Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

The fact is that we are not performing as well on the defensive side of the ball as in years past. I think this is in part due to the age of the defense.

Our stalwarts are aging. We have an oooold defense with frew youngry's ready to step in at NT, S, and LB. I do not believe in Stevenson as starter material.

We need to get younger at NT, ILB, and Safety. I do agree we need an o-line upgrade as well.

I would like the Rounds 1-3 focused on some combination of NT, OL, S, ILB.

Here are the actual numbers. Over the last ten years, the Steelers defense points per game allowed are:

2011 - 17.1
2010 - 14.5 (lost Super Bowl)
2009 - 20.3 (won Super Bowl)
2008 - 13.9
2007 - 16.8
2006 - 19.7 (won Super Bowl)
2005 - 16.1
2004 - 15.7
2003 - 20.4
2002 - 21.6

That is an average of 17.6 points per game. We are actually right on average. Some years we go up a couple points, some years we go down a couple points, but pretty consistent overall. Ironically, in the years we won the Super Bowl, our defensive PPG allowed was actually higher.

The age of our defense is a tricky one because it depends on which alignment we're in. On running downs (when fully healthy) we line up: Hampton (34), Hood (24), Keisel (33), Woodley (27), Farrior (36), Timmons (25), Harrison (33), Taylor (31), Gay (26), Polamalu (30), Clark (32). That's an average age of 30.1 years old. Pretty old in football terms. But some of this year when dealing with injuries and heavy passing teams, we lined up: Heyward (22), Hood (24), Woodley (27), Worilds (23), Timmons (25), Foote (31), Polamalu (30), C. Allen (23), Gay (26), Taylor (31), Clark (32). That's an average of 26.7 years old. Not bad. Both of those numbers go into that 17.1 average. I think the lack of turnovers is a bigger factor this year (in the slight point change) than the age of our players. But I do agree with your opinion that we would be wise to draft some youth at S, ILB, NT this year.

[steelz09]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

[quote=Dee Dub][quote=jhansle1][quote=Shawn]

Where David would excel in coverage I believe he would be a liability in the run game. He needs to play in space where he can use his athleticism.

And I think that is where your concern becomes very valid. Personally, I think the Steelers will want to team up a traditional run stuffing type with Timmons.

I completely agree Shawn. We need a true, instinctive ILB especially for the run defense. Farrior is that guy but his days are numbered. I'd like to see a guy w/ some size that has experience in a 3-4. Just say no to "tweeners", or "hybrid" type players. I want a player that already has experience at ILB and preferably in a 3-4. I'd seriously look at Alabama players.

I would prefer the prototypical ILB for our 3-4 as well, however, if a lesser graded player is there and Lavonte David is there, I'd prefer David. Again, he is listed as only 10 pounds lighter Larry Foote.

I would hardly say James Farrior is a true instinctive ILB for the run. In his primve he held his own, but his strength has always been that he is a well rounded ILB. He had a ton of versatility in his prime. And Lavonte David is every bit that.[/quote:2psap4im]

Farrior not an instinctive ILB?? The guy was born to play the inside in a 3-4. Farrior only has the size of a bigger-sized safety for gods sake and is 36 years old playing a very demanding position at a high level.

Foote is consistent but I never thought he had the size to play the inside. Farrior got away with being undersized because he knows how to play the position very well. Good vision, good instincts, prototypical ILB, knows how to fill the gap, and can fight off blocks. I can't think of a better free agent that the steelers picked up in the last 20 years that are better than Farrior with the exception of Bettis.

[steelz09]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

btw .. Wikipedia has Lavonte David listed at 210 lbs. I want a ILB that is 245-250. Get me an SEC guy w/ size and speed.

[Dresden]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Where David would excel in coverage I believe he would be a liability in the run game. He needs to play in space where he can use his athleticism.

It was also said that Ray Lewis was undersized coming out of college. But that's not even the point.
Dude,... Tomlin drafts MARGINALLY talented/collegiately productive undersized backers just to waste picks for sh#ts and giggles,... and the David kid is actually a stud. He's TRULY talented, productive and plays with an intensity and football awareness that's superior to Timmons NOW. He could easily put on 10-15 lbs.

