Michael is PITT’s man... ???

[teegre]

The draft is one week away. There is a ton of talk out there from various sources that the Steelers are looking to deject Michael Pittman, Jr. (WR, USC) at 49.

This time of year is chock full of rumors. Most make me yawn. But, I’ve seen this from various sources that I “trust”. For example, Kozora says it’s a strong possibility. I believe Steel City Underground (who isn’t known for knee-jerk reactions) says that their “sources” say that Tomlin loves Pittman.

Big, tall... good hands, makes the contested catches... there is a lot to like about him.

QUESTION:
Let’s take Pittman out of the equation. How would you feel about taking a WR (any WR) at 49?

[86WARD]

I would not mind it. I am not sold on Washington or Johnson as star players. They have so much potential but I’d like to see them break out. I like them both and I like them a good amount but I’m not sold that they still don’t need a stud WR in this group.

Basically...my bottom line is: “If it helps Ben, somehow, I’m good with it”.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I'd prefer Denzel Mims if he is still there. Pittman jr looks every bit the 4.52 speed that he posted at the combine and is really a solid #2 WR that is a big target at 6'4". I might prefer Van Jefferson over Pittman if his foot injury checked out.

[Mojouw]

Pittman just seems to be another version of Juju and Washington. Meaning a guy with really good hands that may or may not struggle to get separation because of a lack of elite NFL speed. DJ is a bit of different type of WR. Cain has clocked speed, but due to injury and situation, has yet to translate it to NFL production.

So, all in all, I would prefer someone like Mims who APPEARS to bring a different kind of skill set to the table.

But, Pittman seems to be exactly what they are looking for in WRs recently. Him, Juju, and Washington are like carbon copies of each other - only Pittman is even bigger:

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/michael-pittman
https://www.mockdraftable.com/player...smith-schuster
https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/james-washington

All in all, I wouldn't hate the pick because they have been on a run of WR "hits" lately. I just would prefer they add a different "type" to the mix. That being said, if Pittman is the next Mike Evans...screw types...

[Born2Steel]

I would be fine with a WR at 49. Basically we got Minkah at 17, so a WR in the 2nd is not a terrible move. There are some I personally like over Pittman but I do like Pittman, and I don't have the intel Colbert and Tomlin have so I would gladly defer to them on their choice. The offense really does need a shot in the arm so to speak. Adding a weapon that instantly upgrades the WR room is something I am always for. I'm not going to list all the WRs I would like to see drafted this year but if they feel 49 is the right time, then it's the right time.

[polamalubeast]

Pittman just seems to be another version of Juju and Washington. Meaning a guy with really good hands that may or may not struggle to get separation because of a lack of elite NFL speed. DJ is a bit of different type of WR. Cain has clocked speed, but due to injury and situation, has yet to translate it to NFL production.

So, all in all, I would prefer someone like Mims who APPEARS to bring a different kind of skill set to the table.

But, Pittman seems to be exactly what they are looking for in WRs recently. Him, Juju, and Washington are like carbon copies of each other - only Pittman is even bigger:

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/michael-pittman
https://www.mockdraftable.com/player...smith-schuster
https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/james-washington

All in all, I wouldn't hate the pick because they have been on a run of WR "hits" lately. I just would prefer they add a different "type" to the mix. That being said, if Pittman is the next Mike Evans...screw types...

Good point...This is the reason why I want a WR who is very fast.I don't said that Pittman is slow but someone who is very fast is a need for this offense,RB or WR.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Below is video vs Utah. I like game tape like this instead of hilights, because you can see what a guy does all game from whistle to whistle and not just cut up hilights. This is what I see:

Positives
-Big body, good hands, high points the football in the air and uses his body very well to sheild defenders in pattern and against contested catches.
-apparently willing blocker and plays special teams
-runs good routes, but looks like he rounds off some cuts due to size
-defeats jam with physicality, not quickness

Weaknesses
-doesnt show quickness off the line. Will defeat jam with body and hands, but CB will run with him in press man.
-not much wiggle in his breaks or run after catch, just strength.
-doesn't have long speed to challenge vertically

I see a good big body #2, possession type WR that is best in the hooks, curls, slants, outs, corner routes but not really a vertical threat that will beat on post patterns or 9's.

