Chadman's 2012 Off-season Free Agency & Draft thread

[Chadman]

A couple of interesting points to add- the Steelers have shown great interest in Isiah Pead, but today reports are that the Ravens are now sniffing around too. This could force the Steelers to draft him a little higher than they probably had invisioned if they really do like him.

Conversely, there was a LARGE contingent of Steeler coaches at the Miami Pro Day, including new OC Todd Haley. While there are certainly several players of interest in that squad, it's not a real stretch to believe they were there to look at Lamar Miller..almost a Jamal Charles clone.

Bobby Massie has come in for talks now...so that Mike Adams, Demetrius Bell & now Massie...Chadman will stick to his theory- OT is on the draft agenda.

[BigRob]

A couple of interesting points to add- the Steelers have shown great interest in Isiah Pead, but today reports are that the Ravens are now sniffing around too. This could force the Steelers to draft him a little higher than they probably had invisioned if they really do like him.

Conversely, there was a LARGE contingent of Steeler coaches at the Miami Pro Day, including new OC Todd Haley. While there are certainly several players of interest in that squad, it's not a real stretch to believe they were there to look at Lamar Miller..almost a Jamal Charles clone.

Bobby Massie has come in for talks now...so that Mike Adams, Demetrius Bell & now Massie...Chadman will stick to his theory- OT is on the draft agenda.

And several others to boot. How about Brandon Washington and Sean Spence?

[Chadman]

And several others to boot. How about Brandon Washington and Sean Spence?

Yes- Spence & Washington would be of interest, but probably not so much for Todd Haley, as Chadman had mentioned..but for Kugs & Butler- absolutely.

[Oviedo]

Yes- Spence & Washington would be of interest, but probably not so much for Todd Haley, as Chadman had mentioned..but for Kugs & Butler- absolutely.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers interested in TE Chase Ford or WR Tommy Streeter. Both of those Miami players are later round guys who Haley would naturally want to see first hand and could fill some holes in the roster. Ford is a big TE and Streeter is that elusive "tall WR"

[steelblood]

Bobby Massie is a good player. He may be better than Jonathan Martin.

[Chadman]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers interested in TE Chase Ford or WR Tommy Streeter. Both of those Miami players are later round guys who Haley would naturally want to see first hand and could fill some holes in the roster. Ford is a big TE and Streeter is that elusive "tall WR"

Fair point Ovi- both Ford & Streeter are worth looking at. But if we agree that a late round TE & a mid round WR are worth looking at, can we agree that sending numerous FO types, including your HC & OC might indicate that they might also be looking at the high round RB?

Particularly when that high round RB is similar in many ways to the RB our new OC used to perfection at KC?

[Chadman]

Bobby Massie is a good player. He may be better than Jonathan Martin.

Agree- Massie seems very strong at the point. It's a funny draft this one- not many 'sure fire' picks, but plenty of good players throughout that have holes in their game. When Chadman looks at it, only Luck, Kalil, DeCastro & maybe RG3 stand out as guys with few holes in their game- the rest you sort of go "yeah, he's good...but..."...

That said, there looks to be good, solid depth through the first 4 rounds, so while we might see a draft crop that are not exactly perfect- they might provide plenty of good roster players for years to come.

Funny draft..

[Chadman]

Ok, so since the last Mock draft, Chadman has had some time to re-evaluate where he believes this upcoming draft may lead. When Chadman suggested Mike Adams as the potential #1 selection for the Steelers, various degrees of apoplexy were had by several board members. You know what guys? You might be right. Adams is a risk- and one thing the Steelers just don't do, is take risks early. So, rest easy- Adams is no longer the #1 pick. After going over several old Pro Day reports on the various options Chadman had penciled in as potential #1 guys, there were a few scratchings from the list for guys that hadn't performed up to the expected level at college, guys with athletic question marks, character concerns & simple reaches. Unlike quite a few posters on here, Chadman believes the Steelers will feel they enter the draft with the starting positions for next season in place, and that the rookies are viewed as future starters. That isn't to say that the rookie won't start- just that the Steelers won't draft with the idea that this player, or that player MUST be ready to start. You'll find selections that might go against the grain, you might find some positions not given the consideration some might feel they require. That's ok- from Chadman's understanding, his musings are just that...musings. and the Steelers very rarely actually listen to Chadman.

