Saturday Draft Buzz
Draft interest is starting to pick up for SMU running back Shawnbrey McNeal whose pro-day is on April 1.
McNeal has a scheduled workout with the Dallas Cowboys on April 5th, a source close to McNeal tells me this morning. McNeal also has a scheduled visit with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Over a dozen teams are expected to be in attendance for McNeal’s pro-day.
The Steelers expressed interest in McNeal during the combine, a league source tells me, and McNeal’s a back to keep an eye on if Steelers management opt not to go with a power back to complement Rashard Mendenhall.
McNeal (5-11, 190lbs) is a different type of back than a LaGarrette Blount or a Anthony Dixon who currently have scheduled visits with Pittsburgh.
McNeal shows excellent instincts, cutback vision and elusiveness, especially in the open field to along with outstanding speed, quickness, lateral agility, explosiveness and acceleration, according to a draft report by the Sportingnews.
The elusive back rushed for 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2009 at SMU for an average of 5.0 yards per carry. McNeal also had 31 receptions for 283 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Evaluators tell me McNeal is projected to play a Reggie Bush type of role at the next level and is a strong receiver out of the back field. He is regarded as a mid-round pick.
Steelers Pro-day Updates
With pro-days winding down, the Pittsburgh Steelers scouting and coaching staff have been making the rounds on scouting trips this week.
We can confirm the Steelers attended the pro-days of North Carolina, Arizona State, Ole Miss, Central Michigan, Mississippi State, and Boise State.
Targets this week are believed to have included Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead and Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour, along with MSU running back Anthony Dixon and Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson.