PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' first wave of pre-draft visitors included quarterback flavor (Josh Dobbs, Pat Mahomes), playmakers (Chris Godwin, James Conner) and a hybrid safety (Budda Baker).

But the visit of Florida's Jarrad Davis intrigues because of where he plays, which is where the Steelers took their big free-agency swing: Inside linebacker.

Last month, after Lawrence Timmons left for Miami, the team made an offer to pricey linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who re-signed with the Patriots for more than $10 million per year.

Now, the Steelers are content playing Vince Williams alongside Ryan Shazier. But the addition of a third playmaker at this spot would create an imposing lineup for AFC North play.

ESPN analyst Joe Banner caught my attention this week by tweeting that Davis -- whom Mel Kiper has going in the late-first-round -- is the most underrated prospect in this year's class.

Davis shrugged off a lingering ankle injury with a stellar pro day, running a 4.56 40 and jumping 38 1/2 inches. The New York Giants could target Davis at No. 23 overall, according to Kiper.

Davis has embraced linebacker, but that wasn't always the case. Check out this feature note from ESPN's draft research department:

• Growing up in Kingsland, Georgia, just 90 miles northeast of Gainesville, Davis was a two-way player who fancied himself a running back. One day his coaches at Camden County High School moved him exclusively to linebacker. "I remember the day he came home," his mother, Amy, recalled. "He didn't want to play that position. I told him either you can make a choice to play [it] or you can come home and do your chores every day. It didn't really make a difference to me. He chose to play linebacker."

While many (including myself) have pegged pass rush, secondary or offensive playmaker as top-three-round needs for the Steelers, inside linebacker will be a consideration, too. In recent years, the Steelers added safety Mike Mitchell and tight end Ladarius Green in free agency, obvious responses to the aging Troy Polamalu and Heath Miller. Timmons' departure also requires a response, either with a Williams promotion, a draft pick or both.