Defensive Line vs. DB in the first

[phillyesq]

I just saw McShay's latest mock, which has Eli Apple going to the Steelers in the first. Although the Steelers obviously have a glaring need at CB, the strength of this draft seems to be on the defensive line. I'm not sure that this crop is as deep as 2011, when the Steelers got Heyward late because of the depth on the defensive line, but below are a few picks from that draft.

After looking at how that shook out, I'm quite glad that the Steelers took Heyward. Any of the offensive lineman or DBs would have been a big step down. If there is a defensive lineman or pass rusher available this year that is the BPA, I'd rather see the Steelers go that route and figure out something else at corner/safety.

1.24 Cameron Jordan, DE
1.25 James Carpenter, OT
1.27 Jimmy Smith, CB
1:29 Gabe Carimi, OT
1:30 Muhammad Wilkerson, DE
1:31 Cameron Heyward, DE
1:32 Derek Sherrod, OT
2:22 Ras-I Dowling, CB
2:34 Aaron Williams, CB
2:45 Rahim Moore, S

[url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NFL_draft[/url]

[Oviedo]

I would go for a potentially very good to great DL. That would help Tuitt and Heyward be more effective getting after the passer and pushing the pocket would help the OLB get more pressure. Who knows Jarvis Jones might be able to get 3-4 sacks

[NorthCoast]

I agree. Don't care what kind of CB a team drafts, if there is no QB pressure the pass will be completed at some point. Also consider that a strong pass rush can mask several average CBs for a lot less cost.

[Shoe]

The formula for success is always been BPA. It is why the last few drafts (Bud Dupree, Decastro, Jarvis Jones) we've selected guys that were supposed to go much higher. I don't think it is a recipe to hit home-runs with that pick; but I think it is an easy way to get on base (as opposed to striking out).

In answer to the question, I happily take a DL in a strong class, rather than the next best CB because we're supposed to.

[Slapstick]

The formula for success is always been BPA. It is why the last few drafts (Bud Dupree, Decastro, Jarvis Jones) we've selected guys that were supposed to go much higher. I don't think it is a recipe to hit home-runs with that pick; but I think it is an easy way to get on base (as opposed to striking out).

In answer to the question, I happily take a DL in a strong class, rather than the next best CB because we're supposed to.

The draft needs to be about value...especially in round 1...

When need and value meet, like the picks you mentioned, it's perfect...

[8467thekraken]

Assuming that the team will have Golson, Cockerel and Gay returning, I am hoping to sweet baby Jesus that a talented, high end D-lineman is there for us.


My wish-Billings. That dude gets after it in a very big way.

[Chadman]

Chadman has absolutely no problem taking a DL in the first. Doesn't need to be a NT type, with the Steelers playing more 2-DL formations, and with the DL more free to rush the passer, a 3rd DE type gives the team a lot of flexibility.

Also, given how strong Tuitt & Heyward are against the run, Chadman thinks it's not unbelievable to add another DE & in 3-DL formations, just move Tuitt to NT... play the best 3 DL whoever they are..

[RuthlessBurgher]

Who knows...this could be a year where the 7th or 8th DT might be a better option than the 4th or 5th CB or any of the safety prospects. Because it appears to be such a strong DL draft, maybe you get a DT at #25 who would have come the board in the teens in another year where the overall DL class is not as strong...or maybe a DT who would have been a borderline late 1st/early 2nd pick in most drafts falls to #58 in this particular DL heavy draft.

I think we use one of our top 4 picks on a defensive line prospect...maybe Andrew Billings or Jarran Reed fall to #25...if not, maybe Sheldon Rankins or Vernon Butler fall to #58...if not, then maybe we use our 4th round pick on someone like Jihad Ward or Matt Ioannidis. We need DL depth badly, and would be foolish not to take advantage of a strong DL class (that 2011 DL class was a good parallel example).

[Northern_Blitz]

The formula for success is always been BPA. It is why the last few drafts (Bud Dupree, Decastro, Jarvis Jones) we've selected guys that were supposed to go much higher. I don't think it is a recipe to hit home-runs with that pick; but I think it is an easy way to get on base (as opposed to striking out).

In answer to the question, I happily take a DL in a strong class, rather than the next best CB because we're supposed to.

This. Football careers are so short and serious injuries happen frequently. You pick the player you think is the best. Then you scheme to get them on the field. Just my $0.02

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Sheldon Rankins

after watching practically every down of his over the last couple of seasons, i don't see him as a 2-gap run stuffer - he'd be miserable at NT. he'd be a solid DE in the 34 though. He was the Heyward for Louisville's defense.

[NJ-STEELER]

If the plan is to get him up to speed so he can contribution like tuiit did in his rookie year and wind up playing most (80%) of the snaps then yes it wouldn't be a bad idea.

But please don't tell me the stratedgy is to use our 1sr rounder to 'spell' our starters. We need our top picks play the majority of the snaps. Maybe not right away in their 1st year but definitely by year two.

In still not over the Stench of the hood and worldis picks.

And we are in somewhat of a similar situation where we're considered to be a true contender. Hopefully they learned from the above mistakes and aren't looking to use top picks for back up positions

[BradshawsHairdresser]

If the plan is to get him up to speed so he can contribution like tuiit did in his rookie year and wind up playing most (80%) of the snaps then yes it wouldn't be a bad idea.

But please don't tell me the stratedgy is to use our 1sr rounder to 'spell' our starters. We need our top picks play the majority of the snaps. Maybe not right away in their 1st year but definitely by year two.

In still not over the Stench of the hood and worldis picks.

And we are in somewhat of a similar situation where we're considered to be a true contender. Hopefully they learned from the above mistakes and aren't looking to use top picks for back up positions

$$$$$$$$$$$
Should be able to find someone to spell starters in the third round or later. Use first and second round picks to get starters.

[phillyesq]

I wouldn't use a first round pick on somebody who is just a rotational player. I'm talking more about a versatile defensive lineman who can play a bit at NT / DT and a bit as a DE, with the eventual goal that the pick, Tuitt and Heyward all play somewhere around 70% of the snaps. Whether that is a NT type that can kick out to end or a 5 technique type that would kick out to end himself or kick Heyward/Tuitt out to end in some fronts, I think the defensive line needs one more talented player. Not only do you add a talented player, you also get more out of Tuitt and Heyward by avoiding them wearing down as Heyward did this year.

[steeler_george]

Great defenses need an equilibrium, in the front 7, ala Von Miller and a DB such Harris in this years Superbowl. We had Harrison and Palumoula (still can't spell it). Now who steps up, in the front 7 Dupree, Shazier, Heywarrd or..... ? But there is absolutely no one in db our back field, who could be even nominated! this is were we need to go in FA and draft!

[grotonsteel]

I wouldn't use a first round pick on somebody who is just a rotational player. I'm talking more about a versatile defensive lineman who can play a bit at NT / DT and a bit as a DE, with the eventual goal that the pick, Tuitt and Heyward all play somewhere around 70% of the snaps. Whether that is a NT type that can kick out to end or a 5 technique type that would kick out to end himself or kick Heyward/Tuitt out to end in some fronts, I think the defensive line needs one more talented player. Not only do you add a talented player, you also get more out of Tuitt and Heyward by avoiding them wearing down as Heyward did this year.

There is one player in this draft: Andrew Billings.

I don't know if he will be there at 25. If he is there then Steelers should run to podium to draft him.