You don't need to tell the Pittsburgh Steelers how unimpressive their secondary looks at the moment. They are fully aware that they finished the 2014 season ranked 27th in passing defense (253.1 yards-per-game), 20th in opposing completion percentage (64.5) and 28th in passing touchdowns allowed (30). The retirements of Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu only reinforce the need for defensive back help.
As a result, the Steelers hosted three cornerbacks on Monday prior to the NFL Draft this month, according to ESPN.
Oregon State's Steven Nelson, Marshall's Darryl Roberts and Rice's Bryce Callahan were all present. Of the three, Nelson is the highest touted prospect after he notched six interceptions in two seasons at Oregon State. Although Nelson doesn't have great size for the position (5-foot-10, 197 pounds) he did have an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl in January. He is considered a third or fourth-round selection.
Roberts was not invited to the NFL scouting combine but he caught the attention of a lot of NFL teams after posting a 4.4 40-yard dash time at Marshall's pro day. He broke up 17 passes last season while also recording 75 tackles. He and Callahan are considered mid-to late-round picks.
If the Steelers do pull the trigger on any of these three cornerbacks they will likely be the second DBs selected by Pittsburgh. The team has been linked to UCONN's Byron Jones, FSU's Ronald Darby and Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson in the first two rounds. They have also been rumored to be interested in Alabama safety Landon Collins.
It seems apparent that a total re-tooling of Pittsburgh's secondary is coming and that it will start in this year's draft. Pittsburgh will likely be looking for NFL-ready talent as they hope to repeat as AFC North champions. Whether or not any of the players mentioned here fit that mold remains to be seen.
The NFL Draft will kick off on April 30.