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Pro Day Update: Colbert/Tomlin sightings

As most of you already know, Colbert and Tomlin generally go to the pro day of prospects they are considering taking with their top pick. Also, once we start to see which prospects actually come in to the Burgh for a visit, then we'll really get the true perspective. For now, here are some tidbits to chew on...

Colbert and Tomlin met with Justin Gilbert last night and then were on hand for his pro day today (Thursday). Gilbert reportedly looked very good in the drills, as most expected. While I think there's a good chance he goes ahead of 15 (namely to the Lions, who were also on hand), if he falls to 15, he's probably their guy.

They were also at Michigan St. to see Darqueze Dennard. He also looked good and apparently impressed them. I think Dennard is their "plan B" if Gilbert is gone. Early indicators are that CB would be the most likely #1 pick. They typically fill open starting positions with either "the next man up" from the current roster (i.e. potentially Wheaton at WR) or sign "value-priced" FAs (like Mike Mitchell for FS and possibly Alex Carrington for DE). A position like CB, where they almost surely will need a new starter in 2015, is prime to be a 1st round pick if their guy is there. It would give Gilbert or Dennard a chance to develop first while becoming "next man up" in 2015.

Interestingly, the duo was also at Michigan to see Tyler Lewan. He was really impressive at the Combine and also impressive at his pro day. This would be a bit of a curveball since many think that they won't use another high pick on OT after taking Gilbert and Adams. That being said, it would be hard to pass on a top LT prospect like Lewan if he's there at 15. The top 3 OTs this year (Robinson, Matthews, and Lewan) are all better than the top 2 last year (Fisher and Joeckel)...and those two went #1 and #2 overall of course. I don't think Lewan will be there at 15 either, but if he is, he also makes for good trade bait.

Finally, the tandem was at Ohio St. for Ryan Shazier's mind blowing 4.36 forty (even if his official time is slightly higher). It's not certain where Shazier would fit exactly on this D, but most likely it would be as a cover/rush ILB in the sub packages initially, and eventually as a Mack. No doubt his athletic ability is enticing, but is that enough for them to make him their top pick? Guess we'll have to wait and see. Also, keep in mind Bradley Roby is a top CB prospect that they got a look at too while they were there. He wouldn't be in serious consideration for the #1 pick, but possibly with the #2. Roby has all the tools to be good, not sure about his head, though...he gets beat all too often by guys who shouldn't. I see a bit of Curtis Brown in him, which is concerning.

It's also interesting to note Colbert and Tomlin were not at Alabama's pro day for Mosley (or Dix for that matter). It makes sense that they wouldn't be as interested in Dix after the Mitchell signing (and I thought Dix was a tad overrated anyway), but I have a feeling Mosley isn't as high on their radar as many think or thought. To that end, they weren't at Minnesota's pro day for Rashede Hageman, which tells me they probably aren't going in that direction either.

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