Steelers Draft and Mel Kiper sucks thread!!

Marcus Peters publicly acknowledge that the issues leading to his dismissal from Washington were one hundred percent his fault. It will be interesting to see how early he goes if he's able to convince teams he's maturing and won't be a problem child once on a team.

Tennessee sounds like a team that is fishing to see just how much they can get for the number two pick in the draft. The Browns and Eagles would both like to have Mariota. Rumors are Lovie Smith likes Winston. Jaguars and Raiders are also potential trade partners for the Browns and Eagles.

I think Hundley is going to have to show very well at the combine and private workouts for anybody to move up and take him in the first.

 

Zumwalt looks like he could fit the strongside 4-3 LB role that Jarrett Johnson played for years in Baltimore.

 

This was posted over on Walter's.. Mike Mayock had a conference call monday and here are some bullets:

My comments in bold.
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If you missed the tweets regarding Mike Mayock's conference call Monday afternoon, here are some of the important things he had to say regarding the 2015 NFL Draft:

Dorial Green-Beckham as 'gifted as anyone in the class' but notes baggage. Says Perriman a potential first-rounder

Amari Cooper, Kevin White, DeVante Parker all consensus top 20 picks at wide receiver.

Draft is extremely deep at running back and wide receiver, not a strong quarterback or safety class

Brett Hundley should "show up and rip it" at Combine. Things that are hurting him are anticipation and pocket awareness. "I don?t think he can change what the negatives are about him by throwing 20 passes in shorts."

UCF WR Breshad Perriman has first round talent.

On the Bucs at No. 1: "I don't envy Jason, Lovie and that group."

There's a big concern whether Winston can be "face of franchise." With Mariota "you don't have any worries off the field."

I have serious doubts about Mariota putting it together in a pro-style offense.

I think the Bucs will end up taking Jameis Winston at No. 1.

"You have to talk WR when you?re talking about Kansas City. At 18, you?re probably looking at 2nd, third and fourth WR"

Michigan WR/TE Funchess could be a candidate to go 18th overall. Andrus Peat as well.

Brandon Scherff is the top OL, but have him as an inside player.

It's too early to say whether Mariota slips to Jets at 6.

I love the upside of Pitt OT T.J. Clemmings, but he's raw after playing offense for only two years. <--- 2nd round

There's a chance DeVante Parker falls to the Chiefs.


"David Johnson from Northern Iowa is really intriguing, David Cobb from Minnesota is a tough, downhill runner." Yes

Texas DT Malcom Brown is a first-rounder "all day long." at 22?

It's difficult to package No. 12 & 19 for a question mark at QB; says WR and RT make sense.

Brett Hundley and Bryce Petty are the best two quarterbacks after Winston/Mariota.

Jaelen Strong is a 2nd-rounder who could jump to 1st with good 40.

La'El Collins is the best RT prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Jalen Collins is a fit for the Eagles at No. 20.

I project Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson to safety, rank him behind Alabama safety Landon Collins

The Eagles can get good ILB in 2nd: Eric Kendricks, Perryman (Miami). Also likes Philly kid Ibraheim Campbell, S, in middle rds. Kid from northwestern on my watch list

Kevin White ranked ahead of Amari Cooper because he thinks he has a higher ceiling.

Dante Fowler is comparable to Justin Houston.


Delaware TE Nick Boyle really "opened some eyes" at Senior Bowl. More athletic than people thought. <--- I did not see that

Ravens likely to go WR, CB or edge rusher in first round.

Denzel Perryman reminds me a little bit of Jon Beason -- undersized but a guy who makes plays.

Duke G Laken Tomlinson could be a good Day 2 option for the Lions. or Steelers

I'm high on Ereck Flowers; that tape against Nebraska and Florida State really popped. at 22?

The Raiders at No. 4 could find Derek Carr some help with one of Kevin White, Amari Cooper or DeVante Parker.

Mettenberger not a normal 6th-round pick. If I'm TEN hoping I think I can win with him, have more options at top of draft.

I have no problem with the Panthers taking a receiver at No. 25 as a best-available pick. Green-Beckham and Funchess are possibilities.

"I seem to be in the minority with the media people having Dante Fowler No. 1 pass rusher."

Atlanta Falcons' biggest need clearly an edge pass rusher.

Washington DT Danny Shelton is a top 10 pick to me. Reminds me of Haloti Ngata.

