Draft Visits Complete

by steeler.lifer on Apr 20, 2009 1:07 AM EDT

The Steelers have finished the process of interviewing 30 non-local draft prospects. The last group visited the team's training facility on Friday, giving the Steelers a week to put the finishing touches on their draft board. I have to give credit to the guys at the Steeler Fury blog for researching and tracking the prospects and confirming their visits to Pittsburgh. I'll post the full list below, ranking the players within their position group according to the comprehensive list from nfldraftscout.com, which can be found at http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings .

How meaningful is the list? Just because a player is not on the list (such as Louisville center Eric Wood) does not mean the Steelers are less interested in him than the players that did come in (such as fellow centers Alex Mack and Max Unger). They may feel they already know enough about Wood after seeing him at the Senior Bowl, the Combine and his Pro Day. Some players may have come in for a private interview in order to allay concerns about character, intelligence or off-field issues. However, it is safe to say the Steelers would not be bringing in a player if they weren't already interested in him to some extent. The list also excludes most of the top 25 prospects. Vontae Davis is the top-ranked player who visited the Steelers and character issues in his case might result in him dropping to the end of the first round or early second round. The other top prospects are fringe first-rounders Mack, Unger, Alphonso Smith and Jarron Gilbert (still ranked by nfldraftscout as a late second-rounder). It's quite possible the Steelers will not draft ANY of the 30 players they brought in, though that would be rare. You could argue that if these visits serve to eliminate 30 candidates, then it's still a useful exercise. Nonetheless, I think the list in general provides a window into the thoughts of the front office and coaching staff.

In addition to the 30 out of town visits the Steelers also had interviews with three local players: LB Scott McKillop and G/C C.J. Davis of Pitt, and center A.Q. Shipley of Penn State. Here's the list and I'll post some observations below.

DRAFT VISITS (complete list after the jump)

OFFENSE

C Alex Mack (California) 6-4, 307 (Rnd 1-2)

C Max Unger (Oregon) 6-5, 309 (Rnd 2)

OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma) 6-8, 332 (Rnd 2)

G Herman Johnson (LSU) 6-7, 356 (Rnd 2-3)

G/T Andy Levitre (Oregon State) 6-3, 305 (Rnd 3)

G Louis Vasquez (Texas Tech) 6-5, 333 (Rnd 5)

WR/KR Mike Thomas (Arizona) 5-8, 195 (Rnd 2-3)

WR Louis Murphy (Florida) 6-3, 205 (Rnd 3)

WR/KR Jason Cherry (La-Lafayette) 5-11, 190 (UFA)

WR/KR Travis Shelton (Temple) 5-9, 185 (UFA)

TE Richard Quinn (N. Carolina) 6-4, 264 (Rnd 4-5)

QB Nate Davis (Ball State) 6-2, 225 (Rnd 5)

RB Frank Summers (UNLV) 5-9, 241 (Rnd 7)

DEFENSE

DE Jarron Gilbert (San Jose St) 6-5, 288 (Rnd 2)

DE Fili Moala (USC) 6-4, 305 (Rnd 2-3)

DL Dorell Scott (Clemson) 6-3, 312 (Rnd 3-4)

DL Sammie Lee Hill (Stillman) 6-4, 329 (Rnd 5

DE Rashon Harris (Oregon) 6-4, 298 (Rnd 7)

OLB Lawrence Sidbury (Richmond) 6-3, 266 (Rnd 3)

LB Spencer Adkins (Miami) 5-11, 230 (Rnd 7-UFA)

LB Brandon Long (Michigan St) 6-3, 254 (Rnd 7-UFA)

CB Vontae Davis (Illinois) 5-11, 203 (Rnd 1)

CB Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest) 5-9, 193(Rnd 1-2)

S Louis Delmas (Western Michigan) 6-0, 202 (Rnd 2)

CB Mike Mickens (Cincinnati) 6-0, 186 (Rnd 2-3)

CB/S Sherrod Martin (Troy) 6-1, 198 (Rnd 2-3)

CB Donald Washington (Ohio St) 6-0, 197 (Rnd 5)

CB/KR Joe Burnett (Central Florida) 5-10, 192 (Rnd 5-6)

CB Don Carey (Norfolk St) 5-11, 192 (Rnd 7)

CB Ellis Lankster (West Virginia), 5-9, 191 (UFA)

This breaks down to 17 players on defense, 13 on offense. The largest group is defensive backs, with seven cornerbacks, one projected combo CB-S, and one free safety. Only one OT was brought in (Loadholt) among the six offensive linemen.

The first thing that jumps out is the sheer number of defensive backs, from projected first-rounders to undrafted players. You have to think the Steelers want to address the secondary and would be prepared to do it at any point in the draft. They're looking at top end talent and they're looking at projects. The two most interesting names to me are CB/S Sherrod Martin and FS Louis Delmas. Both seem to be perfect Steeler candidates, with Martin having the size, quickness and versatility to play nickel back, cornerback and free safety, and Delmas possessing toughness, on-field smarts and leadership qualities. At the Senior Bowl, surrounded by a bevy of high-profile DBs from bigger schools, he was a take-charge guy directing players through their assignments and acting almost like a coach on the field. If they want Delmas, they will have to pick him in the first round or move around in the second round, he won't be available at pick No. 64, although Martin could be. As for pure cornerbacks, Alphonso Smith has outstanding skills but lacks height. I think the Steelers want to develop a guy and I look at super athletic Donald Washington and super smart (and athletic enough) small schooler Donald Carey as two guys that have the tools to blossom under the teaching triumvirate of Tomlin, Lebeau and Ray Horton.

The second thing I take from this list is an emphasis on improving the running game, particularly power running. Loadholt, the only OT, is a massive RT candidate whose strength is run blocking. Johnson is the biggest guard prospect in the draft and Vasquez is not far behind. The only TE brought in, Richard Quinn, is a superior blocker with limited receiving ability. The only RB, Frank Summers, is a miniature tank who Steelers RB coach Kirby Wilson described as one of the toughest guys to tackle he has seen.

Third, there is a clear indication the Steelers want to address defensive line depth and would be prepared to do so in Round 1 or Round 2. The fast-rising, athletic Gilbert is probably not going to be available at the end of Round 2, he might even get picked before No. 32. Moala is a Round 2 candidate, iffy to be available at No. 64. Dorell Scott is versatile and perhaps even worth reaching for in Round 2 as Hampton's eventual replacement. Sammie Lee Hill would probably have to sit on the practice roster for a year or even two. He's a long way from being NFL ready but perhaps there is no hurry with Hampton having another year and then being a franchise tag candidate.

The final observation is about special teams. Three of the four WRs brought in were outstanding college returners, as was CB Joe Burnett. I'm not sure where converted DE Lawrence Sidbury fits into the picture now with Harrison under contract, but he is a much better athlete than Bruce Davis and a perfect guy to be developed behind Harrison and Woodley as an insurance policy. He's the kind of player the Steelers could take at No. 64 as the best player available, leaving all of us scratching our heads about another pass-rushing OLB coming aboard. He is a beast and obviously would contribute to special teams, as would speedy tackling demon Spencer Adkins.

Tweet Comment 41 comments | 3 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I hope

Travis Shelton gets an opportunity. That’s my boy from TU

by SteelCityDefense on Apr 18, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

Good summary Lifer

Makes it real easy to see where their interests appear to be. the next question; will the determining factor for the early picks be position or best player available regardless?

by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Apr 18, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

