Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

[Oviedo]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Aaron Hernandez*, TE, Florida

22. New England Patriots: Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson

23. Green Bay Packers: Taylor Mays, S, USC

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Navorro Bowman*, OLB, Penn State

25. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham*, TE, Oklahoma

In what world would Aaron Hernandez get selected before Jermaine Gresham?

In a world wher someone is worried about Gresham's injury. It would be a very small world. Probably Pluto size which isn't even considered a world anymore I guess.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

While we are on the subject of mock drafts, Walter Cherepinsky just put up a 4 round mock draft.

[url]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2010.php[/url]

In the first four rounds, he has the Steelers taking:

1 (1. FS Earl Thomas, Texas

2 (52). CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

3 (82). OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

4 (113). NT Jay Ross, East Carolina

[papillon]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I hope Bradford and Claussen go that high in this draft. That will push 2 outstanding talents down the draft board and possibly leave a great selection for the Steelers. I just don't see Claussen or Bradford having value that high in the draft. Bradford missed all of last year with an injury, didn't he?

This is probably a good thread in which to ask this question. The following players may all be a vailable when the Steelers draft this year based on searching the internet for mock drafts:

Brandon Spikes - ILB
Terence Cody - NT
Dan Williams - NT
Earl Thomas - FS
Taylor Mays - SS

Who would you take if you were Kevin Colbert?

I'd take Earl Thomas, he's young, he has ball skills and he tackles. What say you?

Pappy

Spikes is being considered by some as a potentially dropping in the draft like Rey Malauga (sp?) did last year because of concerns over his speed. Not sure I'm ready to buy into that yet.

Still wouldn't touch Cody because of fitness issues.

Dan Williams may be a good pick but at #18 that is probably overdrafting him.

Thomas is solid, but do you really need to draft a safety at #18 in a draft that has the most depth at the Safety position in years. Will be able to get a solid pick in Rounds 2 and 3. Waiting may be the best value, especially when he is unlikely to see the field or contribute in his rookie year because of a defensive scheme that even the most remarkable rookie talents (Troy P) can't seem to understand.

Mays. Same same comments as for Thomas. Only advanatge that Mays has is ability to play Strong Safety that Thomas probably can't do. This may be value if you expect Troy's injury probelms to be recurring or we can keep him healthy and on the field more at FS. I think Mays may also slide more and more in the draft as the workouts and film work disects his play.

If I had to pick from your list I think It would be between Spikes and Thomas. Given needs and how Farrior wore down I would probably take Spikes.

However a better set to pick from in my mind and potnetially more contribution and therefore value as rookies would be from this list of three:

RB-CJ Spiller
OT-Bryan Balaga
TE-Jermane Gresham

Who would you take from that list??????????????? Our offense seems more primed to get a rookie on the field sooner and contributing. Won't that be best value?

With Mendenhall coming on this year and showing that he's got what it takes to be an NFL running back he isn't coming cheap when his contract expires. Drafting another first round running back will put them in a bind financially at that position. I don't see this happening.

Same with the TE, the Steelers just signed Miller and probably have exceeded their allotment for the TE position with his contract having two first rounders at that position will become a financial nightmare.

The only one fron your list that I would select would be the OT. We'll know soon enough if that is a consideration depending on what they do with Colon. Starks is signed long term, if they extend Colon they probably aren't going to draft an OT in round one.

I'd like to see an RB taken second day or even a TE if one they have rated falls their way. But, rounds 1 - 3 should be defense, the offense is going to take off next year, IMO.

Pappy

[Shawn]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

While we are on the subject of mock drafts, Walter Cherepinsky just put up a 4 round mock draft.

[url]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2010.php[/url]

In the first four rounds, he has the Steelers taking:

1 (1. FS Earl Thomas, Texas

2 (52). CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

3 (82). OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

4 (113). NT Jay Ross, East Carolina

I have exposure to Thomas and Lindley...would be happy with both. I have no idea about Kindle...and I have no idea about Ross. But, by the sounds of those initial reports with Troup...I would be happier taking a chance on Troup in the third or fourth.

