Steelers Draft and Mel Kiper sucks thread!!

Nice work NY.. Not sure if White is there end of the 6th - but what value that pick would be!

enjoy,

one of the idiots

 

I see over on the Steelers Depot site that the Steelers have been in contact with Mich State LB Max Bullough.. I may be in the minority but this would be a great day 3 pick.. I like his ceiling over the kid from Wisconsin. I think Max will eventually turn out to be the better LB than the 2 in the long run in the NFL. Will see... But the Steelers are showing interest in the kid.

enjoy,

one of the idiots

 

I see your point on Ford and Ealy, but I am going off of what the Eagles have done in the past and they always seem to draft DL who don't necessarily fit. I can see Cooks going sooner, but I really only see that if Beckham or Lee is still available

 

For whatever reason, I cannot see the Steelers touching the OL in the first 3 rounds, unless somebody that potentially could be great falls to them. Too many high picks invested already.

 

Burgh, I have to disagree....Max is very slow of foot and Borland is another Spielman in the making....always around the ball and controls the defense.

 

We'll agree to disagree on this.. but I'm also looking at Value vs Risk... Borland may go as high as the back end of Round 2.. really? Max - day 3.. Max was timed at his pro-day 4.7 and some change - Walter's has Borland as a 4.83.... Watch some tape on Max - he is another kid that is a football player and always around the ball.. I like his ceiling at the NFL level over Borland who to me looks topped out.

enjoy,

one of the idiots

 

Isn't that what I'm saying? that is Lewan is still on the board - I take him.. I do not think he will be but if he is still on the board at #15... I'd have to take a real long had look.

enjoy,

one of the idiots

 

Sure he has the potential, but he didn't seem to want to really be at Michigan last year. He got lazy and was beaten by guys that had no right being in the same league as a top-10 pick. I don't really see anything special as a LT in the NFL. Maybe a RT, but a RT isn't worth drafting in the 1st.

I think Dennard has a higher value/ceiling than Lewan.

 

I wasn't so hot on Lewan back in September - Re-watch Michigan vs ND and one other game recently - kid did not get beat and with his athleticism I think he would be a great pick for Munchuk and outside zone blocking - kid can move and get to the second level. That's why IF he is still on the board at #15 - I'd take a long look... see DeCastro a few years ago...


enjoy,

one of the idiots

 

Isn't that what I'm saying? that is Lewan is still on the board - I take him.. I do not think he will be but if he is still on the board at #15... I'd have to take a real long had look.
I get what you're saying. DeCastro was also a need though. Lewan, not so much. He looked awful against Akron and UConn, and really only had 2-3 games in which he looked great. Now while I would be surprised if he was still available, I have to believe that Colbert has other players like the two CBs ahead of him.

 

I have to agree with Stl AND BB on this one. Mike Tomlin has openly said you need 4 CB's to compete in the NFL and they "have" 4 but won't next year. The Super Bowl this year told the same story as the highest scoring offense in NFL history was shut down by a suffocating and physical defense. The team needs secondary help BADLY and every team in the division is getting better at WR. It just makes sense.

We can over think this all we want, but we brought in a hall-of-fame O-line player and coach to make the O-line great. Munchak has done A LOT with very little and he has a lot of talented guys with little direction. Last year, the players were coaching themselves primarily and, as young players, that's very tough. I'm pretty sure the Steelers will take a year to evaluate the guys they have and input superior coaching before adding to the mix.

The Steelers have plenty of ways to go in the 1st round, but one HAS to assume Dennard and Gilbert (in my opinion, in that order) are the top two guys. After that, I'm sure things get a little hazy with WR, TE, DL, LB, and OL (in that order), but they will have all their T-s crossed and I's dotted when the draft comes.

I will say I will not be surprised to see the Steelers make a move in the draft, as they have 9 picks total and MUCH fewer roster. The compensatory picks cannot be traded, but the Steelers have been very aggressive in Free Agency (compared to most years) and I would not be surprised if they trade up or down to find "their guys."

