After selecting feisty cornerback Senquez Golson in the second round and height/weight/speedster wide receiver Sammie Coates in the third round on day two of the 2015 NFL Draft, there exists a few names that could slide across the ticker come the Steelers’ pick in the fourth round.
T.J. Clemmings-offensive lineman-Pitt
The 6-foot-5, 309-pound mauler has slid down draft boards due to a reported stress fracture in his foot, but his talent is undeniable. Offensive line coach Mike Munchak was seen putting him through a gauntlet of workouts at the Pittsburgh Pro Day, so the team obviously has done their homework on him. I believe at some point the team will select an offensive lineman, because guard Ramon Foster‘s contract expires at the end of the 2015 season. If Clemmings is still available in round 4, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the pick, as he displays starter ability at either guard or tackle, and was once viewed as a first round talent.
La’el Collins-offensive lineman-LSU
Obviously the police investigation into the murdered ex-girlfriend of Collins is well-documented, but his talent is undeniable. He was widely-projected to be a top-15 pick, and the team likely had their eye on him at the LSU Pro Day they attended. He has vowed to not sign his rookie deal if drafted after the third round, so the contract issue could become interesting for whatever team takes him. With his hard-ball stance he’s taking, it almost seems like he’s welcoming the police to thoroughly investigate him, thus possibly displaying his innocence? Only time will tell, but if fully exonerated, your heart has to break for him, as it was a garbage bag full of millions down the toilet.
Davis Tull-outside linebacker-Tennessee-Chattanooga
Tull is another workout warrior, as he posted a 4.57 in the 40 and a 42.5 inch vertical jump, both on par with the team’s round one selection, Bud Dupree. A multi-time FCS All-American, Tull would provide legitimate depth to a position of need, and could also be insurance in case Jarvis Jones doesn’t show up this season. The team had him in for a visit, so again, he has to be on their radar.
Jay Ajayi-running back-Boise State
The team will likely select a running back at some point, the question is when? They seemed to really like Matt Jones of Florida but he was picked in round 3 by the Redskins. This past season, Ajayi became the first player in FBS history to run for over 1,800 yards and secure 500 or more receiving yards, which should be music to Pittsburgh’s ears, as soft hands are a trait they love of their All-Pro starter, Le’Veon Bell. The team signed DeAngelo Williams for depth purposes during Bell’s suspension, but he’s a short-term fix as he’s on the wrong side of 30. He has starter-like ability in the NFL, and would be a nice addition to the team’s running back stable.
Day 3 of the 2015 NFL Draft will be very interesting, as it’s usually the time Kevin Colbert and company work their magic and find some of these “diamonds in the rough” that ,for whatever reason, slip through the cracks. The safety position is one they’ve neglected so far, so some possible names to keep an eye for are Durrell Eskridge of Syracuse and James Sample of Louisville.
