Pittsburgh Steelers could target a familiar name in free agency

Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount was perhaps the Steelers best third-round pick of all time. Now his son, Akil Blount, is hoping to follow in his father's footsteps and find a home with an NFL team. Blount is an All-MEAC linebacker who graduated from Florida A&M after the 2015 season.

Recently, Blount participated in Florida A&M's pro day, hoping to draw interest from NFL teams. Of the experience, he said via Tallahassee.com, "I'm very pleased. I can feel good going into the draft knowing I put up good numbers... I put my best forward, especially with all of the work I put in every day now that I graduated. It's just workout, workout, workout, every day. I'm happy with what I did."

Though he is the son of an NFL legend, Blount initially pursued basketball as a 6'3", 195-pound guard. Now a heftier 245, Blount has devoted himself to football and hopes to have a career in the NFL, much like his father did for 13 years starting in 1970.

Mel Blount spoke of his legacy, saying via Steelers.com last year, "You start to realize the older you get you are in a special place, a place where your name and legacy will live forever. It's surreal and special and I don't take that for granted. I realize I didn't get there by myself. All of the people who worked with us, making us better, you realize that God had his arms around you and watched over you because it's a game very few people get to play and even fewer get to the Hall of Fame."

If Akil Blount ends up making it in the NFL, it will add another dimension to Mel Blount's legacy. Coming from a small school, Akil Blount has much to prove and is a long shot as a draft pick. Nonetheless, the Steelers often sign players from smaller schools. Isaac Redman played for Division II Bowie State, and a number of Steelers players over the years have come out of Kent State.

Akil Blount Pro Day! pic.twitter.com/fS14hF7lhV

— Nationalmockdrafts (@Nat_MockDrafts) March 31, 2016