Behind the Steel Curtain - Get the low down on the Steelers three Day 2 NFL Draft picksA level-headed news-discussion site with a sense of history and communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47293/steel_curtain_fave.png2017-05-02T10:30:02-04:00http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/rss/stream/152480332017-05-02T10:30:02-04:002017-05-02T10:30:02-04:00Juju Smith-Schuster brings a physicality to WR unseen since Hines Ward
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Steelers second round draft pick will bring more than size and speed to the table, but a physicality which is all too familiar to Pittsburgh fans.</p> <p id="0i13uX">When <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> fans think of <span>Hines Ward</span>, they think of a lot of things. </p>
<p id="U8aeG2">The smile at all times.</p>
<p id="i3giqu">The touchdowns.</p>
<p id="OSVUYD"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">The Super Bowl</a> MVP.</p>
<p id="rMg7l2">But what might come to fans’ minds first are those vicious hits on defensive players.</p>
<p id="WRODLs">Ward didn’t shy away from anyone. <span>Ray Lewis</span>, <span>Ed Reed</span>, <span>Keith Rivers</span>...all were targets in Ward’s cross hairs when he got a chance to lay the lumber on a defender who is typically trying to take his head off whenever he had the ball in his hands.</p>
<p id="7pKNP9">Fans of the black and gold loved, and still love, Ward, and rightfully so. He was the player you love to have on your team, and everyone else seems to hate him to his core. Ward loved being the antagonist and villain, and it brought him a lot of success in the NFL.</p>
<p id="RMEmpl">Fast forward to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2017 NFL Draft</a> and the Steelers second round draft pick Juju Smith-Schuster from USC. While fans looked at his 40-yard dash time, his stats and wondered where he will fit on the team, what might be overlooked is just how physical he is as a wide receiver.</p>
<p id="QD8hxE">The Steelers haven’t had a wide receiver who loves blocking since Ward played, but Smith-Schuster could be bringing that back to the Steel City. </p>
<p id="oL89Jz">Just take a look at this block he made while in college...think Ward would approve?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That one time <a href="https://twitter.com/TEAM_JUJU9">@TEAM_JUJU9</a> ended a man's life. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VisionsOfHinesWard?src=hash">#VisionsOfHinesWard</a> <a href="https://t.co/mJBARBB8ig">pic.twitter.com/mJBARBB8ig</a></p>— The Steel Crew (@TheSteelCrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSteelCrew/status/858780056029585409">April 30, 2017</a>
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<p id="WQF9Gu">If that block wasn’t enough, how about some ridiculous stiff arms:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the best plays from the weekend has to be <a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Athletics">@USC_Athletics</a> JuJu Smith-Schuster's vicious stiff-arm!<a href="https://t.co/IbTjOUhNSJ">https://t.co/IbTjOUhNSJ</a></p>— AtTheBuzzer (@TheBuzzerOnFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBuzzerOnFOX/status/658688700117741568">October 26, 2015</a>
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<p id="G5XCx6">Or this one...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Starting the day with another JuJu Smith-Schuster stiff arm..,, <a href="https://t.co/pShDxgTElA">pic.twitter.com/pShDxgTElA</a></p>— All22ChalkTalk (@All22ChalkTalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/All22ChalkTalk/status/748491823740518400">June 30, 2016</a>
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<p id="MPSg59">When you watch film of Juju, you quickly realize he isn’t your typical slot receiver, the same position Ward played the majority of his career. I’m not trying to say Smith-Schuster is the next Hines Ward, although not many would complain if that transformation occurred, but simply stating the fact he is physical. </p>
<p id="cSP2IS">The Steelers could use some ‘nasty’ in their wide receiving corps, and their second round pick might be just the man to deliver it.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2017/5/2/15514200/steelers-draft-pick-juju-smith-schuster-brings-a-physicality-to-wr-unseen-since-hines-ward-nfl-draftJeff.Hartman2017-04-30T08:00:02-04:002017-04-30T08:00:02-04:00There are many reasons the Steelers drafted Juju Smith-Schuster in the 2nd round, and Martavis Bryant is one of them
