Here's To Hoping The Steelers Don't Draft A Cornerback Early On In 2010 Draft

There’s no way we should draft a Corner in the first round. The only corner REMOTELY close of a 1st round pick is Joe Hayden, and there’s no way we get him. As for defensive tackle, the Steelers have a trend of not picking the same position in the first round two years in a row (In fact, if I remember correctly, they’ve NEVER done that) Therefore, since Ziggy Hood is a DL, i doubt they’d take another one. Furthermore, the Steelers usually draft with the future in mine, so I think that either an ILB or an offensive lineman are the best bets. I wouldn’t mind seeing a good guard, especially since both darnell stapleton and trai essex aren’t exactly amazing. Or even a tackle, so that way we can move Colon inside to Guard, where he truly belongs. CJ Spiller seems like a bit of a waste pick, as we can probably pick up someone like Jahvid Best or Steven McCluster in the later rounds.
As for DB help, the player I’ve fallen in love with during this draft process is Myron Rolle out of FSU. You know, the Free Safety (hmm, the safety position that Polamalu DOESN’T play) that slacked off this year by not playing football and instead studied at Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. LeBeau would love to have a leader like him, as Rolle would definately b e able to soak up any info he received from the likes of LeBeau and Polamalu.
That said, I’m rooting for Rolando McClain (though I doubt he drops to us at 18) or Bulaga out of Iowa.

If Hampton leaves, first rounder HAS to be a NT. There’s no way to run a 3-4 D without a monster in the middle. Hoke can survive, but there’s a need for the future. Some people on here have suggested Sonny Harris, but I haven’t seen him in the middle and from his stats he seems a little small.
If McClain falls to 18, I’d be sprinting to the podium to hand in that pick. The guy is a can’t miss prospect (yes, I know we say that about people every year, and every year that person struggles) but I can’t see it with McClain. He looks as instinctive and sure as any college linebacker I’ve seen in a long long time.
I don’t want to see us draft a running back until the 4th-5th at the earliest. Mendenhall showed he could pick up the yards on 3rd and short when he got the (rare) opportunities, so why not give him more opportunities. He seems like a guy who can move the pack.
I don’t think the first round choice should be a DB, mostly because other than Eric Berry and Joe Haden, there’s only Earl Thomas, and I think Morgan Burnett is just as good, if not better. If Eric Berry somehow slipped, I’d kill to put him in the backfield next to Troy.
To me, the first round choice, if Hampton stays, and assuming McClain and Berry don’t drop unexpectedly, should be a solid OL. Watching Bulaga hammer Derrick Morgan all day in the Orange Bowl made me think he could be the missing tackle, either RT to move Colon inside, or LT if we shift Starks back to the right.

..certainly deserving of being considered the best NT proposition in the draft but whether he is that much better than Cam Thomas or even Troup, both of whom should be available in the third round is debatable.

 Also, another option to consider is the unfortunate DeMarcus Granger, who had a non-injury related back surgery(birth defect) and has seen his stock fall even though he has returned to the field late in the collegiate season. I think he would have probably been a top ten pick otherwise as I believe he has superior skills when compared to Williams but any evaluation must be tempered with whatever medical outlook is provided by the team doctors.

that I would have to agree with those who say that the Offensive Line should be the priority in the early rounds of the draft. Games are usually won and lost on the line of scrimmage.
As to the D-line aspect of that,maybe going the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag role with Hampton is the way to go for a year,and look to the 2011 draft for his ultimate replacement.

       While many of us are already thing about the draft and know some of the Steelers needs. Many of you have given me good food for thought.
it is to early to assign where the steelers will pick what. There are too many unknown variables. 1- Casey Hampton if not signed will probably be franchised. So they could wait till 5th or 6th round to pick a nose tackle’ because there is no clear 1st round talent rated yet.
     2- Last year they clearly would have liked to pick a center in the 1st round, but all 1st round talent was gone when it came their turn to pick and there again so far there are no upper 1st round centers projected yet this year. 2- If L. Sweed isn’t an option this year they may have to draft a WR before the 4th round. 3- If willy doesn’t come back, unless the have their eye on a lower round guy they will need to draft a RB before the 5th round.
     4- I do believe we need an upper round safety to play behind Troy and possibly alternate with him in the future.
       With what little I believe to know so far. My early guess Is the steelers will draft for these positions. Order of picks unknown. SS , OL, possibly a center, RB, WR, NT, LB.
      Of course will all know if someone of high value falls to the they could pick them even if they don’t have a need at that position.
               Happy steeler thoughts to us all.
 

I am personally completely against trading up in this draft. I say that unless someone drops…say a McClain or a Hayden, there is no reason to not trade down, acquire a few more draft picks, infuse some youth into an aging defense. If we can find a trade partner in the 25-40 spot, get their first, their second, third and fourth for our first and third. With that, the possibilities (let’s say Minnesota, though I know no reason they would want to move up, just for the sake of argument. And for the record that would be our 1080 pt value on our picks for 1074, a workable difference), I can’t see any reason we wouldn’t take that trade in a heartbeat. We’d then have the 30th, 50th, 62nd, 94th, 114th, 126th, etc. While this exact scenario is fairly unlikely, I just threw something together that worked for point values. Then, with the 30th pick we can hope some athletic freak like Taylor Mays or Carlos Dunlap (though I would personally prefer someone without a DUI on the roster…) falls to us or go for value with someone like Odrick or whoever between Cody/Williams falls that far, as that is also a good possibility.
Either way, I have always loved drafting down, getting more young blood, creating competition and discovering diamonds in the rough that will be very cheap for several years. I would expound on who those wonderful second round picks could be (the best round to draft in, IMO (basically cheaper first round talent is almost always available), but I am at work, so those are the only two cents I have time to offer. Either way, I say trade down and stockpile some young talent. Besides, the 30th pick makes a much more manageable cap number to try and keep around a Casey Hampton or Ryan Clark or James Farrior until their successor can be groomed. Even if we take a first round S or CB, by the way, in no way means the issue is solved. Look at Polamalu for all the reasons you need there.

Why not draft the best available player, regardless of position?

         Trading down is always a possibility. But we will have to wait till the final ratings are in after the combine to see who is ranked where. Right now there are no NTs or centers ranked above the mid to late 1st round.

If you don’t do those two, trade down and use several picks to try and rebuild your D. Blitz, I don’t think U can put all your eggs in the basket of Burnett and K. Lewis. Neither showed nothing this year to indicate that they will be starters in the future. In fact, all Lewis had to do was tackle someone on special teams to earn a hat each week and he couldn’t do that.

The Steelers need to come out of this offseason with a starting-caliber CB and another who is waiting in the wings. Ike is in his last year, and I’m not for paying a CB big money that doesn’t make any plays on the ball or prevent his man from catching the ball. Ike isn’t a game changing CB so I’m not going to pay him like one.

Again, my options for this 1st round are: 1) Trade up for Rolando McClain; 2) Take NT D. Williams at 18; 3) Trade down, pick up extrad picks and take LT A. Davis from Rutgers, Mike Pouncey from Florida or Jared Odrick from Penn State.

He said although Iupati played LG, after watching film, he think he has the feet to play RT and even some LT. If he is that good, then he might be my no. 3 option after a trade down by the Steelers to take. I still like McClain and D. Williams as top 2 options, but Iupati is closing on at no. 3.

I understand we have Taylor and all 3 of Gay, Lewis and Burnett are young but here’s the thing – none of these guys have shown any kind of ball skills whatsoever. The biggest problem in the secondary when Polamalu is injured is that there isn’t a single player that poses a threat to intercept a pass. IMO QBs can attempt much more dangerous passes against our secondary because they don’t have to worry about the repercussions of a turnover.

In three years Gay has one interception, Burnett dropped the only pass he could have intercepted this year and Lewis couldn’t even make the gameday roster.

And I wouldn’t say Ike Taylor is entrenched at corner for the foreseeable future. Next year yes but 2010 is a contract year for Ike and he’ll be over 30 years old for his next contract. Whose to say the team doesn’t let him hit free agency in 2011. It would be nice to have more options.

All of that said there aren’t really any corners that scream automatic 1st rounder this year outside of Joe Haden. So really unless Haden miraculously falls to us, this is probably a moot discussion.

QB – We can add a project QB later because Dennis Dixon showed a lot of promise. We need to eventually replace Charlie Batch so a young project QB will work in later rounds or finding one on the market.

RB – We have quality at this position. Mandenhall, Carey Davis, Moore and the promise of Redman will do us just fine for the next couple years at least. Unless we can find a RB that would be a great special teamer then no need to go there. Mandenhall will be an every down back in 2010.

WR – We should be ok for the next couple years especially if Limas Sweed bounces back this year which I believe he will. His only problem was drops. In order for him to drop the ball he has to get open in order for Ben to throw to him. I would hate to see him in another uniform getting open and not dropping the ball showing the promise we drafted. I still like Holmes, Ward, Wallace and Sweed and Tyler Grishman as our five WR. With Holmes, Ward and Wallace there’s no need to get a WR until later in the draft or as an undrafted rookie that would bolster the special teams.

