Steeler Draft Watch: NFL Combine And When Should We Pay Attention?

DeCastro was the Steelers #1 pick in 2012. Who will the Steelers be impressed with at the combine this year? Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

There are a ton of players participating in the combine this weekend.  So who is it that Steeler fans should be on the lookout for this weekend and into Tuesday?

Here’s the basic schedule:

Workout schedule:
» Saturday, Feb. 23: Tight ends, offensive linemen, special teams
» Sunday, Feb. 24: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers
» Monday, Feb. 25: Defensive linemen, linebackers
» Tuesday, Feb. 26: Defensive backs

The Steelers needs are clear on the defensive side of the football.  Check out our latest Mock Draft here to see where we rank the first two picks of the draft pre-combine. LB, DL and Safety are all up for grabs as far as I’m concerned with the first couple picks of the draft.  Following those needs, the Steelers will more than likely go for some folks on the offensive side – RB, WR, QB.

It looks like Sunday-Tuesday are big days for Steeler fans to pay attention.  But, don’t count out Saturday.  With Heath Miller’s health in question following his knee injury at the end of the season, the Steelers may feel the need to find a suitable backup since guys like Leonard Pope won’t quite reach Miller Time standards.

Monday will be the biggest day with linebackers and linemen working out.  Keep an eye out on potential picks such as DE/OLB Dion Jordan from Oregon, DL Johnathan Hankins out of Ohio State, and LB Alec Ogletree from Georgia.  Tuesday is another big day for the Steelers and the revamping of their defense.  DB D.J. Swearinger out of South Carolina is a potential 2nd round pick, FS Kenny Vaccaro out of Texas a potential 1st rounder if the Steelers go that route, and CB/FS Jonathan Banks out of Mississippi State (another potential 1st rounder).

The NFL has live streaming all weekend long and through Tuesday.  I watched a ton last year, and it’s actually a fun day of just relaxing, drinking and listening to the gentle slur of Mike Mayock talk about each player.

Schedule