Another Take on the Steelers Draft

[NorthCoast]

..... not all good, but gotta hope the Steelers scouts and FO did their homework on these picks:


http://stillers.com/Article/View/7a6a816c-cf78-4972-8a39-833742cb8bcb

2019 NFL Draft Steelers Review
April 28, 2019 by Steel Haven


A round-by-round review of the Steelers draft. The draft started with a bang as the Steelers went against character and traded up for ILB Devin Bush. Rumors had begun earlier on Thursday that the Steelers were having discussions with the Denver Broncos. Still, the trade up was a bold, necessary stroke to acquire one of the two difference makers in this draft at inside linebacker. The rest of the draft was anti-climactic. The Steelers stood pat and let the draft come to them, basically with a few exceptions taking low ceiling, low floor players lacking in top athleticism to fill backup roles.

1) 10. ILB Devin Bush - Michigan

Traded the 52nd pick and a 2020 third rounder to flip first rounders with the Broncos. Bush is a three down sideline-to-sideline off the ball inside linebacker. He is a heat seeking missle against the run with the speed, athleticism and upside to be a major asset at the second level against the pass. Exactly what the defense needed. Last year's free agent signing ILB Jon Bostic was released after the draft.

3) 66. WR Diontea Johnson - Toledo

Another early entrant. Dropped off last year after a dominant 2017 season. A lot of that had to do with the graduation of QB Logan Woodside. Basketball athlete that plays faster than the 4.53 speed he showed at the combine. Undersized, but good at avoiding contact at the line of scrimmage. Drops have been an issue in the past. Fits the mold of WR Antonio Brown and WR Emanuel Sanders. Yes, the Steelers have a "type" at wideout. GM Kevin Colbert has shown a knack in the past for drafting receivers, so don't discount Johnson.

3) 83. CB Justin Layne - Michigan St

Layne is a tall, long bump and run corner with excellent ball skills and awareness. Lacks only top recovery speed. The only other pick in the draft besides Bush that I actually like, for whatever that's worth. Was actually upset he was not the pick at 66.

4) 122. RB Benny Snell - Kentucky

Not what I expected to be drafted at the running back position. Thought a change of pace, receiving back would be targeted. Snell is a between the tackles banger that lacks long speed. Excellent after first contact. Bulldozed the Penn St defense in the Citrus Bowl. Hopefully this means RB Jaylen Samuels will be utilized in multiple roles including the slot, H-back and even FB instead of being limited as a pure backup to RB James Conner.

5) 141. TE Zach Gentry - Michigam

Huge project, both literally and figuratively. Quarterback recruit. Only two years of experience at tight end. Surprise early entrant. Ran only a 4.9 40 and a horrific 7.40 3-cone at the combine. Not a blocker despite size, 6'8", 268 pounds. Unreliable hands. Most viewed him as a priority free agent. Did win the most improved offensive player award last season at Michigan.

6) 175. OLB Sutton Smith - Northern Illinois

Severely undersized, yet ultra productive edge rusher. Manhandled at Senior Bowl practices. Lacks the bulk to hold up on the edge, the frame to add bulk. Quick twitch athlete and combine 3-cone superstar that can get to the quarterback quickly if not engaged. Would have been a day two or perhaps even day one pick if he was 2 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier. Maybe even a day two pick if he had the frame to add 20 pounds. Could be tried as an off the ball inside linebacker, although drafting of Bush and Gilbert plus lack of depth on the edge make that highly unlikely.

6) 192. DE Isaiah Buggs - Alabama

Sort of a throwback two gap space eater. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar was hired away from Alabama before last season so his having impact on this pick makes sense. Tested extreemly poorly in all facets at the combine. Short arms and lack of length makes ability to hold up as a 5-technique more questionable. Seems similar to last year's seventh rounder from Alabama NT Joshua Frazier that did not even make the practice squad.

6) 207. ILB Ulysees Gilbert - Akron

Can't believe the Steelers used all these day three picks. Gilbert tested well at his pro day after not being invited to the combine. He is fast, agile and undersized. Ability in special teams coverage could win him a roster spot.

