Something to consider....draft related.....

[TMC]

Okay, the Steelers will have, at least, 3 picks in the top 90 picks in the draft. Look at some of the players that will be available.....

Quarterbacks-(5)
Matt Ryan, Boston College
Brian Brohm, Louisville
Andre' Woodson, Kentucky
Chad Henne, Michigan
John David Booty, Southern Cal

Runningbacks-(11)
Darren McFadden, Arkansas
Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
James Davis, Clemson
James Charles, Texas
Kevin Smith, UCF
Steve Slaton, WV
Ray Rice, Rutgers
Chris Johnson, East Carolina
Mike Hart, Michigan

Fullbacks-(3)
Owen Schmitt, WV
Jacob Hester, LSU
Peyton Hills, Arkansas

Wide Receiver-(10-15)
Limas Sweed, Texas
Early Ducett, LSU
James Hardy, Indiana
Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
Earl Bennett, Vandy
Devone Bess, Hawaii
Adarius Bowman, Ok State
Harry Douglas, Louisville
Andre Caldwell, Florida
Keenan Burton, Kentucky
DJ Hall, Alabama
Probably 5-10 more that can be listed

Offensive Tackle-(7)
Jake Long, MIchigan
Jeff Otah, Pitt
Gosder Cherilus, BC
Sam Baker, USC
Chris Williams, Vandy
Ryan Clady, Boise State
Anthony Collins, Kansas

Guards-(8)
Brandon Albert, Virginia
Chilo Rachal, USC
Roy Schuening, Oregon State
Eric Young, Tenn
Andrew Crummy, Maryland
Jordan Grimes, Purdue
Adam Kraus, Michigan
Shannon Tevega, UCLA

Centers-(1)
Steve Justice, Wake Forest

Defensive Tackle-(10)
Frank Okam, Texas
Sedric Ellis, USC
Glenn Dorsey, LSU
Pat Sims, Auburn
Kentwan Balmer, NC
Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
DeMario Pressley, NC State
Red Bryant, Texas A&M
Dre Moore, Maryland
Andre Fluellen, FSU

Defensive End-(11, AT LEAST)
Vernon Gholston, OSU
Quintin Groves, Auburn
Calais Campbell, Miami
Phillip Merling, Clemson
Derrick Harvey, Florida
Johnny Dingle, WV
Chris Long, Virginia
Lawrence Jackson, USC
Tommy Blake, TCU
Chris Ellis, VT
Cliff Avril, Purdue

Inside Linebackers-(5)
Jerod Mayo, Tenn
Jonathan Goff, Vandy
J Lehman, Illinois
Vince Hall, VT
Ben Moffit, South Florida

Outside Linebackers-(5)
Erin Henderson, Maryland
Geno Hayes, FSU
Keith Rivers, USC
Dan Connor, Penn State
Ali Highsmith, LSU

Cornerbacks-(6-15)
Brandon Flowers, VT
Victor Harris, VT
Aqib Talib, Kansas
Mike Jenkins, South Florida
Leodis McKelvin, Troy
Antoine Cason, Arizona
MANY MORE here, deep at corner

Safeties-(6)
Kenny Phillips, Miami
DeJuan Morgan, NC State
Thomas DeCoud, Cal
Jonathan Heffney, Tenn
Josh Barrett, Arizona State
Craig Steltz, LSU


We will end up with three of those guys in that list. And, honestly, if we end up with one offensive lineman (preferably a tackle), one defensive lineman, and a guy from any other position, we are a better team next season.

[Southern Steeler]

I vote for 3 OL

[carbonsteel]

Ol, Ol, Dl

[TMC]

I vote for 3 OL

Do you think the bench will blow away if you only draft 2?

I assure you one more rookie offensive lineman will not stick the legs of the bench in any deeper than a 3rd string QB would.

Colon, Simmons, and Smith (if he is able), will start on this line next season. Draft three linemen, and next season we will lose because we suck on the defensive line. Am I the only one that thinks our defense suffered when we lost Clark and Aaron Smith? That shows we lack serious depth on defense.

