Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

[Chadman]

Ok- so the last Chadman Mock was the "Final"..but that was weeks ago...well, a week & a bit..ish..and now- just mere hours away..ok, a day or so...Chadman feels compelled to give you, the loyal, rabid followers of all mock drafts, one last taste of his brilliance...or perhaps insanity- depending on how you view it...

It won't suit everyone. In fact, it might not suit anyone. But that's ok. After all- you guys can't get it right every time like Chadman does...it's a skill, you see?

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

ROUND 1.

AARON WILLIAMS
CB
TEXAS
6'0" 204lbs
4.44 40-Yard
18 225lb Bench Press
37.5" Vertical
31 1/2" Arms
3 Years College Experience- Junior



Ok, so it's not original. Not even close. But that doesn't make it a bad pick. Chadman has rotated between Williams, Heyward, Harris & Sherrod for this spot (discounting the possibility of a trade). Williams however, just makes the most sense. CB is a bigger 'need' than DE & Colbert explained that when 'equal talents are available- they pick need first', so Williams trumps Heyward (despite Chadman predicting Heyward goes before #31 anyway). Williams is more the 'prototype' Steeler CB than Harris (although Tomlin has had success with smaller CB's- see Barber, Tampa Bay for example..) so Williams fits over Harris. And Chadman predicts that the run on OT's starts & finishes in the 20's, meaning Solder should be gone by #31. He's a junior- obviously something the coaches like as evidenced by Timmons, Mendenhall & Pouncey- 3 of 4 Tomlin picks have been juniors. Big program, so experienced against top talent- again, like Tomlin's history suggests with Timmons, Mendenhall, Hood & Pouncey. And the Steelers sent damn near everyone to Texas to have a look at the Pro Day. Now- the only potential 1st round pick in that group from Texas is Williams- do you send everyone to watch the 2nd & 3rd round picks work out?

So he fits. And it's not a bad thing.

Read & React: Reads routes well and starts to close when receivers throttle down to catch curl or hitch. Sniffs out bubble screens. Gets fooled on double moves and misdirection when receivers and backs sell their routes. Recognizes run immediately in man or zone coverage and gets around the receiver to make the play.

Man Coverage: His size makes him a prototypical outside corner, able to stay with NFL pass-catchers down the sideline. Usually matches up with opponent's biggest receiver. Shows relatively quick feet when in the slot. Mirrors receivers on most straight-line routes but struggles to stop and return on throws behind him. Stays too high in his pedal, however, lets receivers eat up cushion too quickly. Needs to play more physically; usually plays well off the receiver, fails to land his hands when on the line. Gets pushed around too easily, allowing separation outside.

Zone Coverage: Practiced as a zone defender. Comes off of initial target a bit late, but gets to the ball in a hurry once he picks up the quarterback's read. Adjusts to jerk routes and can change his angle on the fly. Gets a hand on passes thrown over his head when underneath. Lacks great suddenness to change direction with quick slot receivers over the middle.

Closing/Recovery: A bit slow transitioning forward to plant and drive, but likes to make big hits and is tough for receivers to escape when he closes. Owns only adequate hands for the interception; picks off some easy passes but drops high and wide throws when in position to make the play. Able to knock away passes by swiping his long arm in front of receivers and winning jump balls. Lacks recovery speed if beaten off the line and does not gain ground running down the field.

Run Support: Solid run defender on the edge. Not afraid to take on large outside receivers and reacts quickly to get around potential blockers to make the tackle on running plays to his side of the field. Gets outside of the blocker to funnel plays back inside, but could do a better job shedding blocks when he's not able to elude them. Takes deep angles to be a last line of defense.

Tackling: Inconsistent tackler who displays the length and aggressiveness to wrap up ballcarriers but lacks great strength. Like to hit running backs on the edge and usually leads with a shoulder. Gives good effort, coming off his man to help teammates and laying out to make ankle tackles. Blitzes effectively due to his straight-line speed and size. Height can be a detriment against smaller, quicker ballcarriers; will leave his feet instead of dropping his hips to wrap and tackle. Gets dragged for extra yardage by stronger receivers.

Intangibles: Showed great maturity working though disappointing dropped punt against Oklahoma last fall. Missed UCF game in 2009 with a right knee injury. Uncle, Ken Taylor, played defensive back at Oregon State (1981-84) and Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

ROUND 2.

