***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2011 Thread (1 Viewer)

[treat88]

I would never trade up for a less than 100% sure fire elite G.

I don't think Pouncey falls into that category, last name aside.

 

[mcintyre1]

A couple of Nebraska guys to keep in mind coming down the pipeline in a few years:

DT Jared Crick 6'6 285lbs

DT Baker Steinkuhler 6'6 290lbs

I think either of them would make fine 3-4 DE's, much like Adam Carriker for the Redskins (why the Rams tried to make him a DT, I'll never understand). Crick will probably go too high for the Steelers to ever touch him (mid 1st rounder in 2012 most likely), but Steinkuhler is still a bit under the radar. He's a true Junior this year, making him eligible for next year's draft. I wouldn't expect him to leave early, however. There's a culture of top talent sticking around at Nebraska in the recent past (Suh, Amukamara, Crick, Dennard). So assuming Aaron Smith/Brett Keisel can keep playing at a high level for another couple of years, look for the Steelers to show interest in these two leading up to the drafts.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

The goodwill alone for the brothers to be on the same team would probably be worth the cost.

Im of the opinion that it would be just the opposite. The added complication should any problems arise. You have a problem with one, you will typically have an issue with the other. Holdouts, Cuts, Trades, Fights, Starting/Benching all are not localized to just one. Its why many business' wont hire relatives."...never trade up for a less than 100% sure fire elite G." <<<Correct.

Maybe he is considered that by Pittsburgh. But again, I think they will have other options without giving up another young rookie, like a Marcus Cannon type.

 

[PhD]

The goodwill alone for the brothers to be on the same team would probably be worth the cost.

Im of the opinion that it would be just the opposite. The added complication should any problems arise. You have a problem with one, you will typically have an issue with the other. Holdouts, Cuts, Trades, Fights, Starting/Benching all are not localized to just one. Its why many business' wont hire relatives."...never trade up for a less than 100% sure fire elite G." <<<Correct.

Maybe he is considered that by Pittsburgh. But again, I think they will have other options without giving up another young rookie, like a Marcus Cannon type.

You take this "hurt feelings" gamble with any two players who have a friendship/bond. Heck you've got it right now with close teammates. Especially when it comes to twin brothers you could just as well suggest that one will offer some positive redirection to the other or that one won't ask for a trade because he wants to stay with the brother. Add to this the potential for sibling rivalry and competitive fire pushing each other and you could have a good thing in the form of an intrinsic motivation that you you can't get with any other player. A lot of this won't play into their decision, but it would be fun to watch. Still, I think he becomes more valuable to the Steelers than another team because of it: the first brother has more motivation, the second brother develops faster, together they already have a chemistry that you can't develop in an entire career.

 

[treat88]

The goodwill alone for the brothers to be on the same team would probably be worth the cost.

Im of the opinion that it would be just the opposite. The added complication should any problems arise. You have a problem with one, you will typically have an issue with the other. Holdouts, Cuts, Trades, Fights, Starting/Benching all are not localized to just one. Its why many business' wont hire relatives."...never trade up for a less than 100% sure fire elite G." <<<Correct.

Maybe he is considered that by Pittsburgh. But again, I think they will have other options without giving up another young rookie, like a Marcus Cannon type.

You take this "hurt feelings" gamble with any two players who have a friendship/bond. Heck you've got it right now with close teammates. Especially when it comes to twin brothers you could just as well suggest that one will offer some positive redirection to the other or that one won't ask for a trade because he wants to stay with the brother. Add to this the potential for sibling rivalry and competitive fire pushing each other and you could have a good thing in the form of an intrinsic motivation that you you can't get with any other player. A lot of this won't play into their decision, but it would be fun to watch. Still, I think he becomes more valuable to the Steelers than another team because of it: the first brother has more motivation, the second brother develops faster, together they already have a chemistry that you can't develop in an entire career.

Agreed.The whole brothers aspect of drafting Mike Pouncey should be ignored, whether it is for the potential good or the potential bad.

Pouncey should be evaluated solely on his own merits as a prospect.

