After selecting University of Alabama All-American safety Landon Collins in the first round, the Pittsburgh Steelers begin day two of the draft with the No. 56 pick in the second round. With a number of potential needs left to fill, let’s take a look at what the Steelers might do in rounds two through four.
“With the 56th pick of the second round, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…”
Alex Carter, CB, Stanford University:
Steeler fans rejoice; you finally get a cornerback. Though there are a number of options at this point when it comes to cornerbacks, including Florida State’s Ronald Darby and Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, both who might still be available at pick 56. Though Carter might not be a household name, he ends up getting the nod over more noted prospects who are riskier and harder to project as NFL players.
Carter has good size (6’0”, 198) and though not blazing fast, ran a respectable 4.51 forty at the NFL combine. His 40-inch vertical jump was one of the best at the position and provides evidence that he’s got the athleticism to make the transition to the pros. Carter is a fit with the Steelers due to his ability to play in the zone coverages that new defensive coordinator Keith Butler is almost certain to continue to implement.
The possible flaw with Carter is he does not seem nearly as comfortable in man coverage and is a long strider who needs time to get to top speed. Some scouts think he’s a bit of a “tweener” who might eventually transition to safety, but at the moment, he seems more than capable of playing at a high level at cornerback in the NFL. Carter also has the bloodlines, his father Tom was a first round pick of the Washington Redskins in 1993.
“With the 87th pick in the third round, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…”
Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville:
After playing much of his college career as a 4-3 defensive end, Mauldin successfully made the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker in his final season at Louisville. Mauldin also shined at the Senior Bowl, showing the ability to rush the passer and beat offensive tackles with a solid combination of size, strength and lateral quickness. At 6’4”, 259 pounds, Mauldin has great size for the position, and the Steelers are sure to love his non-stop motor/effort on every play.
Mauldin, who had 9.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss as an All-ACC performer, looks like the perfect understudy to learn some of tricks of the trade from veteran James Harrison. There are other reasons to think he’s a perfect fit for the Steelers, including overcoming numerous personal obstacles in his life along with demonstrating admirable character traits and leadership during his college career. Mauldin could slip to the late third round because he’s an unfinished product who only played one season at the position. The Steelers love these type of projectable linebackers.
“With the 121st pick in the fourth round, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…”
Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State:
Even with the signing of soon-to-be 32 year old DeAngelo Williams, the Steelers could use depth at the running back position, and Langford could provide it. Additionally, there is a distinct possibility that Le’Veon Bell could be suspended for as many as four games for his DUI arrest, and second year back Dri Archer might be closer to getting cut than making an impact in 2015. This could provide enough reasons why the Steelers might take a back earlier than some expect.
Langford had a tremendous senior campaign for the Spartans, rushing for 1.522 yards and 22 touchdowns. Langford also caught the attention of many at the NFL combine, running an eye-popping 4.42 forty, among the tops at his position. In addition, Langford has the makings of an outstanding two-way back who can provide help in passing situations both as a receiver and in pass protection.
Although Langford should not be confused with Bell, he possesses the qualities necessary to provide the Steelers with an outstanding option as a backup if the aging Williams proves to be unable to fill the role, or spends his 2015 campaign injured, as he did last season where he missed 10 games with the Carolina Panthers. Finally, fans should not discount bringing in a former teammate to pair with Bell in the future. After seeing the negative impact LeGarrette Blount had on Bell, Langford, known for being a good citizen and teammate, would be a welcome addition.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
