ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.
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ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.
[quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
Or rationally assess the depth of the draft at OL, Secondary and DL and draft the Best Player Available at #18 (who will actually play alot)...CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson.
[quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
That is a possibility, but which starting group is by far the oldest? We have a young QB, RB, OL, WR's average age is 27, LB's average is 28, secondary is 28, but the DL averages 32. I realize we went DL with our first pick last year, but if Jared Odrick is availabe at 18, he may get some serious consideration.
[quote=Lebsteel][quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
That is a possibility, but which starting group is by far the oldest? We have a young QB, RB, OL, WR's average age is 27, LB's average is 28, secondary is 28, but the DL averages 32. I realize we went DL with our first pick last year, but if Jared Odrick is availabe at 18, he may get some serious consideration.[/quote]
I wonder where his hometown is? :lol: :lol:
[quote=MeetJoeGreene][quote=Lebsteel][quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
That is a possibility, but which starting group is by far the oldest? We have a young QB, RB, OL, WR's average age is 27, LB's average is 28, secondary is 28, but the DL averages 32. I realize we went DL with our first pick last year, but if Jared Odrick is availabe at 18, he may get some serious consideration.[/quote]
I wonder where his hometown is? :lol: :lol:[/quote]
Hmmm....so what do you think? You've probably seen him quite a bit at Penn State?
[quote=Lebsteel][quote=MeetJoeGreene][quote=Lebsteel][quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
That is a possibility, but which starting group is by far the oldest? We have a young QB, RB, OL, WR's average age is 27, LB's average is 28, secondary is 28, but the DL averages 32. I realize we went DL with our first pick last year, but if Jared Odrick is availabe at 18, he may get some serious consideration.[/quote]
I wonder where his hometown is? :lol: :lol:[/quote]
Hmmm....so what do you think? You've probably seen him quite a bit at Penn State?[/quote]
I would love to have him. He is a beast.
I don't know if they will take a DE 2 years in a row... unless they are switching to a 4-3.
[quote=Lebsteel][quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
That is a possibility, but which starting group is by far the oldest? We have a young QB, RB, OL, WR's average age is 27, LB's average is 28, secondary is 28, but the DL averages 32. I realize we went DL with our first pick last year, but if Jared Odrick is availabe at 18, he may get some serious consideration.[/quote]
Odrick is my pick. I think he would be a great end in a 3-4 defense.
I won't be surprised if Steelers draft an OT in 1st Rd and OG/OC in 2nd Rd. Improving O-line would improve 3rd and short/Red Zone struggles.
[quote=grotonsteel]I won't be surprised if Steelers draft an OT in 1st Rd and OG/OC in 2nd Rd. Improving O-line would improve 3rd and short/Red Zone struggles.[/quote]
Just really don't think this happens. They have 5 returning starters and I think they will take a wait and see approach with the new OL coach and how he can improve what he has.
The team has never been as down on the OL as the fans have and I don't think that changes this draft.
I wouldn't be surprised, but I'd be very disappointed. Weatherspoon is a tough player. He runs well in a straight line and tackles well. But, he has average lateral agility and has ALWAYS had trouble getting off of blocks. If you watched the bowl game against Navy, you'd agree that this cat is a second round talent.
If we chose Weatherspoon over Spikes that would be really poor.
[quote=Oviedo][quote=grotonsteel]I won't be surprised if Steelers draft an OT in 1st Rd and OG/OC in 2nd Rd. Improving O-line would improve 3rd and short/Red Zone struggles.[/quote]
Just really don't think this happens. They have 5 returning starters and I think they will take a wait and see approach with the new OL coach and how he can improve what he has.
The team has never been as down on the OL as the fans have and I don't think that changes this draft.[/quote]
I don't think O-Line is the real weakness but they can definitely improve.
If Steelers can get hold of one of the top 3 OT in this draft then they need to draft him even though 5 starters are returning.
I would draft Earl Thomas though if he is available.
[quote=Oviedo][quote=grotonsteel]I won't be surprised if Steelers draft an OT in 1st Rd and OG/OC in 2nd Rd. Improving O-line would improve 3rd and short/Red Zone struggles.[/quote]
Just really don't think this happens. They have 5 returning starters and I think they will take a wait and see approach with the new OL coach and how he can improve what he has.