[Shawn]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I don't like the trade up this year, too many needs on defense and we may be able to fill two huge needs without reaching and getting them high in the draft where the Steelers have excelled.

I also don't see Berry getting past the Browns with the third pick. As Shawn metioned I'd love to see Thomas at 1.18 and then Williams at 2.18 that would be a great start to getting our defense younger.

Pappy

The Browns don't have the 3rd pick. They pick 7th. Tampa picks 3rd.

I would also love to get Earl Thomas in the first and then Dan Williams in the second...that would be a near-ideal scenario...but I don't think there is any way that Dan Williams lasts until the middle of the second round with so many teams running a 3-4 D that could use a good nose tackle. San Diego would almost surely take him in the late first (Jamal Williams is significantly older than Hampton and more injury prone). If not, then Miami would take him before us in the second (Jason Ferguson is no spring chicken either). There are a few other teams that could take him in the early second before us as well (Broncos, Chiefs, etc.). Although some have been saying that Dan Williams may not be a value pick at #18, I think that is where you will have to get him if you do want him.

Agreed...I was reading a site that averages the mock draft slots for each player. Cody's average was 18...hmm. And Williams average was 22...better than I thought it would be.
Cody was also listed as the 3rd bet DL talent...Williams the 5th. Cody is said to be the 16th best talent in the draft. We will see how that changes after the combine.

[phillyesq]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I hope Bradford and Claussen go that high in this draft. That will push 2 outstanding talents down the draft board and possibly leave a great selection for the Steelers. I just don't see Claussen or Bradford having value that high in the draft. Bradford missed all of last year with an injury, didn't he?

This is probably a good thread in which to ask this question. The following players may all be a vailable when the Steelers draft this year based on searching the internet for mock drafts:

Brandon Spikes - ILB
Terence Cody - NT
Dan Williams - NT
Earl Thomas - FS
Taylor Mays - SS

Who would you take if you were Kevin Colbert?

I'd take Earl Thomas, he's young, he has ball skills and he tackles. What say you?

Pappy

Spikes is being considered by some as a potentially dropping in the draft like Rey Malauga (sp?) did last year because of concerns over his speed. Not sure I'm ready to buy into that yet.

Still wouldn't touch Cody because of fitness issues.

Dan Williams may be a good pick but at #18 that is probably overdrafting him.

Thomas is solid, but do you really need to draft a safety at #18 in a draft that has the most depth at the Safety position in years. Will be able to get a solid pick in Rounds 2 and 3. Waiting may be the best value, especially when he is unlikely to see the field or contribute in his rookie year because of a defensive scheme that even the most remarkable rookie talents (Troy P) can't seem to understand.

Mays. Same same comments as for Thomas. Only advanatge that Mays has is ability to play Strong Safety that Thomas probably can't do. This may be value if you expect Troy's injury probelms to be recurring or we can keep him healthy and on the field more at FS. I think Mays may also slide more and more in the draft as the workouts and film work disects his play.

If I had to pick from your list I think It would be between Spikes and Thomas. Given needs and how Farrior wore down I would probably take Spikes.

However a better set to pick from in my mind and potnetially more contribution and therefore value as rookies would be from this list of three:

RB-CJ Spiller
OT-Bryan Balaga
TE-Jermane Gresham

Who would you take from that list??????????????? Our offense seems more primed to get a rookie on the field sooner and contributing. Won't that be best value?

I wouldn't want an offensive player in the first round unless he was a lineman.

Defensive players have contributed as rookies in the past -- Hampton and Kendrell Bell (the DROY) come to mind. Woodley contributed a bit as a pass rusher in his rookie year. McFadden was a rookie when he made the big pass breakups against the Colts. I'm pretty sure that Anthony Smith contributed as a rookie before going downhill later.

Also, "Bustamalu" didn't contribute much as a rookie, but I think he was certainly worth the wait.

