10 Players Pittsburgh Steelers Should Avoid in 2017 NFL Draft
Though the NFL draft is an opportunity for all 32 teams to improve their rosters, not every prospect is a good fit. Whether because of on-field concerns, off-the-field character questions, injury histories or simply not being the right style of player for a team's given offensive or defensive scheme, names drop off of draft boards entirely.
The Pittsburgh Steelers know both what they want out of a prospective player and what they need in terms of roster deficiencies. Because of this, some players just won't be who they are looking for. Here are 10 2017 draft prospects who simply aren't Steelers material.
LB Tim Williams, Alabama
1 of 10
On the field, Alabama linebacker Tim Williams is undoubtedly a talented player. An accomplished pass-rusher with nine sacks last year, he also had 31 tackles (16 for a loss) and forced two fumbles, proving he can affect run games as much as he can the passing ones.
But his off-the-field issues could be enough to keep Williams completely off of the Steelers' draft board, despite the fact that Pittsburgh needs to add at least one edge rusher this spring. Williams admitted to multiple failed collegiate drug tests on top of being arrested last year for carrying a firearm without a permit.
A scouting source spoke to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller about Williams and concluded that "if he's failing tests at 'Bama, he's probably going to fail tests in the NFL. These things have a way of sticking around." Further, that appears to not be the only negative takeaway about Williams and his NFL prospects.
The Steelers have dealt with the headache of drug test-related suspensions lately, including time missed by starting running back Le'Veon Bell and the ongoing (and indefinite suspension) of receiver Martavis Bryant. This year's draft class is not wanting for pass-rushing talent, which means the Steelers can find someone else who they have to worry about less.
CB Sidney Jones, Washington
2 of 10
Going into the 2017 pre-draft season, Washington cornerback Sidney Jones was widely regarded as one of the best at his position and a likely Round 1 selection. But Jones tore his Achilles tendon during his pro day. While Jones reported that his doctor believes he can play this year and start running four months post-surgery, an injury such as this cannot be underestimated.
Jones had 39 combined tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, two interceptions and six passes defensed in 2016 and has respective totals of 145, 8.5, eight and 21 in his career. He's had both a touchdown and a fumble returned for a touchdown, and his technique and fundamentals are strong. And with the Steelers in the market for a cornerback—perhaps as early as the first round—it's doubtless that they had their eyes on Jones.
But if the Steelers want a rookie they believe can play in his first year, they may have to look elsewhere. There are numerous talented cornerbacks in the draft class, including Jones' teammate, Kevin King, who could certainly interest the Steelers. Pittsburgh knows what it's like to lose a promising young player to repeated injuries, with 2015 second-round cornerback Senquez Golston not yet making his NFL debut. This could make Jones a must-avoid.
CB Teez Tabor, Florida
3 of 10
Again, with so many cornerbacks potentially available to the Steelers not only in Round 1 but throughout the 2017 NFL draft, there is little need to select one that has question marks such as Florida's Teez Tabor.
Though Tabor had 104 career tackles, eight interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 28 passes defensed over three years, his lack of speed is what is hurting his draft stock at present. He ran a 4.6-second 40-yard dash at February's NFL Scouting Combine and a 4.74 40-yard dash at his pro day, numbers that are far below ideal for a cornerback at the NFL level.
Add into the mix a handful of suspensions with the Gators, raising off-field and character red flags, and the Steelers could be in the market for someone more consistent on the field and less questionable off of it.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
DL Jonathan Allen, Alabama
4 of 10
There's no doubt that, from a football perspective, Alabama defensive tackle Jonathan Allen can be a difference-maker. In four years (three as a starter), he had a combined 44.5 tackles for a loss and 28 sacks, and returned both an interception and a fumble recovery for touchdowns in 2016.
But health is a concern. Allen had a pair of shoulder surgeries while in college, and Alabama's team doctor, Lyle Cain, told the NFL Network that Allen is also dealing with arthritis in both shoulders. While he added that the arthritis "doesn't have to be treated during the season," teams will still question whether investing a Round 1 draft pick and four to five years' worth of development will pay off.
The Steelers are likely out of the running for Allen's services—he's still considered to be selected in the top half of Round 1 unless teams are truly nervous about his long-term health. But they also shouldn't have too strong an interest in populating the roster with young players who already have extensive injury backgrounds.
QB Chad Kelly, Mississippi
5 of 10
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is getting closer and closer to lobbying his team to draft a quarterback to someday replace incumbent Ben Roethlisberger. That sense of urgency could have only been ramped up when Roethlisberger admitted weighing retirement after the 2016 season. Though he will be back for at least this season, 2017 might also mark the year Pittsburgh brings aboard his successor.
That successor isn't likely to be Mississippi's Chad Kelly for a number of reasons. For one, he's currently working his way back from a torn ACL and meniscus suffered in November (his second ACL tear of his career).
