The Pittsburgh Steelers fell short of their Super Bowl expectations last season, and they're looking to the draft to help them sure up some weakness to make a run at a title again next year. However, drafting a bust in the first round could send them in the wrong direction. Here are three players the Steelers need to avoid in the first round of the NFL Draft:
3) Noah Spence, LB, Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Spence has a ton of talent, but his off-the-field issues are cause for serious concern as he was banned from the Big Ten after repeated failed drug tests. To make matters worse, Spence also reportedly didn't interview well at the Combine, a less-than promising sign for a player with red flags. A gifted pass rusher, Spence still needs work in coverage to make it in the Pittsburgh's scheme.
The Steelers might not need to make a decision on Spence, because he could already be off the board - but if he's not, Pittsburgh should let someone else take a risk on him.
2) Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Smith is another guy who has a ton of talent, and the prospect of him falling to Pittsburgh would have been a pipe dream before Notre Dame's bowl game. Unfortunately, the knee injury Smith suffered in that game is severe - very severe. Initial medical checks at the Combine indicated that Smith had nerve damage, which kills his draft stock. While Smith had a ton of ability, his injury red flags mean he's not worth taking on Round One.
1) Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech Hokies
The Steelers really need cornerback help, but Fuller isn't the answer. He's coming off a knee injury and looked shaky at times during his short 2015 campaign. His sophomore year tape is worthy of him being a Top-15 pick, but he definitely took a step back as a junior - and may take another step back due to his knee injury. Fuller could be a solid late first or early second pick, but this is just a bit too high for Fuller. The team is better off hoping Mackensie Alexander is on the board. If not, there will be several quality safeties worth taking.
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