The team has never been as down on the OL as the fans have and I don't think that changes this draft.[/quote]
I think it depends on who is available. If Iupati or Bulaga are there at #18, I think that there is a very good chance they draft one of them. Even if they tender Colon, it would appear that he is not in their plans down the road. I don't know if the team is "down" on their o-line personnel or not. But I bet they will not pass on a chance to upgrade it if the BPA at #18 is an OG or OT.
[quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
what are the needs at OL? they are a young group and have improved a great deal. if they dont re-sign colon or if they want to up grade the center position ok but i dont see any glaring needs. ben will take sacks no matter who is blocking for him and they dont have a legit short yardage back. the last game of the season they ran all over a very good run defense. there are more needs at DL and the secondary. they didnt really ignore the DL last season since they drafted ziggy who looks to be a good pick so far
[quote=NW Steeler][quote=Oviedo][quote=grotonsteel]I won't be surprised if Steelers draft an OT in 1st Rd and OG/OC in 2nd Rd. Improving O-line would improve 3rd and short/Red Zone struggles.[/quote]
Just really don't think this happens. They have 5 returning starters and I think they will take a wait and see approach with the new OL coach and how he can improve what he has.
The team has never been as down on the OL as the fans have and I don't think that changes this draft.[/quote]
I think it depends on who is available. If Iupati or Bulaga are there at #18, I think that there is a very good chance they draft one of them. Even if they tender Colon, it would appear that he is not in their plans down the road. I don't know if the team is "down" on their o-line personnel or not. But I bet they will not pass on a chance to upgrade it if the BPA at #18 is an OG or OT.[/quote]
I'd be happy with Iupati but I still want a homerun with CJ Spiller. No one here mentions it, but we do have a need at RB. Mendy is good, Moore is nothing but a role player. We need a legit #2 back who has a skillset significantly better than Moore. Forget about Summers and "Pre Season Hero" Redman. They couldn't help if Mendy went down.
i'll be suprised if its not OL or a DN unless mcclain slips down to us
[quote=Oviedo][quote=NW Steeler][quote=Oviedo][quote=grotonsteel]I won't be surprised if Steelers draft an OT in 1st Rd and OG/OC in 2nd Rd. Improving O-line would improve 3rd and short/Red Zone struggles.[/quote]
Just really don't think this happens. They have 5 returning starters and I think they will take a wait and see approach with the new OL coach and how he can improve what he has.
The team has never been as down on the OL as the fans have and I don't think that changes this draft.[/quote]
I think it depends on who is available. If Iupati or Bulaga are there at #18, I think that there is a very good chance they draft one of them. Even if they tender Colon, it would appear that he is not in their plans down the road. I don't know if the team is "down" on their o-line personnel or not. But I bet they will not pass on a chance to upgrade it if the BPA at #18 is an OG or OT.[/quote]
I'd be happy with Iupati but I still want a homerun with CJ Spiller. No one here mentions it, but we do have a need at RB. Mendy is good, Moore is nothing but a role player. We need a legit #2 back who has a skillset significantly better than Moore. Forget about Summers and "Pre Season Hero" Redman. They couldn't help if Mendy went down.[/quote]
I don't see them drafting another RB in round one. But then again, I was completely shocked when they drafted Mendy. My guess is that they will draft a RB in round 3 or 4.
[quote=frankthetank1][quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
what are the needs at OL? they are a young group and have improved a great deal. if they dont re-sign colon or if they want to up grade the center position ok but i dont see any glaring needs. ben will take sacks no matter who is blocking for him and they dont have a legit short yardage back. the last game of the season they ran all over a very good run defense. there are more needs at DL and the secondary. they didnt really ignore the DL last season since they drafted ziggy who looks to be a good pick so far[/quote]
We have no depth at tackle whatsoever. I don't think Tony Hills has dressed for anything other than preseason games in his first two years in the league. What happens if anything happens to Starks or Colon? Do you move Essex back to tackle? Do you move Foster back to tackle? Would you trust any of these guys with protecting Ben's blind side while he routinely holds the ball for 5+ seconds back there?