Based on those merits I see him as a 2nd round prospect that will be horribly overdrafted because of his brother's success.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

together they already have a chemistry that you can't develop in an entire career.

I agree with this part completely. But at the same time I'm sticking with it also being a bigger complication (should troubles arise) then any friendship. Double edged sword. Mike certainly needs to grade out on his own. I'm hopeful that the Steelers do think the world of him and make a move for him, because their success at such things is pretty stellar, though his current stock (as a G) would seem somewhat out of character of our team.

 

[Steel Dillo]

So.... anybody watch Ward on Dancing with the Stars?

Really the first time I've seen him not in football attire. He really doesn't look like he's built to be an NFL WR.

 

[3C's]

http://troy43.com/2011/03/23/friends-for-life/

 

[PhD]

together they already have a chemistry that you can't develop in an entire career.

I agree with this part completely. But at the same time I'm sticking with it also being a bigger complication (should troubles arise) then any friendship. Double edged sword. Mike certainly needs to grade out on his own. I'm hopeful that the Steelers do think the world of him and make a move for him, because their success at such things is pretty stellar, though his current stock (as a G) would seem somewhat out of character of our team.

Thank you for making that point. I hadn't thought of that but I think you hit the "iffy" part of moving up for him.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Rashad Carmichael, cb, vt, sounded pretty impressive on NFL radio today. Projected 4th rounder right now could be a nice pick I steelers don't go 1st round cb.

 

[Steel Dillo]

Steelers Looking For the Next Slash?

They always seem to like these types of guys.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I'd just like to state that I will not be updating the subtitle to reflect any DWTS news.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

I'm starting to zero in on what I like in this draft. And how it relates to the Steelers, and my "perfect draft" for them.

We know the glaring needs. Offensive Line. Cornerback. Youth on the DLine. Ive attempted to apply insight from others who are paying heavy attention to the college players.

I'm under the impression that the Steelers and Ike Taylor will reach an agreement that will slightly overpay Ike (as to what others would pay him) but give us an "out" in about 3 years.

1- Marcus Cannon. RT/RG. [Trade down] Massive. Strong. Can play either Guard or Right Tackle. Should be able to have a small trade down into the 2nd and still land him (or someone like CB Brandon Harris).

2- Curtis Brown. CB. A well-rounded and true "athlete" with soft hands and fluid hips. Can handle both zone and man-to-man assignments. And is a top Special Team gunner. Steady but not spectacular.

3- Phil Taylor. DT. [Trade up] Nasty with a bad attitude. Huge. 335 pounds on a 6-3 frame. Strong. Not a pass rusher, and not a fitness freak. His 3rd round stock is on a massive climb right now, but a trade up (using the Cannon extra early-4th) isn't crazy talk. He has some marks against him, but all are based on his mental approach.

4- John Moffit. LG. There are plenty of concerns with Moffit; strength, speed, arm length, durability, and his age (25). But despite all that the guy is a producer on the field as a four year starter for Wisconsin. An absolute hidden gem. When the ball is snapped you throw the measurables away. Be it his intangibles, know-how or natural ability, he gets it done. Something we could use more of on our front line - some compare his style to Alan Faneca. Has starting experience as a center.

5- Andre Holmes. WR. Playing at tiny Hillsdale college will get you easily overlooked. But being 6'4" with a 35 inch vert and a solid 4.5 forty time will garner some interest. The Steelers have shown some "want" for a size receiver who can use his hands > but would have missed out on the more well known options with how the draft has fallen. Not fluid or overly agile, but uses his hands to catch and fills a team need.

6- Greg McElroy. QB. Smart. Smart. Smart. The two biggest indicators of success according to the FootballOutsiders study is college completion % and experience. At Alabama McElroy led them to a Nat'l Championship undefeated season as a junior (he also won state title back in high school). He broke two ribs in the SEC title game and still strapped 'em on for Texas in the NCG. His final college #s (in the SEC no less) after four years were 436–658, 66.3%, 5,691, 39td, 10int - which included 26 starts. Confidence is something he does not lack.

