✦✦✦Official 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread (2 Viewers)

[Evilgrin 72]

They wanted a red zone target, they got one.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I love the pick at this point. Really don't have an issue with any of their picks so far, my only real issue is that they haven't addressed CB.

 

[Bojang0301]

He may be Limas Sweed but at least we didn't waste a 2nd on him

 

[Faust]

Mayock:

"First round talent that dropped based on maturity issues, and only one year of production."

I think the Steelers are a great fit, and are the type of organization that can straighten out the maturity challenges with Bryant.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I don't think Bryant has the skill set to be an effective flanker. Not tough over the middle, poor hands. To me he feels more like a backup X and sub package (4-5 wide/red zone) guy. Probably won't see many snaps this season, but good value this late.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

6-4, 211#, 4.42s 40Y, 39” vert

OVERVIEW
Was a non-qualifier as a South Carolina prep and spent 2010 at Hargrave Military Academy (Va.). Joined Clemson in '11 when he played all 14 games (two starts) and tallied nine receptions for 221 yards (24.6-yard average) and two touchdowns. Appeared in 10 games in '12, managing 10-305-4 (30.1). Did not play against Boston College or Georgia Tech (groin), and was academically ineligible for the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Started 11-of-13 games in '13, totaling 42-828-7 (19.7). Did not start against Wake Forest as punishment for a throat-slash gesture, and gave way to a fullback and tight end against Maryland. Also returned 14 career kickoffs for 291 yards (20.8).


STRENGTHS
Superb body length with a long, rangy frame. Very good straight-line, separation speed. Can drop his hips surprisingly well for as tall as he is and is fairly shifty after the catch. Good red-zone target -- effective making back-shoulder catches. Flashes the ability to climb the ladder and highpoint the ball. Has return experience.

WEAKNESSES
Shaky hands -- tends to double-clutch the ball and makes too many easy drops. Is not a polished route runner -- is stiff in and out of his breaks. Lacks toughness desired to work the middle of the field. Must prove that he is willing to work to assimilate a playbook and learn the finer points of the game.

DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 4-5

BOTTOM LINE
A lean, long-limbed, rangy, outside-the-numbers, big-play receiver, Bryant declared for the draft early with underclassmen nipping at his playing time late in the season. Will require additional seasoning to make a mark in the pro game. A better tester than football player at this stage of his development, he has tools to be molded if he learns to hone his focus.

-Nolan Nawrocki

“Boy is he gifted,” Mayock said. “Watching his Pro Day, it was he and ( Sammy) Watkins putting on a show. Great hands, even though he had a bunch of drops at the beginning of the year. He still has great hands. He’s long. He’s fast. He jumps.”

The issue, however, is his one and only consistent collegiate season.

Bryant led the ACC in yards per reception in 2012 (30.5), but on just 10 catches – backing up that impressive number ranking second in the ACC in yards per reception last year (19.7).

“There’s just a historical perspective that I get nervous about taking a one-year wonder in the first or second round,” Mayock said. “The Stephen Hill to the Jets – there’s a bunch of those guys. He has some kind of immaturity off the field issues that have to be addressed as well.”

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Unless we take a developmental utility lineman or TE, I think all of the next 5 picks will be defense.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

6-4, 211#, 4.42s 40Y, 39 vert

OVERVIEW

Was a non-qualifier as a South Carolina prep and spent 2010 at Hargrave Military Academy (Va.). Joined Clemson in '11 when he played all 14 games (two starts) and tallied nine receptions for 221 yards (24.6-yard average) and two touchdowns. Appeared in 10 games in '12, managing 10-305-4 (30.1). Did not play against Boston College or Georgia Tech (groin), and was academically ineligible for the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Started 11-of-13 games in '13, totaling 42-828-7 (19.7). Did not start against Wake Forest as punishment for a throat-slash gesture, and gave way to a fullback and tight end against Maryland. Also returned 14 career kickoffs for 291 yards (20.8).

STRENGTHS

Superb body length with a long, rangy frame. Very good straight-line, separation speed. Can drop his hips surprisingly well for as tall as he is and is fairly shifty after the catch. Good red-zone target -- effective making back-shoulder catches. Flashes the ability to climb the ladder and highpoint the ball. Has return experience.

WEAKNESSES

Shaky hands -- tends to double-clutch the ball and makes too many easy drops. Is not a polished route runner -- is stiff in and out of his breaks. Lacks toughness desired to work the middle of the field. Must prove that he is willing to work to assimilate a playbook and learn the finer points of the game.

