Flippy Mock 1.0

[Oviedo]

I just don’t get everyone always wanting to waste a first round pick on a TE. Only time a team should take a TE in the first round is if it were a playoff team who’s set at just about every other position.

But for a team like us with gapping homes in 2-3 areas, I don’t think so.

I read the same types of comments on a previous board when we took a TE with a hernia named Heath Miller

[Oviedo]

I think a TE is one of the most important positions (or can be) on a team.

A great TE can improve pass pro, run blocking, can open up the middle of the field to help the running game, can improve your success in the red zone. A versatile TE is one of the biggest matchup problems and can open up the entire passing and running game.

I'd rather have a game changing TE vs a mediocre LB that we picked just because we needed to fill a position. If we always chase filling positions, we'll be mediocre all over the field versus having game changers on both sides of the ball.

I prefer a great defender, but just don't think the guys I really like will be there at 20. The TE may be off the board too, but I think there's a better chance he's there out of the players I like. I think the Steelers have to really consider him.

As Ben gets older, a TE who has elite talent can be his best friend.

Hockensen likely will be gone before #20..However, I think Noah Fant can be just as special especially in the passing game.

[MeetJoeGreene]

That is an excellent mock draft

[Mick'sTeam]

I think a TE is one of the most important positions (or can be) on a team.

A great TE can improve pass pro, run blocking, can open up the middle of the field to help the running game, can improve your success in the red zone. A versatile TE is one of the biggest matchup problems and can open up the entire passing and running game.

I'd rather have a game changing TE vs a mediocre LB that we picked just because we needed to fill a position. If we always chase filling positions, we'll be mediocre all over the field versus having game changers on both sides of the ball.

I prefer a great defender, but just don't think the guys I really like will be there at 20. The TE may be off the board too, but I think there's a better chance he's there out of the players I like. I think the Steelers have to really consider him.

I certainly appreciate this thought process as well. A TE like Hockensen can also add another dynamic that helps offset the loss of AB.
I'm on the fence - but I keep going back to the frustrations with the defense. If TE is the pick in the first, I just hope Colbert and crew have a plan to address ILB with some urgency after that.

[pittpete]

Playmakers on defense is what we need IMO...

[Steel Maniac]

I think a TE is one of the most important positions (or can be) on a team.

A great TE can improve pass pro, run blocking, can open up the middle of the field to help the running game, can improve your success in the red zone. A versatile TE is one of the biggest matchup problems and can open up the entire passing and running game.

I'd rather have a game changing TE vs a mediocre LB that we picked just because we needed to fill a position. If we always chase filling positions, we'll be mediocre all over the field versus having game changers on both sides of the ball.

I prefer a great defender, but just don't think the guys I really like will be there at 20. The TE may be off the board too, but I think there's a better chance he's there out of the players I like. I think the Steelers have to really consider him.

Okay..but when have we ever used a TE so much to that extent? Even with Heath, he was a favorite and all but we didn't use him so much to THAT extent on a regular basis.

[Steel Maniac]

Playmakers on defense is what we need IMO...

But Pete, we've got to ask ourselves first, is this defensive scheme conducive for guys to make players on defense. Nobody's bringing this up but it's just as important as the players we could potentially bring in.

[Disco1981]

Re: drafting an ILB, I'm not 100% sold on the options we may have in round 1-2. I like Pratt from NC State as much as the ILBs that are projected to go earlier and think he could be a really good ILB.

Also, I figure we have to address the ILB situation in FA. But I have to question, what is it that we really want? Do we want a traditional ILB or someone that's more of an extra S on the field. How often are we in sub packages anyway? There's different ways to skin the cat imho. And you just have to try to get the best players you can and adjust to the players vs going for need if you want the best team imho.

Excellent Fip! Thats what everyone wants as Fans, ( ILB ) But what if that is not what the organization wants...

