Chance Warmack likely to be there @ 17 when we pick

[feltdizz]

Draft gurus always say the best guy in the draft is someone who goes in the middle of the first?

[hawaiiansteel]

Ed: Another Lineman in 1st Round? Not Likely

TUESDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2013
WRITTEN BY ED BOUCHETTE

Good morning,

Normally, the free agency period would begin Friday, but it kept being pushed back and now it’s almost into the Ides of March. The NFL now wants to push it back even more, push the draft back more, into May, and just stretch this offseason for every single bit of drama it can wring out of it.

Yet, at the same time, the new CBA won’t allow players to work out together at the team’s facility until the middle of April April and then only strength and conditioning coaches can work with the players. The practices, commonly known as OTAs, cannot take place until after the draft and then only 10 are permitted.

The union fought for those rules, not NFL management, because it wanted to limit what was required in the offseason in “voluntary” workouts.

When I first began covering the Steelers for the Post-Gazette, there were no OTAs, no offseason workouts, not even organized weight lifting by the team. Chuck Noll did not believe in it and he detested the fact that some teams paid their players to actually lift weights in a structured environment at their facilities. He could get away with it previously because no NFL teams believed in such an offseason routine. But when others started doing it, the Steelers fell behind; perhaps that is why their record in the 1980s was so dismal.

As more and more put in offseason “voluntary” workouts, other teams had to do it to keep up with the Joneses. It was getting out of hand, however, and the union pushed for rules and then tightened them to where we are today.

Onto some stuff:

--- Kevin Colbert says the Steelers could draft a guard at No. 17, and I believe he believes that because he believes strongly in going with the highest rated prospect – to a point. Kevin also was there when he and Bill Cowher, according to Dan Rooney, wanted to draft a guard in the first round in 2004 and instead Rooney stepped into the conversation and turned it toward the quarterback.

--- To remind those about what the line should look like to open 2013, barring injuries and other foreseen calamaties that often beset them, the Steelers offensive line should look like this from left to right: Marcus Gilbert (2nd round, 2011), Kelvin Beachum (7th round, 2012), Maurkice Pouncey (1st round, 2010), David DeCastro (1st round, 2012), Mike Adams (2nd round, 2012). After ignoring the offensive line high in the draft for a decade, the Steelers have poured 67 percent of their top two draft picks into it the past three years. They can stop now.

--- They better get some wide receivers and a lead running back or that offensive line will have no one to block for.

--- The Steelers have drafted five linemen in their six picks in the first two rounds the past three years, counting defensive end Cam Heyward. The only player in the top two rounds not a lineman was linebacker Jason Worilds, picked in the second round in 2010.

--- Ziggy Hood, their top selection in 2009, enters the final year of his contract. Typically, this is the year they would try to sign him to a new one, before the start of the season. Will they?

--- Worilds also enters the final year of his contract. If they believe he is the heir apparent to James Harrison, shouldn’t they try to extend him now?

--- The Steelers have been spot on for the most part in keeping the young players they want to keep, but that is about to end as both Mike Wallace and, perhaps Keenan Lewis, head elsewhere as unrestricted free agents. Some might lump Rashard Mendenhall in there as well.

--- The last young free agents the Steelers lost who they really would have preferred to keep were safety Chris Hope and receiver Antwaan Randle El in 2006 and receiver Nate Washington in 2009.

--- If Doug Legursky leaves as a free agent, John Malecki will take his place as the backup center/guard.

[URL]http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/pro-sports/steelers/120019-ed-another-lineman-in-1st-round-not-likely[/URL]

[supersteeler]

--- They better get some wide receivers and a lead running back or that offensive line will have no one to block for.


[URL]http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/pro-sports/steelers/120019-ed-another-lineman-in-1st-round-not-likely[/URL][/QUOTE]


We all understand we'll need a feature back and receiver and I'm sure the Steelers will address that in the draft, but it works both ways you need a solid line for the back to run with consistency.
I'm for taking the BPA no matter what position, as the article stated we better get a back & receiver but I don't see an Adrian peterson in the draft to pick in round one.

I've been a supporter of drafting Warmack as everyone knows, I think he would be the best player on the board if he was there @17, so if the Steelers want the next Alan Fanaca they would have that opportunity. It's not only that, losing Colon, Foster thins our O-line out, then with Starks leaving we are really thined out. What happens if injuries occur again? We have Malecki as the only signed O-lineman and he plays guard only. Even if we sign Legursky we are still thin on that line especially at Tackle where Warmack could probably play in an emergency situation Legursky surely couldn't play tackle.

I know most of you have a favorite player in mind when we pick, but would any of you be disappointed if we did indeed draft Warmack? Please don't bring up we already invested in the line, just ask yourself if you would be disappointed.
For me I want my first round pick to be a dominate player even if he doesn't start right away, we could have both with Warmack a starter and dominate at his position.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

I would be disappointed with Warmack or Cooper for that matter. Nothing against them as players. I also think the Steelers would hope not to be put in that situation. If they are there at #17 and no OLB or WR that grade out is on the board....They can't get out....Warmack is the highest rated player left and they select him....I would understand.
But I still would be disappointed.

