Looking into the 2013 Draft

[steelerdude15]

Looking at the latest draft, the Steelers had one of the best drafts in the NFL. The Steelers addressed a few different positions that were in need with excellent players who I hope will make a major impact this upcoming season. With our current roster in mind, what position should the Steelers draft in the first round in the 2013 draft? I feel that were finally set at offensive line, but depending on the how Willie and the rookies play, we may have to go back to that position (which I hope doesn't happen and feel it won't). I would like to see Keenan and Steve can do as starters and feel they could make a positive impact for the Steelers this upcoming year. With a young offensive line, running backs, wide receivers, nose tackles expect for Casey, young corners, and most of our linebackers, what position is at need most? I'm thinking that since James, Ryan, and Troy are all getting older, it may be time to draft a top of the line safety or outside linebacker. What does everyone else think?

[ShutDown24]

I did some very limited examining of the supposed top prospects for 2013 last week and couldn't get past more than a half hour of film. It's just too early to consider what athletes are going to be coveted. Until this college season passes, I think I'm going to have to ignore names - can't blame myself for trying to stay ahead of the game . But I know that's not really what you were discussing here.

As far as position specific, I think a lot has to due with the season at hand. Who knows what happens? Players could suffer career ending injuries, vets could come out washed up, a rookie could come out of nowhere and become a star... It's all up in the air. But as things stand I think we'd have to predict the defensive secondary as an area in need of some youth. Probably at free safety more than anywhere else in my opinion. Receiver will probably need to be addressed, and unless Sly or Spence prove me wrong, I think we're still going to need a big linebacker in the middle for early downs. Overall though, I have to imagine our needs won't be quite as dire as they were in this past April's draft.

[steelerdude15]

I agree with everything you said. I hope our defense has another star added in the next draft.

[Aussie_steeler]

Two major areas of need going into the 2013 draft

1. Outside linebacker to replace an aging James Harrison
2. Free Safety

Two players I would love to land would be

1. ILB Manti Te'o

or

2. ILB Shane Skov

Only problem is how do you utilise Timmons, Spence, Sylvester and one of the above 2?
I like Timmons a lot but I think a trio of Te'o / Skov, Spence and Sylvester would be a very formidable ILB corp.

Oh Crap - its already started.

[ShutDown24]

Two major areas of need going into the 2013 draft

1. Outside linebacker to replace an aging James Harrison
2. Free Safety

Two players I would love to land would be

1. ILB Manti Te'o

or

2. ILB Shane Skov

Only problem is how do you utilise Timmons, Spence, Sylvester and one of the above 2?
I like Timmons a lot but I think a trio of Te'o / Skov, Spence and Sylvester would be a very formidable ILB corp.

Oh Crap - its already started.

Te'o is a popular man already. It seems like he is going to be held in high regard by many organizations. I know it's ridiculously early to say, but I'm thinking he may be out of our grasp.

I'm not ready to give up on Worilds/Carter as heirs to Harrison's throne. I really think Worilds could come on yet.

[GBMelBlount]

I am certainly not a draftnik but I can say that judging by our perceived "needs" next year (I know it is early) I am incredibly pleased with this years draft. I do not think we could have done any better.

I am curious if we would be looking to draft someone "like" troy (who is a rarity) to build the defense around or if there is anyone we have out of the talented trio of defensive backs who could replace him.

Also, imagine how nice it would if Spence showed us he could be an early down ILB...

Lastly, does Spence have the physical traits (speed and athleticism) to possibly replace Troy if it made sense?

[ShutDown24]

I am certainly not a draftnik but I can say that judging by our perceived "needs" next year (I know it is early) I am incredibly pleased with this years draft. I do not think we could have done any better.

I am curious if we would be looking to draft someone "like" troy (who is a rarity) to build the defense around or if there is anyone we have out of the talented trio of defensive backs who could replace him.

Also, imagine how nice it would if Spence showed us he could be an early down ILB...

Lastly, does Spence have the physical traits (speed and athleticism) to possibly replace Troy if it made sense?

Spence could probably play strong safety, but moving a linebacker into the backfield would be a process. I think if that was the plan when he was drafted we would know by now. Who knows though, if they try him inside and he is just too small an attempted position switch would be better than a release.

[GBMelBlount]

Spence could probably play strong safety, but moving a linebacker into the backfield would be a process. I think if that was the plan when he was drafted we would know by now. Who knows though, if they try him inside and he is just too small an attempted position switch would be better than a release.

Thanks shut. I am sure they will learn a lot about Spences capabilities in TC and pre season. I have heard varying opinions on his size for ILB vis a vis Farrior and others and cases made that he may not be as undersized as some think. It is good to know you feel he could be converted....especially when mild comparisons have been made to Troy with repect to his athleticism and instincts. I wonder if they drafted him because they felt that he could possibly be troys replacement if he was not the best long term solution at ILB.

Perhaps a lot of the 2013 draft strategy may hinge on how / where Spence hopefully fits in.