[Southern Steeler]

no, I agree about the defense. But I look at the Chargers and Patriots and I see high quality offensive lines with depth. You can NEVER have enough good linemen. Sadly, we don't have enough now to put 5 on the field. Add in the fact that Faneca and Starks are likely gone, and.....well.

We have the offensive weapons to make serious Super Bowl runs for the next few years, imo. Maybe we can ditch Arians eventually...and combine that with a better OL and we can make some noise. The Pats are proving that the defense only has to be good, not great.

[Spike]

"Tomlin conceded that the Steelers need help on the offensive and defensive lines "

The first step is acknowledging you are sick. Now do something about it.

[OhioSteel]

OL, DE, OL

I hope we don't draft another TE in the first three rounds this year.

[tjack]

Devone Bess, Hawaii

As crazy as it seems right now I can see the Steelers drafting this guy. Not with a 1st or 2nd round pick but with a 3rd round if he's still there.

[omawho]

Otah

Harrison

Schuening

[Steelz]

We still need a Wr in there somewhere. Since we're keeping LeBeau we're sticking to the 3-4 and i dont think he'll be replacing Casey, Aaron, or Brett. I see something more of the lines of..

1. OL 2. OL. 3. Wr

But i wouldnt be mad if we went the first 3 rounds OL and signed a Wr free-agent.

[Coryea]

IMO we need a better FB, our short yardage running sucks because we have no FB, Carey Davis moves no one, that's if he hits someone. Not saying to use our 1-3 pick, but we need help there.
I haven't really looked at alot of the player profiles or anything yet, but what of those DE's and DT's project as 3-4 DE's?

How do you think Colon would do as a RG? I've heard quite abit about him maybe moving inside and that was his projected position anyways. If he can make the move to RG, then I don't see us going OG on the first day when we have Simmons, Colon, Kemo, and Mahan at Guard.

[1st & 10]

Otah-T
Blake-DE
Grimes-G

[Lmob0621]

I wonder what round Shmitt will be projected in... I've said for two years that if the Steelers can land him, they will not have a need at the FB position for close to the next decade...

[Coryea]

I wonder what round Shmitt will be projected in... I've said for two years that if the Steelers can land him, they will not have a need at the FB position for close to the next decade...

He can catch just as well, if not better than Davis, and he destroys people when he's blocking.

[Steelerman58]

O-Line in the 1st round is a gimme. The one name that sticks out to me for a potential 2nd round pick is cornerback Aqib Talib from Kansas. This kid can play. He may be the shutdown corner every team needs.

[Superman]

I'd have to see a list of available free agents at every position before thinking of who we'd draft. I'd think we'll make a run at some B-level free agent but use the draft to fortify what positions we're not enamored with.

i just hope like hell we dont take some no-name doof in the 3rd like we did this past draft.

[BermudaSteel]

As long as we stay away from FSU in the draft...I'm fine wit it.

That being said I agree w/ OL, DL, specialty position (ie. CB, WR, or safety)

[BLITZ 43]

Devone Bess, Hawaii

As crazy as it seems right now I can see the Steelers drafting this guy. Not with a 1st or 2nd round pick but with a 3rd round if he's still there.

I am in favor of any player from Hawaii, at least from the offensive side of the ball. But I think FA and the combine will change so much right now. I think Otah and Clady are the most likely picks in the 1st round but in round 2 & 3 things are up for grabs. Yes a guy like Bess would be nice but so would a guys like Talib, Glohston, Mendenhall, Sweed, and Schuening. I also like Rice and Hart but Hart scares me with how often he gets hurt. If we sign a FA olineman then I think we could only draft 1 oline on the first day and that would be great as other positions need help also and this is a nice draft as far as talent. I also said this last year and we might have gotten some starters for the defense in the first 2 rounds.

[Superman]

if we draft a RB, it'll be a wasted pick. We'll be going into next season with Willie, Najeh and Russell at the RB position and Davis and Kreider at FB.

besides, if you've not paid attention, on short-yardage it's a lot easier to put a OL/DL (Kemo/Hampton/Eason) in at FB and use their weight and girth to open a hole. FB has essentially gone the way of the wishbone.

