My ideal Steelers 2012 Draft
by seton hall and steelers on Jan 25, 2012 4:07 PM EST
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PrintEvery year I come up with a dream Steelers draft, and it is just that, a dream. I know this will never happen (well there is a slight, slight chance) but it is fun to think about. In the comments section, list your dream Steelers draft (try and keep it somewhat reasonable - like don't put a 1st round prospect in round 3). Assume we get two seventh round compensatory picks.
Round 1 Pick 24 - David DeCastro, OG, Stanford - DeCastro falling here is highly, highly unlikely but it is possible. Maybe he comes to the Combine slightly out of shape. Maybe he is slightly injured (but decides to play) and gets abused by Defensive prospects. Who knows, but his kid is going to be a top 5 guard in the NFL and I dream of landing him.
Round 2 Pick 24 - Brandon Washington, OG/OT, Miami - And the Steelers add another offensive guard. This would be an awesome second round pick and one that is very possible. Washington is a fantastic, and versatile prospect that can play 4 spots (everywhere but center). However, I think a line of Gilbert/DeCastro/Pouncey/Washington/Colon would be one of the very best in the NFL.
Round 3 Pick 24 - LaMichael James, RB, Oregon - Not a need but adding a player like James would give our offense a whole new dimension. James can take the top off a defense and is capable of taking it to the house on every play. He is also a very tough runner that could handle 15 to 20 touches a game, if needed.
Round 4 Pick 24 - Audie Cole, ILB, N.C. State - Cole is a very good ILB prospect with a draft range anywhere from the 3rd to 4th round. I would love to land him here and give him a year to learn from the best. He has the athleticism and talent to be a very good starter in this league.
Round 5 Pick 24 - Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas - Wright will likely run in the 4.3's at the Combine and has great hands. He is undersized but would give the Steelers another threat to this dangerous offense. He can also return kicks and punts and be a special teams gunner, which would allow him to make the roster despite the crowded WR position.
Round 6 Pick 24 - Delvin Johnson, NT, Marshall - Here me out. I know a lot of you would be upset at not taking a NT until the 6th round, but Johnson is a hell of a prospect. At 320 pounds, he has the size and the strength to be a run stopping NT. However, unlike the other NT prospects in the draft, he can actually rush the passer. He is the only NT in this draft that I think could be a 3-down NT. His stock right now is in the 7th round but I would love to see him taken in the 6th to make sure we get him.
Round 7 Pick 24- Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M - Bullock has a strong leg and good accuracy. He is slightly worse than Kai Forbath but I would rather take Bullock in the 7th than Forbath in the 5th.
Round 7 Compensatory - Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State - Bolden came into the year as a possible 1st round prospect but a torn ACL prevented him from playing at all. His stock now ranges from the 6th round to undrafted and the fact that he won't be able to participate in the Combine makes me think we can get him here. However, despite the injuries, he is an incredible talent that can lock down WR's in man coverage. I could see him making the roster and becoming a starter by the middle of the season, he is that good.
Round 7 Compensatory - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse - Nassib is an average QB prospect who projects best as a backup QB. Thankfully, that is exactly what we need. He is a little mobile and has good accuracy and could be our 3rd QB until Byron retires and then Nassib could take over as the backup.
So, what is your dream draft?
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I question James' ability to survive in the NFL
As well as Ben’s willingness to throw a check down to him. Those 2 factors make me hesitant to consider him.
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
"It would be tough for me to care less about their opinion, to be honest with you." Mike Tomlin
He is a tough, tough runner
He is not your normal speed, small back. He is much more like MJD than Darren Sproles. However, he does have 4.3 speed and I think he is going to be a star in the NFL.
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by seton hall and steelers on Jan 25, 2012 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
His home run ability is off the charts, but against real defenses he was shut down every single time.
I wouldn’t mind him on the Steelers, but a starter he is not.
"You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm."
-William T. Sherman, the Battle of Atlanta
What they say about MJD
He ain’t small, he’s short
I hope you die in a fire, that was set accidentally, by someone you love.
-Jim Norton
by steelerfreak76 on Jan 26, 2012 6:38 AM EST up reply actions
But James is small, and MJD wasn't
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 26, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
james is 195 pounds. at 5'7", that is not small.
