Looking Ahead to the 2009 Draft
by SteveMeredith on Dec 8, 2008 1:49 PM EST
59 comments
I'm writing this to go along with my last post about the Steelers running game because I think that another good point came up in the discussion thread. Part of the reason the Steelers have been somewhat ineffective when running the ball this season is because of a downright pourous offensive line. In my opinion, I'd like to see the Steelers spend not just one or two, but a handful of picks on offensive linemen. Additionally, a big fullback who could block for Parker would be nice to have in the backfield.
With all due respect to Bruce Ariens, I'd honestly like to see the Steelers return to their old smashmouth ways of playing football. I think anyone would agree that Ben, and any other quarterback out there does better with an effective ground game.
...an effective ground game, however, begins with a stellar offensive line...hence my point above...
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+1
with some extra picks in the later rounds and a compensatory pick for 66 the Steelers have no exuse for trading up in Round 1 (and 2 if needed) to secure a couple big OL that our Professor’s of offensive line play (Z&A) can teach to be quality NFL linemen.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
by 5020 on Dec 8, 2008 2:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Possible first or second rounder?
I like this guy:
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3799388&yr=2009
by 36chambers on Dec 8, 2008 2:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think he might be available in round 2.
Here’s my hopeful offensive line draft.
Rnd 1: Either Loadholt OT or Ciron Black OT
Rnd 2: Alex Mack C and/or Herman Johnson OG
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Dec 8, 2008 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Loadholt is a big fat RT. He’d never make it as a LT in the NFL. I’d rather trade up and get a potential starting LT. Oher and Monroe might go in the top 10, but I think we’ll have a real shot at Jason Smith if we’re willing to trade up for him.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hehe
HSS, I hope you’re ready to do some research and writing on BTSC this draft season. Seems like you’ve been following this stuff for awhile.
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Dec 8, 2008 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely man
I love the Draft, I like seeing the new guys brought in and you know getting that high hope on that they’re gonna be the next great thing.
I completely forgot about the Ohio State guy, Alex Boone. That guy could be a very reliable player.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Dec 8, 2008 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Loadholt
yeah Loadholt sucks. I drafted him on Madden and his rating never got above 85 after 10 years lol.
I know it has nothing to do with reality but he sure did waste my #1 draft choice, bastard.
by Bleed-Black&Gold on Dec 8, 2008 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yea that's a video game though
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Dec 8, 2008 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Alex Mack is a monster
He would give us a mauling front alongside ChrisK. The real question I have is what changes do we make in coaching? I have serious doubts about the Arians/Zierlien scheme, especially with how it plays against the strength of a lot of our players.
by BallsofSteel on Dec 8, 2008 5:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree,
and he’s a leader.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Dec 8, 2008 9:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wasn't Alex Mack a Nickelodeon character?
I have doubts about a 10 year old girl playing on our line……….
by shleeve on Dec 9, 2008 1:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Secret World of Alex Mack...
…I had a big crush on her. I think she was older than 10. At least I hope she was. Her older sister was easy on the eyes as well.
by robert ethan on Dec 9, 2008 2:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
however, she did have crazy powers or something
so therefore she can certainly be better than colon.
I’m stickin with 10 years old, but I don’t really remember. maybe 10-12.
by shleeve on Dec 9, 2008 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about we draft
The whole Oklahoma Offensive line. Gee Whiz where di they get those guys from?
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
by PixburghArn on Dec 8, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
herman johnson
6’7" 386. Damn. Parker, Moore and Mendenhall could all run behind him at the same time playing hot potato with the ball. And we’ve had prior success drafting guards out of LSU…
by 36chambers on Dec 8, 2008 3:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
lol exactly
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Dec 8, 2008 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
Just remember… Mongo needs to have the speed to get out of the RB’s way or his bottom ends up being the run stopper.
by Varmint on Dec 8, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mongo was that dude in Blazzing Saddles
He punched out a freakin horse, we need him!
I have contributed nothing to this thread…
by shleeve on Dec 9, 2008 1:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd go corner in Round 1..
