Seven Round 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Light At The End Of The Tunnel Edition (Rounds 1-3)
by Michael Bean on Apr 25, 2011 3:17 PM EDT
in 2011 Steelers Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft is finally in sight. After months of player profiles, mock drafts and rampant speculation, we'll soon find out who the six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers will be welcoming to the family. The festivities begin Thursday evening in primetime and continue through Saturday afternoon. More info on the schedule and what's in store for the week here at BTSC soon enough. For the time being, I'll hand the floor over to Big Jay who has just finished his final complete, seven round mock draft for us. HUGE thanks to Jay and the rest of you all for all the hard work, interesting information, and conversation fodder this draft season. Been fun. - Michael B. -
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Round One
1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton QB, Auburn
2010 1st Pick: Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame
Team Needs: DT/WR/QB/OG/TE/DE
As Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported, there's an 80 percent chance that the Panthers will select Auburn's Cam Newton with the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft. For their sake I hope they pass on him but it's looking like Newton's their guy. The new regime has no ties to Jimmy Clausen and even though he's only had a year in the NFL they are looking for someone who can carry over a winner's mentality. Barring a last minute change of heart the next options would be Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert or Georgia WR A.J. Green as reported by local Charlotte newspapers this pick will definitely be an offensive player.
BTSC Community Mock Draft Pick No. 56 -- New Orleans Saints Select Robert Sands, S, West Virginia
by Michael Bean on Apr 24, 2011 8:35 PM EDT
in 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft
Thanks WVPiratesfan for this selection and all the other participatory contributions to the site this offseason and over the years. Next up: the Seattle Seahawks, represented by Yours Truly. - Michael B. -
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There are two reasons why the highlight video for his sophomore year was called Predator 2 (music in this YouTube video is NSFW or small children), one he looks like the predator with those dreds and secondly he will turn off the light for a receiver. While he will be listed as a SS, he can play either. He has tremendous ball skills, five INT's as a sophomore and only one last year but teams tried to stay away from him as much as possible. Now lets talk about what really got him noticed, his run support. He was the best tackler on WVU's defense, better than the LBs and the DLs, his tackling is so good that teams want to covert him to a OLB.
Now how does he fit into the plans in NOLA? Simple, Darren Sharper can't play forever, and Roman Harper got outran by Sam Bradford in addition not being able to cover a sheet(see NFC Wild Card Playoffs against Seattle). Do the Saints have other needs yes, but Darren Sharper missed half of last season with various injuries and is old how old you ask, he was teammates with Mike Tomlin. Some will say that he isn't good in coverage, I say that is false. Watching just about WVU game while he was there I can say that he is good in coverage and is very decisive when it comes to going to the ball when it is in flight.
BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Selections:
BTSC Community Mock Draft Pick No. 55 -- Kansas City Chiefs Select Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
by Michael Bean on Apr 24, 2011 7:03 PM EDT
in 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft
Many thanks to WolfPackSteelersFan for the solid pick and writeup here at pick No. 55. I think whichever team lands this beast is going to be quite pleased. Next up: the New Orleans Saints, represented by WVPiratesFan. - Michael B. -
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Stephen Paea - DT, Oregon State University
In my research for this pick, I first checked out Pro-Football-Reference.com to see where the Chiefs ranked in Rushing and Passing Offense and Defense, respectively. I figured this would give me the first insight into their biggest needs. In terms of yards, they ranked 30th in Pass Offense, 17th in Pass Defense, 14th in Rush Defense, and 1st in Rush Offense. Based on that, my first thought was that they needed a big play WR, like Michael mentioned in their first round pick. I was hoping for Leonard Hankerson to fall to me, but he's gone, so I considered Randall Cobb as a worthy alternative. However, before choosing Cobb, I wanted to look at any top players that may have fallen to me.
Based on most of the lists that I have seen, only one player is a consensus value at the 55th pick: Stephen Paea. In checking different sites, I have seen him rated as high as 25-30 and as low as 45-50. I also checked with the good people over at Arrowhead Pride, and though the reviews were mixed, Paea seemed to be the consensus. Certainly not unanimous, but the consensus. I also asked them about Ras-I Dowling, since based on yardage rank, Pass Defense seemed to be a slightly bigger need than Rush Defense. But, anyone at AP that referred to DBs said that KC was in good shape on that front.
So, it seems to come down to Cobb, who doesn't seem to be a reach, and fills a greater need spot, or Paea, who seems to be a clear example of BPA in an area of need. In my review of Cobb, it sounds like he's a Reggie Bush type, sometimes lining up at RB, sometimes at WR. He has mainly been moved around in attempts to get him the ball in space, but he is not a complete WR at this time. Paea is a squat strong DT, but there are questions whether he can be a 3-4 NT. However, every review I have read indicates that he is best at stuffing the run. Based on his value at this position and my thought that a player with the same or possibly better wideout skills as Cobb will be available later on
in the draft, I'm going with Paea. I think that Paea will help shore up the run defense, while Wilson, in the first round, will help the LB corps, and the DBs should improve through experience.
