Steelers end draft with long snapper and defensive end
With the 213th pick in the NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select: Colin Holba, long snapper, from the University of Louisville.
The best compliment you can give a long snapper is that you’ve never heard of them. That rings true for the Steelers’ sixth round pick, Colin Holba. Holba stayed in his hometown for college and successfully handled long snapping duties for the University of Louisville for the last two years. Because long snappers are rarely drafted, Holba was not a name many expected to hear announced during the draft this evening even with the Steelers contacting him during the draft process.
Holba is likely a long shot to make the roster over incumbent starter, Greg Warren this season, but he may have a spot with the Steelers in the near future. The Steelers re-signed long-time long snapper, Warren, back in February to a one-year deal. Warren has handled long snapping duties for the Steelers for the past 13 years.
Holba was invited to and participated in the Senior Bowl. Even with his recognized talent, the Steelers may opt to stash him on the practice squad this year as a replacement for Warren after the 2017 season.
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Steelers’ Draft:
• First round selection, T.J. Watt
• Second round selection, JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Third round selection, Cameron Sutton
• Fourth round selection, Joshua Dobbs
• Fifth round selection, Brian Allen
With the 248th pick in the NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select: Keion Adams, defensive end, out of Western Michigan.
To end the 2017 draft the Steelers are taking another shot on an outside rusher with Keion Adams. Adams provides the Steelers with another body to add to their rotation at outside linebacker which already includes first round pick T.J. Watt. Adams is probably headed for the the practice squad as he does not have ideal height, measuring at 6-feet-2-inches tall, but could potentially give the Steelers a smaller pass rushing body-type.
Adams had a career-year last season with Western Michigan and comes with both starting and multi-sport athleticism. Adams produced 7.5 sacks and made 18 tackles for a loss, which helped lead the Broncos to an appearance in the Cotton Bowl last year. Along with being a four-year starter on the defensive line for the Broncos, Adams also played on the basketball team. He will rely on short area quickness and attempt to become a speed rushing specialist if he is going to make the Steelers’ team in the long term.
Keep your eyes on the lookout in the next few days as the cover32 Steelers’ team will weigh in with our 2017 draft grades for this years’ class.
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