Steelers/NFL
The Steelers were seen speaking to three cornerbacks at the combine who are believed to be one their radar.
| Alphonso Smith | Height: 5-9 Weight: 190 | Wake Forest
Scouting Combine Report: Ran 4.50 unofficial time in the 40 yard-dash
1st round prospect
Lack of size may be a concern but has great ball skills and is one of the top playmakers in the draft. Takes a lot of chances which is a negative but he is the most athletic corner available in the draft. A player that the Steelers could move up in the draft to get. A lot of mock drafts have Smith going from pick 23-30
Darius Butler | Height: 5-10 Weight: 187 | UCONN |
1st-2nd round prospect
Scouting Combine Report: Unofficial time of 4.45 in the 40 yard-dash ( 43.0 vertical jump, broad jump: 11.2) Had a very good combine workout. The 40 yard times always changes once the official results are announced. Butler can also return kicks which intrigues the Steelers.
Coye Francies | Height: 6-1 – Weight: 185| San Jose State
2nd – 3rd round prospect
Scouting Combine Report: Unoffical time of 4.56 in the 40 yard-dash. (24 Reps in Bench Press). Speed is a bit of a concern but has size and strength that the Steelers like.
Steelers Free Agent News
Discussions continue with Bryant McFadden but unless the Steelers increase their offer at the 11th offer, McFadden is hitting the open market. Can’t confirm this but there’s some talk that the Steelers offered McFadden a 5 year deal ($7.5 million signing bonus). McFadden will be a big loss. Changes the Steelers draft approach.
The Steelers have closed the door on re-signing Marvel Smith
The team is in discussions with Trai Essex.
Surprisingly they remain open to signing guard Chris Kemoeatu. Indications are they have made an offer but the two sides are not close. They will have to bridge the gap before Friday to strike a deal.
To improve their offensive line, the Steelers have to get rid of somebody. you can’t bring everybody back and expect to be better.¬†That‚Äôs why I‚Äôm kind of surprised they made a offer to Kemoeatu, especially considering Kendall Simmons will be back.
The team will go into the season with Max Starks and Willie Colon as the teams starting tackles. Colon, a RFA will be back.
Nate Washington will hit the open market and likely won’t be back. Mike Tomlin remains very high on Limas Sweed and confident that Sweed can be the teams #3 next season. The Steelers will still bring in a veteran to battle and push Sweed.