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by seton hall and steelers on Jan 26, 2012 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
That is small
Not small? How do you figure? With the exception of Sproles, Johnson, Best, Spiller, there are no other backs under 200 pounds even worth mention (note only one of them is a full time every down back). Not saying he can’t be successful, but I just can’t justify spending a third round pick on a guy like this, especially since we have already have a mess of talent on offense. Not to mention, we have way too many other needs.
he won't be under 200 for long
it sounds small but at 5’7 – 200 lbs is heavy
If we trade down, and get 4 picks in the 2nd and 3rd round I can see getting him after we get ILB, NT, G. But I’d rather use that 4th pick for a DE and roll with Batch for our speedy RB. Like you said we have enough talent on offense. We need to focus in the trenches.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 26, 2012 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
Reggie Bush
ran for 1000 this season….
"Leave the gun. Bring the Canolis."
No
Not even a comparison between these two. MJD is short, but very very strong and carries about 20 more pounds of muscle than James on top of his break away speed. So long as Mendenhall makes a good recovery he is better than any back (with the exception of Richardson) that we’d get in this draft.
That and he did play with an elbow that bent in a way that limbs just do not go
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 26, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
the more accurate comparison would be to Steve Slaton…both have great cutback ability, and blazing after-burner speed, but can’t shed a tackle worth a lick. He survived against the soft PAC12 defenses, but look at the tape against LSU and you get a more accurate comparison to what he’ll be facing in the pros. He’ll hit the occasional home run from his position if he gets a wide open lane, but if a guy gets a hand on him, he’s coming down
I question the ability for Sproles to survive in the NFL...
wait a minute – I take that back.
A new OC who can enforce the game plan more combined with Mr Rooney’s desire to have a healthy Roethlisberger for several more years should bring us more check downs. I don’t mind this James pick at all – although I’m not sure he’ll still be there at this pick.
Give me a NT in the 2nd
and another Guard/Tackle in the 3rd. The rest of the draft is great.
I’d be willing to give up the 1st and 2nd to move up to 13ish and get DeCastro. If he falls past the Cowboys, we should make the move for sure.
by Michael Uhlhorn on Jan 25, 2012 4:25 PM EST reply actions
No need to draft a WR
especially another short fast WR. We already have 3 of those. Agree with Steel about James. We are pretty set at RB with mendy (injured), Redman and Batch. and Clay and Dwyer hopefully on practice squad.
this is true but,
we might be able to get a tall one later on in the draft, even in the 6th or 7th round. Of the top 50 receivers in this years draft, about 35 of them are over 6 ft and about 23 of them are over 6 ft 2". We might be able to get a tall one late. But, there are pressing needs this year and this is a tough draft year for the steelers because of injuries, the cap, vets leaving, etc.. Hard to say how Mendenhall will recover, but hopefully Batch will be ready and he is healthy for camp and we go into the season with most of the RB’s heatlhy other than Mendenhall.
DeCastro
There is no chance of DeCastro falling to the Steelers at 24. I would love it but the Steelers need depth and can’t trade up to top 15. The Steelers love nose tackle Dontari Poe from Memphis. If he is there, our nose tackle for next 10 years.I like Brandon Washington if he is available in 2nd round. I like Audie Cole earlier in 3rd round.
It is wasted pick on a kicker. Keep Suisham or sign UFA.
Not a wasted pick if you love the Kicker
We don’t have room for all the draft picks to make the team. Why not make sure you get your guy?
by Michael Uhlhorn on Jan 25, 2012 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
All it takes is one 50 yard field goal to convince people it was worth it. Sushi is a huge liability
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
I agree
I can’t deal with having a kicker who just can’t hit outside 50.
I am all for spending a 5-7 on a Kicker so long as the team is sure he can play at Heinz.
by Michael Uhlhorn on Jan 25, 2012 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
this
Suishi wasn’t consistant inside of 50-40, he is hot garbage as a kicker and needs replacing
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Jan 26, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
I want Mike Martin, DT UMich in the 3rd/4th round
I loved watching him play for the past 3-4 years, and all reports are saying he’s dominating the Senior Bowl
Just an FYI, I said "Who needs Santonio when we got Antonio?" WAY back before it was cool to say it ^^
Okay here are my thoughts
Washington- would love to get him but this is a guy who can be an NFL RT and guard he is not going that late in the 2nd round.
