OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: Steelers need a new ball thrower for the handball game thingy

[Captain Hook]

It's really hard to not take Linderbaum if he is there, but the AFC North is not where you draft an undersized center. Penning has maybe the highest ceiling in the draft and he would bring a disposition the offensive line desperately needs.

I also seriously consider Jordan Davis. With him in the middle of the defense it completely changes the complexion and the trickle down impact he'd have on the lineup would be very similar to Hampton had that sort of spurred a generation of defensive dominance.

Yeah, I like Linderbaum but I do have some concerns about his size after watching the way Green got pushed around all year. I know he's a way better prospect than Green but it would still be a concern.

Davis would go a long way toward fixing the run defense. Reminds me a bit of when we picked Casey Hampton. I'm just not sure the Steelers value NT enough these days to take one in the first round.

 

[xlm34]

Yeah, I like Linderbaum but I do have some concerns about his size after watching the way Green got pushed around all year. I know he's a way better prospect than Green but it would still be a concern.

Davis would go a long way toward fixing the run defense. Reminds me a bit of when we picked Casey Hampton. I'm just not sure the Steelers value NT enough these days to take one in the first round.

That’s where I’m at on Davis as well. He’d be great against the run but it’s kind of hard to justify spending a first rounder on a guy who will spend more time on the sidelines than on the field. I think I’d rather just hope Alualu stays healthy.

 

[pistolpete11]

I'd be happy with any of these guys, including Davis. It's cliché, but cliché for a reason. You've got to win in trenches first and foremost.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

That’s where I’m at on Davis as well. He’d be great against the run but it’s kind of hard to justify spending a first rounder on a guy who will spend more time on the sidelines than on the field. I think I’d rather just hope Alualu stays healthy.

Or take a jones from unconn in round 2. I think Heyward is going to be moved to nt more often as he gets older

 

[bigdaddyk88]

Sign a UFA like Armstead, draft Linderbaum, move green back to RG

Armstead - Dotson - Linderbaum - Green - RT

What an improvement that Oline would be. At least LT - C

Tyler struggled with the big 3/4 NT that ky and Michigan had he was constantly pushed back into the QB lap. Armstead is hurt way to often to pay him what he is going to get

 

[Goalie_Bob]

Davis is my secret crush in this draft. I know he is basically a 2 down NT, but man, he just stops people from running the ball.

As far as Linderbaum being small, that is just not true.

Linderbaum: 6-3, 290
Jason Kelce: 6-3, 295 (First team all pro 2021)
Corey Linsley: 6-3, 301 (Second team all pro 2021, first team all pro 2020)

 

[lastcupever75]

Davis is my secret crush in this draft. I know he is basically a 2 down NT, but man, he just stops people from running the ball.

As far as Linderbaum being small, that is just not true.

Linderbaum: 6-3, 290
Jason Kelce: 6-3, 295 (First team all pro 2021)
Corey Linsley: 6-3, 301 (Second team all pro 2021, first team all pro 2020)

considering what the steelers like to do with their centers (having mobile guys that can get to the 2nd level)
he's their type of guy.
I don't think they've ever had the 6'4 330 LBs type of center

 

[JTG]

Davis is my secret crush in this draft. I know he is basically a 2 down NT, but man, he just stops people from running the ball.

As far as Linderbaum being small, that is just not true.

Linderbaum: 6-3, 290
Jason Kelce: 6-3, 295 (First team all pro 2021)
Corey Linsley: 6-3, 301 (Second team all pro 2021, first team all pro 2020)

His size isn't necessarily the argument, it's the division he plays in where the C is consistently up against a NT. I think the AFC North will always be the land of the 3-4, and until that changes a smallish center will not be the best avenue. Even Pouncey didn't get much push being 305 in the AFC North. Creed Humphrey is really what we needed, but hindsight is always fun to use.

With that being said, I think Linderbaum would hold his own just fine, but he wouldn't be as dominate as he would be if he were playing in a division where he were playing 4-3 defenses. I wouldn't be upset if they took him at all, but I'd be cautiously optimistic.

As for Davis, it's the trickle down for me - the 2 downs he plays would have to be passing downs for the offense, which always puts offenses in a disadvantaged spot. He would eat up blockers for Heyward and Tuitt as they age, which would open up our LBs, particularly Devin Bush from getting eaten up by linemen.

 

[TimmyD]

Davis is my secret crush in this draft. I know he is basically a 2 down NT, but man, he just stops people from running the ball.

As far as Linderbaum being small, that is just not true.

