Who is on your draft wish list for the 2011 draft?

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Originally Posted by steeldevil

Marvin Austin may drop some because of being kicked off his team. He may be available when we pick in the 2nd.... Not sure if he will be a NT though. What do you draft experts say?

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Oh boy.....Well...Marvin Austin of North Carolina (or formally of North Carolina) is 6'3 305 lbs...He was predicted to go in the 2nd round before being kicked off the team for accepting jewelry and cash and other items totally over $10,000 from an agent.

I think we have to look at Dez Bryant's situation last year as a parrallel to what will happen to Austin. He will "probably" drop a round or two on a lot of boards and be completely taken off of some teams boards. Based on what we know right now...I would guess that ultimately his stock drops to at least the 4th round and possibly as far as a late 6th.

My fantasy pick would be Cameron Heyward, Ive met his brother and his father, and his fathers HS Coach was my coach, so Ive always had Ironhead and his family around me and Ironhead was an inspiration. He reminds me of Jay Ratliff or Chris Canty, Power and Quickness, no massive speed but his long arms legs and body will overpower anyone if he gets his arms on you. Hes going to be a top 15 pick so it would be a crapshoot if we draft him. But besides that Kendrick Ellis might seem like a good pick, Height and Arm length isnt bad if you know how to use your body. If your able to handle your large body frame , using your arms is even better to abusing the center and the ability to see better and come off your blocks.

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Originally Posted by LLT

I think we have to look at Dez Bryant's situation last year as a parrallel to what will happen to Austin. He will "probably" drop a round or two on a lot of boards and be completely taken off of some teams boards. Based on what we know right now...I would guess that ultimately his stock drops to at least the 4th round and possibly as far as a late 6th.

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If Austin is a parrallel to Bryant, wouldn't that mean that his fall would be fairly minimal? Wouldn't Austin go in the late 1st-mid 2nd since he was projected to be a potential top 15 pick?

I think the parrallel is that he WILL fall. He doesnt have the parachute of being a skill position.

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Originally Posted by LLT

Oh boy.....Well...Marvin Austin of North Carolina (or formally of North Carolina) is 6'3 305 lbs...He was predicted to go in the 2nd round before being kicked off the team for accepting jewelry and cash and other items totally over $10,000 from an agent.

I think we have to look at Dez Bryant's situation last year as a parrallel to what will happen to Austin. He will "probably" drop a round or two on a lot of boards and be completely taken off of some teams boards. Based on what we know right now...I would guess that ultimately his stock drops to at least the 4th round and possibly as far as a late 6th.

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I believe I saw that he is a top 25 talent. I seriously doubt he drops below the 2nd round if that is the case. This issue of his does not affect his playing ability, so I dont see such a drastic drop. Just my 2 cents.

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Originally Posted by LLT

I LOVE Nate Potter....though I wish Boise St would leave him at LT. Who knows, with him being moved around it might drop his draft projection. I think he is a late 1st rounder right now.


If we had the ability to take any player I might go with OT Derek Sherrod...if we are talking about a player that might be there when we pick, I would say OT Nate Potter of Boise St or OT Nate Solder of Colorado

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The game I saw Potter at LT I thought he did a good job. like you I don't think his coach is doing him any favors moving him around. I see him listed in a few publication as an OG, and I think he will be a OT in the pros. I'm still not sure he comes out this year.

I have read in a couple of sites that Sherrod will not only be there for us, but one that we both use has us taking him. If that happens I will be very happy. I'm watching the game against Houston again right now, and I like him very much.

One guy to check out if you're able to is Travis Ford-Bey. Granted, he plays at a very low level for D-II West Chester. But I've watched him a few times and he's got a terrific first step. Tackles have to hold him to slow him up.

He's pretty small (6' 240) and his numbers aren't eye-popping, but West Chester also plays a 3-4 with Bey at RE. Makes it tougher for him to get sacks. He was third on the team in sacks last year and led the team in hurries. West Chester was also first in their conference against the run. At the very least, Bey has had to work on how to play the run because of his position at the five technique.

Couple of articles on him:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sport...plays_big.html
http://www.pottstownmercury.com/arti...0009103431.txt

I understand the low level of competition, but this guy has been tearing up the teams he is facing. What more can you ask for?

West Chester has been on espn3 at least once. And they were just on Fox Sports net the other day in a "Game of the Week" against Shippensburg. If you happen to catch a game, you won't be sorry.

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Originally Posted by steeldevil

I believe I saw that he is a top 25 talent. I seriously doubt he drops below the 2nd round if that is the case. This issue of his does not affect his playing ability, so I dont see such a drastic drop. Just my 2 cents.