[ShutDown24]

Thanks shut. I am sure they will learn a lot about Spences capabilities in TC and pre season. I have heard varying opinions on his size for ILB vis a vis Farrior and others and cases made that he may not be as undersized as some think. It is good to know you feel he could be converted....especially when mild comparisons have been made to Troy with repect to his athleticism and instincts. I wonder if they drafted him because they felt that he could possibly be troys replacement if he was not the best long term solution at ILB.

Perhaps a lot of the 2013 draft strategy may hinge on how / where Spence hopefully fits in.

I wouldn't be surprised if the thought has entered the minds of the coaching staff, but I'm also sure they have no plans of him failing at inside linebacker.

One of the reasons I suggest free safety as a bigger position of need than strong safety is I believe Ryan Clark could play strong, and play it well. In our system the traditional ideals of the two positions are blurred. Clark is already often in the box in place of Troy. So they both play the roles of SS/FS regularly. One player in for run support and the other ball hawking. This is where the problem could occur with Spence. He's definitely fast, but is he defensive back quick? That remains to be seen. If he moves to safety and is only valuable as a traditional strong safety, our defense loses a lot of flexibility and range as a whole.

[steeldevil]

Its too early for me to have any real idea, not that I ever have the knowledge some of you guys have, but as a ND football fan the homer in me really wants Te'o. Although drafting him would almost certainly mean that throughout this year a decision would be made that Sylvester or Spence couldn't be starters, only situational players. Which I doubt they would make that decision on Spence so quickly, so Te'o is unlikely.

[Chidi29]

I think if we wanted a SS, we would have drafted a SS. Not an ILB.

[GBMelBlount]

I wouldn't be surprised if the thought has entered the minds of the coaching staff, but I'm also sure they have no plans of him failing at inside linebacker.

One of the reasons I suggest free safety as a bigger position of need than strong safety is I believe Ryan Clark could play strong, and play it well. In our system the traditional ideals of the two positions are blurred. Clark is already often in the box in place of Troy. So they both play the roles of SS/FS regularly. One player in for run support and the other ball hawking. This is where the problem could occur with Spence. He's definitely fast, but is he defensive back quick? That remains to be seen. If he moves to safety and is only valuable as a traditional strong safety, our defense loses a lot of flexibility and range as a whole.

You're right.

He ran a 4.56 40 at the combine.

It is not fast by CB standards but is on par with the likes of Brandon flowers....even though Spence weighs 30+ pounds more.

[Iron Steeler]

Lastly, does Spence have the physical traits (speed and athleticism) to possibly replace Troy if it made sense?

I know 40 time isn't everything but Troy ran a 4.33 and spence is some were in the 4.55-4.6


Jerry rice ran a 4.6 so again proof that these data is 100% accurate to what will translate on the field

[GBMelBlount]

I know 40 time isn't everything but Troy ran a 4.33 and spence is some were in the 4.55-4.6


Jerry rice ran a 4.6 so again proof that these data is 100% accurate to what will translate on the field

I completely agree. There can be a huge difference between sprint speed and game speed.

I think a good example is that Wallace has better sprint speed than Brown but Brown arguably has better game speed.

The thing about Troy is he has great sprint speed AND game speed (and instincts).

That was a great call by the FO to trade up and get him.

If our needs are less next year I wonder if we might consider trading up to get Troy's replacement, especially seeing how the defense is built around his ability.

[Chidi29]

I completely agree. There can be a huge difference between sprint speed and game speed.

I think a good example is that Wallace has better sprint speed than Brown but Brown arguably has better game speed.

The thing about Troy is he has great sprint speed AND game speed (and instincts).

That was a great call by the FO to trade up and get him.

If our needs are less next year I wonder if we might consider trading up to get Troy's replacement, especially seeing how the defense is built around his ability.

The problem is trying to find someone who can match his talent. Hopefully this upcoming safety class isn't as weak as this past one's.

[Aussie_steeler]

The first key is who are the 2013 and 2014 free agents.

2013

UFA'S
Will Allen
Larry Foote
Ramon Foster
Casey Hampton
David Johnson
Doug Legursky
Keenan Lewis
Jonathon Scott
Rashad Mendenhall
Ryan Mundy
Mike Wallace
Greg Warren

RFA's
Antonio Brown
Jonathon Dwyer
Jeremy Kapinos
Isaac Redman
Steve McClendon
Emmanuel Sanders
Stevenson Sylvester

2014 Free agents

Ryan Clark
Jerricho Cotchery
Damon Cromartie Smith
Ziggy Hood
Morty Ivy
Brett Keisel
Weslye Saunders
Al Woods
Jason Worilds

In bold are players who I believe are must keeps.

What holes do you see that are going to arise possibly via free agency????

I see Free Safety as a must.

[86WARD]

It's about that time to begin thinking about a replacement for Polamalu as well...

[GBMelBlount]

The problem is trying to find someone who can match his talent. Hopefully this upcoming safety class isn't as weak as this past one's.

What other teams have a player like Troy that they build their defense around.

I also wonder if having Troy's physical ability alone is enough to replace him...he has an innate playmaking ability.

[GBMelBlount]

The first key is who are the 2013 and 2014 free agents.