DRAFT PROJECTION

Rounds 4-5

BOTTOM LINE

A lean, long-limbed, rangy, outside-the-numbers, big-play receiver, Bryant declared for the draft early with underclassmen nipping at his playing time late in the season. Will require additional seasoning to make a mark in the pro game. A better tester than football player at this stage of his development, he has tools to be molded if he learns to hone his focus.

-Nolan Nawrocki

Boy is he gifted, Mayock said. Watching his Pro Day, it was he and ( Sammy) Watkins putting on a show. Great hands, even though he had a bunch of drops at the beginning of the year. He still has great hands. Hes long. Hes fast. He jumps.

The issue, however, is his one and only consistent collegiate season.

Bryant led the ACC in yards per reception in 2012 (30.5), but on just 10 catches backing up that impressive number ranking second in the ACC in yards per reception last year (19.7).

Theres just a historical perspective that I get nervous about taking a one-year wonder in the first or second round, Mayock said. The Stephen Hill to the Jets theres a bunch of those guys. He has some kind of immaturity off the field issues that have to be addressed as well.

That overview brings one worrisome word to my mind: moron.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Unless we take a developmental utility lineman or TE, I think all of the next 5 picks will be defense.

TE is a real possibility.

 

[duaneok66]

there's still a chance he can do something - Dez Bryant isn't the smartest guy in the world.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I am really liking this draft.

 

[menobrown]

I was upset we passed on Bryant for Archer at the end of the third so I'm just elated.

Steelers have nailed this draft. A+, I think it will go down as best draft of Tomlin era.

Two massive upgrades on the front 7 and both players are ready to contribute right now. I had Tuitt going to 49'ers in my mock.

Then to come back and add a ton of speed to the offense and in time as Bryant learns and matures possibly giving Ben the big receiver he's craved.

I'd say the Bryant pick was probably my happiest moment of the draft. Just outstanding talent meeting need.

No CB help is unfortunate but you can't take care of everything at once.

 

[Bojang0301]

Colt Lyria would be an interesting add. It would be a much different looking offense if all the pieces fit together.

 

[Franknbeans]

He reminds me of Plaxico. All the talent in the world but needs to grow up.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

So as of now, I guess we're dressing Brown, Wheaton, Moore, Heyward-Bey, and Bryant on Sundays. I have to think they classify Archer as an RB although I tend to think he'll see way more snaps in the slot than the backfield.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

He reminds me of Plaxico. All the talent in the world but needs to grow up.

A LOT. Very similar type of player, right down to the ability to make the circus catch but then drop an easy TD. Difference is they got him 3 rounds later, which is why I really like the selection

 

[Franknbeans]

I hear you EG. We're in the bonus rounds now. If any of these selections pan out, it will be gravy.

 

[menobrown]

He reminds me of Plaxico. All the talent in the world but needs to grow up.

A LOT. Very similar type of player, right down to the ability to make the circus catch but then drop an easy TD. Difference is they got him 3 rounds later, which is why I really like the selection

He actually does not remind me of Plaxico. They are both tall and possibly immature but that's where it ends. Benjamin reminded me of Plax. Both of those guys are not only tall but bigger framed guys and a little on the slower side. Bryant is tall but his frame is not as big as those two and I don't know Plax's hand size and reach but Bryant is a little low on both of those plus Plax was a legit two inches taller. The one advantage Bryant has is he's faster and probably quicker.

I don't put Bryant near Plax's class but love the pick in the 4th but I also was elated when the Steelers took Plax.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Is there any cb left that could surprise or has that ship sailed?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I hear you EG. We're in the bonus rounds now. If any of these selections pan out, it will be gravy.

Why is this bonus? This is where good teams separate from the pack. With how many rookies make teams and contribute now combined with the rookie wage scale, these rounds are just as important as any other.

 

[Franknbeans]

I hear you EG. We're in the bonus rounds now. If any of these selections pan out, it will be gravy.

Why is this bonus? This is where good teams separate from the pack. With how many rookies make teams and contribute now combined with the rookie wage scale, these rounds are just as important as any other.

I agree but there aren't many Antonio Brown's that actually work out. I think we are seeing a major shift in that teams need to start relying on rookies earlier, especially the Steelers. Their first 2 picks prove they are thinking like that and hopefully they find at least a couple of gems in these later rounds.

 

[lod01]

Mayock:

"First round talent that dropped based on maturity issues, and only one year of production."

