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✦✦✦Official 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread (1 Viewer)

Sept. 7 Cleveland Browns, 1

Sept. 11 at Baltimore Ravens (Thu), 8:25

Sept. 21 at Carolina Panthers, 8:30

Sept. 28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1

Oct. 5 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1

Oct. 12 at Cleveland Browns, 1

Oct. 20 Houston Texans (Mon), 8:30

Oct. 26 Indianapolis Colts, 4:25

Nov. 2 Baltimore Ravens, 8:30*

Nov. 9 at New York Jets, 1

Nov. 17 at Tennessee Titans (Mon), 8:30

Nov. 23 BYE

Nov. 30 New Orleans Saints, 1

Dec. 7 at Cincinnati Bengals, 1

Dec. 14 at Atlanta Falcons, 1

Dec. 21 Kansas City Chiefs, 1

Dec. 28 Cincinnati Bengals, 1

 
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Sept. 7 Cleveland Browns, 1 W
Sept. 11 at Baltimore Ravens (Thu), 8:25 L
Sept. 21 at Carolina Panthers, 8:30 L
Sept. 28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 W
Oct. 5 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 W
Oct. 12 at Cleveland Browns, 1 L
Oct. 20 Houston Texans (Mon), 8:30 W
Oct. 26 Indianapolis Colts, 4:25 L
Nov. 2 Baltimore Ravens, 8:30* W
Nov. 9 at New York Jets, 1 L
Nov. 17 at Tennessee Titans (Mon), 8:30 L
Nov. 23 BYE
Nov. 30 New Orleans Saints, 1 L
Dec. 7 at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 L
Dec. 14 at Atlanta Falcons, 1 L
Dec. 21 Kansas City Chiefs, 1 L
Dec. 28 Cincinnati Bengals, 1 W

6-10 is quite plausible. Some winnable road games could push them to 9-7 or 8-8 maybe.

 
Idiot Boxer said:
Just about everyone projects the Steelers to pick a CB in round 1.

Colbert has never taken a CB in round 1.
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They said the same thing about G a few years back and we still picked David DeCastro, same thing with C Maurkice Pouncey

 
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IHEARTFF said:
Sept. 7 Cleveland Browns, 1 W

Sept. 11 at Baltimore Ravens (Thu), 8:25 L

Sept. 21 at Carolina Panthers, 8:30 L

Sept. 28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 W

Oct. 5 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 W

Oct. 12 at Cleveland Browns, 1 L

Oct. 20 Houston Texans (Mon), 8:30 W

Oct. 26 Indianapolis Colts, 4:25 L

Nov. 2 Baltimore Ravens, 8:30* W

Nov. 9 at New York Jets, 1 L

Nov. 17 at Tennessee Titans (Mon), 8:30 L

Nov. 23 BYE

Nov. 30 New Orleans Saints, 1 L

Dec. 7 at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 L

Dec. 14 at Atlanta Falcons, 1 L

Dec. 21 Kansas City Chiefs, 1 L

Dec. 28 Cincinnati Bengals, 1 W

6-10 is quite plausible. Some winnable road games could push them to 9-7 or 8-8 maybe.
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I wonder when the last time the Steelers went 1-7 on the road was.

 
Ike Taylor being Ike Taylor:

Ike Taylor is one Steelers player who doesn’t mind discussing team personnel matters, and he made an interesting comment Tuesday on his TribLiveRadio show.

