K Train's Final Mock

[K Train]

I'm really not convinced the D is THAT far away.

There are studs along the DL, the ILB's are good (be it an improving Shazier or Vince Williams). They were not getting 'blown away' last year. The Steelers have been building the D with some fairly high Draft picks, 3 1st round LB's, Heyward in the 1st, Tuitt in the 2nd, Shamarko in the 3rd. Imagine if Jones starts to meet the expectations, or if Heyward & Tuitt create even more pressure next year. Imagine if Cortez comes back where he was before last season.

Yes, there are a lot of questions. But a Defense with Heyward, Tuitt, Timmons, Shazier/Williams, Gay & McLendon, with the potential of Jones, Cortez & Shamarko- that's not a bad start. Mitchell in his second year with us, Moats too. It's not a "wow" defense, yet. But it could be once that potential is reached.

I don't think the defense is far away at all. But I still expect a heavy investment considering how sound the offense is with only 2 minor holes at TE and LG

[phillyesq]

With all the Ray coverage you'd think he murdered a guy

I don't think GMs care about this. Ray is a good kid from what I've heard. He'll be in the program now so there goes his recreational smoking when all of his teammates are sparking up. This is really a non story, a speeding and lane violation with weed in the car....spare me

The act in and of itself means little. The poor judgment is the concern. As is watching a guy like Jordan get suspended for a year.

[K Train]

The act in and of itself means little. The poor judgment is the concern. As is watching a guy like Jordan get suspended for a year.

Jordan is for roids I believe....and hes approaching Vernon Gholston/Aaron Maybin bust status (was never a good pass rusher but was a coverage phenom anyway)

I still take my chance on Ray though, ive seen enough to believe his ability translates at an all pro level

[phillyesq]

Jordan is for roids I believe....and hes approaching Vernon Gholston/Aaron Maybin bust status (was never a good pass rusher but was a coverage phenom anyway)

I still take my chance on Ray though, ive seen enough to believe his ability translates at an all pro level

I'd take a chance on either Ray or Gregory.

[Shawn]

I really like this draft. I mean I would really be happy with 1-6.

[Sugar]

It's not a "wow" defense, yet. But it could be once that potential is reached.

If I might spew some Pittsburgh blasphemy: If the O can produce to it's potential, I don't think a "wow" defense is even needed. If they can be solid enough to be in the top half of the league in total D while getting some takeaways, I'd be pretty happy with that.

[Chadman]

I don't think the defense is far away at all. But I still expect a heavy investment considering how sound the offense is with only 2 minor holes at TE and LG

While I agree with you, I think the Steelers would look 1-2 years ahead when drafting in the 1st. Beachum is off contract. Foster is off contract. Miller. Wheaton? Can't remember. It would not surprise me to see an OL pick in Round 1, with a look to plugging them in next season. I don't think this draft is particularly good at TE. How much are the Bears asking for Bennett? That might be the best value for the position.

On Defense, the positions that need to be filled in a year or two seem to be NT....and depending on the success of who the team uses at CB & OLB & SS this year. I expect a CB to be added. I expect an OLB to be added. But I don't expect them to draft one to start (they might get lucky, but I don't expect it). I'd say that NT, LT & LG might be sneaky 'needs' for this team, and quite possibly high draft picks.

[Oviedo]

While I agree with you, I think the Steelers would look 1-2 years ahead when drafting in the 1st. Beachum is off contract. Foster is off contract. Miller. Wheaton? Can't remember. It would not surprise me to see an OL pick in Round 1, with a look to plugging them in next season. I don't think this draft is particularly good at TE. How much are the Bears asking for Bennett? That might be the best value for the position.

On Defense, the positions that need to be filled in a year or two seem to be NT....and depending on the success of who the team uses at CB & OLB & SS this year. I expect a CB to be added. I expect an OLB to be added. But I don't expect them to draft one to start (they might get lucky, but I don't expect it). I'd say that NT, LT & LG might be sneaky 'needs' for this team, and quite possibly high draft picks.

I agtree about OL. If the right player falls and is best value they would take. Still think pass rush is greatest need though. Not sure they are concerned about Nose Tackle. The position has changed and I can't see them using a #1 on a position that isn't on the field 50% of the time especially with McCullers showing promise.

Reality is that Maxx Williams could be best value at #22 as #1 player at his position still on the board, but I've given up on predicting Round 1 TEs...which means it could really happen.

[K Train]

Only oline I'd be interested in is jake fisher and I think he goes before the steelers pick. Guys like peat, clemmings, humphries do not interest me.

They could look towards a guy like Tomlinson in the second though as a LG

[K Train]

Maxx Williams is the darkest of horses. I'd be shocked but still thrilled

[Oviedo]

Maxx Williams is the darkest of horses. I'd be shocked but still thrilled

I agree. I am very concerned Heath could fall off a cliff in terms of performance like Ike Taylor did. He still can catch but does nothing anymore once he makes the catch.

[hawaiiansteel]

I agree. I am very concerned Heath could fall off a cliff in terms of performance like Ike Taylor did. He still can catch but does nothing anymore once he makes the catch.

you would be okay with drafting a TE in the first round?

no way...

[K Train]

TE is the thinnest position in the draft amd the thinnest in the league. An impactful one goes a long way

[SS Laser]

With all the Ray coverage you'd think he murdered a guy

I don't think GMs care about this. Ray is a good kid from what I've heard. He'll be in the program now so there goes his recreational smoking when all of his teammates are sparking up. This is really a non story, a speeding and lane violation with weed in the car....spare me

I agree with you and figure other NFL GM's do also. So he will not drop very far I figure.

[7upnext]

TE is the thinnest position in the draft amd the thinnest in the league. An impactful one goes a long way

problem is he's not a top 75 player let alone 22 regardless of position. The gap between him and others isn't so big that getting one in later rounds would hurt. Plus, we already do have a stud albeit on his last legs that he wouldn't start over. Talent wise, a 1st rounder at cb, s, olb, ol could conceivably start because there isn't anyone special preventing it. I'd love for a TE in the 4th or beyond