Steelers could snag wide receiver, tight end in draft
Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of stories previewing the NFL draft.
At the wide receiver position, bigger often is better, at least in today’s NFL.
Though the Steelers’ 5-10 Antonio Brown is one of the exceptions to that rule, the vast majority of the top receivers are 6-1 or taller.
Teams looking to add a big pass-catcher to their roster will be very happy in this week’s three-day NFL Draft, which begins Thursday. The Steelers own eight picks in the seven-round draft, including the 22nd selection in the first round.
Though the Steelers’ top three spots seem to be set with Antonio Brown, Marcus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant, the team has met with a number of receivers who are potential first-round selections. Among those are Central Florida’s Breshad Perriman.
The son of former NFL player Brett Perriman, Breshad Perriman has all the abilities NFL teams look for in a receiver. At 6-2, 212 pounds, he has the size to be a matchup problem with small cornerbacks. And after running a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at his on-campus workout, Perriman has continued to rise up draft boards. He caught 50 passes for an average of 20.9 yards per catch last season at UCF.
“I think people have been focusing more on film work and they’ve been sitting down and thinking about the potential a receiver may contain,” said Perriman, who is considered a mid-to-late first-round pick. “As a big receiver, you have to go and get the ball at its highest point. You have to be able to wall off defenders. You have to be able to block.”
And if that doesn’t work, it doesn’t hurt to have world-class speed. Plus a dad who played in the league and can give you pointers.
“When we sat down decided this was what I wanted to do with my life, to play football, he started taking it more seriously,” Perriman said.
“It was just teaching his son little things of how to get better. It was like this is a business and I want you to be the best at what you put your mind to.”
While it’s possible the Steelers will add a wide receiver in the draft, it’s even more likely they will take a tight end.
Longtime starter Heath Miller is getting up in age, as is top backup Matt Spaeth. Behind those two are second-year pro Rob Blanchflower, who spent last season on the practice squad, and journeyman Michael Egnew.
Notre Dame’s Ben Koyack has the kind of versatility the Steelers like in their tight ends. Early in his career, the 6-5, 255-pound native of Oil City lined up in the backfield as a lead blocker. Last season, he was used as an in-line blocker. He still managed to catch 30 passes in 2014.
“At Notre Dame, we talked about tight ends being able to do everything,” Koyack said. “It’s kind of expected. It’s been hammered into our heads to be able to do that.
“I think it goes back to that mental state. A lot of teams will prepare. But our coaches didn’t want us to be one-trick ponies.”
Another interesting prospect is Penn State’s Jesse James, a South Allegheny High School graduate.
James left Penn State early despite receiving a late-round grade from the draft advisory board. At 6-7 and 261 pounds, he’s one of the bigger tight end prospects in the draft. He holds the Penn State record for touchdown catches by a tight end with 11.
“I don’t see a risk in going against what they say,” said James of the draft advisory board. “It could work out either way. I’m just really confident in my ability to make the step.”
Lolley’s rankings
1. Amari Cooper, 6-1, 211, Alabama
2. Kevin White, 6-3, 215, West Virginia
3. DeVante Parker, 6-3, 209, Louisville
4. Breshad Perriman, 6-2, 213, UCF
5. Jaelen Strong, 6-2, 217, Arizona State
6. Dorial Green-Beckham, 6-5, 237, Oklahoma
7. Phillip Dorsett, 5-10, 185, Miami (Fla.)
8. Nelson Agholor, 6-0, 198, USC
9. Devin Smith, 6-0, 196, Ohio State
10. Sammie Coates, 6-1, 212, Auburn
1. Maxx Williams, 6-4, 249, Minnesota
2. Clive Walford, 6-4, 251, Miami (Fla.)
3. Jeff Heurerman, 6-5, 254, Ohio State
4. Ben Koyack, 6-5, 255, Notre Dame
5. Jesse James, 6-7, 261, Penn State