Some execs considered Edmunds a top 15 player

[Ernie]

No reason Bostic can't be "The guy". It is likely with injuries and such that both would see significant time

[RuthlessBurgher]

We came into this offseason needing to replace Ryan Shazier.

The only draft prospects available in this draft who might have be able to replicate all that Ryan could do on a football field would have been possibly Roquan Smith or Tremaine Johnson, and we did not have a chance to draft either of them.

Option B would have been using our first round pick on a "poor man's Shazier" at ILB such as Leighton Vander Esch or Rashaan Evans. Once again, we did not have a chance to draft either of them. It happens.

So with no singular players left to fill that gaping hole, what did we do? We are attempting to replace Shazier with multiple players instead.

First, we added an ILB who is about 15 pounds heavier than Shazier to hold up for the run downs (Jon Bostic: 97 tackles in 14 games in 2017).

Then, we added a combination strong safety and nickel/dime backer who is about 15 pounds lighter than Shazier to be able to cover TE's and RB's on the pass downs (an athletic, intelligent prospect with excellent bloodlines in Terrell Edmunds).

There have been college safeties who have successfully been converted into athletic LB's at the next level. Brian Urlacher is the ultimate example, but there are players currently in the NFL playing this role such as Deone Buchanon with the Cards or Mark Barron with the Rams. All three of those guys were first round picks like Edmunds.

Our biggest holes coming this offseason were at safety and ILB, and although we signed Burnett and Bostic in free agency to fill those two needs, our first round pick could ultimately fill in as a rookie at either spot if needed, depending on the situation. Edmunds may not be a day one starter for us, but he will contribute to this overall defense this year...he's got a unique skillset that we can put to good use out there.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

We came into this offseason needing to replace Ryan Shazier.

The only draft prospects available in this draft who might have be able to replicate all that Ryan could do on a football field would have been possibly Roquan Smith or Tremaine Johnson, and we did not have a chance to draft either of them.

Option B would have been using our first round pick on a "poor man's Shazier" at ILB such as Leighton Vander Esch or Rashaan Evans. Once again, we did not have a chance to draft either of them. It happens.

So with no singular players left to fill that gaping hole, what did we do? We are attempting to replace Shazier with multiple players instead.

First, we added an ILB who is about 15 pounds heavier than Shazier to hold up for the run downs (Jon Bostic: 97 tackles in 14 games in 2017).

Then, we added a combination strong safety and nickel/dime backer who is about 15 pounds lighter than Shazier to be able to cover TE's and RB's on the pass downs (an athletic, intelligent prospect with excellent bloodlines in Terrell Edmunds).

There have been college safeties who have successfully been converted into athletic LB's at the next level. Brian Urlacher is the ultimate example, but there are players currently in the NFL playing this role such as Deone Buchanon with the Cards or Mark Barron with the Rams. All three of those guys were first round picks like Edmunds.

Our biggest holes coming this offseason were at safety and ILB, and although we signed Burnett and Bostic in free agency to fill those two needs, our first round pick could ultimately fill in as a rookie at either spot if needed, depending on the situation. Edmunds may not be a day one starter for us, but he will contribute to this overall defense this year...he's got a unique skillset that we can put to good use out there.

I've been wondering about what the actual options we had at 1.28 were. Thanks for the detailed synopsis!

[Steel Maniac]

We came into this offseason needing to replace Ryan Shazier.

The only draft prospects available in this draft who might have be able to replicate all that Ryan could do on a football field would have been possibly Roquan Smith or Tremaine Johnson, and we did not have a chance to draft either of them.

Option B would have been using our first round pick on a "poor man's Shazier" at ILB such as Leighton Vander Esch or Rashaan Evans. Once again, we did not have a chance to draft either of them. It happens.

So with no singular players left to fill that gaping hole, what did we do? We are attempting to replace Shazier with multiple players instead.

First, we added an ILB who is about 15 pounds heavier than Shazier to hold up for the run downs (Jon Bostic: 97 tackles in 14 games in 2017).

