2010 Steelers' first three rounds draft picks set

[SS Laser]

That would equate to:

#18 in Round 1: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
#52 in Round 2 (Trade up): Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
#82 in Round 3: Larry Asante, S, Nebraska

All we have heard is running the ball more this season. Guess what. You need running backs to do that. We have one. Spiller would be absolutely awesome in all phase of the offensive game plus special teams.

This mock has my vote!

Has my vote for NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!

[hawaiiansteel]

That would equate to:

#18 in Round 1: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
#52 in Round 2 (Trade up): Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
#82 in Round 3: Larry Asante, S, Nebraska

All we have heard is running the ball more this season. Guess what. You need running backs to do that. We have one. Spiller would be absolutely awesome in all phase of the offensive game plus special teams.

This mock has my vote!

NFL Draft Spotlight: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
February 4, 2010


By Cory J. Bonini

Clemson senior running back C.J. Spiller enters the 2010 NFL Draft widely rated by draft experts as the No. 1 player at his position. Some people may view him as the best offensive player in general, and he's essentially a lock to hear his name called on the draft's first day. Spiller is the first back in NCAA history with more than 3,000 rushing, 2,000 receiving, 1,000 kick return and 500 punt return yards. He set an all-time record for all-purpose yards per game (191.4) in 2009.

Strengths

Elite speed: expected to run sub-4.40
Elusive runner: amazing open-field ability - lightning quick
Hands: Spiller possesses wide receiver-grade mitts.
Ball skills: catches well in traffic and is capable of tracking down over-the-shoulder throws
Vision: very good at finding cut-back lanes and bouncing out of a pile
Quick feet: has a nasty start-stop move and can juke the best defenders
Has made efforts to become a more complete back
Of strong character

A big-time weapon
World-class return specialist: holds NCAA career record with seven return touchdowns (four in 2009)
Durability: never missed a game at Clemson

Weaknesses

Size: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds - could stand to add a few pounds but will probably sacrifice speed in the process
Blocking: Despite being willing to get in the way, Spiller is far from being a strong blocker.
Tends to bounce outside too much
Doesn't profile as a three-down back
Expected draft placement

Even though Spiller's frame suggests he is a situational player, we question that after seeing what elite speed has done for Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson's career. The knocks on the Clemson product are picky. He is a dangerous weapon, and NFL defenses will be forced to account for him regardless of how he is used.

Spiller is a first-round pick, and it will be surprising to see him fall past the Houston Texans at No. 20. The Seattle Seahawks could use one of their first-round picks (No. 6, No. 14) on him, but they currently have more pressing needs to tend to.

[Shawn]

I really like Spiller. I think we could use him as a back up rb...a 4th WR, and a return man. Those that say he won't get PT early couldn't be more wrong. But, he would indeed be a luxury and wouldn't enhance our ability to pound the rock late in games. He would be a situational player for the Steelers. That combined with our serious needs on D makes me highly doubt the pick.

[hawaiiansteel]

I really like Spiller. I think we could use him as a back up rb...a 4th WR, and a return man. Those that say he won't get PT early couldn't be more wrong. But, he would indeed be a luxury and wouldn't enhance our ability to pound the rock late in games. He would be a situational player for the Steelers. That combined with our serious needs on D makes me highly doubt the pick.

It may be a moot point because Seattle at #14 and San Francisco at #13 and #16 are rumored to be very interested in C J Spiller. Mike Singletary loves to control games with his running game and is looking for a complement to Frank Gore, I doubt he passes on Spiller twice.

[Oviedo]

I really like Spiller. I think we could use him as a back up rb...a 4th WR, and a return man. Those that say he won't get PT early couldn't be more wrong. But, he would indeed be a luxury and wouldn't enhance our ability to pound the rock late in games. He would be a situational player for the Steelers. That combined with our serious needs on D makes me highly doubt the pick.

It may be a moot point because Seattle at #14 and San Francisco at #13 and #16 are rumored to be very interested in C J Spiller. Mike Singletary loves to control games with his running game and is looking for a complement to Frank Gore, I doubt he passes on Spiller twice.

Look who they acknowledge as a possible spot for Spiller at the end of the article.

By Chris Steuber
Scout.com NFL Draft Analyst
Posted Feb 5, 2010

Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber profiles the top prospects eligible for the 2010 NFL Draft. Learn about Clemson running back C.J. Spiller inside.


