The Steelers may land a versatile, yet undersized, prospect at linebacker or safety
Another Michigan prospect who, most likely, will be there in the later rounds is Khaleke Hudson, a 5′ 11″, 224 lbs linebacker who ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and put up an incredible 30 reps on the bench. The 30 reps on the bench are most impressive for someone who weighs 224 lbs, by the way.
I know some of you are probably thinking this: “Why would we draft another 5′ 11″ linebacker when we already have one?” Good question. Hudson’s lack of size is certainly an issue. The question for me is what position would he play? He’s too short to play inside; we simply can not have two ILBs who are 5′ 11″. He’s too short to play OLB. So where would he play?
I see Hudson potentially playing strong safety. Hudson does not possess ‘blazing speed’, but if you watched him play at Michigan, he has a ‘good nose’ for the ball and he can tackle. Those sound like two attributes a strong safety should possess.
I can see Hudson lasting until at least the fifth round and beyond. Since every team needs quality depth at every position, the Steelers could land a quality depth prospect who very well may vie for a starting position. Remember that Brett Keisel was a seventh-round pick who blossomed into an invaluable member of two Super Bowl-winning teams.
Some of you also may be thinking this: “Why would we spend a draft pick on a prospect who could only be a backup?” Another good question. The draft, in my opinion, represents an opportunity for teams to not only draft potential starters, but to draft prospects who may one day develop into starters. Not every prospect is a ‘day-one’ starter and every team needs depth.
Let’s wrap up our discussion by looking at the final prospect who may fall to the Steelers.