LaMicheal James will struggle in the NFL, I would rather take in the third Ta’amu whose stock has slipped because of the other talent at the NT position. If were are going to take a quick back I’d rather have Chris Rainey. He reminds me of Devin McCluster and he was a starter in the SEC. Tough Guy and versatile.
Jarius Wright- Love this guy, he is quick and runs crisp route. Going to be a good WR in the league.
Delvin Johnson? Really he isn’t going to get drafted I can think of a couple of prospects we could take in the 4th, 5th or 6th or that would be better than Johnson. Herbron Fangupo? Akiem Hicks? Dominique Hamilton?
Really though Ta’amu has slipped to a late third round prospect. Why? His play hasn’t change, he has no character concerns it just other guys have played better. Id take him in the third.
Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert
Not bad.
I’m going to go for picks which are slightly LESS dreamy than yours, but I’d scream if we got the following draft.
Round 1, Pick 24: Dont’a Hightower, MLB, Alabama
This guy is a dream. He’s the perfect buck for our system and will let Timmons do his fly around and make plays thing at the mack spot, and Hightower will be the rare rookie who could start in our system right away. He’s a smart, tough, and talented athlete and has been well-coached in the 3-4 with tons of experience. He’ll be calling our plays by the end of his rookie season. With Timmons and Hightower, I think we could give that ILB tandem out there in San Francisco a run for their money in a year or two.
Round 2, Pick 24: Alameda Ta’amu, NT, Washington
I really want to take a guard here, but I just don’t think it’s possible to pass on Ta’amu if he’s still here. I know he’s struggled a bit against top competition, but he’s still a good talent, fits the system, would probably be BPA, and with Big Snack having an ACL injury at his weight and age, I just don’t know if we could pass on this guy or even Poe in the first.
Round 3, Pick 24: Ryan Miller, OG, Colorado
The other reason I don’t want to go guard in the first is because I think this is a deep guard class – Ryan Miller has a lot of talent and physical ability, and he might even be able to play right tackle. He should stay at guard, however, and I think he could be a very solid player on Pouncey’s right. Great run blocker, he has long arms (because he’s 6’ 8"!!) and can use them in pass protection.
Round 4, Pick 24: Trenton Robinson, FS, Michigan State
This guy does everything well. He’s a bit small (5’ 10", 195lbs) but he’s talented, and while he’s not spectacular at any one thing, he’s solid everywhere, whether it’s tackling or coverage. He’s also a leader and has been tearing up the special bowl kick coverage teams as a gunner, and if he can’t become a starter someday, he’ll be a hell of a backup and special teams player.
Round 5, Pick 24: B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State
Sorry about the back-to-back Spartans (homer) but Cunningham is good value at the end of the fifth. I actually think he might be there because despite his historic production and a strong Senior Bowl thus far, he still isn’t the fastest guy. Even so, he has good size and plays hard, including blocking and on special teams. More importantly, he gives us a little size at receiver and he has great hands – truth be told, he reminds me a little bit of a Hines Ward who can jump. He’s awesome in the red zone and goes up to get the ball, and we could definitely use some of that.
Round 6, Pick 24: Patrick Butrym, DE, Wisconsin
Didn’t put up huge numbers, but he was good at holding his point on the line and taking up some blockers. Good length and decent size for a 3-4 end (6’ 4" 285lbs) he could be a decent rotational player for us.
Round 7, Pick 24: Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M
I’m with you – we need a kicker badly. Let’s take him if he’s there and we don’t take Forbath, and let him compete for the job.
Nice write up
Looks good but I’d rather skip the RB and WR and get ILB, S & CB sooner.
JD’s mock is a good one also.
I don' think we need a CB
Lets not forget that Brown and Allen were out for the playoffs. We already have young CB’s coming on, we don’t need another project at that position – just another year for them to develop.
My ideal draft
1- Trade up to get DeCastro. I’ll just scrap some pick next year.
2- Josh Chapman. The reports of him playing most of the year with a torn ACL, very impressive. Has a somewhat limited ceiling, but he’s a superb anchor against the run and hard to move around. Personally my favorite NT
3rd- Nate Potter: Kinda doubt he lasts this long. Guy was a killer at Boise, doesn’t project to be a LT in the pros, but kick Gilbert over to LT and try him at RT. Potter would need to get stronger though.
