Report: Steelers set to meet with Texas DL Charles Omenihu

After making the trip to Austin for the University of Texas Pro Day on Wednesday, it would appear that Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert spotted at least one player he would like to get to know better.

As per Jared Tokarz of NFL Draft Insider, the Steelers have scheduled a pre-draft visit with defensive lineman Charles Omenihu, one of the 30 out of town prospects Pittsburgh will host in 2019.

Projected to go as high as the the middle of the second-round of the draft, many scouts seems to think his best fit would be as a base 4-3 defensive end. But having played a range of positions from a 3-technique to a 9-technique, his versatility could potentially make him a good fit for the Steelers considering they like their defensive lineman to be able to play in a variety of fronts.

This scouting report from Joe Marino of the Draft Network suggests a player who might still have a lot of growth ahead of him.

“Omenihu brings a loaded toolbox to the table that makes him a versatile defender with inside/outside pass rushing and run defending upside. Showcasing continuous growth throughout his college career, Omenihu enjoyed the best season as a senior and enters the draft process playing his best football. Omenihu does have some size limitations when working inside and some tightness in the hips that present challenges on the outside, but his length, hand usage and effort serve as a strong foundation that should factor him into mix early in his career. By year three, Omenihu has the upside to be a versatile playmaker in a defensive front that is multiple.”

It would appear that Omenihu was not the only Texas player who has caught the Steelers’ eye this year either, with linebacker Gary Johnson also receiving some attention from Colbert and company. A player who could figure to be a viable option for Pittsburgh on Day 2 of the draft if they miss out on Devin White and Devin Bush in Round 1.

A scouting report from Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network.

“A JUCO product, Gary Johnson has several qualities that could sell a team that he is an NFL LB. Johnson’s restrictions are cause for concern, however. Johnson seems less reactive in tight spaces and does not do well to discard of blocks at the point of attack. In addition, Johnson doesn’t present a lot of range in space to help defend against the pass. Johnson needs to land in a system that emphasizes clean LBs if he’s to further develop and stick in the NFL.”

The full list of names Pittsburgh staff members will have seen in Austin on Wednesday.