Steelers tipping their hand?

[Slaine]

Mike Tomlin was at the LSU pro day:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d8076de54&template=with-video&confirm=true

Atlanta, St. Louis and Miami hold the top three picks in the draft. All 32 teams committed to Wednesday's event, and all three of the top teams were in attendance. In addition to scouts and position coaches, Kansas City head coach Herm Edwards, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin and Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, as well as defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis were on hand.

Dorsey said he met with Dolphins defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers last night.

"I guarantee that St. Louis sitting there at No. 2 was real interested, and I know Atlanta at No. 3 has to be very interested," said Mayock, who after watching Dorsey's workout, elevated him above USC's Sedrick Ellis as his No. 1 defensive tackle prospect. "He's a top-five type of player that reminds me of Warren Sapp when he was coming out."

While Dorsey was the big draw of the workouts, his presence brought the attention of coaches and scouts on several of his teammates.

Wide receiver Early Doucet was able to display his health after injuries prematurely ended his season and derailed his pre-draft workouts. Doucet missed four games and saw minimal action in another last season with a groin problem, and also suffered a slight hamstring injury during a practice at the Senior Bowl. Since he was not able to work out at the combine, his workout on Wednesday –- with times of 4.59 and 4.60 in the 40 and had a vertical jump of 34.5 inches -– was his biggest chance to impress pro scouts.

He’s hoping his game film, interviews and pro day performance is enough to get first-round attention.

"I just wanted to come out and show everybody I was healthy again, and I did that today," said Doucet. "You always want to do better, but that doesn't make a good football player. The 40 time is only one aspect of it."

Linebacker Luke Sanders posted impressive workout numbers across the board, with a 4.76 time in the 40, a 4.41 in the shuttle run, a 35½-inch vertical leap and 31 reps in the bench press. Linebacker Ali Highsmith, who ran a 5.0 40 at the combine, was able to lower his time to the high 4.7 range. Safety Craig Stelz, who had a shoulder injury and last appeared in the national championship game, ran a 4.63 in the 40 and had a vertical jump of 35 inches.

For the players who have lower rankings with the scouts, it might have been enough to prompt another look.

"I think the guy who really helped himself was Craig Steltz," said Mayock. "We haven't seen him since the national championship game. He jumped 35 inches, ran in the low 4.6's, he looked good in the positional drills. That puts him in the mix as a mid-round safety, which is where he belongs. He's a good football player."

A total of 19 players participated in the workouts, 16 of whom played for LSU last season.

[rossi]

Good read but the thread title is misleading. Almost 20 guys worked out. I'm glad Tomlin was there. LSU has a 1st rate program. Perhaps we could find a diamond in the rough in the later rounds or as a F/A. !

[Super Dave]

Doucet missed four games and saw minimal action in another last season with a groin problem, and also suffered a slight hamstring injury during a practice at the Senior Bowl.

That's our guy!

[1st & 10]

Linebacker Luke Sanders posted impressive workout numbers across the board, with a 4.76 time in the 40, a 4.41 in the shuttle run, a 35½-inch vertical leap and 31 reps in the bench press.

Sounds like someone the Steelers might be interested in drafting.

More figures.

6' 5" 235

2005 SEC Academic Honor Roll

Starter at the outside (buck) linebacker position ... Coming off another outstanding spring, one that saw him continue his development at the position ... One of the leaders of the Tigers defense ....

Is a workout freak who spends more time in the weight room than he does at home ... One of the strongest players on the squad with a bench press of more than 500 pounds... Goes into final season having played in 28 games with 11 starts.

JUNIOR SEASON (2006)
Started 11 of the Tigers’ 13 games ... Recorded 35 tackles, a total that included 15 solo stops ... Was also credited with 2.5 TFL, two sacks, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble ... Had a career day against Auburn, recording a team-high eight tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack, all of which marked career highs ... Had six tackles in the Tigers’ win over Ole Miss ... Recorded four tackles each against Louisiana-Lafayette and Mississippi State ... Made two solo stops, one that went for a loss and the other a sack, in the Tigers’ win over Notre Dame in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

[BermudaSteel]

Wide receiver Early Doucet was able to display his health after injuries prematurely ended his season and derailed his pre-draft workouts. Doucet missed four games and saw minimal action in another last season with a groin problem, and also suffered a slight hamstring injury during a practice at the Senior Bowl. Since he was not able to work out at the combine, his workout on Wednesday –- with times of 4.59 and 4.60 in the 40 and had a vertical jump of 34.5 inches -– was his biggest chance to impress pro scouts.