[Mojouw]

Below is video vs Utah. I like game tape like this instead of hilights, because you can see what a guy does all game from whistle to whistle and not just cut up hilights. This is what I see:

Positives
-Big body, good hands, high points the football in the air and uses his body very well to sheild defenders in pattern and against contested catches.
-apparently willing blocker and plays special teams
-runs good routes, but looks like he rounds off some cuts due to size
-defeats jam with physicality, not quickness

Weaknesses
-doesnt show quickness off the line. Will defeat jam with body and hands, but CB will run with him in press man.
-not much wiggle in his breaks or run after catch, just strength.
-doesn't have long speed to challenge vertically

I see a good big body #2, possession type WR that is best in the hooks, curls, slants, outs, corner routes but not really a vertical threat that will beat on post patterns or 9's.

He certainly looks like he takes FOREVER to get up to speed. Doesn't look "sharp" in anything he does. But that is kinda common I guess for college players with his dominating size?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

He certainly looks like he takes FOREVER to get up to speed. Doesn't look "sharp" in anything he does. But that is kinda common I guess for college players with his dominating size?

I agree. In the 1 on 1 drills in Mobile, AB he defeated the coverage with physicality, but didn't run away from the CB's covering him. He just made cuts on a wide open field and used his large frame to box-out while catching the football.

Personally, I like Mims or Van Jefferson better. Mims might be gone before #49, or could be there and Jefferson may slide into the 60-80's I think due to his Jones fracture in his foot. Its a minor injury.

[BlackAndGold]

He checks off boxes. Production, bloodlines. Pittman's father was apart of the Buccaneers when they won the Super Bowl, which at the time coach Tomlin was the DB coach.

[Mojouw]

I agree. In the 1 on 1 drills in Mobile, AB he defeated the coverage with physicality, but didn't run away from the CB's covering him. He just made cuts on a wide open field and used his large frame to box-out while catching the football.

Personally, I like Mims or Van Jefferson better. Mims might be gone before #49, or could be there and Jefferson may slide into the 60-80's I think due to his Jones fracture in his foot. Its a minor injury.

Another way to go, if they want a big ole WR is Bryan Edwards from SC. You might get him to slide a bit and not need to take him at 49. I don't know who the prospect is that could pull this off...but they need some "explosion" at the WR position. I would like to see them grab someone who can have a Martavis Bryant impact. Say what you want about the guy, but before it went all sideways, he was altering how defenses lined up.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Another way to go, if they want a big ole WR is Bryan Edwards from SC. You might get him to slide a bit and not need to take him at 49. I don't know who the prospect is that could pull this off...but they need some "explosion" at the WR position. I would like to see them grab someone who can have a Martavis Bryant impact. Say what you want about the guy, but before it went all sideways, he was altering how defenses lined up.

True, the one thing with Edwards is that he has some drop issues, so doesn't have the hands that a bigger WR like Pittman or Claypool. I agree that I think the Steelers need somebody with some vertical speed, which is why I like Mims. Also a larger target that is in the 6'3 or taller range would be nice, but finding both isn't likely to happen at #49. Jefferson play speed was clocked well at the Senior Bowl, but I think he has buildup speed like Washington more than just fast twitch.

Bryant was 1st round athlete, but 7th round mind and that is why he lasted until the 4th.

[Born2Steel]

True, the one thing with Edwards is that he has some drop issues, so doesn't have the hands that a bigger WR like Pittman or Claypool. I agree that I think the Steelers need somebody with some vertical speed, which is why I like Mims. Also a larger target that is in the 6'3 or taller range would be nice, but finding both isn't likely to happen at #49. Jefferson play speed was clocked well at the Senior Bowl, but I think he has buildup speed like Washington more than just fast twitch.

Bryant was 1st round athlete, but 7th round mind and that is why he lasted until the 4th.

Juaun Jennings could still be there in the 4th.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Juaun Jennings could still be there in the 4th.

Jennings ran a 4.72 in the 40, had a 29" vertical and a 119" broad jump at the combine. In comparison Benny Snell Jr. ran a 4.66, with a 29.5" vertical and a 119" broad jump at last year combine .

Do the Steelers really need to spend a 4th round pick on a WR that is a lesser athlete than Benny Snell??

[Born2Steel]

Jennings ran a 4.72 in the 40, had a 29" vertical and a 119" broad jump at the combine. In comparison Benny Snell Jr. ran a 4.66, with a 29.5" vertical and a 119" broad jump at last year combine .

Do the Steelers really need to spend a 4th round pick on a WR that is a lesser athlete than Benny Snell??

Yes I would, I don't think he will be there in the 6th and the Steelers don't own a 5th. I thought you watched film. Have you watched any on Jennings? BTW I have zero issue with Snell's athleticism. List Conner's numbers on those events. Does he now deserve to be a backup?

