NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

[NW Steeler]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

When are you guys going to realize that the staff and FO don't have the same level of concern about the OL as any of you. You have been saying OL, OL, OL for years. When was the last time we drafted OL in Round 1?

The organization clearly believes that you don't have to use a Round 1 pick on the OL and now you are advocating in some cases using a Round 1 and 2 pick. It will not happen. They clearly believe that you get OL in Rounds 2-5 and develop those players.

We will not draft OL in Round 1 this year either so start looking at other positions. BTW it won't be a CB either.

"When was the last time we drafted OL in Round 1?"
Correct! That is why the Steelers are in the spot they are in. They don't have time to develop a player now. Rooney has spoken and the pick will be a Big Ugly. The Steelers are Top Heavy at offensive skill positions. The Steelers biggest deficiency on offense was trying to moves the chains sitting on the lead. No "athlete" in the backfield will do this....Not even Spiller. "O"....I would love to have SPiller but he is a luxury the Steelers can't afford right now. This team is a 45 minute team without the physical presence at C & RG. Unless they feel Urbik is in the plans for 2010....They have a problem. There wasn't injuries at those positions to use as excuses. When the defense knows it is coming...The Steelers can not impose their will on the right side in the A. Hartwig & Essex get no push and Kemo has no line to the hole. Beleive me. When a Rooney talks about getting better running the football, holding on to leads by running late, and protecting his investment....In my opinion, he isn't talking about another RB. Colbert & Tomlin don't need a "memo" to understand the direction he is implying. And when the draft is set up to have the BPA sitting there on the OL & DL...I think it will happen. After the combine, I believe Spiller will put himself in the top 10. One good thing...If you are right...Then it means that Urbik wasn't a wasted pick. If Haden isn't on the board at #18...I don't belive it will be a CB either. If they trade back later, then a CB becomes a possibility. Just my take on the situation. We will meet again after the draft.

100%

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

When are you guys going to realize that the staff and FO don't have the same level of concern about the OL as any of you. You have been saying OL, OL, OL for years. When was the last time we drafted OL in Round 1?

The organization clearly believes that you don't have to use a Round 1 pick on the OL and now you are advocating in some cases using a Round 1 and 2 pick. It will not happen. They clearly believe that you get OL in Rounds 2-5 and develop those players.

We will not draft OL in Round 1 this year either so start looking at other positions. BTW it won't be a CB either.

"When was the last time we drafted OL in Round 1?"
Correct! That is why the Steelers are in the spot they are in. They don't have time to develop a player now. Rooney has spoken and the pick will be a Big Ugly. The Steelers are Top Heavy at offensive skill positions. The Steelers biggest deficiency on offense was trying to moves the chains sitting on the lead. No "athlete" in the backfield will do this....Not even Spiller. "O"....I would love to have SPiller but he is a luxury the Steelers can't afford right now. This team is a 45 minute team without the physical presence at C & RG. Unless they feel Urbik is in the plans for 2010....They have a problem. There wasn't injuries at those positions to use as excuses. When the defense knows it is coming...The Steelers can not impose their will on the right side in the A. Hartwig & Essex get no push and Kemo has no line to the hole. Beleive me. When a Rooney talks about getting better running the football, holding on to leads by running late, and protecting his investment....In my opinion, he isn't talking about another RB. Colbert & Tomlin don't need a "memo" to understand the direction he is implying. And when the draft is set up to have the BPA sitting there on the OL & DL...I think it will happen. After the combine, I believe Spiller will put himself in the top 10. One good thing...If you are right...Then it means that Urbik wasn't a wasted pick. If Haden isn't on the board at #18...I don't belive it will be a CB either. If they trade back later, then a CB becomes a possibility. Just my take on the situation. We will meet again after the draft.

You can read my thoughts in another topic but the issue is IMO cap allocation per position. They will not commit long term dollars that the #18 position requires to OL especially after they have resigned Starks and Kemo and appear to be willing to make an attempt to resign Colon. Last year #18 got 5yrs/$15.5M ($9.7M guaranteed). Too much cap space will be tied up in the OL especially when they have to seriously look at DBs, LBs, replace Hines, Hampton and get a good RB.

This is about salary cap and allocation and IMO again a clear organizational approach that they develop OL and give them their payday on their second contract if they deserve it.

I could be wrong but I really doubt that we take OL at #18 but we can discuss it for the next 3 months.

