Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

maybe the Steelers will target Terrence Cody's girlfriend in Round 1 - now THAT's what i call a Camel Toe!

[frankthetank1]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

maybe the Steelers will target Terrence Cody's girlfriend in Round 1 - now THAT's what i call a Camel Toe!

haha thats awesome!! ive seen that pic in a email i got at work. thats not camel toe its moose knuckle!!

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

we should have the chance to draft the #1 rated OG and the #1 rated OC when it's our turn to pick in the first round - and our new OL coach has stated that Iupati is the Steelers' #1 rated OL overall on our draft board.


Peak performers: Offensive linemen likely to be premium again in draft

By Frank Cooney, Special to USA TODAY


Here is the good news for NFL quarterbacks: This year's class of offensive linemen looked great in games and excellent at the scouting combine and should prove prominent in the early rounds of next month's NFL draft.

As many as 14 offensive linemen are rated as first- or second-round picks, according to NFLDraftScout.com. That includes six tackles in the first round and three among the top 10 overall. The best of these big boys figures to be Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung, who could be among the first five players taken.

The entire group is one of the most athletic ever. Three (all 300-plus pounds) ran faster than five seconds in the 40-yard dash, led by 314-pound Maryland tackle Bruce Campbell (4.75). As a group, the 46 players averaged 5.24 seconds in the 40 and 27 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press, both combine records.

A closer look at this year's top offensive line prospects, listed with their school, height, weight and projected round of selection (*denotes underclassman):

TACKLES

1. Russell Okung

Oklahoma State, 6-5, 307, 1: The all-Big 12 offensive lineman of the year and one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, presented to the nation's top interior lineman, Okung was a key part of the Oklahoma State offense for four years. In 2008, scouts noted his ability to neutralize Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo, the Big 12 defensive player of the year and a Pro Bowler as a rookie for the Washington Redskins in 2009. Okung uses great footwork and athleticism that melds well as a pass blocker; he allowed one sack and two pressures on 336 pass plays. But he also helped the Cowboys capture their fourth consecutive conference rushing title (187.8 yards a game) as well as finish sixth in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (0.92 a game).

2. *Bryan Bulaga

Iowa, 6-6, 314, 1: A competitive, smart, hardworking team leader, Bulaga was the 2009 Big Ten offensive lineman of the year despite missing three games with a thyroid problem. Bulaga characterized it as a short-term issue, and most teams seem satisfied by medical reports that validate that. However, the malady helped spur Bulaga to forgo his final college year. "The illness I was faced with at the beginning of the 2009 season made me realize how important football is in my life and how quickly it can be taken away," he said. Bulaga uses equal amounts of finesse and force and has the footwork and agility to be an excellent NFL pass blocker, though he also played guard at Iowa and might see time there in the pros.

3. Trent Williams

Oklahoma, 6-5, 315, 1: A fluid and relentless athlete, Williams is especially impressive handling quick defensive ends because he has the footwork and body balance to stay with them. He validated that with impressive agility and position drills at the combine. While Williams appears to have enough strength to stop bull rushers, he is not always successful because he struggles to maintain a leverage position when attacked head on. The lone returning Sooners starter on the front line in 2009, he moved from right to left tackle and displayed an ability to recognize and react to various blitzes. According to coaching staff stats, Williams registered 369 knockdowns and 36 blocks that resulted in touchdowns in his final two seasons.

4. *Anthony Davis

Rutgers, 6-5, 323, 1: NFL scouts wonder if Davis, who has lost 40 pounds since his freshman season, is willing to do the work to maximize his tremendous raw athleticism. This huge man has the ability to be as good as he wants to be. He has an explosive first step, impressive strength that should be expected of such a large man and nimble footwork that is better than should be expected. He was suspended for one game in 2008 for violating team rules, benched for a quarter in 2009 for missing a team meeting and demoted to second team last year after reporting overweight. When he did play, Davis allowed 6½ sacks and eight pressures on 699 pass plays, according to the coaching staff.

