Potential Steelers Draft Pick Profiles: Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
by big_jay71 on Feb 24, 2012 7:48 AM EST
in 2012 Steelers Draft
Email
PrintName: Peter Konz
Position: Offensive Guard
School: Wisconsin
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 315 pounds
Summary: The Steelers like offensive linemen with position flexibility. Konz, despite having played center at the University of Wisconsin, has the skill set to play guard in the NFL. Guard is a position of need for the Steelers in the 2012 NFL Draft, and Konz's resume of three starting years along one of the best offensive lines in college football make him an appealing option in Pittsburgh.
Pros: Wisconsin has been a factory for NFL offensive linemen who are big, strong, and absolutely dominant road-graders and Konz is just another in a long line. He's a lot bigger than most NFL centers and he size should make for a smooth transition to guard. As a center he has learned to be quick off of the snap which is an advantage he would hold over Georgia's Cordy Glenn. His technique is sound, can get to the second level, and he pulls extremely well.
Cons: At this point Konz biggest/only issue is a dislocated ankle he suffered and caused him to miss some games this season, although, to his credit, he can back to play very well against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
Draft stock: Peter Konz draft stock is high. He's the highest rated center in this draft and I rate him as the second best guard prospect behind Stanford's David DeCastro. It's likely that he'll go somewhere between picks 19-26 with a chance he could potentially go as early as 14th to Dallas. Teams like Chicago (19), Tennessee (20), and Detroit (23) all have big needs for a center. Houston (26) may not be able to retain free agent Chris Myers, putting them in play for Konz as well.
Final Word: Konz is an elite center prospect whose skill set should transition well and make him an elite guard in the NFL. The Steelers prize versatility among their linemen, and Konz is not only a guy who can come in and play guard right away, but with the recent rash of injuries to C Maurkice Pouncey, he provides depth at two other positions while potentially starting at one of the guard spots. Trading up for DeCastro may simply cost too much, but Konz would be a quality second option, one the Steelers may trade up a few spots to get.
44 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Please do not draft Konz
He is too injury prone to take this risk.
P.S. Offensive Line play explained by Eagles’ Evan Mathis
Never knew that about the injuries. That will probably make him drop. All 3 seasons he missed games.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Feb 24, 2012 8:12 AM EST up reply actions
Konz
Is it me or is Konz moving up the draft lists?
Is a dislocated ankle a serious long term issue or, assuming he rehabs properly, should it be a blip on his health radar?
If it is going to be a recurring problem then he should fall out of the first round. If it isn’t going to be a problem then it isn’t a problem.
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Feb 24, 2012 8:05 AM EST reply actions
I was always under the impression that ankles never heal 100%.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Feb 24, 2012 8:13 AM EST up reply actions
Personally
I’ve never had an ankle heal 100%. It’s just something you deal with, no matter how well you rehab. It gets better, but you still have issues and soreness with it.
If I remember correctly, didn’t Konz have some concerns about blood clots as well?
The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.
Perspectives become reality.
Twitter: @shanecglass
Anything that generates scar tissue (sprains/tears, breaks, etc.) will have a strong potential to cause future problems.
The location of the scar tissue and the cleanliness of the heal will determine how likely a relapse or other future problem will be. If the scar tissue develops in a way that inhibits movement in any way, then that necessary compensation for the changed range or path of motion can throw a joint off balance and, as a result, increase the potential for future injury. Additionally (and probably the greater problem) is that the scar tissue is never going to be as strong or as mobile as the tissue it replaces, therefore increasing the chances of re-injury.
Strains, however, do not result in torn tissue but, rather, irritated tissue. Those injuries generally heal without re-injury unless there is a fundamental structural defect, training irregularity or repeated misuse of the muscle/joint in question.