I don't think that you can ever have enough good o-lineman, especially tackles, even though the more glaring weaknesses are at right guard and center. We are rarely in position to be able to draft a top tackle because of their scarcity (there are never any left by the time we typically pick late in the first round). But this season, there are five legit first round OT prospects that could interest us (Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Bruce Campbell, Bryan Bulaga, and Trent Williams...Charles Brown may also have a first round grade, but he is an undersized guy that wouldn't really fit with what we usually look for in our o-lineman). A few of those top-rated OT's should be off the board by the time we pick at #18, but I think that there should still be a couple of options for us to consider there.
Although we can keep Colon for this coming season with an RFA tender, what if his contract demands after that are beyond what we are willing to pay for his services, since we will also need to spend a pretty penny to extend Woodley and Santonio? Wouldn't it be nice to have a solid OT prospect with a year of experience just in case Colon leaves for another team in 2011? And for this season, we can use our 3rd tackle as a tackle-eligible on short-yardage plays (one of our biggest weaknesses this past season was converting short yardage runs). And what if the rookie shines in training camp this year, allowing our new o-line coach to consider sliding Colon over to RG (something Zeirlein was never willing to consider).
Rooney has spoken. It was very odd that his opinions were directed to onfield / coaching issues. "Run the ball." "Younger players need to see the field earlier." It has teeth!
Making it known that Hampton, Clark, & Reed are priorities tells me they have a direction. After taking it all in, I came to a conclusion that even forced me to change my mock. They will get those deals done because the window is still open with them. There is a 2-3 year window where Hampton & Clark can still give you their best play. They are in the plans.
With those 2 locked up...It is simple. RUN...RUN...RUN. The passing offense is potent and puts points on the board. The only think stopping them now at being elite is keeping the ball away from the other offense when we have the lead. My gut tells me it will be these PLAYERS...This order...If available. Iupati, Bulaga, Williams, or Spiller. I think Iupati will be higher on their board because Day one he plays "in college poisition" at the Steelers biggest hole. He fits the mold of an "Old School" Steelers G. He's Faneca! Having Iupati at RG with Kemo at LG takes the handing out of the offense. Any of you who played ball knows what that does to the run game and what it does to a defense to try to defend it.
The Steelers will address CB in the first 3 picks if Clark is retained. S will come later with the starters in place. Where the Steelers sit in the draft, it favors them more to address OL in the 1st, CB in the 2nd, and RB in the 3rd. OL looks to be heavy mid 1st and CB looks to be heavy early 2nd. If things fall right, the Steelers 1st 3 picks all could have significant production year 1.
Smoke screens are always used but this one might be more clear. Hampton isn't going anywhere in my opinion. The Steelers just can't replace him quick enough. They had options with Faneca. Hoke is an emergency option...But the window is still too open to use your emergency option. The Steelers hold the cards on Hampton. Clark wants to stay and the Steelers want him. Retaining Clark really simplifies things. It really makes good business sense to retain both of them. Having Troy come back healthy with Smith is a big step forward. Getting a CB early and depth at ILB, OLB, DT & S through the draft makes this defense better now. Loosing Hampton & Clark, even with Toy & Smith coming back, could be a major setback.
[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]Rooney has spoken. It was very odd that his opinions were directed to onfield / coaching issues. "Run the ball." "Younger players need to see the field earlier." It has teeth!
Making it known that Hampton, Clark, & Reed are priorities tells me they have a direction. After taking it all in, I came to a conclusion that even forced me to change my mock. They will get those deals done because the window is still open with them. There is a 2-3 year window where Hampton & Clark can still give you their best play. They are in the plans.
With those 2 locked up...It is simple. RUN...RUN...RUN. The passing offense is potent and puts points on the board. The only think stopping them now at being elite is keeping the ball away from the other offense when we have the lead. My gut tells me it will be these PLAYERS...This order...If available. Iupati, Bulaga, Williams, or Spiller. I think Iupati will be higher on their board because Day one he plays "in college poisition" at the Steelers biggest hole. He fits the mold of an "Old School" Steelers G. He's Faneca! Having Iupati at RG with Kemo at LG takes the handing out of the offense. Any of you who played ball knows what that does to the run game and what it does to a defense to try to defend it.
