steelerfan1
Footballguy
Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis slipping in some mocks.
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***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2012 Thread (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter ThaPenguin
- Start date
treat88
Footballguy
Courtney Upshaw?
Stephon Gilmore?
Dre Kirkpatrick?
Can't wait until the draft. Should be interesting.
Couple kids that I think are going to go much higher than expected that are very likely on the Steeler radar are Josh Chapman and Brandon Boykin. Honestly wouldn't shock me if we saw them go at #24. Perfect fits for the Steelers system. Report could be referencing them as well.
Damn, I love the draft.
Stephon Gilmore?
Dre Kirkpatrick?
Can't wait until the draft. Should be interesting.
Couple kids that I think are going to go much higher than expected that are very likely on the Steeler radar are Josh Chapman and Brandon Boykin. Honestly wouldn't shock me if we saw them go at #24. Perfect fits for the Steelers system. Report could be referencing them as well.
Damn, I love the draft.
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
Who I was thinking of.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
First guy I thought of too. Upshaw is another good guess.
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H8fulHuck
Footballguy
Could be a defensive end. The Steelers love them extra helpings of DE in the 3-4 scheme. Mercilus had an amazing season and had a hell of a knack for creating turnovers.'Kenny Powers said:
If the reports are correct, my gut says it's Fleener. He is a man among boys out there and Ben has lobbied for a big/tall receiver in the past. Dude ran an unofficial 4.45 40 at his pro day with very good route running and great hands. Doesn't get better than this. I would LOVE to see him play for Pittsburgh for the next 10 years and would even buy his throwback jersey.
The Hank
Footballguy
Part of me wants to see the Steelers take him too. Having him and Heath out there will make Ben very happy.
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
Careful. I got bitten for saying that a few weeks ago. Following the Pats 2 TE set is something I have always been if favor of. It is a good offense to disguise run, strong or weak, or pass when you have two recieving threats at TE who are also willing blockers. Swap the RB for a 3rd WR and now you don't know if it's protect left, right, none or max. I don't think Fleener is who they were talking about, as I think it's a stretch to call him a top 10 overall player in the draft. Dre was talked about as a top 10 guy just a couple months ago. Slower than anticipated 40 times have droped him to the #2-4 CB and in the 15-25 range in the draft. Pitt doesn't put a premium on speed at CB (or the position itself for that mattter), but if they view him as the best CB in the draft and he fits at #10 on their big draft board and falls to #24, I'd be excited to have him.Would not be opposed at all to the DE/OLB types, as Harrison should be hitting his wall very soon and a replacement is needed. Too many teams run a 3-4 now to make that likely, as we were able to feast on the tweeners for years under Cowher. In fact, when Hampton goes, if a replacement is not found, I would half-expect to switch to a 4-3.
Barron would be good with me too, as Troy seems to be breaking down a bit and we could use a good fill-in for the 6 games he'll likely miss this year too. Too bad this is the year that teams seem to be increasing the value on interior O line. An OG wouldn't go in the top 20 for decades until we get a stud OG getting paid top dollar in FA. Now we may see two good OGs go before our pick this year. ####!
Hightower scares me. In fact, the whole Bama D scares me in this draft (including Barron, Dre, Hightower & Upshaw). Too many times a LB gets credit for a very good D line, much like a RB gets voted to the Pro Bowl long before his deserving O linemen. I think it is a case of a college team stacked with 2nd and 3rd string NFL players, making each other look like world beaters. One or two is likely a starter at the next level, but I didn't watch enough to say which one(s).
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
Any chance they try and trade up to get Decastro similar to the trade to get Polamalu?
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
If they want a G who can come in and start immediately and pay dividends in the run game, that's a guy who can do it. Little to no upside, though - profiles as an average to above average starter, but is a Steelers kind of guy - great work ethic, tough, takes pride in his work.SI Peter King has the Steelers taking Kevin Zeitler, G Wisconsin
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
Would probably depend how far he fell and what teams are sitting on the pick. The thing that blows is that 3 of the 6 or 7 picks prior to the Steelers belong to Cincinnati and Cleveland, and it may be a lot tougher (or impossible) to deal with them.