I would love to see him in a Steeler Uniform. And while were at it (dreaming of great draft selections that will never happen),...picture Kenny Tate of Maryland playing in place of Ryan Clark ? [/quote][/quote]


Wrong!! The Steelers (Tomlin and Cowher) draft undersized DE's to play LB. Not undersized LB'ers that are borderline Safety size. I love Lavonte David as a player but he does not fit our system. He will be a Thomas Davis (hopefully without the injuries) type player at the next level.[/quote]

Having been a Steeler Fan since childhood during the dark 80's before Coach Cowher arrived,...i'm well versed in what type of backers we drafted during his tenure sir.

And with that said i can confidently say that Coach Cowher would NEVER have drafted a collegiately undersized, marginally productive 4-3 pursuit backer in the top half of the 1st round. (Timmons) Or an absolutely raw undersized "one year wonder" backer like Worilds in the second with so many other needs. Nor would he have drafted a tiny player like Sylvester at all to play backer,..though he may have given him a shot as a UFA. Coach actually played in the Pros.

And i won't even begin to speak of how he would not have drafted a scatback slasher RB in the first either

[steelerkeylargo]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Where David would excel in coverage I believe he would be a liability in the run game. He needs to play in space where he can use his athleticism.

It was also said that Ray Lewis was undersized coming out of college. But that's not even the point.
Dude,... Tomlin drafts MARGINALLY talented/collegiately productive undersized backers just to waste picks for sh#ts and giggles,... and the David kid is actually a stud. He's TRULY talented, productive and plays with an intensity and football awareness that's superior to Timmons NOW. He could easily put on 10-15 lbs.

I would love to see him in a Steeler Uniform. And while were at it (dreaming of great draft selections that will never happen),...picture Kenny Tate of Maryland playing in place of Ryan Clark ?

[/quote]


Wrong!! The Steelers (Tomlin and Cowher) draft undersized DE's to play LB. Not undersized LB'ers that are borderline Safety size. I love Lavonte David as a player but he does not fit our system. He will be a Thomas Davis (hopefully without the injuries) type player at the next level.[/quote]

Having been a Steeler Fan since childhood during the dark 80's before Coach Cowher arrived,...i'm well versed in what type of backers we drafted during his tenure sir.

And with that said i can confidently say that Coach Cowher would NEVER have drafted a collegiately undersized, marginally productive 4-3 pursuit backer in the top half of the 1st round. (Timmons) Or an absolutely raw undersized "one year wonder" backer like Worilds in the second with so many other needs. Nor would he have drafted a tiny player like Sylvester at all to play backer,..though he may have given him a shot as a UFA. Coach actually played in the Pros.

And i won't even begin to speak of how he would not have drafted a scatback slasher RB in the first either [/quote]

With guys like Alonzo Jackson and Bruce Davis under his belt I wouldn't say Cowher was perfect. Worilds and Timmons are hardly undersized.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Love your avatar. Completely disagree with your post. You tend to make generalized statements based on your "opinion" and then try to turn them into "facts" by wording them strongly. (The tough guy poster approach.) Let me state a couple of facts:

The Steeler have drafted: Rienstra, Ricketts, Faneca, and Simmons (all guards) in the first round. That is a "fact". Whether they will do it this year or not remains to be seen, but don't tell me they won't do it just because "you" don't see value at the OG position. That is your "opinion". They have drafted an OG in the first round before and could do it again.

When you say "The Steelers won't have a shot at a top OT..." or "The top OT's will be long gone..." you are stating your "opinion". History does not support that statement. In 2011 Steelers could've selected Sherrod at 1.31. At many points during the season he was rated as a top 10 pick. In 2010 the Steelers could've selected Bulaga at 1.18. At many points during the season he was rated as a top 10 pick. Also in 2010 the Steelers could've selected Rodger Saffold at 1.18 (who has turned out to be a solid starter at LT). In 2006 the Steelers could've selected Marcus McNeil at 1.25 (who became a multi year pro-bowler). It doesn't unfold that way every year but it does happen. These are "facts".