That's the $64,000 question

History suggests the Steelers will either take the BPA at No. 32 from almost any position (except QB and RB this year), or trade up to get a guy who fits one of their top needs (OL, DL). This is considered a weak first-round draft. The Steelers may have only 25 players ranked as true first-round value. I don’t see many guys they would trade up for except Eben Britton or Michael Oher if they drop into the 20s. To go from 32 to 19 for example, giving the Bucs a much-needed extra pick, would cost them their second-rounder. Is Oher or Britton worth Alex Mack AND Fili Moala, just to pick a couple of highly-publicized possible names? Maybe that deal sounds better if the two potential draftees lost are Alphonso Smith and Jamon Meredith. Anyway, it’s a tough call. Perhaps the best case scenario is for someone like Laurinaitis or Pettigrew to be available at 32 and the Steelers trading down for extra second-round and fourth-round picks, then using their large stockpile of selections to move up in rounds 3 and 4 for specific players.

by steeler.lifer on Apr 18, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Just a week away

I’m hoping our choices for CB and WR both can return kicks. I’m concerned KR Logan will be used for little else. If we are lucky enough to select as I hope, then if one guy is a bust in a Willie Reid sense, we have better options.
I want to keep as many promising guys on our roster rather than lose another guy like Russell.

by betelgeuse on Apr 18, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for this

Did it surprise anyone that the Steelers did not bring in Ebben Britton? He is my early Christmas present if they can get him. He might drop far enough to be a palatable trade-up. He might look really good at right tackle for us. I keep in mind that the Steelers offered and Willie Colon accepted just $2 million. That’s not exactly a vote of confidence in either direction. Am I foolish to want him more than any other guy, even to the point bumping up a few notches?

Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history

by maryrose on Apr 18, 2009 8:04 PM EDT reply actions

Value of a first and Second Round pick

I agree with you maryrose, about wanting Britton. Part of the question is what kind of value we would be giving up. It seems that to slide up the mid-20’s we would have to give up a second round pick. But what is a second round pick worth? The Steelers have yet to miss on a first round pick this decade. Considering we have not been drafting high that’s pretty remarkable. The worst of our first round picks is Kendell Simmons and I think it’s hard to label him a bust.

Second rounders are much more hit and miss for us.

Here is our list of second rounders since 2000

2000 – Marvel Smith (Good value)
2001 – Kendrell Bell (Good value- but injury killed his career)
2002 – Antwan Randel El (Good value)
2003 – Alonzo Jackson (Bust)
2004 – Ricardo Colclough (Bust)
2005 – Bryant McFadden (Good value)
2006 – Anthony Smith (Bust)
2007 – Lamar Woodley ($$$$$$$ – Jackpot)
2008 – Limas Sweed (??)

Now the question is what do we have to give up. If it’s a third round draft pick, I think we do it. If it’s a second it’s so hard to say, but my inclination is we don’t do it.

by SteelerBuddha on Apr 18, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Anthony smith

Anthony smith was not a second rounder. Pittsburgh traded up to get Holmes and didn’t have a second round pick that year. He was the first of two 3rd round picks, the other was also a bust (Willie Reid)

by SteelCage on Apr 19, 2009 6:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Ahhhhhh

I was trying to figure that out. I was looking at pro-football reference and they had him listed as #2 but as soon as you mentioned it, it made sense. My other question is if anyone can break down our previous trade-ups in the first round. I want to know what we gave up

by SteelerBuddha on Apr 19, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

polamalu in 2003

we gave up a 3rd and 6th rounder to move from 27 to 16 i believe.

by tdp992 on Apr 19, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Could happen

I agree with MR about Britton. After him, the best RT prospect is Phil Loadholt and that’s a pretty big drop-off. Maybe that’s why the Steelers brought in Loadholt, to get a better idea of how much difference there is between them. Loadholt might end up being the Steelers’ first-round pick and that’s kind of scary. The fact Britton didn’t come in for an interview is probably not significant. He’s an A-plus character guy with a great work ethic and toughness. He’s smart and personable. The Steelers had a chance to interview him at the Combine and he went through a full workout there. He has plenty of film as a three-year starter at both RT and LT. His status as a LT prospect in the NFL took a hit at the Combine because he measured in with relatively short arms for the position, but he still has the potential to start at RT almost immediately and perhaps become the LT of the future. I doubt he lasts until No.32 and could be taken 10-12 picks before then. To move up to No. 19 via a trade with the Bucs would cost the Steelers a second-round draft choice. Moving up half a dozen spots would cost a third-rounder, three spots a fourth-rounder. To be sure of getting him I think the Steelers have to move up to No. 19, ahead of the Lions, Eagles and Vikings. The Bucs likely won’t get a QB at that spot, they’re rebuilding and don’t have a second-round draft pick. All depends how the Steelers value their potential late secnod-rounder.

