Steelers Gab: Cornerback analysis of free agents and draft prospects

By Robert E Smith, Jr.

Cornerback prospects the Steelers should target

 

Doran Grant, CB/S, Ohio State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 199.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
Grant had 51 tackles with five interceptions in 2014 for a quality season. He could play corner in the NFL.  In 2013, Grant broke into the starting lineup and contributed for Ohio State. He had 58 tackles with three interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Grant was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer. He had some strong games for the Buckeyes, but needs to become more consistent as he had some rough moments as well. In 2012 and 2011, he was a backup.

 

Jalen Collins*, CB, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2015): 1-3.
The junior recorded 38 tackles, nine passes broken up and an interception in 2014. He did well in his plays against Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates. Collins also played well versus Ole Miss with three passes broken up and had an interception against Texas A&M.  Collins has good size and is a physical defender. His ability to play off-man coverage could be questioned by NFL teams, but sources say that Collins runs well in the 40. With his size, that could send his stock skyrocketing. Collins is said to have great speed, but hasn’t always played up to it. It flashes at times like when he tracked down Melvin Gordon from behind on a long run in the 2014 season opener. Collins was a 2012 Freshman All-SEC selection by the conference’s coaches. He totaled 30 tackles and two interceptions. As a sophomore, Collins started two games. He had 22 tackles with two passes broken up in 2013. Collins possesses the skill set to become a good starter. LSU has been a factory for elite defensive backs, so Collins will have to earn his playing time.

 

Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Height: 6-1. Weight: 175.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2015): 1-3.

 

Johnson recorded 43 tackles with six passes broken up and one interception in 2014. He is a good cover corner who needs to add weight for the NFL. Johnson has length and athleticism to cover big receivers along the sideline.   Johnson recorded 58 tackles with three interceptions and 12 passes broken up in 2013. He was an honorable mention All-ACC selection. As a sophomore, Johnson had 58 tackles with 15 passes broken up and three interceptions. He was ruled academically ineligible the year before.

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