Ryan

Steed

Steed was actually mentioned in the first-round discussion early in the draft process, but slow forty times at the Combine knocked him from early-round talks, and a medical issue knocked him out of the draft. He is a bright, hardworking corner with top-notch cover skills for a small schooler. We suspect he’ll become a favorite of the Jets’ coaching staff in short order.

It’s a dramatic improvement for the 5'11/190 pound small-school corner. Steed dropped five pounds since the Combine, where he posted a 4.69 on stopwatches. He held his own against higher profile receivers during Senior Bowl week when asked to jam at the line in man coverage. Some teams severely downgrade cornerbacks that run slower than 4.7, so Steed is on the breaking point. To Steed’s credit, his 78" wingspan will appeal to evaluators.

Along with UL-Lafayette’s Dwight Bentley, Steed is one of Cosell’s two favorite small-school corners. Steed was unofficially clocked at 4.69 and 4.72 at the Combine before shedding five pounds and running a 4.55 at his Pro Day. Considered a smart player with playmaking ability, Steed could go in the third or fourth round if teams share Cosell’s assessment of his short-area speed.

Steed held his own versus South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery in their 2010 matchup, limiting the supposed first-round receiver to five receptions, under 100 yards, and out of the end zone. Steed draws high marks for intelligence, playmaking ability, and his on-field performance, but the forty times are going to hurt his draft stock. He’s shaping up as a middle-round prospect.

Steed turned heads at the Senior Bowl, and Rang came away impressed with his athleticism, instincts and ball skills after reviewing tape of his junior and senior seasons. Even if Steed posts a disappointing 40, Rang believes he could still be a top-75 pick.

One draft analyst suggested in February that Steed could be a sleeper first-round pick. He went undrafted after running a slow forty-yard dash and getting back poor medical reports. Steed failed to stand out in practices, as well.

Steed was a 2012 undrafted free agent out of Furman.

Steed was a hyped undrafted free agent in 2012, but couldn’t make the Jets. He was waived by the Saints last week. He shouldn’t last long in Steelers camp.