Except of course when they listened about Lawrence Timmons. And LaMarr Woodley. And Cameron Heyward. Oh, and Marcus Gilbert.

But other than those times- they don't really listen to Chadman.

Seriously.

[Chadman]

ROUND 1

KEVIN ZEITLER
OG WISCONSIN
6'4" 314lbs

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If there is 1 thing some of you would have learned over time, it's that Chadman does not normally advocate drafting OG's in Round 1. For Chadman, these guys are usually better value in the 2nd or 3rd Rounds. However, here we are selecting an OG in Round 1, and one from Wisconsin, the same college that gave us Kraig Urbik....ahh, memories.

So- why Zeitler? Well, for starters all 32 teams attended the Badgers 1st Pro Day, which is no surprise as they seem to churn out several decent players every year. But the fact that the Steelers were there is important. Zeitler performed all his tasks well, and from reports interviewed well too. He's 'officially' the 3rd highest rated OG in the draft, but with such a poor OT class this season, Cordy Glenn could well be viewed as a RT instead of OG, making Zeitler the #2 OG on the board after DeCastro. Here's the thing about Zeitler- there are no real weaknesses. When Chadman goes over the reports on other players considered with this pick, there are weaknesses- not athletic, poor level of competition/production, character concerns etc. Not with Zeitler. He might not be the best athlete. He might not be a "wow" player. But the chances of him failing...are slim. Remember- the Steelers don't take risks early. The reports on Zeitler are that he's a perfectionist, he WANTS to get his game right. He gets upset with himself when he makes mistakes. That's a good attitude to have. Also, watching tape- this is a guy that is very effective on the move, something the Steelers will ask him to do, no doubt. He played RG at Wisconsin, but it's not inconceivable he could play LG in Pittsburgh. And you know what? This is a guy who COULD outplay Legursky & Foster in TC & get a start in his rookie year. Is he a slight reach at #24? Possibly. The Steelers might even try to trade down if they can find a suitable trade partner- but even if selected at #24, he'll provide great value.

Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin, 6-4, 314...A perfectionist, Zeitler expects more out of himself than anybody else could in class, the weight room and on the field. His anxious nitpicking is noticed and not always well-accepted by classmates, teachers and teammates. But it is opposing defenders who pay the price when the sum of his hard work pays off on the field. So, as expected, scouting reports show he does just about everything according to the book to his best ability -- and he has plenty of ability. Zeitler added a significant amount of lean mass in his college career and used it well. According NFL Draft Report statistics, he led college football with 142 knockdown blocks and had 33 blocks that resulted in touchdowns, obviously a major reason Wisconsin had a per-game average of 44.62 points and 467 total yards, including 237 on the ground.


Pass blocking: Anchors against larger defenders in the middle, resets hands to maintain distance. Athletic enough to help on nose tackle then pick up twist or late blitzer. Mirrors quick interior rushers. Looks to help the center, or even the tackle a few yards upfield, if he is uncovered.
Run blocking: Good fit in a zone system, uses mobility and strength to move defender down the line. Dips shoulder and moves his feet to get outside leverage when needed. Strong and low coming out of his stance, effective in short-yardage situations. Finds the mike quickly and negates him when it is his responsibility. Gives effort to hit as many targets as possible, even if on the ground. Need to work on keeping outside leverage when doubling on the nose.
Pulling/trapping: Good foot quickness working behind the line, though losing a few extra pounds around the middle would help his agility. Brings hips to knock back linebackers in his way, maintains block until running back finds the hole behind him. Gets down low quickly to defeat defenders trying to cut down running backs. Ducks his head at times, must keep his posture to see and sustain against his target.
Initial Quickness: Possesses adequate quickness off the snap to get his hands into defenders and attack linebackers at the second level, but is not elite in this category and can be a step late at times.
Downfield: Regularly hits second-level targets, uses strong hands to latch on, and keeps legs churning to carry them out of the play. Knows correct blocking angles inside, gets into position with good footwork. Will punch at smaller defenders at times instead of latching on, allowing them to get off the block.Intangibles: Dependable, no-nonsense mauler who works hard in the weight room and on the field. Did not start the first four games of 2010 due to a high ankle sprain suffered during the summer.

