GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

elite? or 1st round grade??

there's been plenty with a first round grade and you dont have to go back a decade

If there are plenty, then go ahead and name one who is better than the guy we took in the first round instead.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

elite? or 1st round grade??

there's been plenty with a first round grade and you dont have to go back a decade

If there are plenty, then go ahead and name one who is better than the guy we took in the first round instead.

in the 2008 NFL Draft we selected RB Rashard Mendenhall in the 1st round and Limas Sweed in the 2nd round.

with the benefit of hindsight, I would have rather selected OT Duane Brown in the 1st and RB Ray Rice in the 2nd.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

elite? or 1st round grade??

there's been plenty with a first round grade and you dont have to go back a decade

If there are plenty, then go ahead and name one who is better than the guy we took in the first round instead.

in the 2008 NFL Draft we selected RB Rashard Mendenhall in the 1st round and Limas Sweed in the 2nd round.

with the benefit of hindsight, I would have rather selected OT Duane Brown in the 1st and RB Ray Rice in the 2nd.

Of course, with the benefit of hindsight in that draft, we could also have drafted Josh Sitton instead of Tony Hills and Carl Nicks instead of Dennis Dixon, and we'd have a pretty darn good OL right about now (not to mention Cliff Avril over Bruce Davis...which I was hoping for at the time without the benefit of hindsight).

But without hindsight, Duane Brown over Mendenhall would have been a reach of tremendous proportions. Brown had a 3rd round grade coming into the draft (but teams were reaching when 7 OT's came off the board in the first 21 picks overall).

Meanwhile, absolutely no one expected Mendenhall to get out of the top half of the first round. When our pick was due at #23, we had no idea who might be available to us at #53...we had to take the best player available, who was unquestionable Mendenhall over Brown...no doubt about it.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

in that draft, we could also have drafted Josh Sitton instead of Tony Hills and Carl Nicks instead of Dennis Dixon, and we'd have a pretty darn good OL right about now (not to mention Cliff Avril over Bruce Davis...which I was hoping for at the time without the benefit of hindsight).

wow, what the 2008 NFL Draft could have been for the Pittsburgh Steelers!

1) Duane Brown OT
2) Ray Rice RB
3) Cliff Avril OLB
4) Josh Sitton OG
5) Carl Nicks OG
6a) Pierre Garcon WR
6b) Peyton Hillis RB

and our starting OL would now be:

Duane Brown-Carl Nicks-Maurkice Pouncey-Josh Sitton-Marcus Gilbert

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

we been around guys and near some where a lil trade up also could have also gotten us a LT.
if brown was a 3rd round grade, where was timmons grade the year we took him..wasnt it late 1st. we didnt seem to mind "reaching" there.

what about pouncey. he was slated to go early to mid twenties and again we "reached" a bit to grab the him.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

The old "You can get a player later for that position" line...Because of history has shown. So we shouldn't ever draft an OLB because we could get a pro bowler off the street. Never draft a RB because 1,000 yard rushers can be found as UDFA. Never take a DE earlier than the 4th because you could get a Pro Bowler in the 4th and a very solid starter for several years in the 7th. CBs??? We don't need no stinkin 1st round CBs because you could get the best CB the Steeles have seen since Rod Woodson in the 4th. For every support to the argument you can spin the wheel and find the fault to the argument.

Colon is locked up long term. Chances are the Steelers will never know if they made a bad investment until after seeing him perform again on the field. Marcus Gilbert was drafted to be the Steelers LT of the future. So it isn't out of the realm of thinking to say they won't select an OT but chances are for 2012 the starters are on the team & if Colon is healthy and returns to form....For the next several years the starters are in place. Pouncey is entrenched at C for the next 10 years. Gs??? I would say that may definately be a posibilty...But where will they grade out & where will the Steelers pick? Can the OL use help...Sure it could. Will they use a 1st on a LT or OG...Can't say they won't. However, if you look at the roster depth & age of defensive starters...The draft could be very defensive talent heavy from the middle to end of first. The Steelers need to get younger FAST down the middle of the defense. Do not be surprised to see an ILB or NT staring them in the face when they pick. To ignore him as a BPA & long-term positional need is something the Steelers do not do.

