Bell...AGAIN!

[squidkid]

hopefully bells agent is working the phones for a sign and trade deal

[Slapstick]

Because his grade is all over the board. I’ve seen some scouts have him as low as 3. I believe he is worth our first. It’s rumored that the Pats agree with me.

His 40 time was not great...but his three cone drill was beastly...under 6.9 where Jarvis Jones was a 7.48...

Three cone is a decent predictor for pass rushers...

[Buzz]

RB is supposedly the easiest position to fill. I don't understand how folks want D improvements but are willing to draft a RB early.

Who said RB is the easiest position to fill? It is probably the easiest position for a rookie to step in and contribute right away ... but if you want a very good RB, you might have to take one earlier in the draft rather than later.

One thing we also have to worry about is the draft pick panning out. Folks automatically believe whoever we draft is a lock to produce. While we tend to pick well on offense we still miss sometimes.

There's always that possibility. But on the whole, a RB taken early in the draft is more likely to produce than one taken on day 3.

[Shawn]

There is no way Bell becomes a third down specialist while on the tag. IF we draft Guice or Sonny they aren't splitting carries this season. They are splitting carries with Conner and then Bell moves on.

I really don't see us drafting RB early, this year. I would hope we would be smart and wait until next year to draft a RB if Bell doesn't work out a long term deal. Realistically though I think Bell and the FO are closer than most believe and he will sign for their last offer which still pays him handsomely.

I actually agree with this sentiment. I truly believe Guice is smoke screen and a way to make Bell uncomfortable. With a draft this deep at RB you can wait until the 5th and still grab a quality guy. Bo Scarbrough anyone? And yes I probably need to edit my mock. The more I look at this running back class the more comfortable I am waiting.

[Shawn]

I don't follow college players, but doesn't that sound like Jarvis Jones? I think we went with Dupree in response to Jones (good technician / smart / not athletic).

Trust me Hubbard is no Jarvis Jones. Hubbard is a very good player. Jones got 11 untouched sacks to boost stats. Hubbard is a beast, always in the right place, and far from lacking athleticism. He just won't wow you with cat like reflexes.

[Shawn]

His 40 time was not great...but his three cone drill was beastly...under 6.9 where Jarvis Jones was a 7.48...

Three cone is a decent predictor for pass rushers...

I mean you are a Buckeye fan...what do you think?

[Shawn]

I'm hoping LVE is there at #28 and we pick him, but I think he has shown the type of athleticism that intoxicates front offices and someone will steal him from us

I agree. Some poor team will overdraft LVE. He isn't much of a linebacker at this stage of his career. His freakish athleticism will get him drafted mid 1. I think he could be a very good linebacker with time. He shows flashes and has all the tools but the dude is raw and doesn't play big. He needs at minimum of 2 seasons I believe before he is ready.

But I get it...if you pull up his youtube highlights, it's like WOW!. When he flashes its impressive and you see the potential. But, if you watch full games...like him on every play. You see how many times a guard puts him on his butt. You see how often he gets locked up and washed out of plays. How often he gets overaggressive and puts himself out of plays. I've done alot of scouting on LVE trying to figure out what the scouts know that I don't. I just see a very raw, young linebacker with a crazy ceiling who isn't starter ready. And frankly, we need a starter at ILB. Now...while we still have Ben.

[Shawn]

One thing that throws a wrench in my comments is the draft. If the DID go Guice in the first, I think the nego ends on a long term deal.

Something Bell needs to consider is the very real possibility that Guice is the equal to Bell as a runner. Bells greatest asset is his ability on passing downs.
If we draft Guice, Bell could become the leagues best ever 3rd down back.
That would not be to "spite" him, it would be good football to split the touches.
Bell would be our "Kamara" essentially.

But what would that do to Bell's desire to "set the market" if he is relegated to what is essentially a "backup" role to a rookie?

Part of me wonders if the very public interest in Guice while legit, is also a nego tactic with Bell, "If we draft this kid".....no long term offer.

Exactly, the draft will tell us much. If they roll with a first round RB which I truly hope they don't do. Bell is done.

[Shawn]

that sounds EXACTLY like Jarvis. We don't need a "high motor guy" we need a "beat the hell out of your man and sack the QB" guy.

That's exactly what Hubbard does. He uses his hands as well as anyone in college. He's very strong and fairly quick. He sorts through trash and disengages. I mean he's a Buckeye...I've seen the guy play every down. The guy is legit.

[Slapstick]

I mean you are a Buckeye fan...what do you think?

I guess I didn’t look at enough draft reports about him, because I never thought he was anything but a first round pick...when you said someone gave him a round 3 grade or that he might be considered a reach at 1-28, I was surprised.

[Shawn]

I guess I didn’t look at enough draft reports about him, because I never thought he was anything but a first round pick...when you said someone gave him a round 3 grade or that he might be considered a reach at 1-28, I was surprised.

Yeah, I was surprised as well. IMO, he was the best on that Buckeye defense and that includes Ward who I believe is overrated. I suppose because he doesn't run a 4.4, he isn't getting love.

[feltdizz]

Who said RB is the easiest position to fill? It is probably the easiest position for a rookie to step in and contribute right away ... but if you want a very good RB, you might have to take one earlier in the draft rather than later.

There's always that possibility. But on the whole, a RB taken early in the draft is more likely to produce than one taken on day 3.

easiest to fill/play... ehhh, semantics.

but if we draft RB early it kind of defeats the purpose of those screaming about improving the defense. I think it’s easier to find a RB in later rounds who can contribute than a LB, DB or DL.

[Slapstick]

Yeah, I was surprised as well. IMO, he was the best on that Buckeye defense and that includes Ward who I believe is overrated. I suppose because he doesn't run a 4.4, he isn't getting love.

Write up on the physical traits that the Steelers look for in OLBs:

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/04/study-what-pittsburgh-looks-for-in-outside-linebackers/

Sam Hubbard checks all the boxes, with the exception of 40 time/10 yard split time where he didn’t participate...

[feltdizz]

That's exactly what Hubbard does. He uses his hands as well as anyone in college. He's very strong and fairly quick. He sorts through trash and disengages. I mean he's a Buckeye...I've seen the guy play every down. The guy is legit.

if you say so...

I didn't follow the Buckeyes this year to see him in action.

but I definitely feel better with a LB from the Big Ten than the SEC. For some reason these SEC LB's are getting washed out more often than not. Probably from having better DL's in college.

on another note: Just read Foster from Bama has felony charges.

[squidkid]

easiest to fill/play... ehhh, semantics.

but if we draft RB early it kind of defeats the purpose of those screaming about improving the defense. I think it’s easier to find a RB in later rounds who can contribute than a LB, DB or DL.

improving the defense needed to be done thru FA. not the draft.
we might get 1 starter thru the draft and chances are they wont be a real impact this year anyway