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Robert Beal Jr 6’4”-247LBs OLB prospect has gotten a lot of attention from the Steelers as well. He’s projected as a late 6th-7th round guy. If he lasts until the Steelers select in the 7th I would not be surprised if he were the pick. Lots to work with. Natural size, strength, and speed.
• 17.Deonte Banks
CB Maryland
• 32.Darnell Wright
OT Tennessee
• 49.Drew Sanders
LB Arkansas
• 80.Keeanu Benton
DT Wisconsin
• 120.Jonathan Mingo
WR Ole Miss
• 234.Spencer Anderson
OC Maryland
• 241.Daniel Scott
S California
i want to commend you on this. I think it’s very solid and well thought out. I can see the plausibility at every step actually.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojouw
my 17 is Bresee
then I’m grabbing Ringo or Porter. And yes I think they are similar talents and I think Porter will fall to the start of the second round.
I don’t think any T after the first on the board in Johnson is true bluechip. I see them waiting until at least mid second round to go OT. Likely later even, depending who might be falling to the Middle of the second round.
Like a couple posters. I think it’s possible a surprise TE could be chosen in their first 4 picks. I think they would love a room full of TEs and expect them to go heavy often this year and smash. Double TE and even possibly 3 at times, if they draft one of the top guys early. Najee is an absolute beast and they need to maximize his game better.
Rumor, that if Jalen Carter is there for the 9th pick, the Steelers are interested in trading up with Chicago to get him.
Could be smoke and mirrors to try to prompt the ravens into doing something stupid. Could be absolutely nothing… Somebody asked the Steelers if they were interested in Carter and they said, yeah sure. But Peter King isn’t Filippone. He usually has some decent sources.
While a move like this would be blatantly passing up on cornerback and OT, I also have to imagine a defensive front of TJ, Carter, and Leal would be a problem for a very long time.
Thanks for the kind words.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreegking
Why do you think Porter will fall? NFL perception of the player, college production, or teams going other directions in the first round?
I think the TE and RB heavy offense discussion is interesting. Coming out of the Ben R era, the Steelers seemed to be a base 3 WR offense. In the Kenny P era -- what do they want to be? I still think that if you have a QB that is able to be the "goshdarn honest to goodness guy" then he can elevate everyone around him and being a 3 WR base offense is going to let that QB put up some offensive numbers the best. If you don't have the "goshdarn guy" then your QB will need to be elevated by those around him and maybe a 2 TE or R RB scheme can insulate your QB some.
Another factor in all of this...is say that the Steelers wanted to go 12 or 21 personnel groupings....what is Heyward the Younger's role in all that? TE? FB? Bring back the H-back? At the start of the off-season, I would have bet that there was no way that the Steelers went after another TE. But with that piddly short term contract that they gave to Gentry....this team could easily afford another TE.
Circling back to the OT discussion. I think you have a good point with Johnson being the only blue-chip guy. From what I have read there are multiple college LT's that are being scouted as something along the "well....he might be a LT in the NFL, but probably not....at least he can likely play RT really darn good..." lines. That does not seem to scream "draft this guy with a top 50 pick. The more I think about it (always always dangerous and mostly wrong) -- I would "solve" my tackle problem by picking up either Mauch or Duncan as one or the other falls to a bit later in the draft as you mentioned. I really don't want them to draft an OT at 17 or 32 that is not able to immediately unseat Moore. And I certainly, even if the guy could unseat Chuks right away, really don't think a RT only guy is what they need to do with basically two first round picks.
Of course...if they just drafted prime Flozell Adams 2.0 and installed him at RT and he road graded Najee and Warren to oodles of yards....like am I really going to complain they didn't draft an ILB?
Anyways....draft discussions are fun and it gets hard to separate what I, as a fan, want to happen versus what I think the actual team(s) will do...
