Well I managed to hit on the Steelers first round pick in the first round version of this post Steelers 1st round pick in 5 tries, so let me try my luck again. The draft got off to a crazy start last night with several trades, and unexpected players falling. The second round should be a little less volatile now that most of the quarterbacks have been chosen.
Josh Jones – S – North Carolina St.: One of the most physical safeties in this draft, and with 4.4 speed to back it up. Jones has been compared to Mike Mitchell with his big hit style. Obi Melifonwu got all the hype for his combine performance, but Jones’ performance was impressive as well. The Steelers had Jones in for a pre-draft visit so their is interest there.
Fabian Moreau – CB – UCLA: The Steelers didn’t show much interest in this player during the pre-draft process. Unfortunately I see a run on the remaining corners early in round two which will leave them limited at the position. Moreau is no slouch though, and most certainly would’ve been a first round pick had it not been for his injury. He is blazing fast with a 4.35/40 at the combine and an exceptional athlete. It is possible he will be ready by training camp after a pectoral injury at his pro-day. This could be a huge steal if Moreau is still available for Pittsburgh.
Tim Williams – EDGE – Alabama: Williams stock has dropped dramatically after his so-so combine and off the field concerns. Hard to argue that on film, this player is the best pure pass rusher in this draft class. The dilemma Pittsburgh may face in round two is that the best values might all be pass rushers when their turn comes to draft. With all the trouble they’ve had drafting a pass rusher, double dipping may not be such a bad idea. The Steelers showed a lot of interest in Williams having met with him at the combine, and having him in for a pre-draft visit.
Derek Rivers – EDGE – Youngstown St.: Again the topic of value comes up here at the edge position. There might not have been a player that the Steelers spent more time with during the offseason then Derek Rivers. They met at his pro-day, the Senior Bowl, the combine, and he made a visit to Pittsburgh. The only knock you can find on Rivers is the small school issue. When you look at him at the Senior Bowl and against bigger competition, those fears quickly dissipate.
Cordrea Tankersley – C – Clemson: Tankersley has the size/speed measurables you dream about for a corner. He’s 6’1″ with long arms and ran a 4.4 flat 40 at the combine. He had 8 interceptions in two years at Clemson so there’s production with him as well. Tankersley has his flaws, but he represents good value at the end of round two.