[Oviedo]

I would be disappointed with Warmack or Cooper for that matter. Nothing against them as players. I also think the Steelers would hope not to be put in that situation. If they are there at #17 and no OLB or WR that grade out is on the board....They can't get out....Warmack is the highest rated player left and they select him....I would understand.
But I still would be disappointed.

Not sure I would be disappointed drafting Warmack at #17 when he could be the best OL you have on the team by the end of his rookie year if not sooner. That give you alot of flexibility going forward in negotiations with guys as they are looking at their second contracts.

[pfelix73]

Sorry, but this guy is NO Alan Faneca, imo. No way he can pull like Alan could. No way, he's too big.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Not sure I would be disappointed drafting Warmack at #17 when he could be the best OL you have on the team by the end of his rookie year if not sooner. That give you alot of flexibility going forward in negotiations with guys as they are looking at their second contracts.

He may or may not be better than Pouncey & Decastro. He would have to play some in the NFL before you crown him anything wouldn't you think? Would the OL be better with him? Absolutely! Would that help the 40% of offensive production (In a productive season) we could lose through FA? May help some but he wouldn't be the biggest contributer in a given scenario. If Warmack is there and no WR or OLB and we can't trade out...I would undrstand. BPA. I would be disappointed until Warmack shows me he could make a difference.

He looks great on tape. He labored significantly at the combine. Maybe he was sick or out of shape. He didn't look like a 1st rounder running through position drills. Little concerned but that doesn't hurt him that much. D Moore had the same combine. I went back and watched more of each and still came away with the same feelings.

[supersteeler]

Sorry, but this guy is NO Alan Faneca, imo. No way he can pull like Alan could. No way, he's too big.

Maybe so pfelix, but when he pancakes defenders you'll see similar results with the defender on the ground and no one to touch the back.

[Oviedo]

He may or may not be better than Pouncey & Decastro. He would have to play some in the NFL before you crown him anything wouldn't you think? Would the OL be better with him? Absolutely! Would that help the 40% of offensive production (In a productive season) we could lose through FA? May help some but he wouldn't be the biggest contributer in a given scenario. If Warmack is there and no WR or OLB and we can't trade out...I would undrstand. BPA. I would be disappointed until Warmack shows me he could make a difference.

He looks great on tape. He labored significantly at the combine. Maybe he was sick or out of shape. He didn't look like a 1st rounder running through position drills. Little concerned but that doesn't hurt him that much. D Moore had the same combine. I went back and watched more of each and still came away with the same feelings.

I buy a WR might be a good alternative but no way do I buy that for an OLB who won't see significant time on the field for two years. This team will be radically different in two years.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

I buy a WR might be a good alternative but no way do I buy that for an OLB who won't see significant time on the field for two years. This team will be radically different in two years.

I agree with you as far as an OLB not seeing the field. Unfortunately it seems the FO draft guys on the defensive side of the ball without and regard to when they see the field. I hope it changes but we don't control that.

[RuthlessBurgher]

They better get some wide receivers and a lead running back or that offensive line will have no one to block for

Whereas there are 5 elite OL prospects worthy of being selected in the top half of the first round of this draft (Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Lane Johnson at tackle, and Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper at guard), the strength of the wideout and running back class in on day two of the draft, not day one.

The only wideouts with a solid first round grade right now are Cordarelle Patterson and Tavon Austin, and both have question marks (Patterson could be an athletic freak in the Julio Jones mold, but he has only one year of major college experience, and Austin could be an athletic freak in the Percy Harvin mold, but he is ridiculously undersized). The only first round rated RB right now is Eddie Lacy, but how much of his production a factor of running behind what would be a pretty darn good NFL o-line featuring the likes of Chance Warmack, D.J. Fluker, Barrett Jones, etc.

Wideouts who may be available on day 2 include Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, Terrence Williams, Justin Hunter, Robert Woods, Quinton Patton, Markus Wheaton, Da'Rick Rogers, Aaron Dobson, Marquis Goodwin, Ryan Swope, and Stedman Bailey. Running backs who may be available on day 2 include Giovanni Bernard, Joseph Randle, Montee Ball, Jonathan Franklin, Stepfan Taylor, Andre Ellington, and Christine Michael.

Even though we did use two first rounders and two second rounders recently on the OL, I think OL would be a BPA pick yet again if we decide to go offense in round 1. That said, I also see an abundance of early first round pass rushers this year as well, so I think it is more likely that we go defense if any of the pass rushers fall to us (Jarvis Jones, DaMontre Moore, Bjoern Werner, Dion Jordan, Ezekiel Ansah, or Barkevious Mingo).

[Dee Dub]

Whereas there are 5 elite OL prospects worthy of being selected in the top half of the first round of this draft (Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Lane Johnson at tackle, and Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper at guard), the strength of the wideout and running back class in on day two of the draft, not day one.

