According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a formal meeting with former Florida edge rusher Jachai Polite during the scouting combine. Polite is the first edge guy the team has officially met with based on reports.
Polite came out and spoke to the media and indicated the Los Angeles Rams were the only team he spoke to who didn’t bash him about his problems in run support. I’m not sure if the Steelers were part of this group of teams but as an outside linebacker in the 3-4, being able to defend the run is vital. And when you are a guy in the mix as a first-round pick, you have to answer those questions.
One of the strengths of Polite’s game at Florida was his athleticism. Unfortunately, Polite won’t be able to cement that at the combine. Polite injured his hamstring on his first 40 try and is going to be shelved for the rest of the combine. He ran a 4.84 on his first try.
If the Steelers do opt for an edge rusher in the first round they should have several interesting guys to choose from.