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<figcaption>Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Yes, receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, the Steelers second round pick out of USC, could be the answer to the struggles of Sammie Coates. But he could also be the answer to the ongoing problems of promising yet troubled receiver Martavis Bryant. </p> <p id="0cN2yr">Another year, another head-scratching <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> second round draft pick.</p>
<p id="4CLxHp">Yes, whether it’s taking <span>Jason Worilds</span> instead of <span>Sean Lee</span>, Le’Veon Bell instead of <span>Eddie Lacy</span> or <span>Mike Adams</span> instead of anyone else, it seems the second round has become the most rage-inducing for people who take to their laptops and smartphones to voice their displeasure after that pick is announced. </p>
<p id="wCNmm3">Friday night was perhaps no exception, as Pittsburgh selected receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster out of USC in the second round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2017 NFL Draft</a>. </p>
<p id="M2LnKy">So, why a receiver and not, say, a cornerback? </p>
<p id="9tEzEN">For one thing, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/4/29/15482224/draft-record-defensive-backs-2017">there was a record run on defensive backs in the first two rounds</a>, with 19 going before the Steelers could make their second choice at spot number 62. </p>
<p id="AKl59P">For another thing, Smith-Schuster was just a really productive college football player, catching 213 passes in three seasons for a major program in a big-time conference (the Pac-12). </p>
<p id="jgUCFd">A third reason was just great value. I mean, the draft gurus are always preaching the importance of value over need; with just five receivers taken over the first 61 selections acting as a great contrast to those 19 defensive backs, Smith-Schuster, who graded out in the second round by most, offered value over the need to perhaps reach for a corner with a third round resume. </p>
<p id="WM1xGo">And fourth, who said there wasn’t a need for a receiver? </p>
<p id="IeVNA5"><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2017/4/28/15481230/martavis-bryant-sends-interesting-tweet-after-steelers-select-juju-smith-schuster-in-nfl-draft">Did you see the Tweet </a>by Steelers receiver <span>Martavis Bryant</span> following the selection of Smith-Schuster on Friday? </p>
<p id="Gbp5cl">It’s since been deleted, but thanks to an anonymous source (my cousin), I have it word-for-word: “lol that’s Sammie coates replacement not minds take it how you want to I am back.” (Yes, that’s right, mere days after Bryant was conditionally reinstated after a year-long suspension for getting high, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VsD77ha0I8">he’s Tweeting like he’s, well......</a>.)</p>
<p id="1ALM2r">Anyway, not only did Bryant throw shade (a 2017 term for hatin’) at his teammate, <span>Coates</span>, he went old-school 2003 and threw him under the bus. </p>
<p id="C7NQBe">What’s that saying, Million dollar body, but a 10 cent head? For all the talk of how Bryant might be the most physically gifted receiver in the entire league, let’s just say it was probably no mistake that he lasted until the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. </p>
<p id="CbFGTF">Fact is, even if Bryant had totally deleted all of his social media accounts before Friday or spent the entire offseason using them to promote volunteer work with kids, he’d still be a player the team couldn’t entirely trust until he showed he was more than just a freakish athlete blessed with physical gifts (missing 20 out of a possible 48 career games because of drug suspensions has a way of eroding organizational trust in a player). </p>
<p id="3QIzBr">And let’s remember why Pittsburgh drafted Coates in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft in the first place. It wasn’t just because they wanted to have an entire stable of big, physical deep-threats at the receiver position; they did so because, unlike the rest of us, they already knew Bryant would miss the first four games of the upcoming year after failing a drug test. </p>
<p id="4uQm6W">Over the first five games of the 2016 season, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehmK-iZ0DGc">when Coates was hauling in long bomb after long bomb</a> and mostly making everyone forget about Bryant’s all-world talent, one has to wonder if the Steelers were ready to forget about the hassle that had already been and could in the future be No. 10’s promising but extremely troubled career in Pittsburgh.</p>