MARCUS GILBERT
OT
FLORIDA
6'6" 330lbs
5.20 40-Yard
30 225lb Bench Press
34" Arms



Chadman picked Gilbert a few weeks ago for this spot...moved away from it...now moves back. There is obviously a real interest in Maurkice's Brother Mike (MBM), but Chadman suspects MBM will be gone before the Steelers get a good shot at him. But just a few inches away from MBM on the line is this big guy. So no doubt, the Steelers have seen what he can do. Coach Kugs was at Florida's Pro Day & no doubt eyeballed his movements while studying MBM. He's "Max Starks" big, has played both sides of the OL, played for a good program against good competition & fits an area of need with Flozell Adams turning 50 before the season is out. He should be able to solidify the RT position for the near future & remove Tony Hills from the roster.

Pass blocking: Solid pass protector with a quick set, fluid lateral movement and willingness to go out and punch his man off the snap instead of waiting for the rush to come to him. Usually keeps his feet active and arms extended while engaged. Sustains after initial contact and can anchor against most ends. Good balance to protect the inside lane. Reacts quickly to late blitzers on most plays, escorting them around the pocket with his length. Must become more consistent picking up linebackers off the edge against 3-4 fronts. Gets down well to cut block on quick throws, but needs to get more of his opponent to take him out. Will lunge while recovering from strong initial contact.

Run blocking: Effective size and mobility to be an extremely effective positional blocker at the next level. Anchors against strong defensive ends well, resets his hands to sustain the block. Moves his feet to wall off backside run support and sustain until the play is away. Also has quick feet to the second level; does more than get in the way, will extend his arms to fully negate linebacker (raises them off the ground at times). Good drive-blocker, churns forward after engaging and will usher his man downfield for seven to 10 yards. Could potential turn defenders out of the hole. Athletic and long enough to block down on tackles and still push blitzing linebackers out of the play. Body control and posture must be more consistent; loses his balance when leaning forward against defensive ends or lunging towards linebackers at the second level. Will get tripped up in trash.

Pulling/trapping: Effective trapping inside and getting out in front of plays run to side because of his quick feet. Moves around the guard or tight end well for his size, is flexible enough to turn the corner and find a target. Takes out linebackers in space by latching on or laying out his tall frame on cut blocks. Needs to use his hands to get through trash and will get tripped up at times because he leans too far forward. Does not always adjust well to inside defenders; can get a hand on smaller defenders but is best when heading straight for his target.

Initial Quickness: Gets off the snap very well for his size, gets into his opponent if man-up on the outside or tries to get to the linebackers in a hurry. Strong punch and arm extension to pass protect or lock up his man on run plays. Quick kick-slide to mirror most strong-side ends, though not elite in this area; his length allows him to compensate against quicker college defensive ends.

Downfield: Has the mix of hustle and athleticism to get a hand inside on the tackle, push aside a linebacker and reach a safety ten yards downfield on a single run play. Does not always hit inside defenders or other intended targets, however, as quicker defenders will sidestep him because he runs upright. Can be too satisfied just getting in the way, needs to sustain downfield blocks longer to prevent his man from chasing down plays.

Intangibles: Reliable, durable player who consistently gives good effort. One of the team's senior leaders for 2010. Mature, well-liked player with no known character issues. Studies his playbook and constantly looks to improve. Father is a retired Secret Service agent.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

ROUND 3.

COLIN MCCARTHY
ILB
MIAMI
6'1" 238lbs
4.64 40-Yard
23 225lb Bench
36.5" Vertical
29 1/2" Arms



Nearly annually the Steelers produce a "Didn't see that coming" pick that we all end up agreeing was an inspired move. Here's this years. Not exactly a need,but the Steelers annually re-stock on the LB corps. James Farrior is turning 51 this season & probably can't be expected to play beyond 2033. Now is the time to get his replacement. McCarthy is a big time producer, played in a good program, was a team leader..all qualities similar to the man he'll be tagged to replace. Steelers were at Miami's Pro Day- arguably to see Brandon Harris or Orlando Franklin- but McCarthy might be the best fit for Pittsburgh.

