AFC North Round 1 Draft Grades

by Bringin' the Wood(ley) on Apr 30, 2011 12:35 AM EDT

Ok, So I've seen similar posts on other sites, but I don't see one here at BTSC, so I figured I would type one up real quick to get some community thoughts on Round 1. After the long anticipated arrival of the 2001 NFL Draft, I wanted to see how everyone feels about the Day 1 picks of the Steelers' divisional rivals....

The Bengals, with the 4th overall pick, decided to stay put,and instead of drafting the overrated Gabbert to fill the shoes of potentially-retired Carson Palmer, they brought in the best offensive weapon in the draft, AJ Green. This pick makes total sense to me, as the Bungles have a young and pretty good defense, but the offense is truly something to laugh at. But with reports of the 3 biggest names on the offense leaving town ( TO, Ocho, Palmer), the Bengals did themselves right (surprise!) by taking a true receiving weapon. Some still think they should have gone with a QB, but I think this might be some underlying Mike Brown ploy to make Carson complacent enough to shut up and play football- Grade: A-

The Browns decided to rape Atlanta for all they're worth instead of Drafting Julio Jones for themselves, and their FO moves really make me think the Browns want to make the rivalry relevant again. By trading back, and then trading up again to select Phil Taylor, the Browns stockpiled some good picks and took a major need on their defense, especially after saying goodbye to Shaun Rogers. Maybe not THE biggest need, but a very good choice to anchor the defense, and I young man I would have loved for the Steelers to draft. If the Browns keep a level head throughout this draft, I see greener pastures ahead for them- Grade: A

The Ratbirds are aging on defense much like the Steelers, have quite a few potential Free Agents, and they also have a big need for WR on the offensive side of the ball. with their pick, they took Jimmy smith, who dropped farther than he should have because of his inability to pass drug tests and other personal issues. However, he is a corner in a safety's body, and his talent on-field is exceptional, something any team would covet. Im sure the Ratbird's FO is hoping the likes of Ray Ray and Ed Reed can teach the kid that "Drugs are bad, mkay!," and IF he stays out of trouble, he could very well have his own 'island' sooner rather than later- Grade: B+

And Finally, our beloved Steelers- I've seen 30 different names that people wanted to be drafted in the first round, along with the option of trading up and trading down. But in true Kevin Colbert fashion, he held strong at #31, and picked a young man who wants to be a Steeler and who will be a very solid contributor in the near future. I was hoping for an OLine pick here, someone to help keep Ben upright, extend his career, and to open holes for Mendy, but my second option was DL youth, and I was pleasantly surprised when Cam Heyward fell to us, as I've seen him going anywhere from the 16-24 range. Everyone was yelling for a Corner here, but I just didn't see the value or a guy good enough for 31, and apparently Colbert agreed. As is the FO's MO, not the flashiest or biggest name pick, but a solid, dependable guy in the first round- B+

I know this is a day late, I wanted to post it while at work this morning, but they run IE6 (stone age shit), and I was unable to post it. I will do one of these for rounds 2 and 3 and post it soon!

Poll

Who had the best first round in the AFC North?

Cincinnati

24 votes

Cleveland

73 votes

Baltimore

8 votes

Pittsburgh

51 votes

156 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 29 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

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Comments

I feel bad for Green

His prodigious talents seem likely to be wasted on a team that figures to be stuck in a morass of FAIL for the next several years. Oh well, I’m sure his massive salary will dull some of the pain.

You can clearly tell that someone new is pulling the strings in Cleveland.The question now is whether they can turn their deft moves into good players instead of their usual busts.

To any Steelers fans in Baltimore, please try to track Smith down and give him some sort of illegal substance on the cheap, then sic the cops on him. Do it for the team.

Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
-Thomas Szasz

Cornell University Class of 2014

by LV Steelers Fan on Apr 30, 2011 1:25 AM EDT reply actions

Really upset you guys took Gilbert.

Love our pick of Torrey Smith in the 2nd, but Gilbert was also someone us Ravens fan really, really wanted. The guy played every position but Center at Florida, his versatility is great. I honestly think if not for the Pouncey brothers who over shadowed Gilbert, he would have been a clear cut first round pick.

Curtis Brown is a damn good pick. He is more physical than Aaron Williams is.

Real G's move in silence like lasagna

by Mr MaLoR on Apr 30, 2011 2:14 AM EDT reply actions

Be interesting to see their plan with Gilbert

I think RG right out the blocks and eventually RT, depending on who we retain at Tackle could determine how long the transition to RT takes.

I think he could make a massive difference for us at RG in the run game if we can retain Flozell for one last season. I believe we actually have Flozell under contract as long as he decides not to retire.

by KiwiSteelerFan on Apr 30, 2011 3:44 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

by J Lee on Apr 30, 2011 6:59 AM EDT up reply actions

According

to reports, Flozell wants to play out this year as long as he is the starter.

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Apr 30, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

I expect to see Gilbert at RG this year, and hopefully with Flozell at RT, our right side will be even more dominant in the run game, especially with Kemo pulling.

by alistar7 on May 1, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

How do you like Torrey Smith, I figure you’d be pretty pumped finally getting a speedy Maryland guy to cheer for.

by Phantaskippy on Apr 30, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions

I went nuts when we got him. A guy who I am graduating with, took classes with and got to see get better year after year is pretty incredible to now have on the team I love.

Real G's move in silence like lasagna

by Mr MaLoR on Apr 30, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Too bad the Ravens history of drafting WRs is anything less than inspiring, to say the least. Rather odd, one would think Newsome would have a clue when it comes to picking good recievers, but between his drafts and FA acquisitions its obvious he fails in that regard.

by alistar7 on May 1, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

You like him more than a lot of us do, then!

I still think he’ll turn into a capable starter, though.

Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
-Thomas Szasz

Cornell University Class of 2014

by LV Steelers Fan on Apr 30, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I now hate Torrey Smith

thanks a lot Ozzie

Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Apr 30, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Good, hop of the Terps bandwagon. How did you even come to like them anyway? Do you like turtles or something?

Real G's move in silence like lasagna

by Mr MaLoR on Apr 30, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Josh?

Is that you?

Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Apr 30, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with that

Gilbert is a BIG man, and I hope he can be a real road-grader for the Steelers. And I also like the Curtis Brown pick. He isnt a big name, but he seems to be solid all-around, and Im hoping he can make a quick contribution to ST and the Defense as well. I dont know much about Torrey Smith, but I hope he is more of a one-trick pony than DHB was/is. and I think Jimmy Smith is the second best CB in this draft, it would be nice to see what he can become if Bmore’s leaders can help him stay out of trouble.

by Bringin' the Wood(ley) on Apr 30, 2011 2:30 AM EDT reply actions

Never thought id see the day when I vote for the Browns

But they killed Atlanta with that trade.

by steelerintexas on Apr 30, 2011 3:48 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

+1

by gostevego on Apr 30, 2011 5:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm one of those guys who's been yelling for CBs

But the Heyward pick was really good. He seems a perfect fit for us, and good value for the pick (especially since the 1st round CBs were gone).

by gostevego on Apr 30, 2011 5:27 AM EDT reply actions

i picked the browns....did i just say that?

but like i always say..until these guys play in the NFL we wont know how good any draft is for a couple seasons..who knows maybe steelers just selected 2 or more pro bowl caliber players, I think Gilbert is a great pick

by yoymon on Apr 30, 2011 5:47 AM EDT reply actions

I picked the Browns too

Amazing I know. But they just pounded Atlanta’s butt and came away with a good pick also. They do need receivers and more playmakers but the defense is improving and the plethora of picks will help.

by Mechem on Apr 30, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I liked that Cleveland took the offer and got multiple picks, but with just the first round graded I went with Cincinnati. AJ Green is going to be a big time threat in the West Coast, and the pick looks better with Dalton chosen in the second round. A top flight receiver with height is a great thing for a young QB. We all know Plex had problems, but he seriously helped a young Ben who would heave under thrown balls down field to Plex when he was in trouble. Eli did the same thing.

Had Cleveland picked Jones at 6 It would be a landslide win for Cincy, but turning their first and third into Taylor, Greg Little and a fourth rounder still to come is not a bad day at the office. I know they got picks in next years draft and that’s great, but just looking at this year I like the move.

Baltimore, eh. Steelers did great with their slot, but no way does Heyward have the immediate impact of Green or what I think Taylor should be able to do.

by Phantaskippy on Apr 30, 2011 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

THe luxury we have

Is that we don’t need Heyward to have an immediate impact. The Lions might have the best starting DL in the league, but there is no doubt in my mind that the Steelers have the best depth at the position. 3 Pro Bowlers in Smith, Keisel, and Hampton, backed by an underrated veteran in Hoke, 2 young first rounders, and 1 adequate young’un in McLendon. I am really curious to see what happens to Steve. I thought he filled in great last year, but I don’t know where his potential lands him. I think Sunny Harris is pretty much outta the picture at this point too.

My guess? We go in with 6 DL, being Keisel, Smith, Hampton, Ziggy, Hoke, Heyward. Maybe 7 if we are worried about the durability of Keisel and Smith.

Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Apr 30, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Nice post

Although I think the pole is kind of dumb. Obviously, teams with top 10 picks are going to have a better 1st round than a team at 31. That’s been pissing me off on ESPN too. They are talking about all these teams that had great drafts so far. They ALWAYS go with the teams in the top 5. No shit, Sherlock. Of course they are having good drafts because they are drafting before every other team in the draft in every round.

That being said, Cleveland is the obvious choice here. They maximized the value of their draft by dumping off their high pick for a HUGE return.

Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Apr 30, 2011 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

How is the poll dumb?

I think its completely fine. Im not ESPN, i dont take obvious shit and try and make it more obvious and jam it down your throats…. And I think there are a lot of higher picks that werent that great (Locker at 12- I think they couldve traded back a few, picked up some add’l. picks, and still gotten him) and there were some surprises, like Bowers going in the 2nd round to the damn browns. Also, I think the Pats took Dowling a little higher than they shouldve.

by Bringin' the Wood(ley) on Apr 30, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Everyone always give the Steelers a B something in the draft

and everyone else a better grade, but 3 SB apperances in 6 yrs says they do ok.

And I hope Cleveland sends Atl. flowers.

If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.

by SNW on Apr 30, 2011 1:31 PM EDT reply actions

Do you think its a wrong grade?

I think picking at 31, a B+ is a good grade. They got a guy who is essentially a 2nd string player right now, and who knows what kind of impact he could have this year, or even next year? If they would have taken a guy that will be playing day 1 (such as AJ Green), or if they would have filled their biggest need and picked up additional picks with it (Phil Taylor/Cleve) I think they would have gotten a better grade. That being said I really like the Heyward pick, and I hope he can get on the field and show his stuff for us soon.

by Bringin' the Wood(ley) on Apr 30, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

No B sounds about right.

They never get a 1st year starter on D anyway, and no one available on the OL would have been eaither, so unless they got a TE, WR, or RB in the 1st they were not getting a 1st year starter anyway. And there was no need there.
The value looks higher than the 2011 impact, as usual, If they went 4-12 for a couple of years they would be starting rookies all over by the 3rd one. At 12-4 that just is not likely.

If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.

by SNW on Apr 30, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions

grades

I think the grades should reflect what you do with where you are. I think the Steelers got an A when I realize we got a guy who may be, at worst, a solid starter for years and who has the potential to be more.

I think Baltimore may have got the worst pick but only by a tiny margin if they can keep his head on straight they will happier than heck.

Cincy got a great player who allows them to dump 85. If dump Stinko and can convince Palmer to come back, they have made a huge improvement to their offence and this becomes a much better pick.

All of these teams may have A’s when the smoke clears but we will not know till week #1if not later.

"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)

"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Apr 30, 2011 3:35 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't consider Jimmy Smith a bad pick even if he isn't able to keep his head on straight

You don’t find corners that big that cover that well too often.

by StoneColdSteel on Apr 30, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Above average than the other teams in this division

do not like the low character players that was picked by the browns. The steelers do not compromise as much as other teams. The needs that the steelers fans have been met with how the FO concentrated on the secondary and offensive line. So i am fine with all the picks that are made i will make criticisms after a season or two when they do play for the Steelers. The only position that was not met was the NT position but Williams is still not picked so he might be a UDFA for the steelers hopefully.

by J Lee on May 1, 2011 12:01 AM EDT reply actions