Drafting Strategy - Need vs Best Player Available

[flippy]

There was a story about Kevin Colbert a couple of years ago about his draft strategy. Essentially, the Steelers compile "Draft Bubbles" of 12 players that they feel (from doing multiple mock drafts amongst staff, from memory) will be available around the Steelers pick. They then prioritize each player from 1-12, and scratch off each name as they are removed from the board on draft day. From memory, there was something about guys they felt would not be available being placed in a seperate bubble, and they get consideration if they fall... but a bit hazy on the details.

As to how the Steelers prioritize- although they haven't said it, pretty sure steelz09 has it right- BPA at a position of need. So, because the Steelers have, say Pouncey at OC... then OC isn't a 'need', and therefore all OC's are off the board... but because NT is a 'need', they'll look at the BPA that is a NT..or a Safety...WR..RB...up to 12 players.

I wonder if they adjust the bubbles as the draft unfolds? For example, let's say we draft a FS in round 1. Do we take FS out of all the other bubbles? And does our 13th player take his place in the bubble for that round?

I agree too that there's gotta be some BPA at position of need that goes into the picks. But I wonder how that balances out. Let's say for example, I have Ray Rice on my roster. And AP in in the draft and no one's picked him yet. What do the Steelers do? ie. when is a guy too good to pass up even though you don't need him?

[NW Steeler]

At the same time, half of our wins were by 4 points or less. We weren't too many more mistakes from being 4-12.

I'm at a loss with this team. The defense is ranked #1 but has been horrible with take-aways and game-changing plays. The offense has potential super stars on it and was hindered by changing systems, terrible mental mistakes and another year of shuffling the line due to multiple injuries and Ben going down with injury.

I don't know what to expect next year at all. Frustrating.

I'm with you on that one. I would like to think that we are closer to the balanced team that we saw against Cinci (first game) then the following game against the Giants. That was when we were at our healthiest and our D started to hit its stride.

[phillyesq]

The Steelers seem to rule out certain positions in round 1...normally, QB...

The Steelers can still rule out a QB this year, but there aren't many other positions where you can say that. They probably will rule out DE with Hood/Heyward both recent picks, but other than that and perhaps center, I'm not sure there is any other position they could rule out. Even if Lewis re-signs, you need at least three good corners and Ike isn't getting any younger. There really isn't any position where you could say the Steelers couldn't use an upgrade, either now or in the future.

[Sugar]

The Steelers can still rule out a QB this year, but there aren't many other positions where you can say that. They probably will rule out DE with Hood/Heyward both recent picks, but other than that and perhaps center, I'm not sure there is any other position they could rule out. Even if Lewis re-signs, you need at least three good corners and Ike isn't getting any younger. There really isn't any position where you could say the Steelers couldn't use an upgrade, either now or in the future.

That's the beauty of BPA. They can basically draft just about anybody first and it will ultimately help the team.

[Crash]

QB and DE are out.

Other than that? I'd say everything else is in play.

[focosteeler]

I wonder if they adjust the bubbles as the draft unfolds? For example, let's say we draft a FS in round 1. Do we take FS out of all the other bubbles? And does our 13th player take his place in the bubble for that round?

I agree too that there's gotta be some BPA at position of need that goes into the picks. But I wonder how that balances out. Let's say for example, I have Ray Rice on my roster. And AP in in the draft and no one's picked him yet. What do the Steelers do? ie. when is a guy too good to pass up even though you don't need him?

I would assume that unless you have a need for 2 future starters at that position you don't draft them back to back rounds 1-4. After that depth comes into consideration for the remaining rounds.

[Sugar]

QB and DE are out.

Other than that? I'd say everything else is in play.

Do you think we need another Center early?

[Crash]

And then move Pouncey to LG for good? Sure.

I prefer Pouncey at LG. IMO he'd be Alan Faneca all over again.

