Today was the first day the Steelers brought in players that are viable candidates for their first round selection. Kyle Wilson (CB-Boise St) is considered by many to be the top man-on-man cover corner in the draft. Kareem Jackson (CB-Alabama) also has first round talent, and is one of DraftBreakdown.com's Red Star Players.
"Players Receiving the Draft Breakdown Red Star are considered by us to be the "complete package." These are all around football players that have limited to no off-field issues and can step in and make an immediate impact on any team; even as a special teams or situational player." - Draft Breakdown Rankings Page
Kyle Wilson (CB-Boise St)
5'10" 194 lbs
Draft Breakdown: #20 overall, #2 CB
Mocking the Draft: #29 overall, #2 CB
NFL House: #19 overall, #3 CB
Scar Draft: #11 overall, #1 CB
Projected Round: 1st
Kyle Wilson is one of the top CB's in this draft, and it's great to see the Steelers bringing him and Kareem Jackson in. What does this mean? It means that the team is taking a serious look at improving the secondary early in the draft. Wilson is the best cover corner in the draft and could definitely excel in the Steelers system. As an added bonus, he has some experience with returning kicks. Wilson is very high on our wish list, and we would love to see him in black and gold next year.
Kareem Jackson (CB-Alabama)
5'10" 196 lbs
Draft Breakdown: Red Star Player, #33 overall, #4 CB
Mocking the Draft: #48 overall, #5 CB
NFL House: #82 overall, #8 CB
Scar Draft: #59 overall, #5 CB
Projected Round: 1st-2nd
Jackson is widely considered one of the top 5 corners in the draft and could go anywhere from the mid-20s in the first round to the end of the second round. Chances are he'll go late in the first or early in the second, as there are a lot of teams at the back end of the draft that could use help at cornerback. The Steelers pick at 18 may be a little too early to take a player like Jackson (because there will likely be better players available). However, if he falls to the Steelers in the second round, we would be landing a solid player that could step in right away, particularly on Special Teams.
Nolan Carroll (CB-Maryland)
5'11" 204 lbs
Draft Breakdown: #26 CB
Mocking the Draft: unranked
NFL House: unranked
Scar Draft: #34 CB
Projected Round: 5th-Undrafted
Carroll was considered one of the better cover corners in the nation entering last season, but he suffered a broken leg in the second game of the year. He did not attend the combine and the Steelers likely brought him in so they could get a sense of how well he has recovered from his injury. He posted a sub-4.4 40 at his pro day, and if he proves to scouts and teams that he is well on the way to a full recovery, he could be a steal in the later rounds of the draft.
Joe Webb (WR/QB-UAB)
6'3" 222 lbs
Draft Breakdown: #33 WR
Mocking the Draft: #20 QB
NFL House: unranked
Scar Draft: #277 overall, #31 WR
Projected Round: 6th-undrafted
Webb played QB at UAB and is attempting to make the transition to Wide Receiver for the NFL. The Steelers already brought Antwaan Randle El back, so drafting Webb would give them two of these conversion-type players. Given the Steelers depth on their roster, there isn't room on the 53-man roster for a "project" player like Webb. If the Steelers do draft him, it's likely he would spend the first year on the practice squad.
Albert McClellan (LB-Marshall)
6'2" 252 lbs
Draft Breakdown: unranked
Mocking the Draft: unranked
NFL House: #34 DE
Scar Draft: #22 3-4 OLB
Projected Round: 7th-undrafted
McClellan is a classic "Tweener." He played DE in college, but projects more as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. The Steelers have two great 3-4 OLBs in Harrison and Woodley, but they lack depth behind them. Harrison is 32, and despite the contract extension he signed last year, it wouldn't hurt for the Steelers to attempt to add some depth behind the two.
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