Now that its over with, what's your thoughts?

[squidkid]

I'll start out by saying i like our picks by position not necessarily by player.
I made it clear that i wanted to address the defense with the first 4 picks with s, cb, dl and olb (in no particular order and no particular player)
I cant complain much that they drafted a T in the 4th but would have liked an olb or double up on s, cb or dl.
I think there is a chance all picks make the roster.
burns is a project with great upside
davis may be the only one that can compete for a starting spot this year mostly because the competition isnt that tough
hargraves has a chance to be a rotational dl this year especially on passing downs bringing pressure from the inside.
hawkins has a good chance of developing under munchak in a couple years
i see our late round olbs and wr contribute on special teams only. i dont think either olb can develop into a starter or rotational player because of size and strength
ayers will make the roster only if he can win the starting return job on punts and KO. too small and slow to see the field as a wr

it looks like the steelers drafted players in the early rounds that had high ceilings but were pretty raw needing a year or so to develop
the later picks have low nfl ceilings but produced at a high level in college

although our rookies seldom contribute a lot their first year, i usually have high hopes that a couple do. i dont see any pick in this draft class that i can say that about other than davis
i think this draft could be special but we wont see it until 2017 or 2018

[papillon]

I know the pundits are saying that Davis is probably the only one competing for a starting position, however, I have to think that Burns, if he pans out, can out play Antwan Blake by mid-season, if not Burns, then Golson. There has to be a CB on the roster that is better in coverage than Antwan Blake, I like him and he's a good tackler, but his coverage skills are less than desirable for an NFL cornerback.

Pappy

[RuthlessBurgher]

C'mon...you know you want to say that they are all future HoF "steals of the draft".

[RuthlessBurgher]

I know the pundits are saying that Davis is probably the only one competing for a starting position, however, I have to think that Burns, if he pans out, can out play Antwan Blake by mid-season, if not Burns, then Golson. There has to be a CB on the roster that is better in coverage than Antwan Blake, I like him and he's a good tackler, but his coverage skills are less than desirable for an NFL cornerback.

Pappy

Antwon Blake plays for the Tennessee Titans now.

[squidkid]

C'mon...you know you want to say that they are all future HoF "steals of the draft".

naw, ill leave that for the 'real' fan

[pittpete]

Antwon Blake plays for the Tennessee Titans now.

Im really hoping that he knows that and was just using Blake as a measuring stick from last years stance.

[Iron City Inc.]

I believe squid is correct in that it will take us some time to reap the benefits of this draft. Now that is true for most drafts. And if that's the case fine as long as a year from now this group can contribute as starters.

[papillon]

Antwon Blake plays for the Tennessee Titans now.

I actually forgot he was gone (embarrassing) but the gist 9f my statement is that the secondary was the weak link by far. So, Burns should have a chance to displace someone.

Pappy

[SteelCrazy]

Other than Hargrave in the 3rd, I wouldn't have thought too much of it or even have taken a mock seriously, but now that the dust has settled I am happy.

[dreegking]

It unfolded how I wanted it to. Almost exactly. So I am happy. I like the guys. I trust the Steelers to coach them up. My biggest concern was ST as the losses there were significant. And we go some guys who should be demons. I am happy. I love Burns' potential. I don't see him knocking Gay, Cockerel (he is young and getting better too) out of position. Gholson will be the nickel I think. Maybe they flip gay and Gholson. Not sure what the plan is. But Burns needs a year for sure. Even just looking at him in drills. Upside is there, but he is fresh.

Hargraves looks different but reminds me of Hoke. I like him a tonne.

We will see.

Go Steelers.

[SteelYinzer]

This is the type of draft I personally would conduct. Too often I see teams reach for players they can plug and play. Most of the times these are high floor low ceiling guys. Teams (and the Steelers have been guilty of this as well) don't think years in advance especially if they are currently contending. This draft the Steelers drafted like a rebuilding team. I can see not a single one of these guys starting a single game for us this year. You know how rare that is? To be so close to a SB run but not play it safe with lesser talent to fix immediate needs (CB, S, OLB). We actually address each of those positions but with high upside guys who might not be ready for a couple of years. It's the patient approach most teams don't take. Despite the possibility that none of these picks actually start, on the other hand, I can totally believe that each and every one is starting next season. Pick by pick:

Artie Burns: there is very little separation between Ramsey down through Burns. Height, weight, speed, smarts and hands. If you were to tell me that in 2018 Burns was the best corner in the draft I'd believe it. I have a sense that Burns (and Ramsey for that matter) got away with using primarily their great athleticism. Burns is a Woodson type athlete. He has that type of upside with downside being Ike. I really believe that. It might take a couple of years though. Just watch his combine highlights. He is on a mission. Utra competitive. I was a tad uncertain until I saw that. I see why the coaches fell in love with. I think it's obvious WJ3 was going to be our pick but I also don't think the Steelers are losing sleep. Bengals got the safer more ready to contribute player but Burns upside is right up there with Ramsey at the top for the position and he could surprise and be better than we think right away. He looks so driven and has a lot of incentive. Finally a CB w/hands!!