…guys like Mack, Unger, or Boone should be available for their second round pick. Especially if they move up with it. Then maybe a seond lineman in the third round. Either offensive or defensive.
by robert ethan on Dec 8, 2008 3:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
oh come on
Bill Gay’s playing great, we might keep Bmac and Ike’s playing at a high level too. We need like 4 OL’s. I’d draft a safety before a CB.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
I’d even say lets pay BMac, provided it’s not D Hall or D Bly type money. And trim fat on offense. Marvel, gone. Simmons, gone. FWP, perhaps gone. Hines? I’d be heartbroken. But if it truly was a cruel business only game, then maybe he’d be axed too. He wont though because it’s not quite as simple as just dollars and cents. But anyway, my point is that I’d rather free up money or trade players to move up in the first round – either way goal is to get elite blue chip OL talent. I think we should get a center in round 2 or 3 and a Tackle in round 1.
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Dec 8, 2008 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa, man, cutting Hines Ward? That’s a radical idea… ;)
And honestly, of everyone on our OL right now, I am most happy with Hartwig. He anchors against the big DT’s and he isn’t making the mental mistakes he was early this season. If he continues to play at the level he’s playing at, I’ll start to compare him to the Hartings signing. I’d be okay with drafting a center if he was the best OL available, but I don’t think we need to go out looking for one.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hartwig and The Stapler are good
I have to say I dont notice Darnell Stapleton screwing anything up. I think he has done great. Hartwig is also very solid and has done a good job.
I would LOVE to see MaxaMillion get resigned reasonably and moved to RT, where he used to play. We would have a really good right side with those 3 together.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Deep playoff run ruins it
If we go deep in the playoffs, or even win another SB, Max is gone. Do you know what other teams will pay for an OT that has been on 2 SB teams? Not to mention, Max has been thrown into the starting lineup near the time when this team and the 05 team began a quality run at a title. It might be coincidence, but someone will overpay drastically for him.
by CarlWeathersMustache on Dec 8, 2008 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hehe
Yeah I’m throwing you a bone..but I think it would only be make sense as part of a complete overhaul type package of salary dumping on offense. Gone too would have to be guys like FWP. It won’t happen, but it’s an interesting thought. I mean we’re getting so little out of the offense. Why not scrap it and invest soundly in the right infrastructure while maintaing the defense?
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Dec 8, 2008 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It would certainly be interesting. We’ve really already started the salary dump on offense. We got rid of Mahan and Faneca, Smith and Starks (or at least one of them) are on their way out the door, and we might as well get rid of Simmons too. That’s the bulk of our offensive salaries. Ben, Hines, and to a lesser degree FWP are making the rest of the money on offense, and only Ben is going to be making big bucks past 2009.
We have a blank slate on offense with a few key pieces and fairly low expectations. We’re begging for a competant OC to come in, mold an offensive identity, look like a genius, and get a HC gig in a few years. If we can’t find someone to do that, I’ll be pretty disappointed.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hartwig on the 2nd Level
Has been great from what I’ve seen. Last year in situations where Mahan would have been on his ass, Hartwig is on the 2nd level throwing a nice block on a LB.
by BallsofSteel on Dec 8, 2008 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that Boone, Mack, and Unger are interchangable.
One of them should be around for the Steeler second round. They need a top corner. LeBeau can only make gold out of garbage for so long.
by robert ethan on Dec 9, 2008 2:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha
nice one
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 9, 2008 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My Mock Draft
Since we will have the 32nd pick in all rounds, it doesnt give us the best choices.
But this is SUPPOSING we Resign B-Mac. Also assumes Maxamillion Starks does NOT return.
1. OT (Ideally to replace RT Colon, hoping Marvel Smith returns)
2. OG (preferably Left, as I find the Stapler to be quite nice)
3. DE (preferably to back up Keisel the Diesel)
4. RB (a big one)
5. OT
6. CB
7. DE/DT
Basically our Offense is perfect save for the O-line. I think Tony Hills can get in the mix to back up Marvel Smith. Smith should be able to play next year and be effective. A new LG would be great, Hartwig can hold up center well. The Stapler has been fiesty and good. Horrible Colon needs to go and be replaced with a new RT. If not our new 1st rounder, give it to Tony Hills and have the new guy back up.
