2021 Pro Day Circuit Heats Up This Week

[Shoes]

For essentially the first time in two years, we have some upcoming NFL Pro Days to track. Though they aren’t the first, Kansas held theirs a few days ago (I don’t believe Pittsburgh attended), this week marks the first busy week of college Pro Days NFL teams will be attending as their best chance to get intel on the 2021 top prospects. Here’s how the schedule looks this week courtesy of our Pro Day schedule.


That is a heavy list of prospects to watch out for. Pro Days began last year but were quickly shut down as they coincided with the start of the COVID pandemic in America. Most major schools and top prospects didn’t have an individual workout. I don’t believe the Steelers drafted anyone whose Pro Day they attended. With their return, here’s a preview of some of the top players of the week Pittsburgh could be interested in.


Tuesday March 9

Kansas State
Northwestern
Wisconsin-Whitewater


Wednesday March 10th
Arkansas
Marshall
Maryland
Wisconsin

Thursday March 11th
Clemson
Nevada
Texas

Friday March 12th
Arkansas State
North Dakota State
Oklahoma

Quinn Meinerz/C Wisconsin-Whitewater (Tuesday)
Arguably no one improved their draft stock more at the 2021 Senior Bowl than Meinerz. He needed the invite, got it, and had a big week in Mobile. Small school prospects have a tough climb in normal years and after his school didn’t play any football in the fall, it was going to be easy for him to fall off the NFL’s radar. At the Senior Bowl, he showed nastiness and drive as a run blocker and ended as one of the group’s top players. He could sneak into Day Two just as Ali Marpet did back in 2015.

Jonathan Marshall + Xavier Kelly/DL Arkansas (Wednesday)
Pair of defensive linemen I’m lumping together. Listed at similar sizes. Marshall at 6’3, 317 and Kelly at 6’4, 305. In 2020, Marshall had just one sack but racked up a career-high 6.5 TFL. Kelly was a Clemson transfer who hasn’t played a lot but was a highly touted recruit out of high school. We haven’t paid a lot of attention to defensive linemen in this class but if Chris Wormley and/or Tyson Alualu aren’t re-signed, it could warrant Day Three consideration for the Steelers.
If the Steelers take a flier on a Day 3/UDFA QB, the Razorbacks’ Feleipe Franks is an option. Transferring from Florida, he throw for 17 touchdowns in 2020.

Travis Etienne/RB Clemson + Jackson Carman/OG Clemson + Amari Rodgers/WR Clemson (Thursday)
Thursday could be a busy day for Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. I’d expect at least one of them to attend the Tigers’ workout, a regular stop for the team over the years. Etienne is one of the top backs in this class and we shouldn’t completely discount him from the Steelers’ radar. Carman is an athletic linemen who probably kicks to guard in the NFL. And Rodgers has a similar skillset to JuJu Smith-Schuster and has a Steelers’ connection. His dad is former Pittsburgh QB Tee Martin. Fellow WR Cornell Powell is also a name worth mentioning. He broke out in 2020 with 882 yards, seven touchdowns, and a healthy 16.6 average.

Samuel Comsi/OT Texas (Thursday)
Wouldn’t be shocked if one of Colbert/Tomlin went to Clemson and the other to Texas. No point in both guys appearing on the same campus if you want to maximize your visits. Longhorns have plenty of prospects, none more noteworthy than Cosmi. He isn’t a terrific athlete but strong and finishes his blocks. Will be an option for the Steelers at #24. Others to keep an eye on include DE Ta’Quon Graham and QB Sam Ehlinger.
Trey Lance/QB North Dakota State (Friday)
Friday will tell us how serious the Steelers are in exploring a QB in the first round. If they’re traveling to NDSU, it’s to watch one guy. Lance. He only got to play in one game in 2020 and started just one season prior to that so tape on him is limited. I’m guessing most scouts/coaches have never seen this guy live before. Friday is the chance to do it. Definitely want to circle this one on your calendar.
Don’t forget about sleeper OT Dillon Radunz either. He had an impressive Senior Bowl week. If Pittsburgh doesn’t take a tackle in Rounds 1/2, Radunz could be an option later on Day 2 or on Day 3. Fluid athlete who may be able to play tackle or guard.

