Three more draft prospects are visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday as California linebacker Mychal Kendricks, Virginia defensive end/linebacker Cam Johnson, and Miami defensive end/linebacker Olivier Vernon are all in Pittsburgh today according to Ed Bouchette.
Kendricks measure in at the combine at 5111 and weighed 239 pounds. He is considered to be an inside linebacker prospect at the NFL level and plays bigger than his size. He runs well for a linebacker and is not afraid to make contact in the hole. He ran an unofficial 4.47 time in the 40 and put up 24 reps on the bench. He reads plays well and is always around the football. He also has shown to be able to drop into coverage and looks smooth doing it. He is likely a second round prospect.
Johnson played defensive end at Virginia and could be looked at as either a defensive end or outside linebacker by teams that play the 3-4 defense. He has stiff hips so defensive end might be the best fit for him. He measures in at 6032 and weighs 268 pounds. His 40 time was 4.75 and he did just 16 reps on the bench. He is athletic for his size and adequate at holding the point of attack on tape. His ability to get after the passer is his strongest trait and he is good with his hands. Johnson is likely a mid round prospect.
Vernon is 6021 and weighs 261 pounds. He was clocked at 4.80 during his 40 yard dash, but put up an impressive 31 reps on the bench. Like Johnson, Vernon may be a candidate to play ouitside linebacker after playing defensive end in college. He is considered a late round prospect that may have some character concerns associated with him.