It is a little early to really grade college players but from 15 on back...There could be some real talent at DT & ILB....Even impact players. I think the defensive woes are obvious and the reasoning is visible. To sway you one way or the other....Would the running defense be more of a concern or the rushing offense???? Let's see who's football mind comes up with the answer. Based upon what I stated above....You know mine. To make an offense one dimensional will win you more games than a one dimensional offense. The Steelers have been doing it for YEARS.

[Dee Dub]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

The old "You can get a player later for that position" line...Because of history has shown. So we shouldn't ever draft an OLB because we could get a pro bowler off the street. Never draft a RB because 1,000 yard rushers can be found as UDFA. Never take a DE earlier than the 4th because you could get a Pro Bowler in the 4th and a very solid starter for several years in the 7th. CBs??? We don't need no stinkin 1st round CBs because you could get the best CB the Steeles have seen since Rod Woodson in the 4th. For every support to the argument you can spin the wheel and find the fault to the argument.

Colon is locked up long term. Chances are the Steelers will never know if they made a bad investment until after seeing him perform again on the field. Marcus Gilbert was drafted to be the Steelers LT of the future. So it isn't out of the realm of thinking to say they won't select an OT but chances are for 2012 the starters are on the team & if Colon is healthy and returns to form....For the next several years the starters are in place. Pouncey is entrenched at C for the next 10 years. Gs??? I would say that may definately be a posibilty...But where will they grade out & where will the Steelers pick? Can the OL use help...Sure it could. Will they use a 1st on a LT or OG...Can't say they won't. However, if you look at the roster depth & age of defensive starters...The draft could be very defensive talent heavy from the middle to end of first. The Steelers need to get younger FAST down the middle of the defense. Do not be surprised to see an ILB or NT staring them in the face when they pick. To ignore him as a BPA & long-term positional need is something the Steelers do not do.

It is a little early to really grade college players but from 15 on back...There could be some real talent at DT & ILB....Even impact players. I think the defensive woes are obvious and the reasoning is visible. To sway you one way or the other....Would the running defense be more of a concern or the rushing offense???? Let's see who's football mind comes up with the answer. Based upon what I stated above....You know mine. To make an offense one dimensional will win you more games than a one dimensional offense. The Steelers have been doing it for YEARS.

Excellent post JPN!! I agree with you.

I think the fact that Cordy Glenn can play tackle or guard (most see him as being a dominate guard at the next level), could be a pretty safe pick for the Steelers. But looking at the NT/ILB's that may be available from 15 on there are some that I think could be impact players. I think that ILB is going to be a little light. Maybe only 1 or 2 between 15-35. Here's a few...

Brandon Thompson NT/DT Clemson
Alameda Ta'amu NT/DT Washington
Dontari Poe NT/DT Memphis

Mantei Te'o ILB Notre Dame--probably goes inside top 15.
Luke Kuechley ILB Boston College--a lot of people have him also inside top 15 but he could drop.

Vontaze Burfict ILB Arizona State
Donta Hightower ILB Alabama---probably early second round
Nico Johnson ILB Alabama------this guy could surprise.

[birtikidis]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

we been around guys and near some where a lil trade up also could have also gotten us a LT.
if brown was a 3rd round grade, where was timmons grade the year we took him..wasnt it late 1st. we didnt seem to mind "reaching" there.

what about pouncey. he was slated to go early to mid twenties and again we "reached" a bit to grab the him.

Not to be critical but, Brown if Brown had a 3rd round grade and we took him in the first, that's a reach spanning rounds. Pouncey and Timmons were reaches spanning a few picks. What if we took Brown and he ended up like Otah? 3 IR's in 4 years? especially if the FO consensus was that we could get him in the 3rd? Our FO doesn't draft with panic. they tend to do a very good job the way they do it.

I'm going to keep beating the guard drum for ever I think. We need guys that are actually guards, with experience playing guard, with a lot of confidence playing guard. We have too many tackles who COULD play guard, but AREN'T natural guards. and they're STARTING.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

Excellent post JPN!! I agree with you.

I think the fact that Cordy Glenn can play tackle or guard (most see him as being a dominate guard at the next level), could be a pretty safe pick for the Steelers. But looking at the NT/ILB's that may be available from 15 on there are some that I think could be impact players. I think that ILB is going to be a little light. Maybe only 1 or 2 between 15-35. Here's a few...

Brandon Thompson NT/DT Clemson
Alameda Ta'amu NT/DT Washington
Dontari Poe NT/DT Memphis

Mantei Te'o ILB Notre Dame--probably goes inside top 15.
Luke Kuechley ILB Boston College--a lot of people have him also inside top 15 but he could drop.