7- Dion Lewis. RB. A smaller type of RB with incredible "quicks-n-cuts". Very willing to stick his nose into a pile and capable receiver. He doesn't block very well, mainly because he is 5-7, 193#. But he is only 20 years old and scouts have noted could add another 10 pounds easily. Bettered LeSeans McCoys records as a Fresh & Soph at Pitt. Doesnt have a real fit for special teams, which could hurt his immediate roster chances.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=77826&draftyear=2011&genpos=OT

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=68760&draftyear=2011&genpos=CB

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=66559&draftyear=2011&genpos=DT

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=77021&draftyear=2011&genpos=OG

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=103751&draftyear=2011&genpos=WR

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=65856&draftyear=2011&genpos=QB

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89990&draftyear=2011&genpos=RB

 

[3C's]

Brandon Harris likely won't last to the 2nd but if he's there at 31 I'll be pissed if they don't take him.

Oh, and no way Phil Taylor makes it to the end of the 3rd.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Oh, and no way Phil Taylor makes it to the end of the 3rd.

I don't expect him to make it to the end of the 3rd either.My scenario is for about the 10th pick of the third.

But this is my "perfect draft" and some players are going to slide, he is the one for this board.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Oh, and no way Phil Taylor makes it to the end of the 3rd.

I don't expect him to make it to the end of the 3rd either.My scenario is for about the 10th pick of the third.

But this is my "perfect draft" and some players are going to slide, he is the one for this board.

I've seen Taylor projected in the late first. I don't think there's much hope he makes it to #63 let alone into the third.

 

[3C's]

Oh, and no way Phil Taylor makes it to the end of the 3rd.

I don't expect him to make it to the end of the 3rd either.My scenario is for about the 10th pick of the third.

But this is my "perfect draft" and some players are going to slide, he is the one for this board.

I've seen Taylor projected in the late first. I don't think there's much hope he makes it to #63 let alone into the third.

Mock NG and I are doing at tbs has him going mid 2nd.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

EG's possible later-round sleeper picks (guys who may/are likely to be available after round 2 that would be, IMO, great fits) :

Curtis Marsh - CB, Utah St. Under the radar guy who is a converted RB and relatively raw. He has good size/speed metrics (6'1", 195, 4.46) and is active, instinctive, a solid tackler, and has good recovery speed. He doesn't have great hands or natural hip-flip but later in the draft, all prospects have warts. His seem more a reflection of his recent conversion to CB than a lack of talent. He's coachable, instinctive, and physical, and should be around in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

Sione Fua - DT, Stanford. Another guy who should be out there in the 3rd/4th rounds that has the body to play the nose, can add weight, is strong as an ox, occupies blockers, and has a non-stop motor. Knocks on him are that he isn't a great penetrator/pass-rusher, but those skills won't really be needed in a 3-4 NT. Not the prospect that Paea is, but will be around 2 rounds later and is a reasonable facsimile.

Lee Ziemba - OT, Auburn. Yet another 3/4 round guy who I feel can be an effective starter in the NFL. He's big (6' 8", 320), a masher in the run game, tough as nails, and has 52 straight starts against SEC competition. He's the most battle-tested blocker in the class at any position, and although he lacks the footwork to be an effective LT, he could easily play RT or even move inside. His versatility makes him, at the very worst, a big upgrade over Trai Essex as the swing backup OL. Steelers love to take guys from winning programs too.

Greg Romeus - DE, Pitt. Local kid with 1st round talent and a 3rd round grade due to injury concerns. I'm sure they'll do their due diligence on the injury front, but if they don't think a re-occurrence is likely, this is a chance to get a steal. He has the height to play the five technique at 6' 6" and has the body to add a bit of weight without sacrificing mobility. A terrific athlete that simply has to learn the 3-4. probably has his best fit as a pass-rushing end in a 4-3, but the Steelers could deploy him as a pass-rushing OLB or at the end spot. Worth a long look if for no other reason than the value.

More to come.

 

[3C's]

Another guy that could make it to the late 3rd: Kenrick Ellis...but I had him going late 2nd. Steelers seem to like him, but so do some other teams.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

According to a couple of internet reports, the Steelers will meet with guard/center Rodney Hudson and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert, both of Florida colleges for personal visits.

