Pittsburgh Steelers: Who Will They Target At Corner During 2015 NFL Draft?
By Rich Donahue
As the NFL Scouting Combine draws closer, collegiate prospects are being evaluated by countless scouts throughout the league.
More from Pittsburgh Steelers
- Pittsburgh Steelers: A Look Back at 2019
- Steelers: Need for QB of the Future is More Apparent than Ever
- Steelers: Defense Needs to Take Advantage of Inconsistent Bills Passing Attack
- Steelers: Devlin Hodges Has Chance to Make Lasting Impression in Week 14
- Steelers: James Washington’s Emergence Could Make Offense Dangerous
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this off-season marks a period of transition on the defensive side of the ball with the resignation of longtime coordinator Dick LeBeau.
With or without LeBeau, one of the main targets for the Steelers in the 2015 Draft is the cornerback position. Here is a look at some of the top names at the cornerback position for this year’s draft
Trae Waynes Michigan St redshirt Jr 6-1 183
After playing second fiddle to 2014 first-round pick Darqueze Dennard in 2013, Waynes established himself as one of the best corners in the country. He finished 2014 with 46 tackles, a sack, 3 interceptions, and 8 passes broken up while playing under current Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi.
Unlike some cornerbacks, Waynes plays with a tough, downhill demeanor in the run support. Plays the position with great leverage and body control. Eyes are always alert when in coverage and is able to break on the football with natural ball skills.
Marcus Peters Washington redshirt Jr 6-0 198
One word you can use to describe Peters is aggressive. This shows up in both his coverage skill on wide outs and in run support. Very physical in both regards, however, physicality causes him to become too grabby downfield with receivers.
He recorded 30 total tackles and 3 interceptions in 8 games with the Huskies. Peters was dismissed from the program on November 6th after an altercation with an assistant coach during practice. Character issues have been a problem for him since coming to Washington.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu Oregon Sr 5-9 195
Despite being a potential first-round pick in the 2014 draft, Ekpre-Olomu returned for his senior season at Oregon. Ekpre-Olomu put together a great season, tallying 63 tackles, 2 interceptions, 9 pass breakups and a forced fumble. He was unable to play in the College Football Playoffs due to a torn ACL suffered in practice.
Great vision, timing and hand-eye coordination make Ekpre-Olomu one of the most competitive and alert corners in the country. Do not let the lack of size fool you with Ekpre-Olomu, he is not afraid to come up in run support and throw his body around.
Jalen Collins LSU redshirt Jr 6-2 198
Playing time at Louisiana State University can be unpredictable with top level recruits throughout the roster. As a top recruit himself, Collins was able to muster significant time in his career at LSU, but not until 2014.
Collins finished his junior season with 38 total tackles, 1 interception, and 9 passes defended in 7 starts for the Tigers. He possess great size for a corner with tremendous athleticism, although he does struggle with his backpedal at times and is very inexperienced in terms of starter reps.
Alex Carter Stanford Jr 6-0 200
Flying a little under the radar, Carter has a chance to move up draft boards with a good combine and pro day. Carter led Stanford in passes defended with 10 while adding 41 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. He uses his size well to match up with bigger targets and plays the ball aggressively.
He must learn to limit downfield penalties and have a more physical presence in run support. His father, Tom Carter, was picked by the Washington Redskins in the first-round of the 1993 draft.