Mayock: Boise State ILB Leighton Vander Esch Would Be ‘Great Fit’ For Steelers

BY DAVE BRYAN FEBRUARY 26, 2018 AT 03:51 PM
The Pittsburgh Steelers will almost assuredly spend an early selection in the 2018 NFL Draft on an inside linebacker due to the serious spine injury suffered last season by starter Ryan Shazier. Because of that position being high on the Steelers need list this year, NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock was asked during his annual pre-combine conference call with the media to name a player that might still be on the board in the first-round when Pittsburgh picks 28th overall.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/02...-fit-steelers/

Everything is riding on his 40 time.

Many have stated: “If only Matakevich had more speed...”

Well, that is basically who Vander Esch is: a faster version of Matakevich.

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Originally Posted by teegre

Many have stated: “If only Matakevich had more speed...”

Well, that is basically who Vander Esch is: a faster version of Matakevich.

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Not a thing wrong with that!

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Originally Posted by Shoes

Not a thing wrong with that!

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:nod:

Like above, I want to see what he runs.

I'll agree with the emerging consensus. I try to avoid being a big "OMG!!! Look at the COMBINE #'s!!!! This kid is AMAAAAAZZZZIIINNNNG!!!"....but....I think it is super critical for Vander Esch. It is just hard to get a good handle on what kinda athlete he is. In fact it is kinda hard to get a good handle on anything about this guy because he is just so inexperienced at the position and there is just a bunch of unknowns.

More than the raw triangle #'s, I want to see more of the positional drill results and how well does he really move through traffic?

I was not a fan of this kid earlier (like even a week or so ago) when folks brought him up, but the more I read and the more I watch...the more I want to graciously ask for room to made on the hype train for me!

Whatta you say, Teegre, you've been banging the drum pretty good for this kid...room for a convert?

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Originally Posted by BlackAndGold

Like above, I want to see what he runs.

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But, I see you've already updated your Early Mock Draft from Evans... Are you already on the train without the run, or is this just your Steelers Universe Mock Draft Contest head fake?!?! :chuckle:

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Originally Posted by SteelMember

But, I see you've already updated your Early Mock Draft from Evans... Are you already on the train without the run, or is this just your Steelers Universe Mock Draft Contest head fake?!?! :chuckle:

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Both lol

Honestly I've warmed to to LVE the past couple of weeks. I like Evans from Bama but the Steelers have not drafted a player from Alabama since Townsend in 98', also I'm not sure he'll make it to #28 after his combine workout.

Also, anyone know's me back from Steelers Fever knows I change my mock a lot

Here's the thing
Strike 1: He's a catchers mit as a tackled
Strike 2: He has trouble shedding blockers
Both things out him at risk of being bowled over by an nfl power run game.

As far as I'm concerned if he isn't fast, it's strike 3.
I'll continue to maintain they need a fast ilb that can cover and shed blocks

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

I'll agree with the emerging consensus. I try to avoid being a big "OMG!!! Look at the COMBINE #'s!!!! This kid is AMAAAAAZZZZIIINNNNG!!!"....but....I think it is super critical for Vander Esch. It is just hard to get a good handle on what kinda athlete he is. In fact it is kinda hard to get a good handle on anything about this guy because he is just so inexperienced at the position and there is just a bunch of unknowns.

More than the raw triangle #'s, I want to see more of the positional drill results and how well does he really move through traffic?

I was not a fan of this kid earlier (like even a week or so ago) when folks brought him up, but the more I read and the more I watch...the more I want to graciously ask for room to made on the hype train for me!

Whatta you say, Teegre, you've been banging the drum pretty good for this kid...room for a convert?

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Sounds like what many said about TJ last year. :chuckle:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

I'll agree with the emerging consensus. I try to avoid being a big "OMG!!! Look at the COMBINE #'s!!!! This kid is AMAAAAAZZZZIIINNNNG!!!"....but....I think it is super critical for Vander Esch. It is just hard to get a good handle on what kinda athlete he is. In fact it is kinda hard to get a good handle on anything about this guy because he is just so inexperienced at the position and there is just a bunch of unknowns.