The Steelers had a lot of success in 2010 taking former Gator star Maurkice Pouncey in the first round and may be hoping that lightning strikes twice.

Of the two, I like Hudson, a Florida State product, a lot more. He's undersized, but Hudson can play. If he were a little bigger, he'd be a sure first-round pick. As it is, he's not likely to fall past the middle of the second round.

As for Gilbert, he's a big road grader in the Max Starks mold. Gilbert, a Florida product, is more of a third-round prospect - which is where the Steelers took Starks.

The Steelers hosted Alabama offensive linemen James Carpenter and South Carolina's Jarriel King Friday as they continue to bring in a bevy of linemen prior to the draft.

Carpenter is something of a sleeper in this year's draft. At 6-4, 321 pounds, he's likely a RT or guard prospect and is rated as a second-rounder.

King, 6-5, 317, only played half of the 2010 season. He was suspended while being investigated for receiving improper benefits from a hotel. He also missed time with a concussion.

He's more of a third-round prospect, but with the visits of Carpenter and King, coupled with previous visits by Rodney Hudson and Marcus Gilbert, a couple of other second-to-third-round line prospects, you get an idea of what the Steelers are thinking.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

All from Lolley's blog. If it's not a smokescreen, the Steelers could be looking to go DL or CB in the first and then follow that up with one or more OL choices in the next couple rounds.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

According to a couple of internet reports, the Steelers will meet with guard/center Rodney Hudson and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert, both of Florida colleges for personal visits.The Steelers had a lot of success in 2010 taking former Gator star Maurkice Pouncey in the first round and may be hoping that lightning strikes twice.Of the two, I like Hudson, a Florida State product, a lot more. He's undersized, but Hudson can play. If he were a little bigger, he'd be a sure first-round pick. As it is, he's not likely to fall past the middle of the second round.As for Gilbert, he's a big road grader in the Max Starks mold. Gilbert, a Florida product, is more of a third-round prospect - which is where the Steelers took Starks.The Steelers hosted Alabama offensive linemen James Carpenter and South Carolina's Jarriel King Friday as they continue to bring in a bevy of linemen prior to the draft.Carpenter is something of a sleeper in this year's draft. At 6-4, 321 pounds, he's likely a RT or guard prospect and is rated as a second-rounder.King, 6-5, 317, only played half of the 2010 season. He was suspended while being investigated for receiving improper benefits from a hotel. He also missed time with a concussion.He's more of a third-round prospect, but with the visits of Carpenter and King, coupled with previous visits by Rodney Hudson and Marcus Gilbert, a couple of other second-to-third-round line prospects, you get an idea of what the Steelers are thinking._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________All from Lolley's blog. If it's not a smokescreen, the Steelers could be looking to go DL or CB in the first and then follow that up with one or more OL choices in the next couple rounds.

FWIW, I'd be ok with CB in Rd 1 and multiple OL picks 2-4. I will not be ok with a single OL in the 4th (See Hills, Tony) figuring we can just 'coach 'em up'

 

[5-ish Finkle]

FWIW, I'd be ok with CB in Rd 1 and multiple OL picks 2-4. I will not be ok with a single OL in the 4th (See Hills, Tony) figuring we can just 'coach 'em up'

Given who they've visited with, both post-combine and at the combine itself, as well as which Pro Days Tomlin and Colbert have both been rumored to be attending, I think it's clear that they're probably gunning to go get a couple OLiners....but given they have a couple other areas of need too(CB, obviously, and DL due to age) it won't surprise me if those OLers come in rounds 3 and 5(and it sure appears that they're bringing in more guys with OL grades in the 3-5 range than the 2-4 range). Not because of any "plan" to do it that way, but because the value may line up at one of the other two spots in any given round.

For instance, this crop looks pretty deep for 3-4 DL prospects, particularly ends. I could see them entertaining the idea of drafting multiples along the DL too and can easily envision scenarios where the BPA available at their first three picks may well be a defensive lineman(not that they'd take 3 in a row).

