‘Quick learner’ Dravon Askew-Henry can contribute to Steelers as rookie

Dravon Askew-Henry recognizes the modern NFL safety has a long and varied job description.

The former Aliquippa and West Virginia standout insists he can handle the gig for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

An undrafted free agent signed after the draft, Askew-Henry joins a team that would seem to have an opening for a rookie safety to make the roster. He will continue his quest to be that guy when organized team activities commence next week at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

“I’m versatile. I am gonna do whatever I got to do to make the team win,” Askew-Henry said.

“You got to cover. You’ve got to [be] willing to go out there on an island, come in the box to tackle, and I feel like I can do all of that.”

After being one of the most sought-after recruits in Pennsylvania in 2014, Askew-Henry set the WVU record for games started (51) with six career interceptions.

While his best route onto the Steelers roster as a rookie likely would be via special teams, Askew-Henry seems to have an ability to impress coaches with the cerebral aspect of his game.

“I’m a quick learner,” he said after a rookie mini-camp session last week. “… Anything you throw at me, I’m going to conquer it.”

After starters Sean Davis and Terrell Edmunds, second-year player Marcus Allen and veteran special teams standout Jordan Dangerfield, the Steelers lack organizational depth at safety. Askew-Henry and fellow undrafted free agent P.J. Locke could be competing for a job.

“I’m always for the competition,” Askew-Henry said. “I feel like I did good (at rookie minicamp), but I still got stuff I got to improve on. I have to get into the playbook, studying, getting to know the plays, getting to know my teammates. I can keep learning. That’s one thing about me: I’m coachable, so I come in here every day ready to learn something new.”

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