Asked about the upcoming draft, Taylor said he thinks the Steelers will go for a cornerback in the first round — Bradley Roby, Darqueze Dennard or Justin Gilbert are the most-likely targets — then grab Clemson wide receiver Martavis Bryant in a later round — which would probably be the second round.
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Idiot Boxer said:
Unlike the rest of you so far, I think this schedule is very manageable and a winning season is likely.
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I agree. someone on reddit posted this earlier:

All of our games this season are in the Eastern Time Zone except the Titans game which is in the Central Time Zone and is on Monday Night Football. All but four of our games are no more than 6 hours by car away from Heinz Field, our furthest games even by commercial jet are only a 3 and a half hour flight. No jet lag, no excuses for a bad season. Everything is set up for us to have a great year.
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moondog said:
Lutherman2112 said:
Steelers exercise option on Heyward

Not familiar with the new option on players drafted in the first round. Can the Steelers negotiate a new contract with Heyward after June 1st? Any effects on the cap this year?
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No cap impact this year at all for exercising the option. Just means that Heyward cannot become a UFA until after the 2015 season but the Steelers can also try to negotiate a new contract with heyward. If they cannot comes to terms on a contract then Heyward gets paid the average of the 4th through the 25th highest salaries paid to DE's for the 2015 season.
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That part right there makes me pretty sure he's getting a longterm deal

 
Could Aaron Donald (right out of Pitt no less) be the biggest answer to our defense?

I've been pretty big on getting secondary help or maybe a big receiving option. Hell even if a top OT slides.

But he looks like he could fit into the End spot opposite of Heyward and just destroy some people. Short? Yeah, but otherwise he is a phenom.

Team has already met with him. The type of talent he displays as a 290# man is pretty obscene.

Also, it doesnt appear that we are meeting with any WR/TEs that warrant a solid 1-2 round grade. CBs, Ss, and DLs.

 
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Drunken Cowboy said:
Kenny Powers said:
3C said:
Speaking of the 9ers and trading down. link
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I wouldnt mind doing this, but zero chance they do something like this. I think Smith's bomb alert thing is worse than getting a DUI.
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I don't think they are suggesting that the Steelers would get Smith in the trade.
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Right, they're talking about the 9ers needing someone to replace Smith and trading up to the Steelers pick . Steelers get extra picks in that scenario.

 
3C said:
Drunken Cowboy said:
Kenny Powers said:
3C said:
Speaking of the 9ers and trading down. link
Click to expand...
I wouldnt mind doing this, but zero chance they do something like this. I think Smith's bomb alert thing is worse than getting a DUI.
Click to expand...
I don't think they are suggesting that the Steelers would get Smith in the trade.
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Right, they're talking about the 9ers needing someone to replace Smith and trading up to the Steelers pick . Steelers get extra picks in that scenario.
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I wasnt exactly 100% sober when I read that article, so that does make more sense then.

 
Kiper and McShay released their latest mocks today. Neither of them have Dennard, Donald, Dix, Beckham being available at 15, as well as of course Mike Evans. Seems like everyone but ol' Mel has Ebron gone by our pick, as well as most of the aforementioned. With Bridgewater free-falling its looking most likely only 2 QBs go ahead of us.

Starting to look like the most likely players/picks for us would be Gilbert, Fuller, Barr, Mosley, Lee, Cooks, Pryor in probably about that order.

After reading about Roby I want nothing to do with him and thats not even considering off-field stuff. Nix would seem be an afterthought at 15 these days as it seems more likely he goes early 2nd than in the 1st.

 
Kenny Powers said:
Kiper and McShay released their latest mocks today. Neither of them have Dennard, Donald, Dix, Beckham being available at 15, as well as of course Mike Evans. Seems like everyone but ol' Mel has Ebron gone by our pick, as well as most of the aforementioned. With Bridgewater free-falling its looking most likely only 2 QBs go ahead of us.

Starting to look like the most likely players/picks for us would be Gilbert, Fuller, Barr, Mosley, Lee, Cooks, Pryor in probably about that order.

After reading about Roby I want nothing to do with him and thats not even considering off-field stuff. Nix would seem be an afterthought at 15 these days as it seems more likely he goes early 2nd than in the 1st.
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I'm hoping we trade back in the 1st and acquire some additional picks in later rounds.

