MOBILE, Ala. — The Pittsburgh Steelers have to build a core they can win within the NFL, so they are placing a premium on the NFL Draft. Team president Art Rooney II acknowledged the NFL Draft as a huge way for the team to build in what is a retooling period for the Steelers despite their playoff aspirations. With that in mind, here are some takeaways from the second Senior Bowl practice.
– The Steelres are still focused on defensive line. Expect them to do that in this draft, it is too deep of a group, and a double dip makes some sense. However, they did not just focus on the defensive line, but moved towards wide receivers, too. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and general manager Omar Khan heavily watched the wide receivers while Mike Tomlin flipped back and forth between the defensive line and wide receivers. Today, Tomlin seemed extra active with both groups, even challenging some players to go against one another in one-on-ones. The Steelers’ top two priorities remain wide receiver and defensive line.
– Two players that Tomlin seemed to pay close attention to were TCU wide receiver Jack Bech and Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker. I tend to put less stock into that stuff than others. Watching positions is more important than talking to the players since Tomlin does that all the time in Mobile, but it is notable to at least take a look at it.
– Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton is fun. He is likely going to run in the 4.3s, and on top of that, he has excellent ball tracking. Right now, most expect him to land in the third round, but there is a better player than that in here. The production in college is not eye-popping, which is likely why he has not received considerable hype, but he is an excellent player. For Pittsburgh, he makes a lot of sense.
– Kansas’ Devin Neal and Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten are teh two running backs who fit the Steelers’ zone scheme perfectly. Others, such as Delaware’s Marcus Yarns and UCF’s R.J. Harvey, fit the mold, too. Tuten is a speedster that reminds me of Willie Parker in many ways. He was the Hokies’ offense in 2024, and he could be the home run hitter for the Steelers. Neal is less of a home run threat but has a patience that fits perfectly with what the Steelers want to do as a zone running team, and he might just be the best running back here.
– The cornerback talent here is absurd. I really like Louisville’s Quincy Riley. He is a sticky man coverage cornerbacks that reminds me a lot of these slot cornerbacks coming into the NFL nowadays that start from day one and contribute. He will test well and fly up boards, so he is likely a second day pick, but I can see the Steelers falling in love with his man coverage ability and taking him.
– On the other hand, Virginia Tech’s Dorian Strong is the type of press-man coverage corner I love. He is patient, clean and generally solid. The measureables will be just okay, and Strong’s game is not that flashy, but he has an incredibly high floor as a prospect, and that is something I value. He has great situation awareness and continues to perform well.
– Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell is not getting enough love. He is not as flashy as Derrick Harmon or Jordan Burch, but Caldwell has excellent burst and is a plugger in the run game. I think he should rise over the process, and if the Steelers want to double-dip with an upside-nose tackle, Caldwell makes a lot of sense.
– The quarterbacks here are just not that good. Jalen Milroe continues to struggle to hit anyone of note. He has overthrown far too many passes. Tyler Shough and Dillon Gabriel have their moments, but they can be late processing or have spotty accuracy. Jaxon Dart has some moxie and makes some dynamite throws, but the consistency is not all there. This group is just not very good, and the Steelers would be wise to steer clear.