Sean Davis: idiots like PFF tends to be when trying to grade or project, graded Davis as a average to below average corner which is not what he will be. He was absolutely playing out of position. I hate to always compare using Steelers but he looks like Lake who also was a more natural safety but played some corner due to need. He seems to have it all. I think if he only played S the tape would have been better and he wouldn't have lasted so long. That's our good fortune


Javon Hargrave: I had him mocked at this slot. He's going to be in the rotation maybe even this season giving us great depth. Another high upside player that might take a bit to develop and be a starter but should help turn the D line into a major strength. Love this pick because very little separates him from most of the guys taken in the 1st. Lots of chatter about wanting a DT in 1st but in a draft so deep at that position it makes all the sense in the world to address shallower need positions first especially if the grade is close.

Jerald Hawkins: Depth now but could push for either T spot (I see him at RT) or kick in to guard if necessary due to injury. We've got a very deep talented offensive line now. Great value and coaches are going to love having so much talent to work with.

Travis Feeney: I had mocked us to get a similar player in the 2nd (Su'a Cravens) and taking a S in 4th. It was flip flopped in reality and I honestly don't see much difference between the two players yet we got him in 4th and Cravens was early 2nd. However, Davis is a much better S than who I figured we'd take so I'm psyched. This guy will hit the weights and get stronger and be a special teams demon. In typical Steelers fashion, we draft a tweener and push him one way or the other and develop. It's our schtick and I have faith they'll succeed with him. I'm really hoping he helps lessen the impending losses of Jones and Harrison by 2017. This is the one pick that might not work but not too worried. These tweener types are hit and miss. Depends on the player's heart and dedication. Lots of misses doing this but our hits are exceptional.

Demarcus Ayers: Not knowing who this kid was I initally looked at size, speed and thought great! Wasted pick. Several videos later and I'm convinced Kevin Colbert has found another potential late round WR gem. He is Peter Warrick 2.0 physically and in manner of his play. Hopefully not the head case. The huge difference between the two is he won't be asked to be the #1 guy and he's taken in the 7th. Sure, maybe I'm being a homer but just watch his highlight videos. His size and speed obviously affected his status. I seem to remember Antonio Brown producing just like this kid and he wasn't the fastest either. Honestly he's gravy. If all he does is relieve Brown from returns he's made an impact. It would not surprise me if our WR are AB, Coates, and Ayers in 2017. Forget measurables. He's a great player. Which leads me to...

Tyler Matakevich: College defensive player of the year. That's right! Zach Thomas clone in size and speed but a tackling machine, all around great football player and leader. Folks, we got him in the 7th round. Don't be pessimistic and think he won't someday start alongside Shazier. He really is that good. 80% of the F.O. are clueless. Ours is not one of them. While teams are taking 4th string QBs we get a plug and play guy once Timmons becomes too expensive and immediate special teams help. We're a Shazier injury away from him starting tbh. Let me just say it. This was "the steal of the draft" but really!!!

I actually think this will go down as a transformational draft. I think it was so good that I'm wondering if a pick next year could even make the team. We are that loaded. I just pray Lake can coach these two DBs and Golson up. I see no reason why the Steelers can't be competing for SB for a good long stretch starting this season. Just be patient. This might be a draft class we can't judge properly until 2018. But I think when we do look back we'll be saying it's a top 5 Steelers draft of all time. ha ha ha I'm so fired up!