Anyway, that's all just conjecture. Hell, I could see a scenario where they take an OL in round one, then a defensive lineman in round 2 and not touch CB until the third....and most "experts" will have apoplexy if that happened since most of them insist that Pittsburgh must take a Corner in the first.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

FWIW, I'd be ok with CB in Rd 1 and multiple OL picks 2-4. I will not be ok with a single OL in the 4th (See Hills, Tony) figuring we can just 'coach 'em up'

Given who they've visited with, both post-combine and at the combine itself, as well as which Pro Days Tomlin and Colbert have both been rumored to be attending, I think it's clear that they're probably gunning to go get a couple OLiners....but given they have a couple other areas of need too(CB, obviously, and DL due to age) it won't surprise me if those OLers come in rounds 3 and 5(and it sure appears that they're bringing in more guys with OL grades in the 3-5 range than the 2-4 range). Not because of any "plan" to do it that way, but because the value may line up at one of the other two spots in any given round.

For instance, this crop looks pretty deep for 3-4 DL prospects, particularly ends. I could see them entertaining the idea of drafting multiples along the DL too and can easily envision scenarios where the BPA available at their first three picks may well be a defensive lineman(not that they'd take 3 in a row).

Anyway, that's all just conjecture. Hell, I could see a scenario where they take an OL in round one, then a defensive lineman in round 2 and not touch CB until the third....and most "experts" will have apoplexy if that happened since most of them insist that Pittsburgh must take a Corner in the first.

Yeah, yeah. I get the whole 'BPA' and 'deep draft' arguments...but we have shown zero propensity for finding even remotely serviceable linemen in rounds 3-5. Our best non-first round line pick recently has been....free agent Ramon Foster? Outside of that, our starters are FA pickups, aging vets or Maurkice Pouncey (who was believed by many to be a reach where we selected him...)

 

[5-ish Finkle]

but we have shown zero propensity for finding even remotely serviceable linemen in rounds 3-5.

I'm not arguing that they have found anyone remotely servicable in rounds 3-5 lately, all I'm saying is get ready for them to take that same tact again. They aren't exactly bringing in anyone who looks to be grading out much higher than round 3 to this point(outside of Hudson, I suppose).

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Four more prospects visited the Steelers on Thursday, including

> Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling, who impressed with his 40-yard dash times Monday in a makeup pro day. The others, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, were:

> Boise State WR Austin Pettis,

> Maryland RB Da'Rel Scott and

> Citadel CB Cortez Allen.

 

[3C's]

Love Dowling. Just can't stay healthy.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Love Dowling. Just can't stay healthy.

1st round talent who's going to end up in the second or third round due to the injuries. I'd love to see the Steelers take him at the end of the second and use the first rounder on a lineman (O or D) where the dropoff in talent is rgeater, but if Dowling's stock continues to rise, there may not be a viable future starter at CB there in the late second. We have enough Keenan Lewises.

 

[3C's]

Love Dowling. Just can't stay healthy.

1st round talent who's going to end up in the second or third round due to the injuries. I'd love to see the Steelers take him at the end of the second and use the first rounder on a lineman (O or D) where the dropoff in talent is rgeater, but if Dowling's stock continues to rise, there may not be a viable future starter at CB there in the late second. We have enough Keenan Lewises.

Exactly. If Dowling fell to the end of the second I'd love that scenario. Get someone like Heyward or Wilkerson in the first and Dowling in the second would be nice. Have a feeling that won't work out though, but who knows. It's all guessing what teams will do for now.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

EG's possible later-round sleeper picks (guys who may/are likely to be available after round 2 that would be, IMO, great fits) :

Curtis Marsh - CB, Utah St. Under the radar guy who is a converted RB and relatively raw. He has good size/speed metrics (6'1", 195, 4.46) and is active, instinctive, a solid tackler, and has good recovery speed. He doesn't have great hands or natural hip-flip but later in the draft, all prospects have warts. His seem more a reflection of his recent conversion to CB than a lack of talent. He's coachable, instinctive, and physical, and should be around in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

From Lolley :The Steelers have hosted, or are prepared to host, four more prospects.