Vontaze Burfict ILB Arizona State
Donta Hightower ILB Alabama---probably early second round
Nico Johnson ILB Alabama------this guy could surprise.

As you saw from my first post, I had Burfict & Poe in my mock.

I'm a Burfict fan from his 2010 play. I think he may be a player still on the board when the Steelers are up. I think he is the type of player that could get the swagger back in the middle of the D. I'm sure the Steelers will peel the layers to really get to know his character because he is over the top but I like that demeanour for a MLB. Just don't go to the Ravens and they may very well try to manuever to get him.

I also like Te'o and Kuechley. Kuechley's production can't be questioned. We all know how it goes though. If he runs in the 4.7's with a good workout and looks good in positional drills...They will be pushing him up the boards like you indicate. I think Te'o could have really benefitted from more talent around him but he still shows up on gameday. I would take any of them but Burfict is my first choice right now. If you are looking for a "plug & play" ILB...This may be a good year because it looks stronger this draft class at the top in my opinion.

If Poe comes out...It will be interesting to see where he grades out. If he comes out this year, does he sneak into the 2nd round? I'm am looking forward in seeing how the season unfolds and how he look through the process. Hopefully he doesn't shoot up the boards as far as Phil Taylor and the Steelers maybe have a chance at him outside of round 1. He is the type of player that is all over the board because of his age and competition but I have my eye on him.

It wouldn't surprise me to see our first in that list above.

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

Would the running defense be more of a concern or the rushing offense???? Let's see who's football mind comes up with the answer. Based upon what I stated above....You know mine. To make an offense one dimensional will win you more games than a one dimensional offense. The Steelers have been doing it for YEARS.

Those YEARS are changing. You have to understand that the NFL is now a passing league. The rules have shifted to take away the advantages of rushing the ball and stopping the rush. You have to adjust to what other teams are doing.

In 2010 the Steelers were exactly what you wanted. One of the top run defenses in the history of the NFL. They made teams one dimensional, forcing them to pass. That is good enough to beat average teams but not good enough to beat the elite teams. Elite teams like the Saints, Patriots, and Packers (all Super Bowl winners) have figured out how to beat that strategy. They simply don't run. They take our advantage out of the equation. Look at these stats:

Oct. 31, 2010. Saints 20 Steelers 10. RB's carried the ball 17 times. Brees passed 44 times.

Nov. 14, 2010. Patriots 39 Steelers 26. RB's carried the ball 22 times. Brady passed 43 times.

Feb. 6, 2011. Packers 31 Steelers 25. RB's carried the ball 11 times. Rodgers passed 39 times.

The Steelers could draft the top NT and the top ILB in all of college football. They could stuff the run all day long. And if we faced the Packers in the Super Bowl again, we would stuff their run again, and they would beat us again. Same with the Patriots (as we will see in two weeks).

The only way the Steelers can beat these elite teams is to KEEP THEIR OFFENSES OFF THE FIELD. You draft elite OL so that you can SUSTAIN DRIVES. When it's 3rd and 2, you need an OL that can open a hole, or get a 2 yard push. When it's 3rd and 6, you need an OL who can pick up a blitz and give Ben time to find the open receiver.

When you draft an elite NT it helps you stuff the run. When you draft elite OL it helps your running game AND your passing game. It makes your RB's better because it opens holes. It makes your QB better because it gives him more time to pass. It makes your WR's/TE's better because it gives them more time to get open. It makes your defense better because it keeps them off the field longer and they're fresh. It's getting 4 for the price of 1. NT/ILB is getting 1 for the price of 1.

Now before you say, "But if the NT occupies 2 blockers that frees up the pass rush." Remember that against quick passing teams that doesn't work anymore. Brady, Brees, Rodgers get the ball out of their hands in 2.5 seconds. That's why they can afford to throw it 40 times a game. They are not getting sacked. No pass rush can get there in 2 seconds.

To win Super Bowls in today's NFL you have to score points. And you have to limit the other team's points by possessing the ball on long drives and keeping them off the field. That is correct NFL logic.

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

we been around guys and near some where a lil trade up also could have also gotten us a LT.
if brown was a 3rd round grade, where was timmons grade the year we took him..wasnt it late 1st. we didnt seem to mind "reaching" there.

what about pouncey. he was slated to go early to mid twenties and again we "reached" a bit to grab the him.

Not to be critical but, Brown if Brown had a 3rd round grade and we took him in the first, that's a reach spanning rounds. Pouncey and Timmons were reaches spanning a few picks. What if we took Brown and he ended up like Otah? 3 IR's in 4 years? especially if the FO consensus was that we could get him in the 3rd? Our FO doesn't draft with panic. they tend to do a very good job the way they do it.

I'm going to keep beating the guard drum for ever I think. We need guys that are actually guards, with experience playing guard, with a lot of confidence playing guard. We have too many tackles who COULD play guard, but AREN'T natural guards. and they're STARTING.

If it were me drafting. The needs I would look to address would be in this order

LT
OG
NT/FS/ILB/big physical WR

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

Would the running defense be more of a concern or the rushing offense???? Let's see who's football mind comes up with the answer. Based upon what I stated above....You know mine. To make an offense one dimensional will win you more games than a one dimensional offense. The Steelers have been doing it for YEARS.

Those YEARS are changing. You have to understand that the NFL is now a passing league. The rules have shifted to take away the advantages of rushing the ball and stopping the rush. You have to adjust to what other teams are doing.

In 2010 the Steelers were exactly what you wanted. One of the top run defenses in the history of the NFL. They made teams one dimensional, forcing them to pass. That is good enough to beat average teams but not good enough to beat the elite teams. Elite teams like the Saints, Patriots, and Packers (all Super Bowl winners) have figured out how to beat that strategy. They simply don't run. They take our advantage out of the equation. Look at these stats:

Oct. 31, 2010. Saints 20 Steelers 10. RB's carried the ball 17 times. Brees passed 44 times.

Nov. 14, 2010. Patriots 39 Steelers 26. RB's carried the ball 22 times. Brady passed 43 times.

Feb. 6, 2011. Packers 31 Steelers 25. RB's carried the ball 11 times. Rodgers passed 39 times.

The Steelers could draft the top NT and the top ILB in all of college football. They could stuff the run all day long. And if we faced the Packers in the Super Bowl again, we would stuff their run again, and they would beat us again. Same with the Patriots (as we will see in two weeks).

The only way the Steelers can beat these elite teams is to KEEP THEIR OFFENSES OFF THE FIELD. You draft elite OL so that you can SUSTAIN DRIVES. When it's 3rd and 2, you need an OL that can open a hole, or get a 2 yard push. When it's 3rd and 6, you need an OL who can pick up a blitz and give Ben time to find the open receiver.

When you draft an elite NT it helps you stuff the run. When you draft elite OL it helps your running game AND your passing game. It makes your RB's better because it opens holes. It makes your QB better because it gives him more time to pass. It makes your WR's/TE's better because it gives them more time to get open. It makes your defense better because it keeps them off the field longer and they're fresh. It's getting 4 for the price of 1. NT/ILB is getting 1 for the price of 1.

Now before you say, "But if the NT occupies 2 blockers that frees up the pass rush." Remember that against quick passing teams that doesn't work anymore. Brady, Brees, Rodgers get the ball out of their hands in 2.5 seconds. That's why they can afford to throw it 40 times a game. They are not getting sacked. No pass rush can get there in 2 seconds.

To win Super Bowls in today's NFL you have to score points. And you have to limit the other team's points by possessing the ball on long drives and keeping them off the field. That is correct NFL logic.

You don't have to tell me what impact an OL has on a team. I was one trading up for Pouncey. I also know the OL could be upgraded both Gs....But that isn't there biggest problem now. If you are watching the Steelers first 4 games and watching what the defensive struggles....There is no way you can say the OL is more alarming than what the D has become. The team struggles to stop the run. The old story holds true. If you can't stop the run...You go nowhere. If the Steelers can't stop the run...They won't get out of their division. You plan for division first...You have to crawl before you walk. To simply say you have to put up points to win a SB is incorrect. You have to have a QB to win the SB. It has become a QB league. What's the difference? You can figure it out. If you are telling me that an Elite OL or a great passing game and a defense that can't stop the run is what gets you top the Top of the AFC North...You must live where it is warm. This team needs an OG...YES! But this teams needs are equally as big now at NT and ILB. If a Faneca, Ngata, or Lewis are sititng there when the Steelers pick from what you have seen so far in 2011...Taking in consideration new contracts, 2011 draft choices, injuries in 2011, & age...Who would you pick? Hmmm...I would say Ngata, Lewis, than Faneca. I would struggle between Ngata & Lewis. Sorry...That's where it is at!