[Chadman]

ROUND 2

ISAIAH PEAD
RB CINCINNATI
5'10" 200lbs

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The Steelers have shown some very obvious interest in Pead, and for good reason. Chadman has pointed out the state of the Steelers RB's a few times- without Mendenhall we are going into the season with 2 UDFA's, 1 6th Round RB & 1 7th Round RB with a combined 3 starts to their name. This, is not good. And Mendenhall is off contract next season. But you know what? Even those reasons are not the best reasons for Pead. Todd Haley has used Tim Hightower in Arizona, and Jamaal Charles in KC to great effect as RB/Receiver types, smaller, quicker guys that can be used in multiple ways. Pead could split time with Redman & be very effective in that sort of role. Very quick, tougher than he looks.

Running back Isaiah Pead of the University of Cincinnati is visiting the Steelers today, the latest prospect of 30 permitted to do so before the draft. Pead was named the MVP of the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., this year. In four years with the Bearcats, he rushed for 3,288 yards on 545 carries. He is listed at 5-11, 200 pounds. - Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Pead beat two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin's high school rushing records (including 2,204 yards, 39 TD as a senior) and won the Ohio Player of the Year award in his division in 2006 and 2007. But instead of staying in his hometown of Columbus to play for the Buckeyes, where they have him just a cursory look, Pead opted to be "the man" for a rising Cincinnati squad.
He was third on the depth chart as a freshman, carrying the ball just 30 times for 194 yards and catching two passes for 11 yards. And though Pead started just three games in 2009, he led the team in carries and yards (121-806-9, 20-201-2 rec). He finally becoming the team's primary ballcarrier as a junior, earning second-team All-Big East honors (157-1,029-6 rush, 26-190-1 rec).Pead may have the best straight-line speed of any running back in the 2012 senior class. Though not elite in his vision or strength, he has enough all-around game (including effort as a blocker) to be a three-down player at the next level--which is often the difference between being valued as an early-round and mid-round prospect.



Inside: North-south runner with quick feet to feel his way through creases. Makes small, quick cuts through creases and side-steps defenders in or past the hole to find room to get into his stride. Does not run over defenders often, but keeps legs moving near the goal line to make his way in. Holds the ball low at times, but has generally good ball security (no fumbles in 2009, two in 2010). Does not always show a burst in the box, anticipates contact. Quick draws make him run with shoulders not square to the line.
Outside: Excellent straight-line speed makes him a legitimate breakaway threat anytime he finds open field. Lowers his pads to create contact at the second level when seeing defenders coming straight-on. Usually switches the ball to his outside hand when cutting to his left side. Inconsistent power in his cuts, stops on a dime at times to allow defenders to run him by but will round on stretch plays or take a couple of steps to change directions.
Breaking tackles: Flashes the ability to keep his balance through arm tackles inside and run through high tackle attempts. Spins off tackles to free himself or at least extend for two extra yards. Good one-on-one stiff-arm and swipes away oncoming defenders with his off-arm. Gets tripped up too easily on first contact at times.
Blocking: Gives effort as a pass protector, could stay on the field on third downs in the NFL. Punches and extends when helping tackles double on the edge. Stands up against defenders attacking the pocket, usually effective cutting them down, and lays out to reach those coming from other side of formation. Lacks great strength, will be ripped off, but tries to get back into the play.
Receiving: Flashes quick feet and shimmy to leave linebackers in the dust as a route-runner. Threat to cut to either side or run down the seam when leaving the backfield. Fair hands, grabs screen passes in traffic and can extend to snare wide throws. Secures catch before trying to move upfield.Intangibles: Plays with a chip on his shoulder. Limited by left knee injury for parts of two games early in 2010, rallied his teammates on the sidelines. Ohio 400 meter champion as a senior in high school.