They are Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis, Alabama A&M nose tackle Frank Kearse, Utah State corner Curtis Marsh and Louisville corner Johnny Patrick.

None are considered first-round prospects.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Yeah, interior lineman always go in the top 10, so I can see why he would think that.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Thu Apr 07 07:33am EDT

Mike Pouncey thinks Cowboys will draft himhttp://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Mike-Pouncey-thinks-Cowboys-will-draft-him?urn=nfl-341572http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Mike-Pouncey-thinks-Cowboys-will-draft-him?urn=nfl-341572

By Mark J. Millerhttp://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Mike-Pouncey-thinks-Cowboys-will-draft-him?urn=nfl-341572

Florida center Mike Pouncey just visited the Dallas Cowboys as the team continues to assess talent before the draft that kicks off April 28. Pouncey came out of the meeting feeling pretty confident that he will be selected by Dallas.

"Headed back to Pittsburgh ... would be shocked if i wasn't in a dallas uniform nxt year!" he tweeted. The Cowboys are slated to pick ninth.

Meanwhile, Pouncey showed his current NFL allegiance in a later tweet, according to the Morning News: "To all the steelers fans i would love to be playing for the steelers and if i had a choice i would but it isnt my choice." Pouncey's brother Maurkice is a center for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

http://sports.yahoo....?urn=nfl-341572

Everybody is convinced they are going to be drafted by every team they visit.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/03/steelers-2011-pre-draft-visits/

The Steelers have now started to bring 2011 draft prospects in for pre draft visits as of today. NFL teams are allowed to host 30 non local prospects prior to the draft. Below is a running list of players we have confirmed have been scheduled for visits as of today. We …. will update this list as the visits happen or more are announced…First up today were the local Pitt players who do not count against the list of 30.

Pittsburgh WR Jon Baldwin 3/16/11

Pittsburgh DE Jabaal Sheard 3/16/11

Pittsburgh DE Greg Romeus 3/16/11

Pittsburgh FB Henry Hynoski 3/16/11

Pittsburgh RB Dion Lewis 3/16/11

Pittsburgh T Jason Pinkston 3/16/11

Pittsburgh S Dom DiCicco 3/16/11

Hampton NT Kenrick Ellis 3/22/11

Florida T Marcus Gilbert 4/1/11

Alabama T James Carpenter Jr. 4/1/11

South Carolina T Jarriel King 4/1/11

Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling 4/7/11

Maryland RB Da'rel Scott 4/7/11

Citadel CB Cortez Allen 4/7/11

Boise State WR Austin Pettis 4/7/11

Texas CB Curtis Brown (reportedly scheduled)

Florida State G Rodney Hudson (reportedly scheduled)

Baylor NT Phil Taylor (reportedly scheduled)

California DE Cameron Jordan (reportedly scheduled)

Auburn DT Zach Clayton 4/8/11

Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones (reportedly scheduled)

UTC CB Buster Skrine (reportedly scheduled)

Tennessee WR Denarius Moore (reportedly scheduled)

Alabama A&M NT Frank Kearse (reportedly scheduled)

Marshall LB Mario Harvey (reportedly scheduled)

Utah State CB Curtis Marsh (reportedly scheduled)

Louisville CB Johnny Patrick (reportedly scheduled)

Mississippi DT Anthony Gray (reportedly scheduled)

 

[Steel Dillo]

Not that it means anything at all, but Pat & Tim on the afternoon drive had them taking a CB in the 1st (can't remember which one) & a freakin TE (Luke Stocker) in the 2nd.

Pretty sure Idiot Boxer's head would explode if that were to happen.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Only two guys they're reportedly scheduled to host that carry first round grades are d-line (Taylor, Jordan)

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Why is everything coming out bolded all of a sudden?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Only two guys they're reportedly scheduled to host that carry first round grades are d-line (Taylor, Jordan)

Anyone with a 2nd round grade is a 1st round grade for the Steelers.Taylor was a 2nd-3rd a month ago.Jordan is considered to be a potential major silder.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Only two guys they're reportedly scheduled to host that carry first round grades are d-line (Taylor, Jordan)

Anyone with a 2nd round grade is a 1st round grade for the Steelers.Taylor was a 2nd-3rd a month ago.