Er, no thanks, Timmons sat all year---don't need another sweatsuit model.

[Slaine]

The head coach doesn't go to a pro day to see a bunch of possible UDFA's. We're looking at WR's and went to see Doucet. Anyone else (like Jonathan Zenon) is just gravy.

Hopefully they're not looking at him until the 3rd as we don't need another 6' slow receiver. We just cut one of those.

[t-bone]

Ali Highsmith, c'mon down!

[BermudaSteel]

The head coach doesn't go to a pro day to see a bunch of possible UDFA's. We're looking at WR's and went to see Doucet. Anyone else (like Jonathan Zenon) is just gravy.

Hopefully they're not looking at him until the 3rd as we don't need another 6' slow receiver. We just cut one of those.

Great analysis, mate!! My sentiments, exactly!!!

[RevBillyC]

Ali Highsmith, c'mon down!

If we played the Chicago version of the 4-3, he could fill Urlachers's position.

But he's too light in the drawers to play LB here.

[dobre shunka]

Last year Tomlin went to the pro-days of: FSU, Michigan, Arkansas, UWV. This year: Penn St, Pitt, Auburn, LSU.

[RevBillyC]

Last year Tomlin went to the pro-days of: FSU, Michigan, Arkansas, UWV. This year: Penn St, Pitt, Auburn, LSU.

I certainly hope that doesn't mean that Jeff Otah is this year's Timmons.

[dobre shunka]

I certainly hope that doesn't mean that Jeff Otah is this year's Timmons.

I'm more worried about Justin King. Not an Otah fan, but I could bear that pick. I want no part of King even in R2. I'll be pissed if they take him R1.

[RevBillyC]

I'm more worried about Justin King. Not an Otah fan, but I could bear that pick. I want no part of King even in R2. I'll be pissed if they take him R1.

I'm with you on that - I want no parts of King, period.

[TMC]

I have been somewhat watching the areas that Tomlin has popped up in and the one thing I have noticed, he seems to appear at Pro Days where we are looking at defense....specifically corners.

I could be wrong, but I would think he may be looking at Chevis Jackson. If I were Colbert and were planning on using him as a talent evaluator, it would be as a DB scout....or, at the very least, on defense.

[BermudaSteel]

I have been somewhat watching the areas that Tomlin has popped up in and the one thing I have noticed, he seems to appear at Pro Days where we are looking at defense....specifically corners.

I could be wrong, but I would think he may be looking at Chevis Jackson. If I were Colbert and were planning on using him as a talent evaluator, it would be as a DB scout....or, at the very least, on defense.

I do believe your logic is sound. Timmons was PLAN B last year. I believe w/ all my heart that Revis was the orginal pick and we missed it because the Jets traded up. I can't compare the two but I do think that if we don't go WR in the 1st, a DB is exactly what the doctor ordered. I wouldn't be mad w/ Chevis Jackson.

[domthebomb228]

I have been somewhat watching the areas that Tomlin has popped up in and the one thing I have noticed, he seems to appear at Pro Days where we are looking at defense....specifically corners.

I could be wrong, but I would think he may be looking at Chevis Jackson. If I were Colbert and were planning on using him as a talent evaluator, it would be as a DB scout....or, at the very least, on defense.

I think Chevis Jackson would fit nicely in our system. Tough, physical smart corner with good cover skills - what round is he projected to fall into?

[BillvinCowbert]

I do believe your logic is sound. Timmons was PLAN B last year. I believe w/ all my heart that Revis was the orginal pick and we missed it because the Jets traded up. I can't compare the two but I do think that if we don't go WR in the 1st, a DB is exactly what the doctor ordered. I wouldn't be mad w/ Chevis Jackson.

Timmons was plan 1A last year. There was no 1B, 1C, or even 2. It was locked in on Timmons since March.

Doucet's injury history sounds right; we should trade up to get him, let's use our 4th rounder.

