Mock the real thing

[Turbo Pig]

We're all experts, mock this draft for the Steelers, who do you take where? based on what was around when we picked... I'll put my terrible mock together here soon

[Cope]

1. TE Tyler Eifert
2. WR Keenan Allen
3. ILB Nico Johnson
4a. S Shamarko Thomas
4b. RB Marcus Lattimore
5. CB Terry Hawthorne
6a. RB Spencer Ware (Need 2 backs with Lattimore as a question to play this year).
6b. DE Joe Kruger
7.QB Zac Dysert

I like Worlids and Woodley as the starters this year with Carter backing up. Possible FA and definite UDFA pickup at OLB.

[scstillerfan]

1. TE Tyler Eifert
2. WR Keenan Allen
3. ILB Nico Johnson
4a. S Shamarko Thomas
4b. RB Marcus Lattimore
5. CB Terry Hawthorne
6a. RB Spencer Ware (Need 2 backs with Lattimore as a question to play this year).
6b. DE Joe Kruger
7.QB Zac Dysert.

Love the first three, though I probably grab a RB with the third and still take Lattimore.

[Smidrow]

We're all experts, mock this draft for the Steelers, who do you take where? based on what was around when we picked... I'll put my terrible mock together here soon

I love it...you crack me up....LOL.....

[jitter77]

At first I was against drafting a TE in the first, but after rethinking it I think that Eifert was the way to go. He would have filled a receiving and blocking need. Most people either hate or love Jones and Bell. Bell does not seem to fit the blocking system or shift to more athletic lineman and think we should have used to pic on a defensive player. An ILB like Johnson would have been great in the 3rd. I dont mind the safety pick in the 4th and would have loved to have lattimore. I cant believe that he lasted as long as he did. I think he can come back and be an excellent back.

[Turbo Pig]

1 - Jones, OLB
2 - Arthur Brown, ILB
3 - Jenkins, DT
4a- Lattimore, RB
4b- Wolff, S
5 - Swope, WR
6a - McCray, CB
6b - Williams, ILB
7 - Renfree, QB


I know, I'm sure it sucks because it's much easier to evaluate others decisions... But to me, even though some numbers for our D were good, we all watched as the D looked older on the field... With my draft I focused on rebuilding the LB corps and then trying to find a stud to clog the middle to really replace Hampton. Picked up some high risk skill guys though, but I feel like we could make due with our WR if Swope busted and I would have looked to trade for Ivory or pick up Blount... I really like Renfree as a project and he doesn't cost a 4th to do it...










EDIT: I have consulted with my war room and made a few changes... :D see below

[fogdoctor]

1. TE Tyler Eifert
2. WR Keenan Allen
3. ILB Nico Johnson
4a. S Shamarko Thomas
4b. RB Marcus Lattimore
5. CB Terry Hawthorne
6a. RB Spencer Ware (Need 2 backs with Lattimore as a question to play this year).
6b. DE Joe Kruger
7.QB Zac Dysert

I like Worlids and Woodley as the starters this year with Carter backing up. Possible FA and definite UDFA pickup at OLB.

Ditto. You hit every player I would have taken. Every player.

[SSS]

1 - Jones, OLB
2 - Arthur Brown, ILB
3 - Jenkins, DT
4a- Lattimore, RB
4b- Wolff, S
5 - Swope, WR
6a - McCray, CB
6b - Williams, ILB
7 - Renfree, QB


I know, I'm sure it sucks because it's much easier to evaluate others decisions... But to me, even though some numbers for our D were good, we all watched as the D looked older on the field... With my draft I focused on rebuilding the LB corps and then trying to find a stud to clog the middle to really replace Hampton. Picked up some high risk skill guys though, but I feel like we could make due with our WR if Swope busted and I would have looked to trade for Ivory or pick up Blount... I really like Renfree as a project and he doesn't cost a 4th to do it...

Turbo. I don't know you. And this is not a personal attack. But I think this is the shittiest post draft mock I've ever seen. I'm sorry but you spend dozens of posts thrashing Colbert's picks (which is fine, you're entitled to your opinion) and then post this garbage which completely destroys any credibility you have as an amateur evaluator.

Jenkins is not a 3-4 NT. He plays way too high, and gets turned/tipped sideways way too easily. That is why so many teams (who need a NT) passed on him. How you can evaluate him as a legitimate Hampton replacement is unfathomable. If you said Jenkins was a 3-4 DE to replace Hood, that would make more sense. But he is not a 3-4 NT. What's more, Jenkins compares physically to Ta'Amu so you're drafting redundance at a position that already has 3 guys of developmental status.