Jordan is considered to be a potential major silder.

Really? I don't think I've seen a mock yet where he was still on the board at #31. He's a perfect fit for the Steelers.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Only two guys they're reportedly scheduled to host that carry first round grades are d-line (Taylor, Jordan)

Anyone with a 2nd round grade is a 1st round grade for the Steelers.Taylor was a 2nd-3rd a month ago.

Jordan is considered to be a potential major silder.

Really? I don't think I've seen a mock yet where he was still on the board at #31. He's a perfect fit for the Steelers.

Yeah that was being thrown around right before the Steelers scheduled him for a visit.I took it as they wanted to make sure a "perfect fit" would be looked at in case he slid within range of getting him.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Only two guys they're reportedly scheduled to host that carry first round grades are d-line (Taylor, Jordan)

Anyone with a 2nd round grade is a 1st round grade for the Steelers.Taylor was a 2nd-3rd a month ago.

Jordan is considered to be a potential major silder.

Really? I don't think I've seen a mock yet where he was still on the board at #31. He's a perfect fit for the Steelers.

Yeah that was being thrown around right before the Steelers scheduled him for a visit.

I'll be shocked (and thrilled) if he is still around at #31. Personally, I think it's much more likely he gets drafted in the top 15 or so than he lasts to #31, but you never know. I'd be pretty happy to see Jordan and Hood as bookends of that defensive line going forward. Find a decent NT in the next year or two and they're set for a long time barring major injury.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Only two guys they're reportedly scheduled to host that carry first round grades are d-line (Taylor, Jordan)

Anyone with a 2nd round grade is a 1st round grade for the Steelers.Taylor was a 2nd-3rd a month ago.

Jordan is considered to be a potential major silder.

Really? I don't think I've seen a mock yet where he was still on the board at #31. He's a perfect fit for the Steelers.

Yeah that was being thrown around right before the Steelers scheduled him for a visit.

I'll be shocked (and thrilled) if he is still around at #31. Personally, I think it's much more likely he gets drafted in the top 15 or so than he lasts to #31, but you never know. I'd be pretty happy to see Jordan and Hood as bookends of that defensive line going forward. Find a decent NT in the next year or two and they're set for a long time barring major injury.

If he hits #23 or so, that will probably be close enough.

 

[pecorino]

just saw the 2011 schedule on nfl network, but only caught about 10 seconds of it. opening at Baltimore and then @ Houston a few weeks later. the first 10 weeks look brutal and then after the bye, the final 6 look like a cake-walk.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

just saw the 2011 schedule on nfl network, but only caught about 10 seconds of it. opening at Baltimore and then @ Houston a few weeks later. the first 10 weeks look brutal and then after the bye, the final 6 look like a cake-walk.

Only 1 MNF game for the Steelers, @SF the next to last week.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

5 prime time games scheduled. I won't miss NFLST much this year.

 

[SYMPHONY X]

Just finished listening to some draft analysis on "Path to the Draft" on the NFL channel. They had Gerry Dulac on, and he said that CB is the most obvious weakness/need for the Steelers. He isn't sure that Ike Taylor will be re-signed (in my opinion, they absolutely have no choice but to resign Taylor, even if it means over-paying him a little). Dulac likes Aaron Williams from Texas at #31. If they go DL at #31, he likes Cameron Heyward or Adrian Clayborn, or Stephen Paea if he is there.

Brian Baldinger pointed out that McFadden gave up more receptions than any other CB in football while in Arizona, and sees CB as the biggest need.

Charley Casserly said that Aaron Williams projects more as a safety. He said that the draft is deep on the DL, and thinks that Cameron Heyward would be an excellent pick at #31 for the Steelers, or a guy like Derrik Sherrod if they go OT. He puts the Steelers needs in the following order: CB, OT, and DL. He ended by saying the Steelers will go best player available at #31.

