MOBILE, ALThe Pittsburgh Steelers are prioritizing the NFL Draft because they need to assemble a core that they can win in the league. Despite the Steelers’ hopes of making the playoffs, team president Art Rooney II admitted that the NFL Draft is a significant opportunity for the team to build during this retooling phase. Here are some lessons learned during the second Senior Bowl practice in light of that.
The defensive line is the Steelres’ top priority. Since the group is too deep and a double dip makes some sense, expect them to do it in this round. However, they also targeted wide receivers in addition to the defensive line. While Mike Tomlin alternated between the defensive line and wide receivers, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and general manager Omar Khan kept a close eye on the wide receivers. Tomlin appeared particularly engaged with both groups today, even putting some players up against one other in one-on-one matches. The defensive line and wide receiver continue to be the Steelers’ top two objectives.
Tomlin appeared to be particularly interested in two players: Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker and TCU wide receiver Jack Bech. Compared to others, I usually don’t place as much trust in that items. It is noteworthy to at least glance at it, but since Tomlin does that constantly in Mobile, watching positions is more crucial than speaking with the players.
Tai Felton, a wide receiver for Maryland, is entertaining. In addition to having outstanding ball tracking, he is probably going to run in the 4.3s. Although most people now predict that he will be selected in the third round, there is a stronger player in this field. He is a great player, but his college productivity isn’t particularly impressive, which is probably why he hasn’t gotten much attention. He makes a lot of sense for Pittsburgh.
Devin Neal of Kansas and Bhayshul Tuten of Virginia Tech are two running backs who are ideal fits for the Steelers’ zone scheme. Others, like Marcus Yarns of Delaware and R.J. Harvey of UCF, also suit the description. In many ways, Tuten is a speedster that makes me think of Willie Parker. In 2024, he led the Hokies’ offense and may be the Steelers’ home run hitter. Neal may be the finest running back available, but he is less of a home run threat and has a patience that fits the Steelers’ approach as a zone running team.
This team’s cornerback talent is ridiculous. I’m a huge fan of Quincy Riley of Louisville. He is a sticky man coverage cornerback, which makes me think of the slot cornerbacks who enter the NFL these days and make an impact right away. He is probably a second-day pick since he will test well and fly up boards, but I can see the Steelers snagging him because of his man coverage skills.
However, Dorian Strong of Virginia Tech is the kind of press-man covering corner that I adore. He is normally reliable, tidy, and patient. Strong’s game isn’t very impressive, and the measurables will be merely OK, but I appreciate that he has a very high floor as a prospect. He keeps up his good work and has excellent situation awareness.
Jamaree Caldwell of Oregon isn’t receiving enough affection. Caldwell is a plugger in the run game and has great burst, although he is not as showy as Jordan Burch or Derrick Harmon. Caldwell makes a lot of sense if the Steelers want to double-dip with an upside-nose tackle, and I believe he should climb above the process.
These quarterbacks simply aren’t that good. Jalen Milroe is still having trouble hitting anyone noteworthy. Too many passes have been overthrown by him. Although Dillon Gabriel and Tyler Shough have their moments, they can digest information slowly or with inconsistent precision. Although Jaxon Dart unleashes dynamite occasionally and has considerable moxie, his consistency is lacking. The Steelers would be well advised to avoid this group since they are simply not very good.
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