Still Curtain
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3 NFL Draft prospects Steelers could target from HBCU schools

By Loyal Ricks Jr

FAMU offensive lineman Keenan Forbes (77) sits on the sideline during the Orange Blossom Classic between the Rattlers and Jackson State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021.Orange Blossom Classic 090521 Ts 3243
FAMU offensive lineman Keenan Forbes (77) sits on the sideline during the Orange Blossom Classic between the Rattlers and Jackson State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021.Orange Blossom Classic 090521 Ts 3243 /
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Steelers
Demarcus Robinson #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches the ball as Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Will Adams, DB Virginia State

Both Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have made it clear that the NFL is a passing league. According to ESPN.com, both AFC quarterbacks threw for over four thousand yards. Stopping the air attacks of opposing teams is something that the Steelers plan to work on for the upcoming season. Despite ranking in the top ten passing defenses, Pittsburgh’s lack of a lockdown has hurt them in prime situations. Their loss against the Los Angeles Chargers serves as a perfect example.

Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi dismantled the Steel Curtain’s secondary. Herbert’s three hundred and eighty-two passing yards were accompanied by three touchdowns. When the final whistle blew, fans in Pittsburgh were disappointed with their teams’ performance.

A repeat performance would later follow a few weeks later at the hands of a different AFC West quarterback and coordinator duo. On December 26th, the Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Kansas City, Missouri. It was there where their secondary would endure another rough game. Patrick Mahomes decided to demonstrate his skills early, leading the Chiefs to a twenty-three-point lead before the fourth quarter.

Having an athletic defensive back on the field has helped the Steelers in previous seasons. Troy Polamalu built his legacy in Pittsburgh by making big plays in a defense that fit his play style. Drafting a defensive back that could assist Minka Fitzpatrick would elevate Mike Tomlin’s defense to the next level.

Will Adams from Virginia State University might be the perfect solution. Explosive is the word that best describes the six-foot-one defensive back. His performance at the HBCU Combine raised the eyebrows of some of the most respected backs to play the game.

Adam’s ten-foot broad jump and 40.5-inch vertical were impressive numbers for a defensive player. “That man has some juice, he’s explosive’ said Dominique Rodgers Cromartie. Experience would not be an issue for Virginia State’s draft prospect. His experience from being a four-year start will show on the next level.

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