I like to pass along mock drafts when they throw out a new name, one we haven’t really discussed before. That’s what the latest CBS mock draft includes, having the Pittsburgh Steelers select Ohio State cornerback Gaeron Conley in the first round.
Here is author’s Will Brinson’s explanation.
“The Steelers’ young defense looks good, and so does the whole roster, and there are plenty of cornerbacks here. But this is nice value and depth in the secondary isn’t a bad thing (maybe someone could cover Chris Hogan).”
First of all, ouch on the Hogan reminder. Et tu, Brinson?
Like I said, this is one of the first times I’ve seen Conley’s name attached to the Steelers partially because he was often projected higher in previous mocks.
A two year starter for the Buckeyes, he declared after his true junior season. In 2016, he picked off three passes and has five total in his career. Our Josh Carney broke him down a month ago, a report which you’ll find linked at the bottom of this article.
He liked Conley’s cover skills but didn’t like his lack of physicality and run support ability. Size-wise, Conley has what the Steelers are gravitating for, clearing the six foot mark with really impressive 33 inch arms, something a six-foot corner like Ross Cockrell doesn’t possess.
If you’re wondering, as far as edge rushers go, only Charles Harris was off the board (and Haason Reddick but that’s pretty much a given at this point).
