The list of names set to have pre-draft visits with the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to grow as we get closer to the end of the college pro day schedule, with edge rushing prospect Ben Banogu the latest player linked to the Steelers this offseason.
As per Benton McDonald of TCU360.com, Banogu will be making a trip to Pittsburgh to meet with the Steelers as one of their 30 pre-draft visits in 2019.
Banogu said he has visits scheduled with the #Broncos and #Steelers so far
— Benton McDonald (@BentonMcD) March 29, 2019
Projected to be a Day 2 selection with most experts, Banogu appears to have the size and athleticism teams look for, but has drawn criticism from some scouts for his hand usage and hip flexibility that could limit him against NFL caliber offensive tackles as a pass rusher.
“Ben Banogu is one of the most high-upside defenders of this year’s NFL Draft. Banogu has dynamic explosion and he’s got effective change of direction skills as well. Played in a very gap-disciplined defense at TCU, Banogu wasn’t necessarily allowed to roam free as an aggressive pass rusher, which has stunted some of his growth. In a new, more aggressive environment, Banogu could develop in time to be a high impact pass rusher.”
#NFLCombine key measurements thread…
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 1, 2019
206. #TexasChristian DE Ben Banogu
Height: 6-3 4/8
Weight: 250
Hand (right): 8 4/8
Hand (left): 9
Arm: 33 5/8
Wingspan: 80 4/8
After a transfer from Louisiana-Monroe to TCU in 2016, Banogu was forced to sit out the year, but earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and was named conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year after recording 49 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in 2017. As a senior, he finished the year with 57 tackes, 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.