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Can’t miss prospects the Steelers must draft at pick 49

By Andrew Falce

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 09: Defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. #11 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Justin Shorter #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter at TCFBank Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 09: Defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. #11 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Justin Shorter #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter at TCFBank Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 09: Defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. #11 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second quarter at TCFBank Stadium on November 09, 2019, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Antoine Winfield, S, Minnesota

If you want to find true talent in the secondary, look no further than Antoine Winfield. He is, to sum him up, versatile, as he played a plethora of positions at Minnesota. From both deep S spots to slot CB to even some LB, he did it all and played well. As well, he has NFL bloodlines, as his dad had a long and successful career in the league.

The biggest concerns stem from his size, as he is only 5’9. As well, given his physical play style, he has struggled through some injuries. Those issues are valid, as he won’t get bigger in the NFL, but properly utilizing him should decrease his injury issues. Playing him deeper (where he will excel due to his coverage skills) will minimize the big hits that lead to more wear and tear on the body.

While the starters are set at the position, having a capable third option is valuable for sub-packages and general depth. Winfield would be valuable in that role, as early on he could see a wide variety of positions to get him acclimated to the NFL. As time goes on, he would ideally be a starter at one of the two S spots. His upside and value are immense, and if he makes it to pick 49, he would be a steal.

dark. Next. 2020 Draft: What LB positions will be available for the Steelers?

While looking for trade back options will help the Steelers add more rookies, there are some players whose value would be too good to pass up on if they made it to pick 49. If any of the above options fall to the Steelers pick, the team would we wise to rush to the podium and add one of these talented options to the Steelers roster.

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