Pittsburgh fans are still bitter toward the Steelers, but they expect that to change in a hurry. Whether their favorite football team is destroying their hopes on Sundays or in the middle of the offseason, people want to know the latest on their club. Free agency might be the first thought on their minds in player acquisition, but the pre-draft process is already heating up.
First up for prospect games to kick off the pre-draft process is the East-West Shrine Bowl. They will be kicking off their 100th annual game on January 30. Plenty of NFL stars have derived from this bowl game. These prospects usually fall from first-round talents to undrafted players. Prospects have a grand opportunity to increase their draft stock.
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
One of the deepest positions in the upcoming draft is at defensive tackle. Expect the Steelers to keep a close eye on the position. Kenneth Grant is a perfect player that Pittsburgh could use to infuse some youth on the defensive line. Grant projects to be a first-round pick, and you better believe they will have plenty of scouts on him. He'll be a popular guy in mock drafts as the process continues.
Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Another position flying under the radar for the Steelers going into the offseason is at cornerback.
There are too many uncertainties, so adding a cornerback in the draft might be the best choice. Shavon Revel emerged out of East Carolina, where he became one of the best at his position in college football. If his current trajectory continues, he could have a similar situation to what Quinyon Mitchell had last year. Revel is a fun prospect projected to go on day two of the draft.
Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia
Pittsburgh must start investing in the defensive line compared to what they did to their offensive counterparts in recent drafts.
They could land a quality prospect in almost every round at the position, so they could wait until later. Nazir Stackhouse has a fantastic name and could develop into a beast. He never fully figured things out at Georgia, but he has the pedigree everyone is searching for. The Steelers would select Stackhouse on day three of the draft to try and find another level to his game.
READ MORE: Steelers mock offseason: Making all the right moves to appease the fanbase
Shilo Sanders, S, Colorado
Mike Tomlin loves football bloodlines more than anyone in the draft. Deion Sanders has two sons coming out of this class. Shedeur gets most of the media attention, but Shilo Sanders is a capable safety. He has always flown under the radar since his brother plays quarterback. Shilo would be a day-three prospect and has a better chance to land in Pittsburgh than his star brother.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, EDGE, Virginia Tech
Tomlin loves prospects who hail from his home state of Virginia. Antwaun Powell-Ryland comes from an area that is only a short drive from where Tomlin grew up. Adding another edge rusher this offseason with Preston Smith becoming a cap casualty is vital. The Steelers need depth behind their top pass rushers and adding Powell-Ryland between days two and three would be a dream.