I would believe a RB at #18 and an OL at #18 will cost the same based on the slotting for contracts. I also am taking in consideration the salary cap at #18 in relation to Colon. He wants to be paid like a Top 5 RT, at least that is what his agent says. That being said...Whenever he is allowed UFA, and his asking price is not in the plans of the Steelers...They will have a cheaper solution in the 18th pick from this year. Since his tender will be cheap this year...He might sign a deal for less than he will get on the open market since he is in jeopardy of playing on a 1 year tender for possibly 2 years. Just remember O...I love the player (Spiller), I just don't like the choice if he is there. Spiller at #18, a developed Urbik at RG opening day, and improved C play by "whomever".... It could change my mind!

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

When we won SBXL, we were a running team (coming out throwing against the Colts and Broncos in those playoffs caught them off-guard back then). Our offensive line at that time consisted of draft picks from the following rounds:

2nd-1st-1st-1st-3rd (Smith-Faneca-Hartings-Simmons-Starks)

When we won SBXLIII, we were a passing team. Our offensive line at that time consisted of draft picks from the following rounds:

3rd-6th-6th-UDFA-4th (Starks-Kemoeatu-Hartwig-Stapleton-Colon)

The bossman (Art Rooney II) is looking for an increased emphasis on the run game once more (while still maintaining that this is now a passing league). He's already spent premium picks to get a starting QB, TE, WR, and RB in the past half dozen years, while no high picks have been spent on the guys up front that make it possible for the skill players to be able to display their true potential. Although I think this will be a defensive-heavy draft for us, I do think that they could end up with one of the top 5 tackles, the top guard, or the top center early on in this draft. I don't think we address an offensive skill position until we take a backup RB on day 3.

[papillon]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

When are you guys going to realize that the staff and FO don't have the same level of concern about the OL as any of you. You have been saying OL, OL, OL for years. When was the last time we drafted OL in Round 1?

The organization clearly believes that you don't have to use a Round 1 pick on the OL and now you are advocating in some cases using a Round 1 and 2 pick. It will not happen. They clearly believe that you get OL in Rounds 2-5 and develop those players.

We will not draft OL in Round 1 this year either so start looking at other positions. BTW it won't be a CB either.

"When was the last time we drafted OL in Round 1?"
Correct! That is why the Steelers are in the spot they are in. They don't have time to develop a player now. Rooney has spoken and the pick will be a Big Ugly. The Steelers are Top Heavy at offensive skill positions. The Steelers biggest deficiency on offense was trying to moves the chains sitting on the lead. No "athlete" in the backfield will do this....Not even Spiller. "O"....I would love to have SPiller but he is a luxury the Steelers can't afford right now. This team is a 45 minute team without the physical presence at C & RG. Unless they feel Urbik is in the plans for 2010....They have a problem. There wasn't injuries at those positions to use as excuses. When the defense knows it is coming...The Steelers can not impose their will on the right side in the A. Hartwig & Essex get no push and Kemo has no line to the hole. Beleive me. When a Rooney talks about getting better running the football, holding on to leads by running late, and protecting his investment....In my opinion, he isn't talking about another RB. Colbert & Tomlin don't need a "memo" to understand the direction he is implying. And when the draft is set up to have the BPA sitting there on the OL & DL...I think it will happen. After the combine, I believe Spiller will put himself in the top 10. One good thing...If you are right...Then it means that Urbik wasn't a wasted pick. If Haden isn't on the board at #18...I don't belive it will be a CB either. If they trade back later, then a CB becomes a possibility. Just my take on the situation. We will meet again after the draft.

You can read my thoughts in another topic but the issue is IMO cap allocation per position. They will not commit long term dollars that the #18 position requires to OL especially after they have resigned Starks and Kemo and appear to be willing to make an attempt to resign Colon. Last year #18 got 5yrs/$15.5M ($9.7M guaranteed). Too much cap space will be tied up in the OL especially when they have to seriously look at DBs, LBs, replace Hines, Hampton and get a good RB.

This is about salary cap and allocation and IMO again a clear organizational approach that they develop OL and give them their payday on their second contract if they deserve it.

I could be wrong but I really doubt that we take OL at #18 but we can discuss it for the next 3 months.

Wouldn't a running back taken at 1.18 command even more guaranteed money? And, between 1st rounder Mendenhall and 1st rounder Spiller wouldn't more than the allocation for cap money at running back be exceeded? I would have to think so.

Pappy

[ikestops85]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

I just don't see us drafting another weapon that we won't utilize in the 1st round. We are top heavy with weapons but light in the positions that make those weapons work.