Read & React: Good instincts for the position. Reads his keys quickly and efficiently moves towards the ball. Can be too aggressive toward the line of scrimmage against the run, leaving cutback lanes vacant. Over-aggression makes him susceptible to good play-action. To his credit, he isn't fooled for long and doesn't quit until the whistle blows.

Run defense: Attacks the line of scrimmage in run defense, taking questionable angles. Can get tripped up inside but did show improvement last year in his ability to protect his legs. Often beats blockers to the point due because he constantly attacks the line of scrimmage, resulting in high tackle production. Provides a quick, physical pop to keep blockers off of him when his good lateral agility isn't enough to elude them. Has seen time at all three linebacker positions. Has at least moderate straight-line speed. Pursues with passion laterally and downfield.

Pass defense: High and choppy in his backpedal and is a bit stiff in the hips. Gains good depth on his drops and keeps his head on a swivel in pass defense, but has only moderate overall agility to keep up with potential receivers. Typically is in position to make the tackle, but may not be athletic enough to consistently break up passes.

Tackling: Arguably his best skill. Is an aggressive, wrap-up tackler that seems to enjoy the physicality of the game. Shows no hesitancy taking on big ballcarriers. Flashes some explosiveness as a hitter, showing textbook hit-lift-drive form. Breaks down well in space to handle elusive running backs.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Moderate speed off the edge as a stand-up blitzer. Can pressure the tackle's outside shoulder and shows some natural pass-rush instincts with his ability to cut back inside. Has to develop better technique; he's overly reliant on the bull rush when engaged. Needs to do a better job of protecting his knees from the cut block.

Intangibles: A standout special teams player early in his career. Was granted a medical hardship in 2008 after four games. Slipped on wet turf during practice and injured his shoulder, which required surgery. Considered leaving for the NFL after his junior season.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

ROUND 4.

CEDRIC THORNTON
DE
SOUTHERN ARKANSAS
6'3" 309lbs
5.10 40-Yard
30 225lb Bench
27" Vertical
33 5/8" Arms



Ok, so the Steelers need some youth/depth on the DL. The mere fact that nearly all the DL is older than James Farrior's 51 years is evidence of this. The Steelers have shown interest in Jarvis Jenkins from Clemson- Cedric Thornton is very similar physically, but hasn't competed at the same level. Did have a good Senior Bowl week, tussling well with high round prospects like Rodney Hudson & not looking out of place.

01/25/2011 - SENIOR BOWL PRACTICE, MONDAY: Southern Arkansas defensive tackle Cedric Thornton proved he belonged in the weigh-in (6-3 5/8, 299) and made it clear he wouldn't back down on the field. He constantly talked to O'Dowd, Florida State's Rodney Hudson, and others as he tried to beat them in team drills and one-on-one, even slapping their helmets in a playful way as the plays ended and they returned to the starting blocks. He won few battles on the day, but held his own by standing up against double-team blocks and giving full effort on every play. Hudson overmatched him in one-on-one drills, but Thornton came back on the next rep to push Hudson backward into the tackling dummy serving as the quarterback. That effort will gain him fans among scouts this week as he learns what it takes against FBS stars this week. - Chad Reuter, NFLDraftScout.com

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

ROUND 5.

ANDREW JACKSON
OG
FRESNO STATE
6'5" 303lbs
5.27 40-Yard
25 225lb Bench
32 1/2" Arms




And back we go to the OL. The Steelers held a little chat with this guy at the Combine & he fits a need & value here in Round 5. This is just the sort of unheralded OL that can make a nice name for himself at OG in the NFL. Plays nasty- fits most blocking schemes. He may never be a starter, or given the strength of the Steelers OL- he might start next season...

Positives: Big, tall guard with strong hands and a solid core. Good pad level and flat back off the snap, extending his arms and anchoring in with good knee-bend. Strong punch to the chest of defender, allowing him to set his feet and get extension in pass protection. Consistently gets his hands inside pads of his opponent. Powerful upper body, possessing ability to throw thicker, heavier defensive linemen back at the point of attack without maximizing lower-body leverage. High-effort lineman who remains fully engaged with his opponent to the whistle. Long, powerful arms and good forward lean make it tough for defenders to shed and fill running lanes. Will lock onto and "steer" opposing lineman out of holes, allowing lead run blocker to reach second level. Tough, gritty lineman who loves to get physical and finish plays by driving his opponent into the ground.

