OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: Super Bowl? Thats like a giant pot of chips or popcorn right?

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Skilled NFL positions are a lot like hockey players - there is functional speed and game speed. There are a ton of guys in the NHL that can absolutely fly, but when they play the game, they look slow because they do not think the game at a high level.

Brian Branch had a horrendous combine. That dude can ball out. Addison had a poor combine...same thing. The difference between the two of them and guys who test better are that they can think the game at a higher level and the speed difference all of a sudden diminishes. Chase Claypool was the latter - he will blow by guys and jump out of the stadium, but on game day none of that shows up. Guys who can think and play with speed have yellow jackets.

Hines Ward had a whatever combine and he said about the experience:

"The one thing they don't measure at the Combine is heart. There are a lot of players that may not test well or be the fastest guy, but there are a lot of football players that have a lot of heart and are great players. I wasn't the biggest, I wasn't the fastest, but I had a passion for football."

So while the combine and especially a bad RAS can really hurt your draft stock, guys like Ward and AB have proven it doesn’t determine how successful you will be.

Brady is still mad about his combine numbers and he had an atrocious RAS of like 2.75…

Basically a bad RAS will likely cost you a lot of early money in your career, but it certainly doesn’t doom a player.

 

[JTG]

Hines Ward had a whatever combine and he said about the experience:



So while the combine and especially a bad RAS can really hurt your draft stock, guys like Ward and AB have proven it doesn’t determine how successful you will be.

Brady is still mad about his combine numbers and he had an atrocious RAS of like 2.75…

Basically a bad RAS will likely cost you a lot of early money in your career, but it certainly doesn’t doom a player.

It's kind of why I like this Ja'Ayir Brown kid. By many accounts he is a heartbeat type guy. One of my favorite players of all time was Brian Dawkins, and if you had a pulse, that guy could get you ready to run through a wall. We so badly need that on our defense. We have great talent, but all of our guys go about business very quietly. We need a rally man.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

the Steelers Depot lead writer did a live mock draft and the board fell pretty bad for the Steelers.

Kozora 2023 'Walk The Mock' Mock Re-Draft Exercise

On Sunday night, Alex Kozora took part in the annual Walk the Mock mock draft and he livestreamed it for all to see. He allowed viewers of the livestream to heavily participate in that online mock draft and weighted the opinion of viewers for each selection. If you missed it, you can view it...

steelersdepot.com

I think long and hard about Washington from Georgia if this is how it were to shake out.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

It's kind of why I like this Ja'Ayir Brown kid. By many accounts he is a heartbeat type guy. One of my favorite players of all time was Brian Dawkins, and if you had a pulse, that guy could get you ready to run through a wall. We so badly need that on our defense. We have great talent, but all of our guys go about business very quietly. We need a rally man.

I feel like Watt is that kind of guy, and Witherspoon would bring that intensity/passion in spades.

They definitely could use a Porter/Lloyd type of attitude on D though.

 

[JTG]

I feel like Watt is that kind of guy, and Witherspoon would bring that intensity/passion in spades.

They definitely could use a Porter/Lloyd type of attitude on D though.

I just cannot see any scenario where we land Witherspoon unless we trade up.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I just cannot see any scenario where we land Witherspoon unless we trade up.

Don’t snatch my dream. A man needs hope.

 

[JTG]

the Steelers Depot lead writer did a live mock draft and the board fell pretty bad for the Steelers.

Kozora 2023 'Walk The Mock' Mock Re-Draft Exercise

On Sunday night, Alex Kozora took part in the annual Walk the Mock mock draft and he livestreamed it for all to see. He allowed viewers of the livestream to heavily participate in that online mock draft and weighted the opinion of viewers for each selection. If you missed it, you can view it...

steelersdepot.com

I think long and hard about Washington from Georgia if this is how it were to shake out.

I think that board fell ideally for the Steelers.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I think that board fell ideally for the Steelers.

Can’t see how both the top 3 CB and OT being gone is ideal.

 

[JTG]

Can’t see how both the top 3 CB and OT being gone is ideal.