[grotonsteel]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Would the running defense be more of a concern or the rushing offense???? Let's see who's football mind comes up with the answer. Based upon what I stated above....You know mine. To make an offense one dimensional will win you more games than a one dimensional offense. The Steelers have been doing it for YEARS.

Those YEARS are changing. You have to understand that the NFL is now a passing league. The rules have shifted to take away the advantages of rushing the ball and stopping the rush. You have to adjust to what other teams are doing.

In 2010 the Steelers were exactly what you wanted. One of the top run defenses in the history of the NFL. They made teams one dimensional, forcing them to pass. That is good enough to beat average teams but not good enough to beat the elite teams. Elite teams like the Saints, Patriots, and Packers (all Super Bowl winners) have figured out how to beat that strategy. They simply don't run. They take our advantage out of the equation. Look at these stats:

Oct. 31, 2010. Saints 20 Steelers 10. RB's carried the ball 17 times. Brees passed 44 times.

Nov. 14, 2010. Patriots 39 Steelers 26. RB's carried the ball 22 times. Brady passed 43 times.

Feb. 6, 2011. Packers 31 Steelers 25. RB's carried the ball 11 times. Rodgers passed 39 times.

The Steelers could draft the top NT and the top ILB in all of college football. They could stuff the run all day long. And if we faced the Packers in the Super Bowl again, we would stuff their run again, and they would beat us again. Same with the Patriots (as we will see in two weeks).

The only way the Steelers can beat these elite teams is to KEEP THEIR OFFENSES OFF THE FIELD. You draft elite OL so that you can SUSTAIN DRIVES. When it's 3rd and 2, you need an OL that can open a hole, or get a 2 yard push. When it's 3rd and 6, you need an OL who can pick up a blitz and give Ben time to find the open receiver.

When you draft an elite NT it helps you stuff the run. When you draft elite OL it helps your running game AND your passing game. It makes your RB's better because it opens holes. It makes your QB better because it gives him more time to pass. It makes your WR's/TE's better because it gives them more time to get open. It makes your defense better because it keeps them off the field longer and they're fresh. It's getting 4 for the price of 1. NT/ILB is getting 1 for the price of 1.

Now before you say, "But if the NT occupies 2 blockers that frees up the pass rush." Remember that against quick passing teams that doesn't work anymore. Brady, Brees, Rodgers get the ball out of their hands in 2.5 seconds. That's why they can afford to throw it 40 times a game. They are not getting sacked. No pass rush can get there in 2 seconds.

To win Super Bowls in today's NFL you have to score points. And you have to limit the other team's points by possessing the ball on long drives and keeping them off the field. That is correct NFL logic.

You don't have to tell me what impact an OL has on a team. I was one trading up for Pouncey. I also know the OL could be upgraded both Gs....But that isn't there biggest problem now. If you are watching the Steelers first 4 games and watching what the defensive struggles....There is no way you can say the OL is more alarming than what the D has become. The team struggles to stop the run. The old story holds true. If you can't stop the run...You go nowhere. If the Steelers can't stop the run...They won't get out of their division. You plan for division first...You have to crawl before you walk. To simply say you have to put up points to win a SB is incorrect. You have to have a QB to win the SB. It has become a QB league. What's the difference? You can figure it out. If you are telling me that an Elite OL or a great passing game and a defense that can't stop the run is what gets you top the Top of the AFC North...You must live where it is warm. This team needs an OG...YES! But this teams needs are equally as big now at NT and ILB. If a Faneca, Ngata, or Lewis are sititng there when the Steelers pick from what you have seen so far in 2011...Taking in consideration new contracts, 2011 draft choices, injuries in 2011, & age...Who would you pick? Hmmm...I would say Ngata, Lewis, than Faneca. I would struggle between Ngata & Lewis. Sorry...That's where it is at![/quote:1i88mtis]

I think OG and ILB are the biggest need. If we are just looking for a clogging the middle kinda NT then we can get that player in Rd2- Rd 3. I would first like to see how Steve McClendon plays before going for NT in Rd 1. Looking at the way Steelers did not address NT position in recent drafts it tells me that Steve McClendon might be the future starter.But if someone tells me Alameda Ta'amu can collapse the pocket or rush the passer i won't hesitate to draft him in Rd 1.If Alameda Ta'amu can be as disruptive as Ngata (they play diff position) i would not mind Steelers moving up the draft to pick him.

