Report: Steelers set to host DB Ugo Amadi and LB Gary Johnson on pre-draft visits

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted their first five prospects of the offseason at team facilities on Monday, with many more expected over the coming weeks. And if reports from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle are to be believed, the list of visitors could soon include Oregon defensive back Ugo Amadi and Texas linebacker Gary Johnson.

Amadi played a variety of positions for Oregon during his four years with the team, moving to safety in his senior season, but at only 5-foot-9, he may find it hard to carve out an obvious role in the NFL. While scouts commend his leadership qualities and his versatility, certain physical limitations make it harder to project his future at the professional level.

With his testing at the NFL Scouting Combine slightly underwhelming, the young prospect did little to distinguish himself from the competition, although his production at Oregon is perhaps enough to explain why the Steelers want to take a closer look at him. Amadi returned two of his three interception for touchdowns in 2018, as well as scoring on a punt return. He also record 55 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and 8 passes defended.

For his career, Amadi recorded 165 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 9 interceptions. 3 forced fumbles, 3 sacks and 25 passed defended. He also never missed a game, playing in 51 consecutive contests for Oregon.

While GM Kevin Colbert had the opportunity to get a good look at Johnson when he attended the Texas pro day last week, it would appear that he wants the rest of his colleagues to give him a once over by inviting him to Pittsburgh.

A scouting report from Brad Kelly of The Draft Network.

“PROS: Extremely high effort player, hard pursuit who works as hard as anyone on the field. Good blitzer in space, closes pocket well. Pretty good lateral movement necessary for the linebacker position. Can side step potential blockers to avoid and continue attacking ball carrier. Aware player who can finish blitzes and play in space. Can block destruct and shed.”

“CONS: Needs to shed blocks in a more immediate way, and can be slower to react. Has a tough time sifting through the trash in pursuit. Doesn’t attack the line of scrimmage and plus gaps very well. Can take questionable paths to the ball. Will get stoned in pass rush and doesn’t have any counters. Can be too patient before reacting.”

As per Damon Talbot of Draft Diamonds, the Steelers will also be hosting Akron linebacker Ulysees Gilbert in the coming weeks as well. Another player Pittsburgh has already met with at his pro day.