Report: Steelers Interested In C Matt Hennessy, OLB Alex Highsmith

[polamalubeast]

Our clues as to who the Pittsburgh Steelers may be interested in is much more limited this year than any other of the Kevin Colbert era. But Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline is offering a bit of insight as to who may be on their radar.

Pauline, one of the best draft insiders, says the Steelers have interest in Temple OG/C Matt Hennessy and Charlotte EDGE Alex Highsmith.

From April 13th on Hennessy.

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https://steelersdepot.com/2020/04/report-steelers-interested-in-c-matt-hennessy-olb-alex-highsmith/

[BlackAndGold]

I can see both being Steelers. It was reported a few weeks ago from Tony Pauline that the Steelers like Hennessy and they view him as a guard, if they want him it'll have to be in round 2, though it's possible he won't be there since I've read some reports of teams being having him at their #1 center.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I can see both being Steelers. It was reported a few weeks ago from Tony Pauline that the Steelers like Hennessy and they view him as a guard, if they want him it'll have to be in round 2, though it's possible he won't be there since I've read some reports of teams being having him at their #1 center.

Hennessy didn't look as good as Cushenberry at the Senior Bowl. Henny stalemated the defender in the run game, didn't often move the defender but rather turned them, while Cushenberry moved players in the run game. Davon Hamilton pushed Hennessy around in practice a few times, so the strength of Hennessy didn't look impressive. His pass protection sets looked decent and balanced, he didn't lean on guys as much as he squatted and locked on.

As a guard, I think Ben Bredeson looks much more physical than Hennessy in the run game and more of a nasty finisher. At center, I think Cushenberry is better, but Hennessy looks tougher than Nick Harris of Washington IMO. I think Hennessy is the 3rd best Center in the draft, but I think there are a lot more guys at Guard that I would prefer.

[teegre]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJbmB9k2Y88&app=desktop

[teegre]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7FD_xGLyBs&app=desktop

[Mojouw]

Hennessy didn't look as good as Cushenberry at the Senior Bowl. Henny stalemated the defender in the run game, didn't often move the defender but rather turned them, while Cushenberry moved players in the run game. Davon Hamilton pushed Hennessy around in practice a few times, so the strength of Hennessy didn't look impressive. His pass protection sets looked decent and balanced, he didn't lean on guys as much as he squatted and locked on.

As a guard, I think Ben Bredeson looks much more physical than Hennessy in the run game and more of a nasty finisher. At center, I think Cushenberry is better, but Hennessy looks tougher than Nick Harris of Washington IMO. I think Hennessy is the 3rd best Center in the draft, but I think there are a lot more guys at Guard that I would prefer.

Could the strength issue be one that is readily correctable after a year in the NFL? Lots of lineman seem to gain strength during their first year in the league. Of course it is all through hard work and dedication and not increased access to bad-ass pharma :).

But in all seriousness, sounds like you are saying you like his technique but not his functional strength. Is that a "fixable" issue in your mind?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Could the strength issue be one that is readily correctable after a year in the NFL? Lots of lineman seem to gain strength during their first year in the league. Of course it is all through hard work and dedication and not increased access to bad-ass pharma :).

But in all seriousness, sounds like you are saying you like his technique but not his functional strength. Is that a "fixable" issue in your mind?

I'm saying that his 23 Bench press reps of 225lbs show that he knows where the gym is, but against college competition he doesn't seem to play with an intensity of Cody Wallace, BJ Finney, Jeff Hartings, Justin Hartwig, Doug Legursky or a lot of Centers the Steelers have had. He appears to play more "polite" than those guys on tape. Sure college players can always get stronger.

I just think that when its 4th and 1 and you need that yard...I'll take the guy that wants to get across the line of scrimmage and move the defender with a nasty disposition, rather than one that doesn't play with that kind of physical mindset. I think if they want a center then look at Hennessy in the 4th, but if they want a guard who will be better in the run game, then look at Bredeson, Lemieux, Stenberg, Onwenu, etc.

[Mojouw]

I'm saying that his 23 Bench press reps of 225lbs show that he knows where the gym is, but against college competition he doesn't seem to play with an intensity of Cody Wallace, BJ Finney, Jeff Hartings, Justin Hartwig, Doug Legursky or a lot of Centers the Steelers have had. He appears to play more "polite" than those guys on tape. Sure college players can always get stronger.

I just think that when its 4th and 1 and you need that yard...I'll take the guy that wants to get across the line of scrimmage and move the defender with a nasty disposition, rather than one that doesn't play with that kind of physical mindset. I think if they want a center then look at Hennessy in the 4th, but if they want a guard who will be better in the run game, then look at Bredeson, Lemieux, Stenberg, Onwenu, etc.

Got it. That makes sense. Thanks!

[Born2Steel]

I'm saying that his 23 Bench press reps of 225lbs show that he knows where the gym is, but against college competition he doesn't seem to play with an intensity of Cody Wallace, BJ Finney, Jeff Hartings, Justin Hartwig, Doug Legursky or a lot of Centers the Steelers have had. He appears to play more "polite" than those guys on tape. Sure college players can always get stronger.

I just think that when its 4th and 1 and you need that yard...I'll take the guy that wants to get across the line of scrimmage and move the defender with a nasty disposition, rather than one that doesn't play with that kind of physical mindset. I think if they want a center then look at Hennessy in the 4th, but if they want a guard who will be better in the run game, then look at Bredeson, Lemieux, Stenberg, Onwenu, etc.

I would add John Simpson to that list by name. I see the etc...

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I would add John Simpson to that list by name. I see the etc... Definitely. Even Jonah Jackson from Ohio State plays physical at guard and played some Center in college. He could be a position flexible guy, but I would not be opposed to drafting a guard that could take over LG in 2021 if Feiler goes and the Steelers instead decide to invest in giving Banner a contract to play RT and Okorafor to play LT.

I'm a Cushenberry fan, but Simpson or Bredeson would be good too IMO.

[teegre]

If Day Two brought an interior O-lineman and Alex Highsmith to the Steelers... I’d say it’s one of the best drafts we’ve had in a long time.

[tube517]

I just read the title so fast and saw "The Steelers interested in Hennessy" :alcoholic:

[pczach]

I just read the title so fast and saw "The Steelers interested in Hennessy" :alcoholic:



I'm often interested in Hennessy! :alcohol:

[43Hitman]

If Day Two brought an interior O-lineman and Alex Highsmith to the Steelers... I’d say it’s one of the best drafts we’ve had in a long time.
Don't forget about the safety we got on day one. I hear he's a stud.

[86WARD]

I actually don’t have a favorite player for them to pick this year...as long as it’s helping Ben get back to the Super Bowl, I’m good...just not Jalen Hurts...