I think the Steelers are a great fit, and are the type of organization that can straighten out the maturity challenges with Bryant.

Super duper extremely poor man's Randy Moss. Simply a vertical threat. But I like him here. There is nothing in front of him stopping him from being the #2 WR. Drops His Balls will be on the bench after a few weeks if not out of the gate.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

He reminds me of Plaxico. All the talent in the world but needs to grow up.

A LOT. Very similar type of player, right down to the ability to make the circus catch but then drop an easy TD. Difference is they got him 3 rounds later, which is why I really like the selection

He actually does not remind me of Plaxico. They are both tall and possibly immature but that's where it ends. Benjamin reminded me of Plax. Both of those guys are not only tall but bigger framed guys and a little on the slower side. Bryant is tall but his frame is not as big as those two and I don't know Plax's hand size and reach but Bryant is a little low on both of those plus Plax was a legit two inches taller. The one advantage Bryant has is he's faster and probably quicker.

I don't put Bryant near Plax's class but love the pick in the 4th but I also was elated when the Steelers took Plax.

I never thought of Burress as a bigger framed guy. Bryant is a little slighter and a little shorter but also a little faster. Bryant reminds me of Burress in terms of his on field skill set and apparent lack of common sense.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Is there any cb left that could surprise or has that ship sailed?

Best available according to CBS, I don't know much about any of them:

MARCUS ROBERSON -- FLORIDA
RASHAAD REYNOLDS -- OREGON STATE
JEMEA THOMAS -- GEORGIA TECH
NEVIN LAWSON -- UTAH STATE edit: Just went to the Lions
TERRANCE MITCHELL -- OREGON
ANTONE EXUM -- VIRGINIA TECH
KENDALL JAMES -- MAINE
E.J. GAINES -- MISSOURI

 

[Franknbeans]

Another pick for speed!

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Tom Savage to the Texans might be a steal there.

 

[Franknbeans]

Houston has had a very good draft

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Is there any cb left that could surprise or has that ship sailed?

Best available according to CBS, I don't know much about any of them:

MARCUS ROBERSON -- FLORIDA

RASHAAD REYNOLDS -- OREGON STATE

JEMEA THOMAS -- GEORGIA TECH

NEVIN LAWSON -- UTAH STATE edit: Just went to the Lions

TERRANCE MITCHELL -- OREGON

ANTONE EXUM -- VIRGINIA TECH

KENDALL JAMES -- MAINE

E.J. GAINES -- MISSOURI

Did anyone take Donate Johnson from NC State? He got abused by Watkins, but at 6'2 and 4.45 speed, he has the measurables if not the tape. When you're talking day 3 corners you're looking for a guy you can develop anyway and he has some tools.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Tom Savage to the Texans might be a steal there.

You have to think that's who BOB had rated behind bortles. He's ecstatic I'm sure right now.

College transfer rules are so bad at times.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Purifoy from Florida is another guy. Doesn't have great metrics but living here I saw a lot of Gators football and he seems like the kind of guy who is always around the action.

 

[H8fulHuck]

Is there any cb left that could surprise or has that ship sailed?

Best available according to CBS, I don't know much about any of them:

MARCUS ROBERSON -- FLORIDA
RASHAAD REYNOLDS -- OREGON STATE
JEMEA THOMAS -- GEORGIA TECH
NEVIN LAWSON -- UTAH STATE edit: Just went to the Lions
TERRANCE MITCHELL -- OREGON
ANTONE EXUM -- VIRGINIA TECH
KENDALL JAMES -- MAINE
E.J. GAINES -- MISSOURI

E.J. Gaines is fast and seems to fit the PGH zone scheme. He could be our guy.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Is there any cb left that could surprise or has that ship sailed?

Best available according to CBS, I don't know much about any of them:

MARCUS ROBERSON -- FLORIDA

RASHAAD REYNOLDS -- OREGON STATE

JEMEA THOMAS -- GEORGIA TECH

NEVIN LAWSON -- UTAH STATE edit: Just went to the Lions

TERRANCE MITCHELL -- OREGON

ANTONE EXUM -- VIRGINIA TECH

KENDALL JAMES -- MAINE

E.J. GAINES -- MISSOURI

Did anyone take Donate Johnson from NC State? He got abused by Watkins, but at 6'2 and 4.45 speed, he has the measurables if not the tape. When you're talking day 3 corners you're looking for a guy you can develop anyway and he has some tools.

Went to SF in round 4

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Purifoy from Florida is another guy. Doesn't have great metrics but living here I saw a lot of Gators football and he seems like the kind of guy who is always around the action.

