Steelers: Mike Tomlin has his eyes on one particular prospect
The Steelers draft and develop better than almost any franchise in the league. With large contingents of coaches and personnel evaluators all throughout the process, it's no coincidence that their draft picks tend to hit. One of Pittsburgh's favorite events to attend is what is termed the start of draft season, or the Senior Bowl, […]
The Steelers draft and develop better than almost any franchise in the league. With large contingents of coaches and personnel evaluators all throughout the process, it's no coincidence that their draft picks tend to hit.
One of Pittsburgh's favorite events to attend is what is termed the start of draft season, or the Senior Bowl, which is held annually in Mobile, Alabama.
Mike Tomlin in particular is fond of this week, and per Lance Zierlein of NFL Network, we now know that Tomlin was intrigued by one prospect in particular, during Senior Bowl practice.
Will McDonald, Edge, Iowa State
McDonald is a loose-edge rusher that is a little skimpy in body composition but has one of the best speed rush plans in this class of pass rushers.
His ability to bend and flatten the edge en route to the quarterback is undeniable, making him an intriguing prospect.
As it turns out, Mike Tomlin seems to like McDonald as well, with Lance Zierlien recalling a moment between Tomlin and McDonald during February's Senior Bowl during his most recent appearance on the Prospect to Pro's podcast.
"I saw Mike Tomlin playfully bantering with Will McDonald at the Senior Bowl," said Zierlein.
"He was out on the ground and once again, not a lot of head coaches go anymore, but the Pittsburgh Steelers were right there and he (Mike Tomlin) was playfully bantering with McDonald quite a bit on the field. McDonald wasn't really talking back, I think he was too afraid. Like I don't know how I'm supposed to, you know, I'm in the middle of doing drills and Tomlin kept you know, having comments for him. Just kind of joking around and stuff. Oh, I see you four-one or whatever he was saying."
Zierlein would further add:
"And that was something I kind of stored away because, I mean, he sees a little light for a Pittsburgh Steeler. Most of them are really filled out like Bud Dupree types, but T.J. Watt I guess was a little more angular and long and linear. But all I could think of was well, I think Mike Tomlin may like McDonald, I'll keep my eyes on this one."
Listed at 6'4 and 239 pounds, Zierlein is right when he says the Steelers typically opt for bigger edge defenders, often utilizing on-ball linebackers that weigh over 250 pounds.
But certain prospects possess the makeup that allows you to sacrifice your parameters.
With a slated positioning of 36 on the consensus board, it wouldn't be a shock if Pittsburgh took McDonald with pick 32 in this month's draft.