5. Charles Brown

Southern California, 6-6, 303, 1-2: Brown is a former tight end who made the transition to offensive tackle in 2005, a switch made by many successful NFL linemen. Brown first impressed scouts by protecting the blind side of former Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez. He has displayed ample athletic ability to be considered a left tackle prospect in the NFL. However, Brown is still learning the tricks of the trade and will need to fill out his frame to handle stronger defensive ends in the pros. He won the Pacific-10 Morris Trophy for offensive linemen, which is a considerable honor because it is determined by votes from defensive linemen in the conference.

6. *Bruce Campbell

Maryland, 6-7, 314, 1-2: Campbell was a workout wonder at the scouting combine, adding fuel to his rising stock up draft boards based on promise rather than production. His size and natural athletic ability are obvious, as reflected by his fastest clocking of 4.75 seconds in the 40-yard dash and a 32-inch vertical leap at the combine. But he could have used more experience. Campbell became a starter for the last seven games of his sophomore year. He missed three games last season with a sprained left medial collateral ligament and turf toe. His pass-blocking technique is to attack rushers, a tactic that could backfire against experienced and opportunistic NFL defensive ends.

7. Rodger Saffold

Indiana, 6-5, 316, 2: Despite being a solid starter at left tackle since his freshman year, Saffold didn't get a lot of attention from scouts until he became a surprise standout during East-West Shrine Game workouts. He was impressive against active, spinning pass rushers and showed great strength as a drive blocker. He continued to impress NFL teams with a great workout at the combine and followed up by showing excellent agility in his pro day drills. Before that, it seems the most attention he received was unwanted — seven penalties in his senior season. He was bothered by back and knee injuries in 2008, missing two games. But according to coaching statistics, Saffold allowed three sacks and one pressure in his final 440 college pass plays.

8. Vladimir Ducasse

Massachusetts, 6-5, 332, 2: In three years at UMass, Ducasse was a standout blocker for both the pass and the run. That is particularly amazing considering he knew little about football when, at 14, he was sent by his parents to the USA to get away from rough street life in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He has a rare combination of size and skills, but there is no consensus on where his talent might be best used in pro football. At the Senior Bowl, scouts delighted in watching him line up at all of the offensive line positions and then take shots on the defensive side. Ducasse's natural strength and athletic ability give him tremendous upside.

9. Jared Veldheer

Hillsdale (Mich.), 6-8, 312, 2-3: Tall and talented, Veldheer demanded attention at the combine with remarkable workouts that validated his extraordinary play throughout college, where he was the top vote-getter in his region for the Gene Upshaw Award as the top small-college offensive lineman last year. At the combine, this giant had a 32½-inch vertical jump, 32 reps with 225 pounds in the bench press and a best 40-yard time of 5.06 seconds. Veldheer will be the first Hillsdale offensive lineman to be drafted since Howard Mudd (1964), who played for a few all-star years before a bad knee forced him into coaching, where he was the longest-tenured assistant coach (36 years) in the NFL until he retired last month as the offensive line coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

10. John Jerry

Mississippi, 6-6, 328, 2-3: Jerry began his college career at guard, which is where some scouts feel he might settle in as a pro. He is the brother of Atlanta Falcons 2009 first-round pick Peria Jerry, a defensive tackle. John earned second-team all-Southeastern Conference accolades in 2008 and first-team honors last season. He started 46 games, including 12 at right guard as a freshman, nine at right guard in 2007, 13 at right tackle as a junior and eight at right tackle before shifting to right guard for the last four contests as a senior. He blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 seasons. In the last two years, he allowed six sacks and eight quarterback pressures.

11. Jason Fox

Miami (Fla.), 6-7, 303, 3: It might be hard to imagine a Hurricanes player with 47 starts as a sleeper. But in a class full of outstanding offensive linemen, Fox might get that tag after missing the final two games of a solid college career. First, he missed a game in November against South Florida with what was called an irregular heartbeat, and he had surgery on his left knee in December and was unable to play in the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 29 or work out at the combine in February. He is expected to perform for scouts at Miami's pro day March 26. He ended his days at Miami on the sideline after being previously known as an ironman for his ability to stay on the field despite injuries, including a severely sprained ankle and a dislocated elbow.

