From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#23 Rayshard Ashby/iLB/Virginia Tech/5’10”, 232 Lbs
The Good
-Sound, consistent tackler
-Powerful frame overall and transfers power into hits
-Able to shoot gaps and cause havoc behind the line of scrimmage
-Plays with a clear chip on his shoulder and has something to prove on every snap
-Never have to question his effort or motor
-Shows ability to work through traffic and find the football
-Good overall feel in zone coverage to disrupt throwing windows
The Bad
-Quite small for the position overall with obvious length and height issues
-Slow to read and react against the run
-Much more efficient when on the move pre-snap, which can’t happen every time
-Lack of length hinders his ability to stay clean against climbing OL
-Explosion and burst just not part of his game
-Build doesn’t match play style; not a run stuffer
Bio
-Played in 36 career games at Virginia Tech
-Finished three-year career with 293 total tackles, 34.