That is a fun rumor. I do not know enough about Carter and the off-field specifics to pass judgement...but the overall details are certainly not good. But assume that is just a horrific tragedy that is behind the young man and only look at the football stuff...Quote:
Originally Posted by Steelerette
Carter would, if he hits his NFL ceiling, make everyone on defense better. He would soak up extra blockers leaving less to account for the primary pass rushers. Someone is going get singled up and that means a sack with the talent on the rest of the defense. The havoc that Carter would help others create may mean that missing CB pick doesn't sting as much. And I am more and more convinced that the OT prospects available at 17 might not be enough better than Moore and Chuks for the Steelers to pull the trigger.
Looking at the trade value charts...it would be this years 17th and 49th pick to move up 9.
Despite the fact that I really think Carter would be great in this defense and Tomlin would be a good fit to coach the kid...I think it will not happen for two reasons:
1. The Bears are not going to get the short end of deal with the Steelers again. Their Claypool trade is already widely mocked. If Carter is everything many think him to be....then this trade would be panned as well.
2. I just don't see the Rooney's signing off on a deal for a prospect that killed someone.
We still only have two QBs under contract: Pickett and Trubisky. It's hard to imagine going into the draft without a third QB, but this is also the Khan era now, so we'll see. It's not like teams are scrambling to sign the guys who are left in FA - including Rudolph. I half wonder if the team would like to get Mason back but he needs some space first - to explore his options and swallow his pride a little.
The Steelers are obviously not in the market to draft a starting QB, so let's look at the two they've arranged pre-draft visits for:
Jaren Hall, BYU: He's undersized and an injury risk, only sees about half the field, but seems to have the tools to develop into a good mobile dink-and-dunk west coast offense guy. Probably cost about a 4th rounder. If the plan is to develop an offense around Pickett, this might be a good guy to develop as your long term backup. He's good on his feet and in the short passing game, so he should be able to keep the short offense running and keep creating space for Najee to work. Visiting with this type of QB may also indicate the team isn't as finished with a Canada style offense as the fans are.
Clayton Tune, Houston: Not a true mobile guy but moves around the pocket well. Good with short accuracy. Doesn't progress through reads well under pressure but is a good system guy. Basically... checkdown charlie and another guy who could run the dink and dunk. Likely to be available in the 6th round and could be an effective spot backup here for what we're currently doing. I smell a pattern...
~
Whether Trubisky is going to stay as a long term backup or not, they may figure at least this year they have the luxury of developing one of these guys as QB3 if they can get them. And if not-- see what other QBs become available post-draft. Two weeks from now there will be even fewer job opportunities out there for Mason Rudolph, as well as the rest of these yet unsigned guys:
Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, Blaine Gabbert, Chase Daniel, Trevor Siemian, Brandon Allen, Josh Johnson, Jeff Driskel, Brett Rypien, John Wolford, Bryce Perkins... (then the questions of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco - will they retire or not?)
I think the plan at QB is to wait on MR. Either he will get an opportunity to be the 2 somewhere, or he will get an offer to come back and be the 3. MR could always go to one of the other leagues. But for the Steelers why spend draft capital on a 3rd QB? I’m not sure why having a 3rd guy at TC is all that beneficial, outside of if someone got hurt and had to miss significant time.
Agree with this assessment on Rudolph.Quote:
Originally Posted by Born2Steel
They like having four QBs at Training Camp just to have people to sling the ball. If they don't sign anyone in the next week and a half, they probably will shortly after the draft. But, waiting on MR is plausible. Where are the opportunities elsewhere for him to step into a #2 role? Here's the QBs currently under contract around the league:
ATL: Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder, Felipe Franks, Logan Woodside
AZ: Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy, David Blough
BAL: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley
BUF: Josh Allen, Kyle Allen, Matt Barkley
CAR: Andy Dalton, Matt Corral, Jacob Eason
CHI: Justin Fields, Phillip Walker, Nathan Peterman
CIN: Joe Burrow, Jake Browning
CLE: Deshaun Watson, Kellen Mond, Joshua Dobbs
DAL: Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Will Grier
DEN: Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, Jarrett Guarantano
DET: Jared Godd, Nate Sudfeld
GB: Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love
HOU: Case Keenum, Davis Mills, EJ Perry
IND: Nick Foles, Sam Ehlinger, Gardener Minshew
JAX: Trevor Lawrence, CJ Beathard
KC: Patrick Mahomes, Shane Buechele, Chris Oladokun
LV: Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer
LAC: Justin Herbert, Easton Stick
LAR: Matthew Stafford, John Wolford (RFA)
MIA: Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White, Skylar Thompson
MIN: Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens
Cheats: Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley
NO: Derek Carr, Jameis Winston
NYG: Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor
NYJ: Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle
PHI: Jalen Hurt$, Marcus Mariota, Ian Book
PIT: Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky
SF: Trey Lance, Sam Darnold, Brock Purdy
SEA: Geno Smith, Drew Lock
TB: Kyle Trask, Baker Mayfield
TEN: Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis
WAS: Jacoby Brissett, Sam Howell
Looking at this, if we're banking on MR not getting a shot to be #2 somewhere, I'm not so sure. Probably several teams where he could come in and do that. And if Green Bay trades Rodgers indeed to roll with Love-- he's the kind of QB they like up there and could settle into a nice #2 career. Rams, Chargers, Bengals, Lions, who knows?