[Coryea]

if we draft a RB, it'll be a wasted pick. We'll be going into next season with Willie, Najeh and Russell at the RB position and Davis and Kreider at FB.

besides, if you've not paid attention, on short-yardage it's a lot easier to put a OL/DL (Kemo/Hampton/Eason) in at FB and use their weight and girth to open a hole. FB has essentially gone the way of the wishbone.

I've only seen us use Kemo once where it worked. We use a FB still, but Davis isn't much of a blocker, and we attempt to get them the ball, Davis dropped a few.
When we bring Kemo or whoever in, it screams run and takes an option away if we want to play fake it.

I'm not sure Kreider will be back.

[Irv24]

if we draft a RB, it'll be a wasted pick. We'll be going into next season with Willie, Najeh and Russell at the RB position and Davis and Kreider at FB.

besides, if you've not paid attention, on short-yardage it's a lot easier to put a OL/DL (Kemo/Hampton/Eason) in at FB and use their weight and girth to open a hole. FB has essentially gone the way of the wishbone.

Kreider is a free agent. he may get a better offer and walk.
We all have a low opinion of Davis.
I'm hoping he improves.

[Superman]

fuck Davis. let him go.

i think we proved this season we're converting to more of a passing schemed offense (and running out of a lot of passing formations).

[carbonsteel]

Now that I think about it

OL
OL
OL

[Far51]

ttrade up a few spopts get Baker, rnd 2 OG Adam Kraus rnd 3 Best DL available.

[carbonsteel]

Here's an idea.

I think you go to a 4WR set. Make one of the WR a running back, and set an offensive lineman in the backfield at FB.

Running play, put RB in motion behind FB.

What would be the harm ? We almost NEVER pass to or run a FB anyways.

[Hobbster]

if you are right and James Hardy is available, I take him in a heartbeat and go OL 2nd round. He has a rare combination of size, speed, and body control.
It's one thing for a guy to be that tall and still have speed, but he can reach and move his body around like Hines Ward and still come up with a catch.
He was constantly doing that in the Penn State game.

[1st & 10]

The Center position is a problem. There does not seem to be alot of help via the draft.
Mahan is not the answer. Moving a guy like Simmons into that spot is a gamble.
Hope they can sign a FA to solidify that position.

[thatrain]

I am in favor of any player from Hawaii, at least from the offensive side of the ball. But I think FA and the combine will change so much right now. I think Otah and Clady are the most likely picks in the 1st round but in round 2 & 3 things are up for grabs. Yes a guy like Bess would be nice but so would a guys like Talib, Glohston, Mendenhall, Sweed, and Schuening. I also like Rice and Hart but Hart scares me with how often he gets hurt. If we sign a FA olineman then I think we could only draft 1 oline on the first day and that would be great as other positions need help also and this is a nice draft as far as talent. I also said this last year and we might have gotten some starters for the defense in the first 2 rounds.

After that Georgia game, I'll pass on Hawaii players. It's pretty clear that they are in Div 1-Aa

[FistfullofRings]

We will end up with three of those guys in that list. And, honestly, if we end up with one offensive lineman (preferably a tackle), one defensive lineman, and a guy from any other position, we are a better team next season.


How do you know we end up with three?

If you went back in time a few years, I don't think you would find the names of Trai Essex or Alfonzo Jackson on a similar list. The Steelers have shown they are not above a reach in the early rounds.

I don't think you can rely on rookies to improve your team. If we're going to be better next year it will have to be due to free agent signings and/or current players stepping up their game.

[Coryea]

I don't think you can rely on rookies to improve your team. If we're going to be better next year it will have to be due to free agent signings and/or current players stepping up their game.

while I agree to some extent, we have relied on rookies to help us out here for awhile. Searcy, Kirkland, Brown, Bruener were all starters very early in their careers, maybe even as rookies. Faneca started 12 games, I think, Edwards was a starter, Burress was a starter, Smith started at RT, Hampton and Bell were both starters, Simmons starter, Troy played in the Nickel and Dime, Ben(because of injury) but we relied on him.
The colts have had first round guys step in immediately the past two years in Addai and Ugoh.
IMO your first round pick should be ready to contribute from day one.

[carbonsteel]

We have a franchise quarterback about to reach his prime.

We need experienced performing OL ....NOW. Draft 2 OL, get 1-2 OL via free agency.