I like vontaze burfict at ILB but he is borderline crazy. I would like to see Burfict and Harrison playing together but i think Burfict might be Top-15 pick. I am also a big fan of David DeCastro. I think he should be available at 32.

I really don't believe Steelers are going to spend another Rd 1 pick on DL or LB.I would prefer David DeCastro as he would go a long way improving this O-line.

Gilbert-DeCastro-Pouncey-Foster-Colon
Backup: Doug, J Scott

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Would the running defense be more of a concern or the rushing offense???? Let's see who's football mind comes up with the answer. Based upon what I stated above....You know mine. To make an offense one dimensional will win you more games than a one dimensional offense. The Steelers have been doing it for YEARS.

Those YEARS are changing. You have to understand that the NFL is now a passing league. The rules have shifted to take away the advantages of rushing the ball and stopping the rush. You have to adjust to what other teams are doing.

In 2010 the Steelers were exactly what you wanted. One of the top run defenses in the history of the NFL. They made teams one dimensional, forcing them to pass. That is good enough to beat average teams but not good enough to beat the elite teams. Elite teams like the Saints, Patriots, and Packers (all Super Bowl winners) have figured out how to beat that strategy. They simply don't run. They take our advantage out of the equation. Look at these stats:

Oct. 31, 2010. Saints 20 Steelers 10. RB's carried the ball 17 times. Brees passed 44 times.

Nov. 14, 2010. Patriots 39 Steelers 26. RB's carried the ball 22 times. Brady passed 43 times.

Feb. 6, 2011. Packers 31 Steelers 25. RB's carried the ball 11 times. Rodgers passed 39 times.

The Steelers could draft the top NT and the top ILB in all of college football. They could stuff the run all day long. And if we faced the Packers in the Super Bowl again, we would stuff their run again, and they would beat us again. Same with the Patriots (as we will see in two weeks).

The only way the Steelers can beat these elite teams is to KEEP THEIR OFFENSES OFF THE FIELD. You draft elite OL so that you can SUSTAIN DRIVES. When it's 3rd and 2, you need an OL that can open a hole, or get a 2 yard push. When it's 3rd and 6, you need an OL who can pick up a blitz and give Ben time to find the open receiver.

When you draft an elite NT it helps you stuff the run. When you draft elite OL it helps your running game AND your passing game. It makes your RB's better because it opens holes. It makes your QB better because it gives him more time to pass. It makes your WR's/TE's better because it gives them more time to get open. It makes your defense better because it keeps them off the field longer and they're fresh. It's getting 4 for the price of 1. NT/ILB is getting 1 for the price of 1.

Now before you say, "But if the NT occupies 2 blockers that frees up the pass rush." Remember that against quick passing teams that doesn't work anymore. Brady, Brees, Rodgers get the ball out of their hands in 2.5 seconds. That's why they can afford to throw it 40 times a game. They are not getting sacked. No pass rush can get there in 2 seconds.

To win Super Bowls in today's NFL you have to score points. And you have to limit the other team's points by possessing the ball on long drives and keeping them off the field. That is correct NFL logic.

You don't have to tell me what impact an OL has on a team. I was one trading up for Pouncey. I also know the OL could be upgraded both Gs....But that isn't there biggest problem now. If you are watching the Steelers first 4 games and watching what the defensive struggles....There is no way you can say the OL is more alarming than what the D has become. The team struggles to stop the run. The old story holds true. If you can't stop the run...You go nowhere. If the Steelers can't stop the run...They won't get out of their division. You plan for division first...You have to crawl before you walk. To simply say you have to put up points to win a SB is incorrect. You have to have a QB to win the SB. It has become a QB league. What's the difference? You can figure it out. If you are telling me that an Elite OL or a great passing game and a defense that can't stop the run is what gets you top the Top of the AFC North...You must live where it is warm. This team needs an OG...YES! But this teams needs are equally as big now at NT and ILB. If a Faneca, Ngata, or Lewis are sititng there when the Steelers pick from what you have seen so far in 2011...Taking in consideration new contracts, 2011 draft choices, injuries in 2011, & age...Who would you pick? Hmmm...I would say Ngata, Lewis, than Faneca. I would struggle between Ngata & Lewis. Sorry...That's where it is at![/quote:2yhg11jd]

The problem with debating with you is that you don't use facts. You state your opinion as if it is a fact, but it's just a point of view. Which is fine, that's what this board is for. But to prove a theory as valid, you need to address the actual statistics at some point.

