Steelers Draft and Mel Kiper sucks thread!!

I told you Sainristril was a guy to keep an eye on. His awareness was always top notch and he is the best slot CB in the draft.

 

Yeah I had to see for myself, if he was bigger he'd be in discussion for DJ's top 50.
Got the OL going today at 1PM, even as a draftaholic, I am starting to get burned out. Man 3 days of watching the combine, that's a lot of hours to be glued to the TV.
Fashanu, Alt, Fuagua all gone by the early teens. Realistic list of players to watch:
Latham, Mims, JPJ, Fauntanu, Guyton, Morgan, Paul, Frazier, Van Pran- Granger, Barton, Beebe, Haynes. I just hope it's not more of watch my tape by agent says not to run, jump, or do drills with some of these dudes.

Not sure why they met with Odunze, he won't get out of the top 9 . Looks like Justin Fields is going to Atlanta. So now there are 4-5 teams that could use a really good WR at picks 4-9 assuming that QB go 1,2,3. I did see an interesting mock, where a team moved up with NE to 3, they traded back. Then NE traded back into the 1st to grab McCarthy. They are moving on from Mac Suck Jones, probably keeping Zippy Zappe as depth. Not sure what team needs a QB2, but he is a former NFL starter, maybe NE was not a good fit for him? I am being nice, Y'all remember I told you he sucked, was going to suck, and some posters seemed to think I just hated the kid or he stole my lunch money. NOPE, just knew he wasn't a starting NFL QB. I guess right sometimes and my detractors, you know who you are, can eat a nice big fat crow with all the fixings.

 

2024 NFL Mock Draft | Tankathon

Here is a 3 round mock, with compensatory picks.

Rd 1 Cooper DeJean DB Iowa. Quinyon Mitchell. Amarius Mims, and JC Latham are all gone. I think he is a good player but coming off a lower leg injury. Looking at BPA .
Jackson Powers-Johnson Best center in the draft, smart, probably will start eventually in 2024, close to plug and play. It makes a ton of sense, but let's look at some other guys.
Troy Fauntanu- versatile top tier offensive lineman, looking forward to seeing his drills, I think he's a good fit for Meyers and the Steelers and will be getting to the second level in the run game.
Kool-Aid McKinstry- very good CB, wish I could have seen him run drills at the combine. His rating has gone from top ten to top of the second round from the October, I would probably pass here.
Brian Thomas Jr. 6-3", 209 lbs, ran a blazing 4.33. Production is very good. 17 TD's, 1177 yds, 17.3 YPC something Pittsburgh desperately needs, This is my pick.
Graham Barton- smart kid, can play all 5 spots presumably, would not be upset with this selection.
Tyler Guyton- reminds me of last years Anton Harrison, who went 27th to The Jaguars, and ended up being on the all rookie team. This is who the Jets should have drafted, but again, they're idiots.,

Rd 2 Kamren Kinchens S Miami. ran a rather pedestrian 4.65 at the combine. I feel he is more of a Free safety and we already have #39. However he has some mad ball skills (5 int). Gone are Edgerrin Cooper, Zac Frazier, Kamari Lassiter. Kris Jenkins, also I think Omar gets a S in Free Agency sice it is a deep pool. Here are BPA.
Payton WIlson, LB, ran a blazing 4.43 at 232 lbs. Good coverage LB, with 3 int, 6 PBU, and 6.0 sacks and 138 tackles. Not a misprint. At 6-4 I have no idea why he has 30" arms, kinda alarming, plus some injuries for the medical team to sort out.
TJ Tampa, CB Iowa State. He did not run or do drills at the combine, probably going to be at that all inclusive pro day event for the Big 12.
Jerimiah Trotter Jr. LB, Clemson. On the short side, great bloodlines, good production 5.5 sacks, 2 int. 5 PBU, 2 FF. 88 tackles.
Sedrick Van Pran-Grainger, OC Georgia. He is now graded in the late 70's, this may be a slight reach. But Steelers really like the Georgia program, this would not shock me and the need OC upgrade drafting for the future.
Junior Colson LB Michigan. Run and hit LB, not really a 3 down LB, limited production in the passing game. A much better version of Mark Robinson. I'm not sure of the value or Robinson on ST, maybe someone can chime in here.
Braden Fiske DL. Look guys he does not fit the measurables of Cam Heyward and those before him, but he is a disruptive animal who blew up the combine. Avg. College production and I caution those who are old enough to remember Mike Mamula.

