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View Full Version : Ed: Most Draft Picks, if not all, Will Make it



stillers4me
08-06-2011, 09:21 AM
Here's my first sleeper of training camp after the first week plus one of practices – rookie guard Keith Williams. He was the Steelers' sixth-round draft pick from Nebraska and he's as tough and mean as they come, some vets have told me. They have compared him to Chris Kemoeatu in on-field temperament. Williams did not have a particularly good night on one block in the Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe High School Stadium, but that practice is way overanalyzed because the stands are packed and many in the media treat it as though it were a preseason game. Oh, the Tweets that were flying out of that stadium last night. You'd have thought it was Steelers-Ravens. It's just another practice. Coach Mike Tomlin did not even order a goalline drill.

That said, I can see all seven draft picks making this team. Barron Batch, their seventh-round pick, should already have it made. You've seen my four picks at running back, which is easy – Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Mewelde Moore and Batch, from Texas Tech.........

Read more @ http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=111093

Shoes
08-06-2011, 09:41 AM
Sounds good .....I also like the mention of undrafted rookies, tight end Weslye Saunders, wide receiver Eric Greenwood.

TMC
08-06-2011, 09:58 AM
To be honest, one of the reasons some of these guys will make it is they were drafted to fill holes and those holes were not filled with veterans. Think of it this way, Chris Carter is the 4th OLB. Last year, that was Thad Gibson, but they released him and kept 5 ILBs. Kenyaron Fox left via free agency and they can now fill that 4 OLB spot. All Carter has to do is not completely suck. I mean, do not get me wrong, I really like Chris Carter, but he is being challenged by guys like Chris Ellis and Baraka Atkins. From a physical standpoint, they cannot carry his jock. He needs to develop functional strength, but his explosion off the ball and ability to turn the corner is elite.

As for Baron Batch, he has been a pleasant surprise, but all he has to beat out is Dwyer and Clay. At this point, Dwyer is playing his way off the team with NO competition. I am not a fan of Clay either because he is so limited. It is almost a gimme.

We have 3 corners locked in now, they are Ike, McFadden, and Gay. The last two, possibly three spots, will go to the young guys. I can see them keeping 6 with Lewis being the odd man out.

They won't cut first and second round picks. The big question is Keith Williams and if he shows enough to unseat someone else. The thing is, Chris Scott can play any position on the line, so he could be your swing tackle. That means, on the inside, you keep Pounce, Kemo, Foster, Legs, and Williams. At tackle, you have Scott, Colon, Gilbert, and Scott.

The problem I see, we just do not have real quality depth at some of the positions where the picks were made, making it a little easier for them to make the squad.

Psycho Ward 86
08-06-2011, 10:49 AM
Chris Carter is the one im going to be keeping my eye on. Just regarding the quality of the BPA, Carter was my favorite pick this year

LLT
08-06-2011, 11:24 AM
Sounds good .....I also like the mention of undrafted rookies, tight end Weslye Saunders, wide receiver Eric Greenwood.

Before all is said and done...I think we are going to hear good things about the potential of Anthony Gray and Mario Harvey. If Saunders/Gray/Harvey go to the PS...they will be picked up in about 5 seconds.

My prediction is that Saunders makes the team as the #2 TE...Harvey make the team as a STer...and we take a loss on Gray when he is picked up off our practice squad.

steelerfan
08-06-2011, 11:30 AM
Before all is said and done...I think we are going to hear good things about the potential of Anthony Gray and Mario Harvey. If Saunders/Gray/Harvey go to the PS...they will be picked up in about 5 seconds.

My prediction is that Saunders makes the team as the #2 TE...Harvey make the team as a STer...and we take a loss on Gray when he is picked up off our practice squad.



I agree with you on Saunders. I just keep hearing good things about how aggressive he is on Blocking. And we know he can catch the ball. As for the others being signed off our PS in 5 seconds, well, maybe but highly doubtful. Cause once signed away, those teams HAVE to keep them on their active roster for the entire season. And not too many teams can do that. I love what I am hearing about Gray as well. He MIGHT be a risk to place on the PS since so many teams are switching to a 3-4 defense, and need NT's. I think Harvey can stay on the PS a year safely.