Corky
Footballguy
I don't get the speculation that they are talking about Dre. The original quote was that the player was not at a position of need for the Steelers, to me that elimates OL, DL, ILB and DBs.TE fits perfectly, though I do agree it is a stretch to say Fleener is Top 10.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
Probably an OLB or DE prospect like Ingram or Coples
H8fulHuck
Footballguy
more I think about it, Upshaw appears to be the top 10 talent who could fall to the steelers. can't have enough pass rushers right? still hoping it's Fleener.
Steel Dillo
Footballguy
Alfred Morris is a RB out of Florida Atlantic. The only thing I can see that he lacks is blazing speed, but man is he a helluva RB. Great burst & vision & refuses to go down on first contact. He actually reminds me of Marion Barber when he was young.
He'd look great in black & gold.
Edit to add: turn down the music on the video... its craptastic.
He'd look great in black & gold.
Edit to add: turn down the music on the video... its craptastic.
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Kenny Powers
Footballguy
Yeah, I didnt even bother mentioning Dre or any other CBs in my OP because I view CB as our 3rd biggest need. He seems like a guy that has a very good chance to be there at 24, and I would love that pick if he's their top 10 talent. Im not sure if his weed arrest would cross him off our list or not, but Im surprised he has dropped as far as he has in general. I still think Barron would realistically be there at 24 though, although I doubt it.I guess Upshaw fits the bill but he scares me and I really dont want to use a 1st on an OLB given our current roster. If its him or Fleener that is the mystery player, give me Fleener all day.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Given what we know of how the Steelers seemingly value CBs, I don't think that they share your view.As far as that goes, given who we've seen them bringing in for visits this offseason I'd wager their top 3 "needs" in their mind, in whatever order, are OL, LB and DL. After that, again looking at players being brought in, I'm guessing they'd put RB, a move TE and maybe a WR above corner also.They brought in a grand total of three CBs for pre-draft visits, none of whom has higher than a round 6 grade. That doesn't sound like a team that thinks it needs a lot of help at corner.Honestly, after re-reading how that rumor was worded though, I'm not sure I necessarily think it's Dre(although I still think he fits the description)....I think it may be McClellin. The rumor didn't say "consensus top 10 overall player" it said "a player the Steelers have graded among the very best players in the draft(top 10)." So the player, whomever he is, has been rated top 10 by Pittsburgh, but they think he's got a legit shot to be there at 24. Doesn't mean the rest of the league feels the same way about whoever the guy is. I'd guess most would agree that OLB wouldn't be viewed as a position of need, even with Harrison getting a bit older, so McClellin might fit the description.
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Frenchy Fuqua
Footballguy
@gerrydulac: My Steelers mock draft, 1-4:
1. Alabama ILB Dont'a Hightower;
2. Cinc DE Derek Wolfe;
3. G/C Philip Blake, Baylor;
4. Ark WR Jarius Wright.
1. Alabama ILB Dont'a Hightower;
2. Cinc DE Derek Wolfe;
3. G/C Philip Blake, Baylor;
4. Ark WR Jarius Wright.
Corky
Footballguy
steelcityman
Footballguy
I'd like the Steelers to cross a line thru all offensive players before they make their first pick.
Lets get a MLB, CB or NT in there with youth. The DLine has youth, and LBs are getting old, at least half of them, and our DB-field is getting AARP cards in the mail.
The OLine, if healthy, will be fine, WR, TE, QB are all set. Could maybe get a RB in the middle rounds, never know how Mendy will return. Hopefully Barron Batch is healthy and can be a nice 3rd down back.
I just think defense is where the steelers could do with their first 3 picks. One player at each level of the defense.
Unless there is a great OL or Mike Floyd that for some reason fell to 24, I hope we take defense.
the CB from S Carolina, Sampson(?)
the LB from Cal, Kendricks
and maybe a NT/DE in the 3rd.
Lets get a MLB, CB or NT in there with youth. The DLine has youth, and LBs are getting old, at least half of them, and our DB-field is getting AARP cards in the mail.