And even if they do...They will not/ have never...Tipped their hand

[Steel Maniac]

Disco, trust me, the FO wants to do something at ILB. Did you see that article of what Colbert said about not adequately replacing Shazier? It was posted here on the site. They are going to address the linebacker corps in this draft. No doubt.

[SS Laser]

Anyone see Foster Moreau as a Jesse James "type" TE? Seems to be on the Steelers radar. They like Senior bowl players. Looks to be that 4th-5rd range.
Wonder what McDonalds contract looks like after the 2019 season? Could be a in site to there TE plans.
IF all the picks are kept a TE or 2 could be brought in.
Replacement for JJ and one in the pipe line depending on McDonald's future.
Heck I could see the argument for 2 ILB's also. One to replace Fort and one in the pipeline depending on Bostic and VW!
But the possibility of drafting a position twice in the same draft has to be ridiculously low. Let along two positions twice. Just sounds ridiculous typing all that. They have done 2 WR's same draft and another year gulp 2 CB's in one draft. Interesting year with all the picks.

[Steel Maniac]

Ideally, to get maximum effect and instant impact, you'd sign a free agent and draft a guy. And that could still happen because there will be a second wave of free agents after the draft.

[Disco1981]

Re: drafting an ILB, I'm not 100% sold on the options we may have in round 1-2. I like Pratt from NC State as much as the ILBs that are projected to go earlier and think he could be a really good ILB.

Also, I figure we have to address the ILB situation in FA. But I have to question, what is it that we really want? Do we want a traditional ILB or someone that's more of an extra S on the field. How often are we in sub packages anyway? There's different ways to skin the cat imho. And you just have to try to get the best players you can and adjust to the players vs going for need if you want the best team imho.

Excellent Flip! Thats what everyone wants as Fans, ( ILB ) But what if that is not what the organization wants...

And even if they do...They will not/ have never...Tipped their hand

[Disco1981]

Disco, trust me, the FO wants to do something at ILB. Did you see that article of what Colbert said about not adequately replacing Shazier? It was posted here on the site. They are going to address the linebacker corps in this draft. No doubt.

Maniac...Agreed! They will address it...And they will address it with a high pick but...It just may " not " be the 1st round pick...

Say for arguments sake they are in love with Hockenson, and he's available at # 20...

They take him and POSSIBLY go back to back ILB's in rounds 2 AND 3...And still possibly even move up to get one because 1) Won't cost us as much...2) With all these draft picks I'm predicting at least one move up, if not two...

Because 10 draft picks ARE NOT making this roster...I can see us having our " usual " about 7...But they will be a bit higher picks, and just not as as bottom heavy...

That's jmo who knows...

[flippy]

Maniac...Agreed! They will address it...And they will address it with a high pick but...It just may " not " be the 1st round pick...

Say for arguments sake they are in love with Hockenson, and he's available at # 20...

They take him and POSSIBLY go back to back ILB's in rounds 2 AND 3...And still possibly even move up to get one because 1) Won't cost us as much...2) With all these draft picks I'm predicting at least one move up, if not two...

Because 10 draft picks ARE NOT making this roster...I can see us having our " usual " about 7...But they will be a bit higher picks, and just not as as bottom heavy...

That's jmo who knows...

When i was thinking about who to draft at various picks, I had a hard time picking 10 players and I do think we'll move. Personally, I wouldn't mind moving up some and trading picks this year for picks next year to give us more flexibility going into 2020.

[flippy]

Okay..but when have we ever used a TE so much to that extent? Even with Heath, he was a favorite and all but we didn't use him so much to THAT extent on a regular basis.

Catching passes isn't everything. We used Heath on every play and he made an impact as a result.

I also think we kinda used Hines like a TE at times. So many times, he'd put a hat on one of the 9s which you typically wouldn't expect from a WR. The way Hines opened up the middle of the field within a zone opened up the box for the running game, just like great TEs do. But it wasn't 100% like a TE because you still need to cover Hines with a CB.