[Steelerphile]

This is the type of draft I personally would conduct. Too often I see teams reach for players they can plug and play. Most of the times these are high floor low ceiling guys. Teams (and the Steelers have been guilty of this as well) don't think years in advance especially if they are currently contending. This draft the Steelers drafted like a rebuilding team. I can see not a single one of these guys starting a single game for us this year. You know how rare that is? To be so close to a SB run but not play it safe with lesser talent to fix immediate needs (CB, S, OLB). We actually address each of those positions but with high upside guys who might not be ready for a couple of years. It's the patient approach most teams don't take. Despite the possibility that none of these picks actually start, on the other hand, I can totally believe that each and every one is starting next season. Pick by pick:

Artie Burns: there is very little separation between Ramsey down through Burns. Height, weight, speed, smarts and hands. If you were to tell me that in 2018 Burns was the best corner in the draft I'd believe it. I have a sense that Burns (and Ramsey for that matter) got away with using primarily their great athleticism. Burns is a Woodson type athlete. He has that type of upside with downside being Ike. I really believe that. It might take a couple of years though. Just watch his combine highlights. He is on a mission. Utra competitive. I was a tad uncertain until I saw that. I see why the coaches fell in love with. I think it's obvious WJ3 was going to be our pick but I also don't think the Steelers are losing sleep. Bengals got the safer more ready to contribute player but Burns upside is right up there with Ramsey at the top for the position and he could surprise and be better than we think right away. He looks so driven and has a lot of incentive. Finally a CB w/hands!!

Sean Davis: idiots like PFF tends to be when trying to grade or project, graded Davis as a average to below average corner which is not what he will be. He was absolutely playing out of position. I hate to always compare using Steelers but he looks like Lake who also was a more natural safety but played some corner due to need. He seems to have it all. I think if he only played S the tape would have been better and he wouldn't have lasted so long. That's our good fortune


Javon Hargrave: I had him mocked at this slot. He's going to be in the rotation maybe even this season giving us great depth. Another high upside player that might take a bit to develop and be a starter but should help turn the D line into a major strength. Love this pick because very little separates him from most of the guys taken in the 1st. Lots of chatter about wanting a DT in 1st but in a draft so deep at that position it makes all the sense in the world to address shallower need positions first especially if the grade is close.

Jerald Hawkins: Depth now but could push for either T spot (I see him at RT) or kick in to guard if necessary due to injury. We've got a very deep talented offensive line now. Great value and coaches are going to love having so much talent to work with.

Travis Feeney: I had mocked us to get a similar player in the 2nd (Su'a Cravens) and taking a S in 4th. It was flip flopped in reality and I honestly don't see much difference between the two players yet we got him in 4th and Cravens was early 2nd. However, Davis is a much better S than who I figured we'd take so I'm psyched. This guy will hit the weights and get stronger and be a special teams demon. In typical Steelers fashion, we draft a tweener and push him one way or the other and develop. It's our schtick and I have faith they'll succeed with him. I'm really hoping he helps lessen the impending losses of Jones and Harrison by 2017. This is the one pick that might not work but not too worried. These tweener types are hit and miss. Depends on the player's heart and dedication. Lots of misses doing this but our hits are exceptional.

Demarcus Ayers: Not knowing who this kid was I initally looked at size, speed and thought great! Wasted pick. Several videos later and I'm convinced Kevin Colbert has found another potential late round WR gem. He is Peter Warrick 2.0 physically and in manner of his play. Hopefully not the head case. The huge difference between the two is he won't be asked to be the #1 guy and he's taken in the 7th. Sure, maybe I'm being a homer but just watch his highlight videos. His size and speed obviously affected his status. I seem to remember Antonio Brown producing just like this kid and he wasn't the fastest either. Honestly he's gravy. If all he does is relieve Brown from returns he's made an impact. It would not surprise me if our WR are AB, Coates, and Ayers in 2017. Forget measurables. He's a great player. Which leads me to...

Tyler Matakevich: College defensive player of the year. That's right! Zach Thomas clone in size and speed but a tackling machine, all around great football player and leader. Folks, we got him in the 7th round. Don't be pessimistic and think he won't someday start alongside Shazier. He really is that good. 80% of the F.O. are clueless. Ours is not one of them. While teams are taking 4th string QBs we get a plug and play guy once Timmons becomes too expensive and immediate special teams help. We're a Shazier injury away from him starting tbh. Let me just say it. This was "the steal of the draft" but really!!!

I actually think this will go down as a transformational draft. I think it was so good that I'm wondering if a pick next year could even make the team. We are that loaded. I just pray Lake can coach these two DBs and Golson up. I see no reason why the Steelers can't be competing for SB for a good long stretch starting this season. Just be patient. This might be a draft class we can't judge properly until 2018. But I think when we do look back we'll be saying it's a top 5 Steelers draft of all time. ha ha ha I'm so fired up!

