NFL Mock Draft: Steelers Select Tight End In Round One

[Shoes]

BY ALEX KOZORA (http://www.steelersdepot.com/author/alex-kozora/) DECEMBER 16, 2017 AT 07:30 AM
Though the Pittsburgh Steelers still have their full attention on the rest of the season, Mock Draft season is beginning to heat up. The last one we looked at had the team taking a cornerback. DraftTek.com (http://drafttek.com/) went in a different direction, having the Steelers select (https://www.drafttek.com/2018-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1b.asp) Oklahoma TE Mark Andrewswith the 32nd pick in their latest version.
Here’s what they have to say.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/12/nfl-mock-draft-steelers-select-tight-end-round-one/

[DesertSteel]

You know... so much of the first part of the draft depends on what Ben does. If he commits early in the offseason, I can see them taking a TE. Without Ben, no way do they take a TE. I think they either go QB or defense in that scenario. I am, however, optimistic that Ben returns for a couple more years.

[Mojouw]

Inside linebacker

[Shoes]

Inside linebacker

Booo! :chuckle:

[Born2Steel]

BPA. PERIOD.

[Mojouw]

Booo! :chuckle:

I know! I promised!

But an ILB cohort of VW/Spence/Matakevich/Fort is just so ugly that I have myself talked into a later round TE and a resigned Vance "Glass Joints" McDonald!

[st33lersguy]

TE would be a good option in round 1 as would S and ILB. They should also think about drafting Ben's replacement

[Steeldude]

Do the Steelers need to draft anyone? They are 11-2 so no need, right? Isn't that the logic used by some on here? : )

That being said...

BPA - OLB, ILB, CB, S, TE

[Born2Steel]

Draft Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

[teegre]

Draft Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSLlZh9yelk&app=desktop

[BlackAndGold]

Do the Steelers need to draft anyone? They are 11-2 so no need, right? Isn't that the logic used by some on here? : )

That being said...

BPA - OLB, ILB, CB, S, TE

James Harrison may not play tomorrow.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Draft Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Nah, just pick up Johnny football off waivers and save the pick.

[st33lersguy]

Nah, just pick up Johnny football off waivers and save the pick.

Yeah not much difference. About same size, same success in a gimmick offense, same off-field issues.

[Mojouw]

Yeah not much difference. About size, same success in a gimmick offense, same off-field issues.

Is Mayfield a completely non-functional alcoholic?


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[st33lersguy]

Is Mayfield a completely non-functional alcoholic?


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Like Johnny Partyball, has his character been called into questions numerous times?

[steelreserve]

Seems like this would be the year to draft a QB if we're ever going to. Most years there are like 1 or 2 good ones and you have to use three first-round picks to get one, unless you were the worst team in the league. This year there are 5 or 6 and we might actually get one at like pick #15 or 20. Fuck drafting a linebacker, that can wait until the next round, and TE can wait until next season or just sign one.

[Mojouw]

Like Johnny Partyball, has his character been called into questions numerous times?

I have no idea? That's why I was asking. Character concerns sometimes just mean immature dipshit. They don't always mean fall-down drunk.

Either way, I couldn't care because I think Baker Mayfield is about as over-rated and unlikely to succeed in the pros as they come.

[Neversatisfied]

Seems like this would be the year to draft a QB if we're ever going to. Most years there are like 1 or 2 good ones and you have to use three first-round picks to get one, unless you were the worst team in the league. This year there are 5 or 6 and we might actually get one at like pick #15 or 20. Fuck drafting a linebacker, that can wait until the next round, and TE can wait until next season or just sign one.

Agree 100%, Ben considered retirement last off-season and will most likely consider or retire this off-season. Draft a LB in the later rounds or the following year. The number of promising QBs in the 2018 draft is plentiful. Stop dicking around already, it's time

[BlackAndGold]

I definitely see them taking a TE. Specifically one that plays in PA. Penn State, TE, Mike Gesicki.

I've only seen them have interest in Josh Allen when it comes to QB's, he goes top 10 from reports.

[Born2Steel]

Baker Mayfield will not fall to 32 anyway, so not a very serious suggestion. However, if he did happen to fall to us, I would draft him without a second thought as of today. Mayfield has a carried a completion rate at Oklahoma of 68.1% as a sophomore, 70.9% as a junior, and 71% as a senior. His yards per attempt for those 3 seasons are all over 10yards. With 36, 40, and 41 TDs per season respectively, and single digit INTs. He has escapability, pocket awareness, can make all the throws, and for every story about him being too flamboyant and cocky, there are stories like this one. I hope you take the time to read it.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/the-dichotomy-of-humble-flamboyant-oklahoma-star-quarterback-baker-mayfield/

or this one.
https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/Bolt/Oklahoma-Sooners-Heisman-QB-Baker-Mayfield-on-what-hed-say-to-haters-112023816