GUARDS

1. Mike Iupati

Idaho, 6-5, 331, 1: Iupati was born in American Samoa and moved to the USA at 14. Idaho grabbed him when other schools became concerned that he would have challenges academically because he was still learning the English language. In 2009, Iupati became the second non-Bowl Championship Series school player to be named a finalist for the Outland Trophy since the award's inception in 1946. He was the first Vandal to win All-America honors since Jerry Kramer, who was honorable mention in 1957. Iupati is a massive, powerful, athletic player who can dominate defenders and is just beginning to grasp the game. Although Iupati played guard in all 34 of his college games, NFL scouts are curious how much of an impact he might have as a defensive lineman or what type of quarterback security he might provide as a left tackle.

2. Jon Asamoah

Illinois, 6-4, 305, 2: A three-year starter at right guard, Asamoah has the size, strength and mobility to project as a versatile guard who can play either side and pull when needed. According to the Illini's coaching stats, as a starter he had 267 knockdowns, otherwise known as pancakes. In the last two seasons, he allowed four sacks and four pressures. Coaches and teammates love him for his nastiness on the field and his upbeat personality in the locker room. He wasn't bad in class either, earning Academic All-America honors.

3. Mike Johnson

6-5, 312, Alabama, 3: Johnson was the unquestioned leader of the offensive line that opened the way for Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and helped the Crimson Tide roll to a national championship in 2009. He is a cerebral blocker who adjusts quickly, plays with a high motor and is able to play on either side as a guard or tackle. He started 41 consecutive games, including 26 at left guard, 10 at right tackle, three at right guard and two at left tackle. He set a school career record when he played against Texas in the 2010 BCS championship game, his 54th contest for the Crimson Tide.

4. Mitch Petrus

Arkansas, 6-3, 310, 3-4: Keeping track of Petrus on and off the field was a significant chore. He was originally a walk-on tight end, then switched to offensive guard, then fullback and back to guard in 2007. Oh, and his first name is really Jonathan, but he goes by the short version of Mitchell, his middle name. When he finally settled in at guard, Petrus earned second-team all-SEC honors. But just when it seemed he'd found his way, Petrus missed the 2008 season because of an academic suspension. He returned for an outstanding season in 2009. The former 225-pound walk-on tied a combine record in the 225-pound bench press with 45 repetitions.

CENTERS

1. *Maurkice Pouncey

Florida, 6-5, 304, 1-2: Winner of the 2009 Rimington Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's top center, Pouncey plays with a nasty disposition and delights in putting defenders on their backs. His toughness was reflected before the Sugar Bowl when he had to receive treatment for kidney stones hours before kickoff but played. Although he left Gainesville a year early, Pouncey has shown enough to be ranked the top center prospect in this draft. Coaches rave about his field intelligence and ability to make all of the offensive line calls while making the shotgun snap for the Gators. He has exceptional quickness and gets into good position to pass protect if somebody is over him and shows excellent awareness helping other linemen. His identical twin, Mike, plays right guard for the Gators, but he chose to return for his senior season.


2. Matt Tennant

Boston College, 6-5, 300, 2-3: Tennant will be the latest in a long line of offensive linemen Boston College has sent to the NFL, where 11 former Eagles linemen were on rosters last season. Tennant, a standout since becoming first string as a redshirt sophomore, started the last 41 games at center and yielded an assisted sack in his last 27 appearances. He seems lanky for a center, and NFL teams will probably want him to add more mass.

Cooney is the publisher of NFLDraftScout.com, the scouting service of USA TODAY

[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-03-25-sw-offensive-tackles-capsules_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... ules_N.htm[/url]

[Oviedo]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

I really like the idea of Mike Johnson or Mitch Petrus in Round 3. Johnson especially is the type of leader who could become the heart and soul of an OL for a decade.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

i wouldn't be against moving up in Round 1 for Berry or Haden -


2010 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers May Be Searching for Trading Partners

by David Klingler Correspondent


The Steelers have put themselves in a good position heading into the draft. They addressed a number of depth issues at some key areas during their recent free agent spending spree.

