The NFL Scouting Combine is wrapping up. With the player interviews in the books, I'm heading home after a long week of gathering as much information as possible, much of it in this week's Friday Insider. And, one player in particular stood out more than expected.
To close out my coverage in Indianapolis, I have three observations to tie a bow on the week:
• I'm leaving here learning the Steelers like Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson much more than I expected. When I reported on Friday that Simpson's meeting with the Steelers went well, I heard that from multiple sources. I then talked with more sources afterward and heard much more glowing remarks about him. From at least a Steelers perspective, Simpson did a lot to elevate his draft stock. The question still remains if the Steelers would be willing to pick him at 21st overall.
• The Steelers are doing more than just due diligence at wide receiver. A lot of effort went into learning everything they could about as many receivers as permitted (45 total formal interviews allowed per team), many of whom are at the top of the class. Wide receiver appears to be a clear priority, at least in the draft. I could realistically see multiple picks being used at the position, especially if Omar Khan doesn't trade away many of the 12 projected picks.
• Two other positions that I believe will be addressed in the draft: Inside linebacker and secondary. Under Khan, the Steelers like to pick from the strengths of each draft class and this year's crop of inside linebackers are very good. It's also a good safety class, and there will be plenty of cornerbacks available throughout the entire draft. I'd be very surprised if three picks aren't used to address linebacker, cornerback and safety.
THE ASYLUM
NFL Combine: Simpson impresses Steelers
The NFL Scouting Combine is wrapping up. With the player interviews in the books, I'm heading home after a long week of gathering as much information as possible, much of it in this week's Friday Insider. And, one player in particular stood out more than expected.
To close out my coverage in Indianapolis, I have three observations to tie a bow on the week:
• I'm leaving here learning the Steelers like Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson much more than I expected. When I reported on Friday that Simpson's meeting with the Steelers went well, I heard that from multiple sources. I then talked with more sources afterward and heard much more glowing remarks about him. From at least a Steelers perspective, Simpson did a lot to elevate his draft stock. The question still remains if the Steelers would be willing to pick him at 21st overall.
• The Steelers are doing more than just due diligence at wide receiver. A lot of effort went into learning everything they could about as many receivers as permitted (45 total formal interviews allowed per team), many of whom are at the top of the class. Wide receiver appears to be a clear priority, at least in the draft. I could realistically see multiple picks being used at the position, especially if Omar Khan doesn't trade away many of the 12 projected picks.
• Two other positions that I believe will be addressed in the draft: Inside linebacker and secondary. Under Khan, the Steelers like to pick from the strengths of each draft class and this year's crop of inside linebackers are very good. It's also a good safety class, and there will be plenty of cornerbacks available throughout the entire draft. I'd be very surprised if three picks aren't used to address linebacker, cornerback and safety.
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