[BermudaSteel]

Timmons was plan 1A last year. There was no 1B, 1C, or even 2. It was locked in on Timmons since March...

Just for the sake of argument...How can you prove this?

[BillvinCowbert]

Just for the sake of argument...How can you prove this?

No one can prove anything. I guess it's possible that Timmons was PLAN D. Maybe they even had Beason rated higher, but didn't notice he wasn't still on the board (I couldn't prove that isn't the case). I guess anything is possible. I can't prove that OJ killed Nicole and Ron, either, but, you know, the evidence is overwhelming.

Starting in late March, EVERYTHING pointed to Timmons. Everyone with sources starting mocking Timmons to us at 15 (prior that that, Lil LT was a late first-rounder). Those weren't coincidences or lucky guesses.

[bradentonfan]

I'd bet he was there to see the Safety, he plays a lot like another former Tomlin player..... John Lynch

[TMC]

I think Chevis Jackson is a middle round guy.

I also think the Steelers liked Carriker, Willis, and Revis last year, but how they had them ranked in relation to Timmons is an unknown.

I really do not think they felt they had a legitimate shot at Carriker, Willis, OR Revis though.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

When the Jets traded up to get Revis ahead of us, they should have traded down at that point.....

[smithessmokin]

Good read but the thread title is misleading. Almost 20 guys worked out. I'm glad Tomlin was there. LSU has a 1st rate program. Perhaps we could find a diamond in the rough in the later rounds or as a F/A. !

that has been succesful as of late. we have two GREAT players in willie parker and james harrison. any others that i have failed to mention???

[SteelerFan448]

that has been succesful as of late. we have two GREAT players in willie parker and james harrison. any others that i have failed to mention???

Reed, Washington, Kreider.

[DerbyCityBNGfan]

Steltz in rd 4 would be sweet...that dude can hit!!!

[Sluzilla]

I also think the Steelers liked Carriker, Willis, and Revis last year, but how they had them ranked in relation to Timmons is an unknown.

I really do not think they felt they had a legitimate shot at Carriker, Willis, OR Revis though.

completely agree with this...i've not seen any evidence that Timmons was the only guy...in fact using mock drafts as evidence...many had us taking Revis and if he fell Carriker...in fact many had us taking Hall and Moss also...there was no consensus mock draft pick of Timmons...

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Steltz in rd 4 would be sweet...that dude can hit!!!

Too bad he can't run. If the steelers take a Safety that can't cover, i at least hope it's Zbikowski. At least, he can return kicks.


One of the things that bothered me most about the Timmons pick was that it surprised absolutely nobody. I hated the pick not only because i didn't like Timmons as a player, but also because it meant the new Steelers regime had no poker face. Even when all signs pointed to the Steelers drafting Ben, they still sent out some misdirections about liking Rivers, or Shaun Andrews, to muddy the waters a bit. I hope they hold their cards a little closer to the vest this year.


As for Justin King. I read reports that Tomlin was very impressed with him. The pick would make sense because King has experience in a cover 2 scheme, he'll be graduating in 3 years, and he has kick return ability. That's why it makes sense on paper. On the field, i'm not so sure.

King has return ability but he wasn't used much in that capacity. He's a willing tackler but not a great tackler. Cover 2 CBs need to be tough against the run. Penn State had inconsistent Safety play and that hurt King, who seemed to be trying to do too much at times. I think King is better suited for a team that likes man coverage.

[BillvinCowbert]

completely agree with this...i've not seen any evidence that Timmons was the only guy...in fact using mock drafts as evidence...many had us taking Revis and if he fell Carriker...in fact many had us taking Hall and Moss also...there was no consensus mock draft pick of Timmons...

I'm not talking about TheSteelStud's mock version 84. I was talking about guys with sources. There are a million fans with mocks on the internet. But guys that know people in the league were attaching us to Timmons. Again, there's no way to prove anything, but I saw enough circumstantial evidence BEFORE the draft to make it seem like we were locked into Timmons. I also read an article from Denver's War Room after the draft that said they had talked to the Steelers and we weren't interested in moving down. They had a woody for Timmons. Oh well.

[papa lazarou]

Does any one know if the Steelers were at Clemson to look at Philip Merling or Viginia Tech to see Brandon Flowers???