That may allow them to focus on specific need areas in the early rounds—such as offensive line, cornerback, and defensive line.

The NFL also issued the Steelers three compensatory picks—bringing their total to 10.

It seems hard to believe that all 10 picks would be able to make this veteran, talent-rich Steelers squad that is only one season removed from winning the Super Bowl.

It seems entirely possible—even likely—that the Steelers could be looking to package some of their picks to move up and select someone of interest.

The Steelers have a history of success in recent years—moving up to acquire Troy Polamalu in 2003 and Santonio Holmes in 2006.

Many thought the Steelers, with their flurry of activity in free agency, were positioning themselves to do some maneuvering in the draft—a thought that becomes even more valid with the addition of three compensatory picks.

The Steelers could be targeting any number of players to move up to acquire—such as the draft's top cover corner, Joe Haden of Florida.

Other possibilities include offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga of Iowa and versatile guard Mike Iupati of Idaho.

If their behavior during free agency is any indication, the Steelers may be making some phone calls on draft day.

Their recent history indicates they will be successful if they do make that move upward.


[url="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/369014-2010-nfl-draft-steelers-may-be-searching-for-trading-partners"]http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3690 ... g-partners[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

Scouts Inc. on Steelers' draft

By James Walker


The Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 18 overall pick in the 2010 draft, which is their highest slot in three years.

On Monday the AFC North blog caught up with Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to get an early feel for Pittsburgh's needs in the first round.

Matt, the Steelers don't pick in the teens often. Do you think this is their chance to land an impact player who can help right away next season?

Matt Williamson: The Steelers don't miss often in the first round no matter what. They're pretty solid in that regard. They've have some issues in the second round at times. But I think they need to find an impact defensive back. That has to be priority No. 1. I don't know exactly what's going to be there yet at No. 18. We will have to see what juniors will declare.

What do you think about the cornerbacks in particular?

Williamson: If you look at all their corners right now, Ike Taylor, Deshea Townsend, the two guys they just drafted, they're all mid-round guys. None of them came into the league with a huge pedigree or blow-you-away athleticism and natural skills. If they can add a first-rounder it might go a long way.

Do the Steelers have enough confidence in 2009 draft picks Joe Burnett or Keenan Lewis to make strides and fill a big role next season?

Williamson: I can see one of those guys being a solid No. 3. That's sort of been their formula with these mid-round guys. Ike Taylor gave them nothing as a rookie. William Gay was a nickelback and did a nice job. But when he became a starter he struggled. So I think they want to bring in corners in the middle rounds, have them play special teams and earn their way, and then insert them in the lineup in year two or three. That formula can still hold true with Lewis and Burnett. I liked both players coming out of school, and I haven't seen enough of them to say they're not going to be able to help at this level. I think the jury is still out. But it's obvious, too, that neither has the pedigree or the ability to be a No. 1 corner. The ideal situation is to make Ike Taylor your No. 2 corner and bring in a No. 1-type corner. Then you’re really talking. The rest can play nickel and dime positions.

[url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/8325/scouts-inc-on-steelers-draft"]http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_ ... lers-draft[/url]

[NW Steeler]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

If the Steelers are dead set on drafting Pouncey, I hope that they find a willing partner so that they can trade down in round one, then turn around and trade up in round 2. I don't want to see them draft Pouncey with pick #18.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

If the Steelers are dead set on drafting Pouncey, I hope that they find a willing partner so that they can trade down in round one, then turn around and trade up in round 2. I don't want to see them draft Pouncey with pick #18.

yes, i could stomach taking Pouncey in the first round if we moved down and picked up an additional 2nd or 3rd round draft choice.

that 2nd or 3rd round draft choice could then be used to move up really high into Round 2 to pick up another player we covet.

[Lebsteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

If the Steelers are dead set on drafting Pouncey, I hope that they find a willing partner so that they can trade down in round one, then turn around and trade up in round 2. I don't want to see them draft Pouncey with pick #18.

yes, i could stomach taking Pouncey in the first round if we moved down and picked up an additional 2nd or 3rd round draft choice.

that 2nd or 3rd round draft choice could then be used to move up really high into Round 2 to pick up another player we covet.

