The Post-Gazette has notes on more players who the Steelers will welcome for pre-draft visits. One is Boise State wideout Austin Pettis, who we already knew about. The others are running back Da’rel Scott of Maryland, the Citadel corner Cortez Allen, and Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling. Also, Auburn tackle Zach Clayton will visit as well.
Pettis, Scott, Allen and Clayton all project as late-round picks. The headliner here is Dowling, who looks more like a second-rounder. There has been some speculation about the possibility that the Steelers could trade out of the first round, take Dowling with a pick somewhere in the second round, and grab another pick or two late in the draft. That would be unlikely, of course, but if they don’t make a deal, it’s an open question as to whether Dowling will reach them in the second round.
Dowling also had a pre-draft visit with the Detroit Lions today.