Last week, the CBS Sports draftniks released another round of mock drafts prior to the scouting combine getting underway and combined they have the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting three different players with the 15th overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Rob Rang and Pete Prisco both have the Steelers down for drafting Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix III. Dane Brugler has Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix going to the Steelers while and Pat Kirwan has Missouri defensive end Kony Ealy heading to Pittsburgh.
Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame: Nix will have to prove his health before earning a first round selection as he underwent knee surgery in December. When healthy, however, he’s proven himself to be one of nation’s elite run-stuffers. He’d be an upgrade over incumbent starter Steve McLendon, whose play leveled off in the second half of his first season taking over for long-time standout Casey Hampton.
Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame: He is a perfect fit in their defense. They have to get better inside.
Hasean Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama: Playmaking safeties are in high demand in the NFL right now so don’t expect Clinton-Dix to last long on draft day. The Steelers need to find the long-term replacement for free agent Ryan Clark at free safety and Clinton-Dix fits the bill.
Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri: The Steelers could go in many directions but everything starts up front, and the 6-foot-5 Ealy fits their profile for a defensive lineman. It’s time the Steelers get more pass rush from their front three.
Nix remains a very popular choice of the national media and Clinton-Dix has had his name penciled in as the Steelers selection in a lot of mocks that I’ve seen as well. You should already know my thoughts on the Steelers taking Nix in the first round and several of you have already weighed in on that scenario as well. So what about Clinton-Dix and Ealy? Let’s focus most of the discussion in the comments below on these two players and what you like or dislike about either.