Negatives: Will often stop moving his feet laterally in pass protection, forcing him to twist his upper torso to stay engaged with his opponent. When he's beat off the snap, will lower his shoulder and head into the defender, leaving him sesceptible to a swim move or easy step-around. Inconsistent get-off enables defenders to get their hands up first, forcing him into "recovery" mode. When pushed back off the snap, will step back with one foot leaving him in a "lunge" position and laterally vulnerable to throws and swims by defender. Adjusts and reacts slowly to oncoming defenders when blocking downfield, forcing him to "dive" and leave his feet.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

ROUND 6.

CHRIS NEILD
NT
WEST VIRGINIA
6'2" 319lbs
5.02 40-Yard
30 225lb Bench
29" Vertical
31 7/8" Arms



Hey look! It's Chris Hoke's son! Well, almost the right age anyway. Hoke is turning 67 years old this season & will be contemplating retirement in the next 4-5 years. A suitable replacement will be required. Neild most likely won't replace Hampton, but given the lack of depth at NT- it might be more prudent to look at upgrading his back-up while we can.

Strengths: Fire hydrant run-stuffing nose tackle. Keep leverage against double teams near the line of scrimmage. Keeps his hands active to keep his man off-balance or in case he needs to disengage. Provides a punch when one-on-one. Good hustle to the sideline once the play goes toward the hashes. Slides feet into either "A" gap while engaged while following the ball off the snap. Big East Academic All-Star.

Weaknesses: Lacks typical bulk of NFL nose tackles. Very average athlete, lacks change of direction ability to make a lot of plays outside the box. Does not provide much pass rush beyond occasional pressure. Not dominant with his bull rush, slowly moves his target backwards with effort and leverage. Slow to twist inside.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

ROUND 7.

DARRIN WALLS
CB
NOTRE DAME
6'0" 191lbs
4.43 40-Yard




Let's go back to the DB's while we are at it. Not often a guy of this size, with his level of competition, his speed & his college production is found this low- but for some reason, on all draft sites- he is. Can't have enough options at DB when you have struggled so badly. Could he move to FS??

Strengths: Physical corner with starter's size. Strong hitter, striking and planting receivers on the run or attacking runners on the outside from coverage or when uncovered on the edge. Effective cut tackler. Some recovery speed to stop receivers after the catch if beaten inside. Challenges receivers at the five-yard mark. Breaks down in space, gets low to wrap up ballcarriers. Tough for receivers to escape his grasp outside. Plus in zone awareness, has the size and speed to break on intermediate throws, will hit receivers to break up the pass.

Weaknesses: Guesses on routes at times instead of allowing receiver to make his move before turning his hips. High, choppy backpedal and somewhat stiff hips make it difficult for him to change direction against quicker receivers, give up too many receptions on comeback routes and double moves. Inconsistent hands on interceptions, makes the easy catch but is hit-and-miss on moderately difficult ones.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

this is definitely your best mock yet...

so what if it took you ten tries before you got it right?

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

this is definitely your best mock yet...

so what if it took you ten tries before you got it right?

It's like Rick Goesslein..only longer winded...

[insanesteelersfan]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

Although I give you major props for a well presentation of your Mock draft, i have to say most of your selections are way way off. Starting with the 2nd rounder Gilbert. Look, character wise the kid is as good as they get. We all know what his father did. But Gilbert is nowhere near as fast as you say. And he had a horrible season this year. Yes he has some things to like about him. But he is more of a late 3rd to early 4th round pick.

3rd rounder: Colin McCarthy. I love this kids Heart, I really do. But i'm sorry. His body is way way too brittle. PFW had an article on him saying a Doctor told league GM's that his shoulder will never heal right. Not good for a LB. Plus, 3rd round is too high even IF a team wanted to draft him.



4th: Cedric Thornton. I gotta say the steelers won't be interested in his Brash attitude that I have seen reports about him. Did not interview very well. And his past character issues make him even a bigger risk. And again, too early. He is a 6th rounder to me.



5th rounder: Andrew Jackson....good president...lousy football player! A borderline late 6th or 7th rounder who cannot drive block at all. Fresno State is basically aa passing offense. And Jackson just doesn't have the lower leg stregth for a Guard. Especially a guard in our system. He has had trouble the past few years keeping weight on. He also had a injury this season, and that's troublesome.