[Chadman]

ROUND 3

MIKE MARTIN
NT MICHIGAN
6'1" 306lbs

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Mike Martin makes it back on to Chadman's mock draft due to a few aspects- his familiarity with the 3-4 NT position, his high character, his work rate, his level of competition & because the Steelers, Mike Tomlin in particular, but him through a pretty hefty workout at his Pro Day. He's more your Chris Hoke than your Casey Hampton- he doesn't look like a guy that'll play a 350lbs in the future. In fact- he looks more like a condomn packed with walnuts- see below-

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Jim Wexell has mentioned in the past that Mike Tomlin is more a fan of the quicker, more agile players on the DL- Martin is certainly that. What Martin isn't, however, is your classic Zero Technique, 2 Gap NT. He'll force the Steelers to use the DL players differently going forward as he simply doesn't carry the bulk to hold the point in Zero Technique.



A lifelong fan of the Wolverines, there was little doubt where the 2007 Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year would choose to matriculate. A four-star recruit by all of the major high school scouting services, Martin also won the Michigan Wrestling State Championship in his junior season (after having no prior wrestling experience), and broke T.J. Duckett's former Michigan high school shot put record on his way to a state championship.
Martin used that combination of strength and hand/foot control to earn Freshman All American honors after his first year in Ann Arbor. Appearing in 12 games as a reserve defender and on special teams, he made 20 tackles with 4.5 for loss and two sacks. He continued his development in 2009, starting all 12 games on the nose. He was credited with 51 tackles, 6.5 for loss and 2.0 sacks, and received the Richard Katcher Award as the team's best defensive lineman.
In his junior year, Martin won that prestigious award again, along with second-team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches, after he started 12 games, registering 37 tackles, six for loss and 2.5 sacks. He missed the Purdue Game on Nov. 13, 2010, due to an ankle injury that plagued him for the rest of the season.
Martin earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2011, racking up a career-high 54 tackles and three sacks to go along with six tackles for loss.
At 6-1, Martin is undersized height-wise, but he has a thick, compact build on his wrestler's frame. He fires off the snap with a relentless attitude and uses his low pad level and violent hands to tear through blockers.
Martin's long arms allow him to keep his opponents from grasping a firm hold of him. With good lateral agility, power and a relentless motor, Martin got the better of Ohio State's Michael Brewster, a possible top 100 pick, on numerous occasions during Senior Bowl practices.Martin is an undersized nose tackle with loads of experience in a 3-4 defense. But he lacks a consistent anchor against double teams and just does not have the right frame to be an NFL starter. Because of his ability to penetrate against one-on-one blocks, Martin could be a solid rotation player in a 4-3 scheme as a three-technique tackle and move to the nose on passing downs.



Pass rush: Provides some secondary interior pass rush, getting most penetration when playing three-technique. Possesses only adequate burst off the snap even when directly over the ball, and his initial pop leaves room to be desired. Hands could be much more violent when trying to gain control of the block. Can bull rush his way past running backs in pass protection. Preferred pass rush move is an arm-over swim move while simultaneously pulling lineman forward. Once momentum is stopped, lacks a critical counter move to progress into the backfield. Spies the quarterback if stoned at the line, but lacks the height and vertical to knock down passes.
Run defense: Uses more hustle than brute strength to stop the run. Gets skinny to split double teams, using good short-area quickness to make a play in the backfield. Runs the line very well, making plays on the ball when he beats blocks on the backside. Rarely goes to the ground, showing good balance from his high school wrestling days. Constantly moving his hands, readjusting them into proper placement. Occasionally too high (despite his short stature), and bows out his arms, hampering his ability to press and lock out. Does not hold his ground while facing a double team, first instinct is to roll away to make a play, which can create a large hole.
Explosion: Does not test offensive linemen with quickness or strong initial punch. Rarely first off the snap. Able to swim past single blockers to penetrate into the backfield. Does not attempt to split double-teams, takes a step back and waits to chase down plays.
Strength: Low center of gravity and generally low pad level allows him to play with initial strength and leverage at the point of attack. Upper-body only average, however, struggles to shed one-on-one blocks or sustain leverage once out of his stance. Pad level rises late in the game.
Tackling: Catch-and-drag tackler who rarely drives ballcarriers to the ground. Very good short-area quickness to make plays between the tackles. Displays agility and secure tackling to corral backs in the backfield, also chases plays from the backside to prevent cutbacks. Intangibles: High-motor, high-character leader. Worked at Ndamukong Suh's summer football camp. Played through two sprained ankles (Iowa, 10/16; Penn State 10/30), missed only Purdue (11/13). Won team's Richard Katcher award the past two seasons for being the team's best defensive lineman.