<p id="QKkY6o">Unfortunately, Coates soon began a down-word spiral caused by injuries and a lack of confidence, things which basically derailed what started out as a promising sophomore campaign. Along with Coates’ struggles, were the continued injury problems for now former Steeler <span>Markus Wheaton</span>, along with a lengthy absence for veteran <span>Darrius Heyward-Bey.</span> </p>
<p id="Mw5PFT">Bryant’s suspension and the injury problems suffered by those who were supposed to be the next men up, led to a void in talent at the receiver position, a void that was filled by <span>Eli Rogers</span>, <span>Demarcus Ayers</span> and <span>Cobi Hamilton</span>.</p>
<p id="bsmkgk">This void in receiving talent (not to mention the season-long physical ailments suffered by newly-signed tight end <span>Ladarius Green</span>) didn’t do superstar receiver <span>Antonio Brown</span> any good, as he saw a reduction from the previous year in receptions (106 vs. 136) and yards (1,284 vs. 1834).</p>
<p id="vwiH9H">Despite quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/08/18/On-The-Steelers-30-points-per-game-may-be-both-a-goal-and-necessity/stories/201608180048">professing a desire for the team to score 30 points a game before the start of the season</a>, the actual number was just under 25; and by the playoffs, the Steelers passing game was a shell of what it perhaps could have been with optimal talent at the receiver position. </p>
<p id="5QOuSO">So, yes, there are many reasons why the Steelers selected JuJu Smith-Schuster in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. One of those reasons could be because he was just too good to pass up. Another may have to do with a lack of confidence in <span>Sammie Coates</span>. </p>
<p id="XGkgMK">But if I’m Martavis Bryant, I wouldn’t get too confident about my long-term future with the Steelers. </p>
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<p id="fSPOV8"> </p>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2017/4/30/15485348/there-are-many-reasons-the-steelers-drafted-juju-smith-schuster-and-martavis-bryant-is-one-of-themAnthony Defeo2017-04-29T11:45:01-04:002017-04-29T11:45:01-04:002017 NFL Draft Grades: Grading the Steelers Day 2 selections
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<p>Man, if you weren’t expecting these positions to get taken on Day 2, you may have been living under a rock. Find out what grades I gave them.</p> <p id="WssKX7">Day 2 of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> has concluded, so now it’s time to grade the selections based off where they were taken, and how they fit with the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. I’m actually quite happy with the results of Day 2, and they’ll show up in my grades.</p>
<h1 id="1TaoQQ">Round 2 — WR Juju Smith-Schuster</h1>
<p id="LpwW4E">Did we or did we not see Day 2 coming? The possibility of a WR being taken in the 2nd round was definitely possible; we just didn’t see it being Juju Smith from USC.</p>
<p id="NJIV6C">Juju was in the third round range on my board, and while it was reach in that sense, I did expect him to come off the board anywhere on Day 2. The fact the Steelers were the ones that took him though, a team that is great at developing young WRs, is very encouraging for Juju’s development as a WR.</p>
<p id="hExdhY">First off, Juju in a lot of ways reminds me of Michael Crabtree. He very much is a possession WR who runs decent routes. Where I really admire him though is his blocking prowess. He shows a lot of grit and fight with his blocks. </p>
<p id="9Sgk9n">The 20 year old WR has quite a high ceiling, and while I had him rated in the 3rd round, I really like this pick. He’s going to be in an environment where he can reach his full potential, and I bet Ben wants a new weapon in the redzone. </p>
<h3 id="VntyZe">Draft Grade: B-</h3>
<h1 id="ojcmUx">Round 3 (Comp. Pick) — RB James Conner</h1>
<p id="zTvqb6">The selection of James Conner was a long time coming. I couldn’t be happier about the pick because I’m a true believer that Conner was nowhere near what he once was in 2014. I also believe Conner can get back to that form and that is why there is a lot of upside with this pick.</p>
<p id="HRQXJJ">James Conner wrote in the <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/james-conner-pitt-letter-to-nfl-gms/">Players Tribune about himself as a football player and where he was last season:</a></p>
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<p id="j7KOC1">I was probably at about 60% going into last season. Now, I definitely got stronger and better with each game. But, yeah, that’s just real talk. Sixty percent. If that.</p>