by steeler.lifer on Apr 18, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions

i don't know much about Britton

Other than Jim Wexell recently said something along the lines of “i’m going to puke if one more person asks me about Britton,” seeming to imply he was against us drafting him…

by syrsteelerfan on Apr 19, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions

I see a lot of drafts have us taking a tackle. I don’t see that at all. Starks Colon and Essex are 26-27, and we won with them. I think they view Hills as a future contributor so I can’t see them using a pick to upgrade the tackles. Maybe a late tackle if one falls that we like. I also don’t see Starks getting paid much by anyone, so I think he stays.

I do see interior O-line, because of age and contract situation, or D-Line. I think D-line is deep enough this year to warrant 2nd or 3rd round.

I can’t see a LB or any offensive skill positions in the first (WR is possible, but highly unlikely, and only if Ward’s injury from last year is showing to be the career killer and Sweed is not developing)

I also can’t think the Steelers would draft a CB 1st. I don’t know, it just doesn’t fit Tomlin.

I’m going with one of the Interior O-lineman for 1st pick. Of course, the Steelers put a lot into stuff we don’t see or hear much about, so I can’t say for sure, but it makes sense.

The situation we have now is low pressure for interior lineman, he palys depth role in multiple spots, then hopefully starts next year. That’s how the Steelers seem to like things to go.

Then a CB, DE, or you know, someone they like who falls.

Look for a WR middle of draft (3 4 or maybe 5) and some more Lineman late. Somewhere I think they will try a Safety.

Or someone they just happen to like. Cause, you know, that’s how we roll.

by Phantaskippy on Apr 18, 2009 9:40 PM EDT reply actions

OK, so who do you want MOST?

so i’ve been reading and posting on the blog for about 6 weeks now, and the 10 names that our fellow bloggers (and the national mock draftsters) seem most excited about when talking draft picks are the following:

Alex Mack, C Cal
Max Unger, C Oregon
Eben Britton, OT Arizona
William Beatty, OT UConn
Jarron Gilbert, DE San Jose St.
Alphonso Smith, CB wake Forest
Louis Vasquez, G Texas Tech
Frank “The Tank” Summers, FB UNLV
Mike Thomas, WR/KR Arizona
Louis Delmas, S W. Michigan

This is just an approximation on my part based on what I’ve been reading. I’m sure I’ve excluded some players who The Nation finds desireable. My question is this, though: IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PLAYER FROM THOSE LISTED ABOVE, WHO WOULD IT BE? you get one of the above in this draft and one only. and that player is?

for me, by the way, it’s mack. tough, versatile, cerebral… a battery mate for ben until he retires. i’m a line guy, though. it all starts up front for me…

by cliff harris is still a punk! on Apr 18, 2009 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

only one from this list?

I choose Frank Summers, actually. Because if you don’t get one of those interior linemen, there are Eric Woods and Tyronne Greens etc. available throughout the draft as possibilities. Alphonso Smith is too short unless he drops to #64, there is 2nd round and late round DE prospects with less bust potential than Gilbert, other kick returners, etc.

by syrsteelerfan on Apr 19, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions

IIRC

I’m pretty sure that Offensive Line coach made a special trip to workout Eric Wood in KY. That to me is interest with a capital “I.”

by steelersrock08 on Apr 18, 2009 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

I accept CHISAP's challenge.