More than the raw triangle #'s, I want to see more of the positional drill results and how well does he really move through traffic?

I was not a fan of this kid earlier (like even a week or so ago) when folks brought him up, but the more I read and the more I watch...the more I want to graciously ask for room to made on the hype train for me!

Whatta you say, Teegre, you've been banging the drum pretty good for this kid...room for a convert?

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Jump on, brother. :nod:

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Originally Posted by Shoes

Sounds like what many said about TJ last year. :chuckle:

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My new “dream” scenario is that Lamar Jackson is available at 28 and some top 12 or so second round team wants to trade back into the first round and take Jackson. Steelers then get a TJ Watt 2.0 at the top of the 2nd and pick up a 3rd or 4th round pick in the process!

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Originally Posted by teegre

Jump on, brother. :nod:

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I’m thinking about jumping on full bore!!

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

My new “dream” scenario is that Lamar Jackson is available at 28 and some top 12 or so second round team wants to trade back into the first round and take Jackson. Steelers then get a TJ Watt 2.0 at the top of the 2nd and pick up a 3rd or 4th round pick in the process!

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I’m thinking about jumping on full bore!!

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Watt 2.0
:nod:
“one year wonder”
“switched positions/still learning to play”
“looks slow”

Lamar Jackson
I’d be verrry tempted to draft Jackson. But, trading would be a realistic possibility, because there’s a strong possibility that the Taperiots draft Jackson (coach him up for a few years, and he takes over when Brady retires).

You know who else was not “worthy” of a late-R1 pick? Watt :wink02:

Lastly...
All Aboard!!!

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

Here's the thing
Strike 1: He's a catchers mit as a tackled
Strike 2: He has trouble shedding blockers
Both things out him at risk of being bowled over by an nfl power run game.

As far as I'm concerned if he isn't fast, it's strike 3.
I'll continue to maintain they need a fast ilb that can cover and shed blocks

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Strike 1:
Donnie Edwards made a career out of being a catcher’s mitt. Admittedly, LVE doesn’t make many tackles behind the LOS. And, if those tackles are 3-4 yards past the LOS, then meh. But, for the most part, LVE makes those tackles between 1-2 yards past the LOS.

2 yards, 2 yards, 3rd-&-6.

Strike 2:
Once an O-lineman gets his hands on LVE, he does seem to have some trouble disengaging. But, navigating through traffic is actually one of his strengths; he always seems to “sneak” through the congestion.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by teegre

Strike 1:
Donnie Edwards made a career out of being a catcher’s mitt. Admittedly, LVE doesn’t make many tackles behind the LOS. And, if those tackles are 3-4 yards past the LOS, then meh. But, for the most part, LVE makes those tackles between 1-2 yards past the LOS.

2 yards, 2 yards, 3rd-&-6.

Strike 2:
Once an O-lineman gets his hands on LVE, he does seem to have some trouble disengaging. But, navigating through traffic is actually one of his strengths; he always seems to “sneak” through the congestion.

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Except for strike 1, the backs are bigger, stronger, and better at getting extra yards in the NFL than college, so 1-2 yards could turn into 3-4 yards without more drive on the tackle. As for strike 2, the linemen are better and faster. He won't be able to rely on avoiding traffic in the NFL, more so without a lot of speed, he's going to have to learn to shed blocks in the pros

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

Except for strike 1, the backs are bigger, stronger, and better at getting extra yards in the NFL than college, so 1-2 yards could turn into 3-4 yards without more drive on the tackle. As for strike 2, the linemen are better and faster. He won't be able to rely on avoiding traffic in the NFL, more so without a lot of speed, he's going to have to learn to shed blocks in the pros

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Strike 1:
Except for the DEs and NT paving the way for Vander Esch will also be bigger, stronger, and better at slowing down running backs.

Strike 2:
Except for the DEs and NT paving the way for Vander Esch will also be bigger, stronger, and better at freeing up their linebackers.

I know the guy has ardent supporters, but he just doesn't seem like someone you want defending against the inside power run game. It seems like if he was in on the 4th and goal from the 1 against Jacksonville instead of Spence, Jacksonville still scores the TD.