The OLine, if healthy, will be fine, WR, TE, QB are all set. Could maybe get a RB in the middle rounds, never know how Mendy will return. Hopefully Barron Batch is healthy and can be a nice 3rd down back.
I just think defense is where the steelers could do with their first 3 picks. One player at each level of the defense.
Unless there is a great OL or Mike Floyd that for some reason fell to 24, I hope we take defense.
the CB from S Carolina, Sampson(?)
the LB from Cal, Kendricks
and maybe a NT/DE in the 3rd.
steelcityman
Footballguy
Rolle couldnt cut it in Tenn, I think he will make at least the practice squad, cause our safeties get hurt a lot, and he is smart kid who should be able to play special teams at worst, and isnt Rolle a safety? Who is walter mcfadden? Lewis or Allen will need to step up big time to be the other CB.
If we could get Barron from Bama that would be nice(doubtful), our safeties are old too, injury prone to some extent also, but thats not a pressing need.
How many more years is CB2 going to kill us vs a good passing team like Green Bay, NE, etc...? Lets fix it if we can.
If we could get Barron from Bama that would be nice(doubtful), our safeties are old too, injury prone to some extent also, but thats not a pressing need.
How many more years is CB2 going to kill us vs a good passing team like Green Bay, NE, etc...? Lets fix it if we can.
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The Hank
Footballguy
He isnt talking about Bryant McFadden (who is no longer on the team), Walter McFadden is a practice squad DB from last year.Granted, he isnt a starter at CB as well, but is not the McFadden you are thinking of.
Corky
Footballguy
Yup. Also inadvertently left off C. Brown who's also 23. Age is not a valid criticism of our CBs. There are plenty of other criticisms but age isn't really applicable.
Kenny Powers
Footballguy
Well, yeah, when was the last time they picked a CB in the 1st? Chad Scott? Despite never having an above average CB since that pick (not saying Scott was, but since 97 or whenever that was) besides Ike is telling on how they feel about the position as a whole. I think Dre would be a great pick if he's there (looks like no shot Gilmore will be) but I doubt they take him if he is for the above reasons.I havent seen much video of McClellin but he is probably the quickest riser in the draft over the past week. He fits that rumor, although the rumor said the player is a guy who would "realistically" be there at 24 and I think McCLellin will almost certainly be there at 24. If we didnt take him though, looks like he'd definitely go within the next 5 picks. If he turns out to be a very good player, hard to argue with the pick but I really dont want to use a #1 on an OLB considering our numerous other more pressing needs/holes. Them taking McClellin may very well go hand in hand with how much confidence they have in Worilds being a starter within the next 1-2yrs when Harrison moves on. I like the improvements I saw from Worilds last year, but Im not sold on him being our starting OLB and wouldnt feel all that good about it from what Ive seen thus far. Going full circle with the CB argument though, when was the last time they used a #1 on an OLB?! I guess Timmons was drafted potentially as more of an OLB than ILB, but besides him you have to go back to 1977 and Robin Cole since theyve taken LB period in the 1st (yeah, had to look that one up). So, them taking McClellin may very well be just as unlikely/likely as them taking Dre.Either way, Mayock now has McClellin as the #1 OLB prospect so he's certainly intriguing
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Kenny Powers
Footballguy
He was great on ST but he's going to have to do a lot to bypass Lewis, let alone Cortez the Killer, on the CB depth chart.
Kenny Powers
Footballguy
Meh. Saying the Steelers will take Hightower is old news. I still would like that pick, but based on how many guys have risen and fallen in mocks and rankings recently, I think the chances of us taking Hightower have gone down significantly. Us getting Poe is even realistic now as he's dropped to the late teens-#20 in most mocks and rankings despite it looking like there was no chance after the combine..I dont exactly follow Dulac much, but something tells me he doesnt know much about guys outside of the Top 40-50 (not that I do either outside of skill position guys mostly), but I think he's simply taking positions and looking at players from those positions whose assumed draft position is around the Steelers.If were talking Arky WRs, Id much rather pick Joe Adams than Wright but we'd probably need to use our #3 to get him (if he was even still available). I also like Greg Childs more than Wright and Childs should be there in the 4th if not 5th round.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
After Childs' pro day, he may go in the late third, but agree with the sentiment. Would rather have him in any scenario over Wright.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Key points...
