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Steelers Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers Have Drafted a Long Snapper

Let’s just get right to the heart of the matter shall we? The Pittsburgh Steelers spent a sixth round draft pick on a long snapper. This has to be one of the worst decisions I can remember the Steelers making in a draft.

The last time a true long snapper was actually drafted was in 1992. That’s right. 1992. That’s the same year the Olympic Basketball Dream Team premiered featuring Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing. There’s a reason teams don’t draft long snappers; it’s because you sign them as free agents!!

Louisville LS Colin Holba sounded as stunned as the rest of us when he said, “I didn’t even expect to be drafted.” Ya well, we didn’t either Colin so join the club!

What Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin are saying by drafting this specialist is “we are already content with our current roster. No need to get better.” Seriously, what else could they possibly be saying?

Greg Warren, one of the last Bill Cowher holdovers, should be the long snapper once again. If he isn’t, meaning he gets beat out or injured, then that’s fine but his competition should be coming from an undrafted rookie free agent not a freaking draft pick!!

I have nothing against Holba. Looks like a nice kid and he obviously rips a mean snap, but how do the Steelers explain this??? It’s like the Pirates drafting a relief pitcher in the first round who can only go one inning every other night.

Let us all recall that the sixth round has been kind to the Steelers. Both Antonio Brown and Vince Williams were drafted there. Was there really no other positional player on the board that could have helped out?

Safety Lorenzo Jerome wouldn’t have helped? Even if just on special teams? What about Pitt’s Ejaun Prince? Another potential edge rusher wouldn’t have been nice? Apparently not. Kevin Colbert was so worried that Holba would be swept up by someone else that he had to pull the trigger.

OK, not really. Because NO ONE DRAFTS A LONG SNAPPER!

Can you sense my frustration? But hey, what do I know? I’m just a guy with a laptop and a big mouth. Maybe Holba will go on to be one of the great long snappers of all time and then Colbert can gloat all the way to Canton. Or maybe this will just end up being one of the dumbest draft decisions I can ever recall.

I tend to think that’s how it will look.

April 29, 2017

Steelers Draft

Some of my Favorite Day 2 Prospects for the Steelers

written by steelbydesign

With an exciting 1st round in the books, no time to take a breath as there’s still a ton of uber talented kids on the board. With the Steelers filling their biggest hole on the roster, they could get creative going forward and land some value picks at positions that may not be huge needs.

As we start back up Friday night, here’s some of my favorite options for the Steelers in rounds 2 and 3.

Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

The Steelers didn’t show any interest in the kid in the run up to the draft but I’m not sure why. Awuzie is a perfect scheme fit in Pittsburgh. This kid could be the Patriot killer #1 right now, as he could step into the slot and hang step for step with Julian Edelman. He’s also a dangerous blitzer and plays the cornerback position with a linebacker’s mentality against the run. He’s not limited to the slot though, he’s just as comfortable on an island on the outside. I wouldn’t be shocked if he went to Green Bay with the 1st pick of the 2nd round.

Budda Baker, S, Washington

I know believe the rumors were true, and that the Steelers were high enough of Jabrill Peppers to make him the pick at 30 if he made it there. Budda Baker is what they wanted Peppers to be, but he’s a football player where I think Peppers is an athlete. He’d be a slot cornerback and 3rd safety early on, and would form a dangerous duo with Sean Davis on the back-end once Mike Mitchell is gone. Due to his small stature, I don’t think it’d be a shock to see him fall to the end of round 2.

Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State

I like Zay Jones better, but I think he goes early. The Steelers are wisely acting as if Martavis Bryant will not be with the team, because he could be gone at any moment. Godwin isn’t the burner that the team typically takes at the position but he’s a polished, well-rounded, tough minded receiver. I see a bit of a young Anquan Boldin. Big Ben will love how this kid fights for the ball, and the coaching staff will love his mean-streak in blocking for the run game.

Shaquill Griffin, CB, Central Florida

I mocked Griffin to the team in round 2 in my final mock. I think he’s more of a 3rd rounder but we’ve seen in the past the Steelers don’t care about reaching a bit if they like the kid. Griffin is an aggressive man corner that put on a show at the combine. I think the team is seeking an outside man that can tackle as well, and Griffin can do that.

Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M

Another one of my mock picks. Reynolds fits the mold better than Godwin of Steelers’ receiver picks lately. He’s a very long, smooth athlete that is exceptionally talented in tracking deep balls in the air. Put him with one of the best deep ball throwers in the league with Big Ben? A match made in heaven.