 
The Hank said:
Kenny Powers said:
Kiper and McShay released their latest mocks today. Neither of them have Dennard, Donald, Dix, Beckham being available at 15, as well as of course Mike Evans. Seems like everyone but ol' Mel has Ebron gone by our pick, as well as most of the aforementioned. With Bridgewater free-falling its looking most likely only 2 QBs go ahead of us.

Starting to look like the most likely players/picks for us would be Gilbert, Fuller, Barr, Mosley, Lee, Cooks, Pryor in probably about that order.

After reading about Roby I want nothing to do with him and thats not even considering off-field stuff. Nix would seem be an afterthought at 15 these days as it seems more likely he goes early 2nd than in the 1st.
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I'm hoping we trade back in the 1st and acquire some additional picks in later rounds.
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Of course, all of us do and so do fans of any other team picking around 15-22 or so in all liklihood. Come next Thursday I'll be happy if we can do that, but Im doubting some other team is going to trade up to where we're at. If someone I mentioned in that previous post who is expected to be gone at 15 falls to us, maybe a trade would happen but then again its still more likely we just keep that pick and scoop up the player who fell. If none of them fall, I dont really see a player available at that point who teams are going to be scrambling to trade up for to get and give up picks in the process.

 
I'd like to hear your opinions on which player is better for the Steelers system regardless of whether they are drafted at 1.15 or later in the draft.

Q1. Odell Beckum vs. Kelvin Benjamin

Beckum appears to be Haley's wet dream. Tremendous hands, plays with incredible quickness and very good speed. Will excel at the short passing game and WR screens. Flat out playmaker in both the return game and split out wide. The only thing Beckum is missing is height. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they have a need for another red zone target more than another quick WR.

Benjamin would give Big Ben a tall wide receiver with great wing span that he has lobbied for since Paxico left the Burg. He's not a burner but moves very well for a big man and has incredible ball skills when he keeps his focus. He excels at high pointing the ball and can frustrate shorter defenders by leaping over them to make contested catches. Benjamin is raw as a route runner and needs to develop. He often compensates by pushing off defenders to create separation. This could be a liability when it comes to quick timing passes which are a staple in Haley's offense.

Q2. Darqueze Dennard vs. Kyle Fuller

Dennard is the higher rated CB on most of the draft nik boards. He could be the best shut down CB prospect when you put him on an island. His weakness is working in zone coverage. Pittsburgh could compensate for this by playing a hybrid zone/cover scheme or just keep Dennard out in the flat where he should be more effective.

Fuller is projected to be the best zone coverage CB in the 2014 draft. He is not as athletic as Dennard, but he is the very technically sound with good instincts. Fuller also plays well around the line of scrimmage providing great run support. He's a smart player and excells at keeping the play in front of him. Pittsburgh was one of the worst in the league last year giving up more big plays of 20+ yards and is looking soft when it comes to stopping the run. Fuller could help in both areas.

 
Saw Benjamin in the championship game and was not impressed. I have a gut feeling he is going to be the guy though. Blah.

 
i send an annual Steelers draft prediction to the guys at work. pick it apart as you like--enjoy!

let's see if i can't keep up with my historical trend of getting at least one pick correct. Everyone knows that the steelers need one big wide receiver and then a lot of help on defense. With an incredibly deep draft at WR, expect Kevin Colbert and company to wait until the 3rd round yet again to select their newest target for big Ben. That pick will be bookended by corners and nose tackles and linebackers, oh my. Here goes:

Round 1: What defines the Steelers defense? Stopping the run. Without the wide body of Casey Hampton clogging running lanes in 2013, the defense gave up big chunks of yardage on the ground: 116 yards per game at 4.3 yards per carry as compared to 90 yards per game (3.7 per tote) in 2012. That dropped them from the #2 rush defense to the #20 rush defense in just one season. There's just one snag: there is no stand-out nose tackle in this draft so the Steelers can wait to grab one. Instead, we'll shore up the secondary with a high-end cornerback. We'd be happy with any one of Justin Gilbert, Darqueze Dennard or Kyle Fuller so it's a lock that a solid CB will be available for the picking. When in doubt, take the fastest guy especially if he can return kicks. That means Justin Gilbert (CB-OSU) wil be the newest Steeler on Thursday.