considered editing because I spelled Jared Goff wrong... but I'm leaving it.
PFF changed up their mock draft simulator. Now you have to pay to do more than 3 rounds or get any "grades" (not that I cared about the grades anyway).
So I ran what will probably be my last from that site. I got:
1. Paris Johnson Jr
2a. Emmanuel Forbes
2b. Jahmyr Gibbs
3. Keelee Ringo
I guess we doubled up at CB. Farewell Maulet. Farewell Pierre or Wallace.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/mockdraft/Quote:
Originally Posted by Steelerette
28.Nolan Smith OLB/ILB in 3-4
EDGE Georgia
Height: 6 - 2 | Weight: 238 | RAS: 9.23
NFL-team-logo
Smith has a great first step. He can explode downhill into blockers and leverage that burst into power. With that burst also comes exceptional lateral mobility and agility. When he’s on his game, Smith can stunt with rare quickness. He’s a nimble mover with a naturally fast pace. That provides him plenty of upside as a pass rusher and great versatility.
32.Dawand Jones OT Ohio State
Height: 6 - 8 | Weight: 374 | RAS: N/A
NFL-team-logo
Jones’ overwhelming size has some drawbacks, but he’s not a liability from a mobility standpoint. He has good foot speed for his size and can quickly transfer weight on shuffles and carry rushers to the apex. He also flashes good burst off the snap and can loom through gaps with decent speed as a lateral mover.
Jones brings solid initial quickness out of his stance. He gets decent depth with his kick and can mirror rushers off the snap with his base. Additionally, the Ohio State OT flashes impressive cylindrical twitch and energy in his movement in short ranges. He can load up potential energy very well in a phone booth.
49.Emmanuel Forbes
CB Mississippi State
Height: 6 - 0 | Weight: 166 | RAS: 9.26
NFL-team-logo
Forbes oftentimes showcases that he can be more physical than his slender frame would suggest. The Mississippi State CB has been able to contend at the catch point against even the tallest of opponents.
He is aided in this ability by two key components of his scouting report. While not possessing a measurement as of yet, it’s clear from studying tape that Forbes is blessed with impressive arm length. This length has multiple benefits. As it relates to his coverage ability at the catch point, he’s able to get his hands to the ball when it would be out of reach for some cornerbacks. Meanwhile, he’s able to use his length to get his hands on his opponent early in press coverage.
60.Siaki Ika
DT Baylor
Height: 6 - 2 | Weight: 335 | RAS: 2.75
NFL-team-logo
Like Jordan Davis in the previous cycle, Ika is the very definition of “two on me, somebody’s free.” In the games studied, he was routinely double-teamed due to the threat that his size — combined with other factors we’re about to discuss — presents to an offense. Football is a simple numbers game in some respects, and when one player commands the attention of two of his opponents, the equation is favorable for the team with the 6’4″, 358-pound man-mountain patrolling their side of the trenches.