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

I know the guy has ardent supporters, but he just doesn't seem like someone you want defending against the inside power run game. It seems like if he was in on the 4th and goal from the 1 against Jacksonville instead of Spence, Jacksonville still scores the TD.

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1) I don’t know where to locate the statistic, but PFF listed Vander Esch as the third-best run-stopper innthe NCAA (first in this draft). It’s PFF... so, take that as you will.

2) IMO, if Matakevich is playing on that 4th-&-1, he stops Fournette. (Alas, he had a shoulder injury.) Spence hit Fournette, but simply could not stop him.

Vander Esch > Matakevich > Spence

Did he opt out of the 40?

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...ean-everything

Fantastic read.

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Originally Posted by Born2Steel

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...ean-everything

Fantastic read.

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Hopefully those extra 16lbs don't slow him down. I would rather have 240lbs and fast than 256lbs and slow. If he doesn't run in the mid 4.6's or better he won't be worth taking in the early rounds, IMO. The Steelers need a good or better starting ILB, not an average one.

Per Tony Pauline (He's pretty good at this stuff)

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According to teams, Leighton Vander Esch has been crushing interviews and continues to impress people. After weighing in at 256 pounds and completing 20 reps on the bench, the Boise State linebacker is hoping to run under 4.7 in the 40-yard dash. Truth be told, anything at or below 4.75 would be a great time. I’ve been told the Green Bay Packers are very high on Vander Esch and that he won’t get past the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 1.

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http://draftanalyst.com/combine-notes-day-5

Let's see their #'s from the individual tests and drills later today, but Darius Leonard is so far a physical clone of Edmunds and Vander Esch in a 3rd round package.

Rnd. 1 - Edge or Safety
Rnd. 2 - BPA
Rnd 3. - ILB solution

LVE likes the Steelers. I wonder if it’s reciprocal.

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...ean-everything

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Originally Posted by BlackAndGold

Per Tony Pauline (He's pretty good at this stuff)


http://draftanalyst.com/combine-notes-day-5

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The entire situation sounds a LOT like TJ Watt from last draft.

-position switch
-one “good” year
-not fast in shorts (plays faster)
-connected with Green Bay’s R1 pick

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Originally Posted by teegre

LVE likes the Steelers. I wonder if it’s reciprocal.

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...ean-everything

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They gave him a formal interview because they liked what they saw on film, he has a solid off field history and is a heck of a nice young man. Sounds like TJ to me, so I'd say Yes!

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Originally Posted by Shoes

They gave him a formal interview because they liked what they saw on film, he has a solid off field history and is a heck of a nice young man. Sounds like TJ to me, so I'd say Yes!

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:nod:

Ran an unofficial 4.66

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Leonard ran 4.70 a little concerning

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Leonard ran 4.70 a little concerning

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

Ran an unofficial 4.66

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Leonard ran 4.70 a little concerning

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Neither of those times concern me.

The drill I want to see is the 3-cone drill. Getting under 7.0 in that drill is far more important.

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Originally Posted by teegre

Neither of those times concern me.

The drill I want to see is the 3-cone drill. Getting under 7.0 in that drill is far more important.

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Not concerned about LVE's time as that was around where it was expected. I thought Leonard would run faster, though he isn't doing position drills so he may have pulled something.

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On position drills I think he did well overall. Feet were a little choppy moving laterally one drill, but got nice depth dropping back into coverage

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

Ran an unofficial 4.66

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Leonard ran 4.70 a little concerning

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Leonard ran 4.70 a little concerning

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Lve official 40 4.65. Leonard same as unofficial

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Originally Posted by st33lersguy

Not concerned about LVE's time as that was around where it was expected. I thought Leonard would run faster, though he isn't doing position drills so he may have pulled something.

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On position drills I think he did well overall. Feet were a little choppy moving laterally one drill, but got nice depth dropping back into coverage

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Thanks for the update.

His coverage skills are probably his biggest asset.

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Originally Posted by teegre

Neither of those times concern me.

The drill I want to see is the 3-cone drill. Getting under 7.0 in that drill is far more important.

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Here is what is soooooooooooo ridiculous.