My 1st round draft value board (abridged for brevity) for pick #32:

Hakeem Nicks
James Lauranitis
Ziggy Hood
Darius Butler
William Beatty
Alex Mack
Brian Robiskie
Eric Wood

by betelgeuse on Apr 18, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions

Meant for Britton to go before Beatty, and Beatty after Mack

by betelgeuse on Apr 18, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Pull William Beatty off that list

And i’m with you.

by syrsteelerfan on Apr 19, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

though not in that order

by syrsteelerfan on Apr 19, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

haha

I’m second guessing it too, but figuring out an order is the fun part. What’s yours?

by betelgeuse on Apr 19, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Darius Butler
Hakeem Nicks
James Lauranitis
Ziggy Hood
Eric Wood
Alex Mack
Brian Robiskie

the funny thing is, I might as well add Vontae Davis or other players who will potentially fall to us in a surprise to that list, as I don’t think Butler, Nick, Lauranitis, Hood will be there when we pick.

by syrsteelerfan on Apr 19, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I think its only necessary to add a name if they interrupt your order. I like your lineup. So you’re not sold on Britton either at LT?

by betelgeuse on Apr 19, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

no

I don’t think Britton projects to be a 1st round quality LT in the league, and he’s not enough of a mauler to be the right tackle I’m looking for. By all accounts, sounds like a high-character guy, but one who doesn’t have the heart and ferocity to put on Black and Gold on Sundays… at least while being paid 1st round money to do it.

by syrsteelerfan on Apr 19, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions

chisap

I like Mack also from the list you gave. I think the reason for all the db visits is that theyre looking for a diamond in the rough type of guy like Ike Taylor, that will allow them to pass on a cb like Butler or Davis as they will be the “best player available” at 32. If so they will then use as many as three of their of their first four picks to get two of big fellas who have been in for a visit. I like any combo of Maola and Wood, Mack, unger as the heirs apparent at Nose and Center. Its time for 2 new 10 year guys. If they think Maola can be the guy , then this is my ideal scenario. Grab one at 32 one with a trade up in the second and take the sleeper corner with the next pick . Rd 5 and 6 will be the kick return wr and and a 5-technique d-end. Then , anyones guess, some thumper rb, who can play on coverage teams. No lb since they have 9 under contract already.

by Micculus on Apr 18, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

thanks, forgot about wood...

there’s big buzz surrounding him landing in the burgh for sure. and i agree about them looking to land that corner in round 3 or 4. ike was a 4 and deshea was a 4 too i believe… william gay was a 5… so there’s some history with turning mid/late cb’s into players. but here’s my most up-to-date thought: i just finished watching a replay of the super bowl on NFL network, which means i got to see darnell dockett repeatedly abuse the waaaay-overmatched darnell stapleton. i love stapleton’s effort but there’s a reason he was a UFA. i can’t believe they see him as the long-term solution at guard. therefore, it seems a decent bet that they’ll choose between wood, mack and unger with the intention of either converting him to a guard or sliding hartwig (who has experience there) over. of the 22 potential starters for next year, stapleton ranks 22. they have to do address that with someone who can step in right away…

by cliff harris is still a punk! on Apr 18, 2009 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

LOCALS

hey……anyone have a list of the local talent that visited ?

by Sch Lotan on Apr 19, 2009 2:32 AM EDT reply actions

Dorell Scott

I’ve written before about players we could justify trading up for in rounds 2 and 5. I’m not sure if my ideas were any good, but surely this guy would be a good third round pick. I was thinking either DE or NT. Is he too bulky for DE?

Who knew?

by Concomitandt on Apr 19, 2009 3:17 PM EDT reply actions

BPA

Many boards are showing either Vontae Davis or Laurenitis being on the table when the Steelers come up.It will be one of those two if they are still there.All the talk about centers has my intrigue; alot of analysts talk about ht. and wt. but I keep hearing people mention Shipley.This kid may not be the prototype at center but he has all the intangibles that many great players exhibit.Jeff Saturday and Olin Kruetz werent prototypical players coming out of college but both have turned out to be decent players.Watching all the film on centers reaffirms my belief that A.Q. will end up being a Steelhead!! Another kid that has intrigued me is Austin Collie from BYU, I hope we can pick this guy up in the later rounds.

by wmd3 on Apr 19, 2009 8:21 PM EDT reply actions

Eric Wood - C

Not an official visit to the burgh, but Larry Zirlein worked him out on Louisville’s campus.

by Steely McSmash on Apr 20, 2009 12:01 AM EDT reply actions

zirlein's "workouts"

“Want to look at some pictures with me?”

