Steelers: 3 Bud Dupree replacements in 2021 NFL Draft
By Cory Kinnan
Day-three option: Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa
Calling FCS pass rusher Elerson Smith a day-three target may be a bit too lax.
After a dominant career with the Northern Iowa Panthers, and a strong showing at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January, Smith may just sneak into the top-100 this upcoming April. Additionally, his pro day is tomorrow, March 22, where he has a chance to prove that his extraordinary length matches his athletic ability. At the Senior Bowl, Smith measured in at over 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, bulking up from his 2019 play-weight after being forced to sit out this year.
Additionally, his arms measured in at an extraordinary 33.25 inches long, with a wingspan of 83 inches. The Senior Bowl proved level of competition was no big deal for Smith’s draft stock, going against and beating power five offensive tackles that week.
Next. Shaka Toney an underrated prospect with an unclear future. dark
Should he add impressive testing numbers to his 2019 stats of 14 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and four passes deflected at the line of scrimmage, then it will be hard to see him falling outside of the second day of the draft. If the Steelers wait until late day-two or early day-three, Smith would be a home run of a selection to bring to Pittsburgh.