I would like to see Maxamillion Starks return, but I dont see it going well. CB is great if we Re-sign B-mac. If not, then maybe get a CB in the 2-3 round.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 3:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Based on Your Mock Draft
1. Alex Boone
2. Herman Johnson
3. Tyson Jackson
4. Charles Scott-3 LSU players in a row-I’m being serious here.
5. Best OT
6. Best DB
7. Best DL
Not super familiar enough with some of the later Day 2 prospects so I can’t pick there.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Dec 8, 2008 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s early on Boone and I doubt Jackson will be around in the 3rd. Even if he was, I don’t think he’s what we need as a potential replacement for Smith/Hampton. He’s not strong enough to anchor against the run in the 3-4, and he’s been accused of being a little lazy as well. I think we’ll look mostly at college DT’s for our DL help this year.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 5:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like it
Day 2 prospects can go pretty much any way so yeah as long as the people paid the money to analyze this do their job, we’ll find good people.
I think Nose Tackle is really well handled on our end. Big Snack and Hokey are both really good players. Hoke is actually quite underrated and people dont realize he plays very well.
And I absolutely love our D-line as it stands today. But in a couple years, those guys wont be quite the same and we will need to start refreshing it.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
alex boone
I really like this guy. With Marvel Smith’s injury problems over the past few years, it would be nice to have some insurance at LT. Also, he blocks for Terelle Pryor, so he would do blocking for a mobile QB like Ben. Found this video of some of his highlights against Penn State. Check out around 0:32 when OSU is backed up against their own end zone.
WE DEY!!!!!
by jr3131 on Dec 9, 2008 12:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlpgyrHfu6s&feature=related
WE DEY!!!!!
by jr3131 on Dec 9, 2008 12:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boone
may be an interesting pick. I try not to cross promote my teams trying to be a realist. The guys are just good at the college level, they would not fit our system, or they are going to be drafted to high for us to get.
This will of course depend on what we do in FA, but just looking at Boone..he is the best LT we have had since Orlando Pace. Now he is no Pace, but there are a few pluses. He was projected as a late 1st rounder last year if he would of came out. The line play at OSU was down this year, plus with switching to a new QB and offensive system it looked even worse. He may slip to the 2nd or 3rd round. The guy has fire, but needs direction to control it. He is a really good run blocker that pulls well.
Questions? He does need to work on his footwork against speed rushers. I am not sure about his study habits, and he talks to much to the press.
Right now I would call him a younger health Marvel.
by SteelBuckeye on Dec 9, 2008 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, almost
I’d prefer to get a decent sub package corner in the 4th-5th round that can return kicks over getting a ball hawk with our 1st pick. We’re not going to get a top ready-to-start corner with what will likely be the 26th-32nd pick of the draft. I don’t think a big RB is necessary. Mendenhall will be back next season. By that logic, we’d also have to get a punter.
by 36chambers on Dec 8, 2008 3:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
no
Um, See Dennis Dixon for a draft pick where we are stacked. Never hurts to bring in another guy. If only to check him out.
Mendy isnt HUGE. I would like to see a new guy come in at 250 that could tween FB and HB.
Thats why my mock draft has CB down at round 6 that can be groomed for future use ala Ike Taylor.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I got your man
I would like to see a new guy come in at 250 that could tween FB and HB.
Harrison. He’s the answer to everything. Put Harrison in the FB position and the opposition’s front line will be completely distracted by him. Let him run straight at the line, have Big Ben go play-action, and get the ball to Miller on the other side of scrimmage. Nobody is going to put their hands in the air to block a pass attempt when Harrison is running at them.
There’s our goal line gadget.
by Varmint on Dec 8, 2008 10:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
Actually I think he could be VERY useful.
Backup QB, you could have him snap the ball through his legs to a receiver, we all know he has the range.