Forget RB.

A dominating OL can make an average RB look great.
A dominating OL can possess the ball and give your defense a rest - ie: be aggressive when on the field
A dominating OL can give your QB the time to wait for a receiver to get open.

OL is the most important need of this team at the moment - along with DL.

[Hines57]

I'd like to see us draft a QB in this draft after we address the O/D line issues. Batch is getting older and St. Pierre isnt a viable option as a backup. We could get a decent backup for Ben in the 4th or 5th round. Unless we go out and sign a FA QB.

[K from Cal]

I'll take Long, McFadden and Flowers and fast forward to training camp.

[Irv24]

How do you know we end up with three?

If you went back in time a few years, I don't think you would find the names of Trai Essex or Alfonzo Jackson on a similar list. The Steelers have shown they are not above a reach in the early rounds.


Oh that was called throwing darts at a board full of names.
I think after the 07 draft Mike Tomlin threw out the darts so the Steelers could make actual intelligent picks in the 08 draft.

[TDX27]

We have a franchise quarterback about to reach his prime.

We need experienced performing OL ....NOW. Draft 2 OL, get 1-2 OL via free agency.

Forget RB.

A dominating OL can make an average RB look great.
A dominating OL can possess the ball and give your defense a rest - ie: be aggressive when on the field
A dominating OL can give your QB the time to wait for a receiver to get open.

OL is the most important need of this team at the moment - along with DL.
Amen to that. Just look at some of the back up RB's that played this weekend. They were all able to run because of a good line.

[LetMePlay]

I'd like to see us draft a QB in this draft after we address the O/D line issues. Batch is getting older and St. Pierre isnt a viable option as a backup. We could get a decent backup for Ben in the 4th or 5th round. Unless we go out and sign a FA QB.

So you are thinking that Brian St.Pierre is not going to be a star in this league?

[Coryea]

I'm still pissed we used a 3rd round pick on a damn TE, IMO Tuman can do everything Spaeth did, and Tuman is a better blocker, which isn't saying much.

[carbonsteel]

One thing I HAVE to mention here concerning OL.

As much as I despise them, I find it interesting that the Patriots OL seems to perform lights out almost every week. Forget Brady, the WR, occasional running game, NONE of that works without a OL allowing that to happen.

Now when you look at their personnel, I don't recall anyone being a big time name in terms of a top notch OL standout or a huge draft pick pot of gold..

So it comes down to scheme, technique, game planning and ultimately performance. All of which points to something I like to call COACHING. What are they doing that we are not. Ben is not that much worse than Brady. Our running game is not that much worse - possibly better. It comes down to performance of OL.

I'm still convinced that dollar for dollar, after establishing a franchise QB, the best money you can spend is on OL, then DL, then CB.

[Hines57]

So you are thinking that Brian St.Pierre is not going to be a star in this league?
I'm still on the fence about St. Pierre

[Irv24]

One thing I HAVE to mention here concerning OL.

As much as I despise them, I find it interesting that the Patriots OL seems to perform lights out almost every week. .

dude, they stopped calling holding on the Pats Oline back in 2001.

[carbonsteel]

To me finding a replacement for St. Pierre ranks up there with 'What will Steely McBeam be wearing today?'.

If there is money to be saved with getting a 3rd string QB, fine. Our season is basically over if we have to go to a 3rd string QB to take us to the Super Bowl.

That IS our goal right ?

If you aren't going to make it there why waste the money to improve a position that won't fulfill your goal and will possibly worsen your draft position for the next year ?

[TMC]

How do you know we end up with three?

If you went back in time a few years, I don't think you would find the names of Trai Essex or Alfonzo Jackson on a similar list. The Steelers have shown they are not above a reach in the early rounds.

I don't think you can rely on rookies to improve your team. If we're going to be better next year it will have to be due to free agent signings and/or current players stepping up their game.

My point is not really to show which three players we will get, but the talent level that should be there through our 3rd pick. If players NOT on that list, and I am sure there are plenty, jump up in the draft, then that means some of the players on that list will be there in the 4th, possibly in the 5th.