80.Blake Freeland
OT BYU
Height: 6 - 7 | Weight: 302 | RAS: 9.83
NFL-team-logo
A former state champion in both the shot put and javelin, it comes as no surprise that Freeland has exceptional raw strength. The functionality of that strength on the field can improve at times, but Freeland’s high-end length allows him to outreach most rushers and latch onto the pads with biting hands.
Moreover, he has the core strength to maintain extensions and stymie power rushes when in phase and keep rushers inside his shadow after torquing with his hips.
For his size, Freeland’s athleticism is eye-catching, and so too is his hip fluidity. He doesn’t quite have elite flexibility, but he has shown he can quickly unhinge and rotate outside against stunts.
92.Darius Rush
CB South Carolina
Height: 6 - 1 | Weight: 198 | RAS: 9.81
NFL-team-logo
Rush’s background as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect is an intriguing one. There are selling points, like his ball production (three interceptions and 15 pass deflections since 2021) and his past as a wide receiver. In high school, in fact, Rush was a big-play threat with 47 catches for 863 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior.
That playmaking ability is clearly evident with Rush. And at his size — almost 6’2″, with arms nearly 33″ long — it’s even more intriguing. But Rush is also a 23-year-old rookie with three injuries of varying severity on his record, and he wasn’t a starter until his redshirt-junior season in 2021
120.Zacch Pickens
DT South Carolina
Height: 6 - 3 | Weight: 291 | RAS: 9.22
NFL-team-logo
Well-built defender with a great combination of natural leverage and proportional length.
Explosive athlete with a quick get-off at the snap and easy momentum generation.
Combination of explosiveness and proportional length amounts to stellar power capacity.
Can recover after initial displacement with his stout lower body and lateral athleticism.
241.Alex Forsyth
C - Oregon
Height: 6 - 3 | Weight: 303
Alex Forsyth is a seasoned veteran along Oregon’s offensive line and has steadily improved each year he has played. While awaiting his turn as the starting center, he played as a rotational lineman filling in at both guard spots before finally becoming the starting center in 2020.
Forsyth offers good size and very good overall athleticism for the position. He is a right-handed center who shows excellent snap quickness and punch timing off the ball. In the passing game, Forsyth displays quick feet and hands to initiate contact with a quick and accurate punch to disrupt the defender’s initial rush. He then displays a good ability to mirror his upper and lower half, having the foot quickness and coordination to mirror defenders and the grip strength to stay latched on the defender.
He is a very cerebral player who handles all of Oregon’s protection calls. He is excellent at picking up stunts and games and has good timing when passing off defensive linemen. Forsyth has an above-average anchor but does give ground initially when faced with explosive strength on his head. In the run game, Forsyth is quick off the snap and has the agility to get across the defender’s face on reach blocks and outside zone. He displays above-average power and has very good leverage while engaged. He takes excellent angles while working the second level and is able to connect on moving targets.
While he is a good overall athlete, there are times he lacks the foot quickness to get outside on wide-zone plays and screens. Additionally, there are times he connects with a defender but falls off as he fails to come to balance. Overall, Forsyth has the requisite athleticism, football IQ, and technique to excel as a starter at the next level.
Ringo in the 3rd round? Last i checked he was a sure fire 1st round pick unless something happened between 1 month ago and nowQuote:
Originally Posted by Steelerette
17. Joey Porter Jr.
CB Penn State
PIT
32.Nolan Smith
EDGE Georgia
PIT
49.Jack Campbell
LB Iowa
PIT
80.Blake Freeland
OT BYU
PIT
120.Xavier Hutchinson
WR Iowa State
PIT
241.Alex Forsyth
OC Oregon
PIT
251.T.J. Bass
OG Oregon
Curious as to why you'd take an edge in the 2nd? Not saying it won't happen, but why with so many other needs?Quote:
Originally Posted by 86WARD
I don't know much about Smith. Could he make the transition to ILB?
Gonna be a fun draft.
