Steelers Host Trio of Draft Prospects for Pre-Draft Visits
Pittsburgh is evaluating talent across several positions as the NFL Draft approaches.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart, Kansas State RB DJ Giddens, and SMU DL Jared Harrison-Hunte for pre-draft visits today, as the team continues its evaluation process ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Shemar Stewart: A Potential First-Round Talent
Shemar stewart is considered a potential first-round pick. His athleticism was on full display at the NFL Combine, where he recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump, measuring 6-foot-5 and weighing 267 pounds. However, his production at Texas A&M – only 4.5 sacks in three seasons – could raise concerns among NFL teams.
DJ Giddens: A Mid-Round Running Back Option
DJ Giddens is projected as a mid-round pick, aligning with the Steelers’ typical draft range for running backs.He previously met formally with the team at the Combine. giddens, who stands 6-foot and weighs 212 pounds, ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the Combine and offers receiving skills out of the backfield.
Last season at Kansas State, Giddens rushed for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries, adding 21 receptions for 258 yards and another score. In 2023, he ran for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, catching 29 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns.
Jared Harrison-Hunte: Adding Depth to the Defensive Line
Jared Harrison-Hunte, a defensive lineman from SMU, measured 6-foot-3 and weighed 290 pounds at the Combine, with 33-inch arms.last season, he totaled 42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Harrison-Hunte, who began his college career at Miami (FL) before transferring to SMU, is an older prospect, turning 25 in July.
Like giddens, Harrison-Hunte is expected to be a mid-round selection. The Steelers have shown interest in mid-round defensive linemen, having already hosted several other prospects including Joshua Farmer (florida State), Yahya Black (Iowa), JJ Pegues (ole Miss), and Jamaree Caldwell (Oregon). Oregon’s Derrick Harmon is the only potential first-round defensive lineman to have visited pittsburgh so far.
More Visits to Come
The Steelers have additional pre-draft visits scheduled. The team is expected to wrap up visits in the coming week,with the first round of the draft less than two weeks away.
Based on the article,here are two PAA (Potential Actionable Answer) related questions:
Steelers Host Trio of Draft Prospects for Pre-Draft Visits
Pittsburgh is evaluating talent across several positions as the NFL Draft approaches.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart,Kansas State RB DJ Giddens,and SMU DL Jared Harrison-Hunte for pre-draft visits today,as the team continues its evaluation process ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Shemar Stewart: A Potential First-Round Talent
Shemar stewart is considered a potential first-round pick. His athleticism was on full display at the NFL Combine, where he recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump, measuring 6-foot-5 and weighing 267 pounds. However, his production at Texas A&M – only 4.5 sacks in three seasons – could raise concerns among NFL teams.
DJ Giddens: A Mid-Round Running Back Option
DJ Giddens is projected as a mid-round pick, aligning with the Steelers’ typical draft range for running backs.He previously met formally with the team at the Combine. giddens, who stands 6-foot and weighs 212 pounds, ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the Combine and offers receiving skills out of the backfield.
Last season at Kansas State, Giddens rushed for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries, adding 21 receptions for 258 yards and another score. In 2023, he ran for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, catching 29 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns.
Jared Harrison-Hunte: Adding Depth to the Defensive Line
Jared Harrison-Hunte, a defensive lineman from SMU, measured 6-foot-3 and weighed 290 pounds at the combine, with 33-inch arms.last season, he totaled 42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Harrison-Hunte, who began his collage career at Miami (FL) before transferring to SMU, is an older prospect, turning 25 in July.
Like giddens, Harrison-Hunte is expected to be a mid-round selection. The Steelers have shown interest in mid-round defensive linemen, having already hosted several other prospects including Joshua Farmer (florida State), Yahya Black (Iowa), JJ pegues (ole Miss), and Jamaree Caldwell (Oregon). Oregon’s derrick Harmon is the only potential first-round defensive lineman to have visited pittsburgh so far.
More Visits to Come
The Steelers have additional pre-draft visits scheduled. The team is expected to wrap up visits in the coming week,with the first round of the draft less than two weeks away.
Q&A: Steelers’ Draft Prospects
Shemar Stewart
Q: Why is Shemar Stewart considered a potential first-round pick despite his relatively low sack numbers?
A: Stewart’s exceptional athleticism, showcased at the combine, is the primary driver. His 40-yard dash time, vertical jump, and broad jump are all impressive for his size. NFL teams believe his physical traits can be developed into consistent pass-rushing production.
Q: What are the Steelers looking for in an EDGE rusher?
A: They need someone who can disrupt the quarterback and set the edge in the run game. Steelers value players with high motor, versatility, and the ability to learn and adapt quickly.
DJ Giddens
Q: What makes DJ Giddens a good fit for the Steelers’ running back plans?
A: His receiving skills and ability to run between the tackles align with the Steelers’ offensive needs.Giddens can be a dual-threat, wich adds a dimension on the offense.His pre-draft meeting with the team suggests genuine interest.
Q: Where have the Steelers typically drafted running backs?
A: Historically, the Steelers have often found success with mid-round running back selections, which makes Giddens a potentially attractive option.
Jared Harrison-Hunte
Q: Why is Jared Harrison-Hunte considered an “older” prospect?
A: At 25, Harrison-Hunte is older than the average draft prospect. This doesn’t automatically disqualify him, but teams consider experience and how many prime years a player has left. He’s had a longer college career,starting at Miami (FL) before transferring.
Q: Why is the Steelers’ interest in defensive linemen significant?
A: The Steelers’ defensive line has been a focus in recent drafts, showing a desire to improve their run-stopping ability and generate more pressure. Hosting multiple defensive lineman prospects gives them options and allows them to evaluate diffrent skill sets and potential fits.
General
Q: What is the purpose of thes pre-draft visits?
A: These visits allow the Steelers to meet prospects in person,conduct interviews,and gather more facts about their character,football IQ,and medical condition. It’s a crucial part of the scouting process before making draft decisions.
Q: When is the NFL Draft?
A: The first round of the NFL Draft is less than two weeks away.
Keep an eye on the Steelers’ moves as the draft approaches!