 

While we're on the subject:

1. Houston Texans-Jadaveon Clowney, DE South Carolina
There is talk of the Texans looking to move out of this spot and Buffalo possibly being interested. However, there has yet to be anything series developing in the way of a trade for the Texans so for now I think they stay put. There are rumors that the Texans may not think highly enough of Blake Bortles or Teddy Bridgewater in order to take him over Clowney and then adding a Jimmy Garrappolo or Zach Mettenberger later. This follows their mold in 2006 when they drafted Mario Williams #1 overall and gives the defense a ferocious pass rush off the ends when Clowney is teamed with JJ Watt.

2. Minnesota Vikings-Blake Bortles, QB Central Florida
Trade! Rumors are out there that the Rams are going to try hard to move out of this spot while there is talk that the Vikings want to move up for a quarterback. The Vikings may not risk Bortles falling to the Jaguars or Browns so I have them trading with the Rams to get their guy. The Vikings have not had a long-term franchise quarterback since Daunte Culpepper and Bortles (from the same school as Culpepper no less) could start immediately, however he also may sit behind Matt Cassel for a time if they think he is not ready.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars-Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson
The Jaguars biggest need is quarterback, though in the wake of Justin Blackmon?s off the field issues receiver is another position they have a big need add. They could add Teddy Bridgewater here and a receiver in the second. Going with Sammy Watkins in the first and a Garoppolo or even a falling Bridgewater or Manziel in the second makes sense for them. Watkins is a playmaker that would make life easier for whomever is the Jaguars? quarterback.

4. Cleveland Browns-Derek Carr, QB Fresno State
This is a bit of an interesting selection, however there is talk that some teams are starting to like Carr more than Johnny Manziel or Bridgewater, both of whom could slide on draft day. Cleveland has shown interest in Carr and he could help light a spark for the Browns, who have had a black hole at the position since returning to the NFL.

5. Oakland Raiders-Greg Robinson, OT Auburn
The whole gaffe with Roger Saffold may have tipped the Raider?s hand. Greg Robinson would fill the need at left tackle and could be their blindside protector for the next decade. They lost Jared Veldheer to the Arizona Cardinals and could use Robinson to help keep Matt Schaub upright.

6.Atlanta Falcons, Khalil Mack, OLB/DE Buffalo
If the Texans do not draft Clowney I think it is real likely that Atlanta trades with the Rams to get him. However with Clowney off the board I have the Falcons staying put and landing a pretty good consolation prize in Mack. Many scouts do not have Mack being very far behind Clowney skill-wise and Mack would instantly upgrade a pass rush that is in desperate need for help.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M
Quarterback could make sense here, however after recently signing Josh McCown and with Mike Glennon showing some signs of promise last year it is likely they opt to either wait until day two or until the quarterback-heavy draft in 2015. Mike Evans had a huge pro day and his stock is on the rise. The Bucs needed help at receiver before trading Mike Williams and now have no one to pair with Vincent Jackson, the player many compare the former Aggie too. Jackson and Evans would give the Buccaneers a potentially lethal deep passing attack.

8. St. Louis Rams-Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M
The Rams seem to be giving Sam Bradford one last chance before deciding to move on from him or not. Bradford as had trouble staying healthy since being drafted in 2010 and to make matters worse Jake Long may not be ready to start in 2014 thanks to an ACL injury. Matthews gives Bradford a reliable blindside protector and also allows the Rams to move Roger Saffold to guard.

9. Buffalo Bill-Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan
This is a bit of a Given Doug Marrone?s background as an offensive lineman and line coach coupled with the need to protect EJ Manuel?s blindside this could be a fit for Lewan. Eric Pears struggled last year and Manuel struggled to stay healthy, so it would make sense for Buffalo to protect their investment at quarterback with Lewan. Lewan is a tough, scrappy lineman that would fit in Buffalo well.

10. Detroit Lions-Justin Gilbert, CB Oklahoma State
A big question before free agency started would be whether or not the Lions would go wide receiver or corner with their 1st round pick. However after locking up former Seahawks receiver Golden Tate, Detroit opts to fill their hole at corner back. Gilbert is considered by many to be the #1 corner in the draft and would give the Lions immediate help at the position.