- - - Updated - - -
Porter - You kinda got me stumped. Sometimes it’s gut and how I think the first round could go. I also don’t have Porter as my 3rd cb . I have him with a bunch of others. He’s a bit older also. That’s a factor for many teams. He played great as an experienced db does in college. I think he’s overrated as an athlete and just don’t have him as a first round talent. Plus, there’s a bunch of secondary guys and I don’t think this draft will have 7 or 8 secondary types on the first day 6 perhaps if one’s including S potential guys.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojouw
I really feel the Steelers are comfortable with their OT and don’t think the guys in this years draft are instant starters after Johnson. I think teams want (even though they might not say it) their first rounder to be a starter. I like Bresee. Heyward might stop be a stud until 36 and play until 38 or 40. One Never knows. Injuries matter. But his type of skill set doesn’t fade fast. As we’ve seen. He’s as near dominant as he’s been lately. Although I do feel he officially began to slip a bit. In a 3-4 type base (even if less used) , your DT are critical. With a star at age 34 and a guy like Bresee available. All said, how do they ignore that succession plan. Although I loved the Leal pick last year. Loved it. And am still a huge believer he can be a special contributor. But Bresse is built for the 3-4. Especially the boundary side. If he’s gone already, quite clearly two guys are super fits as they much a greater need and will get many downs: Branch especially. If around. And if both these guys are gone I can’t help but think Banks is next up. He holds more value based on need. Firstly, I think he’s just better than Porter. Secondly, I think he sees the field as a starter at S or Db. He’s more position flexible. Petersen and Wallace and Witherspoon are not exactly a bad three pack of Corners. And Pierre sure ain’t bad as a number 4. So where does Porter fit? He is not beating those guys out. He def is not starting. I don’t even see him getting package plays. Branch and Banks both would. For sure. The Steelers are trying to win right own. As always. They create a better chance to have a Super Bowl. Plus if Porter falls he can be nabbed at 32. Which is still higher than my personal grade. But The Steerers would have a hard time saying no to him at 32. But even then I think LB Sanders if there - sheesh. Gotta ignore Porter again.
lastly, side note: of the Steelers do grab the receiver as rumoured in a trade: then I feel it’s even more certain that receiver is off the board for round two. And based upon some scouting and the off-season, my gut tells me there’s a number of guys they like in the middle of round two for the OT or even C.
Nope. There was a spell when he was being overrated by some. But yes, those kickers have come down to earth again. Too many good guys. He’s no longer in round one on any mock I’ve seen recently.
Edit: about Ringo (above)
- - - Updated - - -
i think he’s viewed as scheme flexible. An IL and OL. Which actually would be a great choice for the Steelers at 32. Imo. Two birds one stone. They need depth at both. Let him play both. See where he shakes out best. They used Highsmith similar in his rookie year. He got IL packages. But give him snaps inside and outside. I love him as the 32nd pick overall. I can love with that.Quote:
Originally Posted by RunNGun
Because he was one of the higher rated on the board at that time and if Highsmith/Watt go down, the pass rush is going to be hurting…really bad if Watt goes down. Part of me thinks that Tomlin believes the O-Line is fine…Quote:
Originally Posted by RunNGun
I really hope they go CB, CB.
17. Brian Branch
S Alabama
PIT
32. Darnell Wright
OT Tennessee
PIT
49. Jack Campbell
LB Iowa
PIT
80. Keeanu Benton
DT Wisconsin
PIT
120. Jonathan Mingo
WR Ole Miss
PIT
241. Tiawan Mullen
CB Indiana
PIT
251. Michael Turk
P Oklahoma
PIT
17: R1 P17 CB Devon Witherspoon - Illinois
32: R2 P1 OT Darnell Wright - Tennessee
49: R2 P18 LB Drew Sanders - Arkansas
80: R3 P17 EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah - Kansas State
120: R4 P18 QB Clayton Tune - Houston
234: R7 P17 WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton - West Virginia
241: R7 P24 S Daniel Scott - California
Bryce Ford-Wheaton just has Steelers draft pick vibes all over doesn't he? He's that size-speed guy not many know about but when you see him and read about him, you wonder why you don't hear his name more. He fits the Bryant/Claypool mold with the measurables.Quote:
Originally Posted by SteelMember
17. Joey Porter Jr CB PSU
32. Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
49. Keion White DE GaTech
80. Chandler Zavala OG NC State
120. Bryce Ford-Wheaton WR WVU
234. Robert Beal Jr OLB Georgia
241. Deneric Prince RB Tulsa
i think it’s a good draft. Except 1.Quote:
Originally Posted by Born2Steel
can Zavala play C? Interesting choice considering the off season acquisitions. You wouldn’t double up somewhere else like a DT? ANOTHER OLB type? ILB type? OT? If you did, I’d be curious about your choice. This draft seams quite plausible to me.
