Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes was scheduled to visit the Steelers on Tuesday. And while some might think the team wouldn't necessarily need another corner, realize that Rhodes might possibly be the best safety prospect available in this draft - at least for the Steelers.
According to Bob Labriola of Steelers digest, Rhodes wasn't in on Tuesday.
But if he does finally visit, it is one that makes sense for the Steelers.
At 6-2, 210 pounds Rhodes is a big cornerback. But he's got good straight line speed as evidenced by his 4.39 time in the 40 at the combine. You want explosiveness? How's an 11-0 broad jump and 40.5 vertical grab you?
He's also exhibited good ball skills, grabbing eight interceptions in three seasons as a starter despite most teams staying away from him in his final two seasons.
So why isn't he being talked about as a top-10 pick?
Rhodes, like many bigger corners, has some issues with being too physical and being a little stiff in coverage.
But, at safety, that wouldn't be as much of an issue for him.
It's questionable whether Rhodes will be available when the Steelers make their pick with the 17th selection in the first round. In fact, he's one of the few first-round quality players they have brought in thus far.
But if he is, they will have to give him serious consideration as a possibly replacement for Ryan Clark or Troy Polamalu in the future.
17 comments:
Normally I would agree with a high potential developmental project like Rhodes but this year I think the Steelets need a 1st round pick that can contribute to a larger degree. Everyone in the AFC North is going to be better and we need a player who will make a difference right away. I've been intrigued by Patterson but I also see the benefit of dropping back a little and picking a guy like Eifert who should be able to come in early and thrive in a Todd Haley offense.
Have watched many Seminole games....Rhodes is NOT a zone CB, so if they were to draft him he better be making the switch to S. Man/press? Fine. Playing off and reading/reacting? He's terrible at that.
Dale, are you high on Barrett Jones? I feel he could be the final piece to our O-line. He could fill a need and have flexibility to fill-in for almost any injury.
Z in Tempe
Dale,
There sure is A LOT of love for Stedman Bailey to the Steelers on Twitter. Have you heard anything about the team having interest or is this just a internet creation??
For the record i hope so they already have too many character issue guys already.
just read sanders has signed an offer sheet with the Pats. 1 year and $4 mill. the steelers have 5 days to match. i think they will rework someone else's contract to pickup a couple more million in cap space, sign sanders, then try to work a longer term deal before camp. thoughts?
Dale, I like the Rhodes consideration. If he can continue his ball skills and tackling skills, you would have a weapon to have a FS or SS running under a 4. With Sanders having signed with the Patriorts (I definitely think the Steelers would rather have a 3rd round pick in this draft instead of Sanders for one more year and then leave in free agency) would that make you reconsider C. Patterson with a first round pick? I know you said that you don't trust him, but if he came in and was the team's no. 1 KR and PR and helped stretch the field in the regular offense, wouldn't that be first round value? Not pushing for Patterson because I've never seen him play, just a questions. I would still like the Steelers to consider B. Werner if he drops to them at that pick. I just believe you can never have enough pass rushers. I'm kind of souring on Jarvis Jones a little and don't know if the Steelers should take that risk with his neck. I see Werner as a double-digit sack guy that can play in a 3-4 OLB or in a 4-3 when the Steelers play their nickel and dime defense. He still has upside since he hasn't played football that long.
I meant that it would be great to have a safety with ball skills and coverage skills running under a 4.4 on the back end.
I agree with Steve-O. I'm sure Haley would be drooling over Eifert. Miller is 31 and coming off a major knee injury. He's better than the second half of the season and you've got two fine TEs, nothing wrong with that. Takes care of Ben's "big receiver" love as well. Don't have to give Miller a second big contract necessarily either.
Also like K. Allen (good for Steelers that's he's not healthy yet, if they want him) & Robert Woods.
I don't care about "value" so much, I'm sure there's a million reasons why Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Ray Rice, etc. were not first rounders or why Polamalu, being a safety, was too high at 16 or whatever.
If Eifert is a ten-year Pro Bowl-type at TE, which I think he will be, who cares if he's at 16 or 23?
Interesting that the Pats only offered a one year deal. If the Steelers match, can they actually try to get an extended deal or can they only sign one contract with a player in a given offseason?
Sanders will be a Patriot. Take that draft pick and run, run away fast.
Dale, why would the Steelers even consider keeping Sanders? Also, are you still high on Keenan Allen after he ran a 4.7 40?
This is a get out of jail free card they better not match!! Injury prone questionable smarts guys are a dime a dozen. Take the pick!!!
No, obviously the 4.7 on Allen is a game changer. I assumed he'd run in the 4.5s. The 4.7 raises questions about his knee injury
Jerry Rice begs to differ.
This is a good post and i really like to watch NFL matches specially datriot lions are my favorites.
I'll skip the "Keenan Allen is not Jerry Rice" fireworks to just say Jerry Rice broke multiple NCAA records. Keenan Allen is a possible first round pick by default. Jerry Rice had unbelievable production. He lasted until 1.16 because he went to a small school and to a lesser extent his measurables.
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