Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

1—Gabe Carimi-------OT Wisconsin
2—Christian Ballard---DT Iowa
3--Davon House-----CB New Mexico State
4--Armon Binns -----WR Cincinnati
5--Casey Matthews- ILB Oregon (worth the flyer on the bloodlines alone)
6--Zach Hurd -------OG Connecticut
7--Sidney Glover-----SS West Virginia (has played both safety spots---hits with authority and played special teams)

I personally think that either Carimi or Demarcus Love will be at or near where the Steelers draft in round one. Ras-I Dowling, Jared Crick, Christian Ballard, or Rahim Moore are my choices for round two. I dont think that Dowling, Crick, or even Moore will be available when the Steelers draft in round two and with Ballard they may need to move up a tad.

Ok ya'all...start shootin'....

This is one of those years I'm having a lot of trouble assessing the values of the DL prospects who might be available in rounds 2-3. I think everyone agrees we must draft a replacement for Hampton, but there don't appear to be any blue chip 3-4 run stuffing prototypes this year (like Hampton was coming out of Texas in 2001). Do we draft a flex type player who's a little more of a natural pass rusher? Or just a big body? I would probably favor a prime DL pass rusher over a prime CB because our defense is more about QB pressure than coverage INT's. The Jets have Revis (drafted 1.14) Cromartie (drafted 1.19) and Wilson (drafted 1.29) and Brady torched the hell out of them. If you can generate pressure up the middle, that's how you limit Brady, Manning, Brees. Not CB's.

I've heard mixed reviews on House. I'll have to watch more tape in the off season to make up my mind, but how much worse could he possibly be than McFadden? My guess is not much. I personally would like to see us draft a smaller speedier CB, but he has to be able to match up man-to-man. We are so lucky Ike has not gotten hurt this year.

Like you said, take a flyer on Matthews just for the blood lines. That family is just born to play football.

Overall, not bad.

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

1—Gabe Carimi-------OT Wisconsin
2—Christian Ballard---DT Iowa
3--Davon House-----CB New Mexico State
4--Armon Binns -----WR Cincinnati
5--Casey Matthews- ILB Oregon (worth the flyer on the bloodlines alone)
6--Zach Hurd -------OG Connecticut
7--Sidney Glover-----SS West Virginia (has played both safety spots---hits with authority and played special teams)

I personally think that either Carimi or Demarcus Love will be at or near where the Steelers draft in round one. Ras-I Dowling, Jared Crick, Christian Ballard, or Rahim Moore are my choices for round two. I dont think that Dowling, Crick, or even Moore will be available when the Steelers draft in round two and with Ballard they may need to move up a tad.

Ok ya'all...start shootin'....

This is one of those years I'm having a lot of trouble assessing the values of the DL prospects who might be available in rounds 2-3. I think everyone agrees we must draft a replacement for Hampton, but there don't appear to be any blue chip 3-4 run stuffing prototypes this year (like Hampton was coming out of Texas in 2001). Do we draft a flex type player who's a little more of a natural pass rusher? Or just a big body? I would probably favor a prime DL pass rusher over a prime CB because our defense is more about QB pressure than coverage INT's. The Jets have Revis (drafted 1.14) Cromartie (drafted 1.19) and Wilson (drafted 1.29) and Brady torched the hell out of them. If you can generate pressure up the middle, that's how you limit Brady, Manning, Brees. Not CB's.

I've heard mixed reviews on House. I'll have to watch more tape in the off season to make up my mind, but how much worse could he possibly be than McFadden? My guess is not much. I personally would like to see us draft a smaller speedier CB, but he has to be able to match up man-to-man. We are so lucky Ike has not gotten hurt this year.

Like you said, take a flyer on Matthews just for the blood lines. That family is just born to play football.

