Here We Go, The Steelers Show: How Steelers Defensive Prospects Compare to Pros
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In this episode of Here We Go, The Steelers Show, hosts Brian Anthony Davis and KT Smith dive deep into pro comparisons for the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive draft prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. With the team 16 days from the draft and potentially holding up to 12 picks, the conversation focuses on evaluating interior defensive linemen, edge rushers, inside linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. The hosts assess players like Caden McDonald as a potential Dexter Lawrence-type fit for the Steelers' interior line, while expressing skepticism about early edge rusher selections. They highlight promising linebacker prospects such as Nick Bolton and Jacob Rodriguez, and discuss cornerback fits like D'Angelo Pons and Jermod McCoy. Safety prospects are scrutinized, with Caleb Downs deemed a top-tier unicorn unlikely to fall to Pittsburgh, while players like Bud Clark and Zaki Wheatley emerge as late-round fits. The episode also features personal anecdotes, pop culture references, and a heartfelt shout-out to Brian’s nephew Noah, who is working NCAA tournament games. The hosts conclude with a promotion for the Steel Curtain Network’s upcoming draft party in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Caden McDonald is a strong fit for the Steelers’ interior defensive line, potentially filling a Dexter Lawrence-like role.
The Steelers may not target edge rushers early, focusing instead on inside linebackers and defensive backs in later rounds.
D'Angelo Pons is a top-tier cornerback comp for the Steelers, though his high pro day numbers may push him up the board.
Safety prospects like Caleb Downs are likely off the board by pick 21, but Bud Clark and Zaki Wheatley are viable late-round options.
The Steelers could benefit from drafting developmental players like Michael Taffey to build depth for 2027.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
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A promotional segment for Meinl Schmidt Distillery, emphasizing whiskey as a catalyst for memorable moments, with a discount code for listeners.
Draft Countdown & Number 16 Discussion
The hosts kick off the episode with 16 days until the NFL Draft, reflecting on the Steelers' number 16 jersey vacancy and sharing a humorous anecdote about Calvin Austin.
Interior Defensive Line Pro Comparisons
“If you're sitting at 21 and you don't love the options at wide receiver, maybe your favorite guys are gone. Maybe you think to yourself, hey, we really like Omar Cooper, but value-wise, we think we can get a guy in the second round, maybe a Jeremy Bernard, who's very comparable. Whereas if we pass on Caden McDonald here... the value at the defensive line spot now drops significantly.”
Edge Rusher & Linebacker Pro Comparisons
“I'd like to lean more towards the Warner Bolton type of backer. So the Warner backer is probably going to require a trade. No, let's rephrase it. Will require a trade. It's Sonny Stiles. Yeah, they're not touching him.”
Cornerback & Safety Pro Comparisons
“He's a unicorn. So let's just say he comps to Caleb Downs. The unicorn comps to Caleb Downs? That's a hell of a compliment.”
“He's a unicorn. So let's just say he comps to Caleb Downs. The unicorn comps to Caleb Downs? That's a hell of a compliment.”
“You won't remember the label. You won't remember the proof. You'll remember who you were, what was said and how it felt.”
“If you're sitting at 21 and you don't love the options at wide receiver, maybe your favorite guys are gone. Maybe you think to yourself, hey, we really like Omar Cooper, but value-wise, we think we can get a guy in the second round, maybe a Jeremy Bernard, who's very comparable. Whereas if we pass on Caden McDonald here... the value at the defensive line spot now drops significantly.”
Hosts
Brian Anthony Davis
person
KT Smith
person
Caden McDonald
person
Caleb Downs
person
Steel Curtain Network
organization
Patrick Graham
person
D'Angelo Pons
person
Dexter Lawrence
person
Nick Bolton
person
Fred Warner
person
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