Steelers will draft 15th in round 1.

[NJ-STEELER]

well, hopefully the FO had a look at the colts/indy game

with a dominant nose tackle in poe. the colts lit them up for 45 points. and thats with hali, houston, berry and flowers rounding out their defense.
more and more rules are geared towards the offensive side of the ball and passing in particular.
if they go defense in the 1st they need to go in the secondary. need speed and talent to try and keep up with this trend.

[feltdizz]

well, hopefully the FO had a look at the colts/indy game

with a dominant nose tackle in poe. the colts lit them up for 45 points. and thats with hali, houston, berry and flowers rounding out their defense.
more and more rules are geared towards the offensive side of the ball and passing in particular.
if they go defense in the 1st they need to go in the secondary. need speed and talent to try and keep up with this trend.

That makes no sense. KC had a ton of injuriesin the second half and stopped putting pressure on Luck.

All that game showed is KC made a mistake by resting their starters... too many injuries late in the game.

Up 28 its time to grind clock.... they didn't lose because of Poe, they lost because of Andy Reid and the typical KC choke job.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

how in the world does resting starters last week cause injuries late in this game?

that's ridiculous and asinine

[Ernie]

I'm with you on the KC choke job. It's the mark of the losing program. How do you start out 9-0 then fall off the face of the planet like the Chiefs did? I think they lost 6 of their last 8 or something like that.

[feltdizz]

how in the world does resting starters last week cause injuries late in this game?

that's ridiculous and asinine

Go to bed....

[feltdizz]

I'm with you on the KC choke job. It's the mark of the losing program. How do you start out 9-0 then fall off the face of the planet like the Chiefs did? I think they lost 6 of their last 8 or something like that.

Someone pointed out that 8 of those first 9 wins were against bad teams withlosing records.

Jacksonville
Dallas
Oakland
Giants
Houston
Tenn
Clev
Philly

Philly rebounded but most of those teams were subpar

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

J-P-N,
You didn't answer a previous question I had, though I suspect that you've answered it with your comment above? McLendon as a Steeler NT.

To me, McLendon seems to have a lot of what is needed. The talent (large size), and the mentality (grunt mentality) to succeed. As to your comment about hands, I do often McLendon using his telephone pole-like arms/hands well. I'm also going to guess that he lacks awareness? What is your bottom line on McLendon as a Steeler NT.

Sorry Shoe. I was happy with McClendon at NT. Nobody will mistake him as Hampton but he does a very good job. He brings things to the table that Hampton didn't but he isn't going to draw the amount of double teams Hampton did in his prime. That being said...I think he is true situational/rotation NT. He will be 29 next year so I don't know if you can label him as long term solution. He is a valuable body to have because of his flexibility.

Here's my opinion on the NT debate. Nix will more than likely be there at #15. I personally don't think he is Top 25 talent. I also don't think the NT position warrants 1st round consideration based on his talent. The true NT in a 3-4 is becoming a "situational" player. That is just the evolution of the game. The bulk of the snaps are coming when the defense is playing from behind or redzone. If I was the FO, I would look at signing a Terrance Cody, Cam Thomas, or Earl Mitchell type.

The bigger problem on the Defense is on the back end & I don't have those bodies there at #15 either yet. Of course Nix in the line-up would be an upgrade but I see that pick being used in other areas that will have a bigger impact. Can't pick @ #15 because of need & I think NT, CB, & S would all be reaches at #15. Dennard, Nix, & Gilbert are the three players closest for consideration...But I couldn't pull the trigger on any of them yet.

[Oviedo]

Sorry Shoe. I was happy with McClendon at NT. Nobody will mistake him as Hampton but he does a very good job. He brings things to the table that Hampton didn't but he isn't going to draw the amount of double teams Hampton did in his prime. That being said...I think he is true situational/rotation NT. He will be 29 next year so I don't know if you can label him as long term solution. He is a valuable body to have because of his flexibility.