Overall, not bad.

what if we could generate pressure without having our CBs play 10 yards off... wouldn't the defense be a lot better

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

Dub let me say this.
If we didn't need a guard so bad, and if there wasn't one (let alone two) guards that are very good in this draft, i would be all for drafting a tackle in the first round. but the fact of the matter is, we shuffle guys from the natural position of tackle (Essex, Foster etc) or Center (legursky) to have them play guard. is it too much to draft an actual guard? especially when you would be getting the best player at his positon. a guy that has a first round grade anyway. I'd also be all for getting Ras Dowling (in the second), but like you said, a guy who misses his entire senior season is gonna fall.

I'll agree with you that we desperately need a guard. (We actually could use two new guards, but I'd be happy with one.) The problem is three of our current OL are Guard/Tackle hybrids (Ramon Foster, Chris Scott, Trai Essex). The question is... Are they tackles trying to play guard? Or guards trying to play tackle? We have just as big a problem trying to force semi-guards into the true tackle position as we do vice versa. So which do we fix first? It depends on the "pure talent" available at 1.30. I don't have a problem taking Mike Pouncey in the first round, but i wouldn't take Wisniewski or Hudson at 1.30. I would take Sherrod, Castonzo, Solder, Carimi, or Love at 1.30, but not Ziemba or Ijalana. But I would go OL in the first round if any of those 6 prospects are available.

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

[quote=NJ-STEELER]

1—Gabe Carimi-------OT Wisconsin
2—Christian Ballard---DT Iowa
3--Davon House-----CB New Mexico State
4--Armon Binns -----WR Cincinnati
5--Casey Matthews- ILB Oregon (worth the flyer on the bloodlines alone)
6--Zach Hurd -------OG Connecticut
7--Sidney Glover-----SS West Virginia (has played both safety spots---hits with authority and played special teams)

I personally think that either Carimi or Demarcus Love will be at or near where the Steelers draft in round one. Ras-I Dowling, Jared Crick, Christian Ballard, or Rahim Moore are my choices for round two. I dont think that Dowling, Crick, or even Moore will be available when the Steelers draft in round two and with Ballard they may need to move up a tad.

Ok ya'all...start shootin'....

This is one of those years I'm having a lot of trouble assessing the values of the DL prospects who might be available in rounds 2-3. I think everyone agrees we must draft a replacement for Hampton, but there don't appear to be any blue chip 3-4 run stuffing prototypes this year (like Hampton was coming out of Texas in 2001). Do we draft a flex type player who's a little more of a natural pass rusher? Or just a big body? I would probably favor a prime DL pass rusher over a prime CB because our defense is more about QB pressure than coverage INT's. The Jets have Revis (drafted 1.14) Cromartie (drafted 1.19) and Wilson (drafted 1.29) and Brady torched the hell out of them. If you can generate pressure up the middle, that's how you limit Brady, Manning, Brees. Not CB's.

I've heard mixed reviews on House. I'll have to watch more tape in the off season to make up my mind, but how much worse could he possibly be than McFadden? My guess is not much. I personally would like to see us draft a smaller speedier CB, but he has to be able to match up man-to-man. We are so lucky Ike has not gotten hurt this year.

Like you said, take a flyer on Matthews just for the blood lines. That family is just born to play football.

Overall, not bad.

what if we could generate pressure without having our CBs play 10 yards off... wouldn't the defense be a lot better[/quote:32cw8b4t]

I don't understand what your saying. CB's don't generate pressure, they cover. Are you saying what if our CB's could cover tighter until the pressure gets to the QB?

[birtikidis]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

Dub let me say this.
If we didn't need a guard so bad, and if there wasn't one (let alone two) guards that are very good in this draft, i would be all for drafting a tackle in the first round. but the fact of the matter is, we shuffle guys from the natural position of tackle (Essex, Foster etc) or Center (legursky) to have them play guard. is it too much to draft an actual guard? especially when you would be getting the best player at his positon. a guy that has a first round grade anyway. I'd also be all for getting Ras Dowling (in the second), but like you said, a guy who misses his entire senior season is gonna fall.