<p id="W5tayl">First off: I’m 100% healthy. I have a clean scan showing I’m still cancer free. The knee injury I suffered a few years ago is fully healed, and I played the whole season on it without any pain. I don’t even think about it anymore. My endurance is all the way back, too. I feel good.</p>
<p id="gjit1S">All winter and spring, I trained hard to get back to the shape I was in during my All-America season. When I was doing my chemo treatments last year, I had to take some medications that resulted in my weight jumping all the way up to 260 pounds — I lost most of my muscle mass and gained a bunch of fat. I worked most of that off during the season, but when I started training for the combine, I was still at about 18% body fat.</p>
<p id="UdLbwG">I’m down to around 7% now.</p>
<p id="7fp52e">I’m quicker than I’ve ever been — just lighter on my feet. But, you know, I’m still <em>big</em>. Believe me. No one’s ever gonna be psyched about having to tackle me, bet that.</p>
<p id="0GU5Du">If you’re looking for a tough, hard-nosed back who wears down defenses, I’m your man.</p>
<p id="ZJG8vh">I know you guys love comps, so my favorite running back of all time is <span>Marshawn Lynch</span>, and that’s the best comparison I can give you. He’s always got such amazing willpower to go along with an “I’m not gonna be denied” mentality, and those are two things I bring to the table every time I suit up. I’m not going down on first contact. It’s just not gonna happen. I’m breaking tackles and fighting for extra yards every time I get the ball, just like Marshawn.</p>
<p id="cFu5vd">Just call me “Beast Mode 2.0.” (As long as that’s cool with Marshawn, of course.)</p>
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<p id="lCh1Wy">Maybe he wants to go by “Beast Mode” like his idol, Marshawn Lynch, but I think he’s more of a “Terminator” than anything. You just go back to that 2014 season and you’ll see exactly what I mean.</p>
<p id="GygW1Y">Conner back in 2014 was an absolute bull, but possessed much more agility than you’d think for someone so big. Even for being so big, you could see him sink his hips, make a cut and make someone miss. While he isn’t Le’Veon Bell laterally, he possess that patent stiff arm, truck and spin move. </p>
<p id="b96E21">Conner is a player who’s going to give 1000%, will play any position he’s asked and be a great teammate. He possess upside to reach his 2014 form, as he was nowhere near where he could have been last year.</p>
<p id="Voc53g">I had him rated 76th on my board and he was the top 3rd rounder on my board. This is tremendous value based off that, and I believe Conner is going to end up “Terminating” a lot of defenses when he gets on the field.</p>
<h3 id="2ghkf4">Draft Grade: B+</h3>
<h1 id="0Vuikw">Round 3 — DB Cameron Sutton</h1>
<p id="KNR28G">How many times did we have Cameron Sutton circled in with the Steelers third round pick? I could probably count on both hands the amount of times (exaggeration). Can’t be happier with the selection of Sutton.</p>
<p id="bHvJOU">Sutton possess such great scheme versatility as a CB that he’ll end up being an integral piece of this defense. He can play on both the outside, in the slot and can tackle well. He’s very fluid, has quick feet, good short area quickness and change of direction. Reminds me actually of a taller <span>Tavon Young</span> in a way.</p>
<p id="vuddN8">What impresses me about Sutton is his play recognition in zone and off coverage. He does a great job of baiting the QB and taking away the open throwing window. He also showed some position versatility at the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl">Senior Bowl</a> by playing safety.</p>
<p id="Sjw1cU">Also of note, Cameron Sutton is an excellent punt returner and averaged 14.3 yards per return, while also getting 3 touchdowns. This was an excellent pick because it filled a position of need and brings great versatility to the Steelers.</p>
<h3 id="NFunPe">Draft Grade: A-</h3>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2017/4/29/15484136/2017-nfl-draft-grades-grading-the-steelers-day-2-selections-james-conner-cameron-sutton-juju-smithNicholas.Martin2017-04-29T07:45:00-04:002017-04-29T07:45:00-04:002017 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Reaction: Round Three
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<p>The Steelers had two picks in the third round, thanks to a high compensatory pick, and they got themselves a pair of talented workhorses.</p> <p id="alfFMz">Once you get to the third round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, you are typically looking for guys who will be solid contributors, but it’s not heartbreaking if they never become starters. Sure, you aim for that, but regular field time is acceptable.</p>