The only wideouts with a solid first round grade right now are Cordarelle Patterson and Tavon Austin, and both have question marks (Patterson could be an athletic freak in the Julio Jones mold, but he has only one year of major college experience, and Austin could be an athletic freak in the Percy Harvin mold, but he is ridiculously undersized). The only first round rated RB right now is Eddie Lacy, but how much of his production a factor of running behind what would be a pretty darn good NFL o-line featuring the likes of Chance Warmack, D.J. Fluker, Barrett Jones, etc.

Wideouts who may be available on day 2 include Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, Terrence Williams, Justin Hunter, Robert Woods, Quinton Patton, Markus Wheaton, Da'Rick Rogers, Aaron Dobson, Marquis Goodwin, Ryan Swope, and Stedman Bailey. Running backs who may be available on day 2 include Giovanni Bernard, Joseph Randle, Montee Ball, Jonathan Franklin, Stepfan Taylor, Andre Ellington, and Christine Michael.

Even though we did use two first rounders and two second rounders recently on the OL, I think OL would be a BPA pick yet again if we decide to go offense in round 1. That said, I also see an abundance of early first round pass rushers this year as well, so I think it is more likely that we go defense if any of the pass rushers fall to us (Jarvis Jones, DaMontre Moore, Bjoern Werner, Dion Jordan, Ezekiel Ansah, or Barkevious Mingo).

Excellent post! I agree. As much as I would love to have Jarvis Jones at 17 I just dont see it happening. I can not see him getting past Cleveland at 6. I think the concerns about his health during the Combine week was trumped up by teams wanting him to fall. He is just too good and can play from day one. I do see Demontre Moore falling now. But he wont play much for a while (moving to 3-4 OLB), And Mingo is a freak but put on the tape and you just dont see that much of it translating into on-field performance. So like you have said in your post, I think a Jonathan Cooper may be the best pick overall for the Steelers at 17. But I sure hope you are right about Jarvis Jones. Oh how I would love that.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Whereas there are 5 elite OL prospects worthy of being selected in the top half of the first round of this draft (Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Lane Johnson at tackle, and Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper at guard), the strength of the wideout and running back class in on day two of the draft, not day one.

The only wideouts with a solid first round grade right now are Cordarelle Patterson and Tavon Austin, and both have question marks (Patterson could be an athletic freak in the Julio Jones mold, but he has only one year of major college experience, and Austin could be an athletic freak in the Percy Harvin mold, but he is ridiculously undersized). The only first round rated RB right now is Eddie Lacy, but how much of his production a factor of running behind what would be a pretty darn good NFL o-line featuring the likes of Chance Warmack, D.J. Fluker, Barrett Jones, etc.

Wideouts who may be available on day 2 include Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, Terrence Williams, Justin Hunter, Robert Woods, Quinton Patton, Markus Wheaton, Da'Rick Rogers, Aaron Dobson, Marquis Goodwin, Ryan Swope, and Stedman Bailey. Running backs who may be available on day 2 include Giovanni Bernard, Joseph Randle, Montee Ball, Jonathan Franklin, Stepfan Taylor, Andre Ellington, and Christine Michael.

Even though we did use two first rounders and two second rounders recently on the OL, I think OL would be a BPA pick yet again if we decide to go offense in round 1. That said, I also see an abundance of early first round pass rushers this year as well, so I think it is more likely that we go defense if any of the pass rushers fall to us (Jarvis Jones, DaMontre Moore, Bjoern Werner, Dion Jordan, Ezekiel Ansah, or Barkevious Mingo).

Deep WR class. Terrible RB class. I would only take 1 WR round 1 & that is Patterson. I wouldn't take any RBs round 1. OL may be BPA and could be the pick if they can't trade out.

There is a possibilty Moore could fall to #17. If he can run in the 4.7's at his proday and get close to 20 reps (Like he said he did during training) he may be gone.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Excellent post! I agree. As much as I would love to have Jarvis Jones at 17 I just dont see it happening. I can not see him getting past Cleveland at 6. I think the concerns about his health during the Combine week was trumped up by teams wanting him to fall. He is just too good and can play from day one. I do see Demontre Moore falling now. But he wont play much for a while (moving to 3-4 OLB), And Mingo is a freak but put on the tape and you just dont see that much of it translating into on-field performance. So like you have said in your post, I think a Jonathan Cooper may be the best pick overall for the Steelers at 17. But I sure hope you are right about Jarvis Jones. Oh how I would love that.

FYI on Jones. His medical checked out GOOD. Teams will be getting the letters. I think he is gone now.

There is no reason to think Jones and Moore can see the field at the same time.

[Dee Dub]

FYI on Jones. His medical checked out GOOD. Teams will be getting the letters. I think he is gone now.

There is no reason to think Jones and Moore can see the field at the same time.

Yeah I know but his medical checked out good 3 years ago.