Rd3 Dominic Puni- OL Kansas. Really he is graded for round 3 , I feel a panic move here. . Gone are Cedric , Van Pran, Ro-Ro-Ro, Sainristil, etc.., and everyone listed above. BPA
Khyree Jackson- shit or get off the pot, only one 6-4 CB in this draft who ran a 4.50, he went at pick 88 to the Fudge Packers. Had 2 picks, 2 sacks, Good split at 1.56, and broad jump of 11-1 was impressive.
I have no idea why he did not run drills, disappointed, maybe at his pro day. Here is a good article on his combine participation:Assessing Khyree Jackson’s performance at the 2024 NFL Combine
Cedric Gray LB NC. 121 tackles, 1 int, 2 FF, 4 PBU The one knock I had was his 40 time was slower than I expected. Gray goes to Buffalo 11 spots after Pittsburgh selects.
Cam Hart CB Notre Dame. Another long CB at 6-3, ran the same 40 as Jackson, similar HWS, could be there in the 4th. He is one point higher than Jackson 6.16 overall grade, to Jackson's 6.15. 2 shoulder surgeries push him below Jackson.
Matt Goncalves OT Pitt. A round early, but the OT board is getting mighty thin here. at this point in this mock, 12 Tackles have already been drafted. All 32 teams needed tackles, well 31 and then whoever signs Tyron Smith.

Rd. 4a. Trevin Wallace LB Kentucky ran 4.51 at combine, Tape shows a heat seeking missle, a Pat Kirwin type of guy
Rd 4b. Fabian Lovette DL Florida State grades out to 6.20, tough to find guys with the arm length. He is more of a space eater, a tree stump not explosive but a high character guy, with team first mentality.
Rd. 6. Ben Sinnott TE Kansas State. yeah yeah we got 4 TE's on the roster. what sold me was his 3 cone drill, better than some WR's, and a 10 yard split of 1.59, 40 inch vertical and a 10-6 broad jump weak TE class probably won't be here but hey...
Rd 7. . Walter Rouse OT Oklahoma. Grades out at 6.10 right in range

I would not rule out RB late day 3 either, good class of all kinds of dudes. If Wallace is off the board, I would look at Tyrice Knight out of UTEP in the 6th. Since I took Lovette in the 4th, I had to pass on Logan Lee, just putting out other names well because I am still pissed we missed Karl Brooks last year.

 

Well shit on a stick. Van Pran is too light for my taste. Mims looks good until he pulled up in his second 40. Man Fantanu is really balanced, quick, plays all 5 spots, stock up.

 

Any thoughts on the Wisconsin Center, Tanor Bortolini , here is his profile. Two things stand out besides the 40 time. His 10 yard split is 1.69 he gets moving quickly, 7.16 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle time of 4.28 lead all offensive lineman. This equals great footwork, I think he can get out into space. Steelers really like Wisconsin players. His athletic score is at 99% it's off the charts. His Production score is 62, that is on the low side. Overall score is a 5.84 that is day 3. But here is what I liked 10" hands, dude got some big ass mitts, probably good to have in cold and wet weather getting the ball to Pickett. If they get a Free agent Center, Bortolini is a Wisconsin guy, he will play ST or just sit and learn. I like this dude.

Tanor Bortolini Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

 

Finally watched all the drills, no thanks to Rouse, did not bend well, he's a plodder. New mock out on Depot, pretty good except for Tommy Eichenberg, just don't think we need another Mark Roberts, he is a liability in coverage. I will stand by my pick of Trevin Wallace, even though he has some negatives on Zeierline's report. , every frikking guy I read on has negatives, so there's that.

Mock Draft Monday – Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Mock Draft: March 4 - Steelers Depot

 

Can Mims stay healthy, that is the 10 million dollar question. For me, I am scared to draft a guy with 8 starts and now a groin injury running the 40. Already missed time with high ankle sprains. I am moving him down the board, but since he's a RT and plays for Georgia, I cannot discount him. Fashanu should have declared for the draft last year, he lost money. I have seen him going in the upper teens now after being a top 5-10 pick. Meanwhile Fuagua is moving into the top 8 or better. He just moves really well at that size.

 

Anyone else on here with a pulse, opinion on the combine? My milk crate is getting worn out. Steelers are bringing in RB Dillon Johnson for a visit.

Report: Steelers Schedule Pre-Draft Visit With Washington RB Dillon Johnson - Steelers Depot

Did not test real well, but he was a work horse for Washington, and played through pain.