Round 2: A sweet spot to grab a nose tackle as either Louis Nix from Notre Dame, Timmy Jernigan (FSU), or Rashed Hageman (Minn) all fit the bill. Nix's stock has dropped him out of the first round but he'll probably be snatched before the mid-second. Jernigan would be the best fit here as Nix is not athletic enough anyway and Hageman is too tall. The Black and Gold would do well to add Timmy Jernigan (NT-FSU) in round two. However, I fear they have fallen in love with another FSU product, wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin who may be taken instead. He is a Plaxico Burress clone who could fall to them in round two and you don't pass up 6'5" receivers very often. In this case we should, as Jernigan is the better pick.

Round 3: If the Steelers pass on Benjamin then they've got to go WR in round 3. Steadily rising up draft boards is Donte Moncrief (WR-Ole Miss) who fills the need for a bigger (6'2", 220#) wide receiver to go along with Antonio and Marcus. Moncrief can run, too, with a 4.34 forty time and he's also a solid blocker. A real steal with a compensatory 3rd round selection. If we screw around with Benjamin in round two, expect us to grab that NT here, and I like Justin Ellis in this spot.

Round 4: If Seattle proved anything in 2013 it's that a deep and talented crew of cornerbacks can turn a good defense into a Super Bowl winning defense. And the Steelers love the size and potential of Keith McGill (CB-Utah) to go along with Gilbert from round one. With those two selections, the secondary goes from an aging unit that was a liability to a strength of a defense reborn. McGill has great height and size but is a little raw. Sound like Ike Taylor from a few years back? And Ike was a 4th rounder, too.

Round 5: Seeking a change of pace back to spell Leveon Bell, we happily welcome Lache Seastrunk (RB-Baylor) whose draft stock fell due to a slower than expected run in the combine. He plays fast and looks a little like Maurice Jones-Drew. Seastrunk adds good speed on offense to compliment the smurf WR corps. He is also a viable kick returner.

Round 5: Still filling needs, we go back to the defense with outside linebacker Jordan Zumwalt (LB-UCLA). Not the flashiest player, Zumwalt has the high motor that Coach Tomlin likes and he has good size. Expect him to be a project but he could easily make the team given the current thinness at the LB position.

Round 6: Steelers select an intriguing TE prospect in Blake Annen (TE-CIN) who was not very productive as a receiver in college but performed well at the combine. He has decent size (6'4", 247#) and could develop into an offensive threat as Heath Miller teaches him the craft.

Round 6: Why not take a flyer on a left tackle? He might be camp fodder but sign up a big man in this spot. I'll take a shot and say Matt Patchan (LT-BC) is the pick. The Steelers like to take players who have fallen through the cracks due to injuries and Patchan missed a lot of playing time at BC. You can't teach 6'6" with speed so he may just earn a roster spot to challenge Mike Adams.

Round 7: Punters. There, I got your blood pressure up. Why can't we at least have a mediocre punter? One last need is addressed with Steven Clark (P-Aub) who has a knack for getting the ball out of bounds inside the 20. Don't expect him to be the second coming of Ray Guy but at least he won't be Zoltan Mesko or Matt McBriar.

 
Great post, but I doubt if Moncrief slides to the 3rd. If he's gone, and the Steelers still go WR, then who do you think that they would select??