Because the players we landed are really good.

I wouldn't get that wrapped up in "top" anything in this draft. Darnell Wright is a plug and play RT and is a massive upgrade on Chuks. There are concerns with all the top tackles that they may be better off as guards.

I'd take Keion White or Brian Branch over Addison. Emmanuel Forbes is the most intriguing CB in the draft, IMO. Absolute ballhawk. Gervin Dexter is a good player but really raw. I'd rather get Keeanu Benton, but really I'd rather have Mazi Smith.

 

[JTG]

Don’t snatch my dream. A man needs hope.

I'd do it, honestly. I think he's a Pro Bowl CB from the hop and probably makes 10 of them if he stays healthy.

 

[Peat]

Dumb newbie question - all the real big guys listed as Edge, like Van Ness and Keion White - how likely is it they can play DL in a 3-4? Is it simply a matter of size, or are there technique questions as well?

 

[lastcupever75]

the Steelers Depot lead writer did a live mock draft and the board fell pretty bad for the Steelers.

Kozora 2023 'Walk The Mock' Mock Re-Draft Exercise

On Sunday night, Alex Kozora took part in the annual Walk the Mock mock draft and he livestreamed it for all to see. He allowed viewers of the livestream to heavily participate in that online mock draft and weighted the opinion of viewers for each selection. If you missed it, you can view it...

steelersdepot.com

I think long and hard about Washington from Georgia if this is how it were to shake out.

That was last week. Before the combine

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I'd do it, honestly. I think he's a Pro Bowl CB from the hop and probably makes 10 of them if he stays healthy.

Barring a trade up, there will have to be a set of circumstances where all top four QBS, all top three LTs, and some other team liking Gonzalez over Witherspoon occurs for him to slip to 17.

I have a feeling Kahn may move up using his third, then try to recoup a pick when he solicits offers for a full 24 hrs for pick 32.

That could help him jump into the early teens if he finds a willing partner. If.

 

[WheresRamziAbid]

Barring a trade up, there will have to be a set of circumstances where all top four QBS, all top three LTs, and some other team liking Gonzalez over Witherspoon occurs for him to slip to 17.

I have a feeling Kahn may move up using his third, then try to recoup a pick when he solicits offers for a full 24 hrs for pick 32.

That could help him jump into the early teens if he finds a willing partner. If.

I think a trade up is a likely scenario if a guy like skoronski drops to the double digits.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

Dumb newbie question - all the real big guys listed as Edge, like Van Ness and Keion White - how likely is it they can play DL in a 3-4? Is it simply a matter of size, or are there technique questions as well?

Edge most likely is OLB is Steelers’ 3-4. The bigger ones maybe could do it but I think scouting switched to the term to clarify the player’s skill-set irrespective of scheme. So Edge is a DE in 4-3 and OLB in 3-4.

All of this is my assumption and unverified.

Steelers have been drafting college ends and playing them at OLB for decades.

 

[xlm34]

the Steelers Depot lead writer did a live mock draft and the board fell pretty bad for the Steelers.

Kozora 2023 'Walk The Mock' Mock Re-Draft Exercise

On Sunday night, Alex Kozora took part in the annual Walk the Mock mock draft and he livestreamed it for all to see. He allowed viewers of the livestream to heavily participate in that online mock draft and weighted the opinion of viewers for each selection. If you missed it, you can view it...

steelersdepot.com

I think long and hard about Washington from Georgia if this is how it were to shake out.

Yeah guys always unexpectedly fall on draft day, but it really does feel like the top tackles and top cornerbacks are going to be gone if the Steelers stay put. And that makes things pretty interesting.

I’ve seen some people at the combine say that CB right now seems to be the most likely pick and to keep an eye out for Banks from Maryland. I’ve also seen some people say they get the feeling the Steelers are more interested in replacing Dotson than they are in replacing Moore.

I’m just interested in what they do next week in free agency. I think that’ll give us a way clearer picture of what might be possible in the draft.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Because the players we landed are really good.

I wouