Pre Draft Conference, Tomlin and Colbert

[Oviedo]

Re: Pre Draft Conference, Tomlin and Colbert

would we really consider a TE in the 1st round? or even another LB?

the only positions we're not considering is QB/RB in the 1st.

I really doubt that the Steelers would take a TE, but maybe they want to plant the seed to other teams that they would. If Pettigrew falls to 32, I doubt the Steelers take him, but maybe they plant the seed that they will, and entice somebody else to move in front of them, allowing a player they want to fall. A lot of what people say at this time of year is deception. Its safe to say that they wouldn't take a QB or RB because everybody knows that anyway.

Pettigrew at 1.32 would be a solid pick. The guy is a great player and would probably be better value than any wideout sitting at 1.32. Remember that TE is a receiver too and this one is also a devastating blocker who blocks like an OT. Anyone who thinks he wouldn't be value at 1.32 need to do some research on this guy. Coincidentally a good read in today's USA today:

[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-04-20-usat-tight-ends_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... ends_N.htm[/url]

Put him and Heath on the field together sand they would be impossible to cover.

[Steeler Mafia]

Re: Pre Draft Conference, Tomlin and Colbert

would we really consider a TE in the 1st round? or even another LB?

the only positions we're not considering is QB/RB in the 1st.

I really doubt that the Steelers would take a TE, but maybe they want to plant the seed to other teams that they would. If Pettigrew falls to 32, I doubt the Steelers take him, but maybe they plant the seed that they will, and entice somebody else to move in front of them, allowing a player they want to fall. A lot of what people say at this time of year is deception. Its safe to say that they wouldn't take a QB or RB because everybody knows that anyway.

Pettigrew at 1.32 would be a solid pick. The guy is a great player and would probably be better value than any wideout sitting at 1.32. Remember that TE is a receiver too and this one is also a devastating blocker who blocks like an OT. Anyone who thinks he wouldn't be value at 1.32 need to do some research on this guy. Coincidentally a good read in today's USA today:

[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-04-20-usat-tight-ends_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... ends_N.htm[/url]

Put him and Heath on the field together sand they would be impossible to cover.

But Arians doesn't utilize the TE much, except for blocking. Why would we get another one to ignore when we are still ignoring the ones we do have.

[Steeler Mafia]

Re: Pre Draft Conference, Tomlin and Colbert

How do you rate the offensive linemen in this draft? And, Mike, how do you feel about your offensive line heading into this season as it stands?

KC: I think the depth of the offensive line is kind of top-heavy. There’s going to be more guys going higher than in previous years, but it doesn’t have the depth that it had last year. I don’t think there’s as many offensive linemen as there has been, especially compared to last year’s group. But, again, there will be starting-caliber players available in the first round across the board on the offensive line.

MT: In regards to our offensive line, the same starting five that walked off the field in Tampa was at practice and in the huddle today. That’s encouraging. I’m optimistic about what they’re capable of being. That’s why that group is together. They’re growing. They’re young guys, either in age or playing time experience, definitely in terms of group cohesion. I think the arrow is up for them collectively and we’re excited about what they’re capable of being.

This concerns me a great deal. It sounds like they are happy where they currently are with their OL and will only look to bring in players to support their current starters. I seriously hope that this is not true.

I didn't read it the same way, SM. I see it as a vote of confidence for the current guys on the roster and what they were able to accomplish in terms of a SuperBowl win. They have the opportunity of working on their "cohesion" to possibly become a better collective unit and improve on some of the poor showings last year. I think Colbert's statement seems like he might lean towards an OT in the first, given the lack of depth of such players in this year's draft. Hopefully Mack will fall to us at 1.32.

I read that as we are currently happy to have our starting OL in place from last year. We will upgrade it if need be but it currently is not our #1 priority. I brought this up in another thread yesterday. What if the Steelers don't feel as strong as the fans do about the OL. or in this case they feel more strongly....you know what I mean. I say they go best player available. I say its Mack. He is who I am targeting, but what if they feel a WR is BPA? What if Harvin is staring us in the face at 32? What do you do? I hope we Go OL in the first.....but I am not holding my breathe.

The way I understood it was that we are happy with what we have and what they were able to accomplish last year. Their time together will make them a better, more cohessive unit. Our #1 priority is everything except for the OL. I really hope this is not true and I am way off base. I really want them to pick up Mack as well. The kid is a stud on and off the field , both physically and mentally. He would make a great leader for the OL unit altogether. However, I am preparing to be disappointed come draft day.

[Northern_Blitz]

Re: Pre Draft Conference, Tomlin and Colbert

How do you rate the offensive linemen in this draft? And, Mike, how do you feel about your offensive line heading into this season as it stands?

KC: I think the depth of the offensive line is kind of top-heavy. There’s going to be more guys going higher than in previous years, but it doesn’t have the depth that it had last year. I don’t think there’s as many offensive linemen as there has been, especially compared to last year’s group. But, again, there will be starting-caliber players available in the first round across the board on the offensive line.

MT: In regards to our offensive line, the same starting five that walked off the field in Tampa was at practice and in the huddle today. That’s encouraging. I’m optimistic about what they’re capable of being. That’s why that group is together. They’re growing. They’re young guys, either in age or playing time experience, definitely in terms of group cohesion. I think the arrow is up for them collectively and we’re excited about what they’re capable of being.

This concerns me a great deal. It sounds like they are happy where they currently are with their OL and will only look to bring in players to support their current starters. I seriously hope that this is not true.

I didn't read it the same way, SM. I see it as a vote of confidence for the current guys on the roster and what they were able to accomplish in terms of a SuperBowl win. They have the opportunity of working on their "cohesion" to possibly become a better collective unit and improve on some of the poor showings last year. I think Colbert's statement seems like he might lean towards an OT in the first, given the lack of depth of such players in this year's draft. Hopefully Mack will fall to us at 1.32.

I read that as we are currently happy to have our starting OL in place from last year. We will upgrade it if need be but it currently is not our #1 priority. I brought this up in another thread yesterday. What if the Steelers don't feel as strong as the fans do about the OL. or in this case they feel more strongly....you know what I mean. I say they go best player available. I say its Mack. He is who I am targeting, but what if they feel a WR is BPA? What if Harvin is staring us in the face at 32? What do you do? I hope we Go OL in the first.....but I am not holding my breathe.

Assuming that there is any truth to anything said by team officials pre-draft is foolish.

Coming out and saying that they are unhappy with the O-line needlessly throws guys we might have to count on this season under the bus. It also would tell other teams that we are looking for O-line above all else so they might trade up and snatch a guy we want.

Press conferences are never honest about player evaluations. They are even less honest close to the draft.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Pre Draft Conference, Tomlin and Colbert

would we really consider a TE in the 1st round? or even another LB?

the only positions we're not considering is QB/RB in the 1st.

I really doubt that the Steelers would take a TE, but maybe they want to plant the seed to other teams that they would. If Pettigrew falls to 32, I doubt the Steelers take him, but maybe they plant the seed that they will, and entice somebody else to move in front of them, allowing a player they want to fall. A lot of what people say at this time of year is deception. Its safe to say that they wouldn't take a QB or RB because everybody knows that anyway.

Pettigrew at 1.32 would be a solid pick. The guy is a great player and would probably be better value than any wideout sitting at 1.32. Remember that TE is a receiver too and this one is also a devastating blocker who blocks like an OT. Anyone who thinks he wouldn't be value at 1.32 need to do some research on this guy. Coincidentally a good read in today's USA today:

[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-04-20-usat-tight-ends_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... ends_N.htm[/url]

Put him and Heath on the field together sand they would be impossible to cover.

I like the idea of Pettigrew better than Harvin, but I don't see any way that Pettigrew falls to the end of round 1. Buffalo was rumored to be considering Pettigrew as high has #11, but will likely use that pick on an OT after the Peters trade now. If Philly doesn't take him at #21, and Atlanta doesn't take him at #24, I don't see any way that Buffalo would pass on him at #28 (if he was truly under consideration for them at #11).

[phillyesq]

Re: Pre Draft Conference, Tomlin and Colbert

would we really consider a TE in the 1st round? or even another LB?

the only positions we're not considering is QB/RB in the 1st.

I really doubt that the Steelers would take a TE, but maybe they want to plant the seed to other teams that they would. If Pettigrew falls to 32, I doubt the Steelers take him, but maybe they plant the seed that they will, and entice somebody else to move in front of them, allowing a player they want to fall. A lot of what people say at this time of year is deception. Its safe to say that they wouldn't take a QB or RB because everybody knows that anyway.

Pettigrew at 1.32 would be a solid pick. The guy is a great player and would probably be better value than any wideout sitting at 1.32. Remember that TE is a receiver too and this one is also a devastating blocker who blocks like an OT. Anyone who thinks he wouldn't be value at 1.32 need to do some research on this guy. Coincidentally a good read in today's USA today:

[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-04-20-usat-tight-ends_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... ends_N.htm[/url]

Put him and Heath on the field together sand they would be impossible to cover.

I'm not knocking Pettigrew -- I think that he would be a fine pick at 1.32. I would just be very surprised if the Steelers use that pick on a TE. I think the vague comments re: drafting a TE are just part of the deception that leads up to the draft.