2017 NFL Draft Profile: Could pass rusher Ejuan Price be a dark horse prospect for the Steelers?

There isn’t a soul who follows the Pittsburgh Steelers who, when asked if the team should take a pass rusher in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft, would say no.

In fact, there is a chance the Steelers could take more than one pass rusher throughout the course of the 7-round action, and the team’s 8 draft selections. Although the prospect we are highlighting today won’t be a Day 1 draft pick, and possibly not even a Day 2 selection, it doesn’t mean he couldn’t be one of those late round picks who makes a big difference.

The Steelers have had success drafting in the back half of the NFL Draft, and Ejuan Price from the University of Pittsburgh, could be one of those players.

Enjoy the draft profile breakdown by BTSC’s Nicholas Martin:

Ejuan Price

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 241 LBS

Arm length: 32 3/4"

Hands: 10“

Bio

Ejuan Price was a two time First Team All ACC in both 2015 and 2016. He had 13 sacks in both 2015 and 2016. The prior 3 seasons before that though, he end up redshirting 2012 with a pectoral injury, missed about half of 2013 with a back injury and all of 2014 due to a chest muscle malady.

Strengths

Good burst off the line of scrimmage, combined with flexibility to bend the edge and quick twitch that shows with his sudden movements. His low build to the ground gives him natural leverage and will always be able to keep a low pad level. Much better arm length for his size which can help him disengage off blocks. Wins in the pass rushing department by winning with finesse moves like his spin move, swim move along with a dip and rip. Can set up his spin move by selling his rush outside or even inside. Shows great closing speed when he’s got a shot at the QB. Can use his hands decently. Run defense discipline improved greatly in 2016 as he made sure to stay square and protect his gap.

Weakness

Doesn’t convert speed to power and is mostly a finesse move rusher. While hand usage is decent, timing could use improvement. Conditioning looked to be a question as I noticed he looked gassed at times at the end of games, effort level was noticeably different. Teams are going to have concerns about his ability to set the edge against the run due to his height and weight, which may lead to him only being a situational pass rusher if a team views him to small to play full time. Injury history will have to be examined closely by teams. Will be a 24 year old rookie.

NFL Comparison: Elvis Dumervil

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