TE – No need here unless we can find a great special teams TE

C – I would like to see Doug Legursky take Hartwig starting position. If he can not we need a center badly. Hartwig is not the answer. Next to LG, C is the weakest position on the starting OL. Hartwig would be a great back up.

G – I’m not against taking a G/C in the first round. I think Urbik will be better suited at RT. I agree with most if we bring Colon back he would be better suited at RG. Regardless both L/R G position needs to be addressed. Kemoeatu needs a back up and competition. We also need serious competition on the right side of the line and C period.

T – I’m ok with our left side although I would like to see Hill at LT and Stark at RT. Hill is younger, quicker and lighter which means he should be lighter on his feet than Starks. Starks struggles with smaller/quicker DE/OLB. But Starks was the best lineman on the OL last year so I’m ok with him staying at LT and Hill and Udrik competing at RT.

C, RG & RT need to be addressed or Tomlin’s young linemen need to step up. Hill (T), Legursky ©, Urbik (G/T), Foster (G) will need to develop. With our new o-line coach I believe we can go with what we have on the o-line unless we have a gem fall in our laps in the first round. But give the new o-line coach a year to evaluate and develop the young guys and go from there. I believe we brought him in to develop our young lineman who has failed to develop under coach Z. His track record last year proves he can work with and develop young talent.

DE – Unless we have a gem fall in our laps here there’s no need. We just need to play Eason, Harris and Hood more. They still have time to develop and come in on passing downs as long as Smith and Keisel stays healthy. I’m not against replacing Kirschke 35 but we can address that in later rounds. Let’s see what the younger guys can do this year.

DT/NT – Regardless if we resign Hampton or not we still need a young stud in the middle. Hoke 33 is solid but he’s not big enough in my opinion at 6’ 2" 305 when Hampton is 6’ 1" 325 (yeah right more like 350). I’m not against taking the best 3 – 4 DT/NT in the draft at number 1. I believe this position needs to be addressed first because there’s no young talent being groomed under Hampton and Hoke. I would keep Hoke over Kirschke due to position flexibility and age. Hoke can play DE as well and is probably better suited there because of his size. He’s the same size as the other DE’s.

LB – I believe we are ok here but can address the ILB position later in the draft. For the next year or two we can use Farrior on run downs and bring in Fox on passing downs with Fox taking over in the next two years. Once that happens the later round ILB will have a couple years to develop and challenge Fox for his spot. We still have Frazier and Bailey which both could develop in the next couple years. We need more special team help which we can find a good LB to play special teams in the later rounds that could challenge Frazier and Bailey for a roster spots because he’s better than both on special teams.

CB – Once again if there’s a gem here no question but I would rather see Tomlin boys work out in this position. Burnett, Gay and Lewis are Tomlin boys and I don’t see him giving up on them unless there’s a gem to fall in our lap. If that happens Anthony Madison is Cowher’s boy and he will be the man out.

S – This is a must address in the first or second round. Another one of Tomlin boys will have more experience and I’m hoping can beat our Clark. Ryan Mundy will be better next to Troy at this point. We can draft two young S to replace Clark and Carter. We may have to keep one but we need to young guys to come into training camp to push one or both out the door.

S is second on my list to NT because we have hopes in Mundy and no hopes at NT after Hampton or to back up Hampton. Once again Hoke is good but we need young fresh legs to push the middle of the pocket and get some sacks/hits on QBs.

I understand the secondary ball handling skills are limited. That’s why I was hoping Horton would go and we could bring in someone that could teach the young guys ball handling skills. That’s a skill that can be taught and its obvious to me that’s not the case. Positioning body/feet/hands, looking the ball all the way into your hands and securing the ball are skills that can be taught. We need to get Rod Woodson in as a consultant or something to teach this skill. Why are we not seeking him to coach our secondary or to come in as a consultant. Where is Cornell Lake?

Do you disagree with trading the pick and recouping the value? Or, do you reach for a player because that’s the alternative, which is poor draft strategy. Just ask the Jaguars before Gene Smith took over.

I’d be making some calls. I was a big proponent of drafting an ILB last year, and when Maualuga fell to us, I was really excited. Clearly we also needed defensive line help, and we went that route (and it looks like a good pick, so I’m not complaining).