No OL at 18, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE or as you say trade down take Pouncey and then DEFENSE, DEFENSE!!

[Steel Life]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

I'm still not sold on Haden as the solution we need. If I had to choose between Haden & Thomas, I'd go Thomas because he offers more versatility & can be a capable back-up if Troy goes down again. He just offers better value at 18 than trading up to get Haden.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

I'm still sold on Haden as the solution we need. If I had to choose between Haden & Thomas, I'd go Thomas because he offers more versatility & can be a capable back-up if Troy goes down again. He just offers better value at 18 than trading up to get Haden.

Haden would be my #1 preference but we would most likely have to give up our 2nd rounder in order to trade up and select him.

If Thomas is available, i think the Steelers select him...i just don't think Thomas lasts until the #18 spot.

I'm thinking more and more we select this guy:


Kyle Wilson Scouting Report


Position: CB

Height & Weight: 5'10 - 190 lbs.
Ranked #23 on our Top 100 Prospects Board


An impressive Fiesta Bowl jump started Wilson's rise through draft boards across the nation. The way he ended his senior season should not had come as a big surprise to many NFL scouts as the 5-foot-10 defensive back had a solid college career that began in the same Arizona field (against Oklahoma in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl) that ended it all a few weeks ago.

As a redshirt freshman, Wilson had a breakthrough game against the vaunted Sooners' passing attack, registering 10 tackles in Boise's landmark 43-42 win.
Wilson ended 2006 (started 5 out of 13 games) with 41 tackles, 1 INT and 5 Passes Broken Up (PBU). A good second year (41 tackles, 2 INTs, 8 PBU and 1 sack) catapulted him to the national spotlight. Another great campaign followed in 2008 when as a junior, Wilson went on to set career-high in INTs (5) and PBU (10). Following yet another impressive season in 2009, the Piscataway, NJ product was invited to play in the Senior Bowl where he constantly outperformed the competition.

Has shown top notch athleticism throughout his career with the Broncos. Is aggressive trying to break up passes. Shows natural instincts to diagnose plays. Is not fooled easy by play-action. Reads receivers' route well. Can play zone or man equally well. Fast (4.32est) with an explosive closing burst. Can run with all WRs downfield. Shows good hands and body control. Good kick returner with the ability to score every time he touches the football.

Although, could do a better job getting into his position. Must improve technique as an open field tackler. Tends to stop his feet too often, diving at the ballcarrier instead of wrapping him up. Will gamble on WRs' double moves and gets turned around at times.

One of the up and coming CBs in this class, Wilson has been overshadowed by cornerback prospects from bigger programs, but he is as good (if not better) that many of them. He will become a solid pro.

4/1 Update: When everybody was equal in the eyes of the NFL at the combine, Wilson really proved that he is one of the best corners in this class. He has a ton of strength and did 25 reps at the combine, putting every other corner to shame. He ran at his pro day and was a little disappointing with a 4.43 40 time. An injured hamstring may have played a role, but Wilson is capable of running a sub 4.4 and NFL teams know it. That makes him one of the best corners in this class and he should not last past the first round.

[url="http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2188"]http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/prof ... ct_id=2188[/url]

[Chadman]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

Run Support: Plays with a cover corner mentality and rarely involves himself in run support. Has only averaged seven solo tackles a season in three years as a starter, despite posting 117 total tackles through his junior season. Flashes physicality as a hitter, but is typically more of a duck-and-swipe tackler. Has taken advantage of unsuspecting and defenseless receivers catching passes over the middle.

Tackling: Duck-and-swipe tackler who prefers not to get involved in run support. Takes too long to get past the receiver's block and rarely attacks the line of scrimmage.

And just to balance out the Wilson-love, here's something the previous post forgot to mention...

Doesn't sound like a Steeler CB, does it?

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

Run Support: Plays with a cover corner mentality and rarely involves himself in run support. Has only averaged seven solo tackles a season in three years as a starter, despite posting 117 total tackles through his junior season. Flashes physicality as a hitter, but is typically more of a duck-and-swipe tackler. Has taken advantage of unsuspecting and defenseless receivers catching passes over the middle.