7) 219. T/G Derwin Gray - Maryland

Road grader that had some late second day buzz early in the process before a horrific combine that made Buggs almost look athletic. Huge right tackle that will almost assuredly need to move inside.

UDFA) P Ian Berryman - Western Carolina, OG Garrett Brumfield - LSU, DT Jay Hayes - Georgia, S Dravon Henry-Askew - West Virginia, OG Fred Johnson - Florida, RB Travon McMillian - Colorado, CB Alexander Myres - Houston, DT Chris Nelson - Texas, LS Trevor Wood - Texas A&M, K Matt Wright - Central Florida

Brumfield and Henry-Askew both had official visits. Gray, Brumfield and fellow free agent Johnson should be in the battle for the final offensive line roster spot. Lack of depth at safety could open up an opportunity for Henry-Askew. Hayes and Nelson are undersized 3-techniques that could have sub-package usefulness, do not seem like scheme fits otherwise. Myres has shown ability on special teams coverage units, that is his only realistic route to a roster spot. Berryman should at least theoretically have an opportunity because incumbent P Josh Berry is so bad. This seems like fewer undrafted free agents than are normally signed expecially considering three specialists were included. That's probably because several AAF veterans were signed when the league failed in mid-season.

[Iron City Inc.]

So we have had some time to digest this draft. I'm confident everyone knows the background of our first 4 selections I'm just going to give a thumbnail version on what I've seen on tape of the 5 day three selections that are not as well known as well as the guy who I believe is a free agent who has a very real shot to at least be on the practice squad. So here goes:

5 Zack Gentry- So Gentry only really did it for 1 year. His tape in 18 is good. Seam routes he consistently was able to get some depth n position on backers in zone n made some yack but not much. It seems many did not like the pick because he ran 4.9 at the combine. Now watching his game film he doesn't play like 4.9. His pro day had him timed in high 4.6's low 4.7's. Now pro day #'s are not always that accurate but he plays faster then 4.9 and what one would think for a large dude. I believe he may be limited running routes as his change of direction isn't great. Red zone should be where he can contribute. He'll need to block decently to get some early playing time. To me his hands are okay but he'll need to get his route running sharper, learn to block better n if he can do that he may surprise.
He's got a very high ceiling. He could develop into a solid starting TE who can play the Y. Floor is he can't beat out Grimble say in a year and doesn't always get a hat on Sundays. Any day 3 pick who can become a solid starter is worth the selection.

Round 6A Sutton Smith- So here is a guy that if you just watch his highlights you say "Wow he should have been drafted sooner" However when you watch game tape he can be ridden out a bit and though the motor is great he can get manhandled in the run game. Now guys that can bend the edge have a place in the NFL. He'll be best for us if he can multitask and play OLB on passing downs some as the Will backer the open side olb in the 34. Passing downs 3rd n longs here is where Smith's strength is. Bending the edge low n excellent closing speed to get to the passer. Now if he can also play the Buck then in sub packages he may save a roster spot. And lastly if he can be a special teams contributor he could send someone down route 30 who is a good special teamer but doesn't play the Buck well at all though my bud Alex loves him. You should know who. So anyone who can rush the qb has value. He has a excellent chance to play sub packages on Sundays. He can multitask n play Buck ( Bush is the Mike) as a back up role and be a special team contributor ( he was excellent on special teams at N I) he'll be more then worth his draft selection. Situational rusher with good upside.

Isaiah Buggs 6B. - So he did not test well at Indi. However he played well in 18 when he got more opportunities. He'll need to play all the fronts to be a value. With Walton not signed there is a need. Not thinking he'll start but play a role like Alualu. Though he had some pass rush success I'm not expecting much at the next level in that aspect. Plays with good leverage cause he keeps his pads low. For where we got him knowing he has a decent chance to make the roster I'm in on this Bama section.

