College Football 24/7 takes a look at the buzz surrounding the AFC North teams leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft.
Baltimore Ravens
First-round spot: 17
» Ravens' 2014 draft picks | Draft history
Jettisoning Anquan Boldin might not have been the best plan for the Ravens following triumph in Super Bowl XLVII. Finding a playmaker to line up opposite Torrey Smith is an option. As is shoring up a leaky secondary. Despite those glaring needs, general manager Ozzie Newsome could simply opt to draft the best player available.
C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
May 6:Bills, Ravens showing most interest in Mosley
The Bills and Ravens showed Mosley the most interest in his pre-draft visits and workouts, the Alabama linebacker said. Buffalo figures to be in a far better position to draft Mosley than Baltimore, and not simply because they pick higher in the first round.
Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana
May 6:Latimer sees draft interest skyrocket
The Eagles, Panthers and Ravens have shown the most pre-draft interest in Latimer, one of the NFL draft's fastest risers, the wide receiver said. But it took a dazzling pro-day performance to spark Latimer's late surge as one of the draft's top prospects. If any of those teams want Latimer, they ought not wait too long. In a draft pool that has been lauded for its depth at the receiver position, however, Latimer has managed to climb the ladder quickly in a short period of time.
Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
May 6:Ebron reportedly coveted by Ravens
One report has Ebron as Baltimore's top target in Round 1. But chances are the tight end won't be around when the Ravens draft at No. 17. The athletic North Carolina target would make for a dangerous compliment to veteran Dennis Pitta, but Ebron is a solid bet to be long gone when Baltimore picks. The Bills (at No. 9) and Giants (at No. 12) are logical landing spots for Ebron.
AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama
April 22:Tide QB to meet with Ravens
McCarron (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) is in the second tier of quarterbacks and expected to go in the second round. Baltimore would be an interesting landing spot; the Ravens are set at starter with Joe Flacco but might be looking for an upgrade at the No. 2 spot, where they currently have Tyrod Taylor. Baltimore picks 16th in the second round (48th overall). NFL Media insider Albert Breer reports that McCarron will work out for the St. Louis Rams on May 1. Talk about the Rams taking a quarterback in this draft has heated up of late.
Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois
April 17:Star safety met with Ravens
Ward (5-foot-11, 193 pounds) is one of the top five safeties in the draft, and while he played strong safety at NIU, there is a school of thought than he can be a free safety in the NFL. He was a three-year starter for the Huskies who had 317 tackles, 11 interceptions and 25 pass breakups in his career -- showing an ability to be strong against the run but also solid in coverage. He looks to be a second-round pick, and Baltimore owns the 16th pick (48th overall) in that round. The Ravens took S Matt Elam in the first round last year.
Keith Wenning, QB, Ball State
April 15:Ball State QB meets with Ravens
Wenning (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) has a good arm and threw for 4,148 yards and 35 TDs in 2013; he is an intriguing third-day prospect who could become a long-term backup/occasional fill-in starter in the NFL. Baltimore's backup is Tyrod Taylor, but Wenning certainly could fill the third quarterback role -- and perhaps supplant Taylor soon. Wenning also is visiting Minnesota and Green Bay; Green Bay needs a young backup, while the Vikings could draft two quarterbacks in May -- one to start and another to serve as a backup.
Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU
April 14:Playmaking 'backer has met with Ravens
Van Noy (6-foot-3, 243 pounds) is seen as a likely second-round pick; he also could fit late in the first round. He had 23 sacks and 54 tackles for loss in his final three seasons at BYU. Van Noy played in a 3-4 defense with the Cougars and would seem to be a fit in the Ravens' 3-4. Baltimore already has Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs as its starting outside linebackers. Baltimore picks 17th in the first round, which is way too early for Van Noy, and 16th in the second round, which could be too late to grab Van Noy.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama
April 10:Top safety met with Ravens
Taking a safety certainly makes sense for the Ravens; they can pair the rookie with second-year man Matt Elam and (presumably) not have to worry about the position for six or seven years. But will Clinton-Dix -- the top safety in the draft -- be there when the Ravens pick at No. 17? Detroit (which picks 10th), St. Louis (13th), Chicago (14th) and Dallas (16th) are teams that need safeties and pick earlier than Baltimore; St. Louis, especially, is a team to watch. Still, if you're a Ravens fan, the thought of potentially pairing Clinton-Dix with Elam has to make you ecstatic.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
April 2:Garoppolo works out for Ravens
The Ravens struck gold with a lower-level college football quarterback prospect before, selecting Joe Flacco out of Delaware and eventually winning a Super Bowl with said quarterback. Perhaps the team is hoping Garoppolo will be another small-college star to rise to NFL prominence, as the team worked out the Eastern Illinois passer.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
April 1:Benjamin among four prospects visiting Ravens
Benjamin is one of four draft prospects the Ravens visited with, according to The Baltimore Sun, along with Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Utah cornerback Keith McGill and Cal linebacker Khairi Fortt.