11. Tennessee Titans-Anthony Barr, OLB UCLA
With the switch to a new 3-4 defense, the Titans will be in the market for a good pass rusher. Barr offers both that and good value at this spot and can take some blockers away from Derrick Morgan or Jurrell Casey.

12. New York Giants-Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina
The Giants could use a good security blanket for Eli Manning if they do not want him to repeat his disaster of a season last year. Ebron is on the rise and has been linked to the Giants. Manning relied heavily on Jake Ballard when they won the Super Bowl in 2011 and Ebron could be his next safety valve.

13. St. Louis Rams-Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS Alabama
The Rams have the makings of a very good defense, however they still could use help in the defensive secondary. Free safety is one of the Ram?s biggest needs and Clinton-Dix just happens to be the top guy at his position and fits around this area of the draft. Clinton-Dix could start from day one.

14. Chicago Bears-Aaron Donald, DT Pittsburgh
The Bears could go a number of ways on defense. Chicago may riot if Chris Conte starts another game at safety, however Aaron Donald is too good to pass up in this instance. Donald?s stock skyrocketed after a great combine performance and would be a day one starter for the Bears.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers-Darqueze Dennard, CB Michigan State
Dennard is a perfect fit for the Steelers, who are much in need of a couple of physical corners. Ike Taylor is likely entering his final year with the team and the Steelers will need someone to pair across from Cortez Allen. They have shown interest in Dennard and he would fit well in Dick Lebeau?s defense.

16. Dallas Cowboys-Timmy Jernigan, DT Florida State
The Cowboys have a gaping hole along their defensive line and Jernigan is the perfect fit for them. He could start immediately for Dallas and bolster a defensive line and a pass rush that sorely needs all the help it can get.

17. Baltimore Ravens-Calvin Pryor, FS Louisville
The Ravens have a need for a free safety and Pryor teamed with Matt Elam would give the Ravens a formidable safety tandem for years to come. Calvin Pryor is a physical safety that the Ravens would love and is also a rangy safety that covers a ton of ground, which could bring back memories of the Ed Reed days.

18. New York Jets-Odell Beckham Jr, WR LSU
Even with the signing of Eric Decker, who could be a bust given his history of drops, the Jets still need to give weapons to Geno Smith in order for him to succeed. Geno Smith was anywhere between promising and awful last year thanks in no small part to a bad supporting cast while Michael Vick just plain stinks. Beckham?s stock has been on the rise after a strong pro day and could give the Jets a dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands.

19. Miami Dolphins-Zack Martin, OT/OG Notre Dame
After the whole Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin fiasco last season, the Dolphins will be searching for some new lineman to help keep Ryan Tannehill upright. They added Brandon Albert to replace Jonathan Martin and Zack Martin is skilled enough to be a stud guard. He is also a high character player, which the Dolphins could find attractive after the aforementioned bullying scandal.

20. Arizona Cardinals-Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville
The Cardinals do not have a ton of needs and with a potential franchise quarterback sitting on the board they may pull the trigger here. Arizona?s stock is going up thanks to a stout defense and some good offensive weapons and as a result may not have a shot at a franchise quarterback in 2015. However, Carson Palmer is 34 and has never looked like the player he used too be when he was in Cincinnati. Bridgewater could redshirt a year before taking over in 2015

21. Green Bay Packers-CJ Mosley, ILB Alabama
The Packers add another play maker on a team that could certainly use one. Mosley could step in and start from day one in Dom Capers?s defense and could be their leader for the next decade. He provides a stalworth in the middle of a defense that could use the leadership.

22. Philadelphia Eagles-Brandin Cooks, WR Oregon State
After the Eagles dumped DeSean Jackson they have turned their attention to scouting receivers. They need a reliable target for Nick Foles not only now but possibly down the road with Jeremy Maclin on a one year deal. Cooks resembles the type of game Jackson played and would be a good addition.

23. Kansas City Chiefs-Kelvin Benjamin, WR Florida State
Free agency has not been kind to the Chiefs and this pick could go a number of different ways for them. However, Kelvin Benjamin is the type of player that could help take their offense to the next level. He is a tall receiver that allows them to stretch the field, which they did not have a lot of success with in 2013. Dexter McCluster also happened to leave for Tennessee, so they could use another receiver.