Ulysees Gilbert III- 6C K so this Akron speedster played a bunch of Sam backer in college. He like Smith will need to multitask to have a shot. Could slide to the Buck where his speed would be an asset n still bounce to the Sam in a back up role. Sub package hybrid type who MUST contribute as a special teamer. He is a solid tackler who breaks down well and is not "kill shot happy". Not nearly the rusher Smith is but with Bostic gone and Keion Adams gone he'll have a shot to be a back up and make the roster. We open against the Pats. This backer will know week 1, if he makes it, he's not playing Bowling Green anymore!

Derwin Gray 7A- This guy has good feet and great arm length. He supplies a nasty punch in the run game and gets his guy on skates often. Can he play LT at the next level ? Perhaps but if not he'll get a shot inside or on the right side. He can be a road grader and is a bit nasty in pass pro with his punch and finish. Not much finesse here it's power n leverage. He has a shot because he excelled against top competition. With Gilbert gone he has a chance. For a seventh rounder this was , is, a nice selection.

Fred Johnson F/A - This Florida guard jumped out at me watching tape of Jawaan Taylor. Watch any Taylor highlights n see if you see what jumped out to me. Johnson can pull n trap and can not be bull rushed. He moves pretty well for a large guy. Picks up stunts well in pass pro n has long arms keeping guys off his frame. I started a thread on him and broke down his skills so you know I like him but it will be tough for a lineman who is not position flexible to make it. He'll be a watch at Latrobe n a guy who likely makes the PS his year with some upside.
So that's how I see it as of today. If you have any questions or concerns let me know.

[hawaiiansteel]

5 Zack Gentry- So Gentry only really did it for 1 year. His tape in 18 is good. Seam routes he consistently was able to get some depth n position on backers in zone n made some yack but not much. It seems many did not like the pick because he ran 4.9 at the combine. Now watching his game film he doesn't play like 4.9. His pro day had him timed in high 4.6's low 4.7's. Now pro day #'s are not always that accurate but he plays faster then 4.9 and what one would think for a large dude. I believe he may be limited running routes as his change of direction isn't great. Red zone should be where he can contribute. He'll need to block decently to get some early playing time. To me his hands are okay but he'll need to get his route running sharper, learn to block better n if he can do that he may surprise.
He's got a very high ceiling. He could develop into a solid starting TE who can play the Y. Floor is he can't beat out Grimble say in a year and doesn't always get a hat on Sundays. Any day 3 pick who can become a solid starter is worth the selection.


what's even more concerning than Gentry's slow 40 time was his horrendous 7.40 3-cone drill. when you watch his tape he never makes anyone miss, no wonder when you have feet made of molasses.

[Iron City Inc.]

what's even more concerning than Gentry's slow 40 time was his horrendous 7.40 3-cone drill. when you watch his tape he never makes anyone miss, no wonder when you have feet made of molasses.
Well I would agree he's not running any arrow routes. Not many TE's do. Kelse is about all I can think of there. But he ran a few great outs against Northwestern and he consistently beat SMU backers down the seam. He was able to get on top of Maryland backers. Watching that game was where you realize his play speed was far better then the combine # n closer to the pro day #. Savage of Maryland tackled him about 40 yds down field in that game n Savage can fly so this rook did it against some excellent players.
He doesn't have a lot of wiggle but not a lot of big TE's do. Right now he is just a day 3 rook with imho a high ceiling.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

i think gentrys ceiling is matt spaeth

none of our picks past round 3 have very high ceilings, imo

[Iron City Inc.]

i think gentrys ceiling is matt spaeth

none of our picks past round 3 have very high ceilings, imo

I would have to believe Colbert n crew do not agree with you n that's okay. I watched the Maryland game. If you get a chance to catch it it may change your opinion on Gentry.

[hawaiiansteel]

I would have to believe Colbert n crew do not agree with you n that's okay. I watched the Maryland game. If you get a chance to catch it it may change your opinion on Gentry.

I watched Michigan's game against Ohio St.

if you get the chance watch it, you may change your mind.


https://edayfm.com/video/pl0VmwDqcvc/

[Iron City Inc.]

That seam drop was ugly. I said his hands are okay. We all know he had some drops. They all drop some and they all cough up some.