<p id="xyrQ98">When the chatter about your third-round pick is that he could be a day-one starter? You party like it’s 1999.</p>
<p id="45Aux0">Yeah, there is little chance that the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>’ first third-round pick, cornerback Cameron Sutton from Tennessee, will knock <span>Ross Cockrell</span> out of the starting lineup in time for the season opener. He might not do it at all in 2017. But does he have that kind of talent?</p>
<p id="9SFnRF">Heck yeah.</p>
<p id="fa3VLq">While not as imposing as some other corners in this draft, at 5’-11” and 188 pounds, Sutton is a strong man-cover corner to complement 2016 first-round pick <span>Artie Burns</span> on the outside. He can play at the line or off it, thanks to great feet and fluid hips.</p>
<p id="U3wbm2">With a pedestrian 4.52 40-yard dash time, he does run the risk of losing contact with faster receivers. He is, however, a strong jumper, with a 34-inch vertical.</p>
<p id="tzC9iS">Finally, Sutton is a quality return man, with a career average of 14.9 yards per return and three touchdowns. Maybe, just maybe, this is finally the year someone is worthy of replacing <span>Antonio Brown</span> as the team’s punt returner.</p>
<p id="psqson">Bottom line: Sutton is going to push Ross Cockrell early, and has the talent and natural ability to end up as the team’s number-two corner.</p>
<p id="iFziYr">But wait there’s more.</p>
<p id="aOLrgI">Thanks to the NFL compensatory pick process, the Steelers had an extra third-round pick. With it, they chose running back James Conner of Pittsburgh.</p>
<p id="JFcDY8">Conner is one of the best feel-good stories in all of sports, coming back from <em>cancer</em> over the course of a single season. If the story ended there, it would already be fantastic, but Conner is a talented runner with excellent size. At 6’-1” and 233, his size and build is comparable to Le’Veon Bell, though their styles are significantly different. Conner is more of a straight-ahead runner, although he showed more moves in 2016 than he has in the past. That’s largely a result of how his body changed due to his fight with cancer, but also a testament to how he expanded his game in his final collegiate season. He also catches well out of the backfield and, like Bell, was used all over the formation. He is going to be an excellent change-up for Bell, and is good enough to carry the load should Bell miss time again in the future.</p>
<p id="NJYqVi">Through two days of the 2017 NFL Draft, the common trait among the Steelers’ picks is that they got some hard-working, technically solid players with a ton of upside.</p>
<p id="2bQusu">That’s a fine two days, in my book.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2017/4/29/15482062/2017-pittsburgh-steelers-draft-reaction-round-three-cameron-sutton-james-conner-analysis-breakdownmpfrazer2017-04-29T05:10:01-04:002017-04-29T05:10:01-04:00Twitter reactions to Steelers three Day 2 draft selections
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<figcaption>Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>See what players were saying about the Steelers taking JuJu Smith-Schuster in the 2nd round, Cameron Sutton and James Conner on Day 2 of the 2017 NFL Draft.</p> <p id="d6seuw">The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2017 NFL Draft</a> Day 2 is in the history books, and the Steelers had three picks starting with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the 2nd round of the selection process. Followed by two 3rd round picks. Cameron Sutton of Tennessee and James Conner of Pitt.</p>
<p id="KHrC0V">The selections didn’t take long to sink into the heart of Steelers Nation, and that includes the players Smith-Schuster, Sutton and Conner will now call teammates. </p>
<p id="700BX2">Check out what current, and former, players had to say about the selection, as well as welcoming him into the fold as the newest member of the black and gold!</p>