Tackling: Duck-and-swipe tackler who prefers not to get involved in run support. Takes too long to get past the receiver's block and rarely attacks the line of scrimmage.

And just to balance out the Wilson-love, here's something the previous post forgot to mention...

Doesn't sound like a Steeler CB, does it?

no, i agree with you...

Brandon Ghee, the CB you had the Steelers picking in Round 2 of your last mock draft is much better in run support and is more your prototypical Steelers CB.

and Ghee had 1 interception in his three seasons at Wake Forest.

Kyle Wilson had 8 interceptions his last two seasons alone and is a dynamic return man also. our defense desperately needs a playmaker and a CB that can cover, something at which Wilson excels at.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

Evaluators fear bust potential of Pierre-Paul, Taylor Mays


Evaluators in attendance at Jason Pierre-Paul's workout at South Florida expressed excitement about the raw talent, citing his foot quickness, athletic ability and balance.

"He's the best defensive end in the draft," said one highly placed evaluator in position to strike.

The long-limbed Pierre-Paul was commended for being the first player in line for drills, picking up on instructions and working well through the bags during drills. Evaluators were generally excited about his workout.

PFW polled nearly a third of the league to get a pulse on where Pierre-Paul can be expected to be drafted, and the overwhelming sentiment was that he would fit into the top 15, with seven teams expecting Pierre-Paul to be drafted very early.

That is not to say that he is without sharp critics, however, as a handful of others not only disliked Pierre-Paul's athletic ability, they acknowledged they would not draft him in the first two rounds — the first four rounds, for two of them — and feared he would be a bust.

"He won't be ready," one GM said. "He will be outmanned. He will be lost. He has no football experience and only (13) games of football against a lower level of Division I football (competition). It's not like he lined up against Alabama and Georgia. He is not a pass rusher. He is late off the ball. He does not transition easily. I don't like tall, thin-legged guys that cannot convert speed into power."

Another top executive said: "Why take a chance on reaches in the first round that may never perform? It blows my mind how anyone could interview or put on the film and say, 'Wow.' If there is something we have learned through the years, it is that rushing the passer is not an easy art to teach."

"I know you got issues with a bunch of things non-football-related," a scout said. "I think everyone understands he is a rep player (needing a lot of repetitions). He did not get to school until the week before the season started, so he did not start the first three weeks, when they were not playing any big opponents (Wofford, Western Kentucky and Charleston Southern)."

Well represented at the workout were the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals, with head coach Tom Coughlin and Marvin Lewis both in attendance, increasing speculation in league circles that Osi Umenyiora could be shipped out of town before the end of draft weekend.



Mays losing momentum in draft discussions

Debate continues to swirl about the top of the board at the safety class. Eric Berry and Earl Thomas are closely positioned at the top of most, with the gap being much closer than perception may be, and some NFL evaluators even preferring Thomas to Berry.

A number of other safety prospects have warranted discussion in the first round, with USC's Taylor Mays still fully expected to fit, and players such as Georgia Tech's Morgan Burnett rising off draft boards after an impressive pro-day performance. South Florida's Nate Allen has also received late first- and early second-round grades from evaluators during the course of the fall season.

If Berry and Thomas are selected in the top 12 as anticipated, some executives believe as many as four safeties could fit into the first round the same way they did in 2007, when LaRon Landry (sixth overall), Michael Griffin (19), Reggie Nelson (21) and Brandon Meriweather (24) all landed.

Three is more likely, with Mays fully expected to land somewhere in the first. Physically, he compares to Landry, and his measurables suggest he should be a top-10 pick. The reality is that he fielded a great deal of third- and even fourth-round grades from NFL evaluators this season and has huge bust potential.

"(The big guy) can't move laterally," one very well-trained set of eyes said. "When you see him in man coverage, receivers run right by him. With the way the game is played today, I have no idea where you play him."

Some teams have discussed the idea of projecting him to weak-side linebacker but question whether he has the toughness to play in the box. Others look at the way LaRon Landry performed for the Redskins this season and are only more concerned.