[DrunkinIrishman]

I really think the Steelers are keeping their options open. I know we need lineman, but I think we could take another position with our number one. It wiil all be determined by what falls to them.

[Miller]

It's a cliche at this point, but if you want to know where and who the Steelers are tipping their hand about, watch who they bring in and have brought in. They almost draft exclusively out of that group. Usually only straying to go after a guy they thought wouldn't be there.

[Slaine]

Does any one know if the Steelers were at Clemson to look at Philip Merling or Viginia Tech to see Brandon Flowers???

Virginia Tech (March 20)
Fifteen players worked out indoors on Astro turf. Seventy-five people were on hand, including Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin along with receivers coaches from Jacksonville and Miami.

» LB Xavier Adibi (6-1 5/8, 231): Ran the 40 in 4.68 and 4.62, had a 33-inch vertical jump, 9-foot 2-inch long jump, 4.18 short shuttle, 6.91 cone drills, 18 reps in the bench press and ran position drills.

» OL Duane Brown (6-4, 309): Ran the 40 in 5.08 and 5.03, had a 32½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.55 short shuttle, 7.54 cone drills, 24 reps in the bench press and ran position drills.

» DL Chris Ellis (6-4, 262): Had a 30½-inch vertical jump, 22 reps in the bench press, ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else.

» DB Brandon Flowers (5-9 5/8, 187): Ran the 40 in 4.55 and 4.54, had a 4.08 short shuttle, 6.72 cone drills, ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else.

» LB Vince Hall (6-0, 238): Injured and did not participate.

» WR Justin Harper (6-3¼, 220): Ran the 40 in 4.59 and 4.62, had a 33½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot 2-inch long jump, 4.05 short shuttle, 6.85 cone drills, ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else.

» WR Josh Morgan (6-0 5/8;, 218): Ran the 40 in 4.46 and 4.54, had a 40½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot long jump, 4.29 short shuttle, 7.06 cone drills, 14 reps in the bench press and ran position drills.

» WR Eddie Royal (5-9 ½;,182): Kept his numbers from the combine and didn't do position drills because he pulled a hamstring while working out prior to pro day.

» DL Barry Booker (6-3 5/8;, 288): Ran the 40 in 5.06 and 5.06, had a 30½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.52 short shuttle, 7.82 cone drills, ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else.

» DB D.J. Parker (5-11¼;, 191): Ran the 40 in 4.62 and 4.60, had a 31-inch vertical jump, 9-foot 8-inch long jump, 4.30 short shuttle, ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else.

» DL Carlton Powell (6-2;, 288): Ran the 40 in 5.03 and 5.00, had a 27½-inch vertical jump, 4.62 short shuttle, 7.64 cone drills, 25 reps in the bench press, ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else.

[Slaine]

Re: Philip Merling:

03/19/08 - 03/19/08 - Draft Scout Fallers: Merling may not be able to work out for scouts at all before the draft. His uncle and former position coach, Chris Rumph, informed media that Merling would not be participating at Clemson's Pro Day due to surgery for a sports hernia. News of the surgery was particularly troubling for scouts, as they haven't seen the junior work out since entering the draft process. The 6-4, 271-pound Merling, who finished with 78 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks, cited a groin pull in not working out at the Combine.


Sounds very similar to the Heath Miller situation...

[dobre shunka]

As for Justin King. I read reports that Tomlin was very impressed with him. The pick would make sense because King has experience in a cover 2 scheme, he'll be graduating in 3 years, and he has kick return ability. That's why it makes sense on paper. On the field, i'm not so sure.

King has return ability but he wasn't used much in that capacity. He's a willing tackler but not a great tackler. Cover 2 CBs need to be tough against the run. Penn State had inconsistent Safety play and that hurt King, who seemed to be trying to do too much at times. I think King is better suited for a team that likes man coverage.