4th- Chris Marve: Make this guy taller and he’d be going a lot higher. Reminds me of the same issues Bowman had coming out, being a small guy. Just Marve has less production and no character issues
5th- BJ Cunningham- JDSpartan already covered why
6th- Derek Wolfe- Potentially a reach he’d be here, especially at 24. But if he were picked, the guy is a great penetrator, lead all DT’s last year with 21.5 TFLs. Has experience being double teamed, and can take up blockers.
7th- Case Keenum: Back up QB wanted. Guy set records, can shred zone defenses fwiw, and could become a decent back up. Mobile too. Arm Strength & Height and that whole spheel will hold him back.
Success With honor
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Jan 25, 2012 7:18 PM EST reply actions
Chapman!
I just read that dude was benching 580!!…….The quote is here… He is now benching closer to 580 pounds, according to the Alabama strength and conditioning staff and has a 630 pound squat. I have no idea if thats true or how much weight room strength translates to the football field, but either way thats pretty damn impressive. Here is the link
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1273325/josh-chapman
I love how tough Chapman is and I now have so much more respect for him, but I wonder if playing with a torn ACL and MCL made his injury that much worse. I would still love to pick the kid up but that knee of his is something that the Steelers (and other teams) need to pay attention to.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
yeah, and right now.........
they cant afford to have two starters with already ACL/MCL injuries (Hampton, Chapman). If both of them went down in the beginning of the season or a couple games in. That would be devestating.
silly to draft another small WR to me
not to mention trusting the NT position to a 6th round pick.
by steel.curtain.number2 on Jan 25, 2012 8:06 PM EST reply actions
was going to say the same thing about WR
We need a tall guy. This will help in the red zone. I like signing a guy like Lagadu Nanee or Maurice Stovall as our 4th. Cheap FA for less than 1M. Big, strong, fast with upside. I don’t see Cotch coming back for less than 1M and we won’t pay 2M. Hines, who knows. I’m torn because I don’t see the 2 sides agreeing to a 1 yr 1M deal.
Dream Draft
1 Peter Konz C/G Wisconsin Two spots in one, starting G and a back up center
2 Almeda Ta’amu NT Washington Talk of his stock falling but I think Coach Mitchell can work his magic
3 Audie Cole ILB NC State Poor mans Donta’ Hightower with coverage ability
4 Brandon Taylor FS LSU Not sure he falls this far but would be nice if he did
5 Cordarro Law DE/OLB Southern Mississippi Puts pressure on Worilds and Carter to step up. Best two win out
6 Chad Diehl FB Clemson Thats right a true fullback. Solid lead blocker and special teams player
7 Alex Hurst G LSU Started at Tackle but should move to Guard. Always looking for the next Faneca
"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman
Like Cole,
could be a sleeper in the draft. And, might be able to steal him in the third or fourth round. Like the other picks too.
Here is mine
1. Vontaze Burfict ILB, Arizona State
A man can dream right? Well if that is the case, I say we pick Burfict and he proves that his issues were specific to ASU only. He falls in line with the structure that the Steelers have and while he does draw some penalties its none of the bone headed, jawing at referee penalties or blatently committing a foul. The guy flys all over the field destroy blockers and covering RBs and TEs. He help this defense return to its 2008 form where team struggled to gain 300 total yards on us.
2. Alameda Ta’amu NT, Washington
Ta’amu doesn’t rush the passer, which is why he isn’t likely to go in the first round. He consume blockers and thats all we need him to do. He has all the tools to be a top NT once he learn some technique.
3. Kevin Zeitler G, Washington
This is where the dream really starts. There is no way Zeitler last until the bottom of the 3rd round but this is ideally where I would want to take him. He has trouble with speed rusher but in the AFC north there aren’t any of those there. But he does has the skills to improve against speed rusher. If he was to last to 3.24 I’d wet my pants.
4. Jared Crick DE Nebraska
The only way Crick falls this far is if he has a set back in his injury at this point. If healthy he is a sure second rounder. Again this is ideal. He’d be a steal here and worth the injury wait.
5. Josh Oglesby T Wisconsin
Here we pick Oglesby from Wisconsin, he played well this year after being hurt before. Which leads me to believe had he not been hurt last year and the year before, his stock would be a lot higher, could be a real surprise.