Creed Humphrey/OC Oklahoma (Friday)
Arguably the top center in this class, Pittsburgh’s obviously in the market to replace Maurkice Pouncey. Humphrey doesn’t have good length but is a powerful run blocker to improve the Steelers’ 32nd ranked rushing attack. There’s also OT Adrian Ealy and RB Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson is a big dude at 6’0 236 but has quick feet and surprising change of direction in the open field.





https://steelersdepot.com/2021/03/20...-up-this-week/

[teegre]

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Quinn Meinerz is going to be a steal for somebody. He had the best week at the Senior Bowl of any player.

[Born2Steel]

http://www.steelersuniverse.com/foru...ates-Coming-Up

[Shoes]

http://www.steelersuniverse.com/foru...ates-Coming-Up

Thanks for the link!

[Born2Steel]

Thanks for the link!

LOL! I actually linked the wrong one. Let me try that again.


I think this was the one I meant to post.

http://www.steelersuniverse.com/foru...llege-Pro-Days

[Shoes]

LOL! I actually linked the wrong one. Let me try that again.


I think this was the one I meant to post.

http://www.steelersuniverse.com/foru...llege-Pro-Days

Well that's even better!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Quinn Meinerz is going to be a steal for somebody. He had the best week at the Senior Bowl of any player.

Do you think he plays Guard or Center in the NFL?

Northern Iowa Pro day is this Friday. Keep an eye out for Spencer Brown-OT

[teegre]

Do you think he plays Guard or Center in the NFL?

Northern Iowa Pro day is this Friday. Keep an eye out for Spencer Brown-OT

I would double-dip. Draft a center early, and then another in R4. One wins the job as the starting center; the other is the backup to all three interior positions (and DeCastro’s eventual backup).

I’ll give Brown a watch.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I would double-dip. Draft a center early, and then another in R4. One wins the job as the starting center; the other is the backup to all three interior positions (and DeCastro’s eventual backup).

I’ll give Brown a watch.

Meinarz played Guard in College. He tried some reps at Center at the Senior Bowl, I think to show some flexibility in positions, but I think he likely lands as a guard in the NFL. I dont think the Steelers have the luxury of being able to select 2 C prospects in the draft and that is why Hassenauer got added to the roster and John Leglue also played some at Tulane, so that is a plus for his bid to make the 53 this summer.

I think with Pouncey retired, we will see a C drafted, as well as an OT.

[teegre]

Meinarz played Guard in College. He tried some reps at Center at the Senior Bowl, I think to show some flexibility in positions, but I think he likely lands as a guard in the NFL. I dont think the Steelers have the luxury of being able to select 2 C prospects in the draft and that is why Hassenauer got added to the roster and John Leglue also played some at Tulane, so that is a plus for his bid to make the 53 this summer.

I think with Pouncey retired, we will see a C drafted, as well as an OT.

I get the Dermontti Dawson feel with Meinerz: a stellar guard in college who makes the switch to center.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable with Haussenuer as the primary backup. Finney, yes. Reiter, yes. Another rookie drafted (even on Day 3), yes. I just don’t like Haussenuer at all.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I get the Dermontti Dawson feel with Meinerz: a stellar guard in college who makes the switch to center.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable with Haussenuer as the primary backup. Finney, yes. Reiter, yes. Another rookie drafted (even on Day 3), yes. I just don’t like Haussenuer at all.

I get it, Would be good to have a better option than Hassenauer as the backup, but not sure if they have a ton of choice, or can justify spending more on a backup center with all the other needs to fill. Its like I would rather drink 40 year old Glenfarclas scotch, but cant really justify $800 a bottle, so I will settle for the 21 year old and spend my money elsewhere.

Meinarz is going to take some time to adjust to level of competition and speed of the NFL, I think. Sure he played well in Mobile and I think worked himself into maybe the 3rd round, but he played D-III football and hasnt played a snap since the 2019 season.

