Thursday, April 16, 2009

Only Four Left

The Steelers are permitted to host 30 prospects before the draft next weekend. Four more came through the South Side facility today, bringing their total to 26. If you're interested in the prior visitors, see the drop-down list on the sidebar.

Travis Shelton (WR-Temple)


NFLHouse Position Rank: n/a

Ian's Take: Another prospect that isn't on prospect boards comes through the Steelers doors. He will make the team under one condition and one condition only: that we don't draft someone who is a capable kick returner. Shelton led the nation in kick return yards last season, averaging over 30 per return. He rarely saw time on offense, logging only 20 receptions and 230 receiving yards all season. However, he obviously has some kick return ability, and may be given a look in the preseason as an undrafted free agent if the Steelers like what they saw today.

Projected Round: 6th-undrafted

Spence Adkins (LB-The U)


NFLHouse Position Rank: n/a

Ian's Take: Not really sure what the Steelers are looking for here. In fact, I'm kinda surprised they are looking at linebackers at all. At least on a short-term basis, I think our depth at linebacker is pretty solid. Unless they are planning on moving Larry Foote, they really don't need any more depth at linebacker. But then they would be looking for an ILB. This one confuses me a little. Adkins didn't really do anything outstanding at Miami that would make him seem NFL-caliber, but I guess we'll see.

Projected Round: 6th-undrafted

Nate Davis (QB-Ball State)


NFL.com Player Preview

NFLHouse Position Rank: 4th

Ian's Take: Once again, this one makes very little sense to me. Davis has potential as a solid NFL quarterback, but with Dennis Dixon on the roster and the heir apparent as the backup to Ben, I don't really see why drafting a Quarterback (particularly one of the top 5 in the draft) will do us much good. Maybe they are thinking about using him in a Randle El type role, but he isn't necessarily quick (he ran one of the slowest 40s at the combine for QBs). I will be surprised if the Steelers take him.

Projected Round: 2nd-4th

Andy Levitre (G-Oregon State)


NFL.com Player Preview

NFLHouse Position Rank: 3rd

Ian's Take: At 6'3" 305, Levitre leaves little to be desired out of a guard prospect. Levitre has played at both guard and tackle at Oregon State, though projects more as a guard than a tackle. Since he is coming out of a passing offense in the Pac-10, some have wondered about his run-blocking ability, but the success of Jaquiz Rodgers for the Beavers last season should give you some indication. He has mixed it up with some of the better defensive prospects in this draft and had success. He might go in the first day, but if he doesn't, expect to hear his name called early on the second day. If he falls too far down the board, he could be a steal in the later 4th round.

Projected Round: 2nd-4th

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