Lattimore was a great college RB. Without the injuries he might've bee a great NFL RB. But the odds of him returning to his "elite" form is very low. With so many desperate needs how could you (if you were the Steelers GM) possibly justify making such a high risk pick in round 4?

Swope showed better than expected numbers at the combine. And I give him credit for that. But again you get a guy with a significant injury risk? A couple concussions basically ended Austin Collie's career, and you think Swope is going to last long term against NFL caliber hitters? Wheaton in the 3rd is far better value than Swope in the 4th.

I like the Brown and Wolff picks but only if you balance those with offensive gems at other positions. We ranked 20th on offense in each of the last two years and your answer is Lattimore (who won't even contribute until next year) and Swope who is depth behind Sanders? Wow, dude. Nothing personal but with all the bashing you did, I expected better.

[Turbo Pig]

I think u'll see Jenkins really develop and he has a chance to develop at NT or DE in a 3-4, I find you WAY off base on your eval of him... I guess that makes this fun... I think you can hate my draft, that's fine... I don't think we need offensive help nearly as much as we need to rebuild our LBs... We really have one of the lower tier LB groups right now... And I am not sold on any of our young DL guys, they are all pretty invisible in most games... I'd rather have a plethora of players there and hope 2 really develop.. I could see Wheaton over Swope, but if Swope stays healthy I think he's better... So I have no prob with Wheaton over Swope there... I'd love to see your mock... I'll be honest though, the first mock in this thread I like better than mine, I did mine without looking at anyone else to sway mine... I'd probably do that first one with Wolff over Thomas... My only issue with the first one is that I really wanted Brown in the 2nd...

[Turbo Pig]

And I see Lattimore repeating Willis McGhee's return... I just do... The kid works hard and has better medical treatment than Willis did...

[stuntmanmike]

this draft smells alot like teen spirit. very generic and too safe. like last year we took safe picks the critics couldn't really criticize too much and the draft stunk. we got no help period from that draft we won't get any from this draft, we will just get alot of "you have to let them develop" bullshite all the while the ratbirds are drafting 340 lb linemen stepping in and starting and contributing from day one. jones in the first has to be great from day one or he is a bust and same with bell. average just isn't going to cut it on a team that" isn't rebuilding". the 4th round could really haunt us in that we panicked and traded a third for a 5'8'' saftey that has 5 pass defenses in 3 years of starting. which tight end for the bungles or the pats does he pick up man to man? landry jones pick is so horrible its funny. he was vote worst athlete at the combine. type of qb that stands on the sideline for a career. i really wonder if next season at this time we aren't arguing how the "new" gm drafted.

[Turbo Pig]

this draft smells alot like teen spirit. very generic and too safe. like last year we took safe picks the critics couldn't really criticize too much and the draft stunk. we got no help period from that draft we won't get any from this draft, we will just get alot of "you have to let them develop" bullshite all the while the ratbirds are drafting 340 lb linemen stepping in and starting and contributing from day one. jones in the first has to be great from day one or he is a bust and same with bell. average just isn't going to cut it on a team that" isn't rebuilding". the 4th round could really haunt us in that we panicked and traded a third for a 5'8'' saftey that has 5 pass defenses in 3 years of starting. which tight end for the bungles or the pats does he pick up man to man? landry jones pick is so horrible its funny. he was vote worst athlete at the combine. type of qb that stands on the sideline for a career. i really wonder if next season at this time we aren't arguing how the "new" gm drafted.

great post... great... This is life under Tomlin

[Turbo Pig]

SSS after your consulting and reading a few others in my war room... how about

1 - Jones, OLB
2 - Arthur Brown, ILB
3 - Stedman Bailey, WR
4a- Lattimore, RB
4b- Wolff, S
5 - Hawthorne, CB
6a - Ellington, RB
6b - Kruger, DE
7 - Renfree, QB

:D

[SSS]

1) Tyler Eifert (TE)

When your team ranks 20th in the NFL on offense, your top priority should be scoring more touchdowns. The one thing that Eifert does well is catch the ball in traffic (ie red zone). I don't care so much whether Kiper/McShay/Mayock rank him as the #13 prospect or the #23 prospect. The Steelers had Eifert ranked as one of their 8 "special" players. You draft this guy and put him on the field day one and he produces day one. Plus he adds long term value in replacing Heath. Unlike Jarvis, Eifert showed better than expected combine numbers. And his bust potential is extremely low. Instead we will get to watch him score touchdowns against us as a Bengal.