Here's my opinion on the NT debate. Nix will more than likely be there at #15. I personally don't think he is Top 25 talent. I also don't think the NT position warrants 1st round consideration based on his talent. The true NT in a 3-4 is becoming a "situational" player. That is just the evolution of the game. The bulk of the snaps are coming when the defense is playing from behind or redzone. If I was the FO, I would look at signing a Terrance Cody, Cam Thomas, or Earl Mitchell type.

The bigger problem on the Defense is on the back end & I don't have those bodies there at #15 either yet. Of course Nix in the line-up would be an upgrade but I see that pick being used in other areas that will have a bigger impact. Can't pick @ #15 because of need & I think NT, CB, & S would all be reaches at #15. Dennard, Nix, & Gilbert are the three players closest for consideration...But I couldn't pull the trigger on any of them yet.

Good assessment. IMO, the players you are going to see at #15 that are ranked in that area are going to offensive players. We should not shy away from taking them.

I totally agree with you on a NT in Round 1. There are some solid NT options later in the draft. Given that we already have McLendon and Fangupo on the roster I'm not sure using a #15 for a NT makes a whole bunch of sense given other ways we can bring in a player who will make an impact. #15 is a pretty high pick for us.

JPN--BTW--Has Amaro the TE from Texas Tech (?) declared? Thoughts on where he will rank?

[Oviedo]

From "Behind the Steel Curtain." Highlighted areas really hit my thoughts on the subject.

Does the thought of drafting what's essentially become a two-down player in today's NFL scare you?

If the answer is yes, do not read any further.

NFL Draft Geek has mocked Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix III to the Steelers with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Let the controversy ensue.

Fact: The Steelers had the 21st ranked rush defense in the NFL in the 2014 season. Fact: The Steelers have seen their nickel back on the field on at least twice as many snaps as their nose tackle over the last five years, at least.
Drafting a player who simply doesn't play often (base defenses are currently undergoing a redefinition across the league) at the 15th overall spot could be seen by some as detrimental to the idea of growth, not to mention Steve McLendon fits more of the mold of a guy who could be on the field more than two downs - just not at the nose tackle position.

Nix appears to be an outstanding athlete, showing quickness not often seen in a player his size. But he won't have another position on the defensive line.
We'll leave it to you to debate on this glorious Mock Draft Monday. Is a nose tackle worth the 15th overall pick, considering the shoddy state of the Steelers' run defense, but knowing he would likely only play in the base defense on first and second downs, as well as short-yardage situations?

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Good assessment. IMO, the players you are going to see at #15 that are ranked in that area are going to offensive players. We should not shy away from taking them.

I totally agree with you on a NT in Round 1. There are some solid NT options later in the draft. Given that we already have McLendon and Fangupo on the roster I'm not sure using a #15 for a NT makes a whole bunch of sense given other ways we can bring in a player who will make an impact. #15 is a pretty high pick for us.

JPN--BTW--Has Amaro the TE from Texas Tech (?) declared? Thoughts on where he will rank?

I saw where he declared. Funny thing is...He is 2nd on my list. I think he will end up in the Top 20 through the process. He would be a very good weapon here with Miller still around for 2-3 years. He would give the Steelers the flex TE with Miller inline. There's the 12 personnel package that seems to be the lethal package developing around the league. That allows Amaro time to get stronger for a more visible role as an inline blocker down the road while getting immediate contributions out of a 1st round selection.

After tonights FSU-Auburn game...My 1st round trade down of KB might make more sense. I expect him to declare. Problem is...After tonight & the combine...He may be a Top 20 talent too.

[hawaiiansteel]

2014 NFL Mock Draft: Another vote for Louis Nix III

By Neal Coolong on Jan 6 2014



What is the value of today's nose tackle? Many expect the Steelers to value it highly enough to use the 15th overall pick in the draft on it.

Does the thought of drafting what's essentially become a two-down player in today's NFL scare you?

If the answer is yes, do not read any further.

NFL Draft Geek has mocked Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix III to the Steelers with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Let the controversy ensue.