[Chadman]

ROUND 4

EMMANUAL ACHO
ILB TEXAS
6'2" 238lbs

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The Steelers converged, en masse, to the Texas Pro Day- as they seem to do every year. Think back, if you will, to last season. Mike Tomlin spent a long period of time chatting with Sam Acho at the Pro Day, which in itself means very little. However, Tomlin was reported to be enamoured with Acho's personality. Emmanual is, by all reports, a similar person. He might not be as exciting as some of the other options at ILB, but he's a smart player that knows his role, with excellent character, at a big school where we know the Steelers have visited for the Pro Day- that's a lot of ticked boxes.


Emmanuel had been in his brother Sam's shadow since high school, but with the former Texas defensive end in the National Football League (fourth-round pick in 2011), Emmanuel got his chance to shine for the Longhorns in 2011, when he was named first-team All-Big 12 with a team-best 131 tackles, including 19 for loss, three sacks and 18 quarterback pressure.
Acho has the same strong character and production his brother did, and his athleticism and versatility should make him a mid-round pick for 4-3 teams as a chase, second-level defender. Multiple first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection. Missed three games due to knee injury in 2008. Had surgery on his hip before 2010 spring practice. Acho has the same strong character and production his brother did coming into last year's draft process, but Sam fell a bit in the draft because scouts weren't sure if his best NFL fit was as a 4-3 end or 3-4 linebacker. There's no question with Emmanuel, whose athleticism and versatility should make him a top 100 pick for 4-3 teams as a chase second-level defender.



Read & React: Intelligent player who can play mike linebacker despite his lack of size because of his instincts and ability to find the ball in traffic. Reads quarterbacks' eyes and reacts quickly to targets in zone coverage.
Run defense: Best on the edge, bends around the tackle to stop backs before they get to the hole, forces off-tackle plays inside, and uses his speed to cut off plays to the sideline. Wiggles through creases to find the ball inside, though, and can stand up backs in the hole. Often avoids lineman blocks to survive between the tackles, which gives backs running lanes, but will stiff-arm lineman to stay free on some plays.
Pass defense: Athletic enough to stay with running backs out of the backfield, though he will jump at hesitation routes. Lines up against slot receivers, needs to get a hand on them at the line to keep up down the seam. Knocks receivers running crosses off their route within five-yard area. Adept at knocking down passes with good hand-eye coordination but needs to create the turnover more often. Caught with the eyes in the backfield at times, has recovery speed to get back into plays in the flat if a step late. Drops into zones while keeping an eye on underneath routes, also aware of crossers behind him.
Tackling: Reliable open field tackler, wrapping up ballcarriers and at times throwing them to the ground with aggression. Adds himself to piles and churns his legs to push back ballcarriers from getting the extra yard. Strong backs can run through his tackle attempts, though, if he's not in position. Occasionally overruns plays due to aggressive nature.
Pass Rush/Blitz: Displays some ability here, though he's not regularly used in this capacity. Closes quickly off the edge and is reliable in wrapping up quarterbacks in the backfield. Hesitates when facing running back blocks, tries to shimmy past instead of exploding into them or moving the blocker with his hands.Intangibles: Excellent character and work ethic. Multiple first-team Academic All-Big 12 selections. Parents born in Nigeria. His middle name, Cinedum, means "God guides me." Missed three games due to knee injury in 2008. Had surgery on his hip before spring 2010 practices.

