MHR Live Mock Draft Results

Admittedly, the final point does not hold much merit, but it was more of an offhand comment rather than being the brunt of the argument. Methodologically, I agree that more recent should be the focus, especially given the increase in salaries to guards after Derrick Dockery’s contract. However, the sample size tends to be quite small, so it cuts both ways. Additionally, a better approach would be to analyze each position relatively, given the fact that, even though first-round guards have an incredibly high success rate, relatively it may not provide too much ‘value-added’ compared to other positions (which I believe was your point).

I like what I have seen Foster, very much so, yet I am becoming more and more impressed with Iupati, both as a player and a person. I think we have lacked a strong leader on the OL since the retirement of Hartings and the ‘money-chasing’ ;) of Faneca. From what I have read of Iupati, he was widely considered one of the most impressive draft prospects at the combine, given strong accolades for his presence and general manner of expression. For this reason, Iupati might be quite a special prospect. Furthermore, I am sipping the koolaid a bit as far as what we have done in FA. By getting Foote, Clark, and Allen, it seems like we have done so much more than fill only three roster spots. Instead, it seems that now Timmons, Fox, Mundy, and various others can more successfully fill their roles.
In drafting Iupati, it would provide depth and competition, which is arguably lacking at G more than any other position besides CB. Sans drafting a strong prospect at guard, we are left with Urbik, Essex, and Foster at RG. Iupati would, hopefully, allow those guys to not be overwhelmed and instead, upgrade not only our starting line, but also our depth immensely. Honestly, the domino effect of adding one excellent player could make the G position a strength.
And, I know that Kemo was injured last year, but I almost wonder in a year or two if he wouldn’t switch to RG and allow Iupati to slide into LG, since Iupati seems to have decent pass protection skills. After all, when the Jets attempted to sign him, it wasn’t going to be as a LG (where Faneca plays), so then we could have LGs as Iupati/Foster and RGs as Kemo/Urbik with Essex sliding back and forth. Or, conversely, maybe even Iupati slides to RT when it becomes apparent that we cannot keep Colon, given the impending extensions to Woodley, Holmes, and Timmons.

Finally, I understand your point, though it is very difficult to extrapolate from a one-time occurrence. Some might look at Dilfer’s championship with the Ravens and say that QBs are overrated, or at the Patriots dominance and say that you cannot win by running the ball. Aside from our 2008 OL, looking back over the other six most recent champions, all had fairly outstanding offensive lines. Maybe a bit subjective, but Saints (2009), Giants (2007), Colts (2006), us (2005), and Patriots (2003 and 2004), if I remember correctly, all had pretty strong OL. So, yes, we have Ben and that potentially reduces the need a bit for a dominant OL, but just because we won a Super Bowl in 2008 with an average O-Line does not mean that is the norm. In fact, looking at the list of highly drafted guards, one team stands out more than the rest, and that is the Steelers. Has there been a change in philosophy from Cowher to Tomlin, or rather has the opportunity not presented itself?
On the final sentence, I think it can be argued that the thirst for playmakers, although necessary, is partially to blame for the Steelers woes on third-down conversions. I remember after drafting Sweed and Mendenhall, when asked about not drafting a lineman, Tomlin stated that there is more than one way to become better on 3rd downs. The evidence seems to be skewing against this belief, and if I remember correctly, playmakers did in fact win that game, but only after our inability to maintain possession and impose our will allowed the Cards to gain momentum and eventually take the lead, necessitating that excellent drive and miraculous catch.