The Steelers will address CB in the first 3 picks if Clark is retained. S will come later with the starters in place. Where the Steelers sit in the draft, it favors them more to address OL in the 1st, CB in the 2nd, and RB in the 3rd. OL looks to be heavy mid 1st and CB looks to be heavy early 2nd. If things fall right, the Steelers 1st 3 picks all could have significant production year 1.
Smoke screens are always used but this one might be more clear. Hampton isn't going anywhere in my opinion. The Steelers just can't replace him quick enough. They had options with Faneca. Hoke is an emergency option...But the window is still too open to use your emergency option. The Steelers hold the cards on Hampton. Clark wants to stay and the Steelers want him. Retaining Clark really simplifies things. It really makes good business sense to retain both of them. Having Troy come back healthy with Smith is a big step forward. Getting a CB early and depth at ILB, OLB, DT & S through the draft makes this defense better now. Loosing Hampton & Clark, even with Toy & Smith coming back, could be a major setback.[/quote]
"RUN...RUN...RUN" = CJ Spiller plus he can CATCH...CATCH...CATCH plus he can RETURN...RETIURN...RETURN.
Look at it this way, for the #18 pick you get the equivalent of Mendy, Logan and Wallace. How is that not value?
darfting another RB in the 1st round would be the dumbest move you can make. especially a back-up. i will puke if that happens.
improve the OL and my milkman can get the 500-600 yards the #2 RB will get.
best available OL or DL. possibly a S.
[quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
I wouldn't be surprised at all if you guys took Weatherspoon. From what I hear the guy can play any LB position in any scheme...
[quote=Oviedo][quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]Rooney has spoken. It was very odd that his opinions were directed to onfield / coaching issues. "Run the ball." "Younger players need to see the field earlier." It has teeth!
Making it known that Hampton, Clark, & Reed are priorities tells me they have a direction. After taking it all in, I came to a conclusion that even forced me to change my mock. They will get those deals done because the window is still open with them. There is a 2-3 year window where Hampton & Clark can still give you their best play. They are in the plans.
With those 2 locked up...It is simple. RUN...RUN...RUN. The passing offense is potent and puts points on the board. The only think stopping them now at being elite is keeping the ball away from the other offense when we have the lead. My gut tells me it will be these PLAYERS...This order...If available. Iupati, Bulaga, Williams, or Spiller. I think Iupati will be higher on their board because Day one he plays "in college poisition" at the Steelers biggest hole. He fits the mold of an "Old School" Steelers G. He's Faneca! Having Iupati at RG with Kemo at LG takes the handing out of the offense. Any of you who played ball knows what that does to the run game and what it does to a defense to try to defend it.
The Steelers will address CB in the first 3 picks if Clark is retained. S will come later with the starters in place. Where the Steelers sit in the draft, it favors them more to address OL in the 1st, CB in the 2nd, and RB in the 3rd. OL looks to be heavy mid 1st and CB looks to be heavy early 2nd. If things fall right, the Steelers 1st 3 picks all could have significant production year 1.
Smoke screens are always used but this one might be more clear. Hampton isn't going anywhere in my opinion. The Steelers just can't replace him quick enough. They had options with Faneca. Hoke is an emergency option...But the window is still too open to use your emergency option. The Steelers hold the cards on Hampton. Clark wants to stay and the Steelers want him. Retaining Clark really simplifies things. It really makes good business sense to retain both of them. Having Troy come back healthy with Smith is a big step forward. Getting a CB early and depth at ILB, OLB, DT & S through the draft makes this defense better now. Loosing Hampton & Clark, even with Toy & Smith coming back, could be a major setback.[/quote]
"RUN...RUN...RUN" = CJ Spiller plus he can CATCH...CATCH...CATCH plus he can RETURN...RETIURN...RETURN.
Look at it this way, for the #18 pick you get the equivalent of Mendy, Logan and Wallace. How is that not value?[/quote]
I would be OK with Spiller if the other guys are off the board. I wouldn't be ok with him if any of the 3 were still there. You could get a guy like Tate in the 3rd who isn't far behind and could see the same playing time. You can't get an OL of this caliber "right out of the box" in the 3rd. I think an OL at #18 starts day one. Spiller would have his role and see the field...But I think the impact guy will be on the OL first if he is there.
