Don't understand the talk of him playing OT? That's a far greater learning curve IMHO. OT is really technical and is difficult to transition just from college to Pro's. For someone who has never played American football before OLine is a huge stretch. Guys that played in high school and college have hard time transitioning. DLine is more go get him, more cut and dry IMHO. Munchak helped Villanueva true, but Villy already was playing in a system while in college. It is certainly easier for a TE to transition than a Rugby player who has never played American football. Be interesting to see where this player goes and how his transition to American football unfolds.

I'm sure the interest is because there are just so few guys with that kind of size and movement skills. Planet theory.

If you want the least amount of learning curve, make him a RB or FB. It sounds ridiculous, but look at him planting guys in the open field. He knows how to run, but the footwork and hand technique alone is pretty hard to learn. I'm pretty sure Mihalik or one of those recent Munchak projects had never played OL before he started teaching them, looked awful at first, became a serviceable player in a year or two.

I look at it this way: there are high school kids who know nothing about the position or technique, get a year or two of very limited training, come to college with some skills. With his size and mobility, even slightly below average technique might still be pretty effective. Think about him as that 3rd big TE in a year or two. Worth a shot as a PFA or even a late round pick, if you really like what you saw of his progress in learning the position to this point.

Wow, I was just remembering Carlton Haselrig back in the day. Wrestler, never played football in college, but the Steelers drafted him in the 12th round in '89 if I remember that right.

I remember some thought, hey, make him play defense, maybe he can be a NT, but Noll was adamant about him playing guard. Haselrig made the Pro Bowl as a guard.

All I know is that we have probably the best offensive line coach in the NFL in Munchak and I think he could do wonders with this Rugby kid. Also, this is sort of in the Steelers DNA in terms of developing offensive linemen from unlikely sources. Whether it is turning a TE into a Pro Bowl RT like Larry Brown, or a wrestler into Pro Bowl Guard like Carlton Haselrig or a former WR turned into a Pro Bowl LT in Big Al (Many forget that Villy was recruited as a TE, then played DE, then Offensive tackle, and then ended his Army career in college as a WR!).

So, what I am trying to say, is that the Steelers have this down to a science. Bring him in as an UDFA, or take him in round 7.

Just my opinion...With the Steelers running his pro day and bringing him in for a visit I think they are trying to build a relationship so they can sign him as a UDFA.

Can put this in the 'unconfirmed' visits for now I guess.

I'm not sure if that means he had a visit, or he's just met with the Steelers. I know they sent a rep to his pro day

That'd be a 1.28 play. I wonder if it isn't a little too much like having two Jujus.

You think this guy is a first rounder?