Shawn's First Mock

[Shawn]

I know, I know…the body isn't even cold yet. Much to the chagrin of mock draft haters…I'm putting out my first. Have already watched much game film and I think I have found a few guys who look like Steelers. Keep in mind I don't know what our exact draft picks will be.

1st Round- Dante Fowler-OLB Florida-I think the Steelers kinda surprise fans who believe they will go safety or DB in the first with OLB. It appears the Steelers will be drafting 22nd which should be right in line with snatching up this big, fast, disruptive and versatile playmaker on the outside. There are many things to like about this guy but what jumped out to me on film was his ability to diagnose plays and not be fooled by trickery. He holds the point and makes plays. He is disruptive in the pass rush. He is big enough to handle OTs in the NFL. I believe this guy has some serious potential.

2nd Round- Derron Smith-FS Fresno State-The Steelers faithful take a sigh of relief when they go FS in the second. Wow, do I like this guy. He is a ball hawk, strong tackler, physical, can cover and terrific in run support when called upon. He is being compared to Earl Thomas.

3rd Round- Doran Grant-DB tOSU- Back to back secondary the Steelers grab a guy who has quietly had a terrific season for the Buckeyes. He is known for work ethic and leadership. His game is solid. He can cover, has good hands, solid tackler. I don't see many holes in his game. He will fall to the third because he won't run a 4.3, he isn't 6 foot+…but he has more than enough athletic ability to be a solid DB at the next level.

4th Round-Jeff Heuerman-TE- This is as close to a Heath Miller type that they have in the draft. High character, lunch pail TE who has enough speed to split out, and enough blocking skills to take on big time pass rushers. His hands are solid, his routes above average, his blocking good but will get better with some minor tweaks to his technique. Slim pickings at TE this year but I think the Steelers find a gem in the 4th. With that said, if the Steelers wait a year or two that TE out of Minnesota is going to be special.

5th Round-Malcom Brown-RB Texas- I really like this guy…big bruising back with soft hands. This guy moves piles, breaks arm tackles with ease. He is one cut, no nonsense power back who was considered the best back in the country coming out of high school. He reminds me so much of Jeremy Hill. I seen both their college film and it's like they are the same player. My only question with Brown is his speed. He appears to me to be a high 4.6 guy. I would guess him at a 4.68 by his film. If he runs faster than that he might not make it to the 5th.

6th Round- Jameon Lewis-WR/KR Mississipi State- I know I know…another small WR/PR…a slower one at that. But, this guy produced in the SEC. He isn't going to run a 4.3 but man is this guy quick, and let me tell you his vision is elite. He is a tough kid who is stronger than his size would indicate. He is fully capable of breaking tackles, making tough catches from the slot…moving chains and breaking a few.

7th Round- Connor Halliday-Let the hisses and boo's begin as the Steelers draft a QB in the 7th. We all know college numbers don't mean squat. But, this guy put up video game numbers. I guess what jumped out on film to me was his pocket awareness. The guy moves so well in the pocket…he doesn't seem to feel heat, is a big time gamer, competitive and can make all the throws. He is fast enough to scramble as well. My main question with this guy is some of his throws lacked zip. His mechanics seem a touch odd to me. But, reports say he can throw 60 yards and does indeed have enough arm for the next level.

[pfelix73]

Only Gator I like is that CB. Fowler didn't stand out to me when they just played my alma mater over the weekend... then again, I was on my way to Pitt during the 2nd half.

[B&GinNC]

Dante Fowler is a stud, make no mistake. He's an OLB in the mold of LaMarr Woodley with a far superior motor and better attitude. I'll be surprised if he gets to us at 22 because he's versatile enough to play 3 - 4 OLB or 4 - 3 DE at 270#. He had significant impact in the FSU game.

FWIW, Hargreaves was a 5 star out of high school, the #3 overall recruit in the country two years ago. He'll be a top 10 pick next year.

[hawaiiansteel]

Only Gator I like is that CB. Fowler didn't stand out to me when they just played my alma mater over the weekend...

you weren't impressed by the 3 sacks Dante Fowler registered in the bowl game?