C.J. Spiller
School: Clemson
Position: Running Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
Projected 40-Time: 4.35

Star Rating: Grade: 96
Draft Projection: 1st Round

Star rating is based on a prospects standing (as of February 1st) in the 2010 Scout.com Draft Rankings. A prospects grade is measured on the following scale:

85-100 = 1st - 2nd Round
_70-84 = 3rd - 4th Round
_55-69 = 5th - 6th Round
_40-54 = 7th Round - UDFA

Comments


Spiller is one of the most explosive players available in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Strengths: Spiller is an explosive, big play threat who can impact a game in a variety of ways. He’s patient with the ball in his hands, allows blockers to set up in front of him, quickly recognizes a crease and displays a burst that ultimately leads to big gains. He’s shifty in the open field and is tough to tackle in space. He’s a polished receiver out of the backfield and provides the quarterback with a reliable target who can take it the distance. He’s an elusive return specialist and strikes fear into the opposition with his ability to create. He’s the ultimate offensive weapon.

Weaknesses: He’s not an every down player and is best used in a one-two punch scenario. With the multitude of ways that Spiller is used, durability will always be an issue, and it was an issue during his collegiate career.
Steuber Says: One of the most dynamic players in college football, Spiller will try to dispel the notion that he can’t be an every down runner at the next level. He displayed plenty of toughness in 2009; his first season being the featured back at Clemson and recording career highs in every offensive statistical category – carries (216), rushing yards (1,212), rushing touchdowns (12), receptions (36), receiving yards (503) and touchdown receptions (4). Not only did Spiller shine on offense, but he also showcased his ability as a return specialist. Spiller exploded this past year for five special teams’ touchdowns, four of them coming on kick returns and the other on a punt return. There’s no question about Spiller’s explosiveness and his ability to score every time he has the ball in his hands, but the question of his durability will continue to come up, and that will be measured on draft day. Spiller will be selected in the first round and will be the first running back taken in the draft, but the range in which he will be drafted in the opening frame is rather large. Spiller could be selected in the top ten to a team like the Seattle Seahawks or the Cleveland Browns, but that appears unlikely. However, the San Francisco 49ers could make a move on him at No. 13, or with the Seahawks also owning the 14th pick, Spiller could be an attractive option for them in the middle of the first round. But if the 49ers pass on Spiller with their first pick and the Seahawks decide not to draft him with either of their two picks, the 49ers could use their second pick in the first round (No. 17) to select him. There are many possible landing spots for Spiller; other destinations also include Pittsburgh at No. 18 and Houston at No. 20.

[steelz09]

Ok, this is a bit long but here is my draft outlook....

Still think Spiller is a waste of a pick at #18 especially for the Steelers. Again, our 1-2 punch doesn't need to consist of two first round picks. It doesn't make good business sense for the Steelers to do that. And to be quite honest, it's not necessary to do that.

Plenty of very good running backs are available in later rounds. As far as KR/PR go, I'm still not convinced that Burnett can't be a valuable return man for the Steelers. Time will tell. A lot rookies struggle in that area (i.e. Holmes).

I'm not convinced BA is capable of rotating two backs like Spiller and Mendenhall. Let's not forget that Moore is our 3rd down back and that won't change next year regardless if Spiller is a good receiving RB. Mendenhall is also a decent receiving back. So how is BA going to distribute the ball effectively?

Oh, and let's not forget we have a 2-time SB Champion/Pro Bowl QB, a Pro Bowl TE, SB MVP's WR's Hines Ward and Holmes, and up and comer Mike Wallace to also distribute the ball to.. And maybe Sweed will learn how to catch this year, lol.

Our team does NOT lack of weapons. We need to get deeper and younger at the DL. We also need more play makers in the secondary.

However, I'd be surprised if we draft a CB in round 1 given last years two picks. I see Burnett and Lewis seeing more playing time now they have 1 year experience.

I would also be surprised if we draft OL in round 1 unless it's to replace Colon. I see the Steelers making an effort to resign Colon. If that happens then there is really only 2 positions they could be after. 1 could be center although that's not likely since they extended Hartwig. The other is RG and I also see that as unlikely since Urbik, Stapleton, Essex, and Foster will be competing for that 1 starting position.

So, logically where does that put the Steelers?

William Gay struggled terribly and was replaced late in the season. From what I heard last year, Lewis has the size and speed to play CB this year. I'm not sure why he didn't see playing time during the season. If the coaches don't think he's capable this year, then I could see CB in round 1. However, I don't think that's the case. I think the Steelers will have Lewis compete with Gay for the starting CB position next year. Mundy will continue to be a backup IMO. Burnett saw playing time but didn't do so great and I think it was a learning experience. I see Burnett as a starter in our nickel and dime packages.

DE is getting old and still thin. The two young guys showed some promise. Ziggy saw decent playing time and will start at some point. Rashon Harris saw little playing time but I see him as being able to rotate in the future. With that being said, we need to address the NT position regardless of if we franchise Hampton.