[teegre]

I get it, Would be good to have a better option than Hassenauer as the backup, but not sure if they have a ton of choice, or can justify spending more on a backup center with all the other needs to fill. Its like I would rather drink 40 year old Glenfarclas scotch, but cant really justify $800 a bottle, so I will settle for the 21 year old and spend my money elsewhere.

Meinarz is going to take some time to adjust to level of competition and speed of the NFL, I think. Sure he played well in Mobile and I think worked himself into maybe the 3rd round, but he played D-III football and hasnt played a snap since the 2019 season.

Alas, true. We have too many needs to double-dip with the first three picks. That said, what would be amazing (albeit unlikely) is to get him in R4, and let him develop for a year behind DeCastro. Dotson-Humphrey-Meinerz would be an amazing interior three!!!

IMO, getting Meinerz in R3 (or R4?) would be a steal for some team. He is the 40-year-aged Glenfarcas at 21-year-aged prices.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Steelers’ OL Coach Adrian Klemm Attends Quinn Meinerz’s Pro Day

By Alex Kozora
Posted on March 9, 2021

We know of at least one stop the Pittsburgh Steelers made during today’s Pro Days. Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm was spotted at Wisconsin-Whitewater’s workout, on hand to see Senior Bowl sensation Quinn Meinerz. That info comes courtesy of Own Riese.

Meinerz is reportedly putting on a great workout and has consistently timed under 5.00 seconds in the 40. Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy, who invited Meinerz to Mobile, tweeted out this video a short time ago.

to read rest of article:

https://steelersdepot.com/2021/03/st...nerzs-pro-day/

[teegre]

Steelers’ OL Coach Adrian Klemm Attends Quinn Meinerz’s Pro Day

By Alex Kozora
Posted on March 9, 2021

We know of at least one stop the Pittsburgh Steelers made during today’s Pro Days. Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm was spotted at Wisconsin-Whitewater’s workout, on hand to see Senior Bowl sensation Quinn Meinerz. That info comes courtesy of Own Riese.

Meinerz is reportedly putting on a great workout and has consistently timed under 5.00 seconds in the 40. Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy, who invited Meinerz to Mobile, tweeted out this video a short time ago.

to read rest of article:

https://steelersdepot.com/2021/03/st...nerzs-pro-day/

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Alas, true. We have too many needs to double-dip with the first three picks. That said, what would be amazing (albeit unlikely) is to get him in R4, and let him develop for a year behind DeCastro. Dotson-Humphrey-Meinerz would be an amazing interior three!!!

IMO, getting Meinerz in R3 (or R4?) would be a steal for some team. He is the 40-year-aged Glenfarcas at 21-year-aged prices.

I like Meinerz, seems like a good kid with a solid attitude, good size at 6'3", 320lbs and 33" long arms that likes to play with a nasty edge. But what was he doing in D3 then? I think Klemm has to do his due diligence on him and maybe even see if he has the aptitude to move to C. When its the Steelers pick in the 3rd, maybe he is their highest rated on the board still, or maybe he is already drafted. who knows.

I am thinking he is more of a 14 year old Balvenie Caribbean Cask. Punches above its weight class, but still not in the class of the elite performers.

[teegre]

I like Meinerz, seems like a good kid with a solid attitude, good size at 6'3", 320lbs and 33" long arms that likes to play with a nasty edge. But what was he doing in D3 then? I think Klemm has to do his due diligence on him and maybe even see if he has the aptitude to move to C. When its the Steelers pick in the 3rd, maybe he is their highest rated on the board still, or maybe he is already drafted. who knows.

I am thinking he is more of a 14 year old Balvenie Caribbean Cask. Punches above its weight class, but still not in the class of the elite performers.

I heard Merril Hoge once talk about DIII players. Simply put, he said: "If you can play, you can play." Hoge pointed out Sweetness, Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Khalil Mack as examples.