We didn't use Moore or Logan last year anywhere close to their potential. I think a lot of people forgot Moore saved our azzes in 2008 with his inspired play. It was only after Ben learned to throw it to Moore did the other teams stop with the all out blitzes that were killing us and Ben (a la Philly).

I think we have only started scratching the surface with Wallace and we never even try to use Spaeth in the red zone. Once Arians and Ben start utilizing the weapons we do have should we consider adding to the arsenal.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Unless an OT is the best player on the board at #18, I think the Steelers will not pick one until the 3rd or 4th round...

Saffold is an ox and Capers, while underwhelming at the Senior Bowl, is one of those intriguing, athletic "former-TE tackles"...

Personally, I'd like to see what Kugler can do with some of the younger players already on the roster (specifically Hills and Urbik, but also Foster, Legursky and Stapleton)...I'm not saying that skipping on a top rated player is an option, but the Steelers definitely have some raw material to work with on the offensive line behind the starters...

I would prefer a defensive player in Round 1 myself, but if Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams is there the Steelers will have to consider an OT (Bruce Campbell may be even more talented, but there are character concerns).

Willie Colon may prove difficult to re-sign to a long-term contract and the only depth there in case of injury is Tony Hills or moving Trai Essex from OG. Maybe Kugler will prove to be a magician, but the Steelers may not want to take that gamble.

What character concerns have you heard about Campbell? The only concerns that I have heard is that he is somewhat raw, having only 17 starts because of injuries, but he's got a freakish combination of size, strength, and athleticism. I fear that after teams get a look at him at the combine, he is going to shoot up boards and be out of our range.

From what I read, the knock on Campbell is that he doesn't always give 100% on every play, that's one of the reasons Campbell only started for a year and a half at Maryland.

In addition, Campbell this year had multiple injuries, including turf toe and an issue with his medial collateral ligament.

However, I will agree that he certainly has the frame and athleticism to be something special. He is a workout warrior and scouts may very well fall in love with him at the Combine and thus push his draft stock up.

Would you have him replace Colon if the Steelers drafted him #1?

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Unless an OT is the best player on the board at #18, I think the Steelers will not pick one until the 3rd or 4th round...

Saffold is an ox and Capers, while underwhelming at the Senior Bowl, is one of those intriguing, athletic "former-TE tackles"...

Personally, I'd like to see what Kugler can do with some of the younger players already on the roster (specifically Hills and Urbik, but also Foster, Legursky and Stapleton)...I'm not saying that skipping on a top rated player is an option, but the Steelers definitely have some raw material to work with on the offensive line behind the starters...

I would prefer a defensive player in Round 1 myself, but if Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams is there the Steelers will have to consider an OT (Bruce Campbell may be even more talented, but there are character concerns).

Willie Colon may prove difficult to re-sign to a long-term contract and the only depth there in case of injury is Tony Hills or moving Trai Essex from OG. Maybe Kugler will prove to be a magician, but the Steelers may not want to take that gamble.

What character concerns have you heard about Campbell? The only concerns that I have heard is that he is somewhat raw, having only 17 starts because of injuries, but he's got a freakish combination of size, strength, and athleticism. I fear that after teams get a look at him at the combine, he is going to shoot up boards and be out of our range.

From what I read, the knock on Campbell is that he doesn't always give 100% on every play, that's one of the reasons Campbell only started for a year and a half at Maryland.

In addition, Campbell this year had multiple injuries, including turf toe and an issue with his medial collateral ligament.

However, I will agree that he certainly has the frame and athleticism to be something special. He is a workout warrior and scouts may very well fall in love with him at the Combine and thus push his draft stock up.

Would you have him replace Colon if the Steelers drafted him #1?

Possibly. Best case scenario is that he is more impressive than Colon in his first training camp and we can move Colon inside to RG where I think he would truly thrive (I know the Steelers never considered Colon to be anything other than a RT, but that was under Zeirlein, and Kugler has a reputation for putting his players in positions to succeed by playing to their strengths, I think think Colon's strengths are mauling people in a phone booth instead of fending off speed rushers out in space on an island).

However, since he has only 17 college starts, he probably wouldn't be ready to start right off the bat. With Colon in the fold for one more year on the basis of another RFA tender, the rook would have some time to adapt to the pro game and learn while Starks and Colon start. He would be a better back-up option at tackle should anything happen to Starks or Colon than guys like Essex, Hills, or Foster would be. And we could use him as a tackle-eligible on short-yardage plays (other teams in our division use a 6th o-lineman all the time, but we never seem to do that). If Colon ends up wanting more money when he becomes a UFA, then we will already have a replacement in the fold (imagine that!).