Pitt OL T.J. Clemmings should get the call in the 15-25 range of the first round.

Devin Smith can track deep ball like center fielder and that's rare. When you combine with speed, big weapon.

Ohio State CB Doran Grant is the kind of kid I'd bet on because of work ethic. He'll likely be picked in mid rounds. an Ohio State kid - take note

I'd like Dante Fowler best as potential OLB for a 3-4 scheme at No. 7 if Bears go that route.

I see Maxx Williams as a second-rounder.

"I think a stud coming off the edge would make the most difference for the Jaguars at No. 3."

Two potential replacements if Lions cut Reggie Bush are Miami's Duke Johnson and Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah. Both 2nd-rounders.

I have eight running backs graded as 1st, 2nd or 3rd round picks.

Browns may target at 19: Jordan Phillips, Arik Armstead, Malcom Brown, Eddie Goldman.
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enjoy,

bb

 

If you missed the tweets regarding Mike Mayock's conference call Monday afternoon, here are some of the important things he had to say regarding the 2015 NFL Draft:

Dorial Green-Beckham as 'gifted as anyone in the class' but notes baggage. Says Perriman a potential first-rounder

Amari Cooper, Kevin White, DeVante Parker all consensus top 20 picks at wide receiver.

Draft is extremely deep at running back and wide receiver, not a strong quarterback or safety class

Brett Hundley should "show up and rip it" at Combine. Things that are hurting him are anticipation and pocket awareness. "I don?t think he can change what the negatives are about him by throwing 20 passes in shorts."

UCF WR Breshad Perriman has first round talent.

On the Bucs at No. 1: "I don't envy Jason, Lovie and that group."

There's a big concern whether Winston can be "face of franchise." With Mariota "you don't have any worries off the field."

I have serious doubts about Mariota putting it together in a pro-style offense.

I think the Bucs will end up taking Jameis Winston at No. 1.

"You have to talk WR when you?re talking about Kansas City. At 18, you?re probably looking at 2nd, third and fourth WR"

Michigan WR/TE Funchess could be a candidate to go 18th overall. Andrus Peat as well.

Brandon Scherff is the top OL, but have him as an inside player.

It's too early to say whether Mariota slips to Jets at 6.

I love the upside of Pitt OT T.J. Clemmings, but he's raw after playing offense for only two years. <--- 2nd round

There's a chance DeVante Parker falls to the Chiefs.


"David Johnson from Northern Iowa is really intriguing, David Cobb from Minnesota is a tough, downhill runner." Yes

Texas DT Malcom Brown is a first-rounder "all day long." at 22?

It's difficult to package No. 12 & 19 for a question mark at QB; says WR and RT make sense. BINGO, and with the 43rd pick, take a less risky prospect. I still think Kevin Hogan is better than advertised but we won't find out until next year

Brett Hundley and Bryce Petty are the best two quarterbacks after Winston/Mariota. and they won't be there are 43 so Cleveland will have to trade up, back, or shuffle their board.

Jaelen Strong is a 2nd-rounder who could jump to 1st with good 40. disagree, strong WR class teams will wait

La'El Collins is the best RT prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Jalen Collins is a fit for the Eagles at No. 20.

I project Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson to safety, rank him behind Alabama safety Landon Collins let's not rule him out at 22, Tomlin might be thinking the same thing. He is a playmaker, explosive, a smaller Shazier.

The Eagles can get good ILB in 2nd: Eric Kendricks, Perryman (Miami). Also likes Philly kid Ibraheim Campbell, S, in middle rds. Kid from northwestern on my watch list that kid from Mississippi State, McKinny is in this range, ILB is like RB, losing value.



Kevin White ranked ahead of Amari Cooper because he thinks he has a higher ceiling. we had a poster calling this out back in the fall.

Dante Fowler is comparable to Justin Houston.


Delaware TE Nick Boyle really "opened some eyes" at Senior Bowl. More athletic than people thought. <--- I did not see that is the the dude who hurdled the would be tackler?



Ravens likely to go WR, CB or edge rusher in first round.

Denzel Perryman reminds me a little bit of Jon Beason -- undersized but a guy who makes plays.

Duke G Laken Tomlinson could be a good Day 2 option for the Lions. or Steelers agree, and the kid from Louisville is a mauler later on in the draft.

