Players Steelers Must Add to Draft Board After Senior Bowl
The draft process is in full swing, with Senior Bowl practice week wrapping up, just who are some players the Steelers will be interested in?
As we know, pretty much every prospect there meets with every single team at the Senior Bowl. So when we hear a prospect met with a team, it does not always mean that's the player they're specifically targeting. I do have a list of players though just based off their practice performance and also their interviews that I believe will pique the Pittsburgh Steelers interest.
John Michael Schmitz, C,
I don't think there was a single better performance this week than what Michael Schmitz did at center. The way he moves in space was obvious, but the wrestling background really showed up as he just kept planting and pancaking guys into the dirt. Rarely was he ever drove back as he showed a great anchor vs power rushes, playing with a good base and showing quick feet.
Mason Cole is a decent center who fits the Steelers scheme, but he very much can be upgraded. Cole lacks the strength to be able to handle those bigger nose tackles in the trenches, but is a good mover out in space and he's functional in pass protection. A potential battle between him and Dotson at left guard, with Schmitz starting at center could go a long way to improving the starting line, but also the depth of the offensive line.
Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
Measuring in at about 6"3, 312 pounds and 34-inch arm length, Benton has to be the easiest scheme projection to make along the Steelers defensive line. He's played anywhere from a 5 to a 0 technique, who looks to be at his best from a pass rush perspective as a 3 technique. The Steelers love their hybrid defensive fronts and Benton's versatility is going to be super enticing to them.
He flat out dominated in practice this week, as he could not be stopped in one on one's at all, particularly during days 1 and 2. He showed off a good arsenal of pass rush moves that included a club, rip combo, club, swim, a bull rush into a push pull and experimented with an inside spin move. The hand usage is there, developing a consistent plan snap to snap is the next step. He also showed incredible leverage in the run game as he utilized his length and power to maintain gap integrity and control the line of scrimmage.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
I already liked Adebawore coming into this week, but now I'm ready to pound the table for him. He has one of the best builds you could ask for in terms of his height and length combo. Standing at about 6"1, 284 pounds and 34 inch arm length, he comes off the ball with a very low and natural pad level that makes him very easy to win the leverage battle. There are very few players at his position who are that short and have that long of a wingspan, which makes him quite the unicorn.
The way he utilizes his length to get into offensive linemen's chest is ridiculous, especially because he's accessing a ridiculous amount of power from his lower body as he bends and stays low to the ground. He's not just power and length though, as he possesses an absurd amount of bend to get around the corner, along with notable quickness for a guy that size.
Northwestern played him all over the line, anywhere from a wide 9, to a 3 technique. He showed the most success as a rusher from across the guard as a 3 technique, where he'd win with a variety of moves like a cross chop, club swim/rip combo and a long arm stab. He held up very well as a run defender at the 3 and 5 technique, showing good balance to take on blocks and outstanding leverage. That versatility and potential should have him firmly entrenched on the Steelers board.
Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Known to most as the brother of Chase Brown, the safety out of Illinois quietly had one of the strongest weeks out of anyone there. His versatility was on full display this week, anywhere from the single high safety or covering TEs and receivers out of the slot. He thrived in both roles this week and showed to teams that he can wear multiple hats in a secondary.
That sort of versatility is very appealing to the Steelers, who have a need for a slot corner and love to rotate their defensive backs all around the formation. With the impending free agencies of Cameron Sutton and Terrell Edmunds, Sydney Brown should be firmly on their radar.
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
There's a theme here around versatility and Matthew Bergeron is the most versatile offensive lineman who was at the Senior Bowl. He's played every single position during his time at Syracuse and played a lot of left tackle and left guard this week of practice. Bergeron showcased smooth feet, good athleticism and hand usage. His best fit looks like left tackle, where the Steelers could be having some questions about Dan Moore and at the very least, the depth behind him. Bergeron is someone who's name I expect to be heard often about connected with the Steelers.
Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
The Steelers have a huge need at off-ball linebacker and Daiyan Henley had the best week of any linebacker down in Mobile. He was outstanding in one on ones covering RBs, just really smooth hips to be able to mirror and react in coverage. He had an excellent week as well in run support in terms of having the correct run fit, showing good range and tackling well. He's a solid player who should have the Steelers brass' eyes.
Marte Mapu, LB, Sacremento State
An NFLPA Bowl call up out of Sacramento State, I thought Marte Mapu had a solid week showcasing his versatility. Mapu played as a safety/nickel back in college and this week he's really shown teams that he can play more on the interior as an off-ball linebacker. Showed good physicality downhill, range sideline to sideline and his length of 33-inch arms caused quite a few deflected balls in the middle of the field. That sort of skillset should appeal the Steelers on day 3 of the draft.
Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
In terms of scheme fit, Zacch Pickens fits the Steelers hybrid defensive front well. He's comfortable 2 gapping at the 5 and shows the flashes to be able to beat guys one on one as a pass rusher. The problem with the latter is he needs to develop that consistency. He has the power and even the explosive get off to create havoc for the quarterback, it's just not consistent down to down.
Something I will say is his leverage in the run game is excellent. Utilizes his length to the fullest extent and controls the line of scrimmage. He plays all over the line as well, anywhere from a 5 to a 0 technique in South Carolina's scheme. That type of versatility, athletic traits and measurables will really appeal to the Steelers. He's someone I've got my eyes on for day 2 of the draft, somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
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