Fox sports mock draft

[Steel Life]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Mack-Daddy at 1.32

[Flasteel]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9168376/A-very-early-NFL-mock-draft?MSNHPHCP&GT1=39002

It would be shocking if a talent like Percy Harvin were to fall that low... if he were to fall all the way to 32#, I would freak. I know OL is a priority, but how can you pass up a talent like that, especially when we have Russell and Davis returning kickoffs. Harvin in a Steeler uniform would be great... from my perspective that is.

With Harvin's history on injuries I think it is very likely he falls to the bottom of Round 1 if not out of Round 1. He could be one of those truely great talents who you can't keep on the field. If he was available at #32 it would be very hard not to take him because he would immediately improve the return game. He could be a Devin Hester type player and if you didn't have to force him into the line up as a WR and gave him time to get stronger then he could be something special.

Agreed, brother and you are most certainly correct about the concern level regarding his injuries. But what an instant upgrade to the return game. But I think our needs on the line might take priority. Protect our franchise QB should be the theme of this year's draft.

I also agree about the injury question with Harvin and it could drop him that low. As much as I love his explosive talent, none of us have ever seen him return a kick or a punt. If we want a Gator who can do that (and who was one of the best in the nation), then let's burn a 6th round pick on Brandon James instead. Our need along the line far outweighs any potential kick return benefit we may get from Harvin and we are already loaded down at WR.

Go Big, Go Ugly.

[Chadman]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

I think Loadholdt could be better at Guard than either Mack or Robinson. Draft him and slide him inside.

I see Loadholt being one of those guys that drops big time in the draft. I'm talking 3rd round where everyone says "omg he's still on the board".. The combine will not be his friend.

In Mack and Robinson, you just know what you're getting and feel safe about it. Both #1's at their position.

Going to disagree there- Loadholt looked slimmer than expected at the Senior Bowl & was suggested that he could afford to even gain weight.

He's strong, so lifts won't be a problem.

He has long, long arms & stands at 6'8"- that'll be viewed as positive.

He won't run well- but do you expect a 6'8" 350lb guy to run fast? Chadman bets the scouts don't either.

One on one at the Senior Bowl practices he dominated his opposition for the most part.

The combine might be better for Loadholt than the Senior Bowl.

Gosder Cherilous was the #1 RT on the board last year & went in Round 1- expect Loadholt to do the same.

[WoodleyofTroy]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

I think Loadholdt could be better at Guard than either Mack or Robinson. Draft him and slide him inside.

I see Loadholt being one of those guys that drops big time in the draft. I'm talking 3rd round where everyone says "omg he's still on the board".. The combine will not be his friend.

In Mack and Robinson, you just know what you're getting and feel safe about it. Both #1's at their position.

Going to disagree there- Loadholt looked slimmer than expected at the Senior Bowl & was suggested that he could afford to even gain weight.

He's strong, so lifts won't be a problem.

He has long, long arms & stands at 6'8"- that'll be viewed as positive.

He won't run well- but do you expect a 6'8" 350lb guy to run fast? Chadman bets the scouts don't either.

One on one at the Senior Bowl practices he dominated his opposition for the most part.

The combine might be better for Loadholt than the Senior Bowl.

Gosder Cherilous was the #1 RT on the board last year & went in Round 1- expect Loadholt to do the same.

Did you watch the Senior Bowl? He let up a sack fumble for a touchdown in the endzone, with the End using one move. And if he was dominating the one on one's, they wouldn't of kept mentioning that he may need to slide inside to Guard at the next level over and over again.

