NFL insider says Steelers won't pass up on rising draft prospect
It's smokescreen season, baby. The time of year when players are rising and falling down draft boards, and the truth often lies somewhere in the middle. One thing's for certain, and that's stud athletes going off the board early and often. The Pittsburgh Steelers should have their eyes on one in particular. ESPN NFL insider […]
It's smokescreen season, baby. The time of year when players are rising and falling down draft boards, and the truth often lies somewhere in the middle.
One thing's for certain, and that's stud athletes going off the board early and often.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should have their eyes on one in particular.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler believes not only that Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith will go earlier than people expect, but that he doesn't expect him to fall past the Steelers.
"Some scouts are giving off top-10 vibes for Smith, noting that the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 17 could be his floor. The Detroit Lions, who have the sixth and 18th picks, have done their homework on Smith, who has improved his stock through the process. Fit will be key for Smith. Given he's 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, playing every down as a defensive end could wear him down. Some scouts say he's best served in a 3-4 defense as a speedy pass-rusher who can also drop into coverage." – Jeremy Fowler on Nolan Smith
Factoring in everything about Smith, the Steelers become the most ideal landing spot for him.
The team will have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to start over him, allowing the 22-year old speed rusher to come onto the field on passing downs to start as a stand-up rusher. Smith's fluidity in space will also allow Pittsburgh to drop him back in coverage as a true 3-4 outside linebacker.
Smith going 17th overall would be history repeating itself. 10 years ago, Pittsburgh drafted Georgia edge rusher Jarvis Jones with the same exact first-round selection. That pick obviously didn't work out too well, but Smith is a much better athlete compared to Jones from a decade ago.
Edge rusher, offensive tackle, and cornerback are the early targets for Pittsburgh, and safety is in play as well. Landing Smith to start things off would set up the Steel Curtain for a solid draft haul.
