A player who might be one of the top 10 wide receivers taken and a former Penn Hills and Penn State defensive back were among those hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers for an official draft visit Tuesday.
Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley, Penn State nickel/slot corner Daequan Hardy, Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske and Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips were on hand Tuesday at the Steelers’ UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Pittsburgh’s South Side.
As a “local” prospect, Hardy does not count toward the limit of 30 such visits each team is allotted in advance of the April 25-27 draft.
Malachi Corley is such a tough, bouncy player. Guy refuses to go down.
(I see the size/athletic comps to Deebo, but I refuse to compare any player to Deebo. I prefer @DannyBKelly's Mega Wan'Dale Robinson.) pic.twitter.com/rrZIiqDgOq
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) April 1, 2024
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Corley has an aggregate second-round grade according to NFL Mock Draft Database. The NFL’s official website deemed his NFL comparison as star San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel after Corley totaled almost 2,300 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
The Steelers are in dire need of a wide receiver after the trade of Diontae Johnson.
They also have no set 2024 starter at nickel back. Though Hardy (5-9, 179) opened eyes when he returned two punts for touchdowns during an Oct. 14 win against UMass, he is projected on defense to play in the slot.
???????? @PennStateFball just keeps 'em coming pic.twitter.com/JPTKSYFYHK
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 14, 2023
Hardy returned a kickoff for a touchdown during the 2018 PIAA Class 5A championship game in helping lead Penn Hills to their first state title in 23 years.
At 6-4, 292 pounds, Fiske lacks ideal size but is considered one of the top prospects available on the interior defensive linemen — a spot at which the Steelers continue to seek an infusion of youth.
They also are interested in taking a cornerback with a premium draft pick. Phillips (5-11, 190) is regarded as a possible second-day pick after starting for the past 1 ½ seasons in the SEC.
