Draft Priorities

[BradshawsHairdresser]

A lot of talk about the need for the Steelers to draft an OLB, but they need more pieces for the secondary as well. Mike Mitchell can deliver some good licks to vulnerable receivers, but he's a liability in pass coverage. They need to find a better FS. Gay is slowing down, and who knows if Golson will ever see the field -- they need a corner that can get physical in the slot. They may also need to select a corner who can press to play opposite of Burns ... unless Cockrell or Gilbert show that they can handle the job. I could see them spending 3 picks on the secondary -- assuming they don't lose a pick for failing to disclose Bell's injury.

If they don't retain Timmons, ILB will be a big need, as well. And TE, because who knows if Green will ever play again? They may be planning for Karlos Williams to replace DeAngelo -- if they can keep him away from the weed. Otherwise, they may have to spend a late round pick on a RB.

Thoughts?

[steelerkeylargo]

I think they like Cockrell (more than I do I know that). Gay is definitely lost a step or three. This is a deep Secondary draft for sure. I think they definitely need players at both LB spots. A back end player for sure. A QB prospect also. A very deep TE class also, but that position totally hinges on Green. I think for the first time in a long time they can add a serious talent in FA. Even after signing Bell and Brown they should have a decent aamount to make a run at nice name. Melvin Ingram at OLB or Stephon Gilmore at CB come to mind. Keep in mind the draft is deepest at RB,TE, and Secondary

[pittpete]

Wait, i'm confused...I thought our secondary stunk because we had no pass rush?

Artie Burns coming out of college

He's at his best in press man coverage where he can use his length, aggression and speed to harass wideouts on the perimeter and has the ball skills to punish quarterbacks who challenge him.

Length and physicality from press can be extremely disruptive

He allowed just one touchdown all season—in the Virginia Tech game—and impressed as an eraser in man coverage. He has the length and closing speed to give wide receivers a cushion at the line, but can also counter that and get in their face to use his hands to press and jam.

Burns seems much more comfortable when he is up at the LOS able to jam the receiver in Press. He is much better as a player when he is able to get his hands on the receiver so he can disrupt and re-route his path to the football. However, I cannot say that I can trust him from a backpedal in Off man coverage.

It doesnt matter what CB we draft because he'll be forced to play zone as long as Butler is here.

[NorthCoast]

I think they like Cockrell (more than I do I know that). Gay is definitely lost a step or three. This is a deep Secondary draft for sure. I think they definitely need players at both LB spots. A back end player for sure. A QB prospect also. A very deep TE class also, but that position totally hinges on Green. I think for the first time in a long time they can add a serious talent in FA. Even after signing Bell and Brown they should have a decent aamount to make a run at nice name. Melvin Ingram at OLB or Stephon Gilmore at CB come to mind. Keep in mind the draft is deepest at RB,TE, and Secondary

I honestly believe Green is done. Even if he makes it onto the field again, very unlikely he plays 16 games. Time to continue the search.

[pittpete]

I concur..
Cut our losses and wish him luck.
Jesse James can only get better.
I do believe we need to build this defense up.
Pieces of the puzzle are already here.
Dupree,Shazier,Tuitt,Davis,Burns....
We just need that ballhawking safety who can cover and another OLB opposite Dupree.

[Ernie]

As has been stated... tightening up the D in a few areas is priority, whether those needs are addressed through the draft, free agency, or guys who are on the roster (ie Golson, Gilbert, etc). I'd make resigning Timmons a priority. Honestly, the biggest thing we can do on Defense for next year is to "Diversify"... meaning, incorporate more man and press coverages. If Butler can/is willing to do that, I say keep him around another year. If not, time to move on from him.
I think the D Line and depth is solid. Top Draft needs are OLB, C, S. QB also needs addressed in this draft, regardless of Ben's status next year. TE is low on the list of "Needs" regardless of L. Green's status.

[Shawn]

There is little doubt in my mind that the Steelers will grab a RB and TE in this draft. Deep draft, Williams is elderly and we have little depth behind Bell. Can we even sign him long term? If Green isn't done, he is one hit away from being done. You have to assume we are rolling with JJ. Don't get me wrong, I like the kid and believe him to be serviceable with upside. But, this is a deep TE draft and Butt is more polished in all aspects of the game.

