By Matt Papiernik, @Matt_Papiernik on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
Just like that, the NFL offseason is among us. From mock drafts, to the Pittsburgh Steelers, to every free agent quarterback being rumored to be on their way to the Steelers, it is a lovely time of year.
The Resse's Senior Bowl is always something to keep an eye on this time of year, as several seniors leaving for the NFL get the chance to showcase their talent against some of the best. This year is no different, and they will get that same opportunity this week during practice, and during the game on January 30th.
With most of the Senior Bowl being presented virtually to the media, the players will still have a chance to raise their draft stock while staying safe.
Below are some of the players that I think Steelers fans should keep an eye on, as they offer something the Steelers could be looking for, and have the opportunity to put that on display.
ALEX LEATHERWOOD, OT, ALABAMA
- This is the first name on the list because Steelers fans have become enamored with Leatherwood in recent weeks, and for good reason. Leatherwood fits exactly what the Steelers will be looking to do in this offseason, and that is fix their running game. Leatherwood is an absolute mauler in the running game consistently moving his man off of the line of scrimmage. The 2020 Outland Trophy winner started 40 games in his college career and will bring a quick plug and play option to the Steelers. His only knock was that he did struggle (for him) in pass protection this year allowing 15 pressures, as speed rushers can give him trouble occasionally. He will have several new opponents to put his skills on display this week and answer any questions some may have. He will likely come off the board somewhere on the tail end of the first day of the NFL Draft.
CREED HUMPHREY, OL, OKLAHOMA
- Sensing a trend yet for what you want to keep an eye on as a Steelers fan? Humphrey is another experienced offensive lineman with three years of starting experience. Over the last two seasons Humphrey has excelled in pass protection, as he did not allow a single sack over that span. A very high IQ player, he can be the leader of an offensive line early on in his career. Humphrey's only limitations are that he is just an average athlete, but being a center it won't hurt him nearly as much as it would if he was working on the edge. With Maurkice Pouncey rumored to be mulling retirement, the Steelers need to start planning for their future. He will likely come off of the board in rounds 2 or 3 of the NFL Draft.
KYLIN HILL, RB, MISS ST.
- What helps fix a running game? A punishing runner. Hill is just that, an absolute punisher of a running back that runs as if he is the size of Jerome Bettis. Hill doesn't hesitate to get downhill, as he hits holes with quickness and with force. 2019's SEC leading rusher also proved in only three games in 2020 that he is more than just a powerful runner as well. Hill managed to catch 23 balls for 237 yards in 2020. Did I mention that was 23 catches in just three games? Hill have the tools to be a bell-cow back for any team at the next level. He does have his drawbacks however. Sometimes Hill is too punishing of a runner, as he occasionally takes unnecessary hits. He also doesn't appear to have a top gear that some other running backs possess, so he isn't the big play back other guys might be. He will likely come off the board in rounds 3-4 of the NFL Draft.
TONY POLJAN, TE, VIRGINIA
- Poljan is a name that many people may not have heard about. He is a converted quarterback that started his career at Central Michigan and began his transition to tight end his sophomore season, but switched fulltime to tight end leading into his junior year. For his senior season he elected to transfer to Virginia in hopes of proving himself against a higher level of competition. There is no doubt Poljan can be an effective pass catcher at the next level, however he has a lot of work to do as a blocker. Continuing to improve his footwork and hand placement will be his biggest improvement he can make, as he is very willing to stick his nose in there. At 6'7" 265 lbs, he is a very interesting prospect. He will likely be a Day 3 selection in the NFL Draft.
BARON BROWNING, LB, OSU
- Whatever you want to see physically in a linebacker, Baron Browning is it. He is big, strong, fast, explosive, and physical at the point of attack. Browning has shown the ability to play the run as a middle linebacker, rush the passer, play in coverage, and run sideline to sideline. Browning has never been a full time player for the Buckeyes due to a crowded linebacking core that will have a total of four linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft. It'll be interesting to see how he fairs against running backs and tight ends at the Senior Bowl, as that is the area he has shown the least amount of consistency holding him back from being a three down linebacker. In the Steelers defense, he could be a swiss army knife piece early on with his athleticism and ability to play in the middle or on the edge. He will likely come off the board in rounds 2-4 of the NFL Draft.
TARRON JACKSON, DE/OLB, COASTAL CAROLINA
- If Jackson performed as he did for a power 5 school, he likely would be in the conversation for an early round selection. However, he did it against a much lower level of competition. That paired with his questionable injury history has pushed him down several draft boards. Jackson has a natural ability to get to the quarterback, but he is isn't a finished product. The week leading up to the Senior Bowl it'll be interesting if he can show some bend around the edge against some of the best OTs in the nation. Also, he needs to improve at the point of attack against the run. When teams run at him, he holds his own, but you can tell it isn't his comfort zone. He has as big of an opportunity as any to answer questions this week. He will likely come off the board early on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
CORNELL POWELL, WR, CLEMSON
- Powell really reminds me of JuJu Smith-Schuster when watching him game. He has deceptive speed, is very physical after the catch, and while he isn't explosive out of his routes he still gets open with a good understanding of body position and setting up the defender. Those are all things Smith-Schuster does extremely well also. Powell only has one year of significant playing time while he was stuck behind some top talent, but his last season didn't disappoint. It'll be key to watch how he performs against tight man coverage this week, as that is where he will likely have his biggest struggles. He will likely come off the board sometime in Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
This week watching the practices and game will be huge for the Steelers as they have a lot of key guys to replace. These seniors often are able to step in early even as later round picks since they have more experience and polish than players that left early.
Are there any additional names you will be watching this week? Comment them below!
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