 
A lot of wishful thinking in that draft. Gilbert will be gone before Pitt picks for sure. Jernigan will as well. McGill is a stretch in round 4 as well. He will be gone in the 3rd at the latest.

 
jurb26 said:
A lot of wishful thinking in that draft. Gilbert will be gone before Pitt picks for sure. Jernigan will as well. McGill is a stretch in round 4 as well. He will be gone in the 3rd at the latest.
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You're right on the wishful thinking. Players fall every year (2012, David DeCastro for instance) but it is unlikely that just the ones that fit the Steelers will, but no harm in hoping. FWIW, Mayock has Gilbert at #23 and Dennard at #19 so we very well might have our pick of those two. I think McGill is the bigger stretch--he seems to be on the rise. Maybe a little trade up would do the trick.

 
Grid71 said:
I'd like to hear your opinions on which player is better for the Steelers system regardless of whether they are drafted at 1.15 or later in the draft.

Q1. Odell Beckum vs. Kelvin Benjamin

Beckum appears to be Haley's wet dream. Tremendous hands, plays with incredible quickness and very good speed. Will excel at the short passing game and WR screens. Flat out playmaker in both the return game and split out wide. The only thing Beckum is missing is height. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they have a need for another red zone target more than another quick WR.

Benjamin would give Big Ben a tall wide receiver with great wing span that he has lobbied for since Paxico left the Burg. He's not a burner but moves very well for a big man and has incredible ball skills when he keeps his focus. He excels at high pointing the ball and can frustrate shorter defenders by leaping over them to make contested catches. Benjamin is raw as a route runner and needs to develop. He often compensates by pushing off defenders to create separation. This could be a liability when it comes to quick timing passes which are a staple in Haley's offense.

Q2. Darqueze Dennard vs. Kyle Fuller

Dennard is the higher rated CB on most of the draft nik boards. He could be the best shut down CB prospect when you put him on an island. His weakness is working in zone coverage. Pittsburgh could compensate for this by playing a hybrid zone/cover scheme or just keep Dennard out in the flat where he should be more effective.

Fuller is projected to be the best zone coverage CB in the 2014 draft. He is not as athletic as Dennard, but he is the very technically sound with good instincts. Fuller also plays well around the line of scrimmage providing great run support. He's a smart player and excells at keeping the play in front of him. Pittsburgh was one of the worst in the league last year giving up more big plays of 20+ yards and is looking soft when it comes to stopping the run. Fuller could help in both areas.
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I dont want Benjamin. Assuming Watkins and Evans are gone, give me Beckham or Lee.

I'll take whoever we can get of Dennard, Gilbert, or Fuller, and hope/expect our pick to be a CB.

 
jurb26 said:
A lot of wishful thinking in that draft. Gilbert will be gone before Pitt picks for sure. Jernigan will as well. McGill is a stretch in round 4 as well. He will be gone in the 3rd at the latest.
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Maybe both Gilbert and Dennard are gone at 15, but I have a feeling both wont. Too many other really good prospects in that range and other postional needs of the teams picking 9-14.

 
I think the team stated that NT have been devalued as the passing game has become primary focus.

Last year we only used base defense with a NT on 35% of the plays. Hard to go NT in round 1 like that.

He has to bring some pop in the pass rush as well. Jernigan has been outed as "often the last lineman to move off the ball".

 
pecorino said:
jurb26 said:
A lot of wishful thinking in that draft. Gilbert will be gone before Pitt picks for sure. Jernigan will as well. McGill is a stretch in round 4 as well. He will be gone in the 3rd at the latest.
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You're right on the wishful thinking. Players fall every year (2012, David DeCastro for instance) but it is unlikely that just the ones that fit the Steelers will, but no harm in hoping. FWIW, Mayock has Gilbert at #23 and Dennard at #19 so we very well might have our pick of those two. I think McGill is the bigger stretch--he seems to be on the rise. Maybe a little trade up would do the trick.
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Absent of Gilbert, the clear #1 CB, I think Pitt takes Fuller over Dennard. I'm betting a lot of teams have Fuller as their #2 CB actually. He's a much better fit for a team like Pitt. He's better in off coverage, has better hips and feet than Dennard. I think Pitt will be picking between Fuller/Dennard and they take Fuller. I think Gilbert is a pipe dream, regardless of where Mayock or other media types rank him. No way I can see him falling past Tenn at 11 and SF is a real contender to trade up for him.

