MOBILE, ALSenior Bowl participants are highly valued by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it appears that this trend will continue in 2025. What transpired on the third day after the defensive line received so much attention on the first two? My notes from the practices are as follows:
On Thursday, Andy Weidl, the assistant general manager, made an appearance for the Steelers. General manager Omar Khan, head coach Mike Tomlin, and other personnel have departed to return to Pittsburgh. Weidl is currently in Mobile, interviewing players and getting to know them after attending the Shrine Bowl last week. He worked at almost every position, including cornerback, running back, wide receiver, quarterback, and defensive line, while following Weidl. It is therefore not surprising that the Steelers have identified their top five needs in a class that is shallow in two (wide receiver and quarterback) and deep in three.
Another Steelers player on the field was Rod Moore, a member of the strength and conditioning staff. Moore studied only defensive linemen while other scouts, such Sheldon White, stayed in a booth. He once spoke with Omarr Norman-Lott of Tennessee.
Weidl, however, devoted a great deal of time to Toledo’s Darius Alexander, the week’s standout. Alexander dominated the entire week and is explosive. He might have been the defensive line crop’s best winner among the players down here. This is the beginning of a solid process that will probably get him into day two, but he was once a day-three choice. He indicated he is definitely on the team’s radar after meeting with Weidl on Thursday night.
In my opinion, Florida State cornerback Azareye H. Thomas has only improved this season. He appears to be a player who will be selected in the first round. In an NFL where receivers are more skilled than ever and man coverage is used with several blitz-heavy tactics, the position’s size, quickness, and ball skills are essential. Not only is Thomas a press-man corner, but he also has strong eyes in zone coverage and is at ease in off-man coverage. This cornerback is fully functional.
The running back for Virginia Tech I have spoken highly about Bhayshul Tuten this week, and for good reason. With breakaway pace, Tuten is a dynamic zone running back. Given their needs, the Steelers are aware of him just because of his uncommon speed. Tuten’s pass-protection skills, however, were a pleasant surprise. Tuten’s incredible battle and unexpected hand punch in backs-on-backers stunned almost everyone he faced. That enhances his stock because it offers him a special three-down skill that I may not have realized he possessed.
Damien Martinez, the running back for Miami, is someone I like. No one will mistake him for a burner since he is the complete opposite of Tuten. He does, however, do the position’s minor duties correctly. He creates extra yards for himself by pressing the line of scrimmage. He has some of the greatest pass protection in the class when it comes to identification and general technique. Additionally, Martinez is a good football player. With someone like him, the Steelers may prioritize reliability above actual speed.
Jalen Royals, a wide receiver for Utah State, is an entertaining player. He can create yards after the catch thanks to his bigger build, and his explosiveness in and out of breaks is instantly captured on camera. This week, the Royals are a constant winner. He truly caught my interest, as did Jack Bech of TCU. Royals is a fantastic weapon, but I think Bech fits in with the Steelers’ offense a bit more.
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