Nose Tackle in the 1st?

I know if you look around enough you'll find some "expert" mock draft out there that will have us taking a quarterback in the first round because we need someone to groom behind Big Ben, so we have to take these for what they are worth.

So while I've been killing time at the office, I've seen two more mock drafts, each of which has us taking a Nose Tackle in the first round. One site had us taking Hankins from Ohio State, the other hand us taking Jenkins from Georgia (who I thought was a second or even third rounder). I recognize that our DL talent and production is not what it once was but is anyone else of the same mind on taking an NT in the first? I know Shawn in an OSU guy, what do you think of Hankins?

Guess I should get back to work now, probably because we had a bad season last year but the speculation and waiting around for the draft this year is killing me!

Interestingly enough, early in the offseason, there were as many as 5 NT projected in the 1st round, based on performance during the season. Then the combine happened and 40 aren't what NT's do. I honestly suspect they'll take a NT in the first 4 rounds - just to have another body thrown in there... and Very likely select one who was projected as a 1st rounder in January. This is said to be a VERY deep NT class - for that reason alone, I wouldn't take one in the first - but, wouldn't be dissapointed if they did.

[QUOTE=ramblinjim;557549]I know if you look around enough you'll find some "expert" mock draft out there that will have us taking a quarterback in the first round because we need someone to groom behind Big Ben, so we have to take these for what they are worth.

So while I've been killing time at the office, I've seen two more mock drafts, each of which has us taking a Nose Tackle in the first round. One site had us taking Hankins from Ohio State, the other hand us taking Jenkins from Georgia (who I thought was a second or even third rounder). I recognize that our DL talent and production is not what it once was but is anyone else of the same mind on taking an NT in the first? I know Shawn in an OSU guy, what do you think of Hankins?

Guess I should get back to work now, probably because we had a bad season last year but the speculation and waiting around for the draft this year is killing me![/QUOTE]

Well, since, Ta'amu was slapped on the wrist and McClendon and Fangupo are on the roster currently I don't think they'll be looking for NT. However, if a DeCastro type situation occurs and a NT is the BPA then I could see the Steelers selecting a NT with their 1.17 pick. I haven't heard much banter about elite NTs in this draft or ones that could potentially fall, so it's probably not likely, but stranger things have happened on draft day.

Pappy

NO....considering we dropped first round picks on Heyward and Hood and they are both very average at best, NO. I would take another OL in the first round before a NT. If they want to switch to the 4-3 then take Werner if still there but other than a switch, we have enough guys to 'eat up blockers' and not enough to actually put pressure on the freaking QB's.

[QUOTE=Mister Pittsburgh;557552]NO....considering we dropped first round picks on Heyward and Hood and they are both very average at best, NO. I would take another OL in the first round before a NT. If they want to switch to the 4-3 then take Werner if still there but other than a switch, we have enough guys to 'eat up blockers' and not enough to actually put pressure on the freaking QB's.[/QUOTE]

Couldn't it be argued that the decline in the play of the NT coincided with the increasing inability to sack the QB?

You never know what the Steelers will do with an early pick, we usually pick in the later rounds so I'm guessing they will go with BPA.
For me if the Steelers are picking defense I favor CB, good corners are hard to come by, and with Ike Taylor's age and contract it may be on their list.
The QB is the most important position on offense, I view CB the same on defense especially in this pass happy NFL.

[QUOTE=Chadman;557558]Couldn't it be argued that the decline in the play of the NT coincided with the increasing inability to sack the QB?[/QUOTE]

You could, but I wouldn't. The OLB we had last year were injured. Woodley had the nagging groin injury that has cropped up the past few seasons and Harrisons knee issues were well documented. After Harrisons knee came around, his sacks went up. I would argue that the DE's play has a much great effect on the OLB's sack numbers. The NT is more of a safeguard against the run, as we don't blitz our ILB all that often.

Unless he's an absolute monster I think 17 may be too high. Depends if the player is a 2 down player or can stay on the field for all situations. I thought we had the answer in Ta'amu. But we won't know until he can see some playing time. I usually a proponent of drafting up the middle and from the inside out, but not for this particular draft.

[QUOTE=papillon;557551]I haven't heard much banter about elite NTs in this draft or ones that could potentially fall, so it's probably not likely, but stranger things have happened on draft day.

Pappy[/QUOTE]

No elite nose tackles?

Star Lotulelei is perhaps the best 3-4 NT to come out in the last five years.

Further, this is perhaps the deepest high talent 3-4 NT class we have ever seen. Hankins, Sly Williams, Jessie Williams and John Jenkins have all been mentioned as first round possibilities. The Steelers heavily attended the pro day of Brandon Williams (who is likely a day two pick).

Now, I agree that NT at 17 may not be a great value. And, we don't really NEED one. But, the fact remains, this is a fantastic NT draft (especially in the first three rounds) with several "elite" talents.