I'll agree with you that we desperately need a guard. (We actually could use two new guards, but I'd be happy with one.) The problem is three of our current OL are Guard/Tackle hybrids (Ramon Foster, Chris Scott, Trai Essex). The question is... Are they tackles trying to play guard? Or guards trying to play tackle? We have just as big a problem trying to force semi-guards into the true tackle position as we do vice versa. So which do we fix first? It depends on the "pure talent" available at 1.30. I don't have a problem taking Mike Pouncey in the first round, but i wouldn't take Wisniewski or Hudson at 1.30. I would take Sherrod, Castonzo, Solder, Carimi, or Love at 1.30, but not Ziemba or Ijalana. But I would go OL in the first round if any of those 6 prospects are available.

well all the guys you named (Foster, Scott, Essex) and Hills all played Tackle for the majority of their collegiate careers. Essex played TE but ate his way out of that spot. so, they've all pretty much played tackle for the majority of their careers... that is till they got to pittsburgh, then it was force them into positions they stink at.

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

[quote=StarSpangledSteeler]

1—Gabe Carimi-------OT Wisconsin
2—Christian Ballard---DT Iowa
3--Davon House-----CB New Mexico State
4--Armon Binns -----WR Cincinnati
5--Casey Matthews- ILB Oregon (worth the flyer on the bloodlines alone)
6--Zach Hurd -------OG Connecticut
7--Sidney Glover-----SS West Virginia (has played both safety spots---hits with authority and played special teams)

I personally think that either Carimi or Demarcus Love will be at or near where the Steelers draft in round one. Ras-I Dowling, Jared Crick, Christian Ballard, or Rahim Moore are my choices for round two. I dont think that Dowling, Crick, or even Moore will be available when the Steelers draft in round two and with Ballard they may need to move up a tad.

Ok ya'all...start shootin'....

This is one of those years I'm having a lot of trouble assessing the values of the DL prospects who might be available in rounds 2-3. I think everyone agrees we must draft a replacement for Hampton, but there don't appear to be any blue chip 3-4 run stuffing prototypes this year (like Hampton was coming out of Texas in 2001). Do we draft a flex type player who's a little more of a natural pass rusher? Or just a big body? I would probably favor a prime DL pass rusher over a prime CB because our defense is more about QB pressure than coverage INT's. The Jets have Revis (drafted 1.14) Cromartie (drafted 1.19) and Wilson (drafted 1.29) and Brady torched the hell out of them. If you can generate pressure up the middle, that's how you limit Brady, Manning, Brees. Not CB's.

I've heard mixed reviews on House. I'll have to watch more tape in the off season to make up my mind, but how much worse could he possibly be than McFadden? My guess is not much. I personally would like to see us draft a smaller speedier CB, but he has to be able to match up man-to-man. We are so lucky Ike has not gotten hurt this year.

Like you said, take a flyer on Matthews just for the blood lines. That family is just born to play football.

Overall, not bad.

what if we could generate pressure without having our CBs play 10 yards off... wouldn't the defense be a lot better

I don't understand what your saying. CB's don't generate pressure, they cover. Are you saying what if our CB's could cover tighter until the pressure gets to the QB?[/quote:2dtws21q]

yes

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

[quote=NJ-STEELER][quote=StarSpangledSteeler]

1—Gabe Carimi-------OT Wisconsin
2—Christian Ballard---DT Iowa
3--Davon House-----CB New Mexico State
4--Armon Binns -----WR Cincinnati
5--Casey Matthews- ILB Oregon (worth the flyer on the bloodlines alone)
6--Zach Hurd -------OG Connecticut
7--Sidney Glover-----SS West Virginia (has played both safety spots---hits with authority and played special teams)

I personally think that either Carimi or Demarcus Love will be at or near where the Steelers draft in round one. Ras-I Dowling, Jared Crick, Christian Ballard, or Rahim Moore are my choices for round two. I dont think that Dowling, Crick, or even Moore will be available when the Steelers draft in round two and with Ballard they may need to move up a tad.

Ok ya'all...start shootin'....