Marqise Lee, WR, USC
March 27: Lee set to visit with Ravens
Marqise Lee is generally viewed as a first-round pick. With the Ravens having the likes of Torry Smith, Steve Smith, Jacoby Jones and Marlon Brown in place, would Baltimore use a first-rounder on a player like Lee? Apparently it is not out of the realm of possibility, as the Baltimore Sun is reporting that Lee is scheduled to visit Baltimore. Lee previously met with the Ravens at the combine.
Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame
March 18:Casserly: Martin fits Ravens' needs
The Ravens are likely to take the best player available with the No. 17 pick, according to NFL Media analyst Charley Casserly, but Casserly says Martin would be a great fit for their offense. Casserly also mentioned former Alabama OL Cyrus Kouandjio as a possible target, but said Martin would be a better choice because of his athleticism at the tackle position. Martin is currently the No. 4-rated offensive tackle in Mike Mayock's position-by-position rankings.
Mike Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest
March 10:Campanaro had informal talk with Ravens
Campanaro said he had an informal talk at the NFL Scouting Combine with the Ravens. Campanaro -- who set a school record with 229 career receptions -- figures to be a third-day pick in the 2014 NFL Draft after running faster than expected at the combine.
Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
March 8:Report: Spagnuolo watches Ward's pro-day workout
Ravens secondary coach Steve Spagnuolo was in attendance for Northern Illinois' pro day to watch safety Jimmie Ward's workout, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Ravens are expected to shift Matt Elam from free safety to strong safety, the Sun report says, and are looking to add "a play-making centerfielder." Ward, who plays both free safety and strong safety, is Mike Mayock's No. 3-rated safety in the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals
First-round spot: 24
» Bengals' 2014 draft picks | Draft history
The AFC North champions have a talent-laden roster, and that has resulted in three consecutive playoff appearances. However, the Bengals are still chasing that elusive first-round playoff victory, and shoring up some areas on defense could make that unit among the NFL's best. The secondary and linebacking corps could be areas of focus in the draft.
Cameron Fleming, OT, Stanford
April 30:Physical OT worked out for Bengals
NFL Media senior draft analyst Gil Brandt says Fleming (6-foot-5, 323 pounds) has the look of a 10-year starter in the NFL. Fleming left Stanford after his junior season; he is physical, and his run-blocking ability makes him a likely second- or third-round pick. He played right tackle for the Cardinal. Cincinnati signed OT Marshall Newhouse in free agency and returns Andre Smith and Andrew Whitworth as its starting tackles. Would the Bengals use the relatively high pick necessary to get Fleming when they already appear set at tackle?
Garrett Scott, OT, Marshall
April 25:Versatile lineman visited with Bengals
Scott, who was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, started at three line spots for the Herd - - left guard, right tackle and left tackle. Scott, who played in a pass-happy Herd offense, is a possible third-day pick. The Bengals would seem to need depth at guard more than at tackle; they signed free-agent OT Marshall Newhouse and already have Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith at the position.
Ty Zimmerman, FS, Kansas State
April 24:Heady FS visiting with Bengals
Zimmerman (6-foot-1, 202 pounds) was not at the combine and missed K-State's pro day because he was recovering from labrum surgery; he reportedly will work out next Monday. Zimmerman is a heady player who was a four-year starter for the Wildcats; he had 13 career interceptions and is solid in run support. While he played free safety for K-State, he likely could be a strong safety in the NFL. He looks to be a late third-day selection, and the Bengals have two selections in the sixth and seventh rounds.
Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU
April 21:Top back meeting with Bengals
Hill (6-foot-1, 233 pounds) is considered a character risk by some, but no one doubts his talent and he should be one of the first three backs selected in May. He showed an ability to be an effective receiver in '13, but his blocking needs work. Conventional wisdom has teams bypassing running backs in the first round for the second year in a row. The Bengals pick 24th, and running back would not seem to be a priority; they drafted Gio Bernard in the second round last year and also have BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but Hill could be seen as an upgrade from Green-Ellis. NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported that teams he has spoken with have no issue with Hill's character, and the Bengals have some players who came into the league with "character flaws," including Pro Bowl LB Vontaze Burfict.