Hankins is a pocket collapsing game changer. He is huge yet runs sideline to sideline like a linebacker, eats up two blockers and still gets push. Elite run stuffer, disruptive in the passing game. You can build a D around him. IMO, he is one of the best DTs in OSU history. I kept my eye on him ALOT, and was amazed at how much another team has to focus on him. I would be stoked to grab Hankins.

It's kinda funny but I remember a lot on this board pushing for the Steelers to draft a NT in the first last year. The one most wanted was the combine workout warrior Dontari Poe (sp?). Did Poe even play this past year? I think KC drafted him but I never remember hearing his name the entire year. Maybe I missed all the splash play highlights on ESPN on him last year. :)

Fangupo, Ta'amu, McLendon...give a young guy a shot before declaring they are backups or not NFL worthy.

[QUOTE=Shawn;557591]Hankins is a pocket collapsing game changer. He is huge yet runs sideline to sideline like a linebacker, eats up two blockers and still gets push. Elite run stuffer, disruptive in the passing game. You can build a D around him. IMO, he is one of the best DTs in OSU history. I kept my eye on him ALOT, and was amazed at how much another team has to focus on him. I would be stoked to grab Hankins.[/QUOTE]

I'm all for value when we can get it, but unless Hankins is Ngata Jr, I find it difficult to justify spending our #1 (and the third #1 in four years) on the D-line. Chadman asked the question whether any failings at NT had anything to do with a lack of pass-rush... presuming he means less obvious passing situations. I don't think NT played much into that. If you think of the top interior power guys today (Ngata, Suh, Wilfork, etc.) I don't see the NT having the presence that it once did. In previous eras, a dominant NT seemed to be a hallmark of strong D (shutting down the run). These days, it seems that having that guy in there doesn't have the same value it once did (what with the Spread maybe?)

As I said, if he's Ngata, I'm fine taking him there. Otherwise, I would hope that there is better value elsewhere.

Until the combine, some NTs were rated highly. Personally, I like Jesse Williams, as he's relatively new to football (was a rugby player) and is very strong, and will end up being a guy that eats two blockers on every play. It's what our NT has to do for everything else to work on either side of him (to the DE, to the OLB).

I have a feeling that one or two of the 1st round rated DT/NTs will be available at our pick in round 2 and there will likey be 2nd round type talent in round 4. IMO we should take advantage of the crazy depth and get a steal at some point.

[QUOTE=ikestops85;557634]It's kinda funny but I remember a lot on this board pushing for the Steelers to draft a NT in the first last year. The one most wanted was the combine workout warrior Dontari Poe (sp?). Did Poe even play this past year? I think KC drafted him but I never remember hearing his name the entire year. Maybe I missed all the splash play highlights on ESPN on him last year. :)[/QUOTE]

IIRC, Poe had an injury issue in training camp and the beginning of the year. Shoulder I think.

Hell no... I would be very angry if we went NT early.

[QUOTE=feltdizz;557690]Hell no... I would be very angry if we went NT early.[/QUOTE]

I agree. We've got much bigger needs. The three we've got right now at NT will fill the void. McClendon is a solid player..

[QUOTE=Shawn;557591]Hankins is a pocket collapsing game changer. He is huge yet runs sideline to sideline like a linebacker, eats up two blockers and still gets push. Elite run stuffer, disruptive in the passing game. You can build a D around him. IMO, he is one of the best DTs in OSU history. I kept my eye on him ALOT, and was amazed at how much another team has to focus on him. I would be stoked to grab Hankins.[/QUOTE]

He had a better sophomore than junior season but, yeah, you could build a defense around him. He wouldn't be ready as a rookie until he improves his upper body strength. Unstoppable motor than thrives on stopping the run...plays like a younger version of Hampton. I'm on board if he's the pick.

With Ray Rice and Trent Richardson to deal with in the division, it would make sense to find that anchor in the middle. Not sure if he is on the roster at the moment, but doesnt hurt to find another.

Lots of other bigger needs at this point though...given the recent departures via free agency, etc. I haven't seen the steelers defense this thin (depth wise) at linebacker and safety for many years.

[QUOTE=Shoe;557637]I'm all for value when we can get it, but unless Hankins is Ngata Jr, I find it difficult to justify spending our #1 (and the third #1 in four years) on the D-line. Chadman asked the question whether any failings at NT had anything to do with a lack of pass-rush... presuming he means less obvious passing situations. I don't think NT played much into that. If you think of the top interior power guys today (Ngata, Suh, Wilfork, etc.) I don't see the NT having the presence that it once did. In previous eras, a dominant NT seemed to be a hallmark of strong D (shutting down the run). These days, it seems that having that guy in there doesn't have the same value it once did (what with the Spread maybe?)

As I said, if he's Ngata, I'm fine taking him there. Otherwise, I would hope that there is better value elsewhere.[/QUOTE]

So, in other words, if Star falls, yeah, but otherwise, no. Since all of Star's post-Combine heart tests came back without issue (it was likely a mixture of illness and dehydration in Indy), it's highly doubtful he falls out of the top 10 (and perhaps not out of the top 5).