Yes, typically, I would agree with the steady hand approach of BAP, but we have depth and age issues which need to be addressed immediately. I don’t think we can get the help we need in free agency (due to lack of impact players and the price the good ones will command), so we have to look at needs somewhat in the draft. First, let’s look at where we don’t need to spend a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick: QB (Ben, Dixon, and we could nab a vet on the cheap in FA), WR (Ward, Holmes, Sweed, Wallace, Galloway….worst case scenerio: 4th and 5th WRs can be had in FA-if needed), RB (Mendy, Moore, Tank, C.Davis, Redman, Vincent…good enough), TE (Miller, Spaeth, Johnson, McHugh…should be fine even if Spaeth leaves), G (Stapleton, Kemo, Essex, Foster, Urbik, did I forget anyone?). K/P – No kicker/punter worth a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick.

So, what do we really need? That leaves: OT, DE, DT, LB, CB, S

Here are the main priorities for rounds 1-2:

OT: Colon and Starks are the only real tackles on the team, and Colon is a free agent. Hills is getting cut unless he’s the only backup.

DT: Hampton and Hoke…Hampton is a free agent, Hoke is older than Hampton.

S: Clark, Carter, Mundy: Clark and Carter are free agents, Mundy hasn’t shown enough to be a starter.

I would target for rounds 3-5:

LB: Beyond our starters, there isn’t much depth. Fox could probably spell Farrior and that would be ok. We could really use depth at both LB positions.

DE: Our starters are solid, but getting up there in age, therefore, getting younger and meaner isn’t a bad idea. We have Ziggy, and possibly Sonny waiting in the wings, but the proven backups like Kirschke and Eason are over 30.

I would target late as projects, rounds 6-7:

CB: We drafted Lewis and Burnett last year, so they may be good in time. I feel we should be ok at CB, and not panic. Taking a gamble on a CB late is fine.

LB: Taking another linebacker late to compete with P. Bailey and A. Frazier for backup LB positions and special teams is a good idea.

Really, anything after round 3 is a crapshoot. I mean, you always hope your players pan out, but you really want your top 3 picks to be able to come into camp and make the team. It’s difficult when you are the Pittsburgh Steelers, however, because there is a lot of talent on this team already. The downside is that the experienced players come with age, and we need to get younger. So, like the last few seasons, there will be guys with potential let go (Sonny Harris, Ryan McBean, Bruce Davis, Jason Capizzi) because they don’t show enough to beat the veterans out of a job; and there will veterans let go, because of the potential ceilings of new players from the draft and free agency.

Myself, I hope for a safety with 4.2 speed that can cover and tackle. That way, over CBs can be somewhat average, and not be exposed. However, having a premier NT is essential in the AFC North.

Last year I was hoping the Steelers would pick Shonn Greene ( the guy carried Iowa on his back) but nooooo,they draft a ziggy. The year before that its Mendenhall ( a total bust) and limestone seaweed ,(even worse),oh yeah another bust in Dixson. Mendenhall is a crackhead and can’t take a hit.WE NEED Toby Gerheart,Tim Tebow in that order.These guys are proven winners.If you rely on the scouting reports ,you are an idiot.

The Steelers passed on Dan Marino because the scouts said he threw too many INTs

Here is a list of proven winners not rated very high in previous drafts: Tom Brady,Kurt Warner,Brett Favre, Drew Brees,Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward,

Toby Gerheart is a John Riggins style running back(he carried the redskins on his back) The Steelers have had trouble closing games because we coudn’t run the clock out and had to rely on our defense.Now, Gerheart would change all of that and it would keep Mendenhall fresh.

Look at what Shonn Greene did for the jets. Believe it or not ,he helped the defense by giving them much needed rest,taking time off of the clock. Any defense will get tired and give up big plays if their offense cannot controll the clock. Look at the colts,great QB and great running game.Our defense is not bad,our offense and the play calling sucks.

I agree with whoever thought Iupati, after seeing some of this guy on NFL draft preview and watching tape, I believe this guy could be the next Faneca.Thats saying alot, but watching him pull through and move like a guy who weighs 275 and mow down lbs.,and at 6’6 and 330 we would suddenly be running down people like the old Bus days. I also think that Jimmy Cordle from Ohio State will be available later in the draft, and if this kid had stayed at center during his college career I honestly belive he’d be the highest rated center, Kiper has him rated in the top ten at tackle and he is a bit on the smallish side for tackle but very athletic for the center position.I have to agree that if Mclain is available we would have to take him, but this draft is so deep at db and safety that it should be one of the most interesting in years.

