospects to late-round developmental players, the Steelers left no stone unturned. Colbert, Tomlin and other staff members met with at least 18 different prospects this offseason, including seven players who came in for a predraft visit.
Even though the Steelers just spent a first-round selection on Jarvis Jones in 2013, they seem intent on investing another high choice on another outside linebacker in 2015 and potentially a second selection later in the draft.
When examining the depth chart, it is easy to understand why. Pittsburgh lost its top pass-rusher when Jason Worilds retired. That leaves Jones, James Harrison and Arthur Moats as the only experienced players at the position. Without an elite pass-rusher on the roster, the Steelers have an immediate need.
At the top of their draft board could be one of the most controversial players in the draft—Randy Gregory.
Once thought to be a top-10 selection, Gregory may fall to the No. 22 spot after a failed drug test at the combine and potential issues with his lean build. Even with the concerns, he has the potential to be the top pass-rusher in this year’s draft, and it is important that Colbert and Tomlin determine if he is worth the risk.
As far as edge defenders go, Gregory is the most pro-ready in terms of rushing the quarterback. He has shown good handwork and was productive at Nebraska with 17.5 sacks in two seasons. His quickness off the snap makes him a dangerous player from the edge.
If he doesn’t fall, the Steelers will have to rely on a borderline first-round prospect. Two players who fit this category are Eli Harold and Preston Smith.
Harold has a thin build and is a work-in-progress. He will need a year or two to develop, but he has proven that he can get to the quarterback with 17.5 career sacks. According to Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com, the Virginia product has a motor that “never quits” and plays “full-speed to the ball until the whistle.”
Coaches will love working with this type of hard worker but will also have to refine his hand usage and pass-rush technique. His burst will provide immediate dividends, however, he will be a liability against the run.
If the Steelers want to go bigger along the edge, one name to watch for is Preston Smith from Mississippi State. At 6’5” and 271 pounds, there are questions whether he can develop into a stand-up linebacker. If he can, he would provide Pittsburgh’s defensive front seven with a big, physical option opposite Jones.
While Harold gets to the quarterback with speed, Smith beats tackles with his size. He is also a natural fit with his hand in the dirt for when the Steelers run their four-man front.
Given their draft position, the Steelers would likely have to reach for Harold or Smith in the first or trade up for him in the second. Rather than make either of these moves, they may instead decide to wait for a prospect, such as Nate Orchard out of Utah.
The 6’3” and 250-pound Orchard was one of the most productive defensive players in college football. Last season, he tied for the FBS lead with 18.5 sacks and was tops in the nation with 28 quarterback knockdowns. However, there is concern that he was a one-hit wonder.
Unlike the top pass-rushers in this draft, Orchard lacks elite athleticism, which is one reason he will fall into the second—and maybe the third—round. However, he makes up for it in drive and leadership, highlighted by CBSSports.com’s Dane Brugler’s analysis:
“Works his tail off and highly competitive, giving consistent effort each snap and through the whistle. Wants to be the best and expects a lot out of himself. Defensive leader with excellent physical and mental toughness.”
Beyond the top two or three tiers of outside linebackers, the Steelers also brought in a number of Day 3 options including Kyle Emanuel (North Dakota State), Max Valles (Virginia) and Davis Tull (Tennessee Chattanooga).
Emmanuel is a highly productive small-school prospect with 19.5 sacks last season. He is a playmaker behind the line of scrimmage and has enough athleticism to compete in the NFL, despite playing against inferior competition.
Valles is a work-in-progress as a player, but he still managed nine sacks last year. He has the combination of size and athleticism that the Steelers desire from their linebackers but will need a year or two of good coaching before he can contribute on the defense.
Tull is another small-school prospect who was highly productive in college. He was a four-year starter and three-time Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He is a hard worker who exhibits toughness on the field and has a tremendous knowledge of the game.
Even though they only brought in seven edge defenders for a predraft visit, the Steelers expressed interest in 12 of Matt Miller’s top 14 players at the position. Expect Colbert to select two outside linebacker prospects over draft weekend.