Howard Wilson, CB, Houston

Howard Wilson is one of your classic size/speed combo picks that will need a little time to develop but would be a very nice pick in round 3. He has nice ball skills and is a willing tackler.

Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida

Day 2 feels early to me for the team to take a running back, but Mack is a solid value if he’s on the board in the 3rd. He’d be a nice complement to LeVeon Bell who could spell him later games and hit homeruns against defenses that are wearing out.

April 28, 2017

Steelers Draft

“Unpredictable” a Key Buzzword for Tomlin & Colbert in Presser

written by steeldad

Pittsburgh Steelers’ General Manager Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the press today in their only public comments prior to the 2017 NFL Draft. As is the case each year at this time, neither man said anything that could be deemed “surprising” or “concrete” but they did admit this is one of the more unpredictable drafts in recent years.

Colbert said the team will run through a mock draft of their own on Wednesday night and then will do the same prior to days two and three. He was also clear that he expects quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be around for several more years but he did admit that selecting a quarterback in this draft is a real possibility. He cited examples like Joe Montana giving way to Steve Young and Brett Favre giving way to Aaron Rodgers. In his mind, that would be the ideal situation.

He also stated that quarterback and edge rusher, because of their importance in what the Steelers’ do, are the two positions they spend the most time on in terms of prepping for the draft. Colbert also stated that they will not view the quarterback situation as one where the team waits to see who comes out in 2018 stating that “who comes out and who doesn’t makes things too uncertain.”

Tomlin made an excellent point about how things have changed in his 10 plus years as the head coach when it come to the draft. “Video is the biggest thing. Easily accessible and it travels with you. You can take it home now,” he said. Tomlin also went on to say that he handles the anxiety of the draft better with each year but admitted there are butterflies and there should be.

Colbert had very interesting comments on Senquez Golson. “Last year at this time I viewed him as an extra pick and I can’t do that this year. There are now two injuries we have to be concerned about and missing two seasons is very difficult to recover from.”

Using the term “unpredictable” isn’t exactly a shocking one because every draft has its’ own air of unpredictability but because there are few “superstars” in this draft, it creates doubt as to where and when guys will go. The almost 40 minute presser shared many thoughts but revealed few answers which again leaves things as ‘unpredictable’ as ever.

April 24, 2017

Steelers Draft

SCB Steelers’ Draft Journal: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

written by steeldad

It’s no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers have needs at cornerback. The question is, what type of cornerback are they seeking? Most believe the Steelers will look for someone who can play more ‘man-to-man’ coverage than guys they’ve had before on the boundary. If that’s the case, is Florida’s Quincy Wilson a possibility?

Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

6’1″ 211 lbs.

Key Combine Stats: 4.54 forty, 4.02 20-yard shuffle, 32″ vertical

2016 Stats: 33 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 INT

What’s to Like: Have to like Wilson’s size right off the bat… Uses his big frame well to knock receivers off routes… I like his aggressiveness in tackling despite inconsistencies… Pretty good on taking blockers where he wants to go rather than the other way around… Hustles down-field even when play goes away from him… Reads things very well even in play-action… Consistently shuts down crossing routes; forces QB to deadly accurate.

What’s Concerning: I counted six missed tackles vs Alabama… Tends to rely too much on shoulder blocks for tackles; not consistent in wrapping up… A little stiff in the hips… Will struggle with quicker receivers who get behind him… Not overly athletic… Straight-line speed is a major concern… Can be a little cocky as evidenced by his ‘guarantee’ vs Tennessee. His Gators lost.

The Verdict: Wilson will likely be drafted in the late first round but I’m more apt to see him coming off the board in the second. His physicality is something that goes a long way with NFL scouts and coaches. While physical and aggressive, he has to do a more consistent job of tackling. He’s almost always in position, but he must do better. I have no doubt the Steelers will like him. He has the mindset they want on the outside but his lack of athleticism is a concern. If he’s allowed to be aggressive and get his hands on guys at the line of scrimmage he can be a very effective NFL corner.

Link: All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals

Photo courtesy: staurdaydownsouth.com

Video courtesy: Draftbreakdown.com/youtube.com

April 18, 2017

Steelers Draft

Analyzing the Steelers’ Draftee Visits

written by steelbydesign

I think we all know what the Steelers’ team needs are but the hard part is figuring out how they prioritize the positions. Obviously draft day is an exercise in flexibility as there’s plenty of curve balls constantly being thrown out. That being said, I think it’s probably not a stretch to think the team has some sort of high level plan going in. For example, maybe they like the depth at cornerback on day 2, so they want to get their edge in the 1st (just a hypothetical).

