From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#17 Divine Deablo/S/Virginia Tech/6’3”, 226 Lbs
The Good
-Comfortable playing down around the line of scrimmage and brings physicality to the position with his size and strength
-Very good understanding overall run fits as a box defender and utilizes leverage well
-Imposing presence overall; definitely the first one off the bus
-At his most comfortable in coverage when he’s allowed to freelance and play off of feel
-Shows flashes of impressive coverage abilities in the slot or in two deep
-Processes rather quickly and finds himself in on a lot of plays
-Plays under control and rarely is caught off balance
The Bad
-Severely limited athlete overall
-Labors to get up to speed in space; change of directions are slow and elongated
-Won’t consistently anticipate routes despite being a former receiver
-Needs to learn to impose his will more as a box defender; needs to tap into that size and strength on a consistent basis and send a message physically
-Looks relatively stiff overall in space
-On the older side in the class; turns 23 before start of season
Bio:
-Played in 51 career games at Virginia Tech, starting 33 overall
-Finished career with 206 total tackles, 12.