2013 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers hosting three draft prospects
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning their attention towards the 2013 NFL Draft and are doing so by starting to host prospects that they may be targeting.
Bob Labriola reported on Monday that Texas A&M running back Christine Michael, Ohio State linebacker John Simon and Florida State linebacker Vince Williams are the first three that will be paying a visit.
Nov 17, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman John Simon (54) during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 21-14 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Michael rushed for 417 yards on 88 carries during his senior season at Texas A&M and found his way into the end zone 12 times. He is projected as a third or fourth round pick in April’s draft although likely wouldn’t fill the role as the featured back that the Steelers need as Michael hasn’t had more than 166 carries in a season since his freshman campaign.
He overslept at the combine and missed two meetings with NFL teams, but Michael stood on his combine numbers and worked out for Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson. He’s quick to the hole, shows excellent vision for the cutback, possesses good acceleration and enough lateral agility to elude defenders, but has had a history of injuries and some attitude problems to go along with it.
Simon eclipsed the 50 total tackle mark only once as a Buckeye (53 in 2011), but has the knack for making the big play. During his junior and senior seasons, Simon combined for 30.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. He is projected as a second and third round pick. Simon has a motor that never quits, playing extremely relentless as one of the best attacking defenders in college football the past few years.
Williams recorded 54 tackles as a junior and 59 as a senior for the Seminoles. He plays on the inside and is projected as a seventh round pick or a guy that could go undrafted.
He is regarded as an aggressive run defender who isn’t afraid to attack the ball. Williams is widely considered to be a solid open field tackler.
The Steelers are allowed a maximum of 30 official visits, not including local players.