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Apr 20, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Good Job, steeler.lifer

Thank you for posting not just all the Steeler player visits, but also which rounds they are all projected to go to

I can’t wait til the Draft this upcoming weekend! ….It’s a Holiday for us Die-Hard Fans!

From what I’m hearing from the Draft Experts, this is one of the worst drafts in years, BUT there is alot of value in the mid and later rounds. This is where the Steelers will be judged at in terms of Hits or Misses.

by Steeler Y360 Nation on Apr 20, 2009 1:04 AM EDT reply actions

BPA

Blog is excellent. Steelers won’t reach for anybody.

Team WON’T trade up in the 1st this year, but might try to add picks in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Could go in several directions at 1/32 based on who drops -

Davis, CB
Gilbert, DE
Smith (Utah), CB/S
Mack, C/G
Moala, DE
Butler, CB
Delmas, S

But they’ll take DE/NT, CB/S and OL (G or C) in the first 3 rds, and maybe flyer WR/KR by Rd 4/5.

by Watty4ever on Apr 20, 2009 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

Great post

Draft is only a few days away! As always i have no idea who the Steelers are going to take!!!

BLITZBURGH IS BACK

by Michael Hewitt on Apr 20, 2009 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

I have no idea who the Steelers are going to take

And that is WHY the NFL Draft is Sooooooo exciting!

I am praying to God that we get the next Jerome Bettis, in Frank Summers of UNLV, just to stop Steeler fans for whining and crying for the next Bus. Please help us, Coach Tomlin and Kevin Colbert

by Steeler Y360 Nation on Apr 21, 2009 4:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I think we drafted the next Bus last year

Remember Bettis was a veteran when he arrived in Pittsburgh, I think for a 6th round draft pick. Steal of the Universe. I was surprised Mendenhall was our #1 last year, but that’s why he was picked, he’s a big back, and presumably got bigger if he has been working his way back. I thought he was finally starting to run better when he was hurt, and a little Elmers glue on his hands would not hurt either.

by SteelCityTom on Apr 21, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Bettis was for 2nd rounder

If memory serves, Steelers gave up 2nd rounder for Bettis on draft day when he was going into his 3rd season.

Steeler fans … correct me if I’m wrong.

by Watty4ever on Apr 21, 2009 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

somewhat-Correct,

but he was actually traded for a 2nd that year and a 4th the next. Jerome was going into his fourth season and the Rams had no use for him. I consider the bus trade an anomaly…The rams were trying to switch to an offense that Jerome had no place in. Seems silly now but Jerome was far from a sure thing when Pittsburgh took a flyer on him.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Apr 21, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

at the time...

it wasn’t a lop-sided trade, and if anything Pittsburgh looked like they might have been fleeced for a top 1st round running back who only put up 637 yards and 3 touchdowns the prior year.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Apr 21, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

still a steal

I understand that St.Louis had just bailing on him but even a 2nd round and a later 4th round pick makes that trade a steal. Years prior to the trade Bettis made a real name for himself, can’t quote his numbers, but he was exciting. I was practicall giddy when I heard that news.

by SteelCityTom on Apr 22, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Draft Conclusions?

I think Steelers believe (rightly) that they can find quality interior OL in the middle rounds – guys like Levitre, Wood and Vasquez in Rd 3/4 might be excellent value.