6. Cody Johnson FB, Texas
We finially get a fullback. This guy can carry the ball a little bit and lead block he can also catch. So he is like a best of both worlds, although his specialty is being a lead blocker.
7. Greg Zuerlein K, Missouri Western
Kiper said this was the best kicker available, suppose to have a range of 60 yards, crazy
7 compensatory Antoine McClain G Clemson
Guy has some potential, good to give him a shot in case of worst case scenario and Colon and Starks do not return to form in the 2012 season.
7 compensatory JR Sweezy DE NCSU
good value pick here could be a reserve when kesiel hangs it up
I love the Steelers.
My original dream
was Burfict stock fell and we had a change of heart and picked him in the 2nd round.Talk about a dream.
"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman
by Pittsblitz56 on Jan 25, 2012 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
that would be a dream
lol then ta’amu falls to the third
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 25, 2012 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
Could be a possibility that he falls to the upper half of the third
"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman
by Pittsblitz56 on Jan 26, 2012 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
tru the way its looking now
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 26, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
lol i assume you are talking about burfict so let me do one without him
2. Trade down with washington for their 2nd and 3rd pick Ronnell Lewis OLB/ILB OU
2. Ta’amu
3. La’Micheal James RB -Batch needs competition may not be the same after ACL tear
3. Zeitler
4. Crick
5. Oglesby
6 Johnson
7 Zuerlein
7 McClain
7 Sweezy
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 26, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
Does Dan Snyder qualify as the devil?
Or did lamberts58 really mean trade with Bellicheat?
Fly by night, away from here
Change my life again
Fly by night, goodbye my dear
My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend
RUSH
by Flying Polamalus on Jan 26, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
i think its safe to say they are at least demons
but burfict is from ASU who are the Sun Devils so thats what I thought he meant
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 26, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Greg Zuerlein is a beast
Made 21 consecutive FG (9 of them were from 50+) and was 23 of 24 this year. When playing Northwest Missouri State he hit 2 58 FG in just that game. I don’t know why he isn’t getting more buzz. He looked good at the East West Shrine Game.
Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert
Meant to be a reply to tannofsteel84
Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert
must be the level of competition
lol
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 25, 2012 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
Like your offensive line other than Colon
I just dont see Colon being healthy again. And, he is not a good pass blocker.
Putting a lot of faith in Gilbert at LT. We probably don;t have much of a choice though.
If OSU’s Mike Adams falls to 24 can you see us taking him as the LT of the future? Colon or Gilbert at guard?
"You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm."
-William T. Sherman, the Battle of Atlanta
My dream draft!!!
1.Vontaze Burfict- I would take only this guy if I could. He would be real nice playing next to Farrior for one or two years before given the reins!!!
2. Give me Crick a hair early or the NT from Washington.
IM DONE!!!
Crick and burfict
would be crazy if we could somehow get them both and still get a G and NT in this draft
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 26, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
Of the guys from Marshall's defense I would much rather have Vinny Curry
dude is a beast and just abused the RT at WVU this year, which isn’t saying much but still.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
Ideal alright!
Double dippin O-line with 1 and 2, love it!
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
my draft
rd1.og/ cordy glenn
rd2.nt/alamda ta’amu
rd3.rb la’michael james
rd4.dt.mike martin
rd5.wr/b.j.cunningham
rd6.k/kai forbath
rd7.qb/case keenum
Good effort, but I don't like it
First of all, there’s no reason to select 2 offensive linemen in the first two rounds, unless we’re not going to resign Max or retain Scott, Colon and Essex. Starting 2 rookies and a 2nd year guy on the OL isn’t usually a good thing. At most we need one pick on the OL for the coming year…mainly, we just need our current guys to stay healthy.
Secondly, we need a NT who can contribute right away, so waiting yet another year to grab one doesn’t work for me. We have to select one in the first 3 rounds (and likely the first round, if possible). I like your guy for a project, but I don’t think we can project a 6th rounder to provide a contribution this coming year.
Where’s the picks to replace our two aging safeties? Both Troy and Clark are in their 30s and it takes a couple of years to learn our system as a safety…even Troy couldn’t start for us his rookie year. We need those guys in the middle rounds far more than another RB or WR.
Why grab another smaller WR? Where does he fit in on the roster?