[SteelerFanInStl]

Inside linebacker

Yes. Unless if Ben retires, I don't see a reason to take offense over defense.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Baker Mayfield will not fall to 32 anyway, so not a very serious suggestion. However, if he did happen to fall to us, I would draft him without a second thought as of today. Mayfield has a carried a completion rate at Oklahoma of 68.1% as a sophomore, 70.9% as a junior, and 71% as a senior. His yards per attempt for those 3 seasons are all over 10yards. With 36, 40, and 41 TDs per season respectively, and single digit INTs. He has escapability, pocket awareness, can make all the throws, and for every story about him being too flamboyant and cocky, there are stories like this one. I hope you take the time to read it.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/the-dichotomy-of-humble-flamboyant-oklahoma-star-quarterback-baker-mayfield/

or this one.
https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/Bolt/Oklahoma-Sooners-Heisman-QB-Baker-Mayfield-on-what-hed-say-to-haters-112023816

Are you a fan of Mayfield, of Oklahoma or have some tie??

I am just curious to know your point of view, as many had him preseason as a 4th-6th round prospect, yet you believe he will go in the top 25. Despite being a finalist for the Heisman in multiple seasons and all the stats that can be quoted....he just doesn't have the skillset as a starting NFL QB. Somebody will likely take him in the 2nd or even later in the 1st and he will be in the NFL for a long time, but as a #2 or #3 QB.

[Mojouw]

Are you a fan of Mayfield, of Oklahoma or have some tie??

I am just curious to know your point of view, as many had him preseason as a 4th-6th round prospect, yet you believe he will go in the top 25. Despite being a finalist for the Heisman in multiple seasons and all the stats that can be quoted....he just doesn't have the skillset as a starting NFL QB. Somebody will likely take him in the 2nd or even later in the 1st and he will be in the NFL for a long time, but as a #2 or #3 QB.

Truth.


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[Shoes]

Are you a fan of Mayfield, of Oklahoma or have some tie??

I am just curious to know your point of view, as many had him preseason as a 4th-6th round prospect, yet you believe he will go in the top 25. Despite being a finalist for the Heisman in multiple seasons and all the stats that can be quoted....he just doesn't have the skillset as a starting NFL QB. Somebody will likely take him in the 2nd or even later in the 1st and he will be in the NFL for a long time, but as a #2 or #3 QB.

Then surely the Browns will take him as the first pick of the 2018 draft. :chuckle:

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Todd McShay had Mayfield ranked as his #9 QB in the summer of 2017, while Tony Pauline had him as a 5th round prospect. I just see his lack of good footwork and balanced base as being a major struggle to overcome in order to be a NFL pocket passer. He often throws with just arm, because his feet are set in another direction and those kind of throws work in college, but get picked off in the NFL.

When Mayfield does get his feet set and throws in rythmn, he is strong and accurate, but I see too much to work on in order to make him a 1st round pick, as he doesn't have the typical size, arm talent and upside that makes teams take a risk on a guy like that. Also, when a guy gets busted and then tries to run from the cops, it doesn't show good decision making. Add on several bad decisions this season and I think he is more of a liability. I personally think Lamar Jackson has better upside than Mayfield.

- - - Updated - - -


Then surely the Browns will take him as the first pick of the 2018 draft. :chuckle:

They might even trade back to pass on Rosen, Darnold, Allen and then trade back in position to select Mayfield. It will be Brownesque.

[Mojouw]

Todd McShay had Mayfield ranked as his #9 QB in the summer of 2017, while Tony Pauline had him as a 5th round prospect. I just see his lack of good footwork and balanced base as being a major struggle to overcome in order to be a NFL pocket passer. He often throws with just arm, because his feet are set in another direction and those kind of throws work in college, but get picked off in the NFL.

When Mayfield does get his feet set and throws in rythmn, he is strong and accurate, but I see too much to work on in order to make him a 1st round pick, as he doesn't have the typical size, arm talent and upside that makes teams take a risk on a guy like that. Also, when a guy gets busted and then tries to run from the cops, it doesn't show good decision making. Add on several bad decisions this season and I think he is more of a liability. I personally think Lamar Jackson has better upside than Mayfield.

- - - Updated - - -



They might even trade back to pass on Rosen, Darnold, Allen and then trade back in position to select Mayfield. It will be Brownesque.

Exactly. Russell Wilson is undersized but his footwork and movement has always been great. Mayfield looks like he just flings stuff.


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[Steeldude]

James Harrison may not play tomorrow.

No surprise there. Keep your best pass rusher on the bench when playing Brady is a stellar idea.

[BlackAndGold]

No surprise there. Keep your best pass rusher on the bench when playing Brady is a stellar idea.

JH has 1 career sack on Brady(same as Dupree).

