Steelers must be closely watching these prospects at the NFL Combine

Steelers should be watching Bryan Bresee

A name I am quickly growing fond of at pick 17, Bryan Bresee is the prototypical Steelers defensive end based on his profile. He has the size this team wants (something that college defenses aren’t producing as much anymore) and the athleticism to be a top lineman. He needs to show that at the combine though.

Part of the issue is that his draft stock is so closely attached to his athleticism and potential. He had a good college career, and at times, he was flat-out dominant. That said, his game did have some inconsistencies and he missed quite a few games with injuries. You have to project what he will do at the next level because his college tape is incomplete.

If Bresee wants his stock to remain high, he needs to ace the combine. If not, you suddenly have a player with mediocre college stats, high and low play, and average athleticism. If he can show the speed and power he played with in college, he should remain a top target at pick 17. If not, Bresee could see himself tumbling for the Steelers.