Basically, I don't think the Steelers should ignore their needs and take a luxury pick because that player might contribute more this season. I think they need to look long term, as they always do in the draft.

[PSU_dropout43]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

Honestly, I don't want a Thomas Everett-clone in the first round.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I believe who the Steelers select will somewhat depend on which of our own free agents we re-sign or find impossible to re-sign. I know our draft philosophy is BPA, but this year that philosophy will be influenced by need.

If Casey Hampton wants too much money, Terrence Cody or Dan Williams become real possibilities. Yes, we could franchise Big Snack but do we want the distractions of a holdout as Hampton has already stated he does not want to be tagged.

If Ryan Clark does not return then we have a gaping hole at free safety and Earl Thomas may be selected to fill that void.

James Farrior has definitely lost a step, he got beat quite a few times in pass coverage this past season. If Rolando McClain is available he will be tempting. Although Brandon Spikes bites as well as any LB in the draft, I would much rather see us trade down and pick up some additional choices if we were going to draft him.

Willie Colon may be difficult to re-sign as well, I know we can transition tag him and make him a restricted FA but that's only a short-term solution. We have very little depth at the OT position, Tony Hills does not inspire me with confidence. If Bryan Bulaga, Mike Iupati or Trent Williams are available we may have to think long and hard.

We need CBs in the worst way, but after Joe Haden there are no other worthy 1st round CBs available. Fortunately, there may be quite a few good CBs available when we pick in the 2nd round such as Patrick Robinson, Donovan Warren, Kareem Jackson, Brandon Ghee, Amari Spievey, Perrish Cox and Trevor Lindley. That's where the value is and in my opinion this is where the Steelers will pick a CB to compete for the spot opposite Ike "Hands of Stone" Taylor.

[Oviedo]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I hope Bradford and Claussen go that high in this draft. That will push 2 outstanding talents down the draft board and possibly leave a great selection for the Steelers. I just don't see Claussen or Bradford having value that high in the draft. Bradford missed all of last year with an injury, didn't he?

This is probably a good thread in which to ask this question. The following players may all be a vailable when the Steelers draft this year based on searching the internet for mock drafts:

Brandon Spikes - ILB
Terence Cody - NT
Dan Williams - NT
Earl Thomas - FS
Taylor Mays - SS

Who would you take if you were Kevin Colbert?

I'd take Earl Thomas, he's young, he has ball skills and he tackles. What say you?

Pappy

Spikes is being considered by some as a potentially dropping in the draft like Rey Malauga (sp?) did last year because of concerns over his speed. Not sure I'm ready to buy into that yet.

Still wouldn't touch Cody because of fitness issues.

Dan Williams may be a good pick but at #18 that is probably overdrafting him.

Thomas is solid, but do you really need to draft a safety at #18 in a draft that has the most depth at the Safety position in years. Will be able to get a solid pick in Rounds 2 and 3. Waiting may be the best value, especially when he is unlikely to see the field or contribute in his rookie year because of a defensive scheme that even the most remarkable rookie talents (Troy P) can't seem to understand.

Mays. Same same comments as for Thomas. Only advanatge that Mays has is ability to play Strong Safety that Thomas probably can't do. This may be value if you expect Troy's injury probelms to be recurring or we can keep him healthy and on the field more at FS. I think Mays may also slide more and more in the draft as the workouts and film work disects his play.

If I had to pick from your list I think It would be between Spikes and Thomas. Given needs and how Farrior wore down I would probably take Spikes.

However a better set to pick from in my mind and potnetially more contribution and therefore value as rookies would be from this list of three:

RB-CJ Spiller
OT-Bryan Balaga
TE-Jermane Gresham

Who would you take from that list??????????????? Our offense seems more primed to get a rookie on the field sooner and contributing. Won't that be best value?

With Mendenhall coming on this year and showing that he's got what it takes to be an NFL running back he isn't coming cheap when his contract expires. Drafting another first round running back will put them in a bind financially at that position. I don't see this happening.

Same with the TE, the Steelers just signed Miller and probably have exceeded their allotment for the TE position with his contract having two first rounders at that position will become a financial nightmare.