I’ve said in the past that I don’t think the Steelers really bother with smokescreens during draft season. They don’t show interest in guys just for the heck of it. For that reason I attempted to organize the list of prospects the Steelers have shown interest in, to see if I could maybe gain some insight into what they’re planning. I’ve probably missed some names that they’ve looked into, and the round grades that I have are purely my own opinion on where I think they get picked, so the Steelers’ board could be drastically different (last season I thought Artie Burns was a possible 2nd rounder and Sean Davis 3rd rounder for the Steelers).

Not everyone here is visits, some are just interest that the team showed at the combine or pro day, and I’m sure I’ve missed some names.

QB Patrick Mahomes – Texas Tech – 1st
S Obi Melifonwu – UConn – 1st
S Budda Baker – Washington – 1st
CB Marlon Humphrey – Alabama – 1st
OLB Carl Lawson – Auburn – 1st
OLB Derek Rivers – Youngstown State – 1st/2nd
OLB Takkarist McKinley – UCLA – 1st/2nd
OLB TJ Watt – Wisconsin – 1st/2nd

S Josh Jones – North Carolina State – 2nd
ILB Jarrad Davis – Florida – 2nd
ILB Zach Cunningham – Vanderbilt – 2nd
WR Zay Jones – East Carolina – 2nd
ILB Raekwon McMillan – Ohio State – 2nd
S Marcus Williams – Utah – 2nd
DE Chris Wormley – Michigan – 2nd/3rd
WR Josh Reynolds – Texas A&M – 2nd/3rd
WR Chris Godwin – Penn State – 2nd/3rd
OLB Tim Williams – Alabama – 2nd/3rd
QB Davis Webb – Cal – 2nd/3rd
S Marcus Maye – Florida – 2nd/3rd

QB Nathan Peterman – Pittsburgh – 3rd
RB D’onta Foreman – Texas – 3rd
CB Jourdan Lewis – Michigan – 3rd
DE Tanoh Kpassagnon – Villanova – 3rd
RB Marlon Mack – RB – South Florida – 3rd
TE Jake Butt – Michigan – 3rd/4th
RB Wayne Gallman – Clemson – 3rd/4th

WR Kenny Golladay – Northern Illinois – 4th
CB Jalen Myrick – Minnesota – 4th
CB Rasul Douglas – West Virginia – 4th
WR Shelton Gibson – West Virginia – 4th
OLB Vince Biegel – Wisconsin – 4th

RB James Conner – Pittsburgh – 4th/5th
S Montae Nicholson – Michigan State – 4th/5th
OLB Carroll Phillips – Illinois – 4th/5th
WR Mack Hollins – North Carolina – 4th/5th
OLB Keion Adams – Western Michigan – 5th

QB Joshua Dobbs – Tennessee – 6th
QB Jerod Evans – Virginia Tech – 6th

OLB Samson Ebukam – Eastern Washington – 6th/7th
CB Ryan Lewis – Pittsburgh – 6th/7th
OLB Javancy Jones – Jackson State – 6th/7th
NT Treyvon Hester – Toledo – 6th/7th

TE Jason Crooms – Tennessee – 7th
TE Scott Orndoff – Pittsburgh – 7th

Here’s just some of my takeaways from what I’m seeing.

A lot of theses guys feel like “just in case” they drop further than where I have them listed. The Steelers brought in Mahomes before his hype really started heating up, so it’s possible they were intrigued in case he fell to them in the 2nd. Same goes for some of the receivers like Godwin and Reynolds who they’d pounce on if they fell into the 3rd.
On the wide receivers front though, Martavis Bryant might need to earn his way back into the fold if/when he’s reinstated, and guys like Sammie Coates and Darrius Heyward Bey might need to be worried. I’ve felt the receiver interest was probably just in case Martavis isn’t reinstated, but there’s just seems to be a lot of smoke here for there not to be a fire.
Ladarius Green can probably sleep tight. Despite this being a really deep draft at the tight end position the Steelers haven’t spent much of their time scouting them. I wouldn’t be shocked if they don’t pick one at all.
No shocker here, but edge rusher seems very much in play at 30, and is where I’d place my money if I was a betting man.
I, like many of you, have assumed all along the team comes away with an edge and a cornerback after the first 2 rounds. Way back in February Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat the “NO CORNERBACK” drum during one of his online chats stating “… just like last season, the Steelers view Golson as a second No. 2 draft pick for 2017. That doesn’t mean they won’t draft a cornerback, but it won’t be in the first two or three rounds. It’s more likely they will draft a safety before a corner.”

