Over the past few days, five more prospects have paid visits to the Steelers training facility. Many of them will fall into the last few rounds of the draft and may be on the Steelers radar if they are not drafted as potentials to sign as undrafted free agents.
Richard Quinn (TE-North Carolina)
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NFL.com Player Preview
NFL House Position Rank: 13th
Ian’s Take: I’m not sure why the Steelers are looking at tight ends after recently signing McHugh to a 2-year deal. Unless they think McHugh is more of a fullback and are looking for a potential #3 tight end, at the possible roster expense of Carey Davis. In this case, looking at prospects who may fall off the draft board and could be picked up as undrafted free agents is a fantastic idea. I don’t think the Steelers would be well-served to draft a tight end, but picking one up as an undrafted free agent could be worth their while.
Projected Round: 6th-undrafted
Donald Washington (CB-Ohio State)
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NFL.com Player Preview
NFL House Position Rank: 21
Ian’s Take: Washington, without a doubt, has been overshadowed by teammate Malcolm Jenkins in this draft class. However, Washington has the size and potential to develop into a solid cover-corner. Washington has a lot of raw talent and a big upside, but as Coach Tomlin said, “Potential is a dangerous word.” He’s not a first-day prospect, but he could be one of those later-round picks (like Ike Taylor) that has raw skills and is able to develop into a solid starter.
Projected Round: 4th-7th
Don Carey (CB-Norfolk State)
NFL House Position Rank: 28th
Ian’s Take: Carey is one of the top FCS (formerly 1-AA) CB prospects in the draft. While that isn’t saying much, he has been a starter for four years, and that experience on the field is invaluable. He also has some kick returning skills, which is something the Steelers are looking for. If they could get someone who could develop into a potential nickel or dime CB and can be a KR in the late rounds, they might pounce on it.
Projected Round: 6th-undrafted
Sherrod Martin (CB-Troy)
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NFL.com Player Preview
NFL House Position Rank: 9th
Ian’s Take: Martin is an intriguging prospect because of his ability to play both corner or free safety. The Steelers are looking for some depth at the Free Safety position, so investing a mid-round pick in someone like Martin might not be a bad idea. He is also 6’1″, making him one of the taller DB prospects in the draft. His stock will be determined on whether or not teams see him as CB or a FS. He has the ability and skills to play both, but also has a lot of raw talent that can be molded for either position.
Projected Round: 3rd-6th
Lawrence Sidbury (DE/LB-Richmond)
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NFL.com Player Preview
NFL House Position Rank: 10th (DE)
Ian’s Take: Sidbury is the type of player that 3-4 defenses love to take and mold into an outside linebacker that has exceptional pass-rushing skills. However, with Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison and budding star LaMarr Woodley (along with 3rd Round pick Bruce Davis and Rookie of the Year Patrick Bailey) on the OLB depth chart, I would categorize this position as one the Steelers have the least need in. For the pick we would have to use to take Sidbury (probably our 2nd round pick),
Projected Round: Late 2nd-Early 4th
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