Chadman's Awesome Offseason Draft/FA Analysis Thread..

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Chadman's Awesome Offseason Draft/FA Analysis Thread..

Chadman it wouldn't shock me to see the Steelers draft DB in round 1 and 2...not just out of need but because that just might be how BPA lands. Williams and Burton would sure up our secondary in a quick way. I think it's reasonable both could get early PT in the nickle and dime.

I was thinking the same thing. It could be possible that top prospects could fall to us in each spot and especially if Ike goes it fills a glaring need.

Yeah...say the top 5 OT's plus Pouncey are off the board at 31, but someone like Brandon Harris is still available, and our scouts would prefer the Miami corner to, say, Ironhead Heyward Jr. Then in round 2, Hudson/Watkins/Cannon are off the board, but Ras-I Dowling is still available, and our scouts would prefer the Virginia corner to, say, Jarvis Jenkins. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to Harris and Dowling becoming the back-to-back Timmons and Woodley of our secondary.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's Awesome Offseason Draft/FA Analysis Thread..

Chadman has nothing against back-to-back DB's in the draft. If you remember correctly, it was chadman that predicted the Timmons-Woodley combo...

That being said, the VALUE of the DL drops dramatically after the first-round types are off the board. If the Steelers want to get serious about improving the DL, waiting too long will give them access to far inferior playing talent- how many 4th round DE's have the Steelers 'wasted' picks on in the last 6-7 years? Too many.

The depth at DB stretches into the 3rd & 4th rounds, so you can still grab quality in the middle rounds for DB- not so for DL.

Only Pouncey is rated a 1st round IOL, the real depth in what is a pretty strong OG class comes around the middle rounds. OR- you could grab a Rodney Hudson in Round 2 & likely feel that you got great value instead of say, trading up for Pouncey in Round 1. The drop-off in talent between Pouncey & Hudson does not equal the drop off from say, pick #25 to pick #62.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's Awesome Offseason Draft/FA Analysis Thread..

Well, things have taken a turn for the worse as far as FA goes, but today, Chadman will have a look at some potential FA targets that may fit the Steelers needs. As we know, the Steelers are rarelt 'big players' in the FA market, but that does not mean they avoid it like the plague- often picking up 1-2 decent squad players, role players & occasionally starters if they are priced well. Although this years FA might be abnormal due to circumstance, Chadman will assume that once again, the Steelers will allow the initial rush of overpriced FA's move & then concentrate on the leftovers to see if anything can improve the current squad.

With needs along the DL, OL & DB's as well as potential need at TE & RB, here is the list of players the Steelers may set their beady eyes on..

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's Awesome Offseason Draft/FA Analysis Thread..

Running Back Possibilities:

Cadillac Williams


Williams is no longer starting quality, and his injury history may turn some teams away. But the Steelers may require a pass catching 3rd down type RB if Mewelde Moore moves on. Williams is young enough at 29 to offer a good 2-3 years as the back-up/3rd down guy.

James Davis


A promising player that the Steelers had some exposure too as a Brown before moving to the Redskins. Good size & speed. This is the sort of guy the Steelers often sign- unherelded type that likely upgrades the back-up RB role.