It took final weekend heroics last season for the STEELERS to keep Mike Tomlin’s resume’ of never having a losing season record during his coaching tenure in city formerly known as the Steel City. But there is renewed Play-Off optimism given the progression of new QB KENNY PICKETT in his Rookie season. And you know what most coaches tell you… they expect the biggest jump in performance improvement to come in the second year in The League.
There is optimism for a legit AFC Division title push in 2023, though I will believe them moving ahead of the BENGALS when I see it. This is now JOE BURROW’s division. However, they might make a legit run at a Wild Card spot. In a modified action plan, this team signed double digit VFA in the past month. Now it is time to use their & Draft Picks wisely to bolster their roster.
Round 1, Pick 17 DEONTE BANKS CB Maryland 6’/200 This young man will join NFL Vet addition PATRICK PETERSON to possibly provide two new CB for their Defense. He’s a good athlete, and an even better skilled Corner. TOMLIN used to “red shirt” almost all his rookies but that has changed a bit in recent years. Banks could be the next one to make to him do so again.
Round 2, Pick 32 MATTHEW BERGERON OT Syracuse 6’5/320 This young man comes in after starting for 4-years for the ‘CUSE. He is big, strong and reasonably athletic. His play improved every season. He’s not a super athlete, but his savvy and solid sense of balance, combined with OT size and length bode well for him. May not start immediately, but stay tuned for further developments.
Round 2, Pick 49 MAZI SMITH DT Michigan 6’3/325 Montravius Adams has been a pleasant surprise playing on the Nose and may finally have matured as a professional football player. But in the long run MAZI may be pushing him to a back-up job soon. SMITH reminds me of B.J. RAJI/Packers, but TOMLIN will try to push the right buttons to get him to play consistently hard every down he’s on the field.
Round 3, Pick 80 DAIYAN HENLEY LB Washington St. 6’/225 I firmly believe that this young man has been seriously underrated by most scouts. I watched him cover the field last season after transferring from Nevada to the PAC-12. He blazed a 4.54/40 at the Combine, and I feel that he plays at that kind of speed. He shows serious coverage skills to go with his tackling and diagnosis skills. He racked up 106 Tackles last year while being voted to PAC-12 First Team LB. This guy will be an NFL starter some day. The question is how soon?
Round 4, Pick 120 JONATHAN MINGO WR Ole Miss 6’2/220 This guy is like a big RB once he gets his hands on the ball. He has been rising up the Prospect Rankings the past month-plus. He will need to get his drop rate down a bit to gain a pro QB’s trust. In a Draft Class that features a preponderance of smaller, quick guys he’s in a select group of big guys just behind JOHNSTON, TILLMAN & RICE. For teams needing another “bigger” guys he may not last this long.
Round 7, Pick 234 GERVARRIUS OWENS S Houston 6’/195 Has been a reliable player in the Houston Defense. He will likely need to prove his worth on Special Teams to stick around and show his S skills with time.
Round 7 Pick 241 KOBIE TURNER DL Wake Forest 6’2/288 Not a great athlete, but a solid football player. Transferred in from RICHMOND Spiders program and took over a starting DL job right away. Not flashy, but gets the job done. Good DL rotation candidate.
I see 5 of these guys having eventual starter potential. And they all should make the roster and contribute. Isn’t that the TOMLIN/STEELERS way after all?
Cheers
Pigskin