BTSC Community Mock Draft Pick No. 54 -- Philadelphia Eagles Select Marcus Cannon, OG, Texas Christian
by Michael Bean on Apr 24, 2011 1:41 AM EDT
in 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft
Many thanks to steel.curtain.number.2 for finding time during his weekend to submit a pick for the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 54. Good stuff. Looks like we're going to get through this second round, something I wasn't at all convinced was going to happen when we collectively decided to give it a shot a few weeks ago. Next up: the Kansas City Chiefs, represented by a guy who's been supporting the site for years, and I'm happy to report will be penning an article again in this year's preseason publication, WolfPackSteelersFan. -Michael B. -
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With the 54th pick, Philadelphia Eagles select: Marcus Cannon OG, TCU.
Philadelphia's priorities this offseason are to upgrade their defense (specifically their secondary) and their offensive line. Having taken Jimmy Smith in the first round of this mock, the offensive line becomes the biggest need.
The Eagles have only drafted one offensive lineman in the first 3 rounds since 2005. Their big men lack talent and it shows in games when Mike Vick is running for his life half the time. Left tackle Jason Peters is the only above average guy on this line and even he hasn't had the same success in Phili as he had in Buffalo. Plus, since Vick is left handed, their right tackle is the one who's protecting his blindside.
Cannon is the type of massive lineman Andy Reid loves and could plug in at either guard or right tackle. He excels in the run game, which for a team with Vick at QB is perfect. Lesean McCoy is also a great threat at RB and would benefit from having a huge guy like Cannon opening up lanes for him.
Others considered:
1. Stephen Paea DT, Oregon St
2. James Carpenter OT, Alabama
3. Orlando Franklin OG, Miami
4. Quinton Carter FS, Oklahoma
5. Will Rackley OG, Lehigh
BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Selections:
A Tale of Two Receivers - Hines Ward and Chad Ochocinco on "Dancing With The Stars"
by Rebecca Rollett on Apr 23, 2011 1:23 PM EDT
Although I had never watched "Dancing With The Stars" before, Hines Ward being one of the contestants changed everything. Of course I have to watch it now - Steeler Nation owes Hines nothing less. And as I've watched it over the past five weeks, it is evident that Hines' work ethic is paying big dividends, and that the judges are noticing.
I remembered that Chad Ochocinco was on the show in a previous season, and thought that it would be interesting to see how he had fared on the show, and how it compares with Hines. So I typed some queries into Google and started watching and reading.
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Top Ten Draft Busts of the Kevin Colbert Era: No. 4 -- DT Kendrick Clancy, 3rd Round, 2000
by Michael Bean on Apr 23, 2011 2:58 AM EDT
Hope everyone had great weeks and have something fun on tap for the weekend. We're less than a week away from the start of the 2011 NFL Draft, so let's continue with our countdown of the top ten draft 'successes' and 'busts' of the Kevin Colbert era with the No. 4 'bust' -- DT Kendrick Clancy, taken in the third round of the 2000 Draft with the 72nd overall pick.
Clancy spent five seasons in Pittsburgh, but only started four games (played in 44) totaling just 22 tackles and zero sacks. To his credit though Clancy managed to bounce around to three different teams since leaving the Steelers, starting 42 games between '05 and '09. He now has a Super Bowl ring to show off to his kids and grandkids after being a part of the New Orleans Saints '09 title run.
Clancy might have had a better future in Steel Town if Casey Hampton hadn't been drafted in 2001. Then again, had Clancy shown more promise or if the Steelers believed in his ability more, they probably wouldn't have used their first round pick on Big Snack the following year. Clancy can thank Hampton for giving him a second chance though because Kendrick was actually cut prior to the 2004 season and was resigned off the street after Hampton tore his ACL eight games into the season.
These lists are hard. Real hard. When you think you have them mapped out, you change your mind after fleshing out your reasoning. New thoughts come to mind, some of which make you wish you had a mulligan. This might be one of those cases. I definitely do think Clancy belongs on this list. I'm just not sure it should be this high. For one, 2000 was Colbert's first year on the job. Obviously when you've only been around the organization and its players for less than half of a calendar year, you're not going to have the same wealth of information at your disposal when making important long-term decisions. I suppose, however, that the fact that Colbert drafted Casey Hampton in the 2001 Draft makes me scratch my head at the Clancy pick in '00. Really ready to give up on the guy after one year? Maybe so. I'll be the first to say that I'm damn glad that the Steelers targeted Big Snack in the '01 Draft. If you have a chance to upgrade in a big way, cut your losses and take that opportunity, don't stubbonrly try to retain your pride for personal validation.
