Planet Mock Commentary.

[pfelix73]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

I'll take a few of these one at a time as the day goes on... and maybe into tomorrow as well as I'm quite busy today with business.

But here's the 1st:

"5) You also did not address who was a better available player in the 3rd over Urbik...what DL would you have wanted? We already got a CB so there wasn't a need to take one of those...who was a better available player?"

I'm OK with taking a OL there in the 3rd according to this mock draft, and Urbik is one choice that sort of sits OK with me now. I just have Ron Brace rated higher on my list than I do Alex Mack. Sorry- But that's the way I look at just because I honestly believe he is the best NG in this draft and the NG are rare to come by.

Where I had the issue was taking 2 OL in the first 3 picks...... When we do these mock drafts are we trying to figure out what the team will do as a whole or are we just doing it according to how we would do it?

When I pick for the Eagles and Ratbirds, I'm trying to figure out how they might actually be doing it on draft day..... For example, from what I've read and those I've talked to, there actually is a possibility that the Eagles could take a RB and a TE in the 1st round, thus that's the way I went.... using the BPA philosophy too.....

As I get a chance to read the rest of your post today, I'll comment further................

[pfelix73]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

Oh- one other thing getting back to that 3rd round selection in THIS mock.... Some sites have Herman Johnson rated higher than Urbik... Just wanted to throw that out there.

I, however, do not think Herm Johnson would be a good pick for the Steelers because of the way they operate their offense. He is not BA's type. Perhaps I'd consider Shipley there as well.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

I'll take a few of these one at a time as the day goes on... and maybe into tomorrow as well as I'm quite busy today with business.

But here's the 1st:

"5) You also did not address who was a better available player in the 3rd over Urbik...what DL would you have wanted? We already got a CB so there wasn't a need to take one of those...who was a better available player?"

I'm OK with taking a OL there in the 3rd according to this mock draft, and Urbik is one choice that sort of sits OK with me now. I just have Ron Brace rated higher on my list than I do Alex Mack. Sorry- But that's the way I look at just because I honestly believe he is the best NG in this draft and the NG are rare to come by.

Where I had the issue was taking 2 OL in the first 3 picks...... When we do these mock drafts are we trying to figure out what the team will do as a whole or are we just doing it according to how we would do it?

When I pick for the Eagles and Ratbirds, I'm trying to figure out how they might actually be doing it on draft day..... For example, from what I've read and those I've talked to, there actually is a possibility that the Eagles could take a RB and a TE in the 1st round, thus that's the way I went.... using the BPA philosophy too.....

As I get a chance to read the rest of your post today, I'll comment further................

While you have been arguing your points on the Mock Draft Commentary Thread, you missed your pick for Baltimore this morning on the actual Mock Selection thread. Just thought I would let you know so we can keep this thing moving...

[pfelix73]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

I think Brace will make for a better fit at NG than Raji will. They are both pretty much the same size men, but watching Brace play, I think he is more stout and able to take on a double team on just about every play. Raji seems to be more able to rush the QB as a DT.... Just my take on the 2 from BC. Again, at NG, I have Brace rated the highest.

[BigBen2112]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

I'll take a few of these one at a time as the day goes on... and maybe into tomorrow as well as I'm quite busy today with business.

But here's the 1st:

"5) You also did not address who was a better available player in the 3rd over Urbik...what DL would you have wanted? We already got a CB so there wasn't a need to take one of those...who was a better available player?"

I'm OK with taking a OL there in the 3rd according to this mock draft, and Urbik is one choice that sort of sits OK with me now. I just have Ron Brace rated higher on my list than I do Alex Mack. Sorry- But that's the way I look at just because I honestly believe he is the best NG in this draft and the NG are rare to come by.

Where I had the issue was taking 2 OL in the first 3 picks...... When we do these mock drafts are we trying to figure out what the team will do as a whole or are we just doing it according to how we would do it?

When I pick for the Eagles and Ratbirds, I'm trying to figure out how they might actually be doing it on draft day..... For example, from what I've read and those I've talked to, there actually is a possibility that the Eagles could take a RB and a TE in the 1st round, thus that's the way I went.... using the BPA philosophy too.....

As I get a chance to read the rest of your post today, I'll comment further................

No problem. Take your time.

I go into these drafts looking at need and my draft philosophy of value...I then do what I think is best if I were a GM of each of my individual teams...all the while keeping my value principle and their needs in mind.

