March 21 was a busy day on the NFL pro day schedule. Several big programs including USC and Auburn. But Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan passed on those workouts and instead opted to attend the Iowa State pro day.
Why did the two top guys for the Steelers pass on USC and Auburn? One reason. Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV. McDonald has become something of a forgotten man in a very talented and diverse group of edge players.
From a Steelers standpoint, McDonald is a textbook 3-4 outside linebacker and fits the mold of a Steelers edge well. He’s got a powerful frame, compact and muscular and plays with an extremely high motor. He’s got great pursuit speed, a nice mix of pass-rush moves and is a freakish athlete.
The Steelers need a third pass rusher in the worst way. Pittsburgh has very little depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and this was exposed last season when Watt was injured. Pittsburgh made no attempt to re-sign Malik reed so adding an athletic edge player is a must. McDonald would be a solid pick at No. 32 but an even better value if the Steelers could land him at pick No. 49.