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
April 15:Dennard visits with Bengals
Dennard (5-foot-11, 199 pounds) generally is considered one of the top three corners in the draft, but his stock seemingly is slipping in some circles. He is the most physical corner among the top tier and seemingly would be a good fit with an aggressive Bengals defense. But will he be there when the Bengals select at No. 24? Even more important: Is cornerback really a position they want to address in the first round? Cincy also could look at a defensive end or an offensive tackle with its first-round pick.
Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton
March 21:Bengals coach works out Reid
Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes put Reid through his positional drills at Princeton's pro day. Defensive line is the top area of need in the draft for the Bengals, according to NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Reid, meanwhile, could give Princeton a player picked in the draft for the second consecutive year.
John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State
March 21:Bengals coach puts Brown through punt drills
A special teams coach from the Bengals put Brown through punt return drills at Pittsburg State's pro day, where Browns was challenged to catch the punts one-handed from the JUGS machine while at the same time throw a ball in the air and catch it with the other hand.
Anthony Denham and Jake Murphy, TEs, Utah
March 19:Bengals TE coach works out Utah duo
Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes worked out Denham and Murphy at Utah's pro day. With Jermaine Gresham -- a two-time Pro Bowl pick -- as starter, tight end isn't a position of need in the draft, but the team could always be on the lookout for depth.
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
March 19:Bengals among 12 clubs most interested in Murray
A dozen NFL clubs have shown more interest in Murray than others, and not surprisingly, the Bengals are among them. The club's reported interest in Murray as a potential successor to starter Andy Dalton, however, is just one of many possible destinations for one of college football's most prolific passers.
Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State
March 13:Bengals coach works out Richburg
Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes worked out Richburg at Colorado State's pro day. While Richburg doesn't fill an immediate need in Cincinnati, any team would be wise to check out the CSU center. NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt said that if a team is looking for the next Alex Mack, Richburg is that guy ... he'll be your starting center for the next 10 years.
Aaron Lynch and Tevin Mims, DEs, South Florida
March 11:Bengals DL coach gets good look at USF duo
Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes was among the representatives from 13 different NFL teams on hand for South Florida's pro day. Lynch and Mims each worked out, and each figures to be third-day selection possibilities in the 2014 NFL Draft, according to NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt.
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
March 7:Bengals DB coach watches Verrett
Bengals defensive backs coach Vance Joseph attended TCU's pro day, when Verrett posted a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump and 19 reps in the bench press. NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah lists cornerback as one of the Bengals' three biggest draft needs. Verrett is currently Mike Mayock's No. 5-rated cornerback in the 2014 draft, and all four NFL.com mock drafts have Verrett going in the first round.
Cleveland Browns
First-round spots: 4 and 26
» Browns' 2014 draft picks | Draft history
The Cleveland Browns possess a roster with intriguing young talent at virtually every area, except quarterback. Gifted with a bevy of extra draft picks, the Browns might be in the market to make an aggressive move to finally acquire that elusive franchise quarterback.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
May 7:Report: Bridgewater has a fan in Browns GM
Early in the week, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport warned us not to be surprised if the Browns select Bridgewater with the second of their two first-round picks at No. 26 overall. Browns scouts are high on the Louisville quarterback's skills, per Rapoport. That affinity for Bridgewater isn't limited to the scouting department.
Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
May 5:Browns owner has 'love affair' with Manziel
There has been a lot of recent talk that Manziel will not fall out of the top 10, and the Browns, who hold the fourth overall selection, are apparently quite taken with Johnny Football. "Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has a love affair with Manziel," NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport said Monday on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access Draft Preview".
May 5:Report: Browns explore idea of trading for third first-round pick
The Cleveland Browns might be checking to see if it's possible to get a third pick in the first round of Thursday's NFL draft. Could they find a willing trade partner in the Seattle Seahawks? General manager Ray Farmer has talked to at least one team in the bottom of the first round about trading up from the Browns' second-round slot (35th overall).
April 30:Pettine: Not 'ideal' for Browns to draft QB at No. 4
In an "ideal" world, Pettine would prefer to pick up an impact position player at No. 4 overall and land a quarterback later in the draft. From reading Nicholas Dawidoff's account of the 2011 New York Jets season, we know that Pettine is a straight shooter. This doesn't appear to be any kind of draft smokescreen.
Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood (Mo.)
April 23:Big corner works out for Browns
Desir (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) is the best Division II prospect in this draft and would be the first draft pick in Lindenwood history. Desir was clocked in 4.59 seconds in the 40 at the combine and as fast as 4.52 on his pro day. He also had a 38-inch vertical jump at his pro day. Desir -- who looked good during Reese's Senior Bowl week -- is raw, but his size makes him an intriguing prospect who could go as early as the third round; he should be off the board by the end of the fourth. Cleveland, which needs depth at cornerback, would be an interesting landing spot for Desir, who has the potential to eventually become an NFL starter. The Browns have two picks in both the third and fourth rounds.
Nevin Lawson, CB, Utah State
April 18:Small but physical CB to visit with Browns
Lawson (5-foot-9½, 190 pounds) lacks size but is quick, has good speed (4.48 in the 40 at February's NFL Scouting Combine) and plays physically. He appears to be a mid-round selection, and could fit on a Browns team that needs depth at corner. Lawson was a three-year starter for the Aggies who had six interceptions and 34 pass breakups in his career. He is solid in run support.
Keith Wenning, QB, Ball State
April 18:Late-round QB prospect worked out for Browns
Cleveland seemingly has worked out or met with every quarterback in this draft class, which makes sense considering how much the Browns need a quarterback (or two or three). Wenning (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) has a good arm and threw for 4,148 yards and 35 TDs in 2013; he is a third-day prospect. Wenning also is visiting/has visited Baltimore, Minnesota and Green Bay, among others.
AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama
April 16: Tide signal-caller working out for QB-needy Browns
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport says McCarron is working out for Cleveland on Wednesday. Cleveland owns two first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 26), but it would be shocking if the Browns used either on McCarron, who isn't a first-rounder. He possibly could fit with Cleveland's second-round pick, which is No. 35 overall, but that seems a bit early. Cleveland picks seventh in the third round (71st overall), and that seems to be most in line with where analysts slot McCarron. Browns coach Mike Pettine has said Cleveland might draft two quarterbacks, but it's hard to see the Browns -- a team with a lot of holes -- taking a quarterback in the first round, then another quarterback on the draft's second day. Could the Browns see McCarron as their quarterback of the future? If so, using the two first-rounders on players who aren't quarterbacks and taking McCarron 35th overall is a possibility.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
April 4:FCS star meets with Browns
Cleveland has two first-round picks and looks to be in the market for two quarterbacks. While Garoppolo is not worthy of a first-round selection, the Browns could choose players at other positions in the first round -- for instance, they could use a wide receiver to pair with Josh Gordon and a corner to team with Joe Haden -- and nab him early in the second (or, more in line with conventional wisdom, in the third or fourth).
Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
April 3:Pettine raves about Mack
First-year Browns coach Mike Pettine -- a defensive-centric coach -- went as far as to compare Mack to the Buffalo Bills' Mario Williams when assessing the linebacker's skills. The Browns could be faced with a choice between Mack and the unpicked quarterback. And if the club isn't sold on what's left at the quarterback position, Mack could easily be the best option.
Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
April 2:Report: Bortles works out for QB-needy Browns
Bortles had a workout with the Browns, Cleveland.com reported. Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr also had a workout with the Browns. Carr is not worth the No. 4 pick but could be in play later in the first round. Bortles, if available, would be worthy of the No. 4 pick.
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
April 1:Carr eager to compete with Hoyer in Cleveland
Carr respects Brian Hoyer, but he wouldn't be afraid to compete with the Browns' starting quarterback if he were to be drafted by the team. The potential first-round pick said as much in the aftermath of a successful private workout, and it's a challenge Hoyer would no doubt welcome.
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
March 26:Pettine wouldn't be 'upset' to draft Clowney
The Browns' draft plans remain a mystery. Browns coach Mike Pettine didn't let on that the Browns would consider trading up to get a player, he did make it clear he would be more than happy if a player like Clowney fell into his lap.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
March 26:Pettine has high praise for Watkins
One player who could be in play for the Browns with their first pick is Watkins. Not surprisingly, Pettine gushed about him as well. "To me what jumps off the tape is his passion. He loves football. We interviewed him in Indianapolis and you can tell he absolutely loves the game," Pettine said.
March 25:Pettine: Browns might draft two QBs
Mike Pettine hasn't closed the door on adding a collection of quarterbacks to challenge Brian Hoyer for Cleveland's starting job under center. The Browns coach told reporters Tuesday at the NFL Annual Meeting that the team is open to drafting more than one passer in May's draft, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer.