Gator Dante Fowler Jr. dominates bowl game, savors final UF victory

By Jordan McPherson, Orlando Sentinel Correspondent
January 3, 2015



BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Dante Fowler took time after Florida's 28-20 Birmingham Bowl win against East Carolina to soak in everything.

It marked his last time in a Florida jersey, his last time playing in front of a crowd of Gator fans and, most important to him, his last time playing with his UF teammates.

And to Fowler, he could not have gone out in a better fashion.

"This is it: going out with a 'W' and celebrating with my teammates and my coaches that I came in with. . . . I feel like this was the best decision I ever made," Fowler said. "And it is. I was fortunate enough to do great things here and that let me be able to go to the next level."

The junior defensive end finished the game with a career-high three sacks to go along with two quarterback hurries and a fourth-quarter pass deflection.

"Dante was disruptive in the backfield all day long," interim UF head coach D.J. Durkin said.

But for Durkin, who was one of Fowler's recruiters, Fowler's play on the field is just an added bonus.

"For a guy in this situation to go out and do what he did and play how he played, I can't say more about this guy's character. It's pretty amazing." Durkin said. "If you talk about a great teammate, great person and great football player — that's No. 6."

Fowler finished his final season with the Gators with a career-high 60 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks — two-and-a-half more than teammate and friend Alex McCalister.

"Our job is to compete to see who is going to get to the quarterback first," Fowler said. "Or who's going to meet each other at the quarterback first. So whenever I've got a guy like Alex that's as great of a pass rusher and me being able to do what I can do, that's always great."

When Fowler walked into the interview room at Legion Field following the game, he was the only one of UF's four players who spoke with the media who was still wearing his jersey.

To him, it was too soon to take it off.

But with the last question asked to him, Fowler made one promise.

"Once I take this jersey off," Fowler said, "it's coming with me."

[url]http://touch.orlandosentinel.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-82451606/[/url]

[Shawn]

Dante Fowler is a stud, make no mistake. He's an OLB in the mold of LaMarr Woodley with a far superior motor and better attitude. I'll be surprised if he gets to us at 22 because he's versatile enough to play 3 - 4 OLB or 4 - 3 DE at 270#. He had significant impact in the FSU game.

FWIW, Hargreaves was a 5 star out of high school, the #3 overall recruit in the country two years ago. He'll be a top 10 pick next year.

You may very well be gone...CBS has him as the 14th best talent in the draft. I believe this is the guy if he makes it to 22.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

You may very well be gone...CBS has him as the 14th best talent in the draft. I believe this is the guy if he makes it to 22.

You got one right. lol
Actually, I had 3 of the same before I changed...Fowler, Heurman, & Brown. Change it up with some new declares. Like your draft though.

[pfelix73]

you weren't impressed by the 3 sacks Dante Fowler registered in the bowl game?

Gator Dante Fowler Jr. dominates bowl game, savors final UF victory

By Jordan McPherson, Orlando Sentinel Correspondent
January 3, 2015



BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Dante Fowler took time after Florida's 28-20 Birmingham Bowl win against East Carolina to soak in everything.

It marked his last time in a Florida jersey, his last time playing in front of a crowd of Gator fans and, most important to him, his last time playing with his UF teammates.

And to Fowler, he could not have gone out in a better fashion.

"This is it: going out with a 'W' and celebrating with my teammates and my coaches that I came in with. . . . I feel like this was the best decision I ever made," Fowler said. "And it is. I was fortunate enough to do great things here and that let me be able to go to the next level."

The junior defensive end finished the game with a career-high three sacks to go along with two quarterback hurries and a fourth-quarter pass deflection.

"Dante was disruptive in the backfield all day long," interim UF head coach D.J. Durkin said.

But for Durkin, who was one of Fowler's recruiters, Fowler's play on the field is just an added bonus.

"For a guy in this situation to go out and do what he did and play how he played, I can't say more about this guy's character. It's pretty amazing." Durkin said. "If you talk about a great teammate, great person and great football player — that's No. 6."