[Chadman]

ROUND 5

T.Y. HILTON
WR FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
5'10" 183lbs

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This is the sort of player the Steelers could add as a slot WR, or just a situational guy if needed, that puts enough fear into the Defense that they need to account for him. The Steelers have shown some interest & have had him in for a visit.


Release: Good quickness off the line, eats up cushion against overmatched safeties and slower corners from the slot and can throttle down when necessary. Rarely gets challenged in press, will need to prove he can shake and make the crisp cut to free himself from the jam.
Hands: Very good hands, accepts the ball fluidly on most throws and is ready to make a play afterwards. Extends for throws, looks the ball all the way in. Makes catches in traffic, even going up over taller defenders with vertical and toughness. Tracks the ball over his shoulder. Competitive player who takes the occasional drop very hard.
Route running: Flashes the foot quickness and toughness to handle slot duties at the next level. Lines up all over the field, in the slot, outside, put into motion. Agile enough to avoid linebackers to find soft spots in zones, understands spacing to make himself available. Makes strong cuts but also extends his arm to create separation when heading downfield. Stems his routes, only drifting inside to set up defender on out cut. Can threaten the seam with speed on verticals. Will take an extra step before making the right-angle cut over the middle. NFL defenders may be able to knock him off his route because of his slight frame.
After the catch: Dangerous with the ball in his hands. Combines speed, balance, quickness, vision and crisp cuts to leave defensive backs and linebackers in the dust. Spins off or jumps through arm tackles, maintains downfield vision to set up next defender. Runs the Wildcat formation, usually in the red zone, as the team's biggest offensive weapon. Elite quickness and elusiveness in the open field as a returner; flies through creases and runs through arm tackles. Does not transfer ball to outside hand consistently. Stronger defenders can rip the ball from his hands.
Blocking: Willing to take larger defenders head on despite his wiry frame. Gives great effort downfield to allow teammates running lanes, punching his man or grabbing the numbers to sustain. Hits multiple targets. Effective cut blocker in space, slows or stops his man from going forward to enter the play. Stronger defenders can push him to the ground when ready to be physical.Intangibles: Strong family connections, work ethic and character. Parents were exceptional athletes. Stayed in school for senior season to graduate. Nicknamed "Good-Bye" for his speed. Has son, Eugene, Jr., with long-time girlfriend/fiance.

[Chadman]

ROUND 6

RYAN VAN BERGEN
DE MICHIGAN
6'5" 290lbs

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Whie the Steelers were working out Mike Martin, they were also working out Van Bergen, who has ideal size to play the 3-4 DE role. The Steelers have looked at multiple guys that can play 3-4 DE, so Chadman expects a selection in this draft for the position.

Despite leading Michigan in both tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks last year (5.5), Ryan Van Bergen didn't receive an invitation to the NFL Combine last month. He bounced between defensive end and defensive tackle over his career as the Wolverines changed schemes and coaches. But regardless of where he lined up on the field, Van Bergen was always moving at full-go and that intensity was on display Thursday during Michigan's Pro Day in Ann Arbor. Van Bergen, who weighed in a 291 pounds, ran a 4.90 40-yard dash and put up 31 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. He suffered a right foot injury in the Sugar Bowl in January and has been feverishly rehabbing to work out for NFL teams

[Chadman]

ROUND 7

A)
BUDDY JACKSON
CB PITTSBURGH
6'0" 187lbs

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B)
BRODERICK BINNS
OLB IOWA
6'1" 261lbs

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C)
JOHN CULLEN
OT UTAH
6'5" 297lbs

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D)
SEAN CATTOUSE
SS CALIFORNIA
6'2" 211lbs

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