With a number of pressing needs in 2021, the Steelers will be looking closely at these prospects in the Senior Bowl this week.
Every year the NFL Draft comes around and many names are thrown the Steelers way before the big day occurs. Mock drafts are formed with many different scenarios and configurations that allow the team to create the best opening day roster possible. These names are some to watch closely through the week of practices and the Senior Bowl Game itself. With the lack of an NFL Combine this year, games like these will be very important. Practices start on Monday with the teams going head to head to turn NFL scouts in their direction.
Each team in the league will be there including the Steelers brass. Now is the time where interviews happen and prospects begin their connection with the black and gold. It will be a different draft process with Covid-19 and all that it brings with it. But the National Team will face off against the American Team during the game as these respected players battle for draft day prosperity. Here are three players to watch closely:
Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Many different linemen will be getting close looks by Pittsburgh as the need will be there. It is rumored Maurkice Pouncey will be retiring and that will leave a giant hole to fill in the middle. Pouncey has been able to command the line ever since being drafted by Kevin Colbert out of Florida. Now with the high possibility of him retiring, it is time for his replacement to come on board.
Humphrey is a very good talent at the position coming out of Oklahoma. The former Sooner is a big guy at 6’5 and 320 pounds. He is physically strong coming out of college and creates a nice push. He can use some work in pull blocking and moving to block points. Other than that, he had great potential as a solid starting center in the NFL.
He is seen as a day-two prospect with most mock drafts having him go in the second round. If he has an amazing week down at the Senior Bowl then he could be a very late first-round pick or a high second-rounder. It will all depend on this week as it could affect his draft stock significantly for better or worse.