I think that we are used to having Glenfiddich 21s on our roster. Mansfield, Webster, Dawson, Pouncey... even Hartings (although he is a 14). Meinerz could be the up-&-coming Lagavulin Offerman. :wonk02:

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I heard Merril Hoge once talk about DIII players. Simply put, he said: "If you can play, you can play." Hoge pointed out Sweetness, Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Khalil Mack as examples.

I think that we are used to having Glenfiddich 21s on our roster. Mansfield, Webster, Dawson, Pouncey... even Hartings (although he is a 14). Meinerz could be the up-&-coming Lagavulin Offerman.

I get what you are saying. I just caution, because of small school guys like Jamain Stevens and Ricardo Colclough. Lots of hype and promise, but turned out more like Ballantine's or J & B.

I am hoping that Meinarz pans out, because he seems like a good dude. Maybe he can be that smoky, peaty, dirty Lagavulin. But I am not ready to say he is a lock to be great, like a 1972 Glendronach.

[Born2Steel]

I heard Merril Hoge once talk about DIII players. Simply put, he said: "If you can play, you can play." Hoge pointed out Sweetness, Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Khalil Mack as examples.

I think that we are used to having Glenfiddich 21s on our roster. Mansfield, Webster, Dawson, Pouncey... even Hartings (although he is a 14). Meinerz could be the up-&-coming Lagavulin Offerman. :wonk02:

Boring story and off thread but goes along with your Scotch player comps. Years ago I took a cruise with my parents and went nuts drinking all the 'boat drinks' and ended up with a huge bill at the end and no culture derived at all. Fast forward and my oldest graduates from undergrad so I take him on a cruise to celebrate and really just spend some time after 4 years. Smarter and wiser I bought us both the drink card($50 daily=all you can drink). This time though, I went to the casino bar and told them I wanted to learn to drink top shelf single malt scotch. THAT was a great cruise. And I feel I gained a touch of culture from the experience as well. Bought my 1st bottle of Macallan 15 when my grandson was born.

[Dwinsgames]

not sure what more anyone could want at RB than Stevenson , his hands are weapons as a pass catcher and those stiff arms are so effective and he uses it often ... has enough speed , agility , quick feet , some nice power when needed and the vision is very good ...

[Born2Steel]

not sure what more anyone could want at RB than Stevenson , his hands are weapons as a pass catcher and those stiff arms are so effective and he uses it often ... has enough speed , agility , quick feet , some nice power when needed and the vision is very good ...

I don't know. I like the player, I hate the marijuana suspension. Regardless of current social opinions it is still very much a no-no in the NFL.

[Dwinsgames]

I don't know. I like the player, I hate the marijuana suspension. Regardless of current social opinions it is still very much a no-no in the NFL.

I hear you , but there have been many players with those sort of issues that have done very well in the league without incident ..interviews will be telling ( or hopefully they are for the team who drafts him )

and with the way the league looks at marijuana now its not as big of a deal as it once was ..

A lot will change with the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement, including a new drug policy in which players will no longer be suspended for positive marijuana tests.
The new CBA will reduce the testing period from four months to the two weeks at the start of training camp. A new threshold for a positive test will also be put in place, raising the allowed amount of THC from 35 nanograms to 150.

The league is moving away from a punishment approach and toward providing help for those that need it. If a player tests positive during the two week stretch of training camp, his test is reviewed by a board of medical professionals that has been appointed by both the players and league. The board then decides if the player needs treatment.


https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/...71x4t2rftto1m5

[Born2Steel]

I hear you , but there have been many players with those sort of issues that have done very well in the league without incident ..interviews will be telling ( or hopefully they are for the team who drafts him )

and with the way the league looks at marijuana now its not as big of a deal as it once was ..

A lot will change with the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement, including a new drug policy in which players will no longer be suspended for positive marijuana tests.
The new CBA will reduce the testing period from four months to the two weeks at the start of training camp. A new threshold for a positive test will also be put in place, raising the allowed amount of THC from 35 nanograms to 150.

The league is moving away from a punishment approach and toward providing help for those that need it. If a player tests positive during the two week stretch of training camp, his test is reviewed by a board of medical professionals that has been appointed by both the players and league. The board then decides if the player needs treatment.


https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/...71x4t2rftto1m5

Cool. And once this comes to pass, this prospect would no longer be such a risk.