Then, of course, there are chronic issues like tendinitis and bursitis. All of these things need to be taken into account when evaluating draft picks, which is why I believe Kevin Colbert should be the third-highest paid non-player in all of Pittsburgh sports behind Tomlin and Dan Bylsma. Those are the only two people with more difficult jobs. And that includes Clint Hurdle (really, how hard can it be to improve a team from the last 18 years of failure? The Bad News Bears could have beaten the Pirates regularly over the last 10 years).
by Mike Frazer on Feb 24, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Pouncy surgery
I believe Steelers front office (Colbert?) recently came out in an interview as saying Pouncy’s surgery should eliminate future problems with high ankle sprains…. different from dislocated ankle? We’ve done well with “injured” draft picks dropping to us ala Heath Miller
Quite different
Ligaments connect bone to bone.
Sprains hyperextend ligaments, usually as a result of excessive rotation. But the leg/arm/ankle/ whatever stays in place, a few weeks rest and the ligament will return to it’s former self.
The ligaments are not the only thing keeping the joint together, but
since ligaments join bone to bone, if the joint is dislocated, the bones have separated much more than designed. Meaning there’s always ligament damage. Usually tears. Scar tissue appears, and the ligament never quite recovers it’s full strength.
Once you mess up an ankle like this
its just about over for you, they never fully heal and it’s just a matter of time before they explode again
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, 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 Feb 26, 2012 11:53 PM EST up reply actions
I’d say most players have experienced some kind of ankle injury by the time they are drafted. As Maurkice Pouncey can attest, offensive linemen are particularly prone to them.
I wouldn’t say that’d be a reason to say no to the guy (I’ve expressed a lack of interest in Konz, but for other reasons). The dual blood clots in each of his lungs a few years ago is unsettling.
Overall, I think he’s a good example of a later first round pick. Very talented, but doesn’t have one trait that makes him stand out over the very best. Wisconsin always takes in system kinds of guys, but in their recent run of dominant ground games, they’ve only produced one outstanding pro lineman, Joe Thomas. Since 2005, saving Thomas and keeping the jury out on Carimi, Urbik is probably the best pro they’ve put out.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 24, 2012 8:36 AM EST up reply actions
And didn't the Steelers decide...
…that Urbik just didn’t cut it, hence why he is with Buffalo and not us?
The “jury” is still out on Pouncey’s long term viability, given his ankle problems, 2 years in a row. Konz may not be the wisest selection given his known ankle history, and the less than laudable track record Wisconsin OL draftees currently have.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
by PaVaSteeler on Feb 24, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Konz 18 reps of 225 at The Combine
Hmmm….good thing he’s known as a lower body guy, but still…
by Neal Coolong on Feb 24, 2012 8:08 PM EST up reply actions
Hell, I can do that...
…but sorry, my knees won’t let me play.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Zeitler
Konz has suffered setbacks of various nature over the last 3 seasons.
What makes him so highly valued by scouts is his ability to move in space.
I think his team Kevin Zeitler is only a notch below Konz in overall ability, already plays the guard position and is a very good fit for the Steelers schematically I’m not willing to take the risk on another OL with ankle issues and who frankly needs to project to a position he didn’t play in college.
BTW, Zeitler is going to takes snaps at Center during the combine and I think when it’s all said and done he moves up team boards. He’s underrated as an athlete
by First Team on Feb 24, 2012 9:31 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Zeitler in 2nd
Unfortunately Zeitler has a very, very low probability of making it to us in the 2nd.
He’ll be a borderline 1st rounder and I see him at worst as a top 30-40 player. No way he lasts
First time
I heard this, must be why you are first team.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Feb 24, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
What a smartass….great line though. I agree with the First Team, does that mean I’m like the 12th guy on the 12-player varsity team?
by Neal Coolong on Feb 24, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Never say never
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Feb 24, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
And let's face it, the dude has an absolutely Pittsburgh name.
A WASPy first name, a last name that starts with a K and contains at least one Z? That is as west-PA as a name gets.
lol
By that reckoning, if immigration hadn’t forced my grandfather to drop the z off the end of his last name I would qualify as west-pa… which is ironic because I do know there is a person in PA who has the same first and last name as myself who is within a year of my age.