24. Cincinnati Bengals-Ryan Shazier, OLB Ohio State
The James Harrison experiment was a bust in Cincinnati, as the former Steeler just never fit with the Bengals and their defense. Shazier is a freak athlete that could bolster the Bengals? pass rush, which the team could use after having just lost Michael Johnson.

25. San Diego-Louis Nix III, NT Notre Dame
The Chargers need defensive lineman at all positions, however after ranking 29th in rush defense in 2013 a nose tackle that can clog the middle may be the biggest area of need. Nix is a big and athletic nose tackle that will force double teams. Kony Ealy is a consideration, however with the team giving Dwight Freeney a paycut it seems like they are going to go with him as a starter in 2014.

26. Cleveland Browns-Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State
Bradley Roby was considered a top 10 pick by some after a very strong 2012 season, however a disappointing 2013 campaign hurt his stock. A strong pro day has helped Roby?s stock and could land him back in the first round. Joe Haden is a great corner, however they have little across from him and Roby could help take the pressure off of him.

27. New Orleans Saints-Kony Ealy, DE/OLB Missouri
Ealy provides great value to the Saints at 27 as they continue to re-tool their defense. The defense showed a noticable improvement in 2013 but could still use another pass rusher and Ealy offers just that. Victor Butler is a question mark after a torn ACL and having another quality pass rusher in the pass happy NFC South could never hurt.

28. Carolina Panthers-Marquis Lee, WR USC
The Panthers lost their their top three wide receivers in 2013 to other teams and have only added Jerricho Cotchery since. With such a deep draft class at receiver this could be a position that is double-dipped at. Lee?s stock has taken a hit since the start of 2013, however he is a reliable receiver that can stretch the field. He could give the Panthers a very versatile and dangerous weapon, which Cam Newton could certainly use.

29. Oakland Raiders-Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M
Trade! The Patriots are well-known for their trade day wheeling and dealing and are no strangers to trading with the Raiders. Manziel very well could take a tumble on draft day and in this instance the Raiders may not want to wait any longer. The team is trying to get rid of Terrelle Pryor while Matt Schaub is not the answer long-term. Manziel could give the Raiders a spark at quarterback, which they have not had in over a decade, and could also wait for a year behind Schaub.

30. San Francisco 49ers-Jason Verrett, CB TCU
Carlos Rogers was just cut by the 49ers, but corner may have been a big need even if he was not. Tarrell Brown and Chris Cook are not bad players, however they could still stand to add more bodies to the position. Verrett may be undersized, however he is a physical player that plays bigger than his measurables and would fit right in with a physical 49er defense.

31. Denver Broncos-Dee Ford, OLB Auburn
The Broncos already have a potentially lethal pass rush off of the edge with Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. However, they have their share of inexperience and overall unknowns at defensive end. Dee Ford gives them another option to pair with Quanterus Smith and Malik Jackson.

32. Seattle Seahawks-Joel Bitonio, C/OG/OT Nevada
This is a slight reach, however Bruce Irvin and James Carpenter proves the Seahawks are not afraid to reach for a player they like. Bitonio can play all over the offensive line and could line up either at right tackle or guard, which the Seahawks could use players at.

 

The Steelers have been in a lot of contact with Max Bullough. I think he could be a nice late add.

 

SB - Look back a few posts- I agree have you on bullough.

enjoy,

one of the idiots

 

Bullough has red flags, Borland is the cleaner kid. IT's Vontaize Burfict all over again.....

If I am taking 2 CB it's Dennard and Cockrell, then a WR, DT, and anyone else that might stick. I cannot believe nobody caught my "punter" in the 7th round. Steven Clark may not have the strongest leg, but his ability to drop the ball inside the ten yard line is invaluable. I'm just restating what I saw 4 months ago. The Iowa kid is the highet rated kicker, but to me, Special Teams is us all about field position.

 

I actually like the kid from Miami (FL) a little bit better, but you are right about Clark. He can seemingly always pin it down inside the 10 when need be.

Oh and are we really discussing punters? Man oh man, what's going on?

