Smoke Screen or Not?

[BigRob]

Smoke screen or not? Tony Pauline is reporting that the Steelers are considering G Amini Silatolu at pick 24. He is a fast riser that has a shot to slip into round one according to Pauline.

[Oviedo]

I'd be shocked. Right position but wrong guy. If the FO likes him that much he must really have something.

[steelerkeylargo]

I wrote in my If Tannehill falls thread I wouldn't be surprised if he was the choice at 24. He compares very favorably to Mike Iupati coming out of Idaho.

[phillyesq]

I've heard a lot of first round buzz on him. Seems like an interesting prospect, but again, more risk than I generally prefer in round 1.

[Shoe]

Based on what I've (only) read, I'd consider this something of a reach and here's why...

I've said for years, that our O-line's biggest failing is the lack of leaders on our line. What I mean by leaders is to have self-starters, guys who are intelligent and quick-minded. This guy sounds like Kemoeatu (not racially) in that he's supposed as a big talented mauler. I don't think we need that specifically right now.

I'd much prefer a workmanlike (though physically able... I don't consider Legs for example, as physically suited to NFL football) player to a physical speciman. We need an infusion of leadership on our line.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

I hope it is.

much prefer brooks in the 2nd.

[steelblood]

Based on what I've (only) read, I'd consider this something of a reach and here's why...

I've said for years, that our O-line's biggest failing is the lack of leaders on our line. What I mean by leaders is to have self-starters, guys who are intelligent and quick-minded. This guy sounds like Kemoeatu (not racially) in that he's supposed as a big talented mauler. I don't think we need that specifically right now.

I'd much prefer a workmanlike (though physically able... I don't consider Legs for example, as physically suited to NFL football) player to a physical speciman. We need an infusion of leadership on our line.

Kemo is probably a bad comparison. Silatolu is more athletic and dynamic. Both have a nasty attitude, but Silatolu is better built and less heavy. Silatolu probably has a higher ceiling than Zeitler.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Everything that I have seen about this guy makes me want him.....in the second.

[Chadman]

Peter Konz will be the best value interior OL at around #24.

[steelz09]

Kemo is probably a bad comparison. Silatolu is more athletic and dynamic. Both have a nasty attitude, but Silatolu is better built and less heavy. Silatolu probably has a higher ceiling than Zeitler.

"ceiling", "potential", etc ... not words that I typically favor in 1st round selections. For Example:

He made 50 tackles last year but he has potential for 100. And what happens if he never reaches that potential? Better yet, why didn't he make the 100 tackles if that is his potential?

I would stay away from that type of 1st round prospect.

[Oviedo]

Peter Konz will be the best value interior OL at around #24.

Disagree. Zeitler will be better because he doesn't have Konz's injury history. Konz offers more position flexibility but IMO Zeitler is more of the sure thing.

[Shawn]

If this is the case, I can imagine the Steelers are looking to trade down. Can they find a suitor?