With the 161st pick in the 2016 draft the Steelers select CB D.J. White, Georgia Tech.
www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/d.j.-white?id=2555555
OVERVIEW
White made one of the more impressive plays of the 2014 season when he used his speed to chase down Pitt star running back James Conner on a 74-yard run to knock the ball out just before they reached the end zone. That hustle combined with his ability to make plays in coverage turned White into an honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2014 (team-best four interceptions, eight pass breakups). He played well again as a senior (41 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups), making himself a coveted prospect at a prime position.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Team captain and three-year starter. Patient from press coverage and plays with balance. Disrupts receivers with well-placed jabs. Plays with desired feel for his man throughout the route, working to stay in his pocket. Good short-area quicks to squeeze routes and close on throws. Challenges catch without running through receivers. Good leaper with high-point ability. Instinctive and disciplined. Attacks catch point rather than man when in position. Forced a fumble all four years at Ga Tech. Should not be limited by scheme.
WEAKNESSES Needs to get head around earlier with back to the ball. A little clunky flipping hips and changing directions sharply. Recovery speed is very average. Play strength needs improvement to challenge NFL size on perimeter. Waits on receiver after short catch giving away valuable yards after catch rather than attacking downhill. Head ducker in run support and finishes with arm tackles over chest-up approach.
NFL COMPARISON Justin Bethel
BOTTOM LINE While White is just a shade smaller and slower than teams usually like outside, he makes up for it with his instincts, athleticism and cover skills. White is relatively clean in coverage and is able to stick to his targets, but may not take enough chances to become a ball hawk who takes the ball away. White's ball skills and feel for the position could put him in position for early snaps as a third corner and he has eventual starter potential.