lets be realistic, 'this draft class sucks''

[squidkid]

would be our battle cry if they were drafted by the bungals or ratbirds. we would all agree that decastro was a good pick but would make fun of the team that drafted a dope-smoking criminal, an ilb that feloniously stalked a girlfriend and is too small to play inside, a 2 down fat guy, a tiny rb and a handful of 7th rounders that will get cut.

let's try to keep things in perspective people.

[Snatch98]

Knowing what we know about Mike Adams puts him back in the good graces and I'd say the same if he were a Bengal. Spence looks great on tape AND the nose is EXACTLY what our 3-4 defense needs. The Bengals had one hell of a draft themselves and the fans I know say the same about our draft. I have plenty of perspective and it's that the front office did one hell of a job. Period.

[Oviedo]

Some posts "suck" and are ill informed

[steelerkeylargo]

Some posts "suck" and are ill informed

Ovi why do you even give him the satisfaction?

[Dee Dub]

Ovi why do you even give him the satisfaction?

Agreed...but I have to.

I may be wrong but what Mike Adams was envolved with at OSU (Tattoo gate), wasnt a crime. It was an NCAA violation but how would that constitute being a criminal?

What Adams did by requesting a meeting with the Steelers, then driving to meet with them, expressing his remorse, and adhereing to all the stipulations the Steelers laid out for him, shows a young man who is sincere in his remorse. I think that is very good character. We all make mistakes. Especially as young men. To do what he did is very impressive and it shows a very positive character. He was knocked for not always being motivated in college but what I have seen out of him in regards to turning himself around and being part of the Pittsburgh Steelers shows a ton of motivation. I can easily see him, now that his childhood dream has been fulfilled, turning what was once a weakness into a strength.

And as far as the 2 down fat guy comment is concerned, show me a 3-4 NT in the NFL who doesnt fit that description.

[hawaiiansteel]

an ilb that feloniously stalked a girlfriend

Sean Spence never feloniously stalked his gf, you should make sure you get your facts straight before you slander people

[steelblood]

The Bengal's draft was very good. I was a little jealous of their haul. But, they had much better draft position and more early round picks.

For the position the Steelers started with, we slammed it. No doubt. Now, it may not pay off. But, I'm really happy right now.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Listen to what objective analysts (i.e. not Steelers fans or Ravens fans or Bengals fans or Browns fans) say about our draft...I haven't heard a single negative thing to this point. Almost consistently, we are getting universal praise for this draft haul nationally (consistent high grades are being handed out to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and a few others).

Who here on this board would look at a draft class and just say "this draft class sucks" because it was a division rival? That's just dumb. In general, we are pretty well informed fans here, and a big part of that is looking at the strengths and weaknesses of our rivals to see how we might stack up. Saying "they suck" because they were drafted by the Ravens or Bengals or Browns would be pointless. Most of us are intelligent enough to discern good picks and bad pick that our teams make and our rivals make. Just because Chris Rainey was drafted by the Steelers doesn't make him God's gift to running backs, and just because Trent Richardson was drafted by the Browns doesn't make him suck all of a sudden. That is foolish.

I really like the Steelers draft overall, and I really like the Bengals draft overall. Two of the best in the league. I think the Ravens had a solid day two haul after trading out of the first round, but their Saturday picks (aside from Streeter) left a lot to be desired. I liked Cleveland's first round (I think I'm one of the few who is not blasting them for drafting a 28 year old QB in the first round...I think Weeden is legit). Their next two picks, the DT from Cincy and the WR from Miami were God-awful picks...horrible reaches. I think they got some solid value with a few of their later picks, but their craptastic Friday selections were tough to overlook.

Why did I type this much? I should have just said "This draft class sucks" for each of our division opponents and been done with it.

[hawaiiansteel]

Why did I type this much? I should have just said "This draft class sucks" for each of our division opponents and been done with it.

or you could have just said the following:

[Chadman]

Sean Spence never feloniously stalked his gf, you should make sure you get your facts straight before you slander people

Why let the facts get in the way of a perfectly good rant?

[Jooser]

Totally disagree. But realistically, this thread really sucks.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Totally disagree. But realistically, this thread really sucks.

[Notleadpoisoned]

Isn't "squidkid" the Patriots fan who poses as a Steelers fan on here just to be juvenile and annoying?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

would be our battle cry if they were drafted by the bungals or ratbirds. we would all agree that decastro was a good pick but would make fun of the team that drafted a dope-smoking criminal, an ilb that feloniously stalked a girlfriend and is too small to play inside, a 2 down fat guy, a tiny rb and a handful of 7th rounders that will get cut.

let's try to keep things in perspective people.

