
2011 NFL Draft: 4 Impact Sleepers at CB and OL for Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have only seven picks to improve a roster that already seems pretty good, but has significant holes at corner and along the offensive line. They'll need multiple picks at both spots to fill those holes. That said, they'll have to hope some late-round picks bear fruit.
It seems that every year, somebody gets a steal on draft day. There's always the late-round player who ends up becoming a franchise star. If you don't believe it, check out when Tom Brady or Hines Ward were drafted.
Here's a look at four sleepers at the corner and offensive line spots that could have a huge impact for Pittsburgh.
1. Kevin Rutland, CB, Missouri
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What's He Got?
Rutland may be one of the more underrated players in this year's draft class. He's got the complete package as far as corners are concerned. He has good hands, he's very fast, he can blitz and take down the quarterback and he's a sound decision maker who doesn't get caught often when in coverage.
Why is He a Sleeper?
He's fallen off the radar because scouts can't decide which position suits him. He projects and is listed as a corner, but some scouts are betting he'll be a better safety at the professional level. He did, however, have a great Pro Day and could have put himself into the conversation come round three or four.
Does He Fit in Pittsburgh?
He can blitz, cover and intercept the ball. Whether or not he plays free safety eventually or corner, he fits very well into what Dick LeBeau and his staff like to do.
2. Jason Pinkston, OT/G, Pittsburgh
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What's He Got?
He's got great technique and burst and he's also got pretty decent size for an NFL lineman. He's strong and is a willing and effective blocker in both run and pass situations. He doesn't make many mistakes and can be the perfect blocker to run behind.
Why is He a Sleeper?
He's tumbling down into the middle rounds because, like Rutland, his position is uncertain. He has the ability to play tackle or guard, but not the athleticism to play left tackle. His size is a bit of a concern as well, but his strength should help him succeed.
Does He Fit In Pittsburgh?
Yes. I'd say he probably slots in at one of the guard spots. He also was used some at Pitt as a fullback in the jumbo package, so the Steelers could utilize him in the same way as they have with Doug Legursky in recent years. He's certainly worth a pick in the fourth or fifth round.
3. Chykie Brown, CB, Texas
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What's He Got?
He's a good cover corner that has decent hands and speed and is improving his coverage skills every season. He's not an elite player, but he could eventually develop into either a good nickel corner or maybe even a good number two man.
Why is He a Sleeper?
Brown isn't the top corner on his team. Curtis Brown and Aaron Williams fill out the depth chart above him. Brown also is coming off an arm injury that limited him severely in his last season at Texas. He's healthy now, but some teams are going to go after corners with better physical tools and a shorter injury history.
Does He Fit in Pittsburgh?
The Steelers employ a nickel corner a lot. William Gay has both starred and struggled there. Brown could end up being much better than Gay. He could eventually develop into a solid starter and is at least worth a late-round pick.
4. Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida
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What's He Got?
He's a good athlete and he has excellent technique. He should be a solid tackle at the next level and has the versatility to play guard as well. He's got decent size and has actually added bulk since the end of his season at Florida. He's a well-rounded player who should succeed in the NFL in both run and pass-blocking.
Why is He a Sleeper?
Gilbert isn't a left tackle, which moves him down a bit. He also had a relatively disappointing combine. That put another chink in his armor. He's now a third or fourth-round selection at best and will probably end up being a steal for a team in need of quality help along the line.
Does He Fit in Pittsburgh?
He'd be a good replacement at right tackle and could sit for a year behind Flozell Adams and compete for playing time and learn the team's intricate offensive system. Eventually, he'd probably be a good starter for the Steelers.
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