The other dude on the broadcast said the Danny Watkins would be a good fit (moving him to OG), and that the Steelers always find a way to put guys in the right spots.

Casserly later added that the OT prospects are not very strong this year, and rated all of the top-5 OT's from 2010 as better than the top-5 OT's from this year, except for Tyron Smith.

I think the Steelers will go DL in the first, unless they don't plan on re-signing Ike, then it is CB without question. Either way, we may have to win with the passing game a little more this year and going forward, so there is an outside shot that the Steelers to WR in round 1 if they really, really like someone who maybe fell a little there.

 

[pecorino]

i recall watching Clayborn play for Iowa over the past two years and drooling over the kid. i would love to see the steelers get him in the first. i don't think his character issues warrant him falling out of the first, do they?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

It's medical issues rather than character that are causing Clayborn to drop.

I think there's a decent chance the Steelers trade down a few picks out of the first round. Seems like they're in a prime spot to turn #31 into an early-mid second rounder and grab an additional third, fourth or early fifth round pick if a team likes one of the second-tier QBs (Locker, Mallett, Dalton) and is afraid of Carolina, Denver, Buffalo, Cincy, or AZ grabbing a QB in round 2 (if they didn't address it at the top of the first.) Just about every team in the top 10 has ??? at the QB spot (maybe only Cleveland and Dallas would be considered set at QB of the 10 teams drafting 1-10) so the Steelers are in a prime spot for someone looking to vault up and get their pick of the litter. Even if Newton and Gabbert go in the top 5, there are 5-6 teams who could draft a QB between picks 33-42. With both GB and NE in that mix, and with reputations for trading down, #31 is a spot (along with NE's #28 pick) that teams could be targeting if they want to trade back into the first and get a QB.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

i recall watching Clayborn play for Iowa over the past two years and drooling over the kid. i would love to see the steelers get him in the first. i don't think his character issues warrant him falling out of the first, do they?

I can't see him fitting in the 3-4

 

[Evilgrin 72]

i recall watching Clayborn play for Iowa over the past two years and drooling over the kid. i would love to see the steelers get him in the first. i don't think his character issues warrant him falling out of the first, do they?

I can't see him fitting in the 3-4

It's possible, but he might be a little small. First time I saw his measurables listed, they had him at 6' 4" 290, which is damn near prototypical, if a touch on the short side. But then, at the combine, I think he measured in at 6' 2" and 280 or something close to that. However, his primary strength seems to be as a run defender - he only had 3 1/2 sacks his senior year and doesn't seem to have a ton of pass rush upside. I think ultimately, his best fit may be to tack on 20-25 pounds and play as a 4-3 DT.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I am almost convinced (resigned) that the Steelers will take Brandon Harris in Rd 1 (or trade down and get him early Rd 2). I hope that they grab a guard in Rd 2. Then look BPA among OL/DL/CB with Rd 3.

FWIW, Flozell has said he has no interest in retiring. I think with him and Scott, our tackle position is actually better than it has been in years. Add in Maurkice and I think we just need a very solid G to make an average-above average OL.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I am almost convinced (resigned) that the Steelers will take Brandon Harris in Rd 1 (or trade down and get him early Rd 2). I hope that they grab a guard in Rd 2. Then look BPA among OL/DL/CB with Rd 3.FWIW, Flozell has said he has no interest in retiring. I think with him and Scott, our tackle position is actually better than it has been in years. Add in Maurkice and I think we just need a very solid G to make an average-above average OL.

I heard some scuttlebutt over the weekend that Colon is not going to get any big FA offers and that there's a decent chance he re-signs with Pittsburgh, in which case, they might (finally, IMO) move him inside to guard. If this happens, would you be OK with them ignoring the OL early in the draft and rolling into next season with Starks-Kemo_Pouncey-Colon-Flozell and using their early picks on secondary/D-line help and then maybe drafting 1-2 developmental prospects in the mid rounds and hoping to catch lightning in a bottle? They clearly haven't been able to do that recently, but if you look at that starting o-line, you'd have one free agent, one 1st round pick and then three guys drafted in the third, fourth, and sixth rounds.