The "fact" is we currently have the 4th rated defense in points allowed (17.1). The "fact" is we currently have the 19th rated offense in points scored (21.2). As of right now, there is more room for improvement on the offensive side than the defensive side. That is a "fact". When you say... "If you have been a Steelers fan for awhile...You know dam well what the answer is in this scenario. The will look to the other side of the ball and look to fill the need at OG in 2-3..." that is your "opinion". The "fact" is over the last 20 years the Steelers have alternated 1st round picks between offense (in even years) and defense (in odd years) in every single year with only three exceptions (1995, 1999, 2005). In each case they drafted OFFENSE (WR, WR, TE). They have not doubled up on defense in back to back years in the last 20 years. Now, does that mean they must draft offense? No. But to say you know dam well they will look to the other side of the ball is not consistent with the Steelers pattern of drafting in any way.

I understand everyone has a different opinion. That's what this board is for. But when you state your opinion like a tough guy and the facts prove the opposite it makes you look uneducated or at least makes your argument not well thought out. (Just my opinion.)

Has nothing to do with tough guy poster...If you feel threatened that way...It is because our opinions differ and you don't like it. I talk from experience. Very amusing how you imply me trying to make my opinion facts by wording and then you go on to say "let me state some facts" that are your opinion.

You don't comprehend well or understand my post. It's easy to say what we need (philosophy). That isn't a secret and I agree. Has nothing to do with the Steelers not drafting a G. I'm not stating no value at OG in first. Don't put words in my mouth. I'm saying in this years draft where they will pick... And you took a shot at me being uneducated. There isn't anything educated about your post...football inteligence or otherwise. You pull stats for your argument...Intelligent! I was a guy in here calling for the Trade up for Mike Pouncey. I understand the need and value of an OG. I'm the biggest OL guy in here. The argument isn't about the what...It is about the when. If you can't forecast or predict in your head where the Steelers will be picking and the value on the board in the first round when they pick...I will do that for you. It will be in the lower part of the first. "Value", more than likely, will not be there at OG. There may be only two 1st round Gs and they may be gone. They will not reach. There still may be ILB & DT on the board. All your jibber jabber and stats about Gs being drafted is meaningless.

The Steelers won't have a shot at a Top OT picking outside the Top 25. It is my opinion and fact. History does support my statement as much as it supports yours. So because it also supports yours you want to call it fact. Some of your statements really show how you are stat sniffing and really aren't using common sense or your brain. So Sherrod hasn't started a game this year....6th OT off board. That is your Top OT prospect...That doesn't help your argument. That sounds like a "fact" for me. So your next argument is two guys in the 2010 draft where the Steelers selected 18. Where does picking 18 support your argument? You think the Steelers will be picking 18 in 2012..."Fact" again...Nothing there at all that supports your argument. The Steelers selected the #1 rated C...Pouncey in 2010. I'm sure you have know who that guy is and what he has done in two years. So to try and save face you bring up Bulaga and Saffold....Passing on Pouncey. Hmmm...Intelligent thought process. Both good football players...But Really??? That is support to your argument??? Guys taken @23 & @33??? Then bringing up a player picked in the second round at #50 instead of taking Holmes @ 25??? I really can see who you are now. The Steelers weren't in need of OT in the 2010 draft...They had needs on the interior. Do you see now how a draft works? We can all go back and say look who was there and what they are doing. The Steelers needed a OG this year...Why didn't we pick one in Rd 1??? That answer negates anything you have said and supports everything I have said. I can go back in drafts and say the Steelers could have had Mathews, Weatherspoon, Maualuga, Beason, or Ryans to fill LB holes but you have to give the guy up in that draft...That changes everything.

Fact is your stats mean nothing. Fact is when you watch the game...The Steelers D is lacking stopping the run. Fact is the Steelers are old up the middle and it is showing. Fact is stats don't prove your point...It only shows what you lack in football knowledge by using them. The Steelers need help on the interior...That is a fact. The Steelers need long term solutions at NT, ILB, & S. My opinion that OG can not be addressed where the Steelers pick is the same as your opinion saying it will. Your argument would have as much merit as mine if you would have brought 2012 draft facts instead of stats about the drafts past. Being that right now it is a very weak draft at the top for OT & OG until some underclassmen declare....I will stick to my opinion. You talk about trend and alternating picks has nothing to do with the conversation. The draft is based on what a team needs and what players that are available and where they grade out. Implying that there is anything there but sheer coincidence really shows a lack of intelligence and football knowledge. There is no trend. Play the lottery if that is what you are looking for.