It is with those needs in mind that I went ahead and drafted Brian Orakpo, Fili Moala, Fenuki Tupou, and Jairus Byrd for Green Bay...all the while, again, those were value picks. I traded down with Green Bay on purpose...to gain extra picks to get more value out of this and subsequent drafts.

If you assign a value to each player that is eligible for the 2009 NFL draft and weigh that as you go along you will end up picking up some really good pieces.

Oh and about Brace...you'd consider Terrance Taylor equally impressive if he had not lost the weight he did. He's a space-eater who has taken on double teams and sheds them and works really well against those double teams. Taylor is now in the 305-310 area...still about 15-20 lbs from his playing weight during his most dominant year at UM. He's mean, is a run-stopper, takes on double-teams with relative ease...and had a horrible down year pushing him into the 4-6th round range currently...all because he lost 30+ lbs in an attempt to play all three downs.

[BigBen2112]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

Oh- one other thing getting back to that 3rd round selection in THIS mock.... Some sites have Herman Johnson rated higher than Urbik... Just wanted to throw that out there.

I, however, do not think Herm Johnson would be a good pick for the Steelers because of the way they operate their offense. He is not BA's type. Perhaps I'd consider Shipley there as well.

Some sites do have him rated higher than Urbik. But I wouldn't trust those...I trust my eyes, evaluation, and value slots...Johnson is HUGE...massive...and he's slow with poor footwork. I would not be happy to select him for THIS team.

He's in the mold of Philadelphia OL though so it makes some sense for you.

[steelblood]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

A few thoughts on some of the comments.

1. Benny's comment about there not being any 6'9" tackles right now. Gaither of Baltimore is 6'9" (at least according to the sites I looked at). I'm not comparing Capizzi to Gaither, just making a point. I do think Capizzi has some upside. I actually thought he did well run blocking in the preseason two years ago and was surprised we didn't make a spot for him. I agree with Benny that he is a long shot to ever be a starter.

2. PFelix's claims that we only need one linemen. That is probably true IF we only look at 2009 and aren't looking to upgrade any starters. But, the Steelers must look ahead and draft at least two linemen because of all the UFAs on the line next year. Furthermore, it is the weakest part of our team and should be upgraded (especially considering our investment in Ben). Our guards and center are not good pass protectors or run blockers. Colon is a below average talent at RT and should be upgraded by 2010.

3. Hills did not impress me last preseason. I remember many scouting reports last draft that said that he likely would not fully recover from his foot condition. If he were a possible solution, I think we'd be hearing about how he could challenge Colon this year.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

A few thoughts on some of the comments.

1. Benny's comment about there not being any 6'9" tackles right now. Gaither of Baltimore is 6'9" (at least according to the sites I looked at). I'm not comparing Capizzi to Gaither, just making a point. I do think Capizzi has some upside. I actually thought he did well run blocking in the preseason two years ago and was surprised we didn't make a spot for him. I agree with Benny that he is a long shot to ever be a starter.

2. PFelix's claims that we only need one linemen. That is probably true IF we only look at 2009 and aren't looking to upgrade any starters. But, the Steelers must look ahead and draft at least two linemen because of all the UFAs on the line next year. Furthermore, it is the weakest part of our team and should be upgraded (especially considering our investment in Ben). Our guards and center are not good pass protectors or run blockers. Colon is a below average talent at RT and should be upgraded by 2010.

3. Hills did not impress me last preseason. I remember many scouting reports last draft that said that he likely would not fully recover from his foot condition. If he were a possible solution, I think we'd be hearing about how he could challenge Colon this year.

Hey, blood. Now you are up this hour to select for the Falcons. You can leapfrog the Ratbirds and Asterisks, who have not picked this morning.

[steelblood]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

A few thoughts on some of the comments.

1. Benny's comment about there not being any 6'9" tackles right now. Gaither of Baltimore is 6'9" (at least according to the sites I looked at). I'm not comparing Capizzi to Gaither, just making a point. I do think Capizzi has some upside. I actually thought he did well run blocking in the preseason two years ago and was surprised we didn't make a spot for him. I agree with Benny that he is a long shot to ever be a starter.

2. PFelix's claims that we only need one linemen. That is probably true IF we only look at 2009 and aren't looking to upgrade any starters. But, the Steelers must look ahead and draft at least two linemen because of all the UFAs on the line next year. Furthermore, it is the weakest part of our team and should be upgraded (especially considering our investment in Ben). Our guards and center are not good pass protectors or run blockers. Colon is a below average talent at RT and should be upgraded by 2010.

