Round 7 - Pick 241 - Cory Trice, DB, Purdue
The Steelers use their first seventh-round pick on a project with high upside in defensive back Cory Trice. Trice measures in at 6-3, 206 pounds, and had a great performance at the combine.
He ran a solid 4.47 in the 40-yard dash, posted a 4.06 in the 20-yard shuttle, and had a lightning-fast 6.70 in the 3-cone drill. He also had a broad jump of 132 inches, which ranked in the 97th percentile according to NFLDraftBuzz.com.
While he won't challenge for a starting role as a rookie, Trice has the size and measurables to make an impact on special teams in his first season. In the future, he could be the Steelers' third or fourth cornerback or a backup safety.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh; Daniel Scott, S, California; Demarcco Hellams, S, Alabama; Puca Nacua, WR, BYU; Jake Bobo, WR, UCLA
Surprise Pick: Deuce Vaugh, RB, Kansas State
Vaughn would provide competition for the third running back spot, but he's extremely small (5-5, 179 pounds) and not overly fast (4.56 in the 40-yard dash). However, he's overcome those things before to be a star player at Kansas State, and what's to stop him from doing the same at the NFL level? With Benny Snell, Jr. a free agent and Anthony McFarland having little success, maybe Vaughn is worth taking a chance on.