At the time, I thought he was crazy, but maybe not. Where’s the visits for guys like Adoree’ Jackson, Chidobe Awuzie, Kevin King, Cordrea Tankersley, or Fabian Moreau? All those guys would be round 1/2 options. Instead they’ve spoke mostly to round 3-5 guys.
I’ve had to argue with a lot of yinzers this off-season, that Knile Davis was not signed to be Le’Veon Bell’s backup at running back. I feel very strongly they’ll take one before round 4 is over, but I don’t have a strong feeling for which one.
I personally am a big fan of Vince Williams, and while it’s great having an inside linebacker that can cover like Shazier, I think a lot of fans dwell on it a bit too much. From this list though I’m sensing maybe I was wrong in assuming the team is happy with Vince completely. If Jarrad Davis, Zach Cunningham, or Raekwon McMillan were to fall to their 2nd pick I think they’d love to grab them.
What I feel is a more likely solution, is they grab a safety project that could hopefully take over for Mike Mitchell in 2-3 years, but help out playing in the slot or as a hybrid player that could play linebacker on passing downs in place of Vince Williams; Obi Melinfonwu, Budda Baker, Josh Jones, or Marcus Maye are some guys that could fill various roles. I could see Mike Tomlin being totally in love with Josh Jones, but I think they’d have a hard time keeping him off the field for 2 years while Mitchell starts (who’s also a Tomlin favorite).
I don’t completely understand why, but I think the Steelers grab an undersized outside linebacker late in this draft, that probably ends up primarily a special teamer. They took Travis Feeney last year who I liked as a football player, but he looked 100% like a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme to me. Some mid to late rounders like Carroll Phillips, Keion Adams, and Javancy Jones feel similar to me.
I’m guessing the Steelers pass on quarterbacks completely, but if they do take one I think it’ll be on day 3, and it will be competition for Zach Metterburger, not Ben or Landry.
I’m not expecting any guys in the trenches, offensive line or defensive line unless it’s a very late pick. I could see a backup nose tackle to compete with Dan McCullers being a possibility.

April 17, 2017

Steelers Draft

SCB Steelers’ Draft Journal: Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia

written by steeldad

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of help at the cornerback position and they may find that help right in their backyard. CB Rasul Douglas of West Virginia led the nation with eight interceptions in 2016 and hopes that means good things for his pro future.

Rasul Douglas, CB. West Virginia

6’2″ 209 lbs

Key Combine Stats: 4.59 forty, 33.5″ vertical, 6.97 3-cone drill

2016 Stats: 70 tackles, 8 INTs, 3.5 TFL, 8 Pass break-ups

What’s to Like: Douglas has excellent size… Very good ball skills; always seems to be in the right place at the right time… Able to play in both man and zone coverage but seems better suited to zone… Baits QB into throwing in his direction which usually leads to success for him… Reads things very well from zone perspective… Closes on the ball quicker than you’d imagine… Long arms and better hand usage than most college CBs.

What’s Concerning: Lacks aggressiveness you want in a boundary corner… Doesn’t get off blocks well at all… Lacks interest in plays going away from him… Settles for arm tackles way too often… Man skills are OK, but I have serious doubts about his ability to cover quick receivers especially when they get past him… Poor forty time at the combine won’t help; speed to recover and chase down ball carriers is lacking.

The Verdict: Because of his size, many will see Douglas moving to safety at some point. I don’t agree because your safeties have to be more aggressive and have to be better tacklers. Hard to ignore his uncanny ability to create and gather turnovers; that isn’t something you can teach. He wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school and spent time in Junior College ranks which isn’t a major problem but can he learn the Steelers’ sophisticated defense? Personally I don’t see him going until the third round or later. Size and strength are impressive but I can’t see Keith Butler and Mike Tomlin putting him on a boundary with his poor tackling skills.

Link: All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals

Photo courtesy: WVUsports.com

Video courtesy: draftbreakdown.com/youtube.com

April 12, 2017

Steelers Draft

SCB Steelers’ Draft Journal: Josh Jones, S, NC State

written by steeldad

The Pittsburgh Steelers to this point have had more safeties on their radar than cornerbacks which seems a bit surprising. One of those safeties is NC State’s Josh Jones who offers a very unique skill-set.