[pick6]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Im going to start this out by being as honest as possible. Im greedy. ok ...with that said, I know the conventional wisdom points to an Oline in serious need of improvement. But come on, we just won the superbowl with these guys and we should have simmons coming back and smith is on the mend. I know, I know, I know we need to start building this line through the draft before ben gets hurt. But here me out. This Brandon Pettigrew (TE Oklahome State) kid would be a nice fit in our Bruce Arians 2TE system. Spaeth would be a great number 3 TE. Spaeth's blocking has been terrible at times(superbowl). If we are committed to the Arians system then this guy would make that system work twice as efficiently as it did this year. His blocking is excellent and his hands are awesome. We would have the best 3 te's in the NFL and this makes sense on a team that features 2 and 3 TE sets. We can get a great interior Olineman in the second and this would juggle things up a bit on the line. This is all contingent on keeping CB B. McFadden. If we lose him we may need to go best CB available in the 1st round depending on who is available. What do you think.

[NW Steeler]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Im going to start this out by being as honest as possible. Im greedy. ok ...with that said, I know the conventional wisdom points to an Oline in serious need of improvement. But come on, we just won the superbowl with these guys and we should have simmons coming back and smith is on the mend. I know, I know, I know we need to start building this line through the draft before ben gets hurt. But here me out. This Brandon Pettigrew (TE Oklahome State) kid would be a nice fit in our Bruce Arians 2TE system. Spaeth would be a great number 3 TE. Spaeth's blocking has been terrible at times(superbowl). If we are committed to the Arians system then this guy would make that system work twice as efficiently as it did this year. His blocking is excellent and his hands are awesome. We would have the best 3 te's in the NFL and this makes sense on a team that features 2 and 3 TE sets. We can get a great interior Olineman in the second and this would juggle things up a bit on the line. This is all contingent on keeping CB B. McFadden. If we lose him we may need to go best CB available in the 1st round depending on who is available. What do you think.

You certainly have made your point, but I'd say there is no way in HELL that they will draft a TE in this draft PERIOD, let alone the first round. But then again, that's just my opinion. No offense.

[Oviedo]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Mine is better than Fox:

1. Alex Mack, OC or Duke Robinson, G. Colbert tends to pick the top ranked player at their position in Round 1. Mack and Robinson both fit that profile
Alternative: Phil Loadholdt, OL. If moved inside to Guard could be a monster. Max Unger, OL, may have best “positional Flexibility in the draft.

2. Jarron Gilbert, DT, 6’6”, 280lbs, San Jose State
Alternative: Alex Magee, 6’4” 295lbs, Purdue

3a. Kraig Urbik, , OG/OL, 6’6”, 332lbs., Wisconsin
Alternative: Fenuki Tupou, 6’6’ 322lbs, Oregon

3b. Joe Burnett, CB/KR, 5’11”, 185lbs, Central Florida

4. Dorrell Scott, DL, 6’4” 320lbs
Alternative: Mitch King, DT, 6’3” 280lbs, Iowa

5. Deon Butler, WR, 5’10”, 170lbs, Penn State
Alternative: Patrick Turner, WR, 6’5”, 220lbs, USC or Jordan Norwood, WR, Penn State

6. Quinn Johnson, FB, 6’1”, 262lbs., LSU

7. Eric Vandenheuvel, OL, 6’7”, 324lbs, Wisc.

7. James Williams, DB, 6’, 180lbs, Southern Conn.

[pick6]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Mine is better than Fox:

1. Alex Mack, OC or Duke Robinson, G. Colbert tends to pick the top ranked player at their position in Round 1. Mack and Robinson both fit that profile
Alternative: Phil Loadholdt, OL. If moved inside to Guard could be a monster. Max Unger, OL, may have best “positional Flexibility in the draft.