This was more to show how amazingly deep this draft appears to be. While there are no real locks for Top 10 WRs, this draft is deep......and quality should be there even through the 5th round. It is going to produce quality RBs throughout the draft. It is a deep draft for corners. There are some really intriguing OLBs and DL for our scheme....and plenty of them. Where this draft lacks players is at center, inside linebacker, safety, and tightend. I think we are better than we realize at those 4 positions and here is why...

I do not think they kept Stapleton over Okobi because Okobi is an asshole. I think they did it because Stapleton may be our future. Timmons is a first round draft pick that is moving inside. If Clark returns, we still have Smith. We are loaded at tightend.

IMO, this draft will help us.

[Superman]

I think it goes without saying we will draft:TE, QB and safety in the first three rounds.

[carbonsteel]

What is everyone's opinion of trading away a 4th, 5th, and 6th round pick to get another 3rd round pick ?

[thatrain]

We could use another Willie Reid

[Crime Fighter]

Offensive Tackle-(7)
Jeff Otah, Pitt
Gosder Cherilus, BC

Guards-(8)
Brandon Albert, Virginia
Adam Kraus, Michigan

Centers-(1)
Steve Justice, Wake Forest

Defensive End-(11, AT LEAST)
Quintin Groves, Auburn
Calais Campbell, Miami
Derrick Harvey, Florida

Cornerbacks-(6-15)
Brandon Flowers, VT
Victor Harris, VT
Aqib Talib, Kansas
Mike Jenkins, South Florida
Antoine Cason, Arizona

Any combo of those 3 I would be happy with, assuming we don't make any trades. I think OL is #1 priority, no matter which rounds we address the area in. I also think DB is huge, since Townsend is old, and we just don't have any quality there, so I'd love to get Cason, assuming he's available.

With FA, hopefully we can address one of the 3 area needs; OL, DL, and DB (Probably OL, since there's not much depth at OG).

[mightyguru]

I'd like to see the Steelers draft a Center if a move isn't made...say Simmons or Colon moving to C. I thought Simmons was going to get a look there this season until they signed Mahan.

Anyway, a local kid from Daytona, Justice from Wake Forest, is good prospect. Him or Pollack.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

What about that guard from Virginia, Brandon Albert? Anyone heard anything about him?

[FistfullofRings]

while I agree to some extent, we have relied on rookies to help us out here for awhile.

I'm not saying they can't help or start, but it's rare that more than one or two rookies improves your team significantly the first year. It's far more likely we won't fill 3 immediate needs with our first three picks, than we will.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

Here's a scenario I found in Footballs Futures. What do you think?


Trade Round 1 pick to Atlanta for their 2nd and 3rd rounders. ATL grabbed their QB at #5 overall and trades to get back to the bottom of the first to grab their RB (Stewart or Mendenhall).

Round 2 #5: Aqib Talib - Kansas - CB - 6'2", 202
Physical, playmaking CB to start opposite of Ike. If BMac ever gets his tail in gear, Talib would probably be able to become a solid FS as well.

Round 2 #23: Chris Williams - Vanderbilt - OT - 6'6", 315
Three-year starter against SEC competition. Noted to have strong character and work ethic as well.

Round 3 #5: Devin Thomas - Michigan State - WR/KR - 6'2", 212
Biggish reciever who set Big 10 single season record for KR yards!!! (Too bad he can't cover them too)

Round 3 #23: Kendall Langford - Hampton - DE - 6'6", 295
His name has been popping up pretty frequently here. Big, strong, and athletic.

Round 4 #23: Kory Lichtensteiger - Bowling Green - OC/OG - 6'3", 310
Doesn't have an extremely high ceiling, but has experience at all interior positions on the line with two years starting experience at center. Leader, hard-worker, and tenacious.

Round 5 #23: Kerry Brown - Appalachain State - OG - 6'5", 310
Three-time national champion who's been a First Team All Southern Conference selection each of those years.

Round 6 #23: Steve Tasker"

[Vader]

What is everyone's opinion of trading away a 4th, 5th, and 6th round pick to get another 3rd round pick ?

Normally I would do that but this years draft is deep and we need help in so many areas including STs. Our 4-6th picks could get us a very good WR or RB so I keep all my picks this year.