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
March 19:Browns among 12 clubs interested in Murray
A dozen NFL clubs have shown more interest in Murray than others, and -- not surprisingly -- the Browns are among them. The Browns are among the teams with the greatest need at quarterback in the upcoming draft. Veteran backup Jason Campbell and failed 2012 first-rounder Brandon Weeden were jettisoned in the offseason, leaving only Brian Hoyer -- who is coming off a major knee injury -- and untested Alex Tanney -- of YouTube fame -- on the current roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers
First-round spot: 15
» Steelers' 2014 draft picks | Draft history
Offensive line continues to be a bugaboo for Pittsburgh, and the team figures to maintain interest in prospects at those positions in the 2014 draft. An aging secondary might also be an area of focus for the Steelers.
Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
April 25: Handful of teams take look at Hagemen
Hageman has reportedly either met or worked out for five NFL clubs: the Titans, Falcons, Steelers, Colts and Cardinals. Projected as a late-first or early-second round pick, the massive 6-6, 318-pounder participated in the Senior Bowl and took a liking to Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox. And head coach Mike Smith took a liking to Hageman, as well.
Demarcus Lawrence, DE-OLB, Boise State
April 24:Top pass rusher visiting with Steelers
Lawrence (6-foot-3, 251 pounds) is a candidate to potentially sneak into the end of the first round because of his pass-rush ability. Pittsburgh picks 15th, but that would seem to be way too early for Lawrence, who likely will be an outside 'backer in the NFL. Lawrence had a combined 20 sacks and 34 tackles for loss in 2012 and '13 at Boise State. Pittsburgh picks 14th in the second round (46th overall), which almost certainly would be too late to get Lawrence.
Quincy Enunwa, WR, Nebraska
April 24:Physical WR will visit Steelers
Enunwa (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) is a big, physical receiver who has good speed for his size (4.45 in the 40 at the combine). He isn't the most fluid guy and has inconsistent hands. But he does a good job of using his big body to make catches. He never will be a No. 2 receiver, but his size gives him a chance to be a potential No. 3 guy. He should go on the third day; this draft is exceptionally deep in receivers, and Enunwa falls some because of that. His physical nature likely would appeal to the Steelers, who have two picks in the sixth round and one in the seventh.
Ross Cockrell, CB, Duke
April 22:Bigger corner meets with Steelers
Duke hasn't had a player drafted before the sixth round since 1999, but Cockrell (6-foot, 191 pounds) could break that string. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2009, then started every game after that. He has good size and solid ball skills, but his top-end speed is a question (he ran a 4.56 40 at the combine). The Steelers need cornerbacks and seem likely to take two in the draft. Cockrell appears to be a guy who will go relatively early on the third day.
Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
April 21:Pass-rushing LB visits SteelersÂ
Barr (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) is the second-best outside linebacker available, behind Buffalo's Khalil Mack, and could appeal to a Steelers team searching for a young pass rusher. Barr played just two seasons at linebacker for the Bruins (he began his career at UCLA on offense) but still piled up 23 sacks and 41 tackles for loss. He still is raw as a linebacker and put up big numbers with the Bruins mostly on sheer athleticism. Barr was seen as a potential top-10 pick at one point, but seemingly has slipped and could be available when Pittsburgh picks 15th. The Steelers also could be looking for a defensive tackle, a wide receiver and a corner at No. 15. Some teams feel Barr could be an end, but it's unlikely he could play end in the Steelers' 3-4. Barr visited with Minnesota (which picks eighth) last week and reportedly is scheduled for visits with Atlanta (No. 6 pick) and Philadelphia (No. 22) this week.
Scott Crichton, DE-OLB, Oregon State
April 14:Crichton meeting with Steelers
Crichton (6-foot-3, 273 pounds) looks to be a second-round pick. The Steelers pick 14th in the second round (46th overall) and Crichton could be there for the taking, though the possibility remains that he could be taken late in the first round or early in the second. Crichton was a 4-3 end at Oregon State, and how he would fit in the Steelers' 3-4 is a question. Crichton had 22.5 sacks and 51 tackles for loss in three seasons with the Beavers. He's also good against the run.
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
April 14:Steelers show interest in Verrett
Pittsburgh could be in the market for a cornerback with the 15th pick in the first round, though that seems a bit too early for Verrett. He is one of the top five corners in the draft, but if Verrett (5-foot-9½) goes in the first round, he will be the shortest corner to be a first-rounder in the past six drafts. NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock said during February's NFL Scouting Combine that, "I think the kid has everything but size." Mayock said Verrett can play inside and outside and is an "ideal nickel" guy.
