PittвЂ™s neighbors at their South Side practice facility may be the favorites to land Mathis. Mathis will likely need to run a sub 4.50 in the event to be competitive with other defensive backs. This drill is often regarded as the most important event for defensive backs, as speed is absolutely crucial for the position. Mathis did not run the drill in the Senior Bowl, making the combine his first and only recorded performance before the draft. One critical drill for Mathis in the combine will be the 40-yard dash. Mathis is a projected last round pick, making his performance in the combine absolutely crucial. But Mathis will have to continue fighting if he wants to hear his name called in the draft. The former Panther defensive back earned an All-ACC honorable mention and played a crucial role in the ACC Championship game victory. Projected Pick: Round 1, Pick 6 Carolina PanthersДЄfter sitting out the 2020 season with an injury, Mathis fought hard all season to earn a spot in the NFL combine. If the Steelers look to the draft to replace long-time field general Ben Roethlisberger, then Pickett could be a potential target for their 20th pick. The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be a dark horse in the Pickett sweepstakes. Several teams seem interested in selecting Pickett in the first round, including the Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints. The pair dueled in November, with Pickett and the Panthers gaining the upper hand, but HowellвЂ™s stock has continued to rise since, making him a possible first round selection too. Pickett will also be closely watching North CarolinaвЂ™s Sam Howell.

Pickett will feel pressure from other quarterbacks such as Malik Willis of Liberty and Matt Corral of Ole Miss, who are both projected first round selections. By Dalton Coppola, Assistant Sports EditorД®ven though this yearвЂ™s class of signal callers is generally considered weak, Pickett will not run through the combine without competition.

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