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2019 MNFE CHAMPION -
Some of you guys crack me up, I am not going to point fingers...
Pick 102 is the 6th pick in the the 4th round, if there were no comp picks.
This draft is all about competitive depth and development... ( and add a playmaker to our Offense)
And OLB is one of the biggest unknowns we have as depth concerns... a UDFA and 6th (?) round pick who is always injured and was out played by freaken Chicko! ( I even skipped this position out of my Mocks)
Even if we drafted a RB he would be behind Conner.
Even if we drafted a ILB, he would be behind Bush and VW.
Even if we drafted a LG, he would be behind Feiler.
Same can be said of RT, C, S, CB, ...etc... they would be all behind someone.
The only position that is close to being open is NT and Dimebacker and those are positions have a lower % of snaps and subpackage.
take a look who went a few spots before and after the pick:
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Malik HarrisonOhio State
ILB (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-9 - 35 (99)
Matt PeartUConn
OT (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-99) - 36 (100)
Tanner MuseClemson
S (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-100) - 37 (101)
Dalton KeeneVirginia Tech
TE (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-101) - 38 (102)
Alex HighsmithCharlotte
OLB (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-102) - 39 (103)
Davion TaylorColorado
OLB (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-103) - 40 (104)
Terrell BurgessUtah
S (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-104) - 41 (105)
Adam TrautmanDayton
TE (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-105) - 42 (106)Tyre PhillipsMississippi State
OT (https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds#pick-106)
I think they probably had Harrison, Peart with a higher, maybe Muse but would been a reach...
The players after that were picked, are so-so compared with this kid... let's see were we go next I hope S (Wallace or Kenny-XFL, ILB ( Davis -Gathers, Weaver), NT ( Foto), even this guy I like Amik Roberts the slot and CB and they call me Ismel the C.
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If anyone cared to read the interview with Colbert he said his picks are based on what he believes the team will look like at the end of next season.
What they did yesterday speaks volumes on their future direction.
Don't forget Colbert's knack for finding serviceable free agents.
Not over yetComment
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BTSC gives the pick an A grade.
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2020/4/25/21235633/2020-nfl-draft-grading-pittsburgh-steelers-selection-of-olb-alex-highsmith-charlotte-round-3-news
2020 NFL Draft: Grading Pittsburgh Steelers selection of OLB Alex Highsmith
The Pittsburgh Steelers select Edge Alex Highsmith with the 102nd selection of the 2020 NFL Draft.
By Shannon White Apr 25, 2020, 7:56am EDT
The Pittsburgh Steelers looked to further improve their already impressive defense by selecting Charlotte 49ers Edge Alex Highsmith with the 102nd pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. A former walk on who became a standout performer through hard work and perseverance, Highsmith is a promising edge player who projects as a outside linebacker in the NFL. He has a quick first step that allows him to beat blockers around the edge, then an impressive closing burst to the QB. Highsmith ran a 4.7 forty at the Combine, and posted solid numbers in the other drills.
Highsmith doesn't possess elite athleticism, but he is solid in all phases. He is tall and lanky, measuring 6'4" with a slender base. At 248 lbs. he has the prototypical size that the Steelers love in their Edge/OLB players. He will need some time in the weight room to master setting the edge against the running game, but he won't embarrass himself either due to his better than advertised hand usage and all out effort.
Highsmith actually has experience playing linebacker for a short stint in college, meaning he has the instincts and intelligence necessary to man multiple positions. The Steelers scouting department was apparently impressed with that ability. Highsmith was a dominant pass rusher against small school opposition, but in no way embarrassed himself when he had the opportunity to compete against Power 5 opponents. His tape against Clemson demonstrated his abilities, and confirmed he was easily Charlotte's most talented defender and belonged on the field. He more than held his own against National Championship level talent.
There are specific criteria necessary when attempting to accurately and fairly grade any draft pick. Only time will reveal their final grades, but I will utilize certain parameters as I attempt to apply an initial grade for each Steelers draft pick. I base each grade on projected roster fit, potential immediate impact, and assumed draft value. Draft value is achieved by evaluating each players actual selection against their projected draft position, whether that be player rankings or projected round.
Highsmith has a high ceiling, but will need time to adjust to the professional game and a steep step up in talent. I believe the young man has the work ethic to live in the weight room, and dive deep into the playbook to continue to improve. He has displayed continuous improvement thus far through his football career, and I don't expect that to change anytime soon. His intensity and love for the game is truly impressive. Reportedly a high character guy, which has become the Steelers norm. The young man was beyond pumped when he was selected by the Steelers. Always good to see.
I believe the Steelers will try and ease Highsmith into the fray. He can contribute immediately as a pass rush specialist while he learns the NFL game. He is a solid depth piece who has starter potential down the line. He was projected to the Steelers in many mock drafts at the very spot taken, with one scout saying he just looked like a Steelers type player. I happen to agree wholeheartedly. Based on that criteria, I have to give this selection an A grade. I love the pick, and believe it to be a great value.
What overall grade would you give this selection? Please vote in the attached poll and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Welcome to the Steelers family from all of us at BTSC and Steelers Nation!