6th rounder: Chris Neild. This one I can see. Not that Neild is overly athetic, or strong in his lower base. But he does try. And was considered the heart of that tough defense. Still more of a 7th rounder. But I can see him in the 6th..IF the Steelers think he has the lower leg strength to be a NT. He has simular height and weight numbers that Casey had when he was drafted. But not close to the Leg strength, or on the field production. But I could live with this.


7th rounder: Darrin Walls. I guess I would LOVE this pick...if he were still there. But, even though Notre Dame's pass defense was absolutely horrible the past two years. It certainly wasn't this guys fault. Only concern really is he was tight hipped on his turns, and some WR's got away from him. But his recovery speed is great. And physically, he looks alot like D.Revis at the Line. Really knocks WR off their routes. But he won't be there in round 7. I highly doubt Walls will be available in round 5.


Anyways sir, good effort. Even if personally I disagree with most of it.

[Chadman]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

Although I give you major props for a well presentation of your Mock draft, i have to say most of your selections are way way off.

It would seem, unfortunately for some, that not all perceptions are necessarily correct.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

Although I give you major props for a well presentation of your Mock draft, i have to say most of your selections are way way off. Starting with the 2nd rounder Gilbert. Look, character wise the kid is as good as they get. We all know what his father did. But Gilbert is nowhere near as fast as you say. And he had a horrible season this year. Yes he has some things to like about him. But he is more of a late 3rd to early 4th round pick.

Mike Mayock agrees with Chadman about Marcus Gilbert:


TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011

Mayock On the Draft: Offensive Tackle, Interior Line


The Riser

Marcus Gilbert

6-6, 330

40-time: 5.41

Florida

Mayock: ``Has long arms. Is a strong kid. I thought he was a pretty solid player on tape. I liked him even better at the Senior Bowl. He looks the part and is a solid second-round pick, but it wouldn’t surprise me if somebody took him late in the first.’’

Round projection: 2

Read more: [url="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/Mayock-On-the-Draft-Offensive-Tackle-Interior-Line.html#ixzz1KmohhzeN"]http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eag ... z1KmohhzeN[/url]


and this is who WalterFootball has us selecting at 2(63) in his latest mock:

2(63) Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida

Marcus Gilbert's draft stock is gaining some momentum. Mike Mayock recently said that he could be chosen in the second round.

[url="http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011_2.php"]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011_2.php[/url]

[ramblinjim]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

I'd like to see a little more early round DB help but can't argue with your draft and would be happy to see it fall out like this. And you're right, there's always a head-scratcher in there somewhere.

[insanesteelersfan]

Re: Chadman's final "Final" Mock draft for 2011...

Although I give you major props for a well presentation of your Mock draft, i have to say most of your selections are way way off. Starting with the 2nd rounder Gilbert. Look, character wise the kid is as good as they get. We all know what his father did. But Gilbert is nowhere near as fast as you say. And he had a horrible season this year. Yes he has some things to like about him. But he is more of a late 3rd to early 4th round pick.

Mike Mayock agrees with Chadman about Marcus Gilbert:


TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011



Well that's fine. Opinions are like A-Holes I seem to remember two years ago, Mike Mayock also called Wisconsin's Kraig Urbik the BEST O-Linemen in the 2009 draft, and a absolute STEAL for the Steelers in round 3. So you will forgive me if I doubt Mike Mayock's intelligence
Mayock On the Draft: Offensive Tackle, Interior Line


The Riser

Marcus Gilbert

6-6, 330

40-time: 5.41

Florida

Mayock: ``Has long arms. Is a strong kid. I thought he was a pretty solid player on tape. I liked him even better at the Senior Bowl. He looks the part and is a solid second-round pick, but it wouldn’t surprise me if somebody took him late in the first.’’

Round projection: 2

Read more: [url="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/Mayock-On-the-Draft-Offensive-Tackle-Interior-Line.html#ixzz1KmohhzeN"]http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eag ... z1KmohhzeN[/url]


and this is who WalterFootball has us selecting at 2(63) in his latest mock:

2(63) Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida

Marcus Gilbert's draft stock is gaining some momentum. Mike Mayock recently said that he could be chosen in the second round.

[url="http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011_2.php"]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011_2.php[/url]