But I really wanna see what Saunders, Gray,,and especially WR Wes Lyons can do in the first couple of pre-season games. I hope they all get alot of game action.

LLT
08-06-2011, 11:40 AM
I agree with you on Saunders. I just keep hearing good things about how aggressive he is on Blocking. And we know he can catch the ball. As for the others being signed off our PS in 5 seconds, well, maybe but highly doubtful. Cause once signed away, those teams HAVE to keep them on their active roster for the entire season. And not too many teams can do that. I love what I am hearing about Gray as well. He MIGHT be a risk to place on the PS since so many teams are switching to a 3-4 defense, and need NT's. I think Harvey can stay on the PS a year safely.


But I really wanna see what Saunders, Gray,,and especially WR Wes Lyons can do in the first couple of pre-season games. I hope they all get alot of game action.

Look for Eric Greenwood to go to the PS....

Harvey can play also play Linebacker in a 4-3, and since he could end up being a special teams demon...there will be some team out there with a older veteran linebacker that has little depth behind him. They will be licking their chops to sign someone who can contribute immediately on ST and provide depth.

Shoes
08-06-2011, 11:45 AM
>snip<

Look for Eric Greenwood to go to the PS....

I'd be happy with that.....I really like this kid.

The Duke
08-06-2011, 11:52 AM
What are the chances we stick with 7 dlinemen? If Gray shows enough I don't think it's unlikely

That's one guy I'll be keeping my eye on next friday. Everything I've heard so far is positive

LLT
08-06-2011, 12:08 PM
What are the chances we stick with 7 dlinemen? If Gray shows enough I don't think it's unlikely

That's one guy I'll be keeping my eye on next friday. Everything I've heard so far is positive

People are going to hate me for this...but I wouldnt be surprised if the FO decided to let Aaron Smith go either this year or next year. Might be unlikely this year but not out of the question. That would put Heyward and Harris as backups to Hood and Keisel....but dont forget that Hoke has the ability (and history) to rotate in at Left Defensive End

7willBheaven
08-06-2011, 12:16 PM
Glad I'm hearing good things about the rookies. There could be some interesting battles on the OL, CB, and LB spots...do they keep an extra guy at one of these spots and say cut someone like Battle? Or what...cant wait to see.

Also all of you talking about Gray...i havent heard one thing about him since camp has started...where are you guys seeing all this good stuff about him?

TMC
08-06-2011, 12:22 PM
Before all is said and done...I think we are going to hear good things about the potential of Anthony Gray and Mario Harvey. If Saunders/Gray/Harvey go to the PS...they will be picked up in about 5 seconds.

My prediction is that Saunders makes the team as the #2 TE...Harvey make the team as a STer...and we take a loss on Gray when he is picked up off our practice squad.

I think the Steelers go with 4 RBs with David Johnson working your TE/HB role. With that said, the TEs will probably be Miller, Saunders, and I get the feeling McCoy might surprise. They could look at a veteran TE once teams start cutting because I do not have a good feeling about Gilmore. He is said to be a great blocker, but reports are, he is behind other guys in that area.

I think Gray is the 7th DL kept. They kept 10 DBs, 9 LBs, and 6 DL. They normally go 7 DL and 8 LBs. I think they go back to that IF Gray keeps impressing.

I do not think Mario Harvey makes the roster. In watching film on him, he gets swallowed up so much and cannot get off blocks well enough. He is a good special teamer, but how many can you keep at the expense of potential position guys? He won't beat out Battle and he is really not a gunner. He is an inside guy that comes down the middle in coverage. I just do not know if you pull a Patrick Bailey and keep him.


As for the others being signed off our PS in 5 seconds, well, maybe but highly doubtful. Cause once signed away, those teams HAVE to keep them on their active roster for the entire season.

Actually, they don't. If a practice squad player is signed during the season, he cannot be signed the week prior to playing your opponent and has to be kept on your roster for 3 weeks. But, these players would be cut, hit waivers for 24 hours (if claimed, they can be cut at any time). If they clear waivers, they are free to sign to any practice squad they choose. They do not have to come back to the Steelers.