Look at Shazier's pro day and combine #'s - https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/ryan-shazier. They are simply the #'s of an alien being from another planet. Not really relevant comparisons for a ILB prospect.

4.7 and 4.6 are a bit disappointing, but most of the "name" prospects in this class ran 4.5-4.6. So it is what it is...

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

Here is what is soooooooooooo ridiculous.

Look at Shazier's pro day and combine #'s - https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/ryan-shazier. They are simply the #'s of an alien being from another planet. Not really relevant comparisons for a ILB prospect.

4.7 and 4.6 are a bit disappointing, but most of the "name" prospects in this class ran 4.5-4.6. So it is what it is...

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He measured at 6'4" and 256lbs. Once he's down to 235-245lbs and gets into the strength program, he should get a little bit faster than his combine numbers.
I'm still keeping an eye on Jerome baker as well. Shaq Griffen is this year's ILB/Safety hybrid to watch.

Here’s an interesting comparison:

DRILL: Watt - LVE
vertical: 37 - 39.5
broad: 128 - 124
three-cone: 6.79 - 6.88
short shuttle: 4.13 - 4.15
height: 6’2” - 6’4”
weight: 252 - 256

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Originally Posted by teegre

Here’s an interesting comparison:

DRILL: Watt - LVE
vertical: 37 - 39.5
broad: 128 - 124
three-cone: 6.79 - 6.88
short shuttle: 4.13 - 4.15
height: 6’2” - 6’4”
weight: 252 - 256

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Makes me wonder about a question I asked in another thread. Who is the best ILB right now? Likely the guy from Georgia and then the kid from 'Bama. Who is the better backer in 3 years? Likely still the dude from Georgia, but does LVE overtake the 'Bama guy by then?

And what about Malik Jefferson? Had an amazing combine -- just doesn't have the same level of game tape laid down...

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

Makes me wonder about a question I asked in another thread. Who is the best ILB right now? Likely the guy from Georgia and then the kid from 'Bama. Who is the better backer in 3 years? Likely still the dude from Georgia, but does LVE overtake the 'Bama guy by then?

And what about Malik Jefferson? Had an amazing combine -- just doesn't have the same level of game tape laid down...

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I think you’re right. Roquan is and will be the best ILB in this draft. Rashaan is the second-best right now, but I see Leighton surpassing him.

The wild cards are Tremaine & Malik. Tremaine is less of a risk; he’s just young. But, as we discussed elsewhere, Malik might just not be very smart (but, who actually knows).

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Originally Posted by teegre

I think you’re right. Roquan is and will be the best ILB in this draft. Rashaan is the second-best right now, but I see Leighton surpassing him.

The wild cards are Tremaine & Malik. Tremaine is less of a risk; he’s just young. But, as we discussed elsewhere, Malik might just not be very smart (but, who actually knows).

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Two other wildcards are Leonard and Lorenzo Carter. Film for both looks good and Carter had a darn good combine. I wonder if you could get yourself Lawrence Timmons 2.0 if you moved Carter inside?

Plus, here is a name that we just haven't talked about. And I bet you can get him for a song - Jack Cichy LB Wisconsin. Two years ago, kid just ripped through the Big 10 like it wasn't even hard. Then had a pec and an ACL tear. But still...Cichy in the 7th? Worst case - he just never makes it back and you cut him. Best case, you have Jewell at a bargain price.

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

Two other wildcards are Leonard and Lorenzo Carter. Film for both looks good and Carter had a darn good combine. I wonder if you could get yourself Lawrence Timmons 2.0 if you moved Carter inside?

Plus, here is a name that we just haven't talked about. And I bet you can get him for a song - Jack Cichy LB Wisconsin. Two years ago, kid just ripped through the Big 10 like it wasn't even hard. Then had a pec and an ACL tear. But still...Cichy in the 7th? Worst case - he just never makes it back and you cut him. Best case, you have Jewell at a bargain price.

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Darius had a great Senior Bowl; he seemed to make EVERY tackle. Lorenzo looks a lot like Leonard Floyd.

Great call. Jack Cichy (much like Shaun Dion Hamilton) could be a steal for a team willing to spend a Day 3 pick on him.