Do you think Troy and Clark
have 2 more years left? I do. I’d go FS/SS next year when I can devote a high draft pick to those position because we need the talent there. We don’t need another Mundy.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 26, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Mundy isn’t the right guy, which is all the more reason why we need to pick up a guy now. It’ll take two years for a rookie safety to grasp our system. I think both Troy and Ryan will try to play for 2 more years, but we have no decent depth at either one of those positions. If one of them goes down, we’re in a world of hurt.
Also, we don’t need to draft guys high at safety to have them succeed. For example, Clark was a UFA and Darren Perry was an 8th rounder. There aren’t enough top picks for every player on the team to be drafted in the first two rounds anyway and safety is one of those positions that it’s somewhat easier to grow a guy into the role.
Besides Mundy (7th rounder), we haven’t even tried to draft a safety since Troy back in 2003. It’s time to bring in an understudy before things get critical.
Not saying that we need to
its just the first rounder gives a higher probability for success. Like Troy and the ceiling is much higher. Wait till next year then give them a year to learn then bam if troy or clark go down the year after that they can step right in and not miss a beat.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Jan 26, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
another dream option at ILB seems to be missing, Luke Kuechly, B.C.
Not sure why this kid is being overlooked, but he is ranked #1 at ILB and is a pure tackling machine.
Since the top 3 are coming out are JRs, I will post their Jr and Soph. seasons.
Luke Kuechly, Boston College,
Jr. Season
Tackes Asst Total
102 89 191
Soph Season
110 73 183
Donta Hightower, Alabama
Jr. Season
Tackles Asst Total
41 33 85
Soph Season
30 39 69
Vontaze Burfict, Arizona St.
Jr. Season
Tackles Asst Total
40 29 69
Soph. Season
54 36 90
Kuechly had more tackles in his sophmore season than Burfict or Hightower had in both of their Jr. and Soph. seasons. He was number 1 in the nation in tackles as a junior.
Kuechly would be more of a dream than any of the other two and we can only imagine the damage that would be done with Woodley, Harrison, Timmons, Kuechly. Talk about dreaming……this would be the ultimate early christmas gift.
Plus Kuechly is not a headcase like Burfict
But I guess we can just put Burficts bad attitude on his college coach, just like every other college prospect :/
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 27, 2012 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
Kuechly is a tackling machine...... no doubt.
To be fair to Hightower, his numbers are reflection to all of the talent he has had to play with at Bama. Plus their D wasn’t on the field for that long,lessens the amount of snaps.
Steel not sold on him at #24.
"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman
by Pittsblitz56 on Jan 27, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Kuechly
Has good instincts but he is small will need to put on like 10lbs. He also is slow in what I have watched of him. He made more plays because he read the plays correctly. When he doesn’t he doesn’t have the speed to correct himself. Solid tackler though and good leader.
Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert
more weight equals less speed
if weight and speed is your concern and he puts on 10 pounds, he will loose speed that you are looking for. He isnt that slow and is listed at 4.8 in the 40. Hightower 4.7, Burfict 4.6. That isnt that much difference, not like a half to a full second Size is just fine. Kuechly is listed at 6’ 2" 237, Timmons is 6 ft, 234, Farrior 6 ft 2 in, 243, and Foote 6" 1" 240, Woodley 6’ 2" 256.
The speed difference...
Of the estimated speed difference is roughly a 2 seconds. To compare speed guys that is the difference between Chris Johnson (4.24) and Rashard Mendenhall (4.44)
Of the first round LBs taken since 2007 only 1 ran near the 4.8s at that was Rey Malaluga who ran a 4.78. The eyeballed average seemed to be a low to mid 4.6 and only two other ran in the 4.7s.
I am just saying that right now at that estimated speed and the tape I have watched he looks slower than Hightower too me.
Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert
thats two tenths of a second, not two seconds, major difference
He’s not slow or he wouldnt have over 180 tackles for over two years. 4.6 and 4.7 isnt that much difference.
Yes I forgot the decimal
obviously from my example I knew that is two tenths of a second…
He’s not slow or he wouldnt have over 180 tackles for over two years.
NC State and their opponent don’t exactly play in the SEC and he is slow. I don’t know how much you have watch him play but from what I have seen both on tapes and at Senior Bowl he is.
Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert
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