Steelers Interested in Explosive Mercer DB Tavion McCarthy

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of multiple teams interested in Mercer defensive back Tavion McCarthy, according to Justin Melo of the Draft Network. McCarthy is drawing interest from the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and Tampa Bay Buccaneeers.

“I’ve had great contact with the Steelers. I also received an invite to the Bears’ local day. It’s all happening for me right now. It feels like a huge blessing. I’m getting some attention. The Colts and Buccaneers have also been in contact. There’s some buzz behind my name right now,” McCarthy told Melo.

McCarthy is best known for flying into the sky with an enormous 44-inch vertical. That mark, which he achieved at his pro day, is the fifth-best mark since 1999, so it’s something to note.

What a 44-inch vert looks like

Mercer DB Tavion McCarthy just became a more well-known prospect. pic.twitter.com/5M1b3BNz8e

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 27, 2024

In addition to those numbers, McCarthy had a broad jump of 11-foot-1-inch while running a 4.53 40-yard dash. The Steelers had multiple scouts that you can see in the video, including Braunson Williams and Dennis MacInnes, so it is not a surprise to see him on the radar after those impressive jumps in front of two scouts.

The 5-foot-8, 197 pound cornerback looks like a slot cornerback in the NFL with his size, but at his weight, he should be able to handle duties on earlier downs, too. And the explosiveness is not just a pro day phenomenon, but pops on tape when McCarthy is coming downhill. He picked off two passes for Mercer in 2023 while adding five pass deflections and 54 tackles in 13 games for the Bears.

As a likely undrafted free agent, McCarthy is the type of prospect who might sign for some bonus money. With his measurables and easy projectiles into the slot cornerback position, McCarthy’s presence on the Steelers’ radar is not surprising, considering their need at that spot. Now, it will depend upon where he lands in the class and how much interest he commands in the process.