[*]Size receivers have value.
[*]Players who are on your team aren't typically "known" (as good or bad) for 2-3 years.
[*]"Need" is not a good word. "Want" of a player is.
[*]All starting position opening will be filled by the players they already have on the roster.
[*]Players who visited are for a variety of reasons - obviously they can help/hurt themslves in a visit.
[*]Player visits can "certainly" be smokescreens.
[*]Pittsburgh PA, isn't about draft grades its ONLY about Super Bowls.
[*]Tomlin believes there is an intrinsic value to players who have a history of "winning", whatever level and whatever school. Its contagious.
Though Colbert said there are some guys who haven't won that are hungery to win and desire to be with a winner and be a winner.
[*]When you dont get that first round pick right, it can set you back as many as 4 years.
[*]For the Steelers, getting heavily involved in big free agents is a product of messing up with draft picks. If they dont draft well, then free agency becomes a bigger possibility. So the plan is too draft well and keep their own.
[*]Size receivers have value.
[*]Players who are on your team aren't typically "known" (as good or bad) for 2-3 years.
[*]"Need" is not a good word. "Want" of a player is.
[*]All starting position opening will be filled by the players they already have on the roster.
[*]Players who visited are for a variety of reasons - obviously they can help/hurt themslves in a visit.
[*]Player visits can "certainly" be smokescreens.
[*]Pittsburgh PA, isn't about draft grades its ONLY about Super Bowls.
[*]Tomlin believes there is an intrinsic value to players who have a history of "winning", whatever level and whatever school. Its contagious.
Though Colbert said there are some guys who haven't won that are hungery to win and desire to be with a winner and be a winner.
[*]When you dont get that first round pick right, it can set you back as many as 4 years.
[*]For the Steelers, getting heavily involved in big free agents is a product of messing up with draft picks. If they dont draft well, then free agency becomes a bigger possibility. So the plan is too draft well and keep their own.
matttyl
Footballguy
Alright Pittsburgh homers. Draft time is drawing near, and I'm still sitting on the Mendy+Redman combo. What are the odds that Pittsburgh uses a pick in the top 3 rounds to get another RB?
I'm not so much worried about a 4th round or later RB, I think Redman has the skills to hold the job from a 4th round rookie. I'm thinking with the other needs they have, and the current depth at the position it's less than 40%....but I'm not the Pittsburgh expert.
I'm not so much worried about a 4th round or later RB, I think Redman has the skills to hold the job from a 4th round rookie. I'm thinking with the other needs they have, and the current depth at the position it's less than 40%....but I'm not the Pittsburgh expert.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
Probably not the answer you want, but whether or not they draft an RB in the first 3 rounds is going to be predicated solely on how highly they have the draft-eligible RBs rated, and who is on the board at their spots in those rounds. The Steelers don't typically draft aggressively for need, they draft players they think can play for them.
Black&Gold
Footballguy
I say less that 20% they take a RB in the top 3 rounds. They are going to roll with who they have. I think Redman could suprise. Batch is coming back and they loved him in preseason last year. Dwyer is there. With the possiblity of Mendy coming back mid-season, they have other holes to fill.
I agree with this. I don't think Medenhall is in their long term plans, unless they think they can get him cheaply now that he'll miss time this year. I tend to think they'll be taking a rb in the top three rounds this year or next. How urgent do they think their need is compared to the talent which will be available for them to select. I think it's unlikely he'll be there, but if say Doug Martin is there in the second, I think they'll consider it.'Evilgrin 72 said:
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
They didnt say it would, they said it could.
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it certainly seems to if it is a quarterback. Teams spend years giving them a shot and don't draft another quarterback or bring in someone good to compete with them.