Free Safety is another concern. I thought Ryan Clark really struggled last year with the absence of Polamalu. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Earl Thomas or Mays was the pick. I think with some discipline Mays could be a beast. He's a bit over aggressive but with TP at SS, it won't be necessary for him to play like a SS with the Steelers. I thought he played that way at USC this year because their run defense struggled in the games I watched this year. I think RC is a "locker room guy" but I really think we can improve in that area. Like I said, he REALLY struggled without TP.

MLB. I thought James Farrior had his worst year in recent memory. I'm not sure of his total tackles and I'm sure it was a lot but that doesn't tell the whole story. At times we struggled in run defense which is very rare for the Steelers. As much as I like him, Farrior has definitely lost a step and it's only a matter of time until he needs to be replaced. I'm convinced that Keyaron Fox can start in this league but he's more of a Larry Foote type player. He'll be solid especially against the run but isn't a big playmaker. He is also unproven that he could handle starting for a full season. The problem is, behind Fox, there is little to no depth at ILB. We need to get younger here. I would NOT be the least bit surprised if MLB is our pick at #18.

I see defense being the pick at #18. I just don't see how it CAN'T be. And it's not necessarily drafting for "need". I bet there will be someone that is BPA or VERY close to BPA in one of these positions of need that I identified. We could definitely get better and younger at DL, FS,and MLB. It *could* be a possibility that we go for a CB if someone falls but I would bet against it. It also depends on how the Steelers feel about the young guys they drafted last year.

[hawaiiansteel]

Ok, this is a bit long but here is my draft outlook....


MLB. I thought James Farrior had his worst year in recent memory. I'm not sure of his total tackles and I'm sure it was a lot but that doesn't tell the whole story. At times we struggled in run defense which is very rare for the Steelers. As much as I like him, Farrior has definitely lost a step and it's only a matter of time until he needs to be replaced. I'm convinced that Keyaron Fox can start in this league but he's more of a Larry Foote type player. He'll be solid especially against the run but isn't a big playmaker. He is also unproven that he could handle starting for a full season. The problem is, behind Fox, there is little to no depth at ILB. We need to get younger here. I would NOT be the least bit surprised if MLB is our pick at #18.

I see defense being the pick at #18. I just don't see how it CAN'T be. And it's not necessarily drafting for "need". I bet there will be someone that is BPA or VERY close to BPA in one of these positions of need that I identified. We could definitely get better and younger at DL, FS,and MLB. It *could* be a possibility that we go for a CB if someone falls but I would bet against it. It also depends on how the Steelers feel about the young guys they drafted last year.

Great analysis!

I would add Sean Weatherspoon to your list of possible Steelers' #1 picks for the reasons you mention above. Weatherspoon is better suited to be the 3-4 Mack ILB, Timmons could move over to the Buck position to replace Farrior.

[Shawn]

I would agree with alot of that. The only two points I would disagree with. Fox plays nothing like Foote. He does play the mack but knows/has ability to play both. He is good in coverage as well as around the LOS. He is a beast...plays very physically. He is just a better LBr than the very average Foote. I have seen enough to know we got our next Farrior with that FA pick up.

Second, Mays is a project at FS. Playing him at FS is like playing Timmons at the mack. It just doesn't suit his skill set. His coverage skills are very average...even less than average. Just say no to Mays.

[SS Laser]

I would agree with alot of that. The only two points I would disagree with. Fox plays nothing like Foote. He does play the mack but knows/has ability to play both. He is good in coverage as well as around the LOS. He is a beast...plays very physically. He is just a better LBr than the very average Foote. I have seen enough to know we got our next Farrior with that FA pick up.

Second, Mays is a project at FS. Playing him at FS is like playing Timmons at the mack. It just doesn't suit his skill set. His coverage skills are very average...even less than average. Just say no to Mays.

If Mays has the highest rating of players left on the steelers draft board what will they do?

Do you draft him and move Troy to FS? Some media types say teams do not have ss and fs just 2 safetys? Do the steelers play like that?

I wonder if some team falls in love with Mays and would like our spot to take him?

[steelz09]

I would agree with alot of that. The only two points I would disagree with. Fox plays nothing like Foote. He does play the mack but knows/has ability to play both. He is good in coverage as well as around the LOS. He is a beast...plays very physically. He is just a better LBr than the very average Foote. I have seen enough to know we got our next Farrior with that FA pick up.

Second, Mays is a project at FS. Playing him at FS is like playing Timmons at the mack. It just doesn't suit his skill set. His coverage skills are very average...even less than average. Just say no to Mays.

If Mays has the highest rating of players left on the steelers draft board what will they do?

Do you draft him and move Troy to FS? Some media types say teams do not have ss and fs just 2 safetys? Do the steelers play like that?

I wonder if some team falls in love with Mays and would like our spot to take him?

I would still say we need to address the LB position for depth purposes even if the Steelers feel Fox is Farrior's future replacement. And Fox is already 28. I would like to see possibly Brandon Spikes as a 2nd round pick.