Take heart for those who hated the draft...

[brothervad]

For those who hated the draft and felt like it was a big disaster you have a great deal to be optimistic about...

If as you suggested they failed to address the immediate needs on the lines and d-side of the ball. If their QB pick is a abject failure...take heed

1.) They will have one of those top 10 picks for you draftniks to salivate over
2.) They will have a new GM to make those picks
3.) They will likely have a new OC in place
4.) potential bonus for the Tomlin critics - The luster of the head coach might become a little duller (no, they won't fire him, but they may not see him in the same light - this one may be a longshot though)

And btw just a quick take on Gerry Dulac (who I like but is not the insider everyone professes him to be). Review his chats over the past 6 weeks...he pretty much guaranteed they wouldn't take a QB with pick #1 (he didn't 100% state it and left a bit of a crack, but indicated they weren't as "all-in" as folks perceived them to be).

Brothervad

[whisper]

For those who hated the draft and felt like it was a big disaster you have a great deal to be optimistic about...

If as you suggested they failed to address the immediate needs on the lines and d-side of the ball. If their QB pick is a abject failure...take heed

1.) They will have one of those top 10 picks for you draftniks to salivate over
2.) They will have a new GM to make those picks
3.) They will likely have a new OC in place
4.) potential bonus for the Tomlin critics - The luster of the head coach might become a little duller (no, they won't fire him, but they may not see him in the same light - this one may be a longshot though)

And btw just a quick take on Gerry Dulac (who I like but is not the insider everyone professes him to be). Review his chats over the past 6 weeks...he pretty much guaranteed they wouldn't take a QB with pick #1 (he didn't 100% state it and left a bit of a crack, but indicated they weren't as "all-in" as folks perceived them to be).

Brothervad

I'm not sure the above is consoling as intended.

If this draft is as empty as some see it, it will compound the team's legacy of no playoffs wins for at least a few more years, taking us into 7, 8 or 9 years sans a playoff victory.

Having Cool Shades "lose his luster" is not enough for real change, which, in my mind, is needed to get us off this course of "so so" teams, not good enough to actually contend in the playoffs. When you see the bold drafts like Balt. and Philly, you just know our half-hearted effort, where they really only are concerned with the first few rounds, won't get it done. Is it true that our main brass does not even travel west of the Mississippi to see prospects? Is that true?

[feltdizz]

I guess the question is:

Did the sources blow smoke at Dulac?

I think the answer is some of these experts think more of Trubisky than the Steelers FO.

[brothervad]

I guess the question is:

Did the sources blow smoke at Dulac?

I think the answer is some of these experts think more of Trubisky than the Steelers FO.

I think this is absolutely true and were using him (and his ilk) as counter-intelligence or obfuscation. However, I think they did a poor job of hiding their intentions.

Brothervad

[Terrapin]

For those who hated the draft and felt like it was a big disaster you have a great deal to be optimistic about...

If as you suggested they failed to address the immediate needs on the lines and d-side of the ball. If their QB pick is a abject failure...take heed

1.) They will have one of those top 10 picks for you draftniks to salivate over
2.) They will have a new GM to make those picks
3.) They will likely have a new OC in place
4.) potential bonus for the Tomlin critics - The luster of the head coach might become a little duller (no, they won't fire him, but they may not see him in the same light - this one may be a longshot though)

And btw just a quick take on Gerry Dulac (who I like but is not the insider everyone professes him to be). Review his chats over the past 6 weeks...he pretty much guaranteed they wouldn't take a QB with pick #1 (he didn't 100% state it and left a bit of a crack, but indicated they weren't as "all-in" as folks perceived them to be).

Brothervad

I didn't hate the draft, but after round 2 it sucked. 3rd and 4th rd picks are specialty/project type of guys that likely won't have much of an impact. And the later picks don't have a chance at even making the team (well except for the sibling obsession pick). So if Pickett is below average, then the draft was a disaster. No two ways about it. Although since we seem to draft for special teams more than anyone, we should be dominant in that area.

My biggest issue over the past few years (and this year was no different) is that there is seemingly no effort put into any picks after rd 3. I could not believe they didn't trade up 5 spots in the 3rd for Jones or Dean. That is lazy as hell for a team with glaring holes. The 6th and 7th rd picks were complete wastes. How about packaging all them up and getting a 5th? Nope. Nothing. Just sit back and throw darts

[feltdizz]

I think this is absolutely true and were using him (and his ilk) as counter-intelligence or obfuscation. However, I think they did a poor job of hiding their intentions.

Brothervad

I think they did a good job hiding who they wanted. Most everyone had us in love with Willis.

While I predicted Pickett even I was duped into believing we would draft Willis and had a “Whatchu talkin bout Willis?” gif ready to post.. lol.

[feltdizz]

I didn't hate the draft, but after round 2 it sucked. 3rd and 4th rd picks are specialty/project type of guys that likely won't have much of an impact. And the later picks don't have a chance at even making the team (well except for the sibling obsession pick). So if Pickett is below average, then the draft was a disaster. No two ways about it. Although since we seem to draft for special teams more than anyone, we should be dominant in that area.