[supersteeler]

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Would the Steelers be better served solving need through FA and purely getting the best players they can at any position in the draft. I think that's the goal, just not sure it works perfectly

The problem is we don't have the cash to sign anyone thats good in the FA market, unless they sign stumble bums.
I believe they sign their own or as many as they can and the rest through the draft

[Chadman]

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Would the Steelers be better served solving need through FA and purely getting the best players they can at any position in the draft. I think that's the goal, just not sure it works perfectly

The problem is we don't have the cash to sign anyone thats good in the FA market, unless they sign stumble bums.
I believe they sign their own or as many as they can and the rest through the draft

To be fair- not all "Stumble Bums" are equal. For example- the Steelers signing of Brian Rolle... not a big name player, for sure- but at the vet minimum, if he beats out Stevenson Sylvester- that's a good investment.

Will Johnson last year is another example of money well spent.

Or Plaxico.. vet minimum does not always equate to minimum output. They could get Plax back at a very reasonable cost, and he could probably do what Cotchery did for us at $1.5m. That's good investment.

Steelers should look long & hard at Chris Cooley to fill in/take up the slack until Heath is fit.

[8467thekraken]

I'd be happy with a WR at 17. Not sure what kinda grade this years WR draft class is getting, but another weapon for Ben sounds good. A TE is also fine.
A RB, but I would rather not. Unless its a guarantee.

A LB of any kind.

I really hope a kick ass CB is there at 17.
I would be ok with a S as well.

I was against an interior O-Lineman just because we have focused on that with early picks recently. Could say the same for OT(2nd rndrs being an early pick in my book).
Pretty much how I feel with DEs. Especially with D. L. comin back. High picks used on that position recently.

I am cool with a bad ass NT to team with Mcclendon.

I also feel like this team could use a stud that can visibly make an impact. Players get lost in the trenches. But not RBs, WRs/te, CBs/s and LBs. I know its hard to get on the field as a rookie with this defensive system D. L. runs, but we havent used a 1st rnd pick on a CB in a long frickin time. We would be wise to finally take one, especially in this age of football.

I'm fine with having systems in place for drafting, as long as you have the ability to deviate from that system when something comes up. NOT locked in is what I'm sayin.

I dont like being the 3rd best team out of 4.

I am for trading up or down and doing whatever to move out of that position and upward.

[steelz09]

I'd be happy with a WR at 17. Not sure what kinda grade this years WR draft class is getting, but another weapon for Ben sounds good. A TE is also fine.
A RB, but I would rather not. Unless its a guarantee.

A LB of any kind.

I really hope a kick ass CB is there at 17.
I would be ok with a S as well.

I was against an interior O-Lineman just because we have focused on that with early picks recently. Could say the same for OT(2nd rndrs being an early pick in my book).
Pretty much how I feel with DEs. Especially with D. L. comin back. High picks used on that position recently.

I am cool with a bad ass NT to team with Mcclendon.

I also feel like this team could use a stud that can visibly make an impact. Players get lost in the trenches. But not RBs, WRs/te, CBs/s and LBs. I know its hard to get on the field as a rookie with this defensive system D. L. runs, but we havent used a 1st rnd pick on a CB in a long frickin time. We would be wise to finally take one, especially in this age of football.

I'm fine with having systems in place for drafting, as long as you have the ability to deviate from that system when something comes up. NOT locked in is what I'm sayin.

I dont like being the 3rd best team out of 4.

I am for trading up or down and doing whatever to move out of that position and upward.

I agree with everything but TE.

I still am leaning towards Eric Reid. He would see the field immediately in sub packages. I think WR, NT, ILB/OLB are also possibilities.

[bowldog]

WE NEED SPEED, especially on defense and special teams!

[Oviedo]

To be fair- not all "Stumble Bums" are equal. For example- the Steelers signing of Brian Rolle... not a big name player, for sure- but at the vet minimum, if he beats out Stevenson Sylvester- that's a good investment.

Will Johnson last year is another example of money well spent.

Or Plaxico.. vet minimum does not always equate to minimum output. They could get Plax back at a very reasonable cost, and he could probably do what Cotchery did for us at $1.5m. That's good investment.

Steelers should look long & hard at Chris Cooley to fill in/take up the slack until Heath is fit.

Cooley and Miller are completely different types of TEs. Cooley could not do what Heath is asked to do.

[Chadman]

Cooley and Miller are completely different types of TEs. Cooley could not do what Heath is asked to do.

Not suggesting he's a 'complete' TE, Ovi- but he is a pass catching one.

Someone has to make up Miller's 70+ catches- and it won't be Pope.