2. Jarron Gilbert, DT, 6’6”, 280lbs, San Jose State
Alternative: Alex Magee, 6’4” 295lbs, Purdue

3a. Kraig Urbik, , OG/OL, 6’6”, 332lbs., Wisconsin
Alternative: Fenuki Tupou, 6’6’ 322lbs, Oregon

3b. Joe Burnett, CB/KR, 5’11”, 185lbs, Central Florida

4. Dorrell Scott, DL, 6’4” 320lbs
Alternative: Mitch King, DT, 6’3” 280lbs, Iowa

5. Deon Butler, WR, 5’10”, 170lbs, Penn State
Alternative: Patrick Turner, WR, 6’5”, 220lbs, USC or Jordan Norwood, WR, Penn State

6. Quinn Johnson, FB, 6’1”, 262lbs., LSU

7. Eric Vandenheuvel, OL, 6’7”, 324lbs, Wisc.

7. James Williams, DB, 6’, 180lbs, Southern Conn.

Wow this is a good draft. but Duke Robinson scares me. Its like he is standing in cement in pass protection. but if he gets his meathooks on you, it's time for breakfast..pancakes.

[pick6]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Im going to start this out by being as honest as possible. Im greedy. ok ...with that said, I know the conventional wisdom points to an Oline in serious need of improvement. But come on, we just won the superbowl with these guys and we should have simmons coming back and smith is on the mend. I know, I know, I know we need to start building this line through the draft before ben gets hurt. But here me out. This Brandon Pettigrew (TE Oklahome State) kid would be a nice fit in our Bruce Arians 2TE system. Spaeth would be a great number 3 TE. Spaeth's blocking has been terrible at times(superbowl). If we are committed to the Arians system then this guy would make that system work twice as efficiently as it did this year. His blocking is excellent and his hands are awesome. We would have the best 3 te's in the NFL and this makes sense on a team that features 2 and 3 TE sets. We can get a great interior Olineman in the second and this would juggle things up a bit on the line. This is all contingent on keeping CB B. McFadden. If we lose him we may need to go best CB available in the 1st round depending on who is available. What do you think.

You certainly have made your point, but I'd say there is no way in HELL that they will draft a TE in this draft PERIOD, let alone the first round. But then again, that's just my opinion. No offense.

None taken. I understand where you are coming from. It would be a long shot and maybe not such a good idea. Here's to hoping the Cards don't get RB McCoy from Pitt. With Mccoy and Fitz they would have the two best players from Pitt since Tony Dorsett other than Marino.

[steelz09]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

sign me up for alex mack (even if Duke Robinson is available). start him at guard then when hartwig retires, move him to center

.

[steeler_george]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Being a deep draft at center and guard position, and with the state or our OL, would you trade down from 32 to pick up more picks in the second and third to solidify this OL. (Is there much difference in value at 32 compared to 35-40)

Then trade up again to gain more picks in the second. Maybe end up with a total of 4-5 picks the 2nd and the 3rd round.


Or is it not possible with salary cap?

[Lebsteel]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Mine is better than Fox:

1. Alex Mack, OC or Duke Robinson, G. Colbert tends to pick the top ranked player at their position in Round 1. Mack and Robinson both fit that profile
Alternative: Phil Loadholdt, OL. If moved inside to Guard could be a monster. Max Unger, OL, may have best “positional Flexibility in the draft.

2. Jarron Gilbert, DT, 6’6”, 280lbs, San Jose State
Alternative: Alex Magee, 6’4” 295lbs, Purdue

3a. Kraig Urbik, , OG/OL, 6’6”, 332lbs., Wisconsin
Alternative: Fenuki Tupou, 6’6’ 322lbs, Oregon

3b. Joe Burnett, CB/KR, 5’11”, 185lbs, Central Florida

4. Dorrell Scott, DL, 6’4” 320lbs
Alternative: Mitch King, DT, 6’3” 280lbs, Iowa

5. Deon Butler, WR, 5’10”, 170lbs, Penn State
Alternative: Patrick Turner, WR, 6’5”, 220lbs, USC or Jordan Norwood, WR, Penn State

6. Quinn Johnson, FB, 6’1”, 262lbs., LSU

7. Eric Vandenheuvel, OL, 6’7”, 324lbs, Wisc.

7. James Williams, DB, 6’, 180lbs, Southern Conn.

Great mock! Very realistic. I don't know that much about Gilbert other than watching a video of him, but he seems more like a Javon Kearse-type. I'm not sure he'd be stout enough to be a 3-4 DE. But I do like the idea of taking a DL with that pick. Also, us PSU homers love the Rd. 5 picks!!