As always, lots of informed insights.

I agree with Damo Style – if he’s available, I’d take CJ Spiller. Better than Harvin and not far different than Chris Johnson. You want to improve the OL? Sign FA guard (dude from Tenn). Resign Colon. And get something out of Foster/Essex/Stapleton or Urbik (hello last year’s OTHER 3rd round pick) at RG and play ‘em in front of the best 1-2 RB combo in the history of the NFL. But Spiller won’t be there at #18 …

Don’t take CB/S in Rd 1 – unless Berry is there. The prospects at these positions are NOT 1st Rd value.

BPA – LB to replace Farrior, or monster OL to make my above points irrelevant … Iupati looks pretty good.

They can find new NT and/or S later in the draft.

Also, I think they should do a “Jets lite” …. trade a few picks if necessary to land 3 or 4 monster players, rather than drafting 8-9 guys and cutting 4-5 of ‘em. Roster is already very deep, with lots of young CB’s and OL prospects. 1 or 2 crazy studs that step in immediately (ala Mike Wallace) and we’re playing in SB 45.

McClain or Berry ?? Hell yes, trade up for ’em, like they did for Troy back in the day.

Sorry, to clarify above post:

I fully expect Steelers to retain Hampton, Clark and Colon for 2010. Hence, the “new NT and S” from this draft will not be expected to start immediately or replace Big Snack or the big hitter … Hood can probably play NT, so they could also draft DE for depth (DL is old and 1 of those guys will always be hurt).

Like I said before, I would encourage Steelers to bring quality over quantity in the ’10 draft. They found the quantity last year, with Hood, Wallace, Lewis, Burnett, Urbik (we hope) and Johnson all expected to be on the 53 man roster in 2010. And Foster as UFA.

Trade 3,4,5 picks if necessary to find 2-3 true stud playas in the first ~60-75 picks. Get “difference makers” …. This strategy worked with both Polamalu and Santonio when they traded up to scoop best player at that position.

at 18 the best c/b, s, and ilb will be gone! dont need qb or wr! i think steelers have colon where they want him being 4 yr guy and wil resign him or pay minumums! also have casy big snack hampton where they want him if they choose to place tag on him! in my opinion our biggest need is at ilb for farrior and saftey depth! in the nfl never turn down a good cornerback! at 18 i like the next alan faneca g iupati from idaho. also like kyle wilson c/b boise st. would give defense another play maker that is much needed in our secondary! rest of our d is solid and has been for long time but secondary has been suspect every year except 2008 they played awesome! no picks says it all except troy and 1 by old man desha townsend in last game! thats not good enough! young guys at corner will be better next year. ilb johnson looks good to me in 3rd round………..bsteel

I totally agree that a 1st Round pick at Cornerback would not benefit the Steelers in the 2010 season. As everyone has mentioned there are far too many options. Especially with a healthy #43. I also agree that attention needs to be given to the Inside LB position. Farrior has been both a leader and a warrior for the Steelers, but it’s time to find his replalcement and it needs to be this year. I know Spikes (Florida) has had some issues, but he would be a steel at 18. Keyaron Fox has also demonstrated that he is a player.

If we could manage or manipulate a way to draft CJ Spiller, it would be a move comparable to 2003 when we moved up and got Troy. But I don’t think he would be there at 18, nor would the organization sacrafice draft picks to get another back at this point in time. Willie Parker will still be available. It’s still a nice dream!

Here is what I think; If we draft three to five players that are on the roster and contributing/starting over the next three to four years. This will be a successful draft. If a Pro Bowler or two emerges at any position It will not be unexpected! PITTSBURGH 2010!!!!!!! …..steelers4ya

2 years ago Arron Smith got injured our record went down the tubes, this year Arron Smith got hurt plus Palamalu our record went down the tubes.

What e need to do is simply get a player who can be an impact player not just fill a spot on the field. If we can get a cornerback who can intercept because our current guys can’t. Or a lineman who is a run stuffing demanding double team attention guy, or a beast at inside linebacker than that is what we go with.

Our problems appear to be Timmons missed to many tackles, Farrior has lost a step and is just missing some of those key tackles he got in previous years by a step, and non of our cornerbacks intercepted the ball more than once even when they had opportunities.

Guys who create turnovers or make other teams have to make special plans for you are impact players and I feel a middle linebacker who can blitz and flatten backs in their tracks plus cover tight ends is alot to ask but if one is available lets get him.

Some draft pundits have the Steelers taking an OT or NT with their first round pick. It definitely should be the way to go…

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