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The Supplemental Draft offers one more option in the secondary for the Pittsburgh Steelers

By Noah Strackbein

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Adonis Alexander #36 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a tackle during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Adonis Alexander #36 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a tackle during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent a lot of their assets rebuilding their secondary, and with the 2018 Supplemental Draft, they could find one more piece to the puzzle.

Terrell Edmunds shouldn’t be the only Virginia Tech rookie in Pittsburgh this year. After becoming academically ineligible, Hokies defensive back, Adonis Alexander, will enter the 2018 Supplemental Draft.

Playing three years for Virginia Tech, Alexander an all-around secondary member. Playing both safety and corner, Alexander racked up 124 tackles and seven interceptions, including four picks his freshman season.

A 6’3, 200 lb back, Alexander can play both secondary positions. The Steelers may not need anymore safeties on the roster, but with Coty Sensabaugh being the primary backup on the outside, they could use a reliable role player at corner.

Alexander will need to prove he’s taking a change of attitude towards football. Pittsburgh doesn’t want to deal with another distraction off the field. A mid-round pick with high upside, though, Alexander could be worth the risk for the Steelers.

As long as he can convince them he’s ready to commit to the game, he’ll be an option. Either way, he’s a boom-or-bust player who won’t be taking much away if he doesn’t work out. His potential should’ve made him a fairly high draft pick in 2019, though. Leaving reason to believe he could turn into something special, early.

Alexander immediately enters a lot of team’s draft boards. Pittsburgh should get their shot at him during the draft, and if he’s available, they should take a chance. Worst case scenario, he doesn’t work out and becomes a Supplemental Draft pick headed towards free agency.

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But if he does become something worth noting, the Steelers could take this secondary to another level. One they’re just about at, but with a strong bench player like Alexander, they’ll become one of the best defensive backfield in the AFC.

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