Then, we added a combination strong safety and nickel/dime backer who is about 15 pounds lighter than Shazier to be able to cover TE's and RB's on the pass downs (an athletic, intelligent prospect with excellent bloodlines in Terrell Edmunds).

There have been college safeties who have successfully been converted into athletic LB's at the next level. Brian Urlacher is the ultimate example, but there are players currently in the NFL playing this role such as Deone Buchanon with the Cards or Mark Barron with the Rams. All three of those guys were first round picks like Edmunds.

Our biggest holes coming this offseason were at safety and ILB, and although we signed Burnett and Bostic in free agency to fill those two needs, our first round pick could ultimately fill in as a rookie at either spot if needed, depending on the situation. Edmunds may not be a day one starter for us, but he will contribute to this overall defense this year...he's got a unique skillset that we can put to good use out there.

I’ve said a few times that Colbert indeed did try in the draft to move up but it didn’t work out. But I have my reservations on weather what we’ve done is significant enough to get us over the hump.

For example, I don’t see anything we’ve done that’s going to help us stop a physical playoff running game.

[Slapstick]

Upgrading Spence with Bostic will help to stop a physical playoff running game...

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Also, having Tuitt play without one crippled wing (like he had last year in the playoffs) will help defend against a physical running game also.

(I think Hargrave was injured in the playoffs also, so it was kind of like a revolving door for the opposing offense. No depth on the D line last year, I guess that is a damnation of Big Dan if there ever was one, that he wasn't good enough to sub in ...).

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Though it does leave open the question about why not trade up to get one of those two other LBs ...?

[Slapstick]

Though it does leave open the question about why not trade up to get one of those two other LBs ...?

Apparently, the Steelers tried to do just that...unfortunately, you have to find a trading partner in time...

[RuthlessBurgher]

Though it does leave open the question about why not trade up to get one of those two other LBs ...?

Buffalo traded up to #16 to draft LB Tremaine Edmunds by making a deal with Baltimore...the Ravens aren't trading with us.

Tennessee traded up to #22 to draft LB Rashaan Evans by making a deal with Baltimore again...the Ravens still aren't trading with us.

[pittpete]

Great post Ruthless...............

[pittpete]

I’ve said a few times that Colbert indeed did try in the draft to move up but it didn’t work out. But I have my reservations on weather what we’ve done is significant enough to get us over the hump.

For example, I don’t see anything we’ve done that’s going to help us stop a physical playoff running game.

There are many things scheme wise you can do to deal with a power run game.
We dont always have to have the base 3-4 in.
Run blitzes, playing man and having a safety that can tackle is just a few...

[NorthCoast]

Ruthless did a fine job explaining what is very likely the scenario that played out for the Steelers on draft day. That said, still have serious concerns that a safety/ILB by committee will be easily exploited by the likes of Belichick. Get the wrong sub package in and it's good night Martha. The positive is the Steelers grabbed some players that know how to tackle, which was one of the most frustrating things to watch from this defense last season.

[Buzz]

That said, still have serious concerns that a safety/ILB by committee will be easily exploited by the likes of Belichick. Get the wrong sub package in and it's good night Martha.

He'll just keep Brady & Co. in the hurry-up and beat our ar$$es all the way down the field.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

He'll just keep Brady & Co. in the hurry-up and beat our ar$$es all the way down the field.

In which case I'd rather have a smarter, more athletic safety on Gronk.

[feltdizz]

Ruthless did a fine job explaining what is very likely the scenario that played out for the Steelers on draft day. That said, still have serious concerns that a safety/ILB by committee will be easily exploited by the likes of Belichick. Get the wrong sub package in and it's good night Martha. The positive is the Steelers grabbed some players that know how to tackle, which was one of the most frustrating things to watch from this defense last season.

well, I think the Pats will exploit whatever we do because they are too good on offense.

Last year was a prime example of how to beat the Pats. Have the ball last and score a TD to win the game. We almost did it last year (we really did but whatever).

and I agree on tackling. We had way too many missed tackles last year.