[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY][quote=Oviedo][quote="JUST-PLAIN-NASTY":5kzqts8d]Rooney has spoken. It was very odd that his opinions were directed to onfield / coaching issues. "Run the ball." "Younger players need to see the field earlier." It has teeth!
Making it known that Hampton, Clark, & Reed are priorities tells me they have a direction. After taking it all in, I came to a conclusion that even forced me to change my mock. They will get those deals done because the window is still open with them. There is a 2-3 year window where Hampton & Clark can still give you their best play. They are in the plans.
With those 2 locked up...It is simple. RUN...RUN...RUN. The passing offense is potent and puts points on the board. The only think stopping them now at being elite is keeping the ball away from the other offense when we have the lead. My gut tells me it will be these PLAYERS...This order...If available. Iupati, Bulaga, Williams, or Spiller. I think Iupati will be higher on their board because Day one he plays "in college poisition" at the Steelers biggest hole. He fits the mold of an "Old School" Steelers G. He's Faneca! Having Iupati at RG with Kemo at LG takes the handing out of the offense. Any of you who played ball knows what that does to the run game and what it does to a defense to try to defend it.
The Steelers will address CB in the first 3 picks if Clark is retained. S will come later with the starters in place. Where the Steelers sit in the draft, it favors them more to address OL in the 1st, CB in the 2nd, and RB in the 3rd. OL looks to be heavy mid 1st and CB looks to be heavy early 2nd. If things fall right, the Steelers 1st 3 picks all could have significant production year 1.
Smoke screens are always used but this one might be more clear. Hampton isn't going anywhere in my opinion. The Steelers just can't replace him quick enough. They had options with Faneca. Hoke is an emergency option...But the window is still too open to use your emergency option. The Steelers hold the cards on Hampton. Clark wants to stay and the Steelers want him. Retaining Clark really simplifies things. It really makes good business sense to retain both of them. Having Troy come back healthy with Smith is a big step forward. Getting a CB early and depth at ILB, OLB, DT & S through the draft makes this defense better now. Loosing Hampton & Clark, even with Toy & Smith coming back, could be a major setback.[/quote]
"RUN...RUN...RUN" = CJ Spiller plus he can CATCH...CATCH...CATCH plus he can RETURN...RETIURN...RETURN.
Look at it this way, for the #18 pick you get the equivalent of Mendy, Logan and Wallace. How is that not value?[/quote]
I would be OK with Spiller if the other guys are off the board. I wouldn't be ok with him if any of the 3 were still there. You could get a guy like Tate in the 3rd who isn't far behind and could see the same playing time. You can't get an OL of this caliber "right out of the box" in the 3rd. I think an OL at #18 starts day one. Spiller would have his role and see the field...But I think the impact guy will be on the OL first if he is there.[/quote:5kzqts8d]
Tate is nothing like Spiller. Spiller is a threat to take the ball to the house everytime he touches it. He has Joe Cribbs ability, Tate doesn't.
The only OL that has a chance to start Day would be Iupati at RG. I'd be OK with that. None of the OTs start in 2010 unless Starks or Colon is injured..
[quote=Eddie Spaghetti]darfting another RB in the 1st round would be the dumbest move you can make. especially a back-up. i will puke if that happens.
improve the OL and my milkman can get the 500-600 yards the #2 RB will get.
best available OL or DL. possibly a S.[/quote]
you have a milkman?
anyway... I wouldn't be surprised if we went RB... or BPA. Moore is not special with Mend in the 3d down role...
I think the OL will be fine with a new coach.. the DB's while ugly without Troy last year will get better with reps. I think Troy's injury exposed the extra year it takes to grasp our D. While it was frustrating to watch, after winning a SB I'm OK with a down year to get our legs back and make another run.
DL should be our 1st round pick IMO.
[quote=Oviedo]
Tate is nothing like Spiller. Spiller is a threat to take the ball to the house everytime he touches it. He has Joe Cribbs ability, Tate doesn't.
