bodi
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http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...ama-leighton-vander-esch/stories/201804190024
1. ILB Rashaan Evans of Alabama – Evans might not be the fastest linebacker in the draft, and he did nothing to answer that question for scouts by electing not to run the 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process. But the tape doesn’t lie. What he might lack in elite speed he makes up for with an aggressive downhill style that should mesh well with the Steelers defense. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah describes him as a “Steeler-type player.” Evans played through a groin injury last fall, but if he’s healthy, he’ll be plenty athletic enough to develop into a three-down linebacker. He has the potential to be a plug-and-play starter, and his presence will help the Steelers get over the loss of Shazier.
Also considered: ILB Leighton Vander Esch of Boise State
2. S Jessie Bates of Wake Forest
3. WR Dante Pettis of Washington
5a. DL P.J. Hall of Sam Houston State – The Steelers could use some depth and a developmental player along their defensive line, and Hall could earn a spot on the 53-man roster as a rookie. Behind starters Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Hargrave there is room to upgrade. Top reserve Tyson Alualu is 30 and entering the final year of his contract. L.T. Walton has been serviceable, but he doesn’t project as much more than a reserve. Hall was a highly productive player at the Football Championship Subdivision level of college football much in the same way Hargrave was at South Carolina State. Hall doesn’t have to play a lot right away, but he might crack the rotation. At the very least, the Steelers can groom him for a future role once he adjusts to the level of competition.
5b. RB Akrum Wadley of Iowa
1. ILB Rashaan Evans of Alabama – Evans might not be the fastest linebacker in the draft, and he did nothing to answer that question for scouts by electing not to run the 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process. But the tape doesn’t lie. What he might lack in elite speed he makes up for with an aggressive downhill style that should mesh well with the Steelers defense. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah describes him as a “Steeler-type player.” Evans played through a groin injury last fall, but if he’s healthy, he’ll be plenty athletic enough to develop into a three-down linebacker. He has the potential to be a plug-and-play starter, and his presence will help the Steelers get over the loss of Shazier.
Also considered: ILB Leighton Vander Esch of Boise State
2. S Jessie Bates of Wake Forest
3. WR Dante Pettis of Washington
5a. DL P.J. Hall of Sam Houston State – The Steelers could use some depth and a developmental player along their defensive line, and Hall could earn a spot on the 53-man roster as a rookie. Behind starters Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Hargrave there is room to upgrade. Top reserve Tyson Alualu is 30 and entering the final year of his contract. L.T. Walton has been serviceable, but he doesn’t project as much more than a reserve. Hall was a highly productive player at the Football Championship Subdivision level of college football much in the same way Hargrave was at South Carolina State. Hall doesn’t have to play a lot right away, but he might crack the rotation. At the very least, the Steelers can groom him for a future role once he adjusts to the level of competition.
5b. RB Akrum Wadley of Iowa
