Advertisement

4 players who could fit Steelers' No. 1 draft need

By Gerry Dulac 9 years ago

The question I get asked the most since returning from the NFL combine is which cornerbacks or outside linebackers are the best fit for the Steelers with the 22nd overall pick.

After all, one of those positions most likely will be addressed with their No. 1 pick in the draft.

So here is what I think. I have listed four players – two at each position – who could be available to the Steelers at No. 22 and would likely be on their radar as they seek young players to improve their defense.

Let’s start with outside linebackers:

VIC BEASLEY, CLEMSON 

One look at Beasley and it’s easy to see why he will go in the first round of the draft. He is powerfully built at 6-foot-3, 246 pounds and has the agility and athletic ability to make all the necessary movements, whether rushing off the edge or dropping into coverage.

Beasley showed off his speed and strength at the combine, posting the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.53) of all linebackers and doing the most reps (35) in the 225-pound bench press among all defensive players. He also had a 41-inch vertical jump.

Beasley was a 4-3 defensive end in college but will be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. If he is available at No. 22, rubber-stamp his name in the books.

ALVIN “BUD“ DUPREE, KENTUCKY

Like Beasley, Dupree was a defensive end in college who is better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

At 6-foot-4, 269 pounds, Dupree is bigger than Beasley but no less athletic or explosive. He ran a 4.56 in the 40 and his 42-inch vertical jump was second among linebackers at the combine. But his broad jump of 11 feet, 6 inches was more than a foot better than any other linebacker.

Dupree has freakish athletic ability and has the size to line on the left side (the strong side) of the defense.

Now, for the cornerbacks…..

ERIC ROWE, UTAH

He might be the most overshadowed top corner in the draft and, as of right now, would probably be within the Steelers’ grasp at No. 22.

Rowe has the size (6-1, 205) and speed (4.45) for the position and has the versatility to also play safety, which he did in college. Rowe switched to corner for his final season and that has some teams trying to figure out which position is better for him.

But he is physical and has long arms that would allow him to play press coverage. He would be an instant starter for the Steelers.

QUENTIN ROLLINS, MIAMI (OHIO)

Rollins was a basketball point guard for four years at Miami who was able to transfer his instincts and anticipation to the football field.

After finishing second in school history with 214 steals on the basketball court, Rollins (5-11, 195) tried out for football last season and showed the same type of thievery on the field, leading the team with seven interceptions and 16 passes defensed.

That’s just the kind of cornerback the Steelers are seeking. He might be a bit of a reach at No. 22 and probably isn’t ready to be a starter at the next level just yet. But Coach Mike Tomlin met with Rollins at the combine and doesn’t seem to mind that he has only one year of college experience at the position.