The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to replace the physicality Troy Polamalu brought to their defense, and it sounds like they are hoping Jabrill Peppers can bring it back.
NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala reports that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert “loves” Peppers at the 30th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Peppers, a former Michigan star who played multiple positions, was once considered a lock to go early in the first round but has seen his stock tumble a bit. The Steelers are apparently hoping it tumbles just far enough.
Kinkhabwala added that Pittsburgh has hosted five safeties and one cornerback for private workouts, and the team is expected to select the best available player at one of those two positions.
Ben Roethlisberger has lobbied for the Steelers to draft a tight end, but it seems more likely that they will address that position after the first round.
There has been some question about whether Peppers should be considered a linebacker or safety, but he has done his best to set the record straight on that topic. If Peppers is still available at No. 30, it sounds like the Steelers will have an easy decision to make.