I'm high on Ereck Flowers; that tape against Nebraska and Florida State really popped. at 22? saves you a roster spot on game day and some nice Clay for Munchak to mold

The Raiders at No. 4 could find Derek Carr some help with one of Kevin White, Amari Cooper or DeVante Parker. That would be stupid, very deep WR class, they also pick at 35



Mettenberger not a normal 6th-round pick. If I'm TEN hoping I think I can win with him, have more options at top of draft.

I have no problem with the Panthers taking a receiver at No. 25 as a best-available pick. Green-Beckham and Funchess are possibilities. this is their range, and it fits what Carolina needs to plug a hole in the roster.

"I seem to be in the minority with the media people having Dante Fowler No. 1 pass rusher." if the media includes Kiper then it makes a whole phuctun of sense.

Atlanta Falcons' biggest need clearly an edge pass rusher.

Washington DT Danny Shelton is a top 10 pick to me. Reminds me of Haloti Ngata. again, I just don't see it, I never see Ngata getting washed out by the Center.

Pitt OL T.J. Clemmings should get the call in the 15-25 range of the first round. what team has the luxury of waiting two years for him to become the next Tyron Smith?

Devin Smith can track deep ball like center fielder and that's rare. When you combine with speed, big weapon. he is also well schooled and made a splash tackle in the senior bowl, so I like the kid because he does not appear to have the diva mentality.

Ohio State CB Doran Grant is the kind of kid I'd bet on because of work ethic. He'll likely be picked in mid rounds. an Ohio State kid - take note Steelers need a mid round sleeper CB, this is a nickel guy who you can develop.


I'd like Dante Fowler best as potential OLB for a 3-4 scheme at No. 7 if Bears go that route.

I see Maxx Williams as a second-rounder. when all the dust settles, me too.His value is first round only because the TE class is weak. A team reaching for a missing piece of the puzzle, will reach hopefully it isn't the Steelers. Steeler Depot and many others have him over-rated, JFMO

"I think a stud coming off the edge would make the most difference for the Jaguars at No. 3." Randy Gregory over Leonard Williams in other words, not sure I agree with this.



Two potential replacements if Lions cut Reggie Bush are Miami's Duke Johnson and Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah. Both 2nd-rounders. both smaller backs I hope Colbert avoids



I have eight running backs graded as 1st, 2nd or 3rd round picks.

Browns may target at 19: Jordan Phillips, Arik Armstead, Malcom Brown, Eddie Goldman.
-------------------

enjoy,

bb

 

Delaware TE Nick Boyle really "opened some eyes" at Senior Bowl. More athletic than people thought. <--- I did not see that is the the dude who hurdled the would be tackler?

I hurdled our dog once.. but dont consider myself that athletic... I think he plays real stiff and his hands.. we'll see - Want to watch him at the combine... Watching the passing drills a few years ago - you could see the softness of Pitta's hands.. as an example..

(I did trip over a chain fence recently - I thought I had my foot up higher... the chain tackled me... and I have the bruises to prove it....

enjoy,

bb

 

I went golfing the other day. The best two balls I hit was when I stepped on a rake.

 

On SteelersDepot, Alex Kozora (who has a very intriguing take on most of players) did a mock draft with Quinton Rollins going to the Steelers in round 2. Rollins is an interesting prospect, as he has just one year of college football under his belt, but has very good instincts, body control, and athletic ability from his years playing basketball. He is super aggressive and I think he would look good on Black and Gold. What do you all think?

 

I hope all three of them are gone in the top 20. With two QBs going in the top 20 and three WRs more talent at positions of need will be pushed down the board to the Steelers.

I laughed last year when all draft experts were down on Bridgewater. He had a bad pro day... he fell to the Vikings and played on team with almost no running game and a group of below average WRs but still set a rookie record for the most games by a rookie with a 70% completion percentage. Supposedly Bridgewater was a system QB coming out of college. Mariota is going to be a better NFL QB that Winston.

Raiders, Jaguars,or Titans will trade with either the Browns or Eagles before Mariota ever reaches the Jets at 6 if the Bucs are dumb enough to take Winston. Winston is going to be a coach killer.

What can't this kid do? He's special!!!

