Steelers land a massive steal in latest mock draft from top analyst
Mock drafts don't mean anything, but they're still fun to look at this time of the year. Especially the ones from respected draft analysts like ESPN's Todd McShay. McShay revealed his latest mock draft on Tuesday and he has the Pittsburgh Steelers landing a massive steal in the second round. McShay's latest mock draft has […]
Mock drafts don't mean anything, but they're still fun to look at this time of the year.
Especially the ones from respected draft analysts like ESPN's Todd McShay.
McShay revealed his latest mock draft on Tuesday and he has the Pittsburgh Steelers landing a massive steal in the second round.
McShay's latest mock draft has the Steelers selecting cornerback Cam Smith in with the No. 49 overall pick.
From ESPN: The Steelers replaced Cameron Sutton with Patrick Peterson, who turns 33 this July. Cornerback is a big question mark for them this season, and Smith utilizes his high-end instincts and speed to jump routes and come away with interceptions. He had six over four seasons and joins a team that tied for the league-lead there last season.
Smith has been going in the first round in several mock drafts. The speedy cornerback (4.43 in the 40-yard dash) is physical and can play man or zone (though he's probably better in zone). Smith also has great instincts, though he was penalized at a higher rate in college than NFL teams would prefer (but that's something that can be coached).
The former South Carolina standout also plays with some swagger — which is something an NFL cornerback almost has to have.
Smith famously said before playing Tennessee this past season that he liked his odds "over the top" against speedy Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
At the time, plenty thought Smith had bitten off more than he could chew with his comments, But he held Hyatt in check, limiting him to 65 yards on six receptions (the big plays for Hyatt were absent thanks to Smith).
After the game, Smith told reporters that there wasn't much trash talk on the field due to things only going "one way".
I don't know if Smith will have a Pro Bowl career in the NFL, but he has all the necessary skills to be a starter. And he has the right attitude to play in Pittsburgh.
The last time the Steelers drafted a cornerback named Cam (Sutton) it went pretty well. If they can get Smith in the second round, it could be another highly productive draft pick for Pittsburgh.
