5 draft prospects who could realistically fall to Steelers after the NFL Combine

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Lloyd Cushenberry #OL13 of the LSU Tigers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Lloyd Cushenberry /

The Steelers may ‘luck out’ by having either one of two centers available when our turn comes in the draft

For this segment, we are going to discuss an ‘either-or’ scenario as I believe either one of two centers may be available when we are ‘on the clock’. Lloyd Cushenberry and Cesar Ruiz could both be there in the second round, for example. The question is this: If either prospect is there, which one would the Steelers pick?

Let’s suppose Claypool is gone by the time the Steelers pick in the second round. Let’s also suppose that B.J. Finney, our primary backup at both center and guard, who, according to Spotrac is an unrestricted free agent, does not re-sign with us, it would behoove the Steelers to at least consider drafting Cushenberry or Ruiz if either one is there in the second round.

Cushenberry is a 6′ 3″ 312 lbs center who ran a 5.27-second 40-yard dash and put up 25 reps on the bench. That’s not too shabby. Having watched ‘a ton’ of LSU games, I think it’s fair to say that Cushenberry, who played against top-flight competition, more than held his own.

Cushenberry may very well be the first center ‘off the board’, but if he is there in the second round and Claypool is not, you can’t go wrong by drafting him. You also can’t go wrong, in my opinion, if Ruiz is there in the second-round or perhaps the fourth-round, again we currently have no third-round pick and the Steelers select him.

Except for my alma mater, Temple University, my favorite college football team is Michigan. I watch as much college football as I do professional football. Although Ruiz may not be considered the top prospect at center, he’s pretty darn close to the top, if you ask me.

Ruiz is 6′ 3″, 307 lbs, ran a 5.08-second 40-yard dash and put up 28 reps at 225 lbs on the bench press. Similar to Cushenberry, Ruiz played against top-flight competition and more than held his own. Personally, I think both Cushenberry and Ruiz will be there in the second round. Will the Steelers select the heir apparent to perennial Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey?

Let’s see who else might be available when the Steelers are ‘on the clock’.

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