The Duke
08-06-2011, 12:31 PM
People are going to hate me for this...but I wouldnt be surprised if the FO decided to let Aaron Smith go either this year or next year. Might be unlikely this year but not out of the question. That would put Heyward and Harris as backups to Hood and Keisel....but dont forget that Hoke has the ability (and history) to rotate in at Left Defensive End

If it doesn't happen this year then definitely next, and he will retire. he's a FA next season anyway

And yes, hoke can play DE. Another reason I hope Gray sticks. You have 3 NTs and one of them can play DE

btw, I like what I'm hearing about Saunders, but he does have better competition for the job than other with an experienced John Gilmore. I hope he beats him though. Younger, cheaper and seems like a very hard worker



I think Gray is the 7th DL kept. They kept 10 DBs, 9 LBs, and 6 DL. They normally go 7 DL and 8 LBs. I think they go back to that IF Gray keeps impressing.

AND, if Foote or Fox are not retained. Fox is not here, but I can still see them signing him. Sylvester's a keeper

LLT
08-06-2011, 12:34 PM
Glad I'm hearing good things about the rookies. There could be some interesting battles on the OL, CB, and LB spots...do they keep an extra guy at one of these spots and say cut someone like Battle? Or what...cant wait to see.

Also all of you talking about Gray...i havent heard one thing about him since camp has started...where are you guys seeing all this good stuff about him?

Here you go:


On the defensive line Anthony Gray continues to shine, but remember the quality of talent that he is going against. He too will be one to watch against the redskins
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/08/steelers-2011-training-camp-day-nine-recap/


Nose Tackle Anthony Gray continues to show his quickness and Stevenson Sylvester smelled out a dump off to Mwelde Moore nicely
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/08/steelers-2011-training-camp-day-eight-recap/


Rookies Ty Boyle, Miguel Chavis and Anthony Gray are no slackers, but they are the youth that will back up the seasoned veterans this year.
http://www.examiner.com/pittsburgh-steelers-in-pittsburgh/steelers-have-great-opening-to-their-2011-training-camp


Anthony Gray was getting some penetration in the 11 on 11 on the defensive side of the ball
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/07/steelers-2011-training-camp-day-four-recap/

The Duke
08-06-2011, 12:37 PM
Here you go:

plus a little tidbit (think it was a tweet) I heard from Ziggy saying to keep an eye out for Gray

LLT
08-06-2011, 12:39 PM
I do not think Mario Harvey makes the roster. In watching film on him, he gets swallowed up so much and cannot get off blocks well enough. He is a good special teamer, but how many can you keep at the expense of potential position guys?

Because Fox has made so many bone-head moves as a STer and ILBer.

TMC
08-06-2011, 12:40 PM
AND, if Foote or Fox are not retained. Fox is not here, but I can still see them signing him. Sylvester's a keeper

The only way they would bring back Fox is if Sly started struggling. From what I have heard, the exact opposite is happening. I do not know if you have seen him, but he is swoll. Him and Timmons both have added upper body strength. Their muscles have muscles.

They really have no need for that 5th ILB. The lack of depth on the DL cost them Gibson last year. I do not think they go that route again.

TMC
08-06-2011, 12:42 PM
Because Fox has made so many bone-head moves as a STer and ILBer.

Fox is gone. A memory. The ILBs are Timmons, Farrior, Sly, and Foote. Fox won't crack those 4. Harvey won't either. And, Sly is a very good special teamer. Anything that Harvey has to offer, Sly gives you more.

Last season, Sly was an unknown.....pure potential. That is not the case now.

LLT
08-06-2011, 12:45 PM
Fox is gone. A memory. The ILBs are Timmons, Farrior, Sly, and Foote. Fox won't crack those 4. Harvey won't either. And, Sly is a very good special teamer. Anything that Harvey has to offer, Sly gives you more.

Last season, Sly was an unknown.....pure potential. That is not the case now.

Fox is gone..the roster slot didnt leave with him.

TMC
08-06-2011, 01:21 PM
Fox is gone..the roster slot didnt leave with him.

