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Draft visitors today: CB Darryl Roberts from Marshall; CB Bryce Callahan from Rice; CB Stephen Nelson from Oregon State
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) April 20, 2015
Cornerback and outside linebacker. Seems to be the going trend for the Pittsburgh Steelers in terms of pre-draft visits. The trend continued Monday when the team hosted three cornerbacks to their South Side facility in hopes of narrowing down who might be a part of the organization after the 2015 NFL Draft.
The three defensive backs who took a trip the Pittsburgh are: Darryl Roberts of Marshall, Bryce Callahan of Rice and Steven Nelson of Oregon State.
Roberts, who's initial interest was reported weeks ago, is a solid all-around defensive back who played extremely well for the Thundering Herd. Although not playing against the competition of defensive backs from bigger schools, Roberts is drawing attention from several NFL teams, and the Steelers just happen to be the latest on his long list of potential suitors. Roberts is thought to be a mid-round prospect in the upcoming draft.
Nelson, like Roberts, is considered to be a mid-round prospect at defensive back, but is very aggressive in his style of play. Nelson had a solid season for Oregon State, and is highly touted for his ability to play the run as well as play bump coverage at the line of scrimmage. His one knack is many scouts feel his football IQ is not where it should be, but his highly competitive nature combats those who are critical of him.
Callahan had a tremendous pro day at Rice University, and it caught the eye of several NFL scouts. Although not the tallest CB in the draft, Callahan has great ball skills and was a do-it-all defensive back for the Owls in 2014. What Callahan loses in size, he makes up for with his tremendous vertical leap. Callahan's skill set is more suited for a nickel cornerback than a player who will lock down the outside. Callahan resembles current Steelers' CB Antwon Blake when comparing size and skills.
All three of these defensive backs are considered mid-to-late round selections, and although the Steelers are looking to bolster their depth at cornerback, they are showing through their pre-draft visits how the talent doesn't stop in the first two rounds. Fans shouldn't be shocked if the organization takes two defensive backs in the upcoming draft, and could sign more as undrafted free agents in the days following draft day.