This is one of those years I'm having a lot of trouble assessing the values of the DL prospects who might be available in rounds 2-3. I think everyone agrees we must draft a replacement for Hampton, but there don't appear to be any blue chip 3-4 run stuffing prototypes this year (like Hampton was coming out of Texas in 2001). Do we draft a flex type player who's a little more of a natural pass rusher? Or just a big body? I would probably favor a prime DL pass rusher over a prime CB because our defense is more about QB pressure than coverage INT's. The Jets have Revis (drafted 1.14) Cromartie (drafted 1.19) and Wilson (drafted 1.29) and Brady torched the hell out of them. If you can generate pressure up the middle, that's how you limit Brady, Manning, Brees. Not CB's.

I've heard mixed reviews on House. I'll have to watch more tape in the off season to make up my mind, but how much worse could he possibly be than McFadden? My guess is not much. I personally would like to see us draft a smaller speedier CB, but he has to be able to match up man-to-man. We are so lucky Ike has not gotten hurt this year.

Like you said, take a flyer on Matthews just for the blood lines. That family is just born to play football.

Overall, not bad.

what if we could generate pressure without having our CBs play 10 yards off... wouldn't the defense be a lot better

I don't understand what your saying. CB's don't generate pressure, they cover. Are you saying what if our CB's could cover tighter until the pressure gets to the QB?[/quote:2t7qmzp0]

yes[/quote:2t7qmzp0]

That was the point i was making with the Jets example. The Jets have 3 first round corner backs (Revis, Cromartie, Wilson) and they got lit up by Brady for 326 yards and 4 TD's. Even in the first game (which the Jets won) Brady threw for 238 with 2 TD's. Overall in two games Brady threw for over 560 yards 6 TD's and 2 INT's. On the year the Jets passing defense is ranked 10th in the league in yards allowed and 32nd in INT's. Let me repeat that. The Jets have 3 first round CB's and they rank dead last in the NFL in INT's. Their 1st round CB's don't help generate pressure on opposing QB's or cause INT's. I don't see how us drafting 1 first round CB's would change that either.

[birtikidis]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

with the *'s its not so much who is out there as it is gameplan. take away Welker, disguise your coverages on the TE's and get in brady's face.. and you'll be able to get in his face because you took his safety blanket (welker) away from him.

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

This is one of those years I'm having a lot of trouble assessing the values of the DL prospects who might be available in rounds 2-3. I think everyone agrees we must draft a replacement for Hampton, but there don't appear to be any blue chip 3-4 run stuffing prototypes this year (like Hampton was coming out of Texas in 2001). Do we draft a flex type player who's a little more of a natural pass rusher? Or just a big body? I would probably favor a prime DL pass rusher over a prime CB because our defense is more about QB pressure than coverage INT's. The Jets have Revis (drafted 1.14) Cromartie (drafted 1.19) and Wilson (drafted 1.29) and Brady torched the hell out of them. If you can generate pressure up the middle, that's how you limit Brady, Manning, Brees. Not CB's.

I've heard mixed reviews on House. I'll have to watch more tape in the off season to make up my mind, but how much worse could he possibly be than McFadden? My guess is not much. I personally would like to see us draft a smaller speedier CB, but he has to be able to match up man-to-man. We are so lucky Ike has not gotten hurt this year.

Like you said, take a flyer on Matthews just for the blood lines. That family is just born to play football.

Overall, not bad.

what if we could generate pressure without having our CBs play 10 yards off... wouldn't the defense be a lot better

I don't understand what your saying. CB's don't generate pressure, they cover. Are you saying what if our CB's could cover tighter until the pressure gets to the QB?

yes

That was the point i was making with the Jets example. The Jets have 3 first round corner backs (Revis, Cromartie, Wilson) and they got lit up by Brady for 326 yards and 4 TD's. Even in the first game (which the Jets won) Brady threw for 238 with 2 TD's. Overall in two games Brady threw for over 560 yards 6 TD's and 2 INT's. On the year the Jets passing defense is ranked 10th in the league in yards allowed and 32nd in INT's. Let me repeat that. The Jets have 3 first round CB's and they rank dead last in the NFL in INT's. Their 1st round CB's don't help generate pressure on opposing QB's or cause INT's. I don't see how us drafting 1 first round CB's would change that either.[/quote]

in their 1st match up? they were able to blitz a lot of guys at brady nand leave revis 1 on1 as well as cromo... resulting in 1 of the pats losses. they held them to 14 points...dont care what their stats said


if they could generate pressure from their OLBs like we could or vice versa if we could get coverage from our CB like they could things could be differnet... both teams would benefit

the difference for us would be we have the guys who can bring the pressure. what are we?? top 3 in sacks this year?