Linderbaum: 6-3, 290
Jason Kelce: 6-3, 295 (First team all pro 2021)
Corey Linsley: 6-3, 301 (Second team all pro 2021, first team all pro 2020)

I have a sneaking suspicion Davis is going to the Chargers at 17. With as awful as their run defense was last season getting a guy like that is probably tops on their list. If he’s there I’d be surprised if he wasn’t the pick. I could see them taking Penning but I just get a feeling Davis is their guy if he’s available

 

[JTG]

Mark Madden reporting that he's hearing Tuitt is done.

Huge blow to the team. The amount of guys the Steelers have lost prematurely in their careers is crazy. Cornerstones on the defense like Shazier and Tuitt being retired before 28 years old would set any organization back, then factor in losing DeCastro and Pouncey and those guys were 31.

 

[DanielPlainview]

Well at least he didn’t wait around till camp or something to make a decision, if true. Gives the team a clearer picture of what they need to do in the draft or FA. Personally, I think they can make due with Wormley for a year. Alualu absolutely needs to have a man in waiting behind him this year. He’s just not reliable health-wise

 

[OnMyOwn]

Tuitt is gonna be a big “what if” for me. Had the potential to be better than cam. We also had Worilds retire at what? 26 or something?

 

[JTG]

Tuitt is gonna be a big “what if” for me. Had the potential to be better than cam. We also had Worilds retire at what? 26 or something?

That's 2014 draft was something special for us, and now both top picks careers ended prematurely. They are still in their prime.

We won't even talk about Martavius Bryant.

 

[Pens1566]

Not a surprise though, been hearing rumors about it being career threatening all season.

 

[Goalie_Bob]

Everything I had heard about Tuitt was that his brother had died and that he was unsure if he wanted to play anymore. Had nothing to do with his injury.

 

[xlm34]

You all ready for a Mitch/Malik/Mason QB room? I still think someone else takes Willis way too early but there’s a lot of talk about how much the Steelers like him.

 

[Captain Hook]

I wouldn't mind bringing in Trubisky for competition.

I think Willis probably goes top 10. Top 15 is about as far as I think he slides. He's kind of that Josh Allen type of pick where he didn't really dominate college but he has tons of talent that if developed properly could make him a superstar QB. I think he's the only QB with superstar upside in this class. Some team will gamble on him early for that reason. He's risky though. He could just as easily be one of those QB's who has tons of talent but doesn't know how to play the position. Kyle Boller always comes to mind. Dude could sit on his knees and throw it out of the end zone from the 50 yard line but it didn't mean shit in actual games. I guess you could say the same for Haskins. He has massive arm talent but it doesn't matter because of what he seems to lack between the ears.

 

[DanielPlainview]

Reserving strong opinions on the QB position till after the combine. I don’t hold this group very highly so I’m hoping someone shows something.

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

You all ready for a Mitch/Malik/Mason QB room? I still think someone else takes Willis way too early but there’s a lot of talk about how much the Steelers like him.

I'm trying to find the link, but basically the word was Tomlin was "all in" on Justin Fields and wanted him badly. MT thought that highly of Fields (which is scary).

Essentially people think Tomlin covets Willis as much as he did Fields.

 

[Andy99]

If Tomlin covets a player, the front office needs to run in the opposite direction…he rarely hits on a draft pick

 

[ziggyjoe212]

If Tomlin covets a player, the front office needs to run in the opposite direction…he rarely hits on a draft pick

What? why would you say something like that? Steelers have one of the best drafting track records over his tenure.
In fact I would bet that the Steelers are the best drafting team over the last 15 years.

 

[Goalie_Bob]

What? why would you say something like that? Steelers have one of the best drafting track records over his tenure.
In fact I would bet that the Steelers are the best drafting team over the last 15 years.

Get with the program, all the good draft picks are Colbert's and all the bad ones are Tomlin's.

 

[DanielPlainview]

The sad part is, Fields would be the consensus top QB prospect if he were in this class. That’s how weak it is

 

[Andy99]

What? why would you say something like that? Steelers have one of the best drafting track records over his tenure.
In fact I would bet that the Steelers are the best drafting team over the last 15 years.

the players they drafted that Tomlin pushed for, that we know of, were busts or not worth their draft status…like Artie Burns and Terrell Edmunds…those that the GM and scouts wanted turned out to be much better players

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

the players they drafted that Tomlin pushed for, that we know of, were busts or not worth their draft status…like Artie Burns and Terrell Edmunds…those that the GM and scouts wanted turned out to be much better players

Exhibit A: Devin Bush
Derrick Brooks' godfather and buddies with Tomlin