Sure guys fall every year, but CB is a demand position in the NFL and we normally see them go earlier than expected, not later. G is the opposite.

I'd like to see Pitt come out of the first 2 rounds with Fuller and Nix III, personally. That to me would be best possibly situation. I don't think Nix will fall that far unfortunately. Round 3 would be the ideal place to target a WR IMO. The class is deep enough to land a solid player there and Pitt doesn't need a WR1, they need a complementary guy across from Brown. After that just take the BPA regardless of position.

The wild card I could see is if a guy like Barr drops to the Steelers pick. A guy like that is just too good to pass up.

 
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Grid71 said:
I'd like to hear your opinions on which player is better for the Steelers system regardless of whether they are drafted at 1.15 or later in the draft.

Q1. Odell Beckum vs. Kelvin Benjamin

Beckum appears to be Haley's wet dream. Tremendous hands, plays with incredible quickness and very good speed. Will excel at the short passing game and WR screens. Flat out playmaker in both the return game and split out wide. The only thing Beckum is missing is height. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they have a need for another red zone target more than another quick WR.

Benjamin would give Big Ben a tall wide receiver with great wing span that he has lobbied for since Paxico left the Burg. He's not a burner but moves very well for a big man and has incredible ball skills when he keeps his focus. He excels at high pointing the ball and can frustrate shorter defenders by leaping over them to make contested catches. Benjamin is raw as a route runner and needs to develop. He often compensates by pushing off defenders to create separation. This could be a liability when it comes to quick timing passes which are a staple in Haley's offense.

Q2. Darqueze Dennard vs. Kyle Fuller

Dennard is the higher rated CB on most of the draft nik boards. He could be the best shut down CB prospect when you put him on an island. His weakness is working in zone coverage. Pittsburgh could compensate for this by playing a hybrid zone/cover scheme or just keep Dennard out in the flat where he should be more effective.

Fuller is projected to be the best zone coverage CB in the 2014 draft. He is not as athletic as Dennard, but he is the very technically sound with good instincts. Fuller also plays well around the line of scrimmage providing great run support. He's a smart player and excells at keeping the play in front of him. Pittsburgh was one of the worst in the league last year giving up more big plays of 20+ yards and is looking soft when it comes to stopping the run. Fuller could help in both areas.
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Love the thought of Benjamin (beast) but only if he can learn to concentrate and catch consistently.

Is off/zone a weakness for Dennard or something he just hasn't done a lot because he wasn't asked to? He's a great athlete and I think if asked he could play off coverage. :shrug:

 
3C said:
Grid71 said:
I'd like to hear your opinions on which player is better for the Steelers system regardless of whether they are drafted at 1.15 or later in the draft.

Q1. Odell Beckum vs. Kelvin Benjamin

Beckum appears to be Haley's wet dream. Tremendous hands, plays with incredible quickness and very good speed. Will excel at the short passing game and WR screens. Flat out playmaker in both the return game and split out wide. The only thing Beckum is missing is height. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they have a need for another red zone target more than another quick WR.

Benjamin would give Big Ben a tall wide receiver with great wing span that he has lobbied for since Paxico left the Burg. He's not a burner but moves very well for a big man and has incredible ball skills when he keeps his focus. He excels at high pointing the ball and can frustrate shorter defenders by leaping over them to make contested catches. Benjamin is raw as a route runner and needs to develop. He often compensates by pushing off defenders to create separation. This could be a liability when it comes to quick timing passes which are a staple in Haley's offense.

Q2. Darqueze Dennard vs. Kyle Fuller

Dennard is the higher rated CB on most of the draft nik boards. He could be the best shut down CB prospect when you put him on an island. His weakness is working in zone coverage. Pittsburgh could compensate for this by playing a hybrid zone/cover scheme or just keep Dennard out in the flat where he should be more effective.

