UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr and Wisconsin defensive tackle Beau Allen are in Pittsburgh Monday visiting with the Steelers, multiple outlets are reporting.
Barr's relative lack of defensive experience is causing what used to be a white-hot market for his services to cool substantially. The same kind of thing happened last year to outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, a player who was plenty experienced but his 4.9 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day sent him from a top five prediction to Pittsburgh at 17.
Barr is a freakish athlete but he gets knocked for a lack of powerful punch when engaged with blockers, and, like Jones, the seeming lack of a counter move after his initial rush is thwarted.
Technique isn't so much an issue with Allen, a player who's natural fit is probably more of an under tackle in a 4-3 defense. He has a relentless motor and plays with a high level of emotion and passion. Allen isn't the most skilled defensive line prospect in this year's draft class, but he would be an interesting developmental project in the Johnny Mitchell School of Defensive Line Dominance.