[steelerkeylargo]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

I would be estatic on the first 3 rounds. Dont think Carimi will be there though. Think he is a top 3 tackle (along with Sherrod and Castonzo). I think I started the Ballard talk and would love him in the second. In the third I think House, Jalil Brown and Shareece Wright (my favorite of the 3) should get looks.

[D Rock]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

I like Dowling but not in the first. Second, third is more where I'd look for him.

I would take him at the end of round one. This is what you get when Dowling is healthy.

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VCHpKga3kk"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VCHpKga3kk[/url]


Pretty much can do it all. Goes up after the ball at its highest point, can force the run inside, is physical, has ball skills, great size, and can blitz the QB.

I’ve said it before he is a lot like Antonio Cromartie physically but unlike Cromartie, he is physical in his play.

I like this kid's swagger.

It's like watching William Gay out there, but with skills as a cornerback.

I would be ecstatic if he was the pick in the first. I really hope the Steelers try to sign a FA Olineman to fill a gap there, and then take this dude early.


This is going to be a critical offseason. If they can't resign Taylor and Colon to buy another couple years to find playmakers, then they are going to have to seriously look to FA. I know it's not the Steeler way, but sometimes necessity dictates over tradition.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

Can't say good or bad because RT spot is a question and who will retire? Will the retain Colon? They won't let Adams play the 5 mil contract but if he restructures, do they let Colon walk & draft his replacement? That all being said, the easiest thing to do is retain your own and use the draft to fill the talent meter instead of filling needs. That is usually what the Steelers try to do so they don't put themselves in trouble. Let's say for discussion nobody retires. There could be some restructure that has to be done to keep a Ward, Farrior, Keisel, & Smith...But it needs to get done if they want to stay to retain young players. I suspect Battle, El, and Moore (if he is under contract) become expendable based on the situation and "cap room" for signings.

Lock up Woodley & Timmons long term. That was easy.

Retain Taylor. Yes he is over 30 but no signs of fading soon. More of a must signing. Can't create a bigger hole at CB at a weak spot.

Retain Colon long term. Might get him at a little discount because of injury but that might not be enough to keep him. If not, with Adams on the team...They can let him walk if needed. Taylor, Woodley, and Timmons take priority if Colon wants a huge contract out of budget. Colon just might be "one of those guys" the Steelers have to let walk. But retaining Colon as well would be HUGE for the Steelers 2011 draft & Future. I'm sure BB will loby for him but...It all comes down to money. My head tells me they have been playing with him with tenders for a reason...They will figure out a way to keep him.

Restructure Adams with signing bonus up front & extend. Worse case scenario would be a quality vet back-up for both sides if young OT needs a year. If he wants too much or won't re-structure and Colon is retained...He is expendable.


So, if the cards fall this way, the draft comes into focus. One "immediate" need (RG) but also some " not to far" future position consideration. But that "immediate" need could be addressed anywhere in the first three rounds. Let's say the Steelers have one of the last 4 picks in round one. Projecting players little tricky right now with not knowing who is coming out but we could try.

BPA...Always first. If there is someone there that fits at OL, WR, DL, ILB, or DB, you make the pick. Can't pass on someone that should have gone off the board.

I was on Pouncey last year & also like his brother. I think Mike's stock fell with move to C in 2010. Another year at RG would have made him a lock late 1st. I think he needs very good work-outs & a great Bowl game now to get back there. PSU homer for Bowl Game...I'll be watching! I think RG would be the biggest need. But after it is all said & done on draft day...I could be as high on Mike Pouncey in the 1st as I was for his Brother. Time will tell.

