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It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Baylor NT/DE Andrew Billings will be an early first round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, with the NFL Scouting Combine coming to a close Monday, there have been some waves made in the prospect waters, especially along the defensive line.
Sometimes teams put certain players, positions and team needs ahead of the 'Best Player Available' philosophy which fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers have become all too familiar with. For this reason, and others, there is always a chance a tremendous athlete falls in the draft.
In 2014 it was Stephon Tuitt who fell all the way to the second round, when he was a projected first round draft pick. In 2015 it was Bud Dupree who was thought to be drafted in the first half of the draft, but had to wait until the Steelers picked 22nd overall for his name to be called.
So, with that said, there is a chance Billings could fall to 25th overall, which would put his gigantic 6-foot 1-inch 315-pound body in the Steelers proverbial laps. In the latest SB Nation Mock Draft, they have Billings headed to Pittsburgh.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Cornerbacks are often the choice for Pittsburgh - it's a pick I've made several times - but since current Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert joined Pittsburgh in 2000, they haven't picked a cornerback in the first round. A nose tackle like Billings could fit nicely between Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward.
Billings being selected by the Steelers would mean several things have already taken place prior to the draft. Steve McLendon likely finding a new home in free agency, and the team not being sold on Daniel McCullers being the nose tackle of the future.
Either way, Billings brings an extreme amount of power to the interior pass rush and run stopping -- something the Steelers could certainly use in the coming season. His 5.05 40-yard dash is impressive, considering the weight he is carrying, but his 31 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press is what tells the true tale of Billings.
If the Steelers were to somehow land Billings, it would mean a player who is ready to play from Day 1, and be a force along the young and improving Steelers' defensive line.