My guess is they want Moala (DE, USC) in Rd 1 because he’s top 2-3 DE and possibly the best DE for the 3/4 D they play. Mack or Duke Robinson are worth the 1/32 pick, but the 3rd possibility is top-flight CB who can return kicks – Butler or Smith? – or the best S on their board (Delmas?).

by Watty4ever on Apr 23, 2009 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

3AM Draft Predictions

Soon enough we will know the answers, but I think here are the things we need to come out of the draft with:

1- Center of the future, from Mansfield to Webster to Dawson to Hartings we had 40 years of Hall of Fame/All-Pro play at the key position on our OL. It’s time we find a player that maybe has that kind of potential, and sitting at #32 we will likely have a shot at the top C in the draft (whether that be Mack or Wood you make the call).
2- WR that can at least be our #4 and ideally can return kicks. Sweed is still a ? until he proves he can step up and be our #3 (or even #2 of the future), and behind him there isn’t much.
3- DL depth. Everbody’s over 30 and Hampton and Keisel could be FA’s after the season. I’d love to have both back, but we still need to infuse some youth into the rotation.
4- Saftey depth. Ryan Clark will be a FA after season, and while it would be nice to have him back, it may be tough. Even if he’s signed, there’s really only Tyronne Carter as the backup to basically both him and Troy. So we need some insurance.

So all that being said, here are my predictions (you will notice a theme here):

#1-32 Alex Mack, C – I think he’s the best C in the draft and could come in right away and push Hartwig for the job. He can play some G too, kinda like the way Dirt Dawson did and then took over for Webster (if they like Eric Wood better, they can go in that directon too…I can’t imagine both would be gone at 32). However, if both are still there it might be worth trading down just a bit into Rd. 2 and pick up another 3rd or 4th.

#2-64 Sherrod Martin, DB – This is a tough one, because ideally it would be nice to get DE’s Jarron Gilbert or Fili Moala here, but I think both would be gone by 64, so they’d have to probably trade up to get one of them. It’s not out of the ? that they could. If they stay put, I think Martin could still be there and would be an ideal choice since he can play FS and CB and give them options as a potential future starter at either position.

#3-96 Mike Thomas, WR – he’s a short but stocky speedster who can play the slot and return kicks if needed.

#4-132 Sammie Lee Hill, DT – Small school stud who can develop either into a replacement for Hampton or work into the DL rotation even as a DE since he has the athletic ability at his size

Louis Vasquez, G – here is where I can see them trading their 5th (168) and their 6th which would give them enough pick value to move up high in the 5th to get someone they may like. Vasquez could be a RG prospect that could have starter potential down the road. Another option here would be if they saw a DE that they liked that they would go up and get.

#5-169 Scott McKillop, ILB – local kid from Pitt who could provide needed inside depth. Foote will be a FA after the season, and it’s likely that Timmons will replace him, but they can use some depth other than just Fox who is more known for his special teams play. (The other pick that would make sense here would be CB Don Carey if they were to get Gilbert or Moala in Rd. 2…or if they were to stay with both of their 5th rd. picks)

#6-205 I’m projecting they trade this pick, not sure if it’s a great place to pick unless someone falls that they like, otherwise you’re basically getting a 7th round type player here.

#7-226 Ra’Shon Harris, DE – He’s a prospect that they took a look at, and if they liked him he could fit the mould as a 3-4 DE and be developed into someone who could add depth.

#7-241 Frank “The Tank” Summers, FB – Popular guy with some of the posters here. I think he could be a short yardage back who could end up pushing Carey Davis off the roster

Ok, there it is…and the theme is obviously that these are all guys that the Steelers brought in for visits. Now, it’s unlikely that they will only draft guys that they brought in, but I did notice they seemed to have players spread out throughout various rounds in the draft giving them options depending on how it all shakes out. I haven’t heard much about which guys they didn’t like that they brought in, but maybe some were eliminated.

Anyway, we’ll find out soon enough. Draft day has gotta be one of my favorite days of the year! I can already hear Mel Kiper ranting and Berman bumbling and stumbling.

by Psycho Kuz on Apr 25, 2009 4:19 AM EDT reply actions