The Steelers filled a major need in the first round last night drafting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.  With that box checked, the team can focus on other needs on day two of the draft.  Certainly running back, wide receiver, and corner depth top that list.  With all that in mind, lets try to guess the Steelers third round pick in 5 tries:

1. RJ Harvey RB – UCF

The Steelers did a lot of work on day two running backs prior to the draft.  This position has to be the favorite for the Steelers third round pick.  RJ Harvey is a compact back, with plus athleticism.  He ran a 4.4 flat forty yard dash, and carries a 8.49 RAS score.  Harvey ran for almost 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns his final year at UCF.  The Steelers had Harvey in for a pre-draft visit, so the interest is there.

2. DJ Giddens RB – Kansas St

The Steelers generally like their backs on the bigger side.  This may have them lean more towards Kansas St. running back DJ Giddens.  Giddens is still smaller than the Steelers usually like at 6’ and 212 pounds.  He tested extremely well earning a 9.78 RAS score.  Watch five minutes of highlights on this player and you’ll see why he’s been favorite of mine throughout the process.  Giddens checks the box of being a pre-draft visitor, so there’s hope he will be the Steelers selection tonight. https://youtu.be/vazAO_BHk6M?si=OsBx_kTGHjvj-vbC

3. Dont’e Thornton WR – Tennessee

This may be a tad early, but if the Steelers want to lock Dont’e Thornton in the third round is the time.  Thornton is a physical freak standing nearly 6’5”, while running a blazing 4.3 forty yard dash.  This is a limited player in terms of the route running, but he is a big time deep threat.  Watching him gives me Martavis Bryant vibes, and you all know how much I loved that player.  Steelers wide reciever coach Zach Azzanni attended the Tennessee Pro Day to check out Thornton.

4. Wyatt Milum OG – West Virginia

The Steelers have been pretty consistent filling out the tranches on the roster.  With Isaac Seumalo heading into the final year of his contract, guard would not surprise me at all here.  Wyatt Milum played tackle at West Virginia, but he projects as a guard in the NFL.  Milum is 6’6”, and 313 pounds with decent athleticism.  His shorter arms are what will have him end up kicking inside.

5. Justin Walley CB – Minnesota

Walley was a late addition to the Steelers list of pre-draft visits.  He is a ball-hawking corner with good speed (4.4/40).  He’s a little on the smaller side at 5’10” 1/2 and 190 pounds.  The Steelers desperately need depth at the corner position, and Walley would be a great add to that room.

 

Don’t forget to join the Steelers Sanctuary Podcast’s YouTube channel tonight for live coverage of day 2 of the NFL draft!! https://youtube.com/@steelerssanctuary1072?si=x2rPP4sE7Bhzf5BH