Steelers Prospect Watch: Jayron Kearse

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers target a safety in the NFL Draft?

As we hit the fever pitch of the NFL Draft, football pundits across America are deciding who will pick who.  The Steelers are one of the many teams in the market for a safety in this draft.  But the big question the pundits alike are asking is, “when will the Steelers draft a safety this year?”

Some guys like Mel Kiper have the Black & Gold selecting a safety on Day 1 of the draft. I could see this happening given the despite need for another strong safety with Shamarko Thomas being the only player at that position.  The Steelers could wait until Day 2 or 3 to select a new safety, where they could draft Clemson’s Jayron Kearse.

The nephew of former Pro Bowler Jevon Kearse, Jayron could be more fitting of his uncle’s nickname “the freak” than he is.   Standing 6’5, the junior is the tallest defensive back in this draft, looking more like a shooting guard than a safety.  Kearse has long arms and can cover a lot of ground with his long strides. 

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His production at Clemson didn’t wow many scouts.  Over his career Kearse had 164 total tackles, 11.5 for loss, 3 sacks and 7 interceptions.  He was best suited in college playing the single high safety where he could read and react on the quarterback’s eyes.  When playing the box, Kearse struggled to diagnosed plays, resulting in lack of urgency to get involved at the line of scrimmage.

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Kearse is more of a developmental guy than someone you can contribute right away.  He will make waves early on special teams in the NFL after being a dynamic of the Tiger’s specials unit.  If the Steelers take a flyer on a physical specimen like Kearse, it may prove to be a valuable move down the line.