Steelers signed Western Michigan RB Jarvion Franklin.
Franklin (6’0/239) graduated at the Broncos’ all-time leader in rushing yards (4,867) and all-purpose TDs (56), averaging 5.2 career yards per carry with 61 receptions. Franklin’s had a high college fumble rate and showed sub-par athleticism at the Combine, managing 13th-percentile SPARQ results with 4.63 speed and a 9-foot-1 broad jump. Lacking explosive burst and not particularly physical despite his size, Williams is a long shot for an extended NFL career.
Steelers signed Florida State OLB Matthew Thomas.
Thomas (6’3/232) made 27 career starts for the Seminoles, tallying 20 tackles for loss with three sacks and one forced fumble. An enigmatic underachiever at FSU, Thomas reminded of his five-star recruit athleticism by registering 95th-percentile SPARQ results at the Combine, then blazing a 4.44 forty at the FSU Pro Day. Thomas is purely a height-weight-speed prospect whose shortage of college production and shaky off-field history are significant concerns.
Steelers signed Toledo DE Ola Adeniyi.
Adeniyi (6’2/248) went pro after breaking out as a 2017 redshirt junior, finishing third in the MAC in tackles for loss (20) with a team-high 8.5 sacks. Adeniyi won as a speedy edge rusher for the Rockets, but he tested as a lowly 20th-percentile athlete at the Combine with marginal speed (4.83) and a sluggish 7.21 three-cone time. Adeniyi’s NFL upside is probably a situational edge player and special teamer.
Steelers signed Pittsburgh WR Quadree Henderson.
Henderson (5’8/192) turned pro after three seasons with the Pitt Panthers, logging 45 career catches and 98 rushing attempts as a gadget player on offense. He made his mark on special teams, scoring four kickoff return TDs and three on punt returns. Henderson showed underwhelming speed for his size in Indy, however, running 4.5-flat and testing as a 26th-percentile SPARQ athlete. Unlikely to become an offensive factor in the NFL, Henderson’s ticket to a career will come strictly in the return game.
