OT Taylor Lewan our 2014 Draft Pick at #9

[Discipline of Steel]

According to the Sporting News ... [URL]http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-09-25/nfl-mock-draft-2014-bridgewater-clowney-mariota-hundley/slide/10[/URL]

[steelz09]

We might be picking higher than nine.... like #2.

[Shawn]

Yeah, I think we have a shot at one of the two top LTs in this draft. And I'm thinking as a LT, the guy in my sig from Alabama may have more upside than anyone in the draft.

[Oviedo]

Lewan sounds good to me.

Shawn--I think the kid from Alabama is being projected more as a Right Tackle at the next level.

[Shawn]

Lewan sounds good to me.

Shawn--I think the kid from Alabama is being projected more as a Right Tackle at the next level.

I don't think so. From my understanding the kid from Alabama is the most athletic LT in the draft...quick feet and hands. Let me pull up a profile.

[Shawn]

Lewan sounds good to me.

Shawn--I think the kid from Alabama is being projected more as a Right Tackle at the next level.

Ok, I found it.


Kouandjio is light on his feet, flexible, has broad shoulders and his arms are both long and strong. His weight is evenly distributed over his frame and he reportedly has just 16 percent body fat, an impressive number for any offensive lineman. He is quick off the snap and has the lateral agility to slide left to right.
Kouandjio uses his athleticism in pass protection well but he's even more impressive as a run blocker, consistently out-quicking defenders to create lanes. Perhaps most impressive -- considering his relative lack of experience -- is that Kouandjio plays at different speeds well. He shows very good patience in pass protection but can fire off the ball when needed, as well.


Physically speaking, Kouandjio has everything scouts are looking for in a potential Pro Bowl left tackle, which is why he universally ranked as the elite prep lineman when signing with Alabama in 2010.

He redshirted, then played in eight games in 2011 before a knee injury ended his first season of action in Tuscaloosa early.

His undeniable upside convinced Alabama to move the ultra-reliable Barrett Jones inside to center after he had earned All-SEC and the Outland Trophy at left tackle in 2011. Though he wasn't named to the all-conference team in his first season at the so-called blind-side position, Kouandjio demonstrated the talent to earn this distinction in the future.

Regardless of when he elects to make himself eligible to the NFL, Kouandjio will be highly regarded. Frankly, he has at least as impressive a skill-set as his former linemate D.J. Fluker, who the Chargers took 11th overall in 2013.

[Oviedo]

Ok, I found it.


Kouandjio is light on his feet, flexible, has broad shoulders and his arms are both long and strong. His weight is evenly distributed over his frame and he reportedly has just 16 percent body fat, an impressive number for any offensive lineman. He is quick off the snap and has the lateral agility to slide left to right.
Kouandjio uses his athleticism in pass protection well but he's even more impressive as a run blocker, consistently out-quicking defenders to create lanes. Perhaps most impressive -- considering his relative lack of experience -- is that Kouandjio plays at different speeds well. He shows very good patience in pass protection but can fire off the ball when needed, as well.


Physically speaking, Kouandjio has everything scouts are looking for in a potential Pro Bowl left tackle, which is why he universally ranked as the elite prep lineman when signing with Alabama in 2010.

He redshirted, then played in eight games in 2011 before a knee injury ended his first season of action in Tuscaloosa early.

His undeniable upside convinced Alabama to move the ultra-reliable Barrett Jones inside to center after he had earned All-SEC and the Outland Trophy at left tackle in 2011. Though he wasn't named to the all-conference team in his first season at the so-called blind-side position, Kouandjio demonstrated the talent to earn this distinction in the future.

Regardless of when he elects to make himself eligible to the NFL, Kouandjio will be highly regarded. Frankly, he has at least as impressive a skill-set as his former linemate D.J. Fluker, who the Chargers took 11th overall in 2013.

Thanks. May have some good options

[phillyesq]

If the Steelers end up with a top 5 or top 10 pick, which is looking likely, I would love to see them grab an elite LT and lock down the position for the next decade.

This team has needs everywhere, but you can rarely grab an elite LT outside of the top 10.

[Slapstick]

If the Steelers got a Joe Thomas-type to protect Ben's blind side, that would definitely offer some comfort if the season continues to circle the drain...

[Shoe]

I don't care if it is Lewan, or Roby (CB), or Barr (OLB) or whoever. I don't want to reach though, for a need... even one as glaring as LT for us. I hope we are out of range of drafting a franchise QB though, cuz I would have to pause for thought.

If we do get a LT, would you guys prefer we re-sign Pouncey to his 2nd deal too?