Fowler finished his final season with the Gators with a career-high 60 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks — two-and-a-half more than teammate and friend Alex McCalister.

"Our job is to compete to see who is going to get to the quarterback first," Fowler said. "Or who's going to meet each other at the quarterback first. So whenever I've got a guy like Alex that's as great of a pass rusher and me being able to do what I can do, that's always great."

When Fowler walked into the interview room at Legion Field following the game, he was the only one of UF's four players who spoke with the media who was still wearing his jersey.

To him, it was too soon to take it off.

But with the last question asked to him, Fowler made one promise.

"Once I take this jersey off," Fowler said, "it's coming with me."

[URL]http://touch.orlandosentinel.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-82451606/[/URL]

No. Not really. I was more impressed with that CB. Forget his name.... Yea, that's it, Hargraves... guess he's a redshirt frosh tho.

[Shawn]

You got one right. lol
Actually, I had 3 of the same before I changed...Fowler, Heurman, & Brown. Change it up with some new declares. Like your draft though.

Hey great minds think alike

[Shawn]

You got one right. lol
Actually, I had 3 of the same before I changed...Fowler, Heurman, & Brown. Change it up with some new declares. Like your draft though.

I couldn't find any tape on Kroft. I know his number dropped off this year, but some scouting reports are very positive about his receiving skills.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

I would be ecstatic to get fowler at 22

He is a terror

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

I couldn't find any tape on Kroft. I know his number dropped off this year, but some scouting reports are very positive about his receiving skills.

He could be more of a flex guy with Miller still here & used inline when needed. A weapon in this offense. I would be equally as happy with Heuerman a round later.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

The Steelers could really help themselves if they figure out the OLB situation. Maybe it is Worilds at a bargain. Maybe they go the vet route & take a chance on a Brandon Graham at a similar price. Hard to say. Also difficult to determine anything at the Safety position. Is Shark Troy's replacement? Did Mitchell's injury really impact his production all year? If they "Feel" they are set at Safety & Have starters in place at OLB come draft day...That would really create the best situation at #22.

Deep draft at CB so no need to pull trigger in Rd #1. There isn't an elite level CB imo. You could get a TE in 3-4 for the future. Depth at OLB just in case JJ doesn't pan out in that same range. So where do you go with #22 if OLB & Safety set before draft? Here's a thought...If Andrus Peat LT is there...He will be highest rated player on the board. When Peat's ready to go...Beachum can battle Foster for LG. I couldn't pass on Franchise LT.

[Oviedo]

I would be ecstatic to get fowler at 22

He is a terror

He does seem to be good which is probably why he will rise in the draft versus fall like Jarvis Jones did. Fowler seems to have that speed and burst we need to get.

[SteelerMaine83]

Shawn, I'm a draftnik geek, so the mocks should start once we know where the Steelers pick ( I was hoping 32nd). Nice draft, meets needs, strong group of Steelers-type players. However, right now the barometer reads a little higher on Fowler (who would be a nice pick). How he does at the Combine and FLA team day will determine if he falls as low as 22. In this now pass-happy, everything deserves a flag league, edge pass-rushers are more important than ever, and DBs actually less so (if you can't get to the QB it doesn't matter how well you cover). Collins-Fowler-Shelton-Waynes (in that order--unlikely any of them available at 22), BPA (may be an OT, as the 1st 3 rounds are loaded), or trade for #2 and #3. I do like the Fowler idea though--facing the RT, that OLB needs that size/strength advantage that Woodley (at his best) had. Nice mock.

[Oviedo]

If they "Feel" they are set at Safety & Have starters in place at OLB come draft day

If they really believed this I would seriously question Colbert's sanity. Worilds took a step back this year and Jones has yet to take a step forward. This defense doesn't work without at least one dominant OLB pass rusher. We don't have one right now as the worst performance in sacks (33) in about 30 years clearly shows.

Our best pass rushers are on the defensive line. Need to utilize that.

I do agree that no CB in this draft screams Round 1.