There are also off-field concerns, ranging from his 2014 dismissal from Clemson that led him to a community college before landing at Ole Miss. There was the guilty plea to disorderly conduct in early 2015. And then he was disinvited to the combine.
The setbacks haven't ended, either. Kelly hurt his throwing wrist after just 12 passes attempted at his pro day on April 3. On Tuesday, his agent announced Kelly had to undergo surgery for a ruptured ligament in that same wrist, which will prevent him from throwing for at least three months. He had scheduled a private workout for later in the month, but the damage was more serious than first assumed.
Kelly was already facing a drying-up draft market before this latest injury. Now, he's likely off many teams' draft boards altogether, the Steelers' included.
RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State
6 of 10
Florida State running back Dalvin Cook has three-down potential, with the ability to run the ball (687 rushes over three years for 4,464 yards and 46 scores) as well as catch it (79 receptions for 935 yards and two scores). And with the Steelers still in the hunt for a No. 2 behind starter Le'Veon Bell, Cook could draw their interest.
There are problems, though. Cook has been arrested or investigated for numerous crimes during his collegiate career, including battery, animal mistreatment and firing and possessing a weapon on school property. Though none resulted in convictions, that pattern of behavior will certainly raise eyebrows and drop Cook down or off draft boards entirely.
He has on-field questions as well, including a history of both shoulder and hamstring injuries and problems with fumbling—something no team wants from their featured (or in Pittsburgh's case, backup) running back. The Steelers can find a running back better suited to their needs who doesn't come with Cook's significant baggage.
WR John Ross, Washington
7 of 10
John Ross was the combine's fastest player this year, with a 4.22-second 40-yard dash time. The small-but-fast wideout thus caught significant attention, though it's more likely that NFL scouts have been taking notice for much longer.
For one, Ross has amassed 114 receptions for 1,729 yards and 22 scores in only 40 games played, with 1,150 yards and 17 scores coming in 2016, a year removed from microfracture surgery on his knee. He's also returned 86 kickoffs for 2,069 yards and four touchdowns.
On the other hand, though, is that knee injury—the second of Ross' career—as well as the torn labrum he ran through at the combine that he has since had surgically repaired. For a smaller receiver—5'11" and 190 pounds—those injuries can add up.
While Pittsburgh should take a close look at the crop of receivers available to them later this month and though the offense does put a premium on speed, Ross' one season of production, questionable size and injury history could all add up to the Steelers wanting someone else.
WR Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma
8 of 10
Dede Westbrook spent only two years playing football for Oklahoma and is undersized for his position. But those aren't the reasons the Steelers should stay away from him in the 2017 draft—it's his off-field arrest history, which is extensive.
Just days after being named a Heisman Trophy finalist after the 2016 season, Tulsa World's Cody Stavenhagen reported on Westbrook's two arrests for family violence, accused of attacking the mother of his children in both 2012 and 2013. There were also two more incidents in 2016, including trespassing.
Westbrook not only has a history of arrests and character red flags, but the fact that the issues continued for years seem to point to someone unwilling or unable to learn from his mistakes. The Steelers should stay far away from Westbrook; drafting him would make the franchise a lightning rod, and for good reasons.
LB Takkarist McKinley, UCLA
9 of 10
The Steelers should not complete write off UCLA edge-rusher Takkarist McKinley. The linebacker seems like a good fit for their defense and could very well be in their sights in Round 1 this year. But it's also possible that their interest isn't as strong as it would appear to be on paper.
Though McKinley has notched 99 career tackles, 28 tackles for a loss and 16 sacks, most of that—61 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks—came in his senior season. He had only 35 combined tackles, 7.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2015 despite appearing in 13 games.
McKinley also underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in March and is expected to miss four months as a result, if not more time. That would put him behind in his development at the crucial, early point in his career. With the Steelers needing to get a young pass-rusher up to speed as quickly as possible, that could lead them away from selecting McKinley and toward someone else.
LB T.J. Watt, Wisconsin
10 of 10
A week ago, the NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah had the Steelers using their No. 30 pick in Round 1 on Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt. Brother of the Houston Texans' J.J., Watt was the pick because he "has the versatility to play inside or outside." This versatility is especially appealing as the Steelers lost interior linebacker Lawrence Timmons in free agency and potentially both outside linebackers Arthur Moats and James Harrison being in their last season in Pittsburgh.
But the Steelers have—and like—Vince Williams at inside linebacker alongside Ryan Shazier. And Watt may be getting a greater benefit of the doubt thanks to his last name. He only played two years at Wisconsin and did most of his work—63 of 70 combined tackles, 15.5 of his 17 tackles for a loss and all 11.5 sacks) in 2016.
There's also the injury history to consider. Watt lost his 2014 season to a right knee injury and was limited to eight games in 2015 after injuring his left knee. Though his completely healthy 2016 may be a sign of things to come in the NFL, the Steelers can afford to pass on him and find another pass-rusher who has more experience and fewer surgeries.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