Cornerback
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Each of the past two drafts, the Steelers have had an opportunity to upgrade at cornerback. In 2013, they passed on Desmond Trufant and last year on Darqueze Dennard. Do not expect Colbert to allow a talented cornerback to slip by this year.
Throughout the predraft process, the Steelers met with at least 22 cornerbacks, including nine who visited Pittsburgh over the past month. Although Colbert is not tipping his hand on which defensive back he’ll select, he is not hiding the fact that Pittsburgh wants to come away with more than one cornerback from this draft.
Marcus Peters of Washington was the only first-round prospect to visit Pittsburgh—and for good reason. With his character concerns, the Steelers needed to get a sense of what they would be getting from one of the top cornerbacks in this class.
Here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had to say about Peters:
"Talented cover cornerback with size, ball skills and the confidence NFL teams are looking for, but lacks the necessary discipline and maturity on the field and in practice. Peters has raw talent, but is far from a polished cornerback, and that is without considering the character concerns. If his character checks out, then he has a shot at going on the first day.
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Peters has a chance to be a true No. 1 cornerback and solve a major problem for the Steelers, but they must feel comfortable with him to invest such a high selection in a prospect with character concerns.
Outside of Peters, the Steelers also visited with Alex Carter (Stanford), Senquez Golson (Mississippi), Eric Rowe (Utah), Steve Nelson (Oregon State), Doran Grant (Ohio State), Bryce Callahan (Rice), Dexter McDonald (Kansas) and Darryl Roberts (Marshall).
Carter is an option in the second or third round. He has adequate speed (4.51 40-yard dash) and good size (6’0” and 196 pounds) to play the outside. His style of play fits Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme, particularly the fact that he is physical and will get involved against the run.
If the Steelers want to find a playmaker, they should look no further than Golson. His role may be limited due to his lack of size, but the 5’9” cornerback had 10 interceptions last season. He is an excellent fit in the nickel role and should develop into a quality NFL corner.
Given the size of some of the top NFL receivers, the Steelers may want a bigger cornerback such as Rowe. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has impressive speed (4.45 40-yard dash) and ball awareness to assist him in coverage, but he also has a physical style of play to step up against the run. He could convert to safety as well.
When looking to add depth to the position, Grant and Nelson are aggressive cornerbacks who have starting potential but could play the slot early in their career.
The remaining prospects are options in the seventh round or as priority free agents. Expect the Steelers to bring in at least one of them if they go undrafted.
Besides the predraft visits, Pittsburgh met with a number of talented prospects, including Ronald Darby, Trae Waynes, Kevin Johnson and Jalen Collins.
From top to bottom, Colbert, Tomlin and Pittsburgh’s scouting staff did their best to investigate as many cornerbacks as possible in preparations to add young talent to the defensive backfield.
Safety
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Every year a talented prospect slips in the draft, and this year, that player could be Landon Collins.
As an in-the-box safety, Collins may not be the type of player the Steelers are looking for as they already have Mike Mitchell and Shamarko Thomas under contract. But Collins can do much more than play near the line, according to Jon Ledyard of ProFootballSpot.com:
"Many are overthinking Collins, a top-notch tackling safety whose aggressiveness and tenacity shine brightest near the LOS where he displays outstanding instants against the run. Collins is far from the coverage slouch he’s been painted as, showing the ability to play with range and come low-to-high in a hurry.
He probably isn’t a single-high prospect and won’t be able to lock down the quickest receivers in the NFL, but Collins brings the toughness and leadership that many NFL teams are lacking in their back end.
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Collins wouldn’t replace Troy Polamalu—no one can do that—but he is capable of providing the Steelers with a very talented option on the back end of their defense.
Round-by-Round Analysis of Prospect Visits
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Here is a round-by-round breakdown of the Steelers' draft board, according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller's Final Big Board.