I expect Watt, and Dupree to be dropping in coverage quite a bit today.

[Steeldude]

JH has 1 career sack on Brady(same as Dupree).

I expect Watt, and Dupree to be dropping in coverage quite a bit today.

That still doesn't mean it's smart to bench your best pass rusher for the entire game.

If they are dropping into coverage all day then it will be a long day. Brady loves sitting back taking apart the Steelers' defense.

[teegre]

James Harrison may not play tomorrow.

Why?... why would you open this can of worms??? Now, it’s going to be three pages of complaining. :doh:

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

As for the TE mock, I just don't see it unless somebody blows up at the combine or workouts. this year TE crop doesn't look as deep as last year, with Howard, Njoku, Engram, etc. Looks like you can get a lot of the same type player in rounds 2-4 at the TE spot, IMO. Gisecki from Penn St or Fumigali from Wisconsin are just as good IMO.

Look for ILB, Safety and maybe QB as priorities in the draft, but I do agree that TE should be addressed in the first 3 rounds. Kind of like I thought they should have picked one in the 4th round last year.

[teegre]

rounds 2

Fumigali from Wisconsin

:nod:

[teegre]

The Steelers scouts were in attendance at Marshall’s bowl game, watching Chase Litton (QB) go through his warmups.

(They were the only team whose scouts were watching the warmups, but other scouts may have been in attendance.)

[BlackAndGold]

The Steelers scouts were in attendance at Marshall’s bowl game, watching Chase Litton (QB) go through his warmups.

(They were the only team whose scouts were watching the warmups, but other scouts may have been in attendance.)

I know nothing about him, but listed at 6'6", read he has a strong arm.

Walterfootball has this to say.


Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
12/14/17: Litton has completed 61 percent of his passes this season for 2,853 yards with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In speaking with team evaluators, Litton is a love/hate prospect, depending on whom you ask.

7/17/17: Litton has played well over his first two seasons in college football. As a sophomore, he completed 62 percent of his pass for 2,612 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The freshman completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,605 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions the year before. Litton is a tall quarterback who could use more weight on his frame.


If he enters the draft he could be a late round project. (I don't see them taking a QB high in the draft if Ben returns)

[teegre]

I know nothing about him, but listed at 6'6", read he has a strong arm.

Walterfootball has this to say.


If he enters the draft he could be a late round project. (I don't see them taking a QB high in the draft if Ben returns)

Similarly, they also looked at Kyle Lualetta (QB, Richmond).

[pczach]

As for the TE mock, I just don't see it unless somebody blows up at the combine or workouts. this year TE crop doesn't look as deep as last year, with Howard, Njoku, Engram, etc. Looks like you can get a lot of the same type player in rounds 2-4 at the TE spot, IMO. Gisecki from Penn St or Fumigali from Wisconsin are just as good IMO.

Look for ILB, Safety and maybe QB as priorities in the draft, but I do agree that TE should be addressed in the first 3 rounds. Kind of like I thought they should have picked one in the 4th round last year.


Fumagali is a terrific three down TE that can do it all. He has great hands, toughness, and a willingness to block and block well. He has good athleticism and is a very good prospect that should make a team happy for a long time. He's a great college player that is a very safe pick to be a very good NFL TE for a long time. He does have Steeler TE written all over him.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij-aatDdBpQ

Gisecki is a phenomenal athlete with a ridiculous vertical jump and great hands that can be a big play TE in the NFL. He is everything you want from a production/potential standpoint, but he needs to develop as a blocker. He doesn't show the willingness to get physical at the point of attack. If he can improve his blocking, he's a homerun. I just have my doubts about him being an inline blocker. If someone can reach him and he learns to play nasty an embraces the physical aspects of the position, he will be an impact TE at the NFL level.

You just can't teach this kind of athleticism.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMJosi5EBHk



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UDZ8AxttJI

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

:nod: I'm with ya.

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Fumagali is a terrific three down TE that can do it all. He has great hands, toughness, and a willingness to block and block well. He has good athleticism and is a very good prospect that should make a team happy for a long time. He's a great college player that is a very safe pick to be a very good NFL TE for a long time. He does have Steeler TE written all over him.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij-aatDdBpQ

Gisecki is a phenomenal athlete with a ridiculous vertical jump and great hands that can be a big play TE in the NFL. He is everything you want from a production/potential standpoint, but he needs to develop as a blocker. He doesn't show the willingness to get physical at the point of attack. If he can improve his blocking, he's a homerun. I just have my doubts about him being an inline blocker. If someone can reach him and he learns to play nasty an embraces the physical aspects of the position, he will be an impact TE at the NFL level.