[Sluzilla]

Normally I would do that but this years draft is deep and we need help in so many areas including STs. Our 4-6th picks could get us a very good WR or RB so I keep all my picks this year.

agree...in fact would be willing to trade down to pick up extras this year for sure...a lot of talent will be falling i'm thinking...

[Tobe]

Assuming Willie comes back 100%, I'd be high on taking OL, DE, OL. However, I'd hate to see us wafer thin at RB again and Najeh and Russell aren't the answer.

[Max Power]

Sure looks like a Deep Draft this year. Did the 2007 College season reflect that?

[thatrain]

Assuming Willie comes back 100%, I'd be high on taking OL, DE, OL. However, I'd hate to see us wafer thin at RB again and Najeh and Russell aren't the answer.

If we get the OL right, it won't matter who is at RB.

[60 MINUTES]

Question for the draft and scout guru's. Going into this draft I would love to see us draft OT first round DL second round and back to 0-line thrid round. From this list above ranking from the order you think they will still be there. ( Meaning you can't pick your second o-line if you think that guy would be gone in the first round) so given this list TMC gave and lets humor me and say we go 0-line then DL then back to 0-line which three players do you think will be there and we would get. Again some of you may want 0-line first and second, my question is lets assume the steelers go 0-line then D-line then back to 0-line who do yo think they would get going that way?

[60 MINUTES]

Normally I would do that but this years draft is deep and we need help in so many areas including STs. Our 4-6th picks could get us a very good WR or RB so I keep all my picks this year.



What do you know I agree with you on something here. We need STs players and 4 through the 7th is a good place for those guys.

[thatrain]

Question for the draft and scout guru's. Going into this draft I would love to see us draft OT first round DL second round and back to 0-line thrid round. From this list above ranking from the order you think they will still be there. ( Meaning you can't pick your second o-line if you think that guy would be gone in the first round) so given this list TMC gave and lets humor me and say we go 0-line then DL then back to 0-line which three players do you think will be there and we would get. Again some of you may want 0-line first and second, my question is lets assume the steelers go 0-line then D-line then back to 0-line who do yo think they would get going that way?

what's a zero line? Oh, that must be what we had this year.

[Tobe]

If we get the OL right, it won't matter who is at RB.

OK, I'll bite. If we have a super OL, we might as well pick up Amos Zereoue for a song and dance and save some money. LOL.

I don't care how good the line is, you do need a quality back running the ball. You can't have someone that falls down at the blink of an eye.

[60 MINUTES]

what's a zero line? Oh, that must be what we had this year.



You know you could be on to something here. I think I will post 0-line until they prove to be better then that.

[papa lazarou]

According to GBN report, you can now add Felix Jones (RB, Arkansas) to the growing list...

[Southern Steeler]

OK, I'll bite. If we have a super OL, we might as well pick up Amos Zereoue for a song and dance and save some money. LOL.

I don't care how good the line is, you do need a quality back running the ball. You can't have someone that falls down at the blink of an eye.


But look at the successful RB's that haven't even been drafted. Priest Holmes, Willie Parker, Ryan Grant....just off the top of my head. The line makes all the difference. You put any other above average RB on the Cowboys in the 90's and we have a different rushing champion.

IMO, it's what makes Barry Sanders so rare and special. He never had the luxuries like that.

[Tobe]

But look at the successful RB's that haven't even been drafted. Priest Holmes, Willie Parker, Ryan Grant....just off the top of my head. The line makes all the difference. You put any other above average RB on the Cowboys in the 90's and we have a different rushing champion.

IMO, it's what makes Barry Sanders so rare and special. He never had the luxuries like that.

Well, of course it makes a difference. I am just saying that you can't put any schmo in the backfield and expect great things even if the line is solid. Hell, Ryan Grant didn't do a whole lot until after October and the Packers' OL was the same, so he was the difference. And, to say Emmitt wasn't special is wrong. The guy supposedly had no speed yet he chewed up a ton of yardage.

[JohnnyO]

Honestly I don't follow college ball much so I don't know who's good and who isn't, but I do know that if I was drafting for the Steelers this year I'd use the first four picks on the two best OL and the two best DL I could get.