I would pass on Gabe Carimi at end of first. Actually like Pouncey better than Carimi at this spot. Carimi is a one shot guy. Just a RT...If at all. Not a natural knee bender and can't be moved inside if you miss on him. Not a LT. Would pass on him...Maybe 2nd round if he was still there. He could be a dominant RT as easily as a bust.


I will go on my heart for my first mock on how it "might" play out.

RD 1 - Mike Pouncey G
RD 2 - Curtis Brown CB
RD 3 - OT / DL / S / ILB / WR

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

1—Gabe Carimi-------OT Wisconsin

... i don't think any of the kids whom would be available at OT at the bottom of the first would be any serious upgrade over what we are looking at right now for the upcoming season.

(Don't take this personal, but I have to rant...)

Who exactly do we have this upcoming season? Colon is not on our roster, he is a FA. Are you counting on signing him? What kind of contract? A one year non-guaranteed "hope" he plays better than before the surgery kind of deal? 1/3 of all achillies injured athletes never return, the other 2/3 usually have limitations. (Look at what Troy's achillies is doing to him, and that's only sprained). Even in his prime, Colon (when fully healthy) was average at best. Are you suggesting a young healthy Carimi or Love is not an immediate upgrade in pass blocking over a 4th round pick, achillies tendon-ruptured, slow as hell, short armed, Colon? Love is just as strong as Colon (right now), and Carimi's technique is far better. Starks, when healthy, is adequate, but he will never, never, never even so much as sniff a pro-bowl. The assumption that he will make a full recovery (with no lingering side effects) is a big "if". We hoped for the same thing from Marvel Smith and Wayne Gandy after their surgeries but the same injuries continued to nag them. If Starks is less effective, or heaven forbid re-inujred, who exactly do we have on our roster to replace him? T. Essex? J. Scott? That is a huge gaping weakness that must be addressed early. What about Adams? We have him under contract for one more year. He is 35 years old (let me repeat that... 35 years old). He's one good ankle/knee getting "rolled up on" from IR. We actually have NOTHING secured for next year at OT. We have 3 stop gaps and one possibly recovered from surgery.

In a best case scenario, Starks returns healthy. Adams returns healthy, as an experienced back up. We draft Carimi or Love to start at RT, with an option of sliding to LT in the event of an injury. In a worse case scenario, Starks and Colon don't return to an adequate level and we start Scott and Adams. I FULLY support drafting either of those OT's in round one. Either of them would immediately give Ben more time to throw and can block on the second level for Mendenhall.

Very well thought out, well stated argument.

[Shawn]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

If the draft panned out like this I would be doing flips in my living room. Carimi is beast and will likely be gone by #32. I love the Ballard pick in round 2. Tough Big Ten defensive lineman. Mathews in the 5th would also be a very solid pick. I have seen the guy play and left impressed. I am not familiar with the others.

You couldn't go wrong moving up in the second to grab Dowling.

IMO, this needs to be the year where we take a stand and rebuild our trenches. Obviously I'm a bit biased as I love Big Ten ball, but I don't think you can go wrong building your trenches in the Big Ten. I like the SEC for your skill positions but the Big Ten is built for NFL style linemen on both sides of the ball.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Dee Dub’s First 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft!

If the draft panned out like this I would be doing flips in my living room. Carimi is beast and will likely be gone by #32. I love the Ballard pick in round 2. Tough Big Ten defensive lineman. Mathews in the 5th would also be a very solid pick. I have seen the guy play and left impressed. I am not familiar with the others.

You couldn't go wrong moving up in the second to grab Dowling.

IMO, this needs to be the year where we take a stand and rebuild our trenches. Obviously I'm a bit biased as I love Big Ten ball, but I don't think you can go wrong building your trenches in the Big Ten. I like the SEC for your skill positions but the Big Ten is built for NFL style linemen on both sides of the ball.

I understand what you are saying Shawn but I think there is a good chance either Carimi or Demarcus Love will be there and the end of round one. To some Carimi has slipped a bit from the beginning of the year.