The only one fron your list that I would select would be the OT. We'll know soon enough if that is a consideration depending on what they do with Colon. Starks is signed long term, if they extend Colon they probably aren't going to draft an OT in round one.

I'd like to see an RB taken second day or even a TE if one they have rated falls their way. But, rounds 1 - 3 should be defense, the offense is going to take off next year, IMO.

Pappy

Following you same logic for RB and TE, didn't we just sign both Starks and Kemo to big contracts? Extend hartwig? Sign Essex? And likely will tag Colon. Just following your logic I have to think we are near the max allocation for the OL too.

Just look at the impact that Percy Harvin and Shonn Green have had on the Vikings and Jets respectively. Rookie RBs with speed can win games for you. Just don't think we can ignore that position because while Mendy is good we do not have any real depth behind him. Moore is limited. Parker will be gone. Summers is a big question mark. Redman is just a pre season illusion.

IMO if we don't get a quality #2 back in the draft or FA then we won't have to worry about discussions about whether we throw too much because we won't have a choice if Mendy gets hurt. You need at least three qualoity backs in the NFL these days. Look at the Ravens with Rice, McGahee and McClain. That is what we need accordining to a vocal portion of this board but yet we don't want to take the biggest game changing RB available in this draft if he is available. Doesn't make sense to me.

[calmkiller]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I hope Bradford and Claussen go that high in this draft. That will push 2 outstanding talents down the draft board and possibly leave a great selection for the Steelers. I just don't see Claussen or Bradford having value that high in the draft. Bradford missed all of last year with an injury, didn't he?

This is probably a good thread in which to ask this question. The following players may all be a vailable when the Steelers draft this year based on searching the internet for mock drafts:

Brandon Spikes - ILB
Terence Cody - NT
Dan Williams - NT
Earl Thomas - FS
Taylor Mays - SS

Who would you take if you were Kevin Colbert?

I'd take Earl Thomas, he's young, he has ball skills and he tackles. What say you?

Pappy

Spikes is being considered by some as a potentially dropping in the draft like Rey Malauga (sp?) did last year because of concerns over his speed. Not sure I'm ready to buy into that yet.

Still wouldn't touch Cody because of fitness issues.

Dan Williams may be a good pick but at #18 that is probably overdrafting him.

Thomas is solid, but do you really need to draft a safety at #18 in a draft that has the most depth at the Safety position in years. Will be able to get a solid pick in Rounds 2 and 3. Waiting may be the best value, especially when he is unlikely to see the field or contribute in his rookie year because of a defensive scheme that even the most remarkable rookie talents (Troy P) can't seem to understand.

Mays. Same same comments as for Thomas. Only advanatge that Mays has is ability to play Strong Safety that Thomas probably can't do. This may be value if you expect Troy's injury probelms to be recurring or we can keep him healthy and on the field more at FS. I think Mays may also slide more and more in the draft as the workouts and film work disects his play.

If I had to pick from your list I think It would be between Spikes and Thomas. Given needs and how Farrior wore down I would probably take Spikes.

However a better set to pick from in my mind and potnetially more contribution and therefore value as rookies would be from this list of three:

RB-CJ Spiller
OT-Bryan Balaga
TE-Jermane Gresham

Who would you take from that list??????????????? Our offense seems more primed to get a rookie on the field sooner and contributing. Won't that be best value?

With Mendenhall coming on this year and showing that he's got what it takes to be an NFL running back he isn't coming cheap when his contract expires. Drafting another first round running back will put them in a bind financially at that position. I don't see this happening.

Same with the TE, the Steelers just signed Miller and probably have exceeded their allotment for the TE position with his contract having two first rounders at that position will become a financial nightmare.

The only one fron your list that I would select would be the OT. We'll know soon enough if that is a consideration depending on what they do with Colon. Starks is signed long term, if they extend Colon they probably aren't going to draft an OT in round one.

Pappy

Colon is a restricted FA after this year. He will be with the Steelers or with no one at all.