First Round
6. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
9. Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
23. Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Second Round
35. Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
36. Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
51. T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pitt
53. Preston Smith, Edge, Mississippi
57. Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
58. Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah
Third Round
73. Alex Carter, CB, Stanford
77. Xavier Cooper, DL, Washington State
91. Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss
98. Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama
Fourth Round
105. Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
111. Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
120. Eric Rowe, DB, Utah
122. Steve Nelson, CB, Oregon State
123. Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State
Fifth Round
138. Kyle Emmanuel, OLB, North Dakota State
145. Quinton Spain, OG, West Virginia
167. Max Valles, OLB, Virginia
Sixth Round
181. Jesse James, TE, Penn State
186. Davis Tull, OLB, Tennessee-Chattanooga
216. Bryce Callahan, CB, Rice
Seventh Round
235. Dexter McDonald, CB, Kansas
Undrafted
242. C.J. Uzomah, TE, Auburn
257. Cameron Clear, TE, Texas A&M
Unranked Tyler Murphy, QB, Boston College
Unranked Devin Gardner, WR, Michigan
Unranked Kennard Backman, TE, UAB
Unranked Matt Rotheram, OG, Pitt
Unranked Darryl Roberts, CB, Marshall
Mock Draft
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With eight selections, the Steelers have the opportunity to add plenty of talent and depth to their roster. How will it play out? Here is what I predict the Steelers will do in the 2015 NFL draft.
1.22: *Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Cornerback or outside linebacker? As much as the Steelers need a strong pass rush, the temptation for a future No. 1 cornerback will be too tempting to pass up. He is a well-rounded cornerback with the ability to play man or zone and is willing to step up in run support. Although he won’t be a starter from day one, he will be on the field early in his career.
Alternates: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, OLB, UCLA; Byron Jones, CB, UConn
2.56: *Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah
Without a pass-rusher in the first, it was essential to grab one in the second, and Orchard was the best available. He doesn’t have the same athleticism as the top outside linebackers in this draft, but he was highly productive last season and has a number of moves that will help him at the next level. Although he won’t develop into an elite defender, he should be a dependable starter in the NFL.
Alternates: *Alex Carter, CB, Stanford; *Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
3.87: *Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss
A third cornerback is virtually a starter in today’s NFL, and Golson could develop into very good corner. His size will limit him against bigger receivers, but his ball skills would provide an instant upgrade to a secondary that lacks playmakers.
Alternates: Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville; Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
4.121: *Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
Heath Miller is not getting any younger, and neither is Matt Spaeth. Heuerman may not develop into a No. 1 tight end, but he has the ability to become a dependable backup. With ideal size, he should become a balanced tight end who can contribute in the passing game as well as contribute as a blocker for the ground game.
Alternates: Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington; Adrian Amos, S, Penn State
5.160: *Max Valles, OLB, Virginia
The Steelers need to add depth at outside linebacker, and Max Valles has the skill set to develop into a quality pass-rusher, but he will need good coaching and time. He has enough athleticism to work with and will need to refine his technique to grow into an effective player.
Alternates: *Davis Tull, OLB, Tennessee-Chattanooga; Matt Jones, RB, Florida
6.199: Max Garcia, OL, Florida
Max Garcia is a high-character player who has experience at center and guard. He had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and has enough upside that he could eventually find himself in a starting role.
Alternates: *Davis Tull, OLB, Tennessee-Chattanooga; Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss
6.212: Matt Jones, RB, Florida
Running back is one position where teams can find quality players late in the draft. Matt Jones may never develop into a starter, but he can become a quality backup who can play on third downs.
Alternates: *Bryce Callahan, CB, Rice; Sean Hickey, OL, Syracuse
7.239: Kaleb Eulls, DE, Mississippi State
Pittsburgh has a lack of depth behind Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, and Kaleb Eulls can help solve this problem in the future. He is an effort player who will need one or two years before joining the defensive line rotation.
Alternates: *Cameron Clear, TE, Texas A&M; Jermaine Whitehead, S, Auburn
(Note: * indicates predraft visitor)
Note: All prospect meetings information is courtesy of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Steelers Wire. Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of Sports-Reference.com, all combine results are courtesy of the NFL.com Draft and Combine Trackers, all draft rankings are courtesy of Matt Miller of Bleacher Report and all roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com.
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