I think you have Cole at Center and Herbig/Seumalo backup C/G. Dotson and Daniels are still your starters at the OG spots. Then you have Green, McCollum, and Dunkle outside looking in. I'm 'ok' with that, but far from thrilled. Zavala is a more raw OG prospect that has shown great promise from all I read. He would not be a guy that should come in and win the starting job but should be able to shake off some of the hangers-on. Pat Meyer went to his proday and they had dinner afterward, so there must be some interest there. 4th/5th round possibly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreegking
At IDL we already have on the roster; Ogunjobi, Adams, Watts, Fehoko, Wren,and Marshall. At DE we have Heyward, Leal, and Loudermilk. I think A DE is more likely than a DT, but a DT is definitely not out of the question. The Steelers have shown a lot of interest in Mazi Smith and I have seen Keeanu Benton mocked several times.
At OT, I like other prospects more but I think the Steelers really like Dawand Jones. I think he will most likely be the pick at 32 or 49 if available. Whoever they select I doubt it's a new starter right away.
LB will be interesting to watch unfold. OLB is set but for depth upgrade. ILB not so much. I think Holcomb will play the Bush/Shazier role. Roberts is 30yrs old so I expect a heavy rotation with him and Robinson, with Robinson taking more snaps as the season goes. Tanner Muse is maybe the new Marcus Allen? I would love to see Jack Campbell here.
If I double up on any position, I would draft a slot CB.
Totally fair stuff. Why not scoop Branch to clean it all up and be that HB type and more? or are they happy enough mixing and matching with Kazee, Neal, Norwood, and Maulet; going Nickle and Dime and DB work? And seemingly even adding Peterson to the mixing and matching. I’m not happy with that. I’m grabbing Branch to add blue-chipper who cleans up the complicated mixing and matching.Quote:
Originally Posted by Born2Steel
What I am happy with and what the Steelers do on draft day are not always the same. Initially, I will make mocks with names I am familiar with already and at positions of need, IMO. As the preseason goes on and FAs get signed, I adjust more to trying to guess the plan. I have mocked Brian Branch as high as 17 somewhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreegking
I think Peterson is a band-aid fix. That is why I believe the Steelers are focused on JPjr at 17. Failing that, there are options but I think that is planA. I am also wavering between a mid-round slot CB and another OL currently. I'm not as down on the current state at Safety as many though. I think those guys are assignment sound, even if not the best athletes. I trust them enough to go with it for now.
Any of you guys looked into WR Grant Dubose from Charlotte? 6'2"-200LBs, not elite speed but quick and a good route runner. Excellent body control and contested catch ability. Check out this highlight reel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PNzA3WUMrw
Did anybody from the Steelers organization scout him? I do like how he catches the ball with his hands and not his body.Quote:
Originally Posted by Born2Steel
I think the Steelers will take a wr in the draft. To me, wr (along with edge an o'line) have to be drafted almost every year. Robinson is likely to be a one-year rental. Plus, Diante is unlikely to get another contract unless Pickens somehow falls flat. We have to keep the assembly line loaded with the next man up.
I can't find anything on his proday. I'm sure he has been scouted just no way to know to what extent.Quote:
Originally Posted by oneforthetoe
I still like Jonathan Mingo best for the Steelers to draft. That would be my wish. I just think Mingo will be gone when the Steelers go WR.
Next would be Bryce Ford-Wheaton or Grant Dubose for now. Ford-Wheaton is the faster downfield guy, but Dubose has that crazy good body control and catch radius.