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Love your avatar. Completely disagree with your post. You tend to make generalized statements based on your "opinion" and then try to turn them into "facts" by wording them strongly. (The tough guy poster approach.) Let me state a couple of facts:

The Steeler have drafted: Rienstra, Ricketts, Faneca, and Simmons (all guards) in the first round. That is a "fact". Whether they will do it this year or not remains to be seen, but don't tell me they won't do it just because "you" don't see value at the OG position. That is your "opinion". They have drafted an OG in the first round before and could do it again.

When you say "The Steelers won't have a shot at a top OT..." or "The top OT's will be long gone..." you are stating your "opinion". History does not support that statement. In 2011 Steelers could've selected Sherrod at 1.31. At many points during the season he was rated as a top 10 pick. In 2010 the Steelers could've selected Bulaga at 1.18. At many points during the season he was rated as a top 10 pick. Also in 2010 the Steelers could've selected Rodger Saffold at 1.18 (who has turned out to be a solid starter at LT). In 2006 the Steelers could've selected Marcus McNeil at 1.25 (who became a multi year pro-bowler). It doesn't unfold that way every year but it does happen. These are "facts".

The "fact" is we currently have the 4th rated defense in points allowed (17.1). The "fact" is we currently have the 19th rated offense in points scored (21.2). As of right now, there is more room for improvement on the offensive side than the defensive side. That is a "fact". When you say... "If you have been a Steelers fan for awhile...You know dam well what the answer is in this scenario. The will look to the other side of the ball and look to fill the need at OG in 2-3..." that is your "opinion". The "fact" is over the last 20 years the Steelers have alternated 1st round picks between offense (in even years) and defense (in odd years) in every single year with only three exceptions (1995, 1999, 2005). In each case they drafted OFFENSE (WR, WR, TE). They have not doubled up on defense in back to back years in the last 20 years. Now, does that mean they must draft offense? No. But to say you know dam well they will look to the other side of the ball is not consistent with the Steelers pattern of drafting in any way.

I understand everyone has a different opinion. That's what this board is for. But when you state your opinion like a tough guy and the facts prove the opposite it makes you look uneducated or at least makes your argument not well thought out. (Just my opinion.)

Has nothing to do with tough guy poster...If you feel threatened that way...It is because our opinions differ and you don't like it. I talk from experience. Very amusing how you imply me trying to make my opinion facts by wording and then you go on to say "let me state some facts" that are your opinion.

You don't comprehend well or understand my post. It's easy to say what we need (philosophy). That isn't a secret and I agree. Has nothing to do with the Steelers not drafting a G. I'm not stating no value at OG in first. Don't put words in my mouth. I'm saying in this years draft where they will pick... And you took a shot at me being uneducated. There isn't anything educated about your post...football inteligence or otherwise. You pull stats for your argument...Intelligent! I was a guy in here calling for the Trade up for Mike Pouncey. I understand the need and value of an OG. I'm the biggest OL guy in here. The argument isn't about the what...It is about the when. If you can't forecast or predict in your head where the Steelers will be picking and the value on the board in the first round when they pick...I will do that for you. It will be in the lower part of the first. "Value", more than likely, will not be there at OG. There may be only two 1st round Gs and they may be gone. They will not reach. There still may be ILB & DT on the board. All your jibber jabber and stats about Gs being drafted is meaningless.

The Steelers won't have a shot at a Top OT picking outside the Top 25. It is my opinion and fact. History does support my statement as much as it supports yours. So because it also supports yours you want to call it fact. Some of your statements really show how you are stat sniffing and really aren't using common sense or your brain. So Sherrod hasn't started a game this year....6th OT off board. That is your Top OT prospect...That doesn't help your argument. That sounds like a "fact" for me. So your next argument is two guys in the 2010 draft where the Steelers selected 18. Where does picking 18 support your argument? You think the Steelers will be picking 18 in 2012..."Fact" again...Nothing there at all that supports your argument. The Steelers selected the #1 rated C...Pouncey in 2010. I'm sure you have know who that guy is and what he has done in two years. So to try and save face you bring up Bulaga and Saffold....Passing on Pouncey. Hmmm...Intelligent thought process. Both good football players...But Really??? That is support to your argument??? Guys taken @23 & @33??? Then bringing up a player picked in the second round at #50 instead of taking Holmes @ 25??? I really can see who you are now. The Steelers weren't in need of OT in the 2010 draft...They had needs on the interior. Do you see now how a draft works? We can all go back and say look who was there and what they are doing. The Steelers needed a OG this year...Why didn't we pick one in Rd 1??? That answer negates anything you have said and supports everything I have said. I can go back in drafts and say the Steelers could have had Mathews, Weatherspoon, Maualuga, Beason, or Ryans to fill LB holes but you have to give the guy up in that draft...That changes everything.

