An odd bunch...
4 prospects visit Steelers
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Four more college prospects paid visits to the Steelers today: linebacker Bryan Smith of McNees State, cornerback Tracy Porter of Indiana, kick returner Matthew Slater of UCLA who is the son of former NFL tackle and Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, and defensive back Ryan Mundy of West Virgina.
Porter, I can see using a visit on. Not sure about the others.
Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #37 OLB, #464/750 Overall, Projected: PFA
12 GP; 12 GS; 84 TT, 23 TFL, 13.5 SK, 5 PBU, 19 QBH, 2 FF, 1 BLK; All-American, DPOY, 1st team All-Southland in '06. 9 GP; 9 GS; 43 TT, 11 TFL, 7 SK, 1 PBU, 11 QBH, 2 FF in '05.
Overview
Small school defensive end prospect who will have to be moved to outside linebacker in the NFL, but has flashed the athleticism and certainly the big-play ability to warrant this projection. The most dominant edge rusher in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly D-IAA) over the past two seasons, Smith is a two-time All-American and Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. As one would expect of a player his size, Smith possesses great burst off the snap and the straight-line speed to chase down ballcarriers. He has intriguing change of direction and flashes explosiveness in his hands, prompting some to view him as a potential diamond in the rough.
Analysis
Positives: Intriguing athlete who has dominated his level of competition. ... Good burst off the snap and shows the balance to sink his shoulders and drive around the offensive tackle. ... High-effort player who pursues with passion. ... Reads the action quickly and flashes the change of direction to flatten out and beat backs to the edge. ... Flashes strong use of hands to disengage from blocks.
Negatives: Classic 'tweener who lacks the size to remain at defensive end, but has no experience and only flashes the athleticism necessary to transition to outside linebacker. ... Lacks the strength to hold up to effective blocking - even at this level. ... Not viewed as an intriguing enough prospect to earn high-level all-star game consideration.
Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #6 CB, #52/750 Overall, Projected: Rnd 2
2008 Postseason update (04/04/08): Stock: Steady. More physical at Senior Bowl than expected, although that's not his best attribute. Ran well at the Combine (4.37 40) and put up a surprising 18 reps at 188 pounds.
2007: Started every game, ranking second in the league and tied for 18th in the nation with six interceptions for 137 yards in returns