Beautiful summation. I like your positive spirit. I hope this draft turns out as well as you see it. I think you may be slightly overly optimistic, but we'll see. I was impressed with how the Steelers coaches assessed each pick and they did their homework well. Sometimes fans on this and other sites try to behave as though they are much smarter than the coaches, but I think this was a smart draft and all the players could contribute in positions of need. Very mindful of adding great athletes.
Burns, a Woodson type athlete. I see the connection. Outstanding 110-meter hurdler and top college defensive back. I thought along those lines also but I would be surprised if he turns out to be as great as Woodson. If he is 75% as great that would be wonderful. Some people are saying he has no chance to start, and are penciling Ross Cockrell in as the starter. I don't see why he couldn't beat out Cockrell. I like Cockrell. Good find, nice size. He did some good things. He started because they were thin in the secondary, and certain people want to place all the woes of the last year's secondary on the shoulders of Antwon Blake. Not fair and not true. Cockrell contributed to that also and probably got beat as much as Blake. Will Allen also got beat. It all depends of course on how quickly Burns picks up everything, but in terms of ability he is definitely a cut above Cockrell.

[flippy]

This is the type of draft I personally would conduct. Too often I see teams reach for players they can plug and play. Most of the times these are high floor low ceiling guys. Teams (and the Steelers have been guilty of this as well) don't think years in advance especially if they are currently contending. This draft the Steelers drafted like a rebuilding team. I can see not a single one of these guys starting a single game for us this year. You know how rare that is? To be so close to a SB run but not play it safe with lesser talent to fix immediate needs (CB, S, OLB). We actually address each of those positions but with high upside guys who might not be ready for a couple of years. It's the patient approach most teams don't take. Despite the possibility that none of these picks actually start, on the other hand, I can totally believe that each and every one is starting next season. Pick by pick:

Artie Burns: there is very little separation between Ramsey down through Burns. Height, weight, speed, smarts and hands. If you were to tell me that in 2018 Burns was the best corner in the draft I'd believe it. I have a sense that Burns (and Ramsey for that matter) got away with using primarily their great athleticism. Burns is a Woodson type athlete. He has that type of upside with downside being Ike. I really believe that. It might take a couple of years though. Just watch his combine highlights. He is on a mission. Utra competitive. I was a tad uncertain until I saw that. I see why the coaches fell in love with. I think it's obvious WJ3 was going to be our pick but I also don't think the Steelers are losing sleep. Bengals got the safer more ready to contribute player but Burns upside is right up there with Ramsey at the top for the position and he could surprise and be better than we think right away. He looks so driven and has a lot of incentive. Finally a CB w/hands!!

Sean Davis: idiots like PFF tends to be when trying to grade or project, graded Davis as a average to below average corner which is not what he will be. He was absolutely playing out of position. I hate to always compare using Steelers but he looks like Lake who also was a more natural safety but played some corner due to need. He seems to have it all. I think if he only played S the tape would have been better and he wouldn't have lasted so long. That's our good fortune


Javon Hargrave: I had him mocked at this slot. He's going to be in the rotation maybe even this season giving us great depth. Another high upside player that might take a bit to develop and be a starter but should help turn the D line into a major strength. Love this pick because very little separates him from most of the guys taken in the 1st. Lots of chatter about wanting a DT in 1st but in a draft so deep at that position it makes all the sense in the world to address shallower need positions first especially if the grade is close.

Jerald Hawkins: Depth now but could push for either T spot (I see him at RT) or kick in to guard if necessary due to injury. We've got a very deep talented offensive line now. Great value and coaches are going to love having so much talent to work with.

Travis Feeney: I had mocked us to get a similar player in the 2nd (Su'a Cravens) and taking a S in 4th. It was flip flopped in reality and I honestly don't see much difference between the two players yet we got him in 4th and Cravens was early 2nd. However, Davis is a much better S than who I figured we'd take so I'm psyched. This guy will hit the weights and get stronger and be a special teams demon. In typical Steelers fashion, we draft a tweener and push him one way or the other and develop. It's our schtick and I have faith they'll succeed with him. I'm really hoping he helps lessen the impending losses of Jones and Harrison by 2017. This is the one pick that might not work but not too worried. These tweener types are hit and miss. Depends on the player's heart and dedication. Lots of misses doing this but our hits are exceptional.