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You could be right...but here is why I think you may see Austin fall more that a player like Dez Bryant.

1) Position played:
Skill players will always be given a little more leaway than "trench players". Coaches are willing to overlook some discretions for players that "man" positions that are harder to come by. Wide recievers and cornerbacks are harder to come by then 3 technique DT's. Austin might get some looks as a NT but his natural position is at 4-3 DT. IF a team thinks he can play NT it will raise his value.

2) Ranking at position:
Bryant was the unanimous #1 talent at WR...Austin was considered to be somewhere between the #3 and #5 best DT at the time of his suspension. Players like Sione Fua and Ian Williams WILL surpass him before the season is over..and there is a chance that players like Kenrick Ellis, Adrian Taylor and Jarvis Jenkins will prove themeselves enough that coaches will take a "sure thing" over a potential problem child.

3) Work Ethic:
Outside of his violation...Austin now has people worried about his work ethic. Coach Davis suspended Austin before the NCAA ruling came down. There is no doubt that his NCAA violation was the biggest part of that...but there are now rumors about a bad attitude and work ethic that made it VERY easy for Coach davis to come to a quick decision.

All that being said....some team may ignore any red flags at all...and draft Austin in the 2nd round. I just think that a slide to the 4th round is a very good possibility based on the factors mentioned

Austin will be drafted by the Bengals in the 1st round

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

Austin will be drafted by the Bengals in the 1st round

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:applaudit:

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

Austin will be drafted by the Bengals in the 1st round

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Beat me to it!

I don't think we need to take a NT in the first round. Hampton is going to be here for a few more years so we can take a guy in the second or third round and take that time to develop him without paying him first round dollars.

I would like to take an offensive lineman in the first round, preferably a tackle and if we don't get a tackle then Mike Pouncey to play RG would be fine with me.

If there isn't an OL that's worth the pick, then I would love to take a CB.

So my wish list in order of importance:

1. OT
2. OG
3. CB
4. NT
5. FS

Three more guys.

Daryl Hicks/RG Delaware St.
Did a good job of handling Kenrick Ellis against Hampton. That's a tough task. Fundamentally sound, moves well laterally, gets a good push in the run game, and a solid cut blocker.

Kelly Griffin/NT TCU
Isn't a 350 pound clogger, but he's short so he doesn't have to be at that weight. Listed around 6'1 310. Can handle his own one-on-one pretty easily. Endurance is better than a lot of lineman, too. Doesn't have to come out for many snaps. Have to figure his work ethic is top notch.

Bruce Miller/ILB UCF
Haven't watched him yet, but I was clicking around and his stats definitely stand out. Had a combined 34 TFL and 19 sacks in 2008 and 2009. Already at 6 TFL, 3 sacks, and has an INT returned for a touchdown this season.

J.J. Watt - Wisconsin (HT: 6-6 - WT: 292)
http://www.sidelinescouting.com/rankings/de.shtml#watt

A. Smith injury moves DE priority #1 imo

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Originally Posted by LLT

If you get a chance check out Williams....he is your type of player. Gets himself FIRED up sometimes!!! I would be interested in your take on him.

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/M...YEJ_mP9QFl.jpg

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Sorry it took me so long to get back on this one.

I did watch Williams in most of 2 games. Your right he does play with a great deal of emotion, and has a tremendous first punch. The only thing I think I noticed was that on short yardage plays he seemed to try to absorb the first hit and was far less effective. It was almost like he was waiting to see where the RB was going instead of doing what he does best, knock the crap out of the guy across from him. He has the height I like in a NT, and looked like he could carry another 10 pound which would put him at 315 (that would be fine with me.) He seemed to be quick off the ball, but did not move laterally very well, that wouldn't hurt him much at NT. He does well what the Steelers ask their NT to do. Plug up the inside, and tie up a man or two so that someone else will have a free run at the QB. If he is there in the 3rd round I would not hesitate to take him.

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Originally Posted by Texasteel

Sorry it took me so long to get back on this one.

I did watch Williams in most of 2 games. Your right he does play with a great deal of emotion, and has a tremendous first punch. The only thing I think I noticed was that on short yardage plays he seemed to try to absorb the first hit and was far less effective. It was almost like he was waiting to see where the RB was going instead of doing what he does best, knock the crap out of the guy across from him. He has the height I like in a NT, and looked like he could carry another 10 pound which would put him at 315 (that would be fine with me.) He seemed to be quick off the ball, but did not move laterally very well, that wouldn't hurt him much at NT. He does well what the Steelers ask their NT to do. Plug up the inside, and tie up a man or two so that someone else will have a free run at the QB. If he is there in the 3rd round I would not hesitate to take him.

