Steelers news: Formal visit with DB Cooper DeJean, Bill Hillgrove retires, and more
By Tommy Jaggi
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is underway, and over the next several days, coaches and front-office executives of all 32 teams will meet with the more than 300 prospects on hand in Indianapolis. The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time familiarizing themselves with the best talent from this year's draft class.
Before on-field drills began for defensive linemen and linebackers on Thursday, Pittsburgh's brass already had formal meetings with a few of the top linebacker prospects set to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, like Edgerrin Cooper, Junior Colson, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Now they are scoping out the defensive back talent. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Steelers meet with Iowa DB Cooper DeJean
According to Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now, the Pittsburgh Steelers recently met with Iowa star defensive back Cooper DeJean at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Iowa CB Cooper DeJean says that he’s met with the Steelers, specifically Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin, a few times.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) February 29, 2024
Farabaugh notes that the two parties have met a few times. The Steelers clearly have an interest in improving the cornerback position alongside Joey Porter Jr., and DeJean is a versatile defensive back who can play boundary cornerback, slot CB, and safety.
Some NFL Draft analysts view DeJean as the top overall defensive back in this class. DeJean fractured his fibula late in the 2023 season and will not be working out at the Combine, but he is scheduled to showcase his skills in April ahead of the NFL Draft.
There's no guarantee that DeJean will still be available when the 20th overall pick rolls around, but the multiple visits in Indianapolis are a sign that the Steelers are interested in him. It's probably safe to assume that Pittsburgh's brass will be at Iowa's Pro Day as well this spring.
The Steelers have also met with other top cornerback prospects that include Alabama's Terrion Arnold, Missouri's Ennis Rakesaw Jr., Clemson's Nate Wiggins, and Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Steelers meet with Michigan CB Mike Sainristil
In addition to meeting with DeJean, the Pittsburgh Steelers also had a formal visit with Michigan cornerback, Mike Sainristil, per Jonathan Heitritter. Sainristil is a Day 2 prospect who is considered to be one of the best slot cornerbacks set to enter the NFL Draft.
Michigan DB Mike Sainristil had a FORMAL meeting with the #Steelers
— Jonathan Heitritter (@J_Heits) February 29, 2024
It's easy to see why the Steelers would have interest in drafting Sainristil. Not only does he come from a Michigan football program that they love, but Pittsburgh also has a glaring need for a slot cornerback. Since the departure of Mike Hilton, this team has lacked quality play from their slot CB. Ironically enough, Sainristil said that he models his game after Hilton.
Bill Hillgrove retires from Steelers Radio Network
Bill Hillgrove has been the voice of the Steelers for 30 seasons, but his tenure with Steelers Radio Network is coming to an end. Hillgrove has officially retired, Bob Labriola of Steelers.com reports.
After 30 seasons as the “Voice of the Steelers”, Bill Hillgrove is retiring from the Steelers Radio Network.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 29, 2024
📝: https://t.co/j0pdyWTEHS pic.twitter.com/h1zvlE7w5b
The legendary sports broadcaster got a proper send-off from Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin. It's been a pleasure listening to him call games for this team!
Congratulations on your retirement, Bill Hillgrove. You are a legend in Pittsburgh sports broadcasting, and a legend in life. It’s been a pleasure having you as part of the team all these years.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) February 29, 2024
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