Fact is your stats mean nothing. Fact is when you watch the game...The Steelers D is lacking stopping the run. Fact is the Steelers are old up the middle and it is showing. Fact is stats don't prove your point...It only shows what you lack in football knowledge by using them. The Steelers need help on the interior...That is a fact. The Steelers need long term solutions at NT, ILB, & S. My opinion that OG can not be addressed where the Steelers pick is the same as your opinion saying it will. Your argument would have as much merit as mine if you would have brought 2012 draft facts instead of stats about the drafts past. Being that right now it is a very weak draft at the top for OT & OG until some underclassmen declare....I will stick to my opinion. You talk about trend and alternating picks has nothing to do with the conversation. The draft is based on what a team needs and what players that are available and where they grade out. Implying that there is anything there but sheer coincidence really shows a lack of intelligence and football knowledge. There is no trend. Play the lottery if that is what you are looking for.

You sound dyslexic. It's hard to read your posts. Just listen to what you're writing here. Here is your exact quote...

"The Steelers won't have a shot at a Top OT picking outside the Top 25. It is my opinion AND FACT."

Hahahaha. You don't know that. Nobody knows that. It's in the future. That is called a prediction. That is an opinion. That is not a fact. If you don't understand that I don't know what else there is to discuss.

Top players slip every year in the draft. I would give you examples but apparently you don't like those. You don't even know what number we will be drafting this year (25th or 32nd?). Nobody does. So how can you say if there will be value or not at OG when you don't even know our draft order?

I have laid out for you specific names/dates/examples supporting my argument. You have not. That's lazy debating. You seem like the type who doesn't like numbers or statistics or history. I have friends like that. Any time they hear a statistic or historical fact they don't like they throw it out as meaningless. It's a bad habit.

The Steelers have drafted four OG's in the first round. Regardless of what you may think of me, that is not my opinion, that is a fact. You can ask your friends or look it up online. Some good OT's have been drafted after the top 25 picks. If you'd like I can list them for you but it might do you more good to look it up yourself.

The points I do agree with you on are: (1) We need to wait until the juniors declare to figure out value rankings. (2) We need to draft youth at NT, ILB, S. (3) The Steelers need to draft a good OG. The rest... I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Farrior not an instinctive ILB?? The guy was born to play the inside in a 3-4. Farrior only has the size of a bigger-sized safety for gods sake and is 36 years old playing a very demanding position at a high level.

Foote is consistent but I never thought he had the size to play the inside. Farrior got away with being undersized because he knows how to play the position very well. Good vision, good instincts, prototypical ILB, knows how to fill the gap, and can fight off blocks. I can't think of a better free agent that the steelers picked up in the last 20 years that are better than Farrior with the exception of Bettis.

That's not what you said. You implied that he was instinctive in relation to stopping the run. I will say over all he was a pretty instinctive LB but he was never a great run stuffer.

And I agree with you....overall he was as good as it gets for an ILB in a 3-4. But that is based on what he brought to the position as a whole.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

You sound dyslexic. It's hard to read your posts. Just listen to what you're writing here. Here is your exact quote...

"The Steelers won't have a shot at a Top OT picking outside the Top 25. It is my opinion AND FACT."

Hahahaha. You don't know that. Nobody knows that. It's in the future. That is called a prediction. That is an opinion. That is not a fact. If you don't understand that I don't know what else there is to discuss.

Top players slip every year in the draft. I would give you examples but apparently you don't like those. You don't even know what number we will be drafting this year (25th or 32nd?). Nobody does. So how can you say if there will be value or not at OG when you don't even know our draft order?

I have laid out for you specific names/dates/examples supporting my argument. You have not. That's lazy debating. You seem like the type who doesn't like numbers or statistics or history. I have friends like that. Any time they hear a statistic or historical fact they don't like they throw it out as meaningless. It's a bad habit.

