D-Line Early?

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: D-Line Early?

Selecting a DL early helps us in so many ways.

1) Obviously it upgrades a position.

2) It helps us in an area of age

3) It helps the cap because drafting a DE probably means that Travis K is gone, a NT means either Hamp or Hoke is let go. In any of those cases we save over a mil, in the case of Big Casey, over $3M.

I doubt that they would cut Hampton this offseason, although I do think that they need to pick up a rookie NT in this draft that we can groom to replace Hampton after this season (I would imagine that 2009 will be his last year in the Black and Gold). It would be odd for a 3-4 team to carry 3 NT's, but I think they can do it. Casey is your starter and Hoke is your backup and the rookie would be inactive on gameday more often than not. Chris Hoke could also more over into the rotation at 3-4 DE in a pinch, so that flexibility would be useful. How can they fit an extra guy on their roster like this? Cut Carey Davis. Normally, we keep 5 RB's and 3 TE's coming out of camp. Last year, it was Parker, Mendenhall, Moore, Russell, and Davis (FB) plus Miller, Spaeth, and McHugh (H-back). Since McHugh has shown he can function as both the 3rd TE and as the most effective blocking FB on the roster, he fills both spots and you can let Davis go, giving us an extra spot on the 53 man roster for a 3rd NT. And if McHugh happens to get hurt in a game, you can use a NT as a short yardage blocking FB.

I agree that it is very unlikely that we move out Hampton this off season, I just wanted to put the number out there to show the option. It is interesting that after winning a SB we are in position to not lose one starter. That is excellent work by the FO.

The most likely scenario if we draft a NT high is that Hoke enters the DE rotation as a backup and we let someone go - Kirschke or Eason. While Davis is an easy target for removal, he might have to fight for his position as it is and might be cut to make room for an extra WR to carry with no defined #3 WR. Davis also doesn't save us much under the cap to cut, whereas Travis saves us over $1M.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: D-Line Early?

Chadman's tip- Brace will go earlier than you'd expect- he might not be on the board at #32. With so many teams going 3-4, and so few NT's of note in this draft, Brace will go early.

Add Tyson Jackson to those that will go early too- guys his size at 3-4 DE will go early.

If the Steelers go DL in Round 1- put a cheeky $20 on Ziggy Hood sneaking in...

Yeah, you never know...Brace could go earlier than 32 even. But to me, that would reek of desperation like the Bills taking John McCargo with the 26th overall pick a few years ago. I still want the teams to pick the best available player as they normally do in the first round (with the exception of a few positions like QB, RB, TE, etc.), and I think that there will be a much better o-lineman or possibly a top corner who would be higher rated than Ron Brace. Is there a substantial difference between Brace and Hill from Stillman as a pro prospect (other than the level of competition they faced in college) or even Taylor from Michigan?

[pfelix73]

Re: D-Line Early?

"Ideal DL in Round 1 would be Tyson Jackson but he is very likely gone before 1.32. My next choice is the second best NT in the draft Ron Brace. NTs are to the DL in a 3-4 what LT are to OLs. Just like LT on the OL, NT is the hardest position on a 3-4 DL to get a stud and you grab them when they are there."

Bravo. Couldn't have said it better myself.

I like Brace too. It might be a tad early at 1.32 to pick him it might be a possibility- then again maybe not.... Big Snack ain't getting any younger and I will be anxious to see how well prepared he will be when he comes to camp this year.

[Oviedo]

Re: D-Line Early?

Some very good insights on our DL needs for an SCI article. The article is quite long so I have quoted some parts.

Finally, you have the LeBeau Zone Blitz system. Zone blitz techniques have been around for a while but LeBeau took the concept and developed an entirely different 34 system in the 90’s. LeBeau’s system looks to use deception, mismatches and overloads along the line to generate QB pressure. Blitzes come frequently, but at the same time pass coverage is maintained by requiring the D-lineman and linebackers to drop back in coverage.

This system requires D-linemen to play predominantly 1-gap as well as possess the athletic ability to drop back in coverage. Also, both inside and outside linebackers must be able to drop in coverage as well as rush the passer. It makes for a unique player skill-set which other 34 teams don’t follow.

You’ll find this system currently used by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In order to highlight the differences I provide the following:

Personnel:
LeBeau :
NT Height & Weight: 6-1 325
DE Height & Weight: 6-5 292
OLB Height & Weight:6-1 254
ILB Height & Weight: 6-1 237

LOOKING TO THE DRAFT

As my analysis shows, LeBeau’s system is unique enough from other 34 teams, thus requiring different types of players both in physical stature and abilities.

Defensive ends are smaller and more agile in order to play in LeBeau’s demanding zone-blitz system. While someone such as Tyson Jackson fits all 34 systems, players that are slightly undersized, like a Zach Potter (277lbs) or a Kyle Moore (272lbs), fit that niche area where they are not quick enough for most 43 teams, nor large enough to play in a conventional 34. Players such as these fit line coach John Mitchell’s unselfish philosophy well, and can still be found as Day 2 draft selections. And since Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith see so much playing time, it would be beneficial to draft a player with the talent to fit into a rotation or be used in the Steelers’ nickel package. Either way, that should add up to significant playing time and a nice rest for both players.

Nose tackle is also a concern, but with Hampton only seeing half the snaps, and Hoke a capable backup, it’s not as important as finding another defensive end -- for this year at least.

Every team is looking for a pass-rushing 34 OLB, and with more teams now playing this defense, drafting a good one will now require using a premium selection. Long gone are the days of drafting Joey Porter and Jason Gildon in the 3rd round. Pittsburgh will also need to look for players with the athletic ability to drop in zone coverage since this is a requirement in its system. Look for prospects that performed well at the NFL combine who demonstrated the necessary agility in the drills to make the transition. As an example, Clay Matthews would be a perfect schematic fit for the Steelers.

Steelers inside linebackers must also be able to rush the quarterback. This is what sets LeBeau’s scheme apart, and because of this Pittsburgh uses converted OLBs who have demonstrated the ability to act as the 4th or 5th pass rusher. Lawrence Timmons, Larry Foote and James Farrior are all converted college OLBs. Some Day 2 prospects to target would be Jason Williams, Lee Robinson, Zack Follett, Moise Fokou, and Kaluka Maiava.

Throw in some aggressive zone cover corners that can tackle like Darius Butler, and there you have it.

Look for more detailed positional breakdowns coming up.