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Feb 24, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure about trading up for Konz
The only player likely worth trading up for in the 1st is DeCastro, and even he isn’t worth moving up more than 4-5 spaces for. With Konz’ injury history, and the depth of the guard position in this draft, if probably does not make sense to trade up for Konz.
John Novella
Rob Gronkowski
Some teams reportedly took Gronkowski off of their draft boards entirely because of his medical history. He had some narrowing-of-his-spine condition and some surgery for it. Granted, I only remember reading that the Ravens specifically did, and could just be assuming that others did too.
I don’t care about the ankle stuff with the rehab and physical therapy resources that are available to players these days. Those blood clots from a couple years ago though are no joking matter – that could be scary. I could see some teams dropping him down their draft boards because of it, a la Gronkowski. But since Konz knows what that kind of abnormal get-help-right-now sort of chest pain feels like and medical staffs should know to check for them preventatively, it could be a manageable issue.
Are you on Facebook? Have you connected with BTSC's page yet? You should.
OL needs
Our first three draft picks should go like this: OL, OL, and OL…
I agree OL needs help but.........
With the right picks/choices, the OL isn’t as bad as what might appear. First and foremost, I would trade up and draft DeCastro, especially if we lose Wallace (if Wallace stays trading up might not be an option). By moving Gilbert to LT and keeping Colon at RT, inserting DeCastro at LG (hoping we pick him), this would leave us on RG to fill… whether we do that from the active roster, or draft someone later in the draft….
Gilbert is a better pass protector than run blocker, so having him on the left side would be ideal (since Pittsburgh prefers to run to the right). Having a LG that can pull (DeCastro) would have a huge impact, and having a LT that can pass protect for Ben is imperative.
One thing for sure, PLEASE DUMP KEMO, NOW!
Nice to read you big_jay71
Informative as always. Looking forward to whatever you can share with us.
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
I haven't followed Wisconsin's passing game
Can the dude pass block? If a dude can pave well, does it mean he can backpedal too, or is that not very important in a guard?
With 33 inch arms
not a problem
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
Some impressive ones
Cordy Glenn with his 35 3/4" arm length bigger then a majority of the prospects to do 225lbs, 31 times is amazing.
DeCastro’s 34 were nice, Zelter’s 32 was good and Silatolu’s and Washington’s 28 were good as well.
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
Worst part is...
…he had an ankle injury, not a shoulder injury. No excuse why he wouldn’t have been benching his butt off in preparation for the Combine. And if he was…cripes.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 25, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Who was it that did 50 a few years ago
Mitch Petrus I think, what’s he doing in the NFL
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, 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 Feb 26, 2012 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Not pertinent to this discussion, but...
always accurate.
"We have met the enemy and he is us" - Pogo (1970)
The mantle is returned...
…to the originator.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Kronz? HAHAHA, come on!!
I realize that you have to list some players that might fit as a 1st round pick, but Kronz? That has to be the WORST player they would be targeting. The o-line will be fine with colon coming back at RT and moving gilbert to LT. They need to cut hampton and his 3 million against the salary cap, draft Dontario Poe or if they like another NT that they think they can get later, then take SS Mark Barron or ILB hightower. Steelers have always been about defense and some key positions are getting a little too long in the tooth. You can say what you will about the o-line but fact is the steelers have been to 3 super bowls in 7 years with subpar play…
And we won't make it to another one with our 30+ year old damaged QB
If we dont get him some damn help.
http://tr4f.wordpress.com
Mountainbiking the Continental Divide in 2012 to raise awareness of human trafficking.
by Fifty-Eight on Feb 25, 2012 3:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
It’s Konz, not Kronz…I do like “Dontario” rather than “Dontari,” though.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 25, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
"Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history."
Art Rooney Jr.
"Level-headed thinking." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Related FanPosts on Behind the Steel Curtain
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
