The NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, and many Pittsburgh Steelers fans are looking at the lengthy list of prospects attending the event and wondering, “Who are we supposed to watch?!”
Sure, there are the draftniks who follow the combine like most follow actual football, but for most fans they want a bit of a cheat sheet. Sure, there are the big name players at every position, which are widely known, but which players should Steelers fans keep their eyes on?
Before answering that question, we had to narrow down which position would be the best to watch at the combine, and none better fit the Steelers’ needs than outside linebacker/EDGE pass rusher. But again, focusing on prospects who are expected to be available when the Steelers select 30th in the 1st round of the process.
Here is our list of 5 players, and an extra pick for your pleasure!
- Carl Lawson (Auburn)
- Derek Rivers (Youngstown State)
- Charles Harris (Missouri)
- Haason Reddick (Temple)
- T.J. Watt (Wisconsin)
Extra Credit:
- Joe Mathis (Washington)
Can the scouting combine change a prospects draft status? Absolutely! Bud Dupree lit up the combine, and had most people seeing him as a Top 10 draft pick due to his raw power and athleticism. However, due to his very raw potential, Dupree fell all the way to the Steelers at No. 22 in the 2015 draft.
Keep those linebackers on your short list of players to watch when you are watching the diaper olympics (aka - the scouting combine).
A lot to discuss, and I give my thoughts on why the Steelers should target these players at the combine in the podcast player above. Simply click play to give the 10 minute show a listen.
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