Fuller is projected to be the best zone coverage CB in the 2014 draft. He is not as athletic as Dennard, but he is the very technically sound with good instincts. Fuller also plays well around the line of scrimmage providing great run support. He's a smart player and excells at keeping the play in front of him. Pittsburgh was one of the worst in the league last year giving up more big plays of 20+ yards and is looking soft when it comes to stopping the run. Fuller could help in both areas.
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Love the thought of Benjamin (beast) but only if he can learn to concentrate and catch consistently.Is off/zone a weakness for Dennard or something he just hasn't done a lot because he wasn't asked to? He's a great athlete and I think if asked he could play off coverage. :shrug:
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Weakness probably isn't the right term for Dennard playing off. He's a top CB and is relatively good at everything but his calling card is his aggressiveness both at the LOS and as a tackler (which he is surprising good at given his size). When compared to guys like Gilbert and Fuller however, he's got a tightness that is apparent and doesn't transition out of his back peddle nearly as well. Those guys are particularly good at it. He's probably just good at it. Seeing Pitt normally asks their CBs to play off I think it would be a problem for them.I should add that I think the part of Fuller being less athletic and tech sound than Dennard is totally wrong. Fuller is a better athlete than Dennard and the testing results confirm that. His rep at VTech was a guy with unreal natural skills but never able to fully put it together. His risk would be how adept his is to coaching IMO. Regardless, I think his game transitions better to the NFL than Dennard.

 
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jurb26 said:
pecorino said:
jurb26 said:
A lot of wishful thinking in that draft. Gilbert will be gone before Pitt picks for sure. Jernigan will as well. McGill is a stretch in round 4 as well. He will be gone in the 3rd at the latest.
Click to expand...
You're right on the wishful thinking. Players fall every year (2012, David DeCastro for instance) but it is unlikely that just the ones that fit the Steelers will, but no harm in hoping. FWIW, Mayock has Gilbert at #23 and Dennard at #19 so we very well might have our pick of those two. I think McGill is the bigger stretch--he seems to be on the rise. Maybe a little trade up would do the trick.
Click to expand...
Absent of Gilbert, the clear #1 CB, I think Pitt takes Fuller over Dennard. I'm betting a lot of teams have Fuller as their #2 CB actually. He's a much better fit for a team like Pitt. He's better in off coverage, has better hips and feet than Dennard. I think Pitt will be picking between Fuller/Dennard and they take Fuller.I think Gilbert is a pipe dream, regardless of where Mayock or other media types rank him. No way I can see him falling past Tenn at 11 and SF is a real contender to trade up for him.

Sure guys fall every year, but CB is a demand position in the NFL and we normally see them go earlier than expected, not later. G is the opposite.

I'd like to see Pitt come out of the first 2 rounds with Fuller and Nix III, personally. That to me would be best possibly situation. I don't think Nix will fall that far unfortunately. Round 3 would be the ideal place to target a WR IMO. The class is deep enough to land a solid player there and Pitt doesn't need a WR1, they need a complementary guy across from Brown. After that just take the BPA regardless of position.

The wild card I could see is if a guy like Barr drops to the Steelers pick. A guy like that is just too good to pass up.
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Really? Seems like Barr has a few red flags for going that high. Id definitely rather have any of the top 3 CBs, a WR if its not Benjamin, or a guy who possibly slides a few picks like Ebron or Dix.

 
Gilbert is the only CB on par with Barr as far as talent IMO. Barr is an impact player, top 10. He's raw and needs coaching/development. He's only played LB for 1 year. I think Pitt would love to mold him into the type of player they want.

 
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Class Dismissed said:
Our Player development the past few years doesn't exactly have me brimming with confidence that we can coach up Barr.
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That is probably more of an indictment of the player rather than the coaching staff. I don't think there is a better linebacker coach in the NFL than Keith Butler.

 
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