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Godsbrother
Footballguy
Not a draftnik so here is my uneducated prognostication for the Steelers 2012 draft:
1. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
2. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
3. Mitchell Swartz, OT, California
4. Hebron Fangupo, DT, BYU
5. Keith Tandy, CB, WVU
6. Toney Clemmons, WR, Colorado
7. Kelvin Beachum, OG, Southern Methodist
7. Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina
7. David Paulsen, TE Oregon
7. Olivier Venrnon, LB, Miami
1. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
2. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
3. Mitchell Swartz, OT, California
4. Hebron Fangupo, DT, BYU
5. Keith Tandy, CB, WVU
6. Toney Clemmons, WR, Colorado
7. Kelvin Beachum, OG, Southern Methodist
7. Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina
7. David Paulsen, TE Oregon
7. Olivier Venrnon, LB, Miami
No offense GB, but if the Steelers wait until the 7th rd to draft a G than my remote will end up thru the tv.
treat88
Footballguy
Swartz can play guard. May be one of the better LG prospects available after the bigger names go.I wouldn't even consider Pead in Rd. 2. tho.
As much as I desperately crave a CB this draft I am not that excited about Tandy
I just can't get excited about this draft knowing that our huge need at corner is going to be completely ignored like usual and we are going to assume that Troy and Ryan will bail out the bums like usual. At least try to shore up the line which is a need with Kevin Zeitler at guard from Wisconsin but it seems that Hightower is the pick now.
I just can't get excited about this draft knowing that our huge need at corner is going to be completely ignored like usual and we are going to assume that Troy and Ryan will bail out the bums like usual. At least try to shore up the line which is a need with Kevin Zeitler at guard from Wisconsin but it seems that Hightower is the pick now.
Zeitel seems like a reach in the first. If they wait until the 5th to draft a CB, you aren't likely to be excited about the selection.As much as I desperately crave a CB this draft I am not that excited about TandyI just can't get excited about this draft knowing that our huge need at corner is going to be completely ignored like usual and we are going to assume that Troy and Ryan will bail out the bums like usual. At least try to shore up the line which is a need with Kevin Zeitler at guard from Wisconsin but it seems that Hightower is the pick now.
I would also not be happy with Pead in round 2.
Kenny Powers
Footballguy
I thought the most interesting thing Colbert said is that there's only 7-10 guys you really feel good about panning out as very good players in this draft while in most years its 20+. Could be a smokescreen, but to me that sounds like they may strongly consider trying to move up if a guy theyre high on fell to the late teens.
On another note, why is nobody talking about us drafting Jonathan Martin? He was supposed to be a top 10 pick going into last year, and at the end of this season was still a top 15-20 lock seemingly. I read his stock dropped due to difficulty with speed rushers and taking penalties last season, but is there more to it (combine, etc)? Outside of a couple ridiculous mocks that had him going over Reiff, almost all of the 20-30 mocks I looked at today had him going 22 or 23 at the earliest, with probably 60-70% of them having him get picked after us with 1 or 2 having us actually take him. I understand pretty much everyone has had Hightower written in Sharpie as our pick for awhile now, but if Martin's there would they really pass on him? I would be shocked if Colon stays healthy this year, which is another reason he makes a ton of sense.
On another note, why is nobody talking about us drafting Jonathan Martin? He was supposed to be a top 10 pick going into last year, and at the end of this season was still a top 15-20 lock seemingly. I read his stock dropped due to difficulty with speed rushers and taking penalties last season, but is there more to it (combine, etc)? Outside of a couple ridiculous mocks that had him going over Reiff, almost all of the 20-30 mocks I looked at today had him going 22 or 23 at the earliest, with probably 60-70% of them having him get picked after us with 1 or 2 having us actually take him. I understand pretty much everyone has had Hightower written in Sharpie as our pick for awhile now, but if Martin's there would they really pass on him? I would be shocked if Colon stays healthy this year, which is another reason he makes a ton of sense.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Yes. Swartz gives some flexibility because he can play OT or OG. My original thought was to draft Bobby Massie in the second round. I probably have them taking Pead a tad too early but he would fit the Mewelde Moore role nicely.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I think you answered your own question. A tackle that has problems with speed rushers and needs development as a run blocker sounds like potential bust material.
belljr
Footballguy
Although I think that it doesn't hurt as much anymore with the salary scale.
I think the higher the draft position the more correct his point is. If you have a top 5 pick and you bomb on the pick then it probably will set the team back for years. But if you pick is 25 then probably not as devasting.