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Being a deep draft at center and guard position, and with the state or our OL, would you trade down from 32 to pick up more picks in the second and third to solidify this OL. (Is there much difference in value at 32 compared to 35-40)

Then trade up again to gain more picks in the second. Maybe end up with a total of 4-5 picks the 2nd and the 3rd round.


Or is it not possible with salary cap?

I think there is a drop-off after the top center (Mack) and a drop-off after the top guard (Robinson). Those are the only interior linemen that have a 1st round grade in my mind, so if one of them are available at #32, I think you take him (don't trade back). The only trading I would do is trading up in case one of the top LT prospects happens to fall a bit (unlikely, but still an option if it happens...just like they did with Troy and Santonio to go up and get the guy that they truly want).

[WoodleyofTroy]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Being a deep draft at center and guard position, and with the state or our OL, would you trade down from 32 to pick up more picks in the second and third to solidify this OL. (Is there much difference in value at 32 compared to 35-40)

Then trade up again to gain more picks in the second. Maybe end up with a total of 4-5 picks the 2nd and the 3rd round.


Or is it not possible with salary cap?

I think there is a drop-off after the top center (Mack) and a drop-off after the top guard (Robinson). Those are the only interior linemen that have a 1st round grade in my mind, so if one of them are available at #32, I think you take him (don't trade back). The only trading I would do is trading up in case one of the top LT prospects happens to fall a bit (unlikely, but still an option if it happens...just like they did with Troy and Santonio to go up and get the guy that they truly want).

There is a huge drop off in Guards after Robinson. But I've never seen this many Centers considered as a "franchise" guy. The ratings are that close between the 3. Normally I'd be all over a guy like Mack because of #1 value (i.e. a Heath Miller pick), but Unger and Wood are right there. You don't see top centers come around every draft, let alone 3.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Fox sports mock draft

Being a deep draft at center and guard position, and with the state or our OL, would you trade down from 32 to pick up more picks in the second and third to solidify this OL. (Is there much difference in value at 32 compared to 35-40)

Then trade up again to gain more picks in the second. Maybe end up with a total of 4-5 picks the 2nd and the 3rd round.


Or is it not possible with salary cap?

I think there is a drop-off after the top center (Mack) and a drop-off after the top guard (Robinson). Those are the only interior linemen that have a 1st round grade in my mind, so if one of them are available at #32, I think you take him (don't trade back). The only trading I would do is trading up in case one of the top LT prospects happens to fall a bit (unlikely, but still an option if it happens...just like they did with Troy and Santonio to go up and get the guy that they truly want).

There is a huge drop off in Guards after Robinson. But I've never seen this many Centers considered as a "franchise" guy. The ratings are that close between the 3. Normally I'd be all over a guy like Mack because of #1 value (i.e. a Heath Miller pick), but Unger and Wood are right there. You don't see top centers come around every draft, let alone 3.

There are certainly more center prospects than usual (could have 5 go off the board in the first 3 round, which is quite unusual) but I think that Mack is the sole elite prospect worthy of taking in the first round. He's got the same type of talent that Mangold had when he came out a few years ago, plus he is perhaps the top scholar-athlete in this draft (since Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle is foregoing the draft in favor of studying at Oxford this year). I'm not even sure that center is the best position for Max Unger yet. His versatility is a plus, but you wonder if he will settle in an take over a position on his NFL team or if his coaches will just make him a unique "6th man" that could take over at any spot if a starting o-lineman went down. Luigs, Wood, and Caldwell are all 2nd or 3rd round guys, but I don't see any of them being all that much better than the other guys. If we don't get Mack in Round 1, I would have no problem with them drafting one of these other guys in rounds 2 or 3, but I think Mack is by far the best of bunch. He could be the next in a line of Mansfield-Webster-Dawson-Hartings in Pittsburgh.