Yesterday, much of the focus around the league was centered in Florida, because Florida State was holding its Pro Day. FSU has one of the most talented, NFL-caliber rosters in college football, so it’s no surprise that there were reportedly representatives from every single team in the league attending the work outs.
That includes, of course, every team in the AFC North, but it seems that the Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the more prominent contingents this side of the Buccaneers, who are expected to make quarterback Jameis Winston the first overall pick on April 30, when the 2015 NFL Draft begins in Chicago.
Among those in Florida representing the Steelers yesterday were head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Kevin Colbert, offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and defensive backs coach Carnell Lake.
The presence of Lake, perhaps, may be the most notable of the four in terms of where the Steelers might be focused, as the Seminoles are expected to send two cornerbacks into the draft that should be drafted within the first two rounds, and certainly by the end of day two.
Obviously, the cornerback position is widely regarded as a huge position of need for the Steelers, and no less than Tomlin himself has said that they will add “guys” to the position through the draft. One of them may have been working out for them yesterday.
In other Steelers news, the team is expected to host Florida running back Matt Jones at some point this month, and they have also reportedly reached out to former Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed for a potential reunion.
The big news around the division outside of Pittsburgh of course, focused on the backup market, as the Baltimore Ravens have found a replacement for Tyrod Taylor, who signed elsewhere in free agency for more money than they were willing to pay.
Backing up Joe Flacco now will be Matt Schaub, who was once a solid quarterback marred by a history of injuries before a series of turnovers led to his demise in Houston. He spent his time as a backup in Oakland last year to a rookie.
Schaub reportedly signed a one-year contract that includes a $1 million base salary with a signing bonus of $1 million. There are not likely to be earned incentives tied into the contract worth another $1 million. Especially so considering Flacco has never missed a start in his career.
Reportedly, both the Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals have expressed interest in tight end Rob Housler. Both AFC North teams have either lost or anticipate losing from the position during the free agency process and are looking to add there.
The Bengals and the Cleveland Browns have also both taken a look at safety draft prospect Brian Blechan, who could be a late round prospect. The Browns will also work out FSU defensive lineman Eddie Goldman as Cleveland hopes to bolster its run defense behind its rebuilt secondary.