The Steelers have drafted four OG's in the first round. Regardless of what you may think of me, that is not my opinion, that is a fact. You can ask your friends or look it up online. Some good OT's have been drafted after the top 25 picks. If you'd like I can list them for you but it might do you more good to look it up yourself.

The points I do agree with you on are: (1) We need to wait until the juniors declare to figure out value rankings. (2) We need to draft youth at NT, ILB, S. (3) The Steelers need to draft a good OG. The rest... I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Takes a small man to say someone sounds dyslexic from behind a computer screen. It isn't my fault you aren't intelligent enough to figure out what I said. Top OT...Outside of top 25. If he was a Top OT he wouldn't be outside the Top 25. You didn't lay anything out. Sherrod didn't start a game this year. What a Top OT talent! Then you used names of guys available after we selected Pouncey. Doesn't that sound moronic to you? That's your argument? Come on...I really thought I was dealing with someone with a little intelligence.

Never disputed the Steelers didn't draft Gs. You keep barking up that tree and nothing is there. I can name drafted players by the Steelers without even picking up a source. The point...There may not be the Top OL you are refering to. Look at the guys in the draft right now. The Steelers biggest need over the last three years have been interior OL and CB and the Steelers didn't go that direction 2 out of 3 because...There wasn't anyone graded out there. Right now...There are ILB & DT that could be available. It's early but that is the story now. It is easy to go back now and look. I agree there is good players at every position outside the Top 25. That doesn't prove anything on your side.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Here are the actual numbers. Over the last ten years, the Steelers defense points per game allowed are:

2011 - 17.1
2010 - 14.5 (lost Super Bowl)
2009 - 20.3 (won Super Bowl)
2008 - 13.9
2007 - 16.8
2006 - 19.7 (won Super Bowl)
2005 - 16.1
2004 - 15.7
2003 - 20.4
2002 - 21.6

We were not in the Super Bowl in back-to-back years this past decade. Although SBXL was in February 2006 and SBXLIII was in February 2009, those Super Bowls count as part of the 2005 and 2008 NFL seasons, respectively.

[grotonsteel]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Are there any NT worth Rd 1 pick??

The kid from Washington does not impress me. He was blown away while playing against Stanford.

Any scouting report on Ryan Miller, G, Colorado, Nico Johnson LB and Markelle Martin, SS, Oklahoma State?

[Dee Dub]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Are there any NT worth Rd 1 pick??

The kid from Washington does not impress me. He was blown away while playing against Stanford.

Any scouting report on Ryan Miller, G, Colorado, Nico Johnson LB and Markelle Martin, SS, Oklahoma State?

Yes, I think Brandon Thompson of Clemson is a legit 1st round NT.

I've been talking about Nico Johnson and Markelle Martin for months. where you been?

[grotonsteel]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

Are there any NT worth Rd 1 pick??

The kid from Washington does not impress me. He was blown away while playing against Stanford.

Any scouting report on Ryan Miller, G, Colorado, Nico Johnson LB and Markelle Martin, SS, Oklahoma State?

Yes, I think Brandon Thompson of Clemson is a legit 1st round NT.

I've been talking about Nico Johnson and Markelle Martin for months. where you been?

I know you like Nico and Martin ...One question though is Nico good because he plays in defense with Josh Chapman in front and Donta besides him or he is good?? Where is he expected to go in draft?

OG who has brains and ILB/Safety would be picks in first 3 rd picks in 2012.

Steelers have a NT in McLendon. No way Steelers will be drafting 3 1st Rd picks on D-line. I think they might draft a backup NT in 3rd or 4th Rd.

[PSU_dropout43]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

btw .. Wikipedia has Lavonte David listed at 210 lbs. I want a ILB that is 245-250. Get me an SEC guy w/ size and speed.

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky 6'1 230 (about the size of Ray Lewis when Lewis entered the NFL)

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Damn, its a great time to need an ILB in the draft

There's Dontari Poe from Memphis who might garner consideration on day one or two if he comes out this year. Dude's massive (350 lbs) but taller than what we are used to at NT (he's 6'5" as opposed to Casey Hampton, who is a stout 6'1"). Of course, the Ravens' Mount Cody is 6'4" (plus Ted Washington was 6'5" and Sam Adams was 6'3"), so there have been tall NT's before.