The Pittsburgh Steelers are certainly doing their homework on prospects, just not players who are expected to be in contention for the team’s top pick in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft.
No, the team has been doing their diligence on players who are expected to be mid-to-late round draft picks, or, in some cases, priority free agents when the draft concludes.
The latest player to visit the team’s headquarters was none other than wide receiver Russell Gage from LSU.
Draft visitors 4/11: WR Russell Gage Jr., from LSU
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) April 11, 2018
For those who don’t know anything about Gage, he is considered a 7th round pick, or a priority free agent, and has been lauded for his play on special teams. However, don’t think for a second he isn’t a player who can’t contribute something on offense too.
Take a look at this play he made vs. Auburn this past season:
Russell Gage, my goodness!
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 14, 2017
That's an @LSUFootball touchdown. pic.twitter.com/3n4n0SNgt0
In fact, on his NFL Draft Profile the following was given as an overview of Gage as a potential prospect:
While Gage may lack the elite size or production of a draftable wide receiver, he does possess the athletic ability and competitive nature to be considered as a diamond in the rough on Day 3. Gage has the speed, toughness, and instincts on both punt and kick coverage to create some buzz in the buildings from special teams coaches during the run-up process to the draft. Gage’s special teams talent could land him on the roster, but he has some raw natural ability as a slot receiver that may bear fruit at some point.
Sounds like a player the Steelers could, and probably, will target in the draft process. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this news, and all news surrounding the black-and-gold.