You just can't teach this kind of athleticism.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMJosi5EBHk



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UDZ8AxttJI

Yup, I know Gisecki needs blocking work, but so does Andrews and Gisecki is a freakish leaper with big catch radius. So we just named 3 guys that would be good TE prospects, but neither is a polished product, so why not wait until the 2nd round and any one of them would be there? Unless you fall in love with one and then I am good with trading up day 2 to get him if needed.

[Born2Steel]

Are you a fan of Mayfield, of Oklahoma or have some tie??

I am just curious to know your point of view, as many had him preseason as a 4th-6th round prospect, yet you believe he will go in the top 25. Despite being a finalist for the Heisman in multiple seasons and all the stats that can be quoted....he just doesn't have the skillset as a starting NFL QB. Somebody will likely take him in the 2nd or even later in the 1st and he will be in the NFL for a long time, but as a #2 or #3 QB.

I do not have any ties to Oklahoma. I'm not a member of the Baker Mayfield fan club. AND, I truly believe he will not be there when we make our 1st round draft pick. SO, this is really a moot discussion, and i said as much before. Please read my entire posts.

I gave my point of view on why I(that's me personally, not McShay or Kiper, or anyone else) would select Baker Mayfield if he were available when we make our 1st round selection. In fact, this is "quote" is from you "quoting" the very post in which I laid out my viewpoint. Please read that.

What this comes down to, and it's very much NOT an exact science, is YOU don't like Mayfield's "skillset". I do. I guess time will tell out in the end. No need to argue now, or throw out belittling remarks over opinion.

[Shoes]

Fumagali is a terrific three down TE that can do it all. He has great hands, toughness, and a willingness to block and block well. He has good athleticism and is a very good prospect that should make a team happy for a long time. He's a great college player that is a very safe pick to be a very good NFL TE for a long time. He does have Steeler TE written all over him.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij-aatDdBpQ

Gisecki is a phenomenal athlete with a ridiculous vertical jump and great hands that can be a big play TE in the NFL. He is everything you want from a production/potential standpoint, but he needs to develop as a blocker. He doesn't show the willingness to get physical at the point of attack. If he can improve his blocking, he's a homerun. I just have my doubts about him being an inline blocker. If someone can reach him and he learns to play nasty an embraces the physical aspects of the position, he will be an impact TE at the NFL level.

You just can't teach this kind of athleticism.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMJosi5EBHk



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UDZ8AxttJI


I'd be fine with this! :chuckle:

[Born2Steel]

Exactly. Russell Wilson is undersized but his footwork and movement has always been great. Mayfield looks like he just flings stuff.


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Mayfield has completed 71% of his passes for 2 consecutive seasons, and had 68% the season before that. His yards per attempt while at OK was close to 10.7 with his adjusted yards per attempt at 12, and over those 3 seasons, has a total of 20 INTs(That is total). Accuracy and arm strength are 2 of the 3 mechanics that cannot be taught. IF he has bad footwork(I don't think he does), that is the fixable mechanic. As for his head, there are articles to find and read that show a good person off the field as well. I have been following college QBs closely this season, watching games, film highlights, keeping up with stats, and reading the post game summaries. This kid impresses me. That's all I have about Baker Mayfield. All I ask is go look for yourself.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I do not have any ties to Oklahoma. I'm not a member of the Baker Mayfield fan club. AND, I truly believe he will not be there when we make our 1st round draft pick. SO, this is really a moot discussion, and i said as much before. Please read my entire posts.

I gave my point of view on why I(that's me personally, not McShay or Kiper, or anyone else) would select Baker Mayfield if he were available when we make our 1st round selection. In fact, this is "quote" is from you "quoting" the very post in which I laid out my viewpoint. Please read that.

What this comes down to, and it's very much NOT an exact science, is YOU don't like Mayfield's "skillset". I do. I guess time will tell out in the end. No need to argue now, or throw out belittling remarks over opinion.

I didn't throw out any belitting remarks or argue, I honestly wanted to know if you had some reason as a fan to like Mayfield. That is why I was seeking clarification.

You are correct that its all opinion and I base my opinion upon my years as a fan and as a guy that has coached youth and highschool football. I have seen good QB coaches, coached with some, attended coaching clinics where some have presented and understand some of the traits required. I just see more of a Heisman let down at the next level like Manziel, Weurffel, White, etc with Mayfield and its based upon mechanics, decision making and attitude. Time will tell, but I hope he doesn't end up a Steeler.

[Buckinnuts]

ilb , safety then mason rudolph then wideout

[Born2Steel]

At the risk of sounding like an Okie here, (I am definitely not an Okie) the only way I see the Steelers taking a TE in the 1st round is if Mark Andrews falls to our pick.

I'm seeing most of the early mocks have the Steelers taking the Bama safety. Not many TEs or ILBs grading out as 1st rounders at this time, I'm sure that will change in the coming months. This draft is starting to look strong at the Oline positions though.