5 players Steelers fans should keep a close eye on at the NFL Combine
By Tommy Jaggi
The NFL Combine kicks off on Thursday. Here are five players that Pittsburgh Steelers fans should have their eye on this weekend.
The NFL Combine is an opportunity for players to showcase their talents and separate themselves from the pack. It’s also a time where some players fall short of expectations, and as a result, can expect a slide in the NFL Draft. For Steelers fans, it’s a time where we can get a better understanding of which players will be on Pittsburgh’s radar in April.
Since taking Jarvis Jones in the first round back in 2013, the Steelers have made it a point to target great athletes. Players like Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, Devin Bush, and Terrell Edmunds all tested above 95 percent of NFL athletes at their respective positions prior to entering the draft, according to 3 Sigma Athlete. Ryan Shazier did his testing at his Pro Day and wasn’t included on this list, but he tested as one of the best athletes the league has seen at the linebacker position.
From studying Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin’s drafting trends, it’s not hard to see what type of players they are interested in. Here are five players Steelers fans should have a close eye on at the NFL Combine:
K.J. Hamler
WR Penn State
K.J. Hamler is a local product that is going to burn through his shoes at the NFL Combine. It has been rumored that he could crack at 4.30s 40-yard dash this weekend, and he is practically guaranteed to be a top performer in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.
The Steelers are severely lacking speed on offense, and Hamler is projected to fall into their range in the second round. If he impresses at the Combine, there could be interest on the part of the Pittsburgh, though his official weigh-in results (5’8 5/8” and 178 pounds) could leave them hesitant.