Steelers continue hosting pre-draft parade of defensive prospects

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania -- General manager Kevin Colbert said the Steelers planned to focus on the defensive side of the ball during the NFL Draft, and he's sure holding true to his word if pre-draft visitors are any indication.

The Steelers on Friday hosted four more defensive players to bring their total to 16 of 18 pre-draft visitors on that side of the ball. The Steelers are permitted 30 pre-draft visitors until a week before the draft.

On Friday, the Steelers focused on the defensive line with tackle Javon Hargrave (South Carolina State) and defensive ends Quinton Jefferson (Maryland) and Dean Lowry (Northwestern).

The Steelers also met with safety Demontrae Elston (Mississippi), bringing their total to 11 defensive backs hosted in a week, including seven safeties.

The most intriguing visitor was Hargrave, who played for a FCS team.

Hargrave (6-foot-1, 309 pounds) was an Associated Press All-American in 2014-15 and the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. Hargrave collected 16 sacks as a junior, including an FCS single-game record six against Bethune-Cookman. Hargrave finished with 29 1⁄2 sacks his last two years and also 45 1⁄2 tackles for losses.



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