Steelers 2021 Senior Bowl: 3 players to watch on the American team
The Senior Bowl will be watched closely as the Steelers get ready to add players to their roster through the draft.
The Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama is happening this week as practices occur first and then conclude with the game on January 30. It is always a nice gauge as to who the Steelers pay close attention to. These are some of the highest-rated prospects in this year’s draft and they will show their abilities in-game action. The week will be broken down into two teams full of NFL hopefuls.
The American team is coached by the Carolina Panthers and the National team is coached by the Miami Dolphins. It will be an interesting week as the NFL Combine has been canceled this year because of Covid-19. Teams normally meet with many players as interviews transpire throughout the process. Players can be seen one last time in person with the pads on. Throughout the years of this event, many players have been able to catapult their draft stock or sink it depending on how they show up. Here are three players the Steelers must watch closely:
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Leatherwood is going to be a favorite for mock drafts as the day of the first-round gets more near. He is a big-bodied Left Tackle coming out of Alabama. He knows nothing other than dominating his competition from his High School days and throughout college. He can overpower his competition but he still needs some game to develop. His youth will help him continue to improve while also being a stable starting tackle in the league.
Leatherwood could use development with his movement for a big guy up front. His lack of mobility creates a lack of run blocking prowess, and he can get stuck on his blocks and not move forward. His young age will allow him to grow his game and become an all-around tackle that can do it all. Pass-blocking is his strong suit as he comes out of the Crimson Tide program. Alex Leatherwood is a big man so his strength is there, he only needs to apply it more. If he can develop more and create more movement in his game then he will be a great get at the draft.