My biggest issue over the past few years (and this year was no different) is that there is seemingly no effort put into any picks after rd 3. I could not believe they didn't trade up 5 spots in the 3rd for Jones or Dean. That is lazy as hell for a team with glaring holes. The 6th and 7th rd picks were complete wastes. How about packaging all them up and getting a 5th? Nope. Nothing. Just sit back and throw darts

I like the first 4 picks. The DE has some amazing numbers given that he takes 75% of his plays off… lol.

He looked a little small but I was shocked to hear A.Smith was the same size. These days its not uncommon to see a more athletic guy with a smaller frame making plays.

[Steel Maniac]

I"m not happy about the Austin draft pick. Just a wasted pick IMO. Hopefully he'll be really used by Canada.

[Northern_Blitz]

I like the first 4 picks. The DE has some amazing numbers given that he takes 75% of his plays off… lol.

He looked a little small but I was shocked to hear A.Smith was the same size. These days its not uncommon to see a more athletic guy with a smaller frame making plays.

I like the first 4 too.

The WRs especially.

I admit to knowing little about NCAA guys. But I think the small, super-shifty WR seems like an interesting part of the offense. Something we haven't had in a while.

Maybe he gets blown up, but maybe he turns out to be something like a poor man's T.Hill. Which would be awesome.

[pfelix73]

I'm not sure the above is consoling as intended.

If this draft is as empty as some see it, it will compound the team's legacy of no playoffs wins for at least a few more years, taking us into 7, 8 or 9 years sans a playoff victory.

Having Cool Shades "lose his luster" is not enough for real change, which, in my mind, is needed to get us off this course of "so so" teams, not good enough to actually contend in the playoffs. When you see the bold drafts like Balt. and Philly, you just know our half-hearted effort, where they really only are concerned with the first few rounds, won't get it done. Is it true that our main brass does not even travel west of the Mississippi to see prospects? Is that true?

I think as the draft went along, with no one taking Pickett, they were almost obligated to draft him. Think what everyone would be saying today IF they passed over him, like they did with Marino? He'll sell jerseys, and put people in the stands. Thats what every team desires with a franchise QB. The jury is out on whether he'll be that franchise QB.

IF Pickett weren't there at 20, I seriously doubt they would have picked another QB at 20. Willis was not the pick- according to Rooney and what he said back in February. Wyatt may have been the pick. We'll never know!

[feltdizz]

I like the first 4 too.

The WRs especially.

I admit to knowing little about NCAA guys. But I think the small, super-shifty WR seems like an interesting part of the offense. Something we haven't had in a while.

Maybe he gets blown up, but maybe he turns out to be something like a poor man's T.Hill. Which would be awesome.

how big is DJ? Doesn’t seem that big to me but I see Austin as a PR/KR guy who could replace DJ if he is too expensive

[feltdizz]

I think as the draft went along, with no one taking Pickett, they were almost obligated to draft him. Think what everyone would be saying today IF they passed over him, like they did with Marino? He'll sell jerseys, and put people in the stands. Thats what every team desires with a franchise QB. The jury is out on whether he'll be that franchise QB.

IF Pickett weren't there at 20, I seriously doubt they would have picked another QB at 20. Willis was not the pick- according to Rooney and what he said back in February. Wyatt may have been the pick. We'll never know!

They watched Picket break records and finish 3rd in Heisman voting.

I know a lot of fans aren’t high on Pickett due to the QB class overall but you hut the nail on the head.

They pass on Pickett, he ends up being legit and everyone would wonder how the hell we didn’t see the obvious when they play and practice at the same facility.

Some people act like Pickett had a Howell type year. His numbers were impressive and the tape shows a guy moving around and throwing darts on the run.

We have 2 backup QB’s and lost Haskin’s. Fans need to stop lying to themselves.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I like the first 4 picks. The DE has some amazing numbers given that he takes 75% of his plays off… lol.

He looked a little small but I was shocked to hear A.Smith was the same size. These days its not uncommon to see a more athletic guy with a smaller frame making plays.

similar size to Da Beard, too. Moreover they gain weight as they grow into manhood (and lift)... TJ recently posted a draft picture of himself and commented how he was 20 lbs lighter back then. It's kind of weird that people are saying a 280+ guy is to small to play DE when 285-300 is ideal (depending on height).

If Pickett turns out to be as good as you say (and lord, i hope he is) then I say we'll look back on this draft fondly where you're impressed with how many "hits" they had, regardless of personalities / free agents leaving / early retirements / injuries.

Even looking back at the last handful of drafts: Najee and Muth are future stars. Moore and Green - both started. While Green maybe shouldn't have, Moore earned that spot over some folks. Frankly, as 3rd and 4th rounders, they're decent finds. Loudermilk showed promise.
Going to the prior year, Claypool, Highsmith and Dotson in rounds 2, 3, 5 (minkah trade was the 1st)... that's a good effing draft.
One year prior? TJ, JuJu, Cam Sutton, James Conner? that's a good effing draft.

If your worst in the last 5-6 years was Devin Bush, Diontae Johnson, Benny Snell, Justin Layne... Eh - I kind of trust your talent evaluating.

[NorthCoast]

Dulac is wrong more often than he is right. I think his sources have gone into semi-retirement and aren't as connected as he would lead us to believe.

I wasn't thrilled with the draft. More like blah. They for sure added depth. Hard to say how many will end up quality starters. But it's done now so I'm with a wait and see approach. Hopefully not too long of a wait....