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Willliams and Sione Fua, the DT from Stanford, are both interesting. Fua is 6'2 306 lbs and a high character guy with a heck of a motor.


I am trying to make heads or tails out of the DE situation. It looks like there are some very good potential 3-4 DE's this year. here is a short list:

1) Marcell Dareus, DE Alabama...6'3 306
2) Cameron Jordan, DE, 6'4 290.
3) Allen Bailey, DE, Miami, 6'4 288.
4) Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State, 6'6 287.
6) Lawrence Guy, DE Arizona State, 6'5 293
6) Christian Ballard, DE Iowa, 6'5 285.
7) Jared Crick, DE Nebraska, 6'6 285.
8) Nick Fairley, DE Auburn, 6'4 299
9) Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Clemson 6'4 313.
10) Mike Blanc, DE, Auburn 6'4 288.


I know you like those sleeper picks as much as I do...so here is one to keep an eye on. Cedric Thornton, DE, Southern Arkansas...6'4 295.....In 2009 he had 80 tackles, 23 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks.

DE could work out very well for us if a few of the underclassmen come out. Jordan may be close to moving into the top spot unless DaQuan Bowers and Marcus Darreus or Nick Fairley come out. Jared Crick and JJ Watts could play a part but I think if the others come out they will probably stay in school. I think Guy stay in school, he has be plagued by injury's and it has effected his draft status. If several of these guys do come out, I think there is a chance we could find Ballard or Watts sitting there for us in the 2nd round.

I always look at last years stats and know about Thornton. He is not as quick as some but could fit the Steelers like a glove. Another one I've thought about is Adrian Taylor of Oklahoma, he will go in about the same area. If we wait till the 4th round Thornton very well could be the pick.

I also think that OT could end up working out very well for us if Tyron Smith and Matt Reynolds come out.

Of course all this could go out the window with the possibility of a lock out in the future.

I've been meaning to mention these guys. I have never watched them play, but I got bored a couple weeks ago and just felt like looking through D2 and D3 schools to see what guys were tearing it up statistically and would have the measurables to play in the league. There were three guys, all DL, that really jumped out at me.

I have listed their names, height/weight, school, link to their bio, and stats.

Marc Schiechi/DL Colorado Mines 6'3 260
http://www.csmorediggers.com/sports/.../Marc_Schiechl
2010: 61 tkl, 17 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 5 FF, 2 blocked kicks
2009: 13 TFL, 7 sacks *Conference Defensive Player of the Year*
2008: 69 tkl, 21 TFL, 13.5 sacks
2007: 2 starts, 47 tkl, 17 TFL, 13.5 sacks *Conference Defensive Player of the Year*
Total: 130 tkl, 69 TFL, 44.5 sacks, 5 FF, 2 blocked kicks

Derrin Nettles/DL Morehouse 6'4 305
http://www.morehouse.edu/athletics/football/roster.html
2010: 55 tkl, 24.5 TFL, 9 sacks, 12 hurries, 7 FF

Terry Griffin/DL Elizabeth City St - 6'3 340
http://www.ecsuvikings.com/sports/m-...n_terry00.html
2010: 48 tkl, 11 TFL, .5 sacks, 4 hurries, 2 blocked kicks
2009: 49 tkl, 11 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 4 hurries, 7 FF
2008: 38 tkl, 7.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Total: 135 tkl, 29.5 TFL, 12 sacks, 8 hurries, 7 FF, 2 blocked kicks

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Griffin is very interesting since he has the look of a run clogger.

Schiechi is a tweener, but I think he has a better shot to play OLB than DE. There's a couple of highlight videos of him on Youtube if you want to check them out. Of course, they are just highlight videos so take it for what it's worth.

Nettles has a really interesting combo of size and pass rushing, based off of his numbers. Also forced 7 fumbles. Wow!

Just a couple of guys I'm keeping my eye on for when I do my seven round mock.

1st round Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
Height: 6-5. Weight: 320.
this would be a sweet pick, but realistically we go with

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 305.


2nd round Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
Height: 6-4. Weight: 290.


3rd round Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 307.

4th round Alex Wujciak, ILB, Maryland might be a little high for him BUT he is my sleeper pick right now he might be a 5th round steal ...)
Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.

But as always these will change about 1000 times before the draft

Josh Jasper, K, LSU. I love Suisham especially after this past weekend but we need a young kicker to be the long term answer.