The Pittsburgh Steelers draft board began to fill at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, as these five targets made themselves known in Mobile.
The Senior Bowl wrapped up today in Mobile, Alabama and it was an opportunity to see many draftable players. Here are five players they should target.
Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
This draft is filled with corners and that is a good thing for the Steelers as they need an upgrade over Artie Burns and Coty Sensabaugh as well as a long-term answer after Joe Haden. I am sure the Steelers are familiar with Oruwariye as he played at nearby Penn State.
He is a good cover corner who can stay in phase in coverage. He is also very technically sound. He has good ball skills and he is fluid opening up his hips. This is definitely a player I would like to go to the Steelers in the second round if he is available.
Jaylon Ferguson, OLB, Louisiana Tech
Ferguson is a player who can really convert speed to power. He is a decent pass rusher who is persistent on tape. He moves well and could function well in coverage. He is also a good open field tackler.
The thing that he needs to work on his pad level when pass rushing. This is something the Steelers can fix in a year. #20 might be too early for him, but he is raw enough that his combine could push him to that level.
I think he would be a good candidate but the Steelers rarely draft small school players in the first round.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
Terry McLaurin was a late add but showed up in a big way at the Senior Bowl. He was making catches in scrimmages and showed some decent route running. He also is one of the better gunners in this draft.
I see McLaurin as a possible fourth-round pick who can play on the outside and develop into a solid #2 receiver for the Steelers. He also can replace Darrius Heyward-Bey on special teams. The Steelers were towards the bottom in special teams this year and that needs to change soon.
Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
Moreau was another winner in senior bowl practices and showed that he can be a difficult tight end to cover. At LSU, he was more of an in-line blocker and wasn’t really a factor in the passing game.
He is a durable player who has a mean streak, two things the Steelers will like. I see him being a fifth-round tight end who could replace either Xavier Grimble or Jesse James who are both free agents this year.
Corey Ballentine, CB, Washburn
This is my sleeper pick for the corner. He is a guy who the Steelers could get late and could help you with his speed. He showed up in the Senior Bowl practices which is another plus. I mentioned before how the Steelers have a long-term need at corner.
I also think Ballentine is a guy who could help on special teams in the short term. I also can’t imagine the Steelers will have to invest a very high pick on him either.