The Pittsburgh Steelers have their eyes set on improving an important position in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Steelers have yet to sign a player at their most important position, as quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson remain in play for head coach Mike Tomlin.
However, the Steelers are too far back in the first round to take an elite quarterback this draft. Their No. 21 pick will go to another position. Pittsburgh is apparently looking to improve the interior defensive line in April.
Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin had dinner with a DT
Per Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Tomlin had dinner with defensive tackle Payton Page during Clemson’s Pro Day this week.
“Page, who comes off a terrific senior season, stood out Thursday,” Pauline wrote. “Measuring 6-foot-3.5 and 300 pounds, Page stood on his combine marks of 33 inches in the vertical jump and 9-foot-8 in the broad. He ran the 40 in a quick 5.03 seconds, turning in an equally swift 10-yard split of 1.75 seconds.
“Page, who had dinner with Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, also completed 27 reps on the bench. Entering the season with a UDFA grade, Page has checked every box since September, performing well on the field in 2024 then standing out during Shrine Bowl practice and now proving he has next-level athleticism. He’s secured himself as a Day 3 pick.”
Page recorded 13 tackles, .5 sacks, and one interception for the Tigers in 2024. He had 15 total tackles and no sacks during his first three seasons at Clemson. The Greensboro, North Carolina native had a big game against Texas in the College Football Playoff first round, recording seven total tackles.
NFL.com scouting profile in Payton Page
Lance Zielein with NFL.com believes Page is a candidate to make the bottom of an NFL roster or a take a practice squad spot.
“Three-technique with good quickness and play strength but a lack of production,” Zierlein wrote. “Page is a one-year starter but spent time playing behind NFL-caliber defensive tackles while at Clemson. He needs to do more with his penetration quickness, while his short arms make him more of a slow-power grappler than a twitchy shed player.
“Despite his foot quickness, he had very little sack production. Page’s lack of production will be frowned upon, but there are enough flashes on tape to give him a chance to compete for a backup role.”
Regardless of whether the Steelers pick Page, it’s clear Tomlin is interested in beefing up his defensvie line in 2025.
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