OLB will be an absolute priority with CB/safety taking a back seat. They wont ignore it and could address safety as early as the second round. It's just not as important as the linebacker position this draft.

[Ernie]

You are right Shawn. I see them drafting OLB in the first... with an outside chance of drafting QB is one of "Their guys" is there when they pick.

[Shawn]

You are right Shawn. I see them drafting OLB in the first... with an outside chance of drafting QB is one of "Their guys" is there when they pick.

I actually agree...I fully suspect the Steelers will be eye balling Deshaun Watson. If he falls to the Steelers it will get very interesting. Personally, I'm not a huge Watson fan and would prefer Kizer. Either way, I wouldn't rule out a first round QB.

[Ernie]

I actually agree...I fully suspect the Steelers will be eye balling Deshaun Watson. If he falls to the Steelers it will get very interesting. Personally, I'm not a huge Watson fan and would prefer Kizer. Either way, I wouldn't rule out a first round QB.

Even if Ben sticks around another year or 2.. im ok with a QB in Round 1.

[Shawn]

Even if Ben sticks around another year or 2.. im ok with a QB in Round 1.

I am as well. Landry Jones will hit free agency this year. It wouldn't shock me if he moves on. You need a number 2 to groom. I do like me some Mettenberger. I think he could become the best #2 in the league but he isn't a franchise QB.

[Ernie]

Mettenburger certainly makes Landry Jones expendable.

[phillyesq]

The Steelers draft the BPA at a position of need. Finding an heir apparent to James Harrison is the most glaring need they have. They tried 4 years ago, and need to try again. Unless a real value player drops in the first, I think the Steelers select an outside linebacker.

Assuming that Timmons and Harrison return, and that Brown and Bell are signed/extended, I see the top priorities as OLB and slot CB. I don't like Mitchell at all, but he played better this year, and I get the sense that the Steelers like him. Even if Golson comes back and Gilbert learns the defense and contributes, you can never have too many corners. The Denver D has 3 top flight corners. They also have a great pass rush, but the corners help the rush and vice versa. There are also a lot of decent corners available as free agents. Even though I think the Cockrell is fine as a #2 CB - not great, but fine - I wouldn't be opposed to a signing here.

Green is a bit of a wildcard, and I hope both he and the team figures out what is going to happen with him before the draft. If he doesn't return, I'd move TE up the list of needs, even to a potential first round need. I think James is a great #2 TE and ok as a starter, but it would be great to have a TE with a bit more ability to stretch the field (like Green). If Green doesn't return, maybe the Steelers go after Martellus Bennett. The rest of the FA pool is serviceable but unexciting.

From a depth perspective, I'd look to add a 4th - 5th round RB. I wouldn't invest a higher pick in a backup for Bell because he never comes off the field. If the Steelers move on from DWill based on age, I'd also consider a free agent - maybe Rex Burkhead (weaken a rival), Tim Hightower (versatile and could be a goal line back) or Andre Ellington?

I think the Steelers need better depth on the DL. Walton has found his way into a rotation, but I'd like somebody better than Ricardo Matthews. This is where I might look to make a FA signing.

The hardest position to evaluate is WR. If Bryant is clean, DHB healthy, and Coates regains his confidence, AB/Bryant/Rogers/DHB/Coates/Hamilton/Ayers is a group with plenty of competition. But it's so hard to count on Bryant.

[feltdizz]

I am as well. Landry Jones will hit free agency this year. It wouldn't shock me if he moves on. You need a number 2 to groom. I do like me some Mettenberger. I think he could become the best #2 in the league but he isn't a franchise QB.

Whats this based on? Have we given him enough reps to see what he has to offer?

[Shawn]

Whats this based on? Have we given him enough reps to see what he has to offer?

Based on this rookie season with the Titans. He had an 83.4 passer rating his rookie season while surrounded by scrubs. The guy has a big arm, and when set delivers a nice ball. He also played his best against the Pats. He had a 91 rating against the Pats and almost 250 yards. What would he do with some grooming and Steeler weapons and OL?