10 Things about the draft you probably don't know

[Sugar]

If Lewis leaves, who will play at CB while Xavier Rhodes has to sit through his redshirt season to learn Lebeau's system? It's a prerequisite to play on this defense right? No mere mortal can start year one in this defense.

They can start if they are better than what's already there.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

But, that's the point... I think that's why you see Jarvis in so many mocks... I've seen a few "expert" mocks that say "dumb groupthink on his injury will cause Jarvis to fall"... stranger things have happened



Funny, that was one of the things i totally agreed with him on. Considering the dink and dunk offense the team has gone to, I think a is very little chance. Look at how little used Wallace was in this offense... taking a guy for THAT role/production would be be so far down on the list of needs... especially when there are always servicable (and cheap) dink-and-dunk WRs available (see: Jericho Cotchery).

Basically, they need OLB, ILB, NT, RB, OG, WR, in that order... it's possible, but, i give a 5% chance. I'd say we're looking at 75% chance that it'll be LB or NT...

Being that there is NO 3-4 OLB that will see the field day 1...I would say no to OLB in the 1st. That includes Jones & Moore. There is no ILB worthy of #17. I do not believe the Steelers are concerned about the NT position. There is no RB worthy of 17. If Colon truely is in the plans for 2013, G won't be that high. If they sign a FA WR...WR will not be that high.

Lots of "Ifs" that nobody but the Steelers have the answers to.
Going into the draft...The Steelers biggest need if the retain Lewis, Foote, & all their RFA: RB, WR, TE, S, OLB, G, & ILB. That order. RB, WR, & TE are first because the will need production in those areas in 2013. S, OLB, G, & ILB are for 2014 & depth. That is on the outside looking in. Their feeling on Worilds could change that. If Colon is a planned June 1st cut that could make G a higher priority. If Foote is viewed as depth & insurance they may view ILB as a larger need. Just because they are ranked that way doesn't mean they get drafted that way. I am not implying that by no means. But if a need fits a grade & he is BPA...You make the pick.

As far as the dink & dunk offense. Many are mistaking the "dink & dunk" label. That was given in to comparison to BA vertical attack. Wallace's presence on the field had more of an impact on the "dink & dunk" offense than some give credit to. Haley's offense is designed to get the ball out of the QBs hands quicker with intermediate & timing patterns. Also designed to have more TE & RB patterns for dump offs and hot reads. The vertical guy is still necessary to stretch the S and create space underneath. Wallace was targeted more in 2012. Wallace had more drops in 2012. Wallace played one less game in 2012 than in 2011 and came up 8 catches short. His YPC was down as was AB's. How bad was it though? Wallace & Brown's TDs went up. BB's rating & TDs went up while his sacks came down. So what is more important YPC & Total yards or Scoring & efficiency? Haley attributes Efficiency to scoring not total yards & averages. Combine that with a solid run game...It is a good theory. The Steelers need to get the run game where it should be.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

If Lewis leaves, who will play at CB while Xavier Rhodes has to sit through his redshirt season to learn Lebeau's system? It's a prerequisite to play on this defense right? No mere mortal can start year one in this defense.

See Allen & Gay as #2 & #3. Rhodes will make his way into the sub packages and be ready to start in 2014 when they release Taylor.

[phillyesq]

I think Steelers draft pick is Jonathan Hankins if he is available at 1.17 and there are no pass-rusher available.

Dick Lebeau was there on his pro-day and Steelers like tOSU players. It seems Steelers don't value Steve McClendon much. This pick will change if Steve is signed long term.

Ugh, I hope not. I'm not a fan of tOSU, and the last 2 first rounders the Steelers got from their both ended up with attitude issues (have read in a few places that Heyward is not well liked, and of course Holmes)...

[Dee Dub]

To keep in mind as you are doing your mock sigs.


1) Jarvis Jones will ABSOLUTELY be a top 12 pick.
2) Gavin Escobar will be a top 40 pick and go before Ertz.
3) Eddie Lacy will be a first round RB
4) Ziggy Ansah will be a top 8 pick
5) Jake Stoneburner will not make it out of the 5th round.
6) The Sinkfield kid ran all his times in the 4.33 range and should go undrafted, he is not a good FB player.
7) Johnathan Cooper or Chance Warmack will be available at 1/17.
There will be plenty of NT's available for the Steelers 2nd round pick.
9) Zero chance the Steelers draft a WR in round 1. (Even if Patterson is there)
10) Travis Kelce will not be on the Steelers draft board.

I think you are missing the biggest one of all....

Matt Barkley is going to woo scouts at his pro day and he will jump into the top 10. And many who thought there were questions about his arm strength are going to be very surprised at what they see.

[thor75]

Ugh, I hope not. I'm not a fan of tOSU, and the last 2 first rounders the Steelers got from their both ended up with attitude issues (have read in a few places that Heyward is not well liked, and of course Holmes)...

I agree, I have been hesitant on OSU players as well recently. Maybe defensive line coach Mike Vrabel will turn that around for the d-lineman, this will be his 2nd or 3rd year at that position. I would rather go corner for our first pick.

[Chadman]

If Lewis leaves, who will play at CB while Xavier Rhodes has to sit through his redshirt season to learn Lebeau's system? It's a prerequisite to play on this defense right? No mere mortal can start year one in this defense.

Ike Taylor & Cortez Allen...

[NJ-STEELER]

9. they would be stupid to take WR off the board in round 1

[Chadman]

9. they would be stupid to take WR off the board in round 1

Not so sure. The Steelers have 2 young players in place at WR. Drafting another high would potentially mean just 'giving up' on Sanders. Not convinced the Steelers are ready to do that.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

Not so sure. The Steelers have 2 young players in place at WR. Drafting another high would potentially mean just 'giving up' on Sanders. Not convinced the Steelers are ready to do that.

not sure I agree chadman.

neither brown or sanders have the tools to be a true #1, IMO.

[NJ-STEELER]

i doubt sanders could be a quality #2

at least on a winning team


grab a true #1 and those 2 are then slated what they are meant to be (AB) #2.....(ES) #3

[Eddie Spaghetti]

i doubt sanders could be a quality #2

at least on a winning team


grab a true #1 and those 2 are then slated what they are meant to be (AB) #2.....(ES) #3

agree.

I see no reason why a WR won't be considered in the 1st.

[supersteeler]

Draft Eifert and you get a WR and TE all rolled into one, the kid catches everything in sight and could be a starter on the steelers offense until Heath returns then you have two great pass catching TE''S and a additional weapon in the REDZONE.