Josh Jones, S, NC State

6’2″ 220 lbs

Key Combine Stats: 4.41 forty, 37.5″ vertical, 20 reps at 225 lbs

2016 Stats: 109 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups

What’s to Like: Big frame and looks lanky on tape but he’s a well-built guy… Plays close to the line of scrimmage or can play centerfield… Good tackler who brings aggression to each takedown and rarely lets a guy get away from him… Has experience in both zone and man-to-man coverages… Has no problem sliding into a linebacker spot and plays the run well from the position… Has the ability to run down ball carriers from behind.

What’s Concerning: Can be a little slow in reacting to the play especially if it’s play-action… Kind of stiff in his hips and upper body… Aggressive tackling style can sometimes be a negative because he can’t throttle down… Love of big hit can be a negative… Has to be more disciplined on pursuit angles as well as in coverage… Too easily blocked at times; needs to work harder to get loose… Blindly leads with his shoulder sometimes leading to missed tackles.

The Verdict: Jones is very easy to like and I do. He has really good size and very good speed. He closes on receivers well and brings a serious thud with him. His versatility as a safety is off the charts because he has shown the ability to play well from just about anywhere on the defense. It is very easy to see why the Steelers like him but my question is where do you utilize him? Sean Davis seems entrenched and Mike Mitchell, although there are negatives, doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for next season at least. I can see Jones going in the third or even second round to a team desperate for such a player. If he can learn to tackle more consistently and resist the urge to go for the knockout as often as he does he could become a really good player in the NFL.

Link: All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals

Photo courtesy: NC State Rivals

Video courtesy: Draftbreakdown.com/youtube.com

April 11, 2017

Steelers Draft

What to Make of the Steelers’ Interest in Prospects So Far

written by steeldad

Last week, I titled one of our ‘Quick Hitters’ articles “The Smoke and Mirrors Edition.” I did so because this is the time when teams in the National Football League begin showing serious interest in players and when they “claim” to be showing serious interest in players. This game if you will, is all about strategy heading into the NFL Draft. As of this writing, the Pittsburgh Steelers have entertained or spent time with quite a few prospective players. Is there anything to make of this group so far? Let’s take a look.

At this point (April 10th), the Steelers have paid visits to or had visits from six safeties. Conversely, they have done the same with just two cornerbacks. For a team that seems desperate for cornerback upgrades, this seems odd. The two cornerbacks are Cam Sutton from Tennessee and Jourdan Lewis from Michigan. The latter is likely a slot corner in the NFL which seems to make even less sense as to why they’d look at him. Oh, and he’s facing a domestic violence charge as well.

They have also had contact with four quarterbacks. Josh Dobbs of Tennessee, Davis Webb of Cal, Pat Mahomes of Texas Tech and Nathan Peterman of Pitt. In my opinion, there is not one quarterback in this draft worthy of a first round grade. Because this is such a ‘quarterback-driven’ league, teams will likely reach in the hopes they land a franchise QB.

I believe Peterman will go higher than expected and he’ll likely be joined by Mahomes and Webb as guys who are off the board by the end of day two if not by the end of the second round period. Dobbs I view as a guy who will go on day three. The Steelers reportedly like Mahomes much more than they like any of the other three but I can’t see a scenario where they take him. I think Dobbs is the likely choice if any are taken at all.

The Steelers also appear to be following a trend they have recently developed. They like athletes who can become better football players. Artie Burns is a perfect example. Guys that fit this mold include Obi Melifonwu and Tanoh Kpassagnon on defense and Josh Reynolds, the receiver from Texas A&M on offense. Where those first two guys would play on the Steelers’ defense is a major question but as I said, a pattern continues.

While the Steelers have been surprisingly slow on the cornerbacks, they’ve been heavily involved with edge rushers. They have laid eyes on nine different players who could fill the void in that area and are entertaining a tenth today in Eastern Washington linebacker Samson Ebukam. I expect more potential edge rushers to come.

To speak in cliches, the Steelers are doing their ‘due diligence’ and are sticking to their ‘usual framework.’ That said, the lack of cornerbacks thus far is interesting but I think that number will grow significantly in the coming weeks. Signs still point to an edge rusher being taken in the first round but there really isn’t any way to tell. What the Steelers say and what they do are two very different things three weeks out from the draft.

Photo courtesy: The Michigan Journal

April 10, 2017

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