Do you think that because they had 5 ILBs last year that every year they have 5 ILBs? They also only carried 4 defensive ends last year (Smith, Keisel, Hood, Eason). They almost always carry 7 defensive linemen. In 2009, they opened the season with Keisel, Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Hood, Kirschke, and Eason on roster. In 2008, it was Keisel, Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Roye, Kirschke, and Eason. It is rare that they enter the season without 7 defensive linemen. I know, I complained about Eason/Roye hanging on the tail end and not dressing for years.

Last season, they used the 7th DL roster spot to carry a 5th ILB. Fox is gone. They have 4 ILBs that they are very comfortable with and Sly can play the 4th LB spot AND handle special teams. He fills Fox's role completely. In addition, they have Worilds and Chris Carter who can play special teams and Carter was an excellent special teamer in college as well. Worilds did well last season as a special teamer.

If all Harvey offers is special teams, he won't make this roster....even if the "slot" is reserved for him.

7willBheaven
08-06-2011, 01:38 PM
Here you go:

Thanks!

LLT
08-06-2011, 01:50 PM
Do you think that because they had 5 ILBs last year that every year they have 5 ILBs? They also only carried 4 defensive ends last year (Smith, Keisel, Hood, Eason). They almost always carry 7 defensive linemen. In 2009, they opened the season with Keisel, Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Hood, Kirschke, and Eason on roster. In 2008, it was Keisel, Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Roye, Kirschke, and Eason. It is rare that they enter the season without 7 defensive linemen. I know, I complained about Eason/Roye hanging on the tail end and not dressing for years.

Last season, they used the 7th DL roster spot to carry a 5th ILB. Fox is gone. They have 4 ILBs that they are very comfortable with and Sly can play the 4th LB spot AND handle special teams. He fills Fox's role completely. In addition, they have Worilds and Chris Carter who can play special teams and Carter was an excellent special teamer in college as well. Worilds did well last season as a special teamer.

If all Harvey offers is special teams, he won't make this roster....even if the "slot" is reserved for him.

I think you are off on a tangent...noone said that there is a slot "reserved" for him. If you are trying to make a point...then do so honestly.

My point and statement was that he has the skill to become a STer and make the team. (If he does, he will be listed as a LBer.) If he is put on PS...he will be gone.

LLT
08-06-2011, 02:04 PM
Thanks!

No problem.

TMC
08-06-2011, 02:06 PM
I think you are off on a tangent...noone said that there is a slot "reserved" for him. If you are trying to make a point...then do so honestly.

My point and statement was that he has the skill to become a STer and make the team. (If he does, he will be listed as a LBer.) If he is put on PS...he will be gone.

I am not trying to do anything dishonestly. Your point was that Fox is gone but the roster slot is still here. Roster slots are fluid. They are never designated for specific positions, especially special teams aces.

And, furthermore, just because they had Fox on special teams does not mean that Harvey will take that role. Fox has actually started games at ILB and played well for the Steelers. That is NOT something Harvey can do. He would be a specialist only, like Patrick Bailey. When the Steelers brought in linebackers that could play special teams AND a position, like Sly, Worilds, and Gibson, Bailey was dumped.

Harvey is not in the top 8 linebackers. He would have to show such strong special teams ability that he is vastly better than the guy behind him. His college film does not show he will surpass Sly or Worilds as a specialist.

If he is relegated to the PS and someone claims him, so be it. I think he has to show a ton for that to happen.

TMC
08-06-2011, 02:06 PM
And, Harvey is not in pads today. You cannot make the club from the tub.

steelerfan
08-06-2011, 02:11 PM
And, Harvey is not in pads today. You cannot make the club from the tub.




Really ? Try telling that to Limas Sweed :nod:

LLT
08-06-2011, 02:13 PM
And, Harvey is not in pads today. You cannot make the club from the tub.

Yes, If Harvey NEVER gets out of the tub before the season starts....we can reasonably assume he will not make the team.

Chidi29
08-06-2011, 02:19 PM
I'd keep an eye on the OL as a whole. Look for an unknown guy to make the team. We've had multiple UDFA make the team and eventually become contributers the past few years. Stapleton, Legursky, and Foster all have. Especially with how underwhelming the line is, anyone who makes some noise will be given a shot.

I really like Trevis Turner out of Abilene Christian. A school that's produced Bernard Scott and Johnny Knox the past few years. Turner seems like a hard worker and has mammoth size, 6'7 335.