"Landry did not play very well (last) year," a veteran evaluator said. "He kept going for the home-run hit and missing. The spread between his great plays and his bad plays was huge."

The same could be said for Mays. He is big, fast in a straight line, and can create thunder collisions when he has a clean shot. However, the traits that are necessary to survive on the back end in the NFL — cover skills, instincts and secure tackling — are all far too inconsistent with Mays. Questions about his maturity level only compound a high bust factor.

Burnett's football intelligence has been questioned and is expected to keep him out of the first round, despite his clocking in the 4.4s at his pro day, working out better than expected, and some evaluators not seeing a lot of difference between him and Thomas.

Allen disappointed evaluators when he performed agility drills at South Florida's workout but declined to perform the 40-yard dash after having failed to work out at the Combine. His stock also appears to be on the slide.

"Too many plays land at his shoe tops," one evaluator said. "He is not a difference maker. He does not show up consistently in coverage or against the run."

Another evaluator said: "He is a fire chief, not a fireman. He is always looking for everyone else to put out the fire so he does not have to get involved. He made a couple hits in four games, but they were all lined up for him, and they were tackles he had to make."

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Who Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Target in Round One?

Examining the 2010 NFL Draft - CB

Apr 2, 2010



1. Kyle Wilson - Boise State (5'11" 195 lbs)

- Strengths: The best reaction to the ball in this draft. Uses elite agility to stick with any WR, no matter what route it is. The best ball hawk of all CB's for sure. Fluent hips and strong back pedal. Great at baiting QB to throw it towards his direction where he makes much of his interceptions on jumping routes. Incredible break away speed. Excels at press coverage. Good jump ball CB. Elite return man

- Weaknesses: Not the best in run support. Tends to forget to wrap up tackle on players and sort of just throws his body at them. Can be caught gambling too much at times.

- NFL Comparison: Al Harris


- Round Projection: Mid 1st

2. Joe Haden - Florida (5'11" 193 lbs)

- Strengths: Great zone coverage CB. Does not lose ground even though Haden played some off-man coverage. Man coverage is his specialty. Can read the QB really well. Solid in run support and a very good tackler. Incredible lower body control.

- Weaknesses: Doesn't usually knock the ball carrier backwards on tackles. Swats the ball away when he might have had the interception. Late to the ball sometimes after it has been released even when he has good coverage on the WR.

- NFL Comparison: Nate Clements

- Round Projection: Top 10 pick


3. Devin McCourty - Rutgers (5'11" 193 lbs)

- Strengths: Can play on or off the WR. Stays low on his back pedal. Solid at changing direction based on the WR route. Very strong hands. Helps in run support very often. Gets off blocks very, very well. Great return man.

- Weaknesses: Struggles against bigger Wide Receivers. Can get away from the play too often in zone coverages. Needs to bulk up.

- NFL Comparison: Aaron Ross

- Round Projection: 1-2

4. Patrick Robinson - Florida State (5'11" 190 lbs)

- Strengths: A very instinctive Cornerback with elite athleticism. Much better against WR and RB screen passes than people give him credit for. Reads the QB very well. Had a great career in man coverage.

- Weaknesses: Needs work in coverage. Another CB who gambles too often. Loses balance of his back pedal on short come back routes. Not the most physical CB.

- NFL Comparison: Lardarius Webb

- Round Projection: 2

5. Kareem Jackson - Alabama (6'0" 198 lbs)

- Strengths: One of the best at reading what the WR next move will be. Does not get fooled often by WR. Great at jamming the WR right off the snap. Good 1 on 1 tackler. Play maker. Does not back down from any tackle.

- Weaknesses: Not the best down field speed. Tends to get beat across the middle. Needs to get up in the face of his WR on deep routes more often. Late on turning his hips at times.

- NFL Comparison: Marlin Jackson

- Round Projection: 2

Sleeper Pick: Amari Spievey - Iowa

[url="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/4/2/1398725/examining-the-2010-nfl-draft-cb"]http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/4 ... l-draft-cb[/url]