The only OL that has a chance to start Day would be Iupati at RG. I'd be OK with that. None of the OTs start in 2010 unless Starks or Colon is injured..[/quote]
Didn't say Tate was like Spiller. Said Tate isn't far behind meaning drop off. Of course if you ask anyone if you want Spiller or Tate the choice would be Spiller. I'm not arguing RB for RB. The combination of say Iupati @ #1 & Tate @ #3 will be more productive than any combination of Spiller @ #1 and Whomever. Iupati, Bulaga, & Williams would all start opening day at RG. They would be one of the 5 OL on the team and beat out Stapleton, Essex, Urbik, or Legursky for the spot. All three played G. And it look like all three could play at least RT.
[quote=Jom112][quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
I wouldn't be surprised at all if you guys took Weatherspoon. From what I hear the guy can play any LB position in any scheme...[/quote]
I wouldn't be surprised at all if we took Weatherspoon with our first pick, although I would prefer if we traded down first and picked up some extra picks. Weatherspoon has shown a lot of energy, enthusiasm and leadership at the Senior Bowl.
James Farrior needs to be replaced soon, he has lost a step and a half and can no longer keep up with his man in pass coverage. There were some crucial situations where other teams targeted Farrior to pick up key first downs last season and that's only going to increase in the future as other teams have noticed this.
[quote=Eddie Spaghetti]darfting another RB in the 1st round would be the dumbest move you can make. especially a back-up. i will puke if that happens.
improve the OL and my milkman can get the 500-600 yards the #2 RB will get.
best available OL or DL. possibly a S.[/quote]
well if we dont resign parker we will be pretty thin at RB and you need 2 rb's of starting caliber these days. parker is a great compliment to mendy but spiller would be an even better one. he would be an upgrade in two positions. i like logan but i think spiller will be a better return man. i would be willing to bet he will be the BPA at #18 if he is still on the board
they can address the back-up RB in the mid rounds. everyone else seems to do it. lets remember, they only play with 1 football. we have plenty of weapons on offense to win football games in this league. whose touches go down to work spiller into the offense?
we need to get stronger in the middle of the field, IMO.
[quote=Eddie Spaghetti]they can address the back-up RB in the mid rounds. everyone else seems to do it. lets remember, they only play with 1 football. we have plenty of weapons on offense to win football games in this league. whose touches go down to work spiller into the offense?
we need to get stronger in the middle of the field, IMO.[/quote]
:Agree Early picks must be on defense or o-line. No offensive skill position picks until day 3.
[quote=RuthlessBurgher][quote=Eddie Spaghetti]they can address the back-up RB in the mid rounds. everyone else seems to do it. lets remember, they only play with 1 football. we have plenty of weapons on offense to win football games in this league. whose touches go down to work spiller into the offense?
we need to get stronger in the middle of the field, IMO.[/quote]
:Agree Early picks must be on defense or o-line. No offensive skill position picks until day 3.[/quote]
I do not want my skill players selected in late rounds...
I'll take DL first round but no thanks on the OL..
recent history of the draft is riddled with backs taken later on and perfroming well.
with mendy taking over the #1 role last year, we can use a 2nd/3rd day pick to fill in as back up.
personally i'd wait til at least the 3rd round
the very earliest I take a RB is round 2, J. Best.
I really want Thomas, McLain or Spikes in the first.
I wouldnt' be surprised they go for a S now that Troy is injury prone.
[quote=Oviedo][quote=NW Steeler][quote=Oviedo][quote=grotonsteel]I won't be surprised if Steelers draft an OT in 1st Rd and OG/OC in 2nd Rd. Improving O-line would improve 3rd and short/Red Zone struggles.[/quote]
Just really don't think this happens. They have 5 returning starters and I think they will take a wait and see approach with the new OL coach and how he can improve what he has.
The team has never been as down on the OL as the fans have and I don't think that changes this draft.[/quote]
I think it depends on who is available. If Iupati or Bulaga are there at #18, I think that there is a very good chance they draft one of them. Even if they tender Colon, it would appear that he is not in their plans down the road. I don't know if the team is "down" on their o-line personnel or not. But I bet they will not pass on a chance to upgrade it if the BPA at #18 is an OG or OT.[/quote]
I'd be happy with Iupati but I still want a homerun with CJ Spiller. No one here mentions it, but we do have a need at RB. Mendy is good, Moore is nothing but a role player. We need a legit #2 back who has a skillset significantly better than Moore. Forget about Summers and "Pre Season Hero" Redman. They couldn't help if Mendy went down.[/quote]
I have mentioned it...and I think it's a need. But, I would rather beef up our D that gave games away last season. If Thomas, Cody, and Williams are gone...maybe.