Busted with weed 3 weeks ago, just read that. God, these kids are stupid.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Is there any cb left that could surprise or has that ship sailed?

Best available according to CBS, I don't know much about any of them:

MARCUS ROBERSON -- FLORIDA

RASHAAD REYNOLDS -- OREGON STATE

JEMEA THOMAS -- GEORGIA TECH

NEVIN LAWSON -- UTAH STATE edit: Just went to the Lions

TERRANCE MITCHELL -- OREGON

ANTONE EXUM -- VIRGINIA TECH

KENDALL JAMES -- MAINE

E.J. GAINES -- MISSOURI

Did anyone take Donate Johnson from NC State? He got abused by Watkins, but at 6'2 and 4.45 speed, he has the measurables if not the tape. When you're talking day 3 corners you're looking for a guy you can develop anyway and he has some tools.

Went to SF in round 4

Damn, missed that.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Tom Savage to the Texans might be a steal there.

You have to think that's who BOB had rated behind bortles. He's ecstatic I'm sure right now. College transfer rules are so bad at times.

As a Rutgers alum, I'm not a fan.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

From a pure value standpoint, I wouldn't mind Yankey from Stanford. Big, pulling guard who could back up several positions.

 

[H8fulHuck]

Yankey just went to MIN.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

In other news, I'm now polishing my TV screen because I felt the need to stick my balls on John Harbaugh's forehead on NFL Network.

And as I type this, there goes Yankey.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

In other news, I'm now polishing my TV screen because I felt the need to stick my balls on John Harbaugh's forehead on NFL Network.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

In other news, I'm now polishing my TV screen because I felt the need to stick my balls on John Harbaugh's forehead on NFL Network.

He didn't seem to notice, but my wife walked in as I was doing it.

On my way out to the pool to watch the rest of the draft from a raft.

 

[Bojang0301]

We're the anti-Patriots. Love drafting players that visit us.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I like the pick of Richardson. Good developmental prospect. Has the size and speed to play after he gets coached up a bit and they really don't need a CB this year.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Feel good about the Bryant pick. Don't mind Shaq Richardson either, though I like a few other corners better who remain available. They can still double dip, I guess.

Was getting a semi for Chris Smith for a moment. He'd have been a nice developmental rush OLB.

Still don't care for Archer. Going to need to be Dante Hall/Hester-level returner for me to feel like it was worth it, cuz I don't see him doing a ton 11-on-11.

 

[Franknbeans]

Another speed pick

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Rd 5 compensatory pick: Wesley Johnson, Tackle, Vanderbilt (possible utility lineman ala Beachum)

OVERVIEW

Nashville native who won a state championship and competed in track and field (throws) as a prep. Redshirted in 2009. Started all 12 games at left tackle in '10. Started all 13 games in '11 -- seven at center, four at LT, two at left guard. Started all 26 games at LT 2012-13, allowing just two sacks. Two-year captain.


STRENGTHS

Quick out of his stance. Natural bender with athletic, coordinated movement. Light on his feet and can work his hips. Keeps his hands inside and can pop and recoil. Shuffles, slides and mirrors. Gets to the second level with ease and can wheel around the edge as a puller. Durable, versatile 51-game starter -- has experience playing all across the line. Highly respected, passionate, no-nonsense vocal leader.


WEAKNESSES
Average length. Is not built for power. Needs to bulk up and get functionally stronger. Light anchor -- stressed by power rushers. Does not jolt defenders with his hands. Average explosion/pop on contact. Inconsistent connecting with moving targets and fitting on linebackers. Has had difficulty filling out his frame and maintaining weight.

DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 4-5

BOTTOM LINE
Experienced, intelligent, competitive, athletic, strength-deficient zone blocker. Has everything you want intangibly and has developmental value, but has to make significant strength gains and perfect his technique to survive against longer, more powerful NFL defensive ends. Has worked out as a center in the spring and might be most natural inside.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Versatility on the OL is a great thing.

 

[Bojang0301]

Really like what I read about Johnson. I hope not the case but maybe a potential replacement for Pouncey if we can't get a deal done.

 

[3C's]

There's the big WR.

They should have taken him in the 2nd!! Damn, they are so stupid.

 

[Freelove]

Don't know much about this Zumwalt, but good luck finding a scouting report on him that doesn't use the word "violent" at least one time.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Zumwalt's intense. Little mechanical, but he plays like his hair's on fire. Should be good on teams, play a little inside or outside.