You're a little more charitable to the Nittany Lion than I am. You're right that he's not a great tackler, but I don't think he's all that willing either. He's a puss in run support. Got abused the second half of the season thru the air too. He's Deion Sanders minus the production and playmaking ability. Compare him to a guy like Cason. Cason was a 4 year starter, starting as a true freshman. He's good in either man or zone. Willing tackler, run supporter (evidenced by his tackle numbers, any one year greater than King's career haul). And delivers big hits, creating several FFs. Very productive, again overall any one year greater King's career. Good size, good enough speed, smart, instinctive, and versatile. I have no doubt he could play FS if they needed him to. Plus he has good hands and is good with the ball in them. Good punter returner, which the Steelers do need more than a kick returner.

[RevBillyC]

He's a puss


Bottom line...

[deljzc]

I have been somewhat watching the areas that Tomlin has popped up in and the one thing I have noticed, he seems to appear at Pro Days where we are looking at defense....specifically corners.

I could be wrong, but I would think he may be looking at Chevis Jackson. If I were Colbert and were planning on using him as a talent evaluator, it would be as a DB scout....or, at the very least, on defense.

I agree I think Tomlin's MAIN role in the draft process right now is scouting defensive backs. That is his bread and butter supposedly.

I'm sure Tomlin's sitting in on the interviews of everyone and scouting everyone, but I would guess Colbert and the scouting department are deferring to Tomlin's opinioin 9 times out of 10 on the defensive backs.

Whether that means we'll go with someone early or not, I don't know. Bill Parcells was always really involved in offensive linemen, but he used his ability to target late round guys every where he went and found starters that way. Jackson and Steltz might be the 4th round guys Tomlin's really looking at.

[FlaStGrad]

Even when all signs pointed to the Steelers drafting Ben, they still sent out some misdirections about liking Rivers, or Shaun Andrews, to muddy the waters a bit. I hope they hold their cards a little closer to the vest this year.


Perhaps this was because the Steelers were going to draft Andrews until the call from the top said to take Big Ben. The waters weren't muddied at all... Andrews was their guy.

[Vader]

Perhaps this was because the Steelers were going to draft Andrews until the call from the top said to take Big Ben. The waters weren't muddied at all... Andrews was their guy.

Exactly. Plus the fact that I don't believe Rivers was a smoke screen. I believe Bill takes Rivers over Ben if he falls. That draft is as far away from a smoke screen as you can get. Rooney decides not to make the mistake of missing out on another Marino "His words" and calls down to take Ben.

[Sluzilla]

I'm not talking about TheSteelStud's mock version 84. I was talking about guys with sources. There are a million fans with mocks on the internet. But guys that know people in the league were attaching us to Timmons. Again, there's no way to prove anything, but I saw enough circumstantial evidence BEFORE the draft to make it seem like we were locked into Timmons. I also read an article from Denver's War Room after the draft that said they had talked to the Steelers and we weren't interested in moving down. They had a woody for Timmons. Oh well.

more than likely because everyone had Hall Revis Carriker Brown Willis Anderson et al being picked BEFORE our pick...Timmons was also on our list...so logically he would be the pick in a mock draft for someone that was "in the know"...just because the people we wanted more were picked ahead of us...doesn't mean we didn't want them more...what i'm saying is...there really is NO evidence that Timmons was the only guy we wanted...none at all...

the fact that we didn't want to move down just shows we didn't think any of the guys we still had on our board wouldn't be there...it says nothing about who was left on that board...

[Slaine]

The Timmons pick is so contentious it's unreal.

I have to say that I didn't like the pick. The draft fell in the worst possible way as far I'm concerned. I would have loved to have traded down - I just hope that the Steelers staff has seen something in Timmons that I haven't.

[Sluzilla]

i didn't want Timmons either actually...i thought Spencer was a better fit...but that's just because i know the 3-4 better than Lebeau...

[Zapp Brannigan]

If I remember right Timmons was an absolute STUD the entire 25 minutes of summer workouts he did before breaking his groin. I'm hoping he can wrestle away a starting job throughout the course of the year like Woodley did last year. But I'm not holding my breath.

[Vader]

If I remember right Timmons was an absolute STUD the entire 25 minutes of summer workouts he did before breaking his groin. I'm hoping he can wrestle away a starting job throughout the course of the year like Woodley did last year. But I'm not holding my breath.

All I know is that he was such a stud those 25 minutes that they totally scrapped the idea of using him at ROLB and moved him inside. He was drafted to play ROLB and now he will fight to see if he can take Farrior or Foote's spot.