[Blind Official]

My point is not really to show which three players we will get, but the talent level that should be there through our 3rd pick. If players NOT on that list, and I am sure there are plenty, jump up in the draft, then that means some of the players on that list will be there in the 4th, possibly in the 5th.

This was more to show how amazingly deep this draft appears to be. While there are no real locks for Top 10 WRs, this draft is deep......and quality should be there even through the 5th round. It is going to produce quality RBs throughout the draft. It is a deep draft for corners. There are some really intriguing OLBs and DL for our scheme....and plenty of them. Where this draft lacks players is at center, inside linebacker, safety, and tightend. I think we are better than we realize at those 4 positions and here is why...

I do not think they kept Stapleton over Okobi because Okobi is an . I think they did it because Stapleton may be our future. Timmons is a first round draft pick that is moving inside. If Clark returns, we still have Smith. We are loaded at tightend.

IMO, this draft will help us.

...and you know what will happen?

Those players will fall in the draft, but Colbert will lock in on one guy that he likes and not even pay attention. Then he'll ignore the positions with value and grab someone that should be a 6th rounder in the 3rd

[kurtistb]

Tyson Jackson is staying in school :(

hopefully Michael Oher declares

[Southern Steeler]

And, to say Emmitt wasn't special is wrong. The guy supposedly had no speed yet he chewed up a ton of yardage.

He was good, no doubt....but when the topic of "best RB ever" comes up.....how often is he thought of? I'd guess never. Payton, Brown, Sayers, Sanders, etc...always enter the conversation before Emmitt does. I think the reason for that is because of the line he ran behind.

[Vader]

He was good, no doubt....but when the topic of "best RB ever" comes up.....how often is he thought of? I'd guess never. Payton, Brown, Sayers, Sanders, etc...always enter the conversation before Emmitt does. I think the reason for that is because of the line he ran behind.

Smith would have been good on any team but that massive OL helped him out a ton. That OL was absolutely huge and could just move people out of the way.

[The Iron is Steel On!]

Is there any great players out there that we can trade a 4th round pick for ala Moss to the Pats?

[TMC]

...and you know what will happen?

Those players will fall in the draft, but Colbert will lock in on one guy that he likes and not even pay attention. Then he'll ignore the positions with value and grab someone that should be a 6th rounder in the 3rd

Well, Kevin Colbert is responsible for adding Roethlisberger, Miller, Holmes, Woodley, McFadden, as well as the guys you do not think are great picks. I would not count Timmons out yet, he was considered one of the top linebackers in the draft. I am one that prefers experience over youthful vigor.....so watching Timmons sit a season does not ruffle me. When I look at last season's draft, I like it better today than I did a week after the draft. I think Timmons will help us inside. I think Woodley will be a good, if not great, LOLB for us. I think Spaeth helps us a great deal in the redzone and will be solid for us for a while, long after Tuman is gone. I think Gay will turn out and I still hold out hope for McBean and Baker.

He may lock on, but he has brought some talent into this program. He drafted Burress, Marvel Smith, Casey Hampton, Kendrell Bell, Roethlisberger, and many others that played pretty well for us. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and even a few passes on some guys.

[TMC]

First, let me add that Felix Jones, Michael Oher, and Mario Manningham have declared. Macho Harris has changed his mind and players have until the 18th to reverse their decision, IF they do not hire an agent.


Question for the draft and scout guru's. Going into this draft I would love to see us draft OT first round DL second round and back to 0-line thrid round. From this list above ranking from the order you think they will still be there. ( Meaning you can't pick your second o-line if you think that guy would be gone in the first round) so given this list TMC gave and lets humor me and say we go 0-line then DL then back to 0-line which three players do you think will be there and we would get. Again some of you may want 0-line first and second, my question is lets assume the steelers go 0-line then D-line then back to 0-line who do yo think they would get going that way?

1st-Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
2nd-Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
3rd-Brandon Albert, OG, Virginia

That COULD happen for us. It is realistic, although Oher, Merling, and Albert could go slightly higher than our picks.....but they could also slide depending on what teams view as their needs. I think, athletically, Oher is probably the 3rd best tackle in this draft, but I feel that Long goes 1st, Clady is 2nd, and Otah is the 3rd tackle taken. Otah has flew up draft boards. I think he locks in at 3rd with Oher 4th....and I think Otah goes in the late teens, early 20s.