Demarcus Ayers: Not knowing who this kid was I initally looked at size, speed and thought great! Wasted pick. Several videos later and I'm convinced Kevin Colbert has found another potential late round WR gem. He is Peter Warrick 2.0 physically and in manner of his play. Hopefully not the head case. The huge difference between the two is he won't be asked to be the #1 guy and he's taken in the 7th. Sure, maybe I'm being a homer but just watch his highlight videos. His size and speed obviously affected his status. I seem to remember Antonio Brown producing just like this kid and he wasn't the fastest either. Honestly he's gravy. If all he does is relieve Brown from returns he's made an impact. It would not surprise me if our WR are AB, Coates, and Ayers in 2017. Forget measurables. He's a great player. Which leads me to...

Tyler Matakevich: College defensive player of the year. That's right! Zach Thomas clone in size and speed but a tackling machine, all around great football player and leader. Folks, we got him in the 7th round. Don't be pessimistic and think he won't someday start alongside Shazier. He really is that good. 80% of the F.O. are clueless. Ours is not one of them. While teams are taking 4th string QBs we get a plug and play guy once Timmons becomes too expensive and immediate special teams help. We're a Shazier injury away from him starting tbh. Let me just say it. This was "the steal of the draft" but really!!!

I actually think this will go down as a transformational draft. I think it was so good that I'm wondering if a pick next year could even make the team. We are that loaded. I just pray Lake can coach these two DBs and Golson up. I see no reason why the Steelers can't be competing for SB for a good long stretch starting this season. Just be patient. This might be a draft class we can't judge properly until 2018. But I think when we do look back we'll be saying it's a top 5 Steelers draft of all time. ha ha ha I'm so fired up!

I agree. This is the way I recommended we draft as well. Going for broke on nearly every pick. If we take enough shots on guys with huge upside and just a couple hit, we've made a big splash in this draft.

2 of the picks in my mock were dead with the Steelers picks in Hargrave and Feeney. I would have swung for the fences on a couple different guys, but in general, the Steelers went for the high upside over the safe picks for the most part which is exactly what I wanted.

At the end of the day, if we get 2-3 studs in this draft and the rest fail, it's still a good haul. I like our odds with these picks. I don't see the majority of these guys even on the roster in a couple years. But I think 2 or 3 panning out as studs is highly likely.

Spread your bets and go for big wins. That's what we did. And I like the strategy. One of the drafts that turned out the way I would have generally picked. Not that that's a predictor of success. We'll see in 2-3 years how this pans out. I'm hopeful.

[papillon]

I don't pay much attention to the specific players selected, because there is no way for me to evaluate the players entering the draft and determine which ones the Steelers should draft. Even if I did have the time to watch film, visit pro days, interview the players, check their measurables, etc. I wouldn't know what to do with the information. However, I can, at the 30,000 foot view of the team, determine what areas need some improvement or in which the Steelers struggled.

QB - No
RB - No
TE - No
WR - No
OL - Not really, depth needed
Kick Coverage - Yes
Punt Coverage - Not really
Punting - Probably
Kicking - No
DL - Not really, depth
OLB - Yes
ILB - Not really, depth
CB - Yes
Safety - Yes

So, IMO, the Steelers have attempted to address the inadequacies that may have cost them a shot at the SB and because the Steelers addressed these areas, the draft was successful from my perspective. How these specific players that were selected pan out, only time will tell, but the Steelers took the necessary steps to improve the team, IMO We'll see how it all works out.

Grade: Unknown at this point in time.

Pappy

[phillyesq]

This is one of the most boom or bust drafts that I can recall for the Steelers. They added size and speed to the secondary, and Davis is also a hitter. With Davis and Mitchell, the Steelers will now have 2 safeties that are fast and can hit. Hopefully Davis does his hitting before the whistle, but I digress.

I loved the Hargrave pick - I think he is a guy who can provide an inside pass rush. It was apparent that the Steelers wanted tackle depth, and the Hawkins pick makes sense. I also loved the Matekevich pick. Unlike the rest of the picks, he isn't a great athlete. But he is a football player. He was the leader and the heart of that Owls defense and I guy that I could see as a special teams caption in 3 years if nothing else.

I love all of the speed on defense. My only hesitation is that I would have liked to see a bit more bulk added on the defensive line. I love Hargrave but he is a bit of a smaller guy. I realize that you only get 7 picks, but I would have loved seeing one more big body brought in to provide competition and depth at DE. The Steelers are going to have a fast defense, but also a very small defense. I worry a bit that they won't have enough bulk.