[teegre]

I get what you are saying. I just caution, because of small school guys like Jamain Stevens and Ricardo Colclough. Lots of hype and promise, but turned out more like Ballantine's or J & B.

I am hoping that Meinarz pans out, because he seems like a good dude. Maybe he can be that smoky, peaty, dirty Lagavulin. But I am not ready to say he is a lock to be great, like a 1972 Glendronach.

Back behind the bottles of Macallan 10s, I spotted what appeared to be a bottle of Dalmore. I reached back, grabbed it, went to the counter... and realized that what I actually had was a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20.

Hopefully, it is the opposite (grab a bottle of Johnny Walker Black... that turns out to be a Bowmore 25).

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Back behind the bottles of Macallan 10s, I spotted what appeared to be a bottle of Dalmore. I reached back, grabbed it, went to the counter... and realized that what I actually had was a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20.

Hopefully, it is the opposite (grab a bottle of Johnny Walker Black... that turns out to be a Bowmore 25).

Not a bottle of


Its the big one Elizabeth!!

[teegre]

Not a bottle of


Its the big one Elizabeth!!

WINNER!!!

[BlackAndGold]

OL coach Adrian Klemm was at North Dakota's pro day, looking at tackle Dillion Radunz. Round 2 target.

Assistant OL Coach Chris Morgan and defensive coaches were at Oklahoma's pro day.

Center, Creed Humphrey and OT Adrian Ealy. Reports are that Steelers coaches were working out Ronnie Perkins, talented pass rusher, round 2 target.


Also had personal at Arkansas State pro day, guessing looking at Forrest Merrill. Late round NT prospect.

[Born2Steel]

OL coach Adrian Klemm was at North Dakota's pro day, looking at tackle Dillion Radunz. Round 2 target.

Assistant OL Coach Chris Morgan and defensive coaches were at Oklahoma's pro day.

Center, Creed Humphrey and OT Adrian Ealy. Reports are that Steelers coaches were working out Ronnie Perkins, talented pass rusher, round 2 target.


Also had personal at Arkansas State pro day, guessing looking at Forrest Merrill. Late round NT prospect.

Go back and look. AState has a WR that bears taking a good look at in Jonathan Adams. He's a later round guy and a Z receiver out of the gate. Could maybe develop into a slot WR. At worst he's a 4th WR in the group of DJ, Claypool, Wash, and Ray Ray.

Forrest Merrill is a pure NT. No flash or bang, just stuff the run and push upfield as best you can.

[BlackAndGold]

Go back and look. AState has a WR that bears taking a good look at in Jonathan Adams. He's a later round guy and a Z receiver out of the gate. Could maybe develop into a slot WR. At worst he's a 4th WR in the group of DJ, Claypool, Wash, and Ray Ray.

Forrest Merrill is a pure NT. No flash or bang, just stuff the run and push upfield as best you can.

I'll write his name down to watch.

Yea I know a little bit about Merrill. I like him in the later rounds, which I expect is when they'll select a d-lineman.

[teegre]

OL coach Adrian Klemm was at North Dakota's pro day, looking at tackle Dillion Radunz. Round 2 target.

Reps from the Steelers, Bengals, and Cardinals were standing in a circle around him.

[teegre]

Assistant OL Coach Chris Morgan and defensive coaches were at Oklahoma's pro day.

Center, Creed Humphrey and OT Adrian Ealy. Reports are that Steelers coaches were working out Ronnie Perkins, talented pass rusher, round 2 target.

R1: Oklahoma, OC, Creed Humphrey
R2: Oklahoma, OLB, Ronnie Perkins
R3: Oklahoma St., OT, Teven Jenkins
R4: Oklahoma, RB, Rhamondre Stevens
R4: Oklahoma St., CB, Rodarius Williams
R6: Oklahoma, OG, Adrian Ealy
R7: Oklahoma St., ILB, Amen Ogbongbemiga
R7: Oklahoma St., WR, Dillon Stoner