I just showed you the actual statistics of how we stopped the run last year. You didn't even address that. Are we agreed that the Steeler defense was great at stopping the run last year? I would consider that a fact. I also showed you actual numbers on how the elite teams responded to that. You didn't even address that. Are we agreed that the Steelers were not able to beat the elite passing teams despite our suffocating run defense? That is not opinion that is fact.

You can draft the next Ngata or the next Lewis all you want. That's fine. I would love to have them as well. But the facts show that a solid run defense is not going beat the elite passing teams in the post-season.

As for our division... What is the single biggest problem posed to us by the Ravens?... My OPINION is that we cannot block Ngata and Suggs (and sometimes Cody and Lewis). Did the Ravens run the ball down our throats? Yes. Do we need to improve at NT and ILB? Yes. But let's watch and see what happens in 3 weeks when LeBeau makes adjustments with the same personnel. Let's see if we limit their run game much better with just some adjustments in scheme and technique. However, let's also watch and see if our offensive adjustments will help us block Ngata and Suggs better. My OPINION is it will not. It will take an upgrade in talent (like Pouncey) to solve that problem.

I think our highest priority this draft should be OL (specifically OG). But I also concede that the value must be there as well. Obviously you don't pass on a pro-bowl DT to pick an average OG just because you need OL help worse. It comes down to the value rating of each prospect.

[steelerkeylargo]

Re: GBNREPORT's Latest 2012 Mock Draft!

[quote=Dee Dub]

The old "You can get a player later for that position" line...Because of history has shown. So we shouldn't ever draft an OLB because we could get a pro bowler off the street. Never draft a RB because 1,000 yard rushers can be found as UDFA. Never take a DE earlier than the 4th because you could get a Pro Bowler in the 4th and a very solid starter for several years in the 7th. CBs??? We don't need no stinkin 1st round CBs because you could get the best CB the Steeles have seen since Rod Woodson in the 4th. For every support to the argument you can spin the wheel and find the fault to the argument.

Colon is locked up long term. Chances are the Steelers will never know if they made a bad investment until after seeing him perform again on the field. Marcus Gilbert was drafted to be the Steelers LT of the future. So it isn't out of the realm of thinking to say they won't select an OT but chances are for 2012 the starters are on the team & if Colon is healthy and returns to form....For the next several years the starters are in place. Pouncey is entrenched at C for the next 10 years. Gs??? I would say that may definately be a posibilty...But where will they grade out & where will the Steelers pick? Can the OL use help...Sure it could. Will they use a 1st on a LT or OG...Can't say they won't. However, if you look at the roster depth & age of defensive starters...The draft could be very defensive talent heavy from the middle to end of first. The Steelers need to get younger FAST down the middle of the defense. Do not be surprised to see an ILB or NT staring them in the face when they pick. To ignore him as a BPA & long-term positional need is something the Steelers do not do.

It is a little early to really grade college players but from 15 on back...There could be some real talent at DT & ILB....Even impact players. I think the defensive woes are obvious and the reasoning is visible. To sway you one way or the other....Would the running defense be more of a concern or the rushing offense???? Let's see who's football mind comes up with the answer. Based upon what I stated above....You know mine. To make an offense one dimensional will win you more games than a one dimensional offense. The Steelers have been doing it for YEARS.

Excellent post JPN!! I agree with you.

I think the fact that Cordy Glenn can play tackle or guard (most see him as being a dominate guard at the next level), could be a pretty safe pick for the Steelers. But looking at the NT/ILB's that may be available from 15 on there are some that I think could be impact players. I think that ILB is going to be a little light. Maybe only 1 or 2 between 15-35. Here's a few...

Brandon Thompson NT/DT Clemson
Alameda Ta'amu NT/DT Washington
Dontari Poe NT/DT Memphis

Mantei Te'o ILB Notre Dame--probably goes inside top 15.
Luke Kuechley ILB Boston College--a lot of people have him also inside top 15 but he could drop.

Vontaze Burfict ILB Arizona State
Donta Hightower ILB Alabama---probably early second round
Nico Johnson ILB Alabama------this guy could surprise.[/quote:2p6drqmc]

I don't think Teo is having that great of a season and is not a top half of the draft guy. He would do himself a favor by coming back for his Senior year.