Odell Beckham, Jr., WR, LSU
April 10:Beckham dines with Steelers after LSU pro day
Beckham worked out Wednesday at a well-attended LSU pro day, and then got a chance to spend time with members of the Steelers' contingent at dinner. The Steelers are considered to be in the market for a wide receiver, perhaps in the first round -- which is where Beckham is pegged to come off the board in May's draft. In fact, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has predicted that Beckham will be the third wideout drafted -- perhaps within the top 10 picks, which would put him out of reach of Pittsburgh unless the franchise moves up.
Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville
April 7:Report: Pryor meeting with Steelers
Pittsburgh signed free-agent free safety Mike Mitchell, and a month later the team entertained one of the best safeties in the draft. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Pryor -- considered either the best or second-best safety in the draft -- was visiting with the Steelers. Pittsburgh would seem to need a cornerback more than a safety.
Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss
April 2:Moncrief visits with Steelers
Moncrief (6-foot-2, 228 pounds) is a big receiver with speed and looks to be a second-day pick. He is an excellent athlete, though he remains a bit raw as a receiver and needs to become more physical; he doesn't know how to use his size all that well. He was the Rebels' main deep threat for two seasons and would be an interesting addition to a Steelers' receiving corps that lacks a sure-fire No. 2 guy behind Antonio Brown. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Pittsburgh go for a receiver on the second day, and then again early on the third day of the draft.
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
April 1:Roby to visit with Steelers
Roby has visits scheduled with the Bills, Chargers, Jets, Titans and Steelers, NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt reported on Twitter. Roby is the fourth-rated cornerback on NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock's rankings, and a projected first-round selection based on mock drafts posted on NFL.com.
Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
March 26: Barr set to meet with Steelers
Last week it was reported that Barr would have a private meeting with the Atlanta Falcons. Now we have learned that he's got a pretty busy schedule in the coming weeks. Barr has several meetings set up in addition to the one with the Falcons. "There have been a couple teams that have reached out," Barr told FOXSports. "I have a couple visits. I'm going to Pittsburgh. I was going to go to Detroit, but I met with their GM the day before the pro day, so I don't know if they think it's necessary. I'm also meeting with the Cowboys, Titans and Vikings. Those are the few that stand out the most right now."
Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor
March 24:Seastrunk to have visits with Bills, Steelers
Seastrunk told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he has pre-draft visits set up with the Steelers, as well as the Bills. The Steelers have left little doubt about making running back a position of need this offseason, bringing bigger-name free agents like Maurice Jones-Drew and LaGarrett Blount in for workouts. Now it looks like their interest in adding a back will extend to the draft.
March 21:Steelers descend en masse on Vandy's pro day
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert were among the dignitaries on hand for Notre Dame's pro day, where offensive tackle Zack Martin, running back George Atkinson, wide receiver T.J. Jones, cornerback Bennett Jackson, linebacker Prince Shembo and nose tackle Louis Nix were the key prospects working out.
Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida
March 18:Steelers coach gets look at Purifoy, other Florida CBs
Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake was on hand Monday for Florida's pro day, and it's little wonder why. The club has a need for draft help at cornerback, and Gainesville is the place to get it. The Gators boast three draft prospects at the position: Purifoy, Marcus Roberson and Jaylen Watkins.
Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
March 13:Steelers coach, GM catch Gilbert's pro day
Gilbert solidified his status as a top half of the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft with a standout performance at Oklahoma State's pro day, and Steelers GM Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin were present to witness the outstanding workout. The Steelers are aging in the secondary and need to add youth and skill to the defensive backend.
Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
March 13:Steelers' Tomlin on hand to check out Lewan
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was at Michigan's pro day, where the top prospect working out was Lewan. Lewan would fill a major position of need in Pittsburgh, which has missed on a few offensive linemen in the past few drafts.
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
March 11:Tomlin, Colbert attend Dennard's pro day
In the market for a young, shutdown cornerback, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert were on hand to watch Dennard's workout at Michigan State's pro day Tuesday. Dennard impressed with a 36-inch vertical and a broad jump of 11 foot, 2 inches. He is Mike Mayock's No. 1-rated cornerback, and NFL Media analyst Charles Davis has the Steelers taking him with the No. 15 pick in his latest mock draft.
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