[quote=Oviedo][quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]Rooney has spoken. It was very odd that his opinions were directed to onfield / coaching issues. "Run the ball." "Younger players need to see the field earlier." It has teeth!
Making it known that Hampton, Clark, & Reed are priorities tells me they have a direction. After taking it all in, I came to a conclusion that even forced me to change my mock. They will get those deals done because the window is still open with them. There is a 2-3 year window where Hampton & Clark can still give you their best play. They are in the plans.
With those 2 locked up...It is simple. RUN...RUN...RUN. The passing offense is potent and puts points on the board. The only think stopping them now at being elite is keeping the ball away from the other offense when we have the lead. My gut tells me it will be these PLAYERS...This order...If available. Iupati, Bulaga, Williams, or Spiller. I think Iupati will be higher on their board because Day one he plays "in college poisition" at the Steelers biggest hole. He fits the mold of an "Old School" Steelers G. He's Faneca! Having Iupati at RG with Kemo at LG takes the handing out of the offense. Any of you who played ball knows what that does to the run game and what it does to a defense to try to defend it.
The Steelers will address CB in the first 3 picks if Clark is retained. S will come later with the starters in place. Where the Steelers sit in the draft, it favors them more to address OL in the 1st, CB in the 2nd, and RB in the 3rd. OL looks to be heavy mid 1st and CB looks to be heavy early 2nd. If things fall right, the Steelers 1st 3 picks all could have significant production year 1.
Smoke screens are always used but this one might be more clear. Hampton isn't going anywhere in my opinion. The Steelers just can't replace him quick enough. They had options with Faneca. Hoke is an emergency option...But the window is still too open to use your emergency option. The Steelers hold the cards on Hampton. Clark wants to stay and the Steelers want him. Retaining Clark really simplifies things. It really makes good business sense to retain both of them. Having Troy come back healthy with Smith is a big step forward. Getting a CB early and depth at ILB, OLB, DT & S through the draft makes this defense better now. Loosing Hampton & Clark, even with Toy & Smith coming back, could be a major setback.[/quote]
"RUN...RUN...RUN" = CJ Spiller plus he can CATCH...CATCH...CATCH plus he can RETURN...RETIURN...RETURN.
Look at it this way, for the #18 pick you get the equivalent of Mendy, Logan and Wallace. How is that not value?[/quote]
Ok let me give you a little help here. CJ Spiller is special...no doubt about it. He could fill multiple roles and would probably find PT from day 1. He has Chris Johnson potential. Typically, I do not like "speed backs"...but he does everything I like in a running back. He is fast, runs with elite vision, good hands, has terrific lateral moves and for a "scat back" runs with some power. He will make some team very happy. I like him better than Moreno last year.
With all of that said, how much longer can we ignore our DL that averages 32 years of age? We didn't lose games because we couldn't score. We lost games because our geriatric front 7 grew weaker as the game wore on. Do you think that will improve with another year of age?
[quote=Shawn]
Ok let me give you a little help here. CJ Spiller is special...no doubt about it. He could fill multiple roles and would probably find PT from day 1. He has Chris Johnson potential. Typically, I do not like "speed backs"...but he does everything I like in a running back. He is fast, runs with elite vision, good hands, has terrific lateral moves and for a "scat back" runs with some power. He will make some team very happy. I like him better than Moreno last year.[/quote]
I wont debate Spiller's skills but dont use a first rounder on a player who sees action sparringly in year one and probably doesnt have a shot at being a starter in year two---that position belongs to Mendenhall.
[quote=Shawn]
With all of that said, how much longer can we ignore our DL that averages 32 years of age? We didn't lose games because we couldn't score. We lost games because our geriatric front 7 grew weaker as the game wore on. Do you think that will improve with another year of age?[/quote]
Agreed about the DL....however...a defense with Troy Polamalu is a defense like no other. He allows Lebeau to do things accross the board that brings strength to those areas of weekness--such as the front seven you mention. For what it is worth I think Jared Odrick is going to be everything that Aaron Smith is and maybe even better. He is what 3-4 teams want and need.
