Most will have pre-draft visitors as the top options for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. While those prospects seem like great options, some players fly under the radar. The Steelers don't always take pre-draft visitors for their entire draft class. Different prospects end up in the organization without receiving pre-draft interest from Pittsburgh.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan would love to add more talent after a strong Day 1 and 2 of the draft. If he can find quality players to fill those needs, the Steelers could be in store for a fantastic class of incoming rookies. There are still a lot of draft picks to get through on this final day of the draft. Teams can find diamonds in the rough if they look carefully.
Khan and the Steelers front office will do their best to make some magic.
Pittsburgh Steelers must consider these prospects on Day 3 of NFL Draft
Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State
Pittsburgh could use a receiver before the end of the NFL Draft. Nick Nash plays better than his draft stock has indicated. He should go at some point toward the conclusion of the event. Nash has a good size for the position and produced ridiculous numbers during his final college campaign. The Steelers could use an extra receiver to push for a roster spot at training camp.
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Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
The Steelers might not need an inside linebacker, but they could still take one. After Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Malik Harrison, there are question marks behind them. Cole Holcomb will return from injury, but no one knows how he will look. Carson Bruener produced a solid career at Washington and is the son of Mark Bruener, who was a tight end for the Steelers for nine years.
Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Riley Leonard is coming off a run to the National Championship of College Football. He has plenty of starting experience at different levels of football. He would be a solid fit in Arthur Smith's offense. They need a quarterback who can back up Mason Rudolph or be comfortable in the third spot on the depth chart in case Aaron Rodgers signs a contract. Leonard could be their guy.
Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott will be together this season, but the Steelers need some extra bodies at the safety position. Dan Jackson might not be a starting-caliber prospect, but he could be of great value at the tail end of the NFL Draft. Since they failed to add some safeties, they could add Jackson, who could play special teams to secure a roster spot.
Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
We spoke plenty about adding to the defensive line, but the Steelers cannot forget about their offensive counterparts. Pittsburgh remains invested in the trenches, and Jack Nelson could be a sleeper pick. Mike Tomlin could use another piece to push for the swing tackle role.
Nelson has only played left tackle in recent years, but he started his career at right guard. That side-to-side flexibility could transition well.
Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU
Khan expressed interest in a handful of edge/defensive tackle hybrid prospects in this draft class. The Steelers could like that idea so much that they might take one. Elijah Roberts fits that mold, as he doesn't fit their trend at defensive tackle or outside linebacker. Roberts toured Pittsburgh during his pre-draft visit and could become a late-round pick on Day 3 to push DeMarvin Leal off the roster.