[Jom112]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

While we are on the subject of mock drafts, Walter Cherepinsky just put up a 4 round mock draft.

[url]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2010.php[/url]

In the first four rounds, he has the Steelers taking:

1 (1. FS Earl Thomas, Texas

2 (52). CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

3 (82). OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

4 (113). NT Jay Ross, East Carolina

Sergio Kindle is projected to go in the 3rd round now?

Not saying it can't happen especially considering how Michael Johnson dropped to the 3rd round for us last draft, but this is the first I'm seeing him be projected this low...

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I hope Bradford and Claussen go that high in this draft. That will push 2 outstanding talents down the draft board and possibly leave a great selection for the Steelers. I just don't see Claussen or Bradford having value that high in the draft. Bradford missed all of last year with an injury, didn't he?

This is probably a good thread in which to ask this question. The following players may all be a vailable when the Steelers draft this year based on searching the internet for mock drafts:

Brandon Spikes - ILB
Terence Cody - NT
Dan Williams - NT
Earl Thomas - FS
Taylor Mays - SS

Who would you take if you were Kevin Colbert?

I'd take Earl Thomas, he's young, he has ball skills and he tackles. What say you?

Pappy

Spikes is being considered by some as a potentially dropping in the draft like Rey Malauga (sp?) did last year because of concerns over his speed. Not sure I'm ready to buy into that yet.

Still wouldn't touch Cody because of fitness issues.

Dan Williams may be a good pick but at #18 that is probably overdrafting him.

Thomas is solid, but do you really need to draft a safety at #18 in a draft that has the most depth at the Safety position in years. Will be able to get a solid pick in Rounds 2 and 3. Waiting may be the best value, especially when he is unlikely to see the field or contribute in his rookie year because of a defensive scheme that even the most remarkable rookie talents (Troy P) can't seem to understand.

Mays. Same same comments as for Thomas. Only advanatge that Mays has is ability to play Strong Safety that Thomas probably can't do. This may be value if you expect Troy's injury probelms to be recurring or we can keep him healthy and on the field more at FS. I think Mays may also slide more and more in the draft as the workouts and film work disects his play.

If I had to pick from your list I think It would be between Spikes and Thomas. Given needs and how Farrior wore down I would probably take Spikes.

However a better set to pick from in my mind and potnetially more contribution and therefore value as rookies would be from this list of three:

RB-CJ Spiller
OT-Bryan Balaga
TE-Jermane Gresham

Who would you take from that list??????????????? Our offense seems more primed to get a rookie on the field sooner and contributing. Won't that be best value?

With Mendenhall coming on this year and showing that he's got what it takes to be an NFL running back he isn't coming cheap when his contract expires. Drafting another first round running back will put them in a bind financially at that position. I don't see this happening.

Same with the TE, the Steelers just signed Miller and probably have exceeded their allotment for the TE position with his contract having two first rounders at that position will become a financial nightmare.

The only one fron your list that I would select would be the OT. We'll know soon enough if that is a consideration depending on what they do with Colon. Starks is signed long term, if they extend Colon they probably aren't going to draft an OT in round one.

I'd like to see an RB taken second day or even a TE if one they have rated falls their way. But, rounds 1 - 3 should be defense, the offense is going to take off next year, IMO.

Pappy

Following you same logic for RB and TE, didn't we just sign both Starks and Kemo to big contracts? Extend hartwig? Sign Essex? And likely will tag Colon. Just following your logic I have to think we are near the max allocation for the OL too.

Just look at the impact that Percy Harvin and Shonn Green have had on the Vikings and Jets respectively. Rookie RBs with speed can win games for you. Just don't think we can ignore that position because while Mendy is good we do not have any real depth behind him. Moore is limited. Parker will be gone. Summers is a big question mark. Redman is just a pre season illusion.