 

Jason Kelce just retired , changes a lot of mocks. They will use one of their 2 seconds to jump up and grab JPJ my logic and reasoning tell me this . Trade partner tells me The colts jumping Pittsburgh, Jax, Cincy, Seattle, Rams. I have seen Powers-Johnson mocked to all those teams. Plus Indy is out of Conference.

 

Guys I like that should be had between 4-6 rounds are :

Deantre Prince , CB, Ole Miss
Beau Brade, S, Maryland (can play both S spots)
Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky
Brandon Coleman, G, TCU
Zak Zinter, G, Michigan
Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado St
AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

 

https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.co...snaut-2024-andrew-buller-russ?date=2024-03-03

This is what I’m talking about. JPJ @ 16 . Eagles looking hard at OC now

 

I’m
Going for broke here will do a 1st round mock. Seeing how I fare vs Smell Diaper Jr. who got 2 yes 2 right in 2023

 

Khyree Jackson will
Be 25 start of season Can you get a second contract out of him? That’s a negative but still ahead of mid round CB’s . Anyone in the Max Melton camp, smaller guy probably grades close to Sainristil. Another CB I thought of mid late rounds Renando Green

 

I think the Colts will go CB.

 

I do like Nehemiah Pritchett out of Auburn. Could play in the slot or be a #2. Should be draft able in rounds 3 or 4.

 

Steelers Mock Draft 2.0
Roy Countryman

We are now coming down the homestretch of the NFL Draft process, as the NFL Combine concluded this past Sunday. Here's my updated Steelers post-combine mock draft.

1st Round - Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

After a host of notable eye-popping performances in Indianapolis, the presence of Mims shown in sheer size alone should be enough to pique the Steelers' interest. Add in the fact that at 6-7 ¾, 340 this mountain of a man with huge measurables (36 ⅛ arms/11 ¼ hands) ran the 40 in 5.07 seconds, with a 1.78 ten-yard split, which means he is not only is as big as a mountain, but can also move like a mudslide.

Mims has also leaned upon former teammate Broderick Jones to help him prepare during this process. He may only have eight starts to his name at the college level, but has been cross-trained at both tackle positions, which gives him needed versatility as a rookie until he can gain a starting spot.

Adding a raw talent such as Mims to one day bookend Jones would be a huge victory for Kenny Pickett, or whomever is under center. The Steelers would likely go into the 2024 season with a slightly slower timetable for Mims than Jones due to inexperience and health (hamstring/ankle).

2nd Round - Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

Frazier is one tough dude, as I highlighted in my previous mock draft. Well, just over three months after a leg injury that caused him to hop off the field on one leg to save a game, he was out on the field doing drill work in Indianapolis without any inclination that he had to rehab like a maniac to participate.

While I love the upside prospect Jackson Powers-Johnson possesses, I believe there is no better value in this year’s draft than Frazier in the second round due to his extensive wrestling background, strength, and agility. He has everything you want in a starting center with good length (32 ¼/same as Powers-Johnson) and huge hands (10 ⅞/full inch larger than Powers-Johnson) that he uses to vice-grip and steer defenders.

Frazier is the one prospect I believe the Steelers need to acquire no matter what, because I could see him immediately entering a starting competition at center. If the team would need to move into the early portions of the second round to secure his services, the price would be well worth it in a trade.

3rd Round - Tez Walker, WR, North Carolina

Mike Tomlin loves players who can rise above adversity, and boy has Walker seen his share this past year. First, he was deemed ineligible to play after announcing he would transfer to North Carolina from Kent State. It seemed like nothing more than an NCAA power trip as he tried to get closer to his ailing grandmother. Once he finally got on the field, he was a dynamic playmaker for likely first-round QB, Drake Maye.

After Walker ended the year strong, he went to Mobile for the Senior Bowl, but uncharacteristically struggled throughout the week. He was able to bounce back in a big way as he flashed his excellent athleticism at the combine with a 4.36 40 and 40 ½ vertical.

On film, Walker is big-bodied (6-1/193) with great length (33 ¼) who wins easily on vertical routes with his long strides. While he largely was a vertical threat at Chapel Hill, during his time at Kent State he flashed the versatility to line up and create separation both horizontally and vertically. Is a sure-handed target that his QB can depend upon, and is a feisty blocker on the perimeter.

