With the Senior Bowl about to kick off this Saturday, plenty of top prospects will perform in the event. The entire week is littered with practice and interviews that lead up to the game itself. The Steelers are always one of the more active teams at the event, and this year should be no different. It's the perfect time to get to know some of the top draft choices in person for the first time.
Having a good week at the Senior Bowl can cement yourself as a first-round talent. On the flip side, if you struggle, then you might not have a great draft experience.
Defense wins championships. At least, that is what the Steelers still believe. That might not be the case in today's NFL, but you better believe Mike Tomlin will do his best to keep his defense elite. As his core group of star players on that side of the ball age, he must find replacements. There are many quality prospects on defense who would be great fits in Pittsburgh.
Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Florida State might have had an off year, but Azareye'h Thomas remained one of the best cornerbacks in college football. Since his team struggled to get wins this past year, Thomas saw his draft stock dip. In recent weeks, he has started to right the ship. Thomas could produce a first-round grade if he has a successful week at the Senior Bowl.
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Every scout at the event raised their eyebrows when Deone Walker got his measurables. He is a massive defensive lineman coming out of the SEC. Pittsburgh needs to invest in its defensive front with Cam Heyward aging, and the only quality young player in the trenches is Keeanu Benton. Adding Walker would provide another promising disrupter up front.
If Walker is available on day two of the draft, expect him to get plenty of buzz around the Steelers.
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Most might not see safety as a position of need for this defense, but it should be on their radar. Minkah Fitzpatrick is turning more human each season, and DeShon Elliott is entering a contract year. Xavier Watts had a terrific campaign, which finished with a ticket to the National Championship.
This safety is a turnover machine that has intercepted the ball 13 times over the past two years.
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Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Going to the Senior Bowl is all about trying to raise your draft stock. Some players enter the event not on anyone's radar and then shoot up draft boards. Ty Robinson is a solid defensive lineman out of Nebraska who looks like a Pittsburgh guy. He is a hard worker and has produced some decent numbers in college. Robinson needs a good outing since his projection is day three of the draft.
Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
There are plenty of question marks littering the cornerback position for the Steelers. Adding a prospect or two from the Senior Bowl is a wise choice. Quincy Riley is seen as a day-three prospect. If he has a nice week against top competition at the pre-draft event, then he could shoot up draft boards. Riley's lack of size is a concern, but you cannot deny his production.