Now, fortunately enough, I think Merling will be overlooked for a bit.....kind of like Mathias Kiwanuka falling to the end of the first and Osi Umenyiora falling to the end of the 2nd. Honestly, it is ridiculous that those guys slide that far, but scouts forget how they play and start looking for warts, like mediocre 40 times and bad Wonderlic scores. Like a damn DE needs to be brilliant.

[CoSteelrgrl]

How do you think Colon would do as a RG? I've heard quite abit about him maybe moving inside and that was his projected position anyways. If he can make the move to RG, then I don't see us going OG on the first day when we have Simmons, Colon, Kemo, and Mahan at Guard.

Might as well have 4 guards as we damned sure didn't have a center playing this season. It is pretty obvious that the theory that "Any guard can play center" was disproven with Mahan. We need somebody the size and immovability of a Brinks truck out there in front of Ben.

Build outward from there.

[360x]

1st-Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

Man, this makes me happy. He'll probably be gone when we draft, but AT THE LEAST this means that someone decent (Oline) drops a few spots. I just hope he stays.

[LetMePlay]

Why do DE and DT even have to take the Wonderlic? If they are breathing on their own they are smart enough.

[Blind Official]

Well, Kevin Colbert is responsible for adding Roethlisberger, Miller, Holmes, Woodley, McFadden, as well as the guys you do not think are great picks.

Yep, but that doesn't make my statement incorrect.

You referenced where draft classes were deep and how players could fall to the mid rounds. The guys mentioned above are all 1-2 rounders (one was traded up for) and all presented value when picked.

I would not count Timmons out yet, he was considered one of the top linebackers in the draft. I am one that prefers experience over youthful vigor.....so watching Timmons sit a season does not ruffle me.

He's also done less than most comparably drafted LBs have in their first year. I think a friend of mine compared him to Bobby Carpenter (though the Cowboys actually had more LB talent on their team in front of him)

IMO, it's troubling that he didn't see the field, especially given the circumstances. It's also troubling that their statements about him have changed so drastically since he was drafted and that they are also questioning the intangibles this early.

When I look at last season's draft, I like it better today than I did a week after the draft. I think Timmons will help us inside. I think Woodley will be a good, if not great, LOLB for us. I think Spaeth helps us a great deal in the redzone and will be solid for us for a while, long after Tuman is gone. I think Gay will turn out and I still hold out hope for McBean and Baker.

Well, I don't think the Steelers like Timmons better now than they did then.

Woodley was a good pick. I've said that since it happened.

IMO, I still don't get people defending the Spaeth pick (and even the Burgh media types have started harping on it over the offseason). I don't see what he's shown to get the benefit that he'll be solid for a long while, let alone worth a #3. I don't see the value.

Gay seems like a good player that they pulled out of their hat. I applaud them for identifying a weakness (zone CB) and grabbing a guy like with a limited skill set that could help them. They generally don't do that.

He may lock on, but he has brought some talent into this program. He drafted Burress, Marvel Smith, Casey Hampton, Kendrell Bell, Roethlisberger, and many others that played pretty well for us. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and even a few passes on some guys.

Tom Donahoe brought talent into the program too, and he got fired. I don't see how you make the argument that Colbert is better/worse than most other GMs, given the circumstances.

I wish they'd get new blood there, just like they did at HC

[Steeltime]

I'd like to see the Steelers draft a Center if a move isn't made...say Simmons or Colon moving to C.

Adam Kraus from Michigan played very well at LG in 2006. He was moved to C this season and played well the last several games, including dominating against Florida.

He is a big guy who has played at a high level at both G and C. He is a good pick, contributor, value in the 2nd round, and a great pick in the 3rd round. I am hopeful that the Steeler pick up Kraus to take care of problems at both G and C.

[Steeltime]

Honestly, it is ridiculous that those guys slide that far, but scouts forget how they play and start looking for warts, like mediocre 40 times and bad Wonderlic scores. Like a damn DE needs to be brilliant.

With the 53rd pick in the second round, the Steelers select . . .

http://sp1.mm-a1.yimg.com/image/2183451102.jpeg