4th Round - Maason Smith, DT, LSU

The Steelers added some much-needed youth to the defensive line last year with Keeanu Benton, and now they could grab a player who underwhelmed last year after it took him a while to recover from a torn ACL.

When Smith is healthy, his game is reminiscent of Stephon Tuitt's, in that he has ideal measurables of a five-technique (6-5/306) with tremendous length (35) which he uses to rag-doll defenders in the run game. He also has the burst and power to slip past defenders when asked to slide down to the interior on passing downs.

Smith is the type of player who has the pedigree of a five-star recruit from an SEC pillar, but he needs a strong DL coach and mentor to help him learn how to become a professional. Karl Dunbar and Cam Heyward would be an ideal pair to help him realize his potential.

4th Round (f/LA Rams) - Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee

There are abundant rumors about what the Steelers will do at the quarterback position in 2024. While the team has fervently supported Kenny Pickett, they would also like to bring Mason Rudolph back into the fray to compete with him for the starting spot. As for Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, I do not see that happening. The most likely scenario is Rudolph is re-signed and we see the team bring in fresh blood.

Milton is an ideal target for the Steelers. He is the type of quarterback who won’t cost a premium pick the first two days. He also has the athleticism, hulking build (6-5/235), and bazooka arm strength to flourish in the AFC North.

Why isn’t he valued higher? He needs to be more accurrate and show he can layer his throws into tight windows, rather than just fastballing everything into his receivers. He is also an older prospect, 24, coming into the NFL. His upside is apparent, but he will need a coaching staff to be patient as he develops.

6th Round - Tykee Smith, CB, Georgia

Cornerback is a need for the Steelers going into the 2024 season because Levi Wallace, Chandon Sullivan, and James Pierre are all unrestricted free agents. While the team possesses some intriguing outside corner types in Cory Trice, Darius Rush, and Luq Barcoo, they lack a corner with a skill set that can flourish from the nickel.

That is where Smith flourishes. The former West Virginia Mountaineer transferred to Georgia and fights with the mentality of a linebacker. This defensive back loves to hit and come downhill in pursuit, and he uses strong tackling mechanics in space, and isn’t afraid to fight through blocks.

He isn’t just a run defender, though, as he has smooth transitional skills and seems to have terrific timing to disrupt at the catch point. Is an opportune playmaker with his share of turnovers.

7th Round - Tyrone Tracy, RB, Purdue

The Steelers have two quality running backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren but there isn’t much depth outside of those two, which could lead to the team targeting a back late in the draft.
The runner I am most intrigued by is Tracy, a former Iowa wideout who transitioned to running back at Purdue. He is still learning the nuances of the position, but has a quality build (5-11/209), terrific agility (6.81 3-cone), and explosiveness (4.48 40-time/40 vertical). With his combination of pass-catching ability and experience as a return man, he could be a valuable asset on special teams, while also developing as a runner.

 

I don’t like mim’s injuries but I can’t argue his. upside. Not sure Frazier is there at 51. Walker is inconsistent and Milton can’t go through his progressions . I like both Smiths. Luke warm on Tracy but I can’t argue the value and the depth needed at RB.

 

Tracy was sneaky good last season at times with a subpar line. I’d be all for him getting picked, even sooner than the 7th. They don’t have a 3rd RB and he won’t have to worry about playing much/at all in 2024.

 

Beach , ESPN has the same mock out for first two rounds. The guy who replaced Turd McShart . What I’m seeing is Powers-Jackson going to the Rams quite a bit. That would suck . NFL network ( Jerimiah, Brooks, Davis, Zierline ) seem to have Frazier late first early second. . Mims is dominating pick 20 I’m just wondering if he’s boom or bust. My opinion is just that but I like Mitchell, JPJ, Thomas, and Fauntanu better than Mims.

So food for thought here. In 5 years which player is going to cost you the most money to resign. Centers are cheaper than OT, WR, and CB. So there’s that and it is a huge reason teams move back into the first to get a guy like McCarthy or Nix , get the QB in a rookie deal. Same applies to other big money players hitting FA.

if Mims, Latham, JPJ, Fautanu, Q. Mitchell and Thomas are all gone , unlikely but not impossible… I also like WR Adonai Mitchell Texas. Not high in Wiggins actually I moved Kool-Aid back ahead of him.

 

A. Mitchell is a guy I’m unsure of. He’s built and plays just like Pickens. The good is great, but how often does that show up. He has shown an unwillingness to block at times as well. If the top 4 WRs are gone, they can’t reach for WR5. It’s just not there this year.