By the way, the example of Clancy/Hampton should be a great reminder that we really have no idea what might be in store in the '11 Draft. That's why I quickly signed off on the idea of the 'Expecting the Unexpected' series from Jay and Tim. Rewind to '01, and I don't think there's too many of us who would consider Hamtpon a likely draft scenario. We just drafted Clancy fairly in the third round the year before! No way that stumpy, ox of a NT is on Colbert's radar!
I'll wrap this up for now, but to conclude, I'll mention that I'm extremely excited to have Dale Lolley writing about Steelers defensive line coach, John Mitchell, in this year's edition of the preseason publication. Lolley wrote an awesome piece on Sean Kugler last year, a piece that solidified in my mind that brighter days were ahead for the Steelers offensive line. And he was right. There's room to improve for sure, but Kugler played a huge role in keeping the ship afloat after the Steelers continued to lose key OL to injuries last season. Now it's time to learn more about Mr. Mitchell. After reading that article from Lolley sometime in the next month or so, I'm confident I'll have a better understanding of what it is he looks for in prospects, why certain DL have developed into mainstay contributors, and perhaps even why guys like Clancy never panned out and weren't worthy of long-term investments.
Kevin Colbert's Top 10 Draft 'Busts'
Expecting the Unexpected: Jonathan Baldwin to the Steelers at 31?
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Apr 22, 2011 2:51 PM EDT
in 2011 Steelers Draft
April 28th, 2011... Inside the Steelers War Room a a disaster of unfathomable proportions has occurred. What little remains of Kevin Colbert's hair lies in tufts scattered across the draft-room floor as he sits at the head of the Steelers' draft table with his face in his hands. Next to him, out of Mike Tomlin's eye falls a single tear. Art Rooney II is on the phone screaming for Goodell, shouting that "This is an emergency!" Punxy Polamalu lies sprawled out dramatically in the middle of the room's large round table, all spunk and mischief faded from his once lively face.
Across Steeler Nation, things are no better. Those who follow the draft feel like they did after Superbowl XLV all over again. Some have become physically ill, and some have decided to give up on football all together. What is the cause? The New York Jets have just selected Cameron Heyward with the 30th pick in the draft, capping off an improbable run of teams selecting every player that was thought to be a good fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the NFL Draft. Cameron Heyward, Aaron Williams, Phil Taylor, Mike Pouncey, Muhammad Wilkerson, Gabe Carimi, Derek Sherrod, and Brandon Harris are all gone. Each and every one, taken before they could be whisked away into the football utopia that is Pittsburgh. So what do the Steelers do now?
BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Pick No. 53 -- Indianapolis Colts Select Rodney Hudson, C/G, Florida State
by Michael Bean on Apr 22, 2011 2:04 PM EDT
in 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft
Sorry for the delay in getting this puppy up. It certainly wasn't from the author, barnerburner lagging. Many thanks to him for yet another fine writeup. Next up: the Philadelphia Eagles, represented by steel.curtain.number.2. - Michael B. -
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After going outside the box with the Colts' first round pick, I have to go for a need with their second round pick because that's what the Colts MO is. Looking at their past four second rounders - Pat Angerer (LB), Fili Moala (DT), Mike Pollak (G), and Tony Ugoh (OT) - we might even be able to conclude that Polian is perfectly willing to reach a little bit or do what it takes to get the player that he really wants. Angerer and Pollak both graded out more as 3rd rounders on most draftniks boards (if memory serves) before the Colts took them at the end of the 2nd, and they blew a handsome ransom to move up for Ugoh.
With the 53rd pick in the 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select....
Steelers 2011 NFL Draft Predictions Contest
by John Stephens on Apr 22, 2011 11:07 AM EDT
in 2011 Steelers Draft
Hey guys and gals, I thought I would spice up the draft just a little bit more. I want to know what everyone is thinking about the draft, so we are going to do this little contest. Just fill out the form below to submit your entry. The winner will get $25 from me to spend at Steelers.com or NFL.com. Make sure you put your name in the first box. Also, I made the predictions for the 2nd and 3rd round optional, all other fields are required to enter. I will use those 2nd and 3rd rounds more as a tiebreaker, because I realize not everyone knows that much about the draft.
This is my first time trying out this Google form, so hopefully everything goes swimmingly. By the way, if you do not put a name I cannot count you in the contest, because I will have no idea who you are.
A Few Pennies More: Late Comments On BTSC Topics
by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Apr 22, 2011 8:00 AM EDT
I haven't been on the site for several days and was excited to see some really good topics put out there by Maryrose (In (Blank) We Trust), Anthony (Why doesn't Heinz Field...), and John Stephens (Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Schedule Released). Great! I wanted to add my two cents to these discussions, but the threads seemed to have been dead already. Everyone apparently had moved on to see who would be picked in Round Seven in the Mock Draft (Pray for a collective bargaining agreement everyone). So I decided to front page my comments and see if we could squeeze another hour or so of discussion out three fascinating topics as we move into the final week of the dog days of April.
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