With the draft rapidly approaching, the Steelers have been meeting with more top-end prospects recently. Today’s round of talent is no different, with three people coming through the doors that will likely go on the first day of the draft. Here’s the rundown.
Alphonso Smith (CB-Wake Forest)
NFLHouse Position Rank: 5th
Ian’s Take: Smith has the athleticism and speed to be a top-flight corner, but his size (5’9″) might hold him back a little bit, particularly against the bigger receivers. However, he is a gritty player that will mix it up in run defense and can absolutely fly with receivers in the open field. He is a hard worker that would fit the Steelers mold. If there are concerns about size, he can make up for them with his playmaking ability. He led the nation his junior year with 8 interceptions, 3 of which he took back for scores. He followed that up with 7 picks in his senior season last year.
Projected Round: late 1st-mid 2nd
Louis Delmas (S-Western Michigan)
NFLHouse Position Rank: 2nd
Ian’s Take: With Taylor Mays staying in school, the draft lacks any safeties that are first-round caliber. That being said, there are still solid playmakers to be found down the board in the lower rounds. Delmas is 5’11” yet considered slightly “undersized” at 200 lbs for a safety. But what he lacks in muscle bulk right now, he makes up for in leadership and playmaking. The guy is a hitter who will come up in run defense to lay the smackdown on a back. He is also very good in the open field and a good form tackler. He would provide youth and depth behind Ryan Clark at the Free Safety spot. With the loss of Anthony Smith to the Packers via free agency, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Steelers take a safety in this draft for depth purposes.
Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
Jarron Gilbert (DL-San Jose St)
NFLHouse Position Rank: 6th (DE)
Ian’s Take: Gilbert seems to be the ideal fit for a 3-4 DE in the NFL. In college he played every position along the defensive front, and at 6’5″ 290 has the bulk and athleticism to play end in a 3-4 and still apply heat on the quarterback. He became a YouTube sensation when he made a video of himself jumpion out of a swimming pool. Scouts worry about his burst and quickness if he has to play end in a 4-3, but he is perfectly suited for a 3-4 end position, which will allow him opportunities to take on guards and centers rather than bulkier tackles.
Projected Round: late 1st-2nd
Jason Chery (WR- Louisiana-Lafayette)
NFLHouse Position Rank: n/a
Ian’s Take: Chery is 6’0″ 190 and not listed on NFL.com’s list of prospects. He did put up 7 touchdowns for the Ragin’ Cajuns last season, and that’s pretty much all I know about him. He could be someone the Steelers pick up in a late round or as an undrafted free agent.
Projected Round: 6th-undrafted
Brandon Long (DE/OLB-Michigan State)
NFLHouse Position Rank: n/a
Ian’s Take: Another player who is likely a late-round pick. He had an excellent pro day at Michigan State, which left scouts very impressed. He is undersized for a defensive end and likely projects as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. I don’t really know much about him, but it doesn’t seem likely he’ll go off the board before the 5th round.
Projected Round: 5th-undrafted
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