On the front of late round IOL what are your thoughts on Gage Cervanka, OG out of Clemson.

[pczach]

If ever there was a year to pick up a WR with the potential to be a star in the later rounds, this is the year. There are big, strong, fast, quick, and versatile players that will be available throughout most of this draft.

I like Pittman, but I would like to see a player with more speed if taken that high. A guy with clear ability to get separation and stretch defenses at the next level that still has ball skills and good hands.

I just think that in a draft with an extremely strong and deep crop of WRs, the team should be looking for the best players available at other positions of need first. Talented WR's will be available later, and they will be getting real value.

I still love getting a stud interior offensive lineman with that second round pick if one is still available. I know you can't control who gets taken in front of you, but my favorite scenario would be for OL. If not, I would still consider moving back to acquire another pick and then using that pick to move up with one of their current picks to get an additional player in the third round. That's where the meat of this draft is, and with fewer picks this year and no first rounder....it would probably be sound strategy if their guy isn't there when they pick at 49 and they can move down and still get a player they really like.

With that said, they will probably do what they always do. Stand pat and pick a good player.

[teegre]

A few thoughts...

1. Daniel Jeremiah has 25 WRs with R1-R2 grades. Ergo, there is zero need to take a WR at 49.

2. On the flip side, if “your guy” is there, you take him when you can.

3. I like Pittman... a lot. He’s a red-zone WR. He’ll match the contested catches.

4. If the rumor is true that the Taperiots are offering their three R3 picks to move up to 49, I do that... and take a WR at the 95-105 range (see point #1).

[pczach]

A few thoughts...

1. Daniel Jeremiah has 25 WRs with R1-R2 grades. Ergo, there is zero need to take a WR at 49.

2. On the flip side, if “your guy” is there, you take him when you can.

3. I like Pittman... a lot. He’s a red-zone WR. He’ll match the contested catches.

4. If the rumor is true that the Taperiots are offering their three R3 picks to move up to 49, I do that... and take a WR at the 95-105 range (see point #1).

The one guy that maybe can't be duplicated later would be a guy like Claypool if he were to be available at 49. I highly doubt it, but you never know. He is a guy with elite size, speed, and athleticism. He is big enough to be a TE and a blocking force in the run game from the WR position, but fast enough to take the top off a defense and make contested catches on the outside. He would be a red-zone threat and a physical mismatch at TE or WR.

He is so intriguing to me in what he is capable of physically.

[teegre]

The one guy that maybe can't be duplicated later would be a guy like Claypool if he were to be available at 49. I highly doubt it, but you never know. He is a guy with elite size, speed, and athleticism. He is big enough to be a TE and a blocking force in the run game from the WR position, but fast enough to take the top off a defense and make contested catches on the outside. He would be a red-zone threat and a physical mismatch at TE or WR.

He is so intriguing to me in what he is capable of physically.

That’s a perfect example. There are a ton of players who are similar:
-Michael Pittman... Van Jefferson... Antonio Gandy-Golden
-Jalen Reagor... KJ Hamlin... KJ Hill

But, there’s really only one player like Claypool. Ergo, if he’s there... you take him.

[st33lersguy]

I'd prefer the Steelers to do one of two things in round 2

1. Get a true no. 1 WR for Ben and eventually whoever replaces Ben
or
2. Shore up the o-line for Ben and whoever replaces Ben and open up better holes for whoever is at RB

So yeah, I'm all-in for getting a WR in round 2 if it means getting a no. 1 guy

[teegre]

2. Shore up the o-line for Ben and whoever replaces Ben and open up better holes for whoever is at RB

Thete are several names who would be logical at 49. But, on the topic of O-linemen, we could (possibly) get a Wolverine with many of our picks. (Michigan has an outstanding O-line.)

49: Cesar Ruiz*, OC/OG

102: Ben Bredeson, OG

198: Michael Onwenu, OG

232: Jon Runyon Jr., RT

*(he’d have to have a major tumble to drop this far)

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Yes I would, I don't think he will be there in the 6th and the Steelers don't own a 5th. I thought you watched film. Have you watched any on Jennings? BTW I have zero issue with Snell's athleticism. List Conner's numbers on those events. Does he now deserve to be a backup?

On the front of late round IOL what are your thoughts on Gage Cervanka, OG out of Clemson.