[Oviedo]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Unless an OT is the best player on the board at #18, I think the Steelers will not pick one until the 3rd or 4th round...

Saffold is an ox and Capers, while underwhelming at the Senior Bowl, is one of those intriguing, athletic "former-TE tackles"...

Personally, I'd like to see what Kugler can do with some of the younger players already on the roster (specifically Hills and Urbik, but also Foster, Legursky and Stapleton)...I'm not saying that skipping on a top rated player is an option, but the Steelers definitely have some raw material to work with on the offensive line behind the starters...

I would prefer a defensive player in Round 1 myself, but if Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams is there the Steelers will have to consider an OT (Bruce Campbell may be even more talented, but there are character concerns).

Willie Colon may prove difficult to re-sign to a long-term contract and the only depth there in case of injury is Tony Hills or moving Trai Essex from OG. Maybe Kugler will prove to be a magician, but the Steelers may not want to take that gamble.

What character concerns have you heard about Campbell? The only concerns that I have heard is that he is somewhat raw, having only 17 starts because of injuries, but he's got a freakish combination of size, strength, and athleticism. I fear that after teams get a look at him at the combine, he is going to shoot up boards and be out of our range.

From what I read, the knock on Campbell is that he doesn't always give 100% on every play, that's one of the reasons Campbell only started for a year and a half at Maryland.

In addition, Campbell this year had multiple injuries, including turf toe and an issue with his medial collateral ligament.

However, I will agree that he certainly has the frame and athleticism to be something special. He is a workout warrior and scouts may very well fall in love with him at the Combine and thus push his draft stock up.

Would you have him replace Colon if the Steelers drafted him #1?

Campbell would probably be the absolutley last of the mentioned OL I would consider for a Round 1 pick. Limited history/experience, questionable work ethics and recent history of nagging injuries. He has potential bust written all over him. Anyone ever hear of him before about 6 weeks ago??? Give me someone with a track record in a major program.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: NFL DRAFT TOP 10 OFFENSIVE TACKLES

I think this year could be the perfect storm for drafting an offensive tackle in round 1. I think we've wanted to do that for a while now, but circumstances have prevented it from happening.

Even though we have bigger holes at right guard and center than we have a tackle right now, offensive tackles are at a premium, and if you can get top tackle, he is worth his considerable weight in gold. Right now, we have no real depth at either tackle spot (if anything happens to Starks or Colon, where do we go? Move Essex from guard to tackle? Move Foster from guard to tackle? Dress Hills for the first time in two years?).

Even if the new tackle is not a starter right off the bat, he can be used as a de facto blocking TE in short yardage situations immediately (a severe weakness for us recently). The new tackle would also function as insurance in case Colon's asking price is exorbitant when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. You can never have too many good OT's. If you need to, it is much easier to move an OT inside to guard and have him be successful than it is to move an OG outside to tackle and have him be successful.

The last time we drafted this high was in 2007 (15th) and that was not a deep year for quality OT's. Joe Thomas and Levi Brown both landed in the top 5, and no other OT was taken until the late first round (Joe Staley at #2. It turned out to be better to restock the defense that year with a couple of dynamic linebackers early than to reach for an OT.

The year after that was a much deeper class of first round tackles, but 7 of them (SEVEN!) were off the board before we picked at #23 (Jake Long #1, Ryan Clady #12, Chris Williams #14, Branden Albert #15, Gosder Cherlius #17, Jeff Otah #19, and Sam Baker #21). Rashard Mendenhall was a much better value with the 23rd pick than reaching for the 8th best OT in Duane Brown, who the Texans grabbed with the 26th pick.

Last year was slightly deeper than 07 but not nearly as deep in 08, as four OT's went off the board before we picked at #32 (Jason Smith #2, Andre Smith #6, Eugene Monroe #8, and Michael Oher #23). The team saw better value in Ziggy Hood than the #5 OT Eben Britten, who was taken by Jacksonville with the 39th pick.

It's not that we have been making a conscious effort to neglect OT in the first round in recent seasons. Circumstances just worked out where supply and demand were not in our favor for the past few drafts.

However, this year, the OT pool appears to be reasonably deep with 6 potential first round OT candidates (Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, Bruce Campbell, Bryan Bulaga, Trent Williams, and Charles Brown). And sitting at #18, we should be in range to be able to draft a top 5 OT in a reasonably strong offensive tackle class.