I don't think the big OT that you're referring to (Mike Adams) was ever charged with any criminal offense. The biggest mistake he made was to smoke pot before the combine, which I have to say was incredibly stupid. I'm hoping some of DeCastro's fire and dedication rubs off on him, but Adams is a bit of a risk. I think the team felt that after hitting a home run in round 1, they could afford a bit of a risk in round 2.

It was the "tiny rb" who stalked the girlfriend, not the "small ilb." I'm also concerned about Spence being too small to play inside, but if he can bulk up, and gain some strength without losing speed, who knows? I think Farrior and Foote weren't exactly huge coming out of college. And "Tiny" is not necessarily bad for a RB who is going to be doing what Rainey will be asked to do. If nothing else, both Spence and Rainey ought to be tremendous ST additions.

And, yes, at least some of our 7th rounders may get cut, but what would you have done with those picks?

With all the veteran cuts this offseason, I wouldn't be surprised if 5 or 6 players from this draft class make the final roster, with most of the rest making the practice squad, which would be outstanding. All in all, I think this will probably shake out to be the best draft of the last five years, if not of the last decade (we can't really know that until about three years from now). But IMO, just getting DeCastro is enough to refute your statement that "this draft class sucks."

BTW, I have to give kudos to the Bumgals...I think they also had an outstanding draft. They might just become perennial contenders for the division title, if they keep drafting like they have these past two times.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Perspective. If this was the draft of the Ravens or Pats or a team that handles themselves like the Steelers...We would all say the same thing we are thinking right now. That would be a Good draft...And what "steals" on Adams, Rainey, and Ta'Amu if them perform to expectations. A team like the Bengals...I think you would say the same but you would have that "It figures" in relation to the character players. No matter who you are...This draft for the Steelers...You have to agree that the stars were aligned. For the graded players that fit the Steelers need to fall to them in rounds 1-5 left us all amazed.

G...Best in the draft. Faneca like career. There was a zero % chance the Steelers could land him without trading up.

LT...2nd rated LT that fell to Rd 2 because of character. What makes it appealing is Adams has been a Steelers fan and sought them out specificly. Made promises, met criteria, and sacrifices to get back on the board. A franchise caliber LT in the 2nd who has become self motivated to succeed and change his life around. Risk-Reward uncharted in this scenario in my opinion.

ILB...College production can't be questioned. If Spence is 6'1" 240+ he is a late 1st-mid 2nd. His ceiling & floor at ILB is far apart. Ceiling...Maybe Zach Thomas? Floor...Career back-up ST star (K Fox). For a 3rd? Even the floor is worth it.

NT...2nd best pure NT in this draft. Some would argue the 1st. 4th rounder for someone who was ranked preseason as a 1st. 3-4 NT in DL defense is a special animal that is hard to find. I had 3 of them in this draft that I thought would be starters. Poe, Ta'Amu, and Chapman.

Change of pace RB...The Steelers made it clear that Redman & Dwyer can handle the work load in Mendy's absence by selecting Rainey. So the "thunder" is in place and the "lightning" comes via Rainey. Haley gets his more explosive version of "McCluster". Falls because of character and size but was productive in SEC. Steelers have more information and security through Pouncey being a brother to him growing up and Pouncey's parents, whom the Steelers have talked with alot with over the last three drafts, to pull the trigger.



Toney Clemons...To put a cherry on top they get a "big WR" who is very athletic in the 7th. 86-1162-11TDS over the past two season in Col. Very good chance of making the roster because he is something the Steelers don't have.

David Paulson didn't run that good at the combine but that isn't what shows up on tape. He showed up better at his proday and that is what you see when he plays. Paulson might have the best set of hands of any TE in this draft. Fleener may be the only one close. I actually think he makes the final cut while Saunders serves his suspension. Depending how much production he has...He may be difficult to hide on the PS when Saunders returns. He could use the time on the PS to gain some strength. Watch for him to make a name in the PS because he will be the 2nd-6th QB's best friend in PS games.

Terrance Frederick is a faster version of Townsend. I remember him against OSU and he did a very good job against Blackmon. He was all over the field. Very good instincts. Loves to mix it up and not afraid to support the run. Blitzes from the edge and reads the sweep and supports. Very good change or direction. I actually think he can make this roster as the 5th corner.

Kelvin Beachum is a very interesting prospect. He may give the Steelers some gameday flexibility down the road if he can show he can handle the LS duties and take that job from Warren. It may not be this year...But I think he will stick around on the PS. He could develop into a quality gameday back-up OL. If he takes on LS duties down the road...HE could give the Steelers a roster spot.