An Unlikely First Round Pick - A CB?

by phxsteeler on Feb 8, 2009 7:13 PM EST

While attempting to watch the Probowl, boredom soon set in. I started thinking about the draft, and I wondered what the consensus pick for the Steelers was. After checking out a bunch of mock drafts, a few common narratives emerged.

The elite OTs are off the board quickly. We've discussed the extremely high cost of moving up in time to grab one of these, so the Steelers pick at 32. Most have Pittsburgh choosing a center - Mack, or Unger if Mack is gone. Some have the Steelers getting Robinson or another guard, and a lot of others have them reaching for a OT like Beatty, especially if the 1st round guards and centers are gone.

But let's assume the Steelers sign a couple of our FA and bring in another FA lineman, while B-Mac leaves for greener pastures. At pick 32, all the first round quality talent for the O-Line is gone. Would Colbert and Tomlin go BPA?

Enter nfldraftblitz.com. They have the Steelers picking Alphonso Smith, CB from Wake Forest (highlights). He's short but fast, an excellent tackler, and good in run support. Scouts have said he's got "receiver quality hands" and he had 8 INTs with 3 TD returns last year.

I know the consensus here is that the Steelers should spend the majority of their top picks on the O-Line, with a small contingent voting for youth on the D-Line in the first round.

The idea of drafting a CB in the first round surprised me, and I still doubt that it would happen, but I'm wondering what everyone here thinks of this possibility.

Poll

How likely is it that a CB like Smith is picked by the Steelers in the first round, and would this be a good pick?

Likely; Good Pick

6 votes

Likely; Bad Pick

0 votes

Unlikely; Good Pick

17 votes

Unlikely; Bad Pick

19 votes

42 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

It all depends...

First off, we shouldn’t even consider this if the steelers are able to retain Bryant McFadden for another couple of years. Obviously, the first round should definitely be used to gather more offensive linemen; perhaps you’ve noticed that we don’t have one of the best lines in the league. However, if the steelers are NOT able to keep B-Mac, then this becomes a legitimate option. Kevin Colbert has a habit of drafting the best players that are still on the board, not just need-players. However, I think he’ll succumb to conventional wisdom and draft an OL, even though Smith does seem to have some pretty good talent.

by BlackandGold on Feb 8, 2009 7:54 PM EST reply actions

Good, but not right

I’d feel better about him if he was a great kick returner. Without that element, I don’t see them choosing a CB in the first round unless he’s a total stud.

Nevertheless, he looks quick and scrappy. He would make a fine compliment to Ike.

by betelgeuse on Feb 8, 2009 7:57 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

hmm, not a bad suggestion.

If we lose B Mac, i like it. Even if we don’t, not bad depending on who it is. I think Jenkins, Moore and Davis are gone for sure by 32. The Smiths are good. Alphonso is a playmaker. Sean is intriguing due to his size. He played well in the Sugar Bowl. CB’s must love contact in our D though. No “Matadors” allowed with Dick at the helm. If all of these options are gone though, i think we can wait until 3rd round with the talent at CB in this draft. I’m thinking more like Betelgeuse in wanting some return skills out of this position.
Let me play devils advocate on this one though….is anyone sick of IKE’s mental mistakes and stone hands? I’ve seen the numbers, etc of him vs opponents receivers so i know thats a strong arguement for him, but i’d like to hear what everyone thinks.

by Hypocycloid on Feb 8, 2009 8:31 PM EST reply actions

On the plus side

he won’t get high salary because of his stone hands and we keep one hell of a CB who manages to cause incomplete passes thrown his way. I like him. He’s like Townsend in the way that he can be that quietly solid CB for a very long time for us.

by betelgeuse on Feb 8, 2009 10:12 PM EST up reply actions

He's already pretty well compensated

I think Ike is one of the five best corners in the game. Tackles well, plays the run, and nearly always has great position when defending a pass his way. And he is still improving.

When his contract comes due again, we need to pay him like the stud shut down corner he is.

by worldtrip on Feb 9, 2009 2:22 AM EST up reply actions

good point

i agree he can defend.

by Hypocycloid on Feb 8, 2009 10:33 PM EST reply actions

Agreed, CB could be in the mix ...

If McFadden signs elsewhere I think you just open the door wider to more positions where you take BPA. Gay has good instincts, tackles well, has decent hands and seems pretty bright. Can he be a really good nickel back? Absolutely. Can he be an every-down CB for a whole season? Maybe.

Of the top-rated CBs in our draft range, Sean Smith seems like a really good fit physically. Great size (6-3, 215), pretty fast. As mentioned above a Steeler CB has to be good in run support. Could also be a safety project and it won’t be long before we need someone there, too.

Overall, if either Beatty or Mack are available I’d prefer to go the OL route first. Best solution is to do what it takes to re-sign McFadden.

by steeler.lifer on Feb 9, 2009 2:35 AM EST reply actions