 

Seattle is going to look for CB in the draft after losing Browner and Thurmond. They did not sign anyone in FA so this is a sizable need. I could see them drafting higher than most think. They surely would not pass up Aikens in the 4th. Dallas is happier with their safeties than most think. They could use OT as both of them are short on their contracts. I could see Turner in the 3rd for them. The Steelers could use a KR/PR, although I would take White over any duel purpose RB, I think they could look at John Brown Pittsburg State, in the 6th or 7th. He has Desean Jackson return ability and size. A few risers from combine/Pro days are Garrett Gilbert QB SMU http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...rrett-gilbert-among-lesserknown-proday-risers Daniel Sorensen S BYU has climbed into the 5th round on CBS sports draft grades due to remarkable agility and hands displayed at the combine and serviceable speed at his pro day.

 

I didn't go back and read any pages so I don't know if this was brought up? But Yardbarker says Kiper still has the Steelers picking Beckham. Don't think I've seen any other mock having the Steelers picking him? This is what Yardbarker says:

"As projected before, NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper is still seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with their 15th overall pick. If all goes according to Kiper's forecast, Beckham will be the third WR taken after Clemson's Sammie Watkins (No. 3 - Jacksonville) and Texas A&M's Mike Evans (No. 7 - Tampa Bay) are off the board. Kiper (via NOLA.com): ' Analysis: Markus Wheaton, whom the Steelers got in last year's draft, can develop into a good player, but he's also the No. 2 wide receiver on this team as of today, and that can change if the Steelers grab Beckham. An explosive mover, Beckham can run by defenders, but also does a great job of creating space underneath. He's also the kind of player who becomes extremely dangerous and hard to cover when Ben Roethlisberger extends plays."

 

Smoke, Mirrors, and the Clock.

Here we sit 19 days from the draft. Last minute risers and fallers are media driven to garner interest. The players were scouted quite some time ago, the medical and the meetings confirm their thought process. Is Teddy Bridgewater really the best QB in the draft, is he ready to start day one. Why was that the thinking two months ago, and now he is being mocked to round 2 and later?

I think as more information comes out, or leaked, the draftnuts are deciphering the new Intel and moving players up and down. It would not shock me if a team who has in interest in Bridgewater is leaking bad information to the media. Was his pro day great, nope. Was Johnny Manziel?s pro day spectacular, you betcha. Does that erase miless of film, countless inteviews, and all the travel logged in by the scouts, not really.

Sports agents in general are pretty slimy, but they serve a purpose. They try to get as much money for their client as they can. Are they shady, unscrupulous? Would an agent stoop to spreading bad information on another player to boost their client?s stock? Back in 2010 sports agent Gary Wichard was linked to Mel Kiper Jr. and it raised some eyebrows.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...to-mel-kipers-relationship-with-gary-wichard/

Jimmy Clausen was an undersized QB with a nice college career, that Kiper would just not pushing at his audience. He fell to mid second round, and really has done little to nothing at the next level. Why was Mel, who is a self-proclaimed draft expert so high on Clausen? In this instance, ESPN was used as a marketing tool. ESPN?s sole purpose is to sell advertising space and make revenue for the parent company ABC/Disney. So the controversy, the outspoken sportscasters are there for entertainment and controversy. If people talk about what someone said, it promotes the ESPN Product.

I am not convinced every single team can wait until round 2 for the QB. I am not disputing the class has alack of top ten talent, but I am questioning value and patience. Who is blowing smoke, who is looking in the rearview mirror, and who can wait over 30 picks for their future? There are arguably 6-8 teams looking hard at QB, odds are someone doesn?t wait their turn.

I do not think Derek Carr lasts until pick 26, I think someone leapfrogs Cleveland. I also think there will be more trades involving St. Louis and another partner. I think Houston can afford to wait however, they can grab Jadaveon Clowney and then come back and grab the QB before the frenzy starts. If you believe everything you read or see on television, Blake Bortels will still be there are 33. Also you might want to buy every Infomercial product out there as seen on tv. If you?ve read it on the internet, or seen it on tv, it must be true.

 

Does anyone know why Kelvin Benjamin's stock has dropped recently? He's rated 56th on DraftScout and 84th on DraftTek. That's 2nd-3rd round territory. Did he bomb his Pro Day or what?