<p id="wnBOiF">(<em>Editor’s Note:</em> This story will be updated as more players take to social media.)</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/TEAM_JUJU9">@TEAM_JUJU9</a> welcome to the room!</p>— Sammie Coates (@sammiecoates11) <a href="https://twitter.com/sammiecoates11/status/858145162538758145">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We Live Out Here!!!!! Fam goin crazy! <a href="https://t.co/PBqxjcisaP">pic.twitter.com/PBqxjcisaP</a></p>— Juju Smith-Schuster (@TEAM_JUJU9) <a href="https://twitter.com/TEAM_JUJU9/status/858143885075243008">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let's get it <a href="https://twitter.com/TEAM_JUJU9">@TEAM_JUJU9</a> !!!</p>— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/_TJWatt/status/858142129553649664">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ready To Work!!!! <a href="https://t.co/8mmqY0MAdB">https://t.co/8mmqY0MAdB</a></p>— Juju Smith-Schuster (@TEAM_JUJU9) <a href="https://twitter.com/TEAM_JUJU9/status/858153018629382144">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Connor staying in Pittsburgh!!! </p>— MarkusWheaton (@twheat002) <a href="https://twitter.com/twheat002/status/858165240655204353">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another <a href="https://twitter.com/steeler">@Steeler</a>...plus he ain't gotta walk to far...open one door to the next...SOUTH SIDE...aka YINZER... <a href="https://t.co/7Pb93feq0e">https://t.co/7Pb93feq0e</a></p>— Ike Taylor (@Ike_SwagginU) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ike_SwagginU/status/858164483243560960">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heck yea! I think I found my day one! Welcome, come across to the other side! <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesConner_">@JamesConner_</a> <a href="https://t.co/BBNefKpQNx">pic.twitter.com/BBNefKpQNx</a></p>— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) <a href="https://twitter.com/CamHeyward/status/858163063039643654">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You know what it is. Sutton to The Steel City❗️<a href="https://twitter.com/CamSutton23">@CamSutton23</a> selected 94th overall by the <a href="https://twitter.com/steelers">@steelers</a> in the 2017 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash">#NFLDraft</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HereWeGo?src=hash">#HereWeGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxjaV6V6JQ">pic.twitter.com/DxjaV6V6JQ</a></p>— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Football/status/858155603012833280">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Love our picks </p>— Antonio Brown (@AntonioBrown) <a href="https://twitter.com/AntonioBrown/status/858167775046631424">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">My guy <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesConner_">@JamesConner_</a> congratulations bro best draft pick of the draft right there. God is Good</p>— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) <a href="https://twitter.com/TG3II/status/858164260609810432">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Staying in Pittsburgh!<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/steelers">@Steelers</a> select <a href="https://twitter.com/Pitt_FB">@Pitt_FB</a> RB <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesConner_">@JamesConner_</a> with the 105th overall pick!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash">#NFLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/mZjqXvJrGC">pic.twitter.com/mZjqXvJrGC</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/858163421174300672">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a great story <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesConner_">@JamesConner_</a> ! Great move by the <a href="https://twitter.com/steelers">@steelers</a> keeping this kid around! Congrats my man</p>— Bruce Gradkowski (@bgradkowski5) <a href="https://twitter.com/bgradkowski5/status/858170197169065984">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesConner_">@JamesConner_</a>, this has the makings of a movie.</p>— Brett Keisel (@bkeisel99) <a href="https://twitter.com/bkeisel99/status/858169870315376640">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TFW you're James Conner and you just got drafted by the Steelers <a href="https://t.co/t6uP1fdfWr">pic.twitter.com/t6uP1fdfWr</a></p>— eau erman (@BeauWTAE) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeauWTAE/status/858165696538267648">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p id="8Mzvdn"></p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2017/4/29/15481544/2017-nfl-draft-twitter-reactions-to-steelers-three-day-2-draft-selections-usc-tennessee-pittJeff.Hartman2017-04-29T00:26:49-04:002017-04-29T00:26:49-04:00Watch James Conner’s incredible reaction to being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers
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<img alt="Pittsburgh v Clemson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p3J6BKWRgCaWIKUws5keu_YJo10=/0x510:2640x2270/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54526987/622873618.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>You know the back story, but the true emotion shown when hearing the Steelers drafted James Conner is undeniable.</p> <p id="Caeu1i">If you follow Pittsburgh sports, you know James Conner’s story. Dominant running back who injures knee, only to find he has cancer. Comes back from cancer to be drafted by the team who shares a headquarters with the University of Pittsburgh. </p>
<p id="4KGAYa">Yeah, if Disney isn’t listening to this movie pitch — they should be.</p>
<p id="Pk290m">After the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> made James Conner their third round compensatory draft pick in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2017 NFL Draft</a>, Conner was beyond ecstatic. </p>
<p id="mLiU1L">Don’t believe me? Take a look at the video of Conner hearing his name called while being surrounded by family and friends.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TFW you're James Conner and you just got drafted by the Steelers <a href="https://t.co/t6uP1fdfWr">pic.twitter.com/t6uP1fdfWr</a></p>— eau erman (@BeauWTAE) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeauWTAE/status/858165696538267648">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p id="Z6cGBu">What might be even better is the conversation head coach Mike Tomlin has with Conner, who he knows closely from his time at Pitt, when the team called him to tell him they were making him their compensatory pick in the third round.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That phone call though... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteelersDraft?src=hash">#SteelersDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ck4VhDo2s2">pic.twitter.com/Ck4VhDo2s2</a></p>— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) <a href="https://twitter.com/steelers/status/858170411753799680">April 29, 2017</a>
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<p id="JCnrUc">Needless to say, it seems Conner is unbelievably excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and the Steelers are ridiculously pumped to have him a member of their organization.</p>
<p id="JcSs8T">#HereWeGo </p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2017/4/29/15482462/watch-james-conners-incredible-reaction-to-being-drafted-by-the-pittsburgh-steelers-pittJeff.Hartman2017-04-28T23:41:56-04:002017-04-28T23:41:56-04:002017 NFL Draft Results: Pittsburgh Steelers select RB James Conner with compensatory 3rd round pick
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<figcaption>Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected RB James Conner with their compensatory third round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.</p> <p id="nDm0cs">Entering the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2017 NFL Draft</a>, the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> had a number of draft needs which they needed to address. Outside linebacker, cornerback, safety, defensive line, running back, wide receiver and even quarterback were positions of need to help the black and gold get to the next level in 2017. There have been numerous thoughts and debates regarding what the team will do with the 30th overall draft pick, and the debate is finally over.</p>
<p id="v83EVE">The Steelers have selected RB James Conner with their third round compensatory draft pick.</p>
<p id="rJyvDq">Everyone knows Conner’s story. All-ACC running back who tears up his knee, only to find out he has leukemia. He battles, and beats, cancer, only to come back more determined and stronger than ever.</p>
<p id="3XDgFt">Don’t kid yourself, this is not a feel-good story draft pick. NFL teams don’t spend 3rd round draft picks on feel-good stories. No, Conner is a RB the team targeted, and liked. He will be a great complimentary back to Le’Veon Bell.</p>
<p id="FjhiEU">The Pittsburgh Steelers' draft needs in the remaining rounds of the draft now would be considered: Tight end, defensive line and potentially a quarterback, the foremost mentioned of the two being the primary concerned. </p>
<p id="rbtJep">Stay tuned to BTSC for further news, updates and information regarding not just the team’s first round pick, but all 8 picks throughout the 7-round selection process.</p>
<p id="SpFqr3">What do you think of the James Conner draft pick? Let us know by voting in the poll below!</p>
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<aside id="NnXpwI"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"2017 NFL Draft live results","url":"http://www.sbnation.com/a/nfl-draft-2017-live-picks-results"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2017/4/28/15438636/2017-nfl-draft-results-pittsburgh-steelers-select-rb-james-conner-with-3rd-round-pick-pittJeff.Hartman2017-04-28T22:22:53-04:002017-04-28T22:22:53-04:002017 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Reaction: JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC
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<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It may or may not be a position of need, depending who you ask, but one thing is undeniable: the Steelers got a very good receiver when they selected USC’s JuJu Smith-Schuster in the second round.</p> <p id="Y3YHLL">The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>’ first two picks of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2017 NFL Draft</a> created some instantly memorable matchups on their schedule this season. The first, of course, is first-round pick T.J. Watt’s matchup against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> and his big brother, <span>J.J. Watt</span>.</p>
<p id="jhVvcb">The second is more subtle, but a lot more entertaining: new Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster potentially lining up across from HaHa Clinton-Dix.</p>
<p id="ZFSQ5b">You can’t make this stuff up.</p>
<p id="w7Dci7">Names aside, though, what jumps out about this pick is how unexpected it was. With needs at corner, safety and tight end, the Steelers instead went for security at wide receiver, where they already have <span>Antonio Brown</span>, <span>Sammie Coates</span> and <span>Eli Rogers</span>, and <em>might</em> have <span>Martavis Bryant</span>, if he can keep his nose clean going forward.</p>
<p id="g5TB2I">On the surface, it’s a crowded lot. So much for anyone trying to make it into receivers coach Richard Mann’s position meetings as an undrafted free agent.</p>
<p id="ix8jKb">But the need at receiver was a little bigger than it may have looked, based on sheer numbers. Coates suffered what turned out to be a significant injury to his hand last season, and his production didn’t just drop, it plummeted halfway through the Earth’s mantle. Despite surgery to repair it, there is no guarantee he returns well. As for Bryant, he’s one more slip-up away from a multi-year ban from the league.</p>
<p id="eY4T2X">And let’s not forget: depth at cornerback and safety is great in this draft. Depth at wide receiver, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as good as we get deeper into this draft. Given all that, the Smith-Schuster pick makes a whole lot more sense.</p>
<p id="gHt5EL">And it’s not like they picked up some scrub. Smith-Schuster lacks deep-threat speed, but he uses his size exceedingly well to shield defenders and give him a clear shot at the ball. With long arms, combined with his 6’-1” height, he has tremendous length, too, which works if you are a true hands catcher, which Smith-Schuster absolutely is. Rarely do you <em>ever</em> see the ball get into his body. He has tremendous body control in the air, and gets his head around to see the catch into his hands. If he was a little faster, he may have been a first-round pick.</p>
<p id="jfHQQf">The bottom line with Smith-Schuster is that the Steelers got themselves a blue-collar, technical receiver with a good head on his shoulders, who could very well push <span>Sammie Coates</span> out the door after a single year. At best, Coates finds himself at the bottom of the depth chart. All of the biggest complaints about Coates — catches with his body, mental lapses — are addressed by Smith-Schuster. And, while he’s not going to replace Bryant, he is solid insurance in case Bryant can’t figure out how to adult. The best-case scenario would be one where Brown and Bryant were the long-term starters, with Smith-Schuster and Coates making each other better through competition for playing time.</p>
<p id="rcPcDN">On many levels, this feels like an unnecessary luxury pick. But, given Coates’ injury and Bryant’s history, it’s not that much of a stretch to call this a need pick. And, considering they picked a true technician of a wide receiver in Smith-Schuster, they at least got the best option available. Maybe the best <em>player</em> available at pick number 62, but that’s debatable. In the end, it’s a moot point. The Steelers got a very talented player, despite the need being questionable.</p>
<p id="z8oFRH">And at least that November 26th prime-time matchup with the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> will have an entertaining story line.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017-nfl-mock-drafts-profiles-video-clips-highlights-steelers-analysis-breakdowns-news/2017/4/28/15481068/2017-pittsburgh-steelers-draft-reaction-juju-smith-schuster-usc-wide-receivermpfrazer