Shawnie-shawn-shawn... :wink:
After the Senior Bowl, Mike Iupati isn't deserving of the 18th pick. I still like him, but he slots more into the bottom part of the 1st round. He was the opposite of Urbik last year. Looked great in drills and at practice. Struggled in the game. His struggles are all coachable. Still will be great but not as NFL ready you want an OL in the top 20. I also think Dan Williams stock rose him enough to be right around 18, mabe earlier. Bryan Bulaga & Trent Williams are very young prospects who only look to get better. Their level of play right now against top level competition make them very appealing. Both have played G at some point and could challenge for the RG spot. Would give the Steelers flexabilty if they can not retain Colon past this year and also depth at LT. I still think this will be the direction if one is still there. I think they will go "Ugly Early" on the offensive side in the first round.
[quote=Dee Dub][quote=Shawn]
Ok let me give you a little help here. CJ Spiller is special...no doubt about it. He could fill multiple roles and would probably find PT from day 1. He has Chris Johnson potential. Typically, I do not like "speed backs"...but he does everything I like in a running back. He is fast, runs with elite vision, good hands, has terrific lateral moves and for a "scat back" runs with some power. He will make some team very happy. I like him better than Moreno last year.[/quote]
I wont debate Spiller's skills but dont use a first rounder on a player who sees action sparringly in year one and probably doesnt have a shot at being a starter in year two---that position belongs to Mendenhall.
[quote=Shawn]
With all of that said, how much longer can we ignore our DL that averages 32 years of age? We didn't lose games because we couldn't score. We lost games because our geriatric front 7 grew weaker as the game wore on. Do you think that will improve with another year of age?[/quote]
Agreed about the DL....however...a defense with Troy Polamalu is a defense like no other. He allows Lebeau to do things accross the board that brings strength to those areas of weekness--such as the front seven you mention. For what it is worth I think Jared Odrick is going to be everything that Aaron Smith is and maybe even better. He is what 3-4 teams want and need.
Shawnie-shawn-shawn... :wink:[/quote]
I agree with some of that. But it doesn't change the fact that our average age on the DL is 32 y/o. Also, Aaron Smith's play has dropped off significantly. I remember reading a stat about Smith giving up more YPC to his side than in recent years...significantly more than Keisel. Age is starting to take it's toll and I don't think burying our head in the sand will change that.
[quote=steelerkeylargo]ignore the needs at OL, Secondary and DL and draft LB Sean Weatherspoon at 18. I think that is a real possibility and something to watch develop over the next month.[/quote]
IMO, ILB is a need.....Farrior isn't getting any younger.
Not so sure about ILB- I think the team has Farrior's immediate replacement on the roster, in Timmons. They move Timmons over- and put KFox in at RILB.
the exception being- if by some flipping crazy miracle- McLain falls... all bets are off.
Now- with all due respect to CJ's cousin- "Oviedo Spiller", :lol: the team has too many other needs to afford the luxury of drafting your boy.
If they can resign Casey- he likely has 2-3 years left
if not- he needs to be replaced immediately- as in 1st Round pick.
Clark - not as critical as Hampton, imo- primarily because the team has at least three other players that can fill his role- (as long as Troy is healthy). Don't misunderstand me- I'm not suggesting that the other players are as good- but DeShae, Mundy, K Lewis, or even TC- can all fill that spot with relative success -better than anyone on the current Steelers roster could fill in as full time replacement for 98.
IMO- the only way the team goes secondary in RD 1 is if one of the top few guys is still sitting there at #18- This is not to say that the team doesn't need help at CB- they do, but and as I understand it- this draft has more 2nd-4th round quality in the secondary- than 1st round talent.
Net net: ruthless is right on when he mentions depth/replacement on the DL & OL. The DL is old and fading- and the OL has very limited depth.
C, RG, RT- all likely need to be filled over the next 2 seasons.
IMO @ 18 look for BPA DL or OL- with an outside chance of ILB and lesser chance of FS.