Fact: The Steelers had the 21st ranked rush defense in the NFL in the 2014 season. Fact: The Steelers have seen their nickel back on the field on at least twice as many snaps as their nose tackle over the last five years, at least.

Drafting a player who simply doesn't play often (base defenses are currently undergoing a redefinition across the league) at the 15th overall spot could be seen by some as detrimental to the idea of growth, not to mention Steve McLendon fits more of the mold of a guy who could be on the field more than two downs - just not at the nose tackle position.

Nix appears to be an outstanding athlete, showing quickness not often seen in a player his size. But he won't have another position on the defensive line.

We'll leave it to you to debate on this glorious Mock Draft Monday. Is a nose tackle worth the 15th overall pick, considering the shoddy state of the Steelers' run defense, but knowing he would likely only play in the base defense on first and second downs, as well as short-yardage situations?

[URL]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014-nfl-draft/2014/1/6/5279258/2014-nfl-mock-draft-steelers-louis-nix[/URL]

[Dee Dub]

2014 NFL Mock Draft: Another vote for Louis Nix III

By Neal Coolong on Jan 6 2014



What is the value of today's nose tackle? Many expect the Steelers to value it highly enough to use the 15th overall pick in the draft on it.

Does the thought of drafting what's essentially become a two-down player in today's NFL scare you?

If the answer is yes, do not read any further.

NFL Draft Geek has mocked Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix III to the Steelers with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Let the controversy ensue.

Fact: The Steelers had the 21st ranked rush defense in the NFL in the 2014 season. Fact: The Steelers have seen their nickel back on the field on at least twice as many snaps as their nose tackle over the last five years, at least.

Drafting a player who simply doesn't play often (base defenses are currently undergoing a redefinition across the league) at the 15th overall spot could be seen by some as detrimental to the idea of growth, not to mention Steve McLendon fits more of the mold of a guy who could be on the field more than two downs - just not at the nose tackle position.

Nix appears to be an outstanding athlete, showing quickness not often seen in a player his size. But he won't have another position on the defensive line.

We'll leave it to you to debate on this glorious Mock Draft Monday. Is a nose tackle worth the 15th overall pick, considering the shoddy state of the Steelers' run defense, but knowing he would likely only play in the base defense on first and second downs, as well as short-yardage situations?

[URL]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014-nfl-draft/2014/1/6/5279258/2014-nfl-mock-draft-steelers-louis-nix[/URL]

4 things...

1--I would be shocked if Nix is still on the board at 15
2--From the above article, Fact: The Steelers have seen their nickel back on the field on at least twice as many snaps as their nose tackle over the last five years, at least. How can that be? That would mean their NT is only on the field 1 down per opponents procession.

3--To me, the biggest value of having Nix at NT to the Steelers could be what he does for Cameron Heyward. Right now, Heyward is the only lineman who would garner a double team. With Nix Inside next to him, that wont ever happen. Think about that.

4--NFL Draft Geek? What are his credentials? My bet, just a fan like all of us here.

[hawaiiansteel]

Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 1.8.14

PeteFromPeters: Gerry, I know it's foolhardy to compare potential draft picks this early, but...Why the outrageous love for A&M's Mike Evans? He's only 2 inches taller than PSU's Allen Robinson, and about 1/10 as athletic. I'm not sure either is a first rounder, but in my opinion, Robinosn is superiur. Any thoughts? I ask because I'd like to see Pgh take a WR in Rd 1.

Gerry Dulac: Well, I think you pointed up the main reason -- Mike Evans is 2 inches taller. Look, I Ilike Allen Robinson too, he's very athletic with great body control and has good size. But if the Steelers can get a 6-foot-5, 225-pound wide receiver who is a former basketball player, then that's what I'm taking.

I've stated on many instances I think the Steelers need to take a tall receiver in the first round. Especially when they have the 15th pick.

[URL]http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/01/08/Gerry-Dulac-s-Steelers-chat-transcript-1-8-14/stories/2014010801310000000#ixzz2pq3TeDQL[/URL]