RB: I mean really, hes pretty much a monster
Tackle Eligible Goal Line package: Either he mauls somebody on a run, or goes out for a pass and bamboozles everyone.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking of something sorta like Vrabel
The Pats used Vrabel as a TE when they got to 3rd and goal and would throw to him. Then I think they started putting him just to distract the defense. The D would expect a throw in his direction and waste a line-backer to cover him. Instead, he’d just block. He drew a lot of attention whether they actually used him, or not.
by Varmint on Dec 9, 2008 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The big question
that needs answered before the draft is who will be our OC next year, and what kind of a system are we going to move towards? I’d fairly sure Arians is going to be fired (unless robert ethan is right about Tomlin), so who will replace him? Are we going to build around Ben and his mega-contract on offense, or are we going to try to rebuild the running game?
If we build around the passing game, we need pass blocking, zone-run blocking type OL’s. We don’t have a good option at LT on our roster, so that’s draft pick #1. We’ll let Kemo walk because he’s terrible in that scheme, whereas Stapleton is a key piece. Colon could be athletic enough to play at guard in that scheme, but not at tackle. We won’t draft big mauling guards.
We could always go back to the 5020 type of football if we can accept Ben’s contract for a game manager and draft big guards and tackles and keep Kemo around. It will be interesting to see what happens, though.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think we need a balance
I would like to see a strong power side, preferably right side, that we can hammer on. I want to see a beefy RT come in, or maybe if we can get Maxamillion back swing him back to RT where he used to play. Stapler has played well and with a big guy at RT, Heath Miller, and Hines ward, and a lead blocker, I expect gorgeous FWP runs.
This will compliment a good left side that can give Ben enough time to find some quick routes.
Then once weve established tempo teams will call off the blitz and we can play-action pass our way to victory.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yea
You summarized the issues nicely. I tend to agree about Arians being fired, and perhaps Dan Rooney saying ‘Go For Two’ from his box was a sign that he too knows its rare for us to get to the endzone and that changes need to be made.
But if we do make a SB, that makes things harder to do. We’ll see. Not that the Rooneys would need to explain themselves to the Steelers fanbase over Bruce Arians.
The temptation I think is to try to make the team a pass-happy team given all of our individual components. Holmes, a developing Washington. Heath Miller, Spaeth, Hines, Limas, a pass catching Mendy and Mewelde Moore out of the backfield. I’m thinking we might think we’re closer to a break through in that department than we might otherwise be becoming a power running team. With the defense so outstanding, could lead to thought process that its best to make decisions for immediate future. I dont know. It’s going to be a wild offseason here for us!
Are we really talking draft in December in 1st place??
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Dec 8, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are we really talking draft in December in 1st place??
Hell yeah…
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hehe
Y’all are nuts.
Carry on.
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Dec 8, 2008 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We shouldnt be Talking draft
We should be talking Ravens, but hey we can dream.
I LOVED Rooney saying Go for two. You could tell he was saying it with the exasperation that its been forever since we smelled Endzone. It had me laughing.
I agree though that our Defense could carry us to the point where you almost cant remove the OC when we are still winning. But I think you do even if we win a ring.
I wish you could trade coordinators under contract for a draft pick. Because if we win the SB with BA, then his value will inflate and we can trade him off for some 3rd round pick.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Let’s trade after next big game we have. Next 300+ yard game for Ben with perfect rating, let’s find a suitor and get some value :)
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Dec 8, 2008 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll bet we could get Jack Wilson.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously why cant we do this?
Actually its an interesting thought because they are under contract just like a player…
Hmm….
Dick LeBeau could be traded for an entire starting offense. Not that we’d ever dream of losing him.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Herm Edwards was traded from NYJ to KC a few years back, so it can’t be done. I’ve never heard of a DC getting traded, though. It makes sense since a lot of coaching is knowing terminology and having a good working relationship with coaches and players.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Dec 8, 2008 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heres my plan
Everyone knows we need a great OT in the draft. The easiest was of getting one would be to find a wide receiver from one of the local jails and send that along with our 1st rounder to Cinci, who will be getting the second choice. Since Cinci is run by Mike Brown who is an incompetent idiot I’m sure he’ll jump at the chance to get more criminals at wide receiver.
by archon095 on Dec 8, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh good idea!
In fact, if we take that same receiver and ask him to change his name to something, oh idk, spanishy, I betcha he will take him in a heartbeat.
by Mechem on Dec 8, 2008 6:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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