2) Arthur Brown (ILB)

In our 3-4 defense, the Buck ILB is the best position for a 3 down defensive "Captain" if you can happen to find that guy. Brown was that guy. Not only does Brown have the speed and skill set to make plays in the backfield, run sideline to sideline, cover in the passing game. He also is highly intelligent with outstanding character and leadership. He might even push Foote for playing time late this season. Replaces him full time moving forward.

3) Marcus Wheaton (WR)

I make this pick with the idea that Sanders is gone next year. (If Sanders stays, I go with a different position entirely.) Wheaton is very comparable to Antonio Brown. But he's a little faster and a little better route runner. He can play inside or outside with equal effectiveness (which is very rare) and he runs great routes. With Haley's new offense, I actually think Wheaton fits better than Wallace. After 3 rounds I now have a tall red zone target, and a fast separation target for Ben. Our offense is instantly better this year. And going forward, we have double TE potential with Miller/Eifert. And double crossing or out route potential in Brown/Wheaton.

4a) Shamarko Thomas (SS)

Shamarko is one inch shorter than Troy Polamalu, so I really don't see the cause for panic here. If he has to defend a high pass, let him use his 41" vertical to go up and bat it down. He closes faster than any SS in the draft and his short legs actually make it easier for him to change direction when tracking RB's or slot WR's. He brings outstanding character and work ethic and shows good instincts (which is essential in LeBeau's schemes).

4b) Phillip Thomas (FS)

In today's NFL you don't need a hard hitting FS, you need a ball hawk. Phillip sees the ball very quickly. He anticipates and tracks the ball in the air as well as any safety in the draft. He does need some work on tackling technique, but where better to get that than Pittsburgh. With these two guys we have two long term safety starters to replace Troy and Ryan. Meanwhile they can contribute on special teams and possibly sub in on LeBeau's 3 Safety big nickel packages. And of course fill in for injuries if Troy gets hurt.

5) Brandon Jenkins (OLB)

Jenkins would've been a 2nd round pick had he been able to enter the draft last year. He has very quick burst off the edge and good pass rush moves. I like his athleticism and upside as a 3-4 ROLB much more than Jones. If Worilds blossoms, fine. Extend Worilds as our future starter and develop our 5th rounder (Jenkins as a back up). If Worilds can't hack it, plug in Jenkins and you're not losing much. Huge value in round 5.

6b) Andre Ellington (RB)

Ellington provides huge value here as a complimentary back to Dwyer. Very good receiving skills out of the backfield. Very good balance and short area quickness. NIce fit for our zone scheme. Should've been drafted in the 4th-5th round based on his skills and production.

6b) Joe Kruger (DE)

Has the size the length to develop into a solid 3-4 DE. Good core strength and nastiness. Give him a year or two put on some weight and his anchor will improve. Worst case scenario, he's a solid back up behind Hood/Heyward. Best case scenario, he starts over Hood in his 3rd year.

7) Reid Fragel (OT)

Fragel switched from TE to OT for Ohio St so his skill set is still very raw. But this is the type of guy who could develop into a very nice LT/RT swing back up. He's 6'7" 308 with a nasty physical attitude. Our current back up behind Adams/Gilbert is...

[Turbo Pig]

well what about my new one sss just before yours... Looks like we are more in agreement... It was a toss up between Eifert and Jones in the first for me... I swore that we should go edge rusher in the first round if it's a toss up

[SSS]

SSS after your consulting and reading a few others in my war room... how about

1 - Jones, OLB
2 - Arthur Brown, ILB
3 - Stedman Bailey, WR
4a- Lattimore, RB
4b- Wolff, S
5 - Hawthorne, CB
6a - Ellington, RB
6b - Kruger, DE
7 - Renfree, QB

:D

Definitely like that better. I might even take your 7th rounder over mine.

[skialta]

well what about my new one sss just before yours... Looks like we are more in agreement... It was a toss up between Eifert and Jones in the first for me... I swore that we should go edge rusher in the first round if it's a toss up

at no point in my life did i ever find myself thinking...
i wonder what that shitbird turbo would do.
ever.