Was he projected as a Steelers player because he's a "Project" type player? Or was he projected as a Steelers type because he excels and wins? I guess we will find out.2019 MNFE CHAMPIONComment
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Another nice write up about him, with high praise from Dabo Swinney....
https://steelersdepot.com/2020/04/evaluating-the-value-olb-alex-highsmith/
We did draft Timmons to play ILB from the position of DE once upon a time. HMMMM?Evaluating The Value: OLB Alex Highsmith
By Tom Mead Posted on April 25, 2020 at 12:59 am
There were hints before the draft about the EDGE position being something they would address early and with their second pick the Steelers bring in a small school pass rusher. Behind starters T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree they have unproven depth with Ola Adeniyi and Tuzar Skipper so adding another player was prudent move.
The former walk on put up impressive numbers with 46 tackles for a loss and 20 sacks in his career including 15 sacks in 2019. The Steelers had contact with him prior to the draft which showed their interest. At the Combine he was one of only eight defensive lineman to register a 10 yard split under 1.70 seconds , had the a 33 inch vertical and was tops in his group in the short shuttle(4.31).
After facing off against his team Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney had some positives to say about Highsmith including, “He’s on all the ‘great player’ lists. I kept watching him and going, ‘Holy cow.’ He looks like Xavier Thomas. He’s physical, fast, disruptive. He’s causing sacks and tips. Really, really good football player. That No. 5 could play for anybody in the country.”
As far as where Highsmith was drafted it seemed a bit early based on where the experts saw his value.
The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah did not have him listed on his Top 150.
Gil Brandt also did not have him listed in his hot 150.
Lance Zieirlein of NFL.com gave him a 5.99 grade (https://www.nfl.com/prospects/alex-highsmith?id=32194849-4759-5832-21ce-07274900b330) (6.00 Developmental traits-based prospect) and had this to say, “Stand-up edge rusher with splashy production to get him noticed by 3-4 fronts. Highsmith is quick to diagnose and slip blocks to make plays in the backfield, but lacks the strength and anchor to take on blocks and set strong edges. He’s clearly put in work when it comes to creating a diverse inside/outside rush attack that has a chance to keep growing if he can weaponize his hands and improve his speed-to-power attack. His play is more finesse than physical and may not be ready for early downs in the NFL. He currently projects as an NFL backup but his ascending play and production could push him into a bigger role if he can get bigger and stronger.”
Our Josh Carney described him (https://steelersdepot.com/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-player-profiles-charlotte-edge-alex-highsmith/) as having a rocked up frame that is an instinctive run defender and a good pass rush plan. He gave him and early day 3 grade and concluded, “Overall, I really like the overall body of work and traits Highsmith has to work with. He has the right height and weight, good power, and the right mentality to thrive on the edge. I am a bit concerned with his short arms and the amount of production he had against small schools, but he’s definitely worth a flier early on Day 3, and good develop into a solid rotational pass rusher.”
Overall: This is a solid value pick for the Steelers. There were some other bigger names available including Bradlee Anae and Curtis Weaver but it’s clear now Highsmith must have impressed the Steelers during their interactions.
The value grade could’ve been higher but it’s a bit disconcerting he wasn’t on the top 150 lists but Zierlein did give him a positive review. Carney however had where he was going to be drafted pretty much pegged and Alex Kozora nearly had him at pick 102 in his final mock. It fills a need to provide depth at the position but choosing a small school player in a year like this does have some risk.2019 MNFE CHAMPIONComment
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I saw it on many sites, saying how much the Steelers loved him. I was think they would somewhere in the 4th. At 102, the 6th pick in the 4th ( if there were no comp placements) they ran to the podium not to miss out on him.
What I am curious about, If Harrison fell to them, who would they of picked 1st...
But seems like other options at ILB, Weaver, Dye, Davis-Gathers.
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Highsmith was a great pick at 102. Kid has what it takes to be very good. Keep in mind it was the 102nd pick. Love Highsmith's upside and it is clear that the Front Office is taking a balanced approach going forward.
Claypool helps now! probably on 3rd downs and in the red zone.
Highsmith helps in the future. Pushes Bud to have a great season because he now knows he is probably going to be a free agent after 2020 and needs to show 2019 wasn't a fluke.
Really like how this draft is playing out for us."My team, may they always be right, but right or wrong...MY TEAM!"Comment
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I don't really follow college football, but I do think that comparing actual draft position to posted publicly available draft boards is less relevant this year than in previous years (where it also probably doesn't matter too much after the first round or so).
There was way less information for both "gurus" and teams this year so all boards are probably worse than usual (or teams probably leaned harder to particular biases...like our "hearts and smarts").
I also think the downside of drafting a "project" is less this year than ever before. We probably won't have many off season activities (e.g. rookie camp, mini camp, etc) so I think it will be really hard for rookies (and to a lesser extent UFAs) to come in and contribute early.
Looks to me like we might be trying to mitigate that by getting guys that could play in sub packages with very defined roles so they don't need to know too much. Claypool can be used as a one trick pony running deep (think Bryant) and Highsmith can get the rookie year Woodley treatment where he rushes the passer every time he's on the field.
Also looks like we've drafted guys that will help on ST.Comment
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Here's a good read on him -
https://charlotte49ers.com/sports/football/roster/alex-highsmith/6179?fbclid=IwAR2OCtCdFoqngZQgOGMs6Uom1LBZ91aWFmCP 8RT1Shah2M6Y6tWNcO-fPOoSteel City Mafia
So Cal Boss (Ret)
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