2013

UFA'S
Will Allen
Larry Foote
Ramon Foster
Casey Hampton
David Johnson
Doug Legursky
Keenan Lewis
Jonathon Scott
Rashad Mendenhall
Ryan Mundy
Mike Wallace
Greg Warren

RFA's
Antonio Brown
Jonathon Dwyer
Jeremy Kapinos
Isaac Redman
Steve McClendon
Emmanuel Sanders
Stevenson Sylvester

2014 Free agents

Ryan Clark
Jerricho Cotchery
Damon Cromartie Smith
Ziggy Hood
Morty Ivy
Brett Keisel
Weslye Saunders
Al Woods
Jason Worilds

In bold are players who I believe are must keeps.

What holes do you see that are going to arise possibly via free agency????

I see Free Safety as a must.

Yes, but CAN we keep Wallace, Brown and Sanders?

Couldn't picking up a good receiver early be both insurance and leverage.

[Texasteel]

Right now my watch list contains SS, FS, and LBs. ( You can never cross off a LBer with the Steelers.) I haven't seen many SS, or FS, that I would place in the 1st round, not at the moment anyway. Problem is, that with the Steelers ability to pick up a player that is sliding you can't really cross of any position, that is why I start looking heavely at player reports and even rumors two weeks before the draft.

[steelerdude15]

Seems that we can all agree that as of right now, safety and linebacker are the two must important positions to draft in next years draft.

[Texasteel]

Just a thought. If Colon continues to have problems, and Foster leaves after this year, might that put a player like bama's Barrett Johns into the picture. Johns has been mentioned as possably one of the best OC, OG, and OT prospects next year.

[steelerdude15]

Just a thought. If Colon continues to have problems, and Foster leaves after this year, might that put a player like bama's Barrett Johns into the picture. Johns has been mentioned as possably one of the best OC, OG, and OT prospects next year.

I would love to have him if he's one of the best.

[GBMelBlount]

Just a thought. If Colon continues to have problems, and Foster leaves after this year, might that put a player like bama's Barrett Johns into the picture. Johns has been mentioned as possably one of the best OC, OG, and OT prospects next year.

First round?

I guess after picking up Pouncey, Gilbert, DeCastro & Adams....unless something unexpected happens I am not sure I see the need for us to go offense line early in the draft as compared to SS, FS & LB....but you never know with BPA.

[Texasteel]

BPA is the main phrase here. I can see a couple S that would be 1st round worthy, but not sure they would be there when we pick. (Our draft position is also guess work.) I think that it is more likely to have a LB that we might like in the 1st round.

If we loose Colon, and Foster, ( more guessing) I could see a hole at LG. Would we fill that hole in the 1st round? Maybe, maybe not, but personally, I could see the eyes in our war room light up if Johns were available late in the 1st round.

[LLT]

If we are looking at a real ILB "thumper"...then I would suggest that all the draftniks look at Georgia's OLB Jarvis Jones.

6'2 242 lb first team all american who had 70 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks last year…It looks to me that he has loose hips and good enough instincts to move inside in a 3-4 scheme.

He is ranked pretty high right now...but all things are possible by the next draft.


I also like FS Robert Lester of Alabama ...6'2 210 lbs...and able to play both safety positions. Better than average speed and great instincts when the ball is in the air (8 interceptions his soph year) Hampered by back spasms last year and could have a monster year coming up


As a sleeper, I like OG Gabe Jackson of Mississippi State...6'4 320 lbs...not ranked very high right now ...but one of those players who will probably climb into the 3rd to 4th round.

[Texasteel]

As alway Perry, a great list. I agree that Jarvis Jones will declare next year, I don't think he will have anything else to prove in school, and if we got a shot at him he would be an increadable pick, but I think he may be gone in the 1st half of the 1st round. Remember though, that is what I said about Hightower last year. I think Jones go's before Te'o.

Lester may fall into that no mans land of not quite a 1st rounder, but not far into the 2nd round. Personally, I think he works his way into the 1st, and very well may be our pick. At this point this is all wild speculation, but it is fun. Yes I do have my favorites, and no I am not tellin.

Perry do think Jackson will declare next year. I see him as a mid round OG next year, and I think he would help himself staying in school.

[LLT]

Hey Tex.....

How about another Kent State linebacker?

DE Roosevelt Nix projects as a 3-4 OLB. He is 6'0 245 lbs....and over the last two years has racked up 37 tackles for loss...14.5 sacks...7 forced fumbles and 5 passes broke up.

[Texasteel]

Hey Tex.....

How about another Kent State linebacker?

DE Roosevelt Nix projects as a 3-4 OLB. He is 6'0 245 lbs....and over the last two years has racked up 37 tackles for loss...14.5 sacks...7 forced fumbles and 5 passes broke up.

This is a kid I know absolutly nothing about. I did look a little up about him, and he sounds like another promising Jr. that very well could break out this year. I will try to find one of his games and give him a look. I have always had a soft spot for Kent St. LBers.

[Steeldude]

I know 40 time isn't everything but Troy ran a 4.33 and spence is some were in the 4.55-4.6


Jerry rice ran a 4.6 so again proof that these data is 100% accurate to what will translate on the field

I thought Spence ran a 4.7 40