The Pittsburgh Steelers are focusing on the trenches on Tuesday. Along with having Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane in for a pre-draft visit, Mike McCarthy's team is also hosting Iowa guard Beau Stephens.
"Stephens plays with a strong grasp for angles, tempo and timing for his block fits," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report. "He's able to sustain and finish at a good rate despite having average play strength. … Short arms, average athleticism and scheme-friendly surroundings could temper his draft slotting, but Stephens has a chance to eventually become a starter if he finds the right team fit."
Stephens was a first-team Associated Press honoree last season, as well as being named a first-team All-Big Ten performer. He started 25 games for the Hawkeyes over the past two seasons.
Stephens is projected to be taken in the fourth or fifth round. He has a 6.12 prospect grade, which means he will be a "good backup with the potential to develop into (a) starter." He stands over 6-foot-5 and weighs 315 pounds.
The Steelers are no stranger to Iowa players, having drafted tailback Kaleb Johnson and defensive tackle Yahya Black last season. Logan Lee , another Steelers defensive lineman, also played for the Hawkeyes.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Bringing In All-American Guard for Pre-Draft Visit
Related Headlines