3. Hills did not impress me last preseason. I remember many scouting reports last draft that said that he likely would not fully recover from his foot condition. If he were a possible solution, I think we'd be hearing about how he could challenge Colon this year.

Hey, blood. Now you are up this hour to select for the Falcons. You can leapfrog the Ratbirds and Asterisks, who have not picked this morning.

Thanks. I will. I wish I liked the corners and olbs on the board more.

[BigBen2112]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

A few thoughts on some of the comments.

1. Benny's comment about there not being any 6'9" tackles right now. Gaither of Baltimore is 6'9" (at least according to the sites I looked at). I'm not comparing Capizzi to Gaither, just making a point. I do think Capizzi has some upside. I actually thought he did well run blocking in the preseason two years ago and was surprised we didn't make a spot for him. I agree with Benny that he is a long shot to ever be a starter.

2. PFelix's claims that we only need one linemen. That is probably true IF we only look at 2009 and aren't looking to upgrade any starters. But, the Steelers must look ahead and draft at least two linemen because of all the UFAs on the line next year. Furthermore, it is the weakest part of our team and should be upgraded (especially considering our investment in Ben). Our guards and center are not good pass protectors or run blockers. Colon is a below average talent at RT and should be upgraded by 2010.

3. Hills did not impress me last preseason. I remember many scouting reports last draft that said that he likely would not fully recover from his foot condition. If he were a possible solution, I think we'd be hearing about how he could challenge Colon this year.

A couple of things:
1) My contention is that you can count the number of 6'9 OTs on one hand, maybe two if you go back very far. Gaither might be one...but again I cant really think of many...his size is a disadvantage...he's 4 INCHES taller than BigBen...I hope he doesnt ever get stood straight up.

2) My point exactly...drafting short-sighted is drafting to fail

3) I hated the Hills pick...there are still times he cant feel his leg b/c of the nerve damage................

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

Well, we made it down to the bottom of round 3. If the actual draft played out like this, and the Steelers stayed put at 32, 64, and 96, I think the best available players for us with our first 3 picks would be C Alex Mack, OT Jamon Meredith, and NT Sammie Lee Hill. Time to beef up the trenches on both sides of the line! I think we will add a CB and a WR in the draft after losing BMac and Nate, but with Ike, Gay, Deshea, Roy Lewis, Fernando Bryant, and Anthony Madison at CB and Hines, Santonio, Sweed, Baker, and Nance at WR, I think we can afford to wait until round 4 & 5 to add a couple of complementary speedy guys at those positions, since I think adding big ol' beefy fellas up front is a more important priority with our early picks.

[WoodleyofTroy]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

3 Rounds are in the books. Who's in for Rounds 4 through 7 in a chat room? We'll keep our original teams plus divide the ones not taken. Hopefully we can get at least 5 people (obviously more the better).

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

3 Rounds are in the books. Who's in for Rounds 4 through 7 in a chat room? We'll keep our original teams plus divide the ones not taken. Hopefully we can get at least 5 people (obviously more the better).

I can do Saturday or Sunday afternoon (I have to take the kids to a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday morning and church on Sunday morning...but should be okay after lunch either day). If you want to do it during one of the nights this week instead, Thursday would be the only one that works for me (from, say, 5:30-8:30 or so).

[BigBen2112]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

3 Rounds are in the books. Who's in for Rounds 4 through 7 in a chat room? We'll keep our original teams plus divide the ones not taken. Hopefully we can get at least 5 people (obviously more the better).

I can do Saturday or Sunday afternoon (I have to take the kids to a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday morning and church on Sunday morning...but should be okay after lunch either day). If you want to do it during one of the nights this week instead, Thursday would be the only one that works for me (from, say, 5:30-8:30 or so).

Thursday is a great day.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Planet Mock Commentary.

3 Rounds are in the books. Who's in for Rounds 4 through 7 in a chat room? We'll keep our original teams plus divide the ones not taken. Hopefully we can get at least 5 people (obviously more the better).

I can do Saturday or Sunday afternoon (I have to take the kids to a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday morning and church on Sunday morning...but should be okay after lunch either day). If you want to do it during one of the nights this week instead, Thursday would be the only one that works for me (from, say, 5:30-8:30 or so).

Thursday is a great day.

I'll be home and can be in the chat room by 5:30 p.m. EST. Can anyone else do Thursday?