Yeah, I don't see a lot on Jennings film that indicated he would be able to get open consistently in the NFL. Strength yes, good hands yes, but no quickness off the snap, no rapid acceleration or deep speed, the ability to sink hips and get in and out of breaks is clunky. Not an impressive route runner.

I would draft Donovan Peoples-Jones from Michigan instead of Jennings all day, or even look at Stephen Sullivan from LSU as a better threat in the passing game IMO. Below are comments that he is likely going to be a good special teamer and WR4, plus Lance Zeirline's analysis that he may not get drafted, but has good qualities that should get him into an NFL camp as a free agent. I agree that he is 7th round or UDFA prospect.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says the following about Jennings in his 2020 Draft Profile:

Big slot target with size, savvy and toughness, but lacking in functional speed and general quickness. Jennings can be clever in stemming and tilting coverage enough to open throwing windows, but getting away from press coverage is going to be difficult for him. What he can’t do may keep him from being drafted, but competitiveness at the catch point, with the ball in his hands, and as a blocker should get him into camp and give him an outside shot as a big, possession slot.

Think of him as a much more limited Deebo Samuel. Jennings isn’t going to become a No. 1 receiver in the NFL and that’s fine. He’s a backend prospect who will at best be a WR3 in the league, but will likely be a big special teams contributor and a WR4 wherever he lands. https://www.bucsnation.com/2020/4/5/...jauan-jennings

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

On the front of late round IOL what are your thoughts on Gage Cervanka, OG out of Clemson.

Had a quick look of him vs Ohio St and he looks kind of raw. I know he benched around 40 reps, but looks thin in the lower body, waist bender that gets nose over toes in pass protection and leans(which isn't great position). He converted from D line, so its expected that he may be rough.
-He looks athletic enough when he pulled from RG in the run game, but didn't arrive at the point of contact with any intensity, bad intentions or a decent base/balance.
-doesn't get out of stance quickly with good base from what I can see and when engages in the run game I don't see him walking down defenders as much as leaning on them hard, because he isn't bending his knees.

I think Cervenka is a project that is 7th round or UDFA, who is a good athlete and knows where the weight room is, but really needs work on technique and using his legs better in run game and pass protection. I wouldn't spend a pick on him, but instead would look at Jon Runyan in the late rounds. Better technique, hand placement, footwork and although not as strong, he is a better pass protector and run blocker at this present time.

[86WARD]

Thete are several names who would be logical at 49. But, on the topic of O-linemen, we could (possibly) get a Wolverine with many of our picks. (Michigan has an outstanding O-line.)

49: Cesar Ruiz*, OC/OG

102: Ben Bredeson, OG

198: Michael Onwenu, OG

232: Jon Runyon Jr., RT

*(he’d have to have a major tumble to drop this far)

David DeCastro has a major tumble and that worked out nice!!

[Born2Steel]

Had a quick look of him vs Ohio St and he looks kind of raw. I know he benched around 40 reps, but looks thin in the lower body, waist bender that gets nose over toes in pass protection and leans(which isn't great position). He converted from D line, so its expected that he may be rough.
-He looks athletic enough when he pulled from RG in the run game, but didn't arrive at the point of contact with any intensity, bad intentions or a decent base/balance.
-doesn't get out of stance quickly with good base from what I can see and when engages in the run game I don't see him walking down defenders as much as leaning on them hard, because he isn't bending his knees.

I think Cervenka is a project that is 7th round or UDFA, who is a good athlete and knows where the weight room is, but really needs work on technique and using his legs better in run game and pass protection. I wouldn't spend a pick on him, but instead would look at Jon Runyan in the late rounds. Better technique, hand placement, footwork and although not as strong, he is a better pass protector and run blocker at this present time.

Everything I read on Cervanka is RAW. But the guy made the switch from DL to OL and became a starter for Sweeney. That tells me he has skills. The 40+ reps on the bench shows he is a workout room monster. Understandable his technique would be behind other prospects but as an UDFA I don't see any downside. You mentioned Runyun and I almost feel he is destined to become a Steeler. I could see a draft scenario where the Steelers go OT early, a OG/C in the Runyun range, and an UDFA OL as well. Could be some solid OT prospects in the 6th and 7th as well after the top tier guys are taken in rounds 1 and 2. A second scenario could be G/C early, a OT in the Runyun range, and an UDFA to bring in. The OL is not a position of just bad right now but I could see a lot of capitol being used in that group. AV, Feiler, Wiz, Pouncey, DeCastro, all hitting that 30+/last contract area.