[Turbo Pig]

Looks like we are more in agreement... It was a toss up between Eifert and Jones in the first for me... I swore that we should go edge rusher in the first round if it's a toss up

I think S Thomas is ok, but I'm concerned with his height and lack of PBU in college... So that's why I went Wolff who has much more ball skills and athletic ability... We both went WR in the 3rd... Kind of tit for tat there... I don't like taking two safeties this year, rather grab a second safety next year... We both agree on Ellington too and I used him as insurance in case Lattimore doesn't heal well... We both like Kruger too... So I think once I sat back today and re looked, our drafts are much similar

[Turbo Pig]

at no point in my life did i ever find myself thinking...
i wonder what that shitbird turbo would do.
ever.

yet you posted like the dumbass puppet that you are LOL... I'll save an animal cracker for you too idiot

[ark steel]

We start the year missing two people who caught 16 TD passes on a team that was 22nd in scoring. When a team only has 35 TD's, that is a huge hit. I'm not comfortable that Brown (or any of our other WR's) will step up to Wallace's TD's receptions or that the other TE's will replace Millers.

I felt that Eifert had the best chance of filling that hole while Miller is out (again, assuming the offense runs as it did in the first half of last year rather than the last half) and improving once Miller returns. If not Eifert, I would have taken a CB over Jones. Jones' spinal stenosis issue is more of a concern for me (in a first round pick) than whether he posted good combine numbers.

I believe we could have gotten a decent RB in the 3rd or 4th round. I probably, also, would have gone for Brown, here.

Beyond that, I don't really have any opinions nor have I read much on the other picks. The Thomas pick looks good and I would have been forced to take a RB in the 3rd or 4th.

[zeus50]

I"m surprised this didn't have more responses since we all know more than the pros. here's what i would have done.

1. Eifert TE
2. Brown LB
3. Wheaton WR
4. Thomas S
4, Lattimore RB
5. Hawthorne CB
6. Kruger DL
6. Williams LB
7. Dysert QB

[deljzc]

I told mine already in a few other threads. I really try to replicate making the picks not knowing whats coming up and really try to stay true to my draft board.

Round 1 - Xavier Rhodes, CB
We went through this before, but in my pre-draft mocks, I thought Rhodes/Trufant was a better option vs. Jones or Eifert. It was a tough call between Rhodes and Trufant. I hope I pick right.

Round 2 - Keenan Allen, WR
Again, I'm looking at my board and our needs moving forward and I had Allen a 1st round grade and Arthur Brown a 2nd round grade. Eddie Lacy probably gets a look in my imaginary war room.

Round 3 - Damontre Moore, OLB/DE
This is a tough choice as there are a lot of options on the board and no real "apparent" choice. I agree with the desire of Colbert/Tomlin that OLB is high on our priority list. Losing Harrison and his 800+ snaps is an issue and Woodley hasn't been able to stay in shape or healthy. I probably start the discussion with Moore, Sam Montgomery, Corey Lemonier and Trevardo Williams and how our scouts rated each for our system. If I was the owner in the room, I probably defer to Keith Butler as I think he's the last bastion of reason in evaluating linebackers now. He's the only guy who still seems to like size. My guess is he picks Moore.

Round 4a - I don't trade a future 3rd rounder for a 4th rounder. Never.

Round 4 - Shamarko Thomas, S
I have been thinking about this and Thomas would definitely be there four picks later. Two of the teams in between pick 111 and 115 (Cowboys and Rams) had taken safeties in round 3. That only left Oakland (who picks a QB) and never once picks a safety out of 10 picks. I had previous discussed Lattimore here, but I had Thomas higher on my board and it's a position of need with Mundy leaving.

Round 5 - Zac Stacy, RB
I force running back on the draft room and get opinions from the scouts on those available (there were 10 running backs selected after this choice and during round 6 and I get my pick of all of them). My opinion the best three are Zac Stacy, Spencer Ware and Mike Gillislee. Stacy is the most accomplished in college and reminds me of a poor-mans Ray Rice, but Spencer is the bigger, more bruising back (and reminds me of Michael Turner). It's a close call but I'll pencil in Stacy here, but understand I'd probably have gone with how the Steelers had them ranked.

Round 6a - Joe Kruger, DE
The sixth round has always been my target for Kruger and I'm happy to find him available and I jump at the chance to get him. Welcome to the AFC North.

Round 6b - Ty Powell, LB
Powell is the type of intriguing athlete we should be taking with later round picks. He's my perfect size for a 3-4 ILB (6'-2, 250 lbs) and has experience both rushing the passer (as a DE) and dropping into coverage (as a safety). His measurables are above average and he's certain to help on special teams as the coaching staff molds him into a potential starter. Also seems like a good kid that has the smarts to pick up Lebeau's schemes.

Round 7 - Da'Rick Rogers, WR
Even after getting Allen in round 2, I can't keep passing up Rogers. I think (and Buddy Nix said this on the radio the other day) he has 1st/2nd round talent. If the light goes on, he has the skills of Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall type talent. A potential difference maker in the red zone. Just can't let that go buy and hope to get him in free agency.