IMO if we don't get a quality #2 back in the draft or FA then we won't have to worry about discussions about whether we throw too much because we won't have a choice if Mendy gets hurt. You need at least three qualoity backs in the NFL these days. Look at the Ravens with Rice, McGahee and McClain. That is what we need accordining to a vocal portion of this board but yet we don't want to take the biggest game changing RB available in this draft if he is available. Doesn't make sense to me.

max got "big" money. kemo is about average for starting OGs, and hartwig's contract is very easily swallowed up if he's cut.

as some others have said, there isn't really a big need for a 2nd TE. dallas tried that approach with taking a TE pretty high with already a good one on the roster(witten) and wound up changing 2nd round pick into a 4th rounder when they dealt him to miami (fasano). they've tried it again with bennent... again, does anyone notice him on the dallas offense?

sure we could use a lil upgrade at the 2nd TE spot, but its probably not even in the top 10 of the priority list. good 2nd TEs could be had later in the draft.

same goes for the RB position. none of those backs you listed in balt were chosen in 1st round. mcgahee was at one point but was traded for much less then that.
as we've seen, there are plenty of productive backs taken later in the draft. i dont think anyone would be against taking one in rounds 3-5 if willie doesn't come back

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

While we are on the subject of mock drafts, Walter Cherepinsky just put up a 4 round mock draft.

[url]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2010.php[/url]

In the first four rounds, he has the Steelers taking:

1 (1. FS Earl Thomas, Texas

2 (52). CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

3 (82). OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

4 (113). NT Jay Ross, East Carolina

Sergio Kindle is projected to go in the 3rd round now?

Not saying it can't happen especially considering how Michael Johnson dropped to the 3rd round for us last draft, but this is the first I'm seeing him be projected this low...

the mocks that are out before the senior games and combine are all over the place.

for example, i've seen hernandez in the 1st and 4th in different mocks just like kindle.

so take it with a grain of salt

[NW Steeler]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

I think that the Steelers will spend at least one of their first two picks on the OL. I don't think that we will ever be able to run the ball with "authority" with our current lineup. I wouldn't be suprised to see Bulaga be the pick unless someone falls that they really like on D.

[Chadman]

Re: Mel Kiper's first 9 Mock Draft Selections

The Steelers have 3 (4 if you believe, like Chadman does, that Willie Colon is coming back) OT's on the roster under 30 years of age.

They have 4 OG's on the roster under 30 years of age, one drafted in the 3rd round last year with big wraps from the OC.

They have 1 OC on the roster, over 30 years of age. They drafted one last year in the 7th round after missing on 3 that they targetted in Rounds 1 & 2.

If the Steelers take an OL this draft- it'll be the OC they missed on last year.

Enter Boston College's Matt Tennant in Round 2- still allowing the Steelers to grab a CB or FS or NT in Round 1.

The Steelers drafted 2 CB's that they rated highly in last years draft. They had another young CB (Willie Gay) making his first season as a starter. They are unlikely to give up on those young CB's in this years draft, so quickly. They will add a CB, you would think, but look at round 3-4. Vanderbilt's Myron Lewis has "Steeler CB" written all over him.

Mr Rooney has openly declared that Casey Hampton is a #1 priority to retain this off season. How often do the Steelers lose the guys they WANT to keep? Very rarely. So start writing Casey's name back on the deoth chart for next season. This makes the need to reach for a DT less likely. Unless Terrence Cody blows the FO away with his ability, look for the Steelers to draft a NT in the mid-rounds. Under the radar at the moment, but Boo Robinson from Wake Forest will be interesting to keep an eye on. D'Anthony Smith from Louisiana Tech is another name to keep in the back of your mind.

FS....this is the most likely pick. Earl Thomas gets a lot of love on here, and rightly so. But really, don't discount the freak, Taylor Mays. There is something to be said about adding the most imposing DB in the draft to a team that will want to re-establish it's dominance, it's demeanor, and it's swagger against a tough group of divisional opponants. Mays may not be the same type of playmaker Thomas is, but coupled with Polamalu, he could help form the most dominant Safety pairing in the NFL. Mays is compared to the late Sean Taylor. Imagine trying to run against the D with Mays back there.