 

He is pretty good, I think collectively we're better. Maxx Williams he had me sold until I did more due diligence. bb, Mayock and I are all in agreement he's a second rounder. He may go in the first round, but Colbert has better options.

re: Shaq Thompson, this is our flavor of the week. And look out if he blows up at the combine. Not only can he be a OLB, he's a SS and your emergency RB. Imagine dressing guy who plays both O and D, what's that worth as an active player on Sunday? Us older guys remember Carnell Lake at UCLA, he was a LB in College. If there ever was a guy who could explain how to go from LB in College to S in the pros, it's Lake.

 

I might have some time late tonight, let me take a look at some notes I have and come up with a board of 50 players to start with. Having 50 names in the hat before the combine is a good start.

With that said Bud Dupree will be at the top of the list, but he won't get very far and won't be there at 22. I think you eliminate QB and then put a value on each player, based on 3 things.

character and work ethic
playmaking ability
depth of the position in the draft. this is something new I've toyed with but it makes sense to a degree but it should be the third criteria, not the first, and not parallel team need

 

Keep in mind that, to the Steelers, the workouts are "icing on the cake" for a prospect. However, what they put on tape and what they say in the interview is FAR more important than how fast of a 40 they run. The whole concept of players constantly moving up and down on people's draft boards is completely false (with good franchises?you know?the kind who don't rely on hobos to tell them which QB to draft). There are guys that may flash at the combine with their workouts, forcing teams to do their due diligence on those players. However, if the tape isn't good, it's not worth the risk.

 

Curtis Brown is a good example of this.
I thought he was one of the best next to
Peterson at the combine.
We all know how that worked out.

 

I never liked Maxx Williams as a first-round option. The Steelers shouldn't and won't go TE at all in the first round unless Clive Walford continues his mighty ascent up boards.

All of my favorite prospects are at the bottom or outside of our first-round range according to most draft boards. Two players I'd be ecstatic to see fall to us are Dante Fowler and Andrus Peat, IMO the best players at their positions in this draft. From a pure talent standpoint, Dorial Green-Beckham is a beast, and I hate that he's such a major character risk. I can see Kevin White having a big career in the NFL too.

Players that are fringe first-rounders on most draft boards that I'd love to see the Steelers consider anyway are Marcus Peters (best CB in this draft) and Owamagbe Odighizuwa. I really like Nate Orchard too, but I don't see him as a first-round pick at all. I'm sold on both Ereck Flowers and Cameron Erving and can see them being standout, versatile players that benefit greatly from Mike Munchak's tutelage.

I'm not so high on Alvin Dupree or Trae Waynes, and I'm officially taking down the d-line banner for the first round.

 

That's from the post-gazette.... Love the last sentence....


enjoy,

bb

 

"At some point here soon, we will present a list of candidates the Steelers might consider drafting and have you vote on which player you think they might take. At this point, I have more faith on you selecting the actual player the Steelers might draft than those who do this mock stuff for a living."

My latest big board has Shaq Thompson near the top. Thompson won the Horning award as the most versatile player in the NCAA. He scored 6 TD's. 4 on Defense, 2 on Offense. The three words that best describe him: Athletic, Range, Instincts. The 4th word is missing, size. I think at times we get hung up on size. Timmons measured 2 inches shorter at the combine than his listed height. Shazier is lighter than what we pencil in our mind as the ghost of Levon Kirkland is etched into our brains. Thompson is explosive, like Shazier, capable of making splash plays, creating turnovers. That is one of the two things the Steeler Defense is lacking. Turnovers, QB pressure. Obviously we view him as a SS, and the Shamarko Experiment is about as promising as the Mike Adams experiment in the eyes of the fan.

 

Happy Birthday, Bites! *BRAVO*

 

Happy Birthday NY!!

*DRINK*

 

First off, Happy Birthday bud!

Second, Shaq Thompson is an INCREDIBLE athlete and I would not mind if the Steelers drafted him. I like his size personally and feel his 6'2" frame and blazing speed will remind us of Troy P. However, I see him as a pure safety, not the hybrid player people think he is. His size does not transcend well to ILB OR RB, but his nose for the ball and highlight reel of splash plays will make any team with safety needs salivate over his playmaking abilities.

 

However, to counterpoint myself, Thompson has come right out and said he wanted to play linebacker, which I don't think will work very well for him. He is a freak of an athlete, but his size may come into question and he is a HUGE risk.

 

Happy birthday, ny. I didn't know you had the same birthday as our favorite neighborhood weedhead. Ring the Bell!