Gilbert vs Dennard

[SteelCrazy]

I didnt see much of Gilbert, so I cant make a fair assesment of the two. For those that watched both play, whom would you pick on what u have seen, from both, up to this point?

Dont go by who the media has declared the best, but from what you know.

[SidSmythe]

I can't say i've seen a lot of GILBERT but I like DENNARD. GILBERT seems like he has upside b/c of his speed, but DENNARD seems like the better all around CB that would fit great in Pittsburgh

[D Rock]

[url]http://www.planetsteelers.com/forums/showthread.php/42487-Gilbert-vs-Dennard-state-your-case[/url]

you might find some of your answers there

[focosteeler]

Give me Dennard every time. I think Gilbert gets bumped ahead of him because of his combine performance. Sure he has good measurables but the CB skills, I just don't see them. I think Gilbert will be a good ST guy but I don't think he will be as good as Dennard as a Corner. Dennard is/will the better all around player.

[NorthCoast]

This is what the draft analysts had to say about one CB now in the NFL:

Strengths

.... possesses rare height for a corner with enough bulk and speed. Effective when lined up at the line in press man coverage. Uses length well and established sound initial positioning. Flashes the ability to turn and run. Flashes the ability to high-point the football. Willing to help out in run support. Weaknesses

Can be baited out of position when in zone and a tick late to diagnose underneath routes. Tall, high-cut prospect who displays some hip-stiffness. Not explosive when transitioning or when changing direction. Lacks great recovery skills when beaten off the line. Can struggle tacking in the open field at times.

with this description, would you pick the guy in the 1st Rd or a late Rd?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

I'd be thrilled if the Steelers get either one of these two...but from watching them play (and I'll admit, I've seen way more of Dennard), I'd choose Dennard.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

This is what the draft analysts had to say about one CB now in the NFL:



with this description, would you pick the guy in the 1st Rd or a late Rd?

You've piqued my curiosity...I'd rather see him play before making a decision. But what the hay, I'll play along... spend a third-round pick on the dude.

[Shawn]

Dennard is a DB shadow...haven't seen ay of Gilbert. Dennard was the star of one of the best college Ds I have seen in recent years. I believe you probably have a more polished product with Dennard than any DB in this draft...he is a guy who will get early PT in passing packages.

[K Train]

Gilbert is not a special teams prospect lol

Its not his speed alone that gives him immense potential, its ball skills and ability to sink his hips and pivot while playing zone. He could have asante samuel like zone skills in reacting to the ball. Not that Gilbert would be the pick machine in our defense that he was at school but its funny for how frustrated fans get at ike for not getting all the pickzzzz but they want the exact same type of player in Dennard, a CB that can run on the WRs hip and is aware enough to get his head around to "play the ball, not the receiver" and rarely make the interception

Im starting to think neither will be there though

[SteelerOfDeVille]

FWIW, Mayock has now moved Gilbert to #3, behind Fuller...

Wouldn't be totally shocked if he was the Steelers pick.

[K Train]

FWIW, Mayock has now moved Gilbert to #3, behind Fuller...

Wouldn't be totally shocked if he was the Steelers pick.

Mayock is usually pretty good with DBs, but id be very curious to see what he has seen on gilbert the last month to bump him down a spot

[NorthCoast]

You've piqued my curiosity...I'd rather see him play before making a decision. But what the hay, I'll play along... spend a third-round pick on the dude.

Good call, some would say you got yourself the bargain of the draft.

That description was written about Richard Sherman.

[hawaiiansteel]

Time for Steelers to make CB draft priority

APRIL 1, 2014
By Scott Brown

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have not taken a cornerback in the first round of the NFL draft since 1997, often finding players in the middle to late rounds that they developed into serviceable to quality starters.

That changes this year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the Steelers need more help to counter passing attacks that increasingly force teams out of their base defense and demand five or six defensive backs on the field at the same time.

The Steelers addressed safety with their most significant free-agent signing, bringing in Mike Mitchell to replace Ryan Clark at free safety. They also have high hopes for 2013 fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas on the back end of their defense.

The Steelers showed interest in a handful of cornerbacks prior to the start of the free-agent signing period. But the only move they have made at that position is agreeing to a pay cut with Ike Taylor that will bring the 11th-year veteran back for one more season.

Taylor, who turns 34 in May, will help develop the cornerbacks the Steelers select in the draft -- yes, plural. One of those is likely to be Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert or Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard in the first round.

Whether or not the Steelers have their choice between the two players widely considered the top cornerbacks in the draft remains to be seen.

Fourteen teams pick ahead of the Steelers and the Lions at No. 10 are among those who could go with a cornerback in the first round. One thing working in favor of the Steelers is enough teams ahead of them have such an acute need at quarterback that three of four of them could be picked early, pushing higher-rated players down in the draft.

On paper it doesn't seem like the Steelers could go wrong with either Gilbert or Dennard.

[URL]http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=afcnorth&id=78484&src=desktop&wj b[/URL]

[NorthCoast]

Time for Steelers to make CB draft priority

APRIL 1, 2014
By Scott Brown

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have not taken a cornerback in the first round of the NFL draft since 1997, often finding players in the middle to late rounds that they developed into serviceable to quality starters.

That changes this year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the Steelers need more help to counter passing attacks that increasingly force teams out of their base defense and demand five or six defensive backs on the field at the same time.

The Steelers addressed safety with their most significant free-agent signing, bringing in Mike Mitchell to replace Ryan Clark at free safety. They also have high hopes for 2013 fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas on the back end of their defense.

The Steelers showed interest in a handful of cornerbacks prior to the start of the free-agent signing period. But the only move they have made at that position is agreeing to a pay cut with Ike Taylor that will bring the 11th-year veteran back for one more season.

Taylor, who turns 34 in May, will help develop the cornerbacks the Steelers select in the draft -- yes, plural. One of those is likely to be Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert or Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard in the first round.

Whether or not the Steelers have their choice between the two players widely considered the top cornerbacks in the draft remains to be seen.

Fourteen teams pick ahead of the Steelers and the Lions at No. 10 are among those who could go with a cornerback in the first round. One thing working in favor of the Steelers is enough teams ahead of them have such an acute need at quarterback that three of four of them could be picked early, pushing higher-rated players down in the draft.

On paper it doesn't seem like the Steelers could go wrong with either Gilbert or Dennard.

[URL]http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=afcnorth&id=78484&src=desktop&wj b[/URL]

Maybe it's just me, but I think they can't go wrong with Fuller as the pick either. What he might lack in skills, he has outstanding smarts according to some reports. Knowing where to be, when is almost better than pure athletic skill.

[Slapstick]

Maybe it's just me, but I think they can't go wrong with Fuller as the pick either. What he might lack in skills, he has outstanding smarts according to some reports. Knowing where to be, when is almost better than pure athletic skill.

That is what is said about William Gay...