Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

[Dee Dub]

[url="http://cnnsi.com/2012/writers/don_banks/01/26/mock-draft/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a2"]http://cnnsi.com/2012/writers/don_banks ... =hp_t11_a2[/url]

24
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cordy Glenn, OG-OT, Georgia. The Steelers are being given Memphis DT Dontari Poe in plenty of mocks, and he makes sense as a replacement for veteran Casey Hampton, who is coming off ACL surgery. But have you seen the state of the Steelers' offensive line the past two seasons? Until convinced otherwise, we consider Pittsburgh's OL issues to be its top priority.

I dont believe Glenn is there at 24 but if this were to happen, I sure would be happy.

[focosteeler]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

would you be happy with poe? A lot of people seem split on him

[Dee Dub]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

would you be happy with poe? A lot of people seem split on him

At 24? I dont know about that. The guy I think is a better fit for NT is Brandon Thompson. I would feel a lot better with Poe if we were getting him at 30-35.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

would you be happy with poe? A lot of people seem split on him

DONTARI POE DT, Memphis

2011 GRADE: 6.8 D HT: 6-5 WT: 350

Nationalfootballpost Scouting Report


What I like…

- A tall, well put together 350-pound lineman who carries his weight well and doesn't possess much soft flesh.

- Displays a physically put together lower half as well. Is strong through the base, legs and calves and honestly can play at 350. Has a Haloti Ngata type build.

- Is a monster in the weight room. Puts in the time off the field to get better/stronger.

- Showcases natural bend when sitting into his stance. Keeps his base down well off the football and can gain leverage initially due to pad level.

- Exhibits a "plus" first step for his size. Showcases the ability to get into opposing linemen quickly and keep his pad level down in the process.

- Demonstrates a natural snap through the hips and can simply overwhelm his man with the generated force/power he's' able to create into contact.

- Showcases the ability to keep his pad level down through contact when trying to knife his way into the backfield vs. the run game. With ease fights his way through contact.

- Is a bear to move inside, showcases "plus" natural power, can sit low into contact and with ease hold the point of attack.

- Displays some nimbleness as a pass rusher. Can use his foot quickness to change directions quickly in tight areas and push his way through contact once he gains a step.

- Exhibits a clever/concise spin move where he can slip blocks and get into the backfield in pass rushing situations.

- Demonstrates the power and flexibility to gain leverage and consistently push the pocket inside at the next level.

- Exhibits above average range for his size off his frame and will chase in pursuit.

- Displays good snap awareness for the most part and is routinely one of the first linemen firing off the ball.

- The upside with this guy is tremendous. Has the skill set to anchor a defense inside as a 34 or 43 nose.

- Seems like a hungry kid who is willing to put in the work and develop at his trade.

What I don't like…

- Doesn't take a positive first step off the football in either the run or pass game. Needs to do a better job maximizing his first step in order to reset the line of scrimmage, wastes too much motion.

- Needs to do a better job finding the football. Doesn't consistently decipher information quickly and put himself around the action.

- Needs to learn to extend his arms consistently at the point and use his hands better. Too often gets caught playing short armed into contact.

- Is forced to get upright through contact when trying to shed because he doesn't gain leverage and extend his arms well initially into the play.

- When trying to extend his arms initially into contact vs. the run game, he tends to get doubled over more at the waist and doesn't play with the same type of bend, causing him to struggle with balance/power through the play.

- Isn't a real sudden pass rusher. Showcases some nimbleness, but gets caught popping upright through contact when trying to avoid blocks, which limits his power.

- Doesn't possess a great burst once he gains a step when truing to close quickly on the football.

- Showcases the willingness to work in pursuit, but the motor will cool off at times.

- Hasn't ever been real productive because of his lacking technique and ability to consistently find the football. Is a boom or bust kind of player.

Impression: Has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he's still learning the nuances of the position. If he's willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences. Nevertheless, because he's raw his floor isn't overly high either.

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_player_scouting_report.html&player=42324"]http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/col ... ayer=42324[/url]

[Dee Dub]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

All these negatives listed for Poe are some of my concerns as well. His height can tend to be a liability at NT. A position that requires leverage. Also being as big as he is (arm length), tends to be a negative there as well. Now one thing I will say, he is a very strong man.

Keep an eye on NC NT Tydreke Powell.

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

poe doesnt fit the direction we've been drafting lately

early at least.

memphis isnt a big time college program

[BigRob]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

poe doesnt fit the direction we've been drafting lately

early at least.

memphis isnt a big time college program

This is something everyone needs to keep in mind. Also what is his age? Steelers like em young.

[BigRob]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

All these negatives listed for Poe are some of my concerns as well. His height can tend to be a liability at NT. A position that requires leverage. Also being as big as he is (arm length), tends to be a negative there as well. Now one thing I will say, he is a very strong man.

Keep an eye on NC NT Tydreke Powell.

What do you think of Hebron Fangupo as late round UFA type?

[Dee Dub]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

All these negatives listed for Poe are some of my concerns as well. His height can tend to be a liability at NT. A position that requires leverage. Also being as big as he is (arm length), tends to be a negative there as well. Now one thing I will say, he is a very strong man.

Keep an eye on NC NT Tydreke Powell.

What do you think of Hebron Fangupo as late round UFA type?

The USC transfer. I gotta be honest I didnt see much of him while he was at BYU. I know when he first came to USC he was highly touted. But he got hurt and never got the real chance to show much.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

Keep an eye on NC NT Tydreke Powell.

only saw Powell play a couple of times but when I did he got pushed around because he doesn't keep his pad level down low enough. blockers were able to consistently get underneath him and drive him backwards.

I wonder if this is something an NFL coach can correct or is it too late if a DL doesn't know how to do that by the time they are out of college?

[SteelCrazy]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

What did I say? Keep an eye on my mock draft........

1. Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia/ Height: 6-5. Weight: 348.


He's a huge dude that got beat some this year playing tackle but before that he was an awesome Guard and thats where we are going to use him. Since we may be going back to "Steelers Football" he'll be a welcomed addition to the run game as he has been know to move mountains only using his eye lashes.

2. Dontari Poe*, NT, Memphis/ Height: 6-5. Weight: 350.


He eats a lot....of space and can still make plays when double teamed. He is the long term answer we need after Casey is gone.

3. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt/ Height: 5-11. Weight: 188.


He was all over the field making plays and ints. to start the year but cooled down in the 2nd half of the season. Has great potential and we can never have enough good CB's.

4. Audie Cole, ILB, North Carolina State/ Height: 6-5. Weight: 239.


What impresses me is he led the team in tackles his JUNIOR year as an OLB. Versatility is a good thing.

5. Joel Foreman, G, Michigan State/ Height: 6-4. Weight: 310.


Because we need more help here

6. Cody Johnson, FB, Texas/ Height: 5-11. Weight: 250.


We need one now that Brucey is gone. Might as well get one in the draft.

7. Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M/ Height: 5-9. Weight: 212.


We need one of these too.........

[Dresden]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

height can tend to be a liability at NT. A position that requires leverage.

Exactly. Generally the only players that defy this "rule" are more often than not exceptional "freaks".

[steelblood]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

Keep an eye on NC NT Tydreke Powell.

only saw Powell play a couple of times but when I did he got pushed around because he doesn't keep his pad level down low enough. blockers were able to consistently get underneath him and drive him backwards.

I wonder if this is something an NFL coach can correct or is it too late if a DL doesn't know how to do that by the time they are out of college?

I agree with the Hawaiian gentleman. Powell plays a decent game penetrating. But, too often I've seen him pushed backward by a single blocker in the run game. He does not anchor well at all. Perhaps he could learn, but I'm not impressed with what I saw in a few games this season.

[steelblood]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

[quote=Dee Dub]

All these negatives listed for Poe are some of my concerns as well. His height can tend to be a liability at NT. A position that requires leverage. Also being as big as he is (arm length), tends to be a negative there as well. Now one thing I will say, he is a very strong man.

Keep an eye on NC NT Tydreke Powell.

What do you think of Hebron Fangupo as late round UFA type?

The USC transfer. I gotta be honest I didnt see much of him while he was at BYU. I know when he first came to USC he was highly touted. But he got hurt and never got the real chance to show much.[/quote:2imrjk2i]

I've seen Fangupo play a few times this year. I've taken some notes.
vs Tulsa-Plays in a 3/4. Plays DE & NT, mostly DE. Good athlete, moves well. Pursues QB to sideline for T. Strong, gets push, but dsn't hold POA. Splits dbl team with quickness and strong hands. Doesn't anchor well against double team if he can't penetrate.

[grotonsteel]

Re: Don Banks NFL Mock Draft

[quote=Dee Dub][quote=BigRob][quote="Dee Dub":20pc5s46]All these negatives listed for Poe are some of my concerns as well. His height can tend to be a liability at NT. A position that requires leverage. Also being as big as he is (arm length), tends to be a negative there as well. Now one thing I will say, he is a very strong man.

Keep an eye on NC NT Tydreke Powell.[/quote]

What do you think of Hebron Fangupo as late round UFA type?[/quote]

The USC transfer. I gotta be honest I didnt see much of him while he was at BYU. I know when he first came to USC he was highly touted. But he got hurt and never got the real chance to show much.[/quote:20pc5s46]

I have not seen Fangupo play but Steelers seem to do well with Mountain Region D-linemen. Maybe they should look for D-line from that region.


Scouting Report:

[url="http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/post/2011/11/hebron-fangupo-scouting-reports.html"]http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3 ... ports.html[/url]

"A former JUCO kid who transferred from USC to BYU following the 2010 season. Is a raw kid who finally has learned to sit into his stance, play with his base down and fire off the football. However, despite his shorter frame still gets upright off the ball and will struggle with leverage at times in the run game.

Plays in a 34 front at BYU where he is the five-technique and asked to two gap. Is a naturally powerful kid and even when he gets upright is still a bear to move off the football. Exhibits a little suddenness at times when asked to use his hands to shed blocks when run at.

But his high pad level makes it tough for him to maintain balance and breakdown on blocks off his frame. However, possesses the natural strength to anchor inside, just needs to learn to play a bit lower off the snap and keep his pad level down into contact.

Is limited as a pass rusher. Exhibits the power and motor to overpower on contact and get a good punch at the point of attack.

Will extend his arms at times in order to create a punch and is a decent athlete on stunts on the edge. However, doesn't have the burst to slip blocks once he gains a step because of his pad level and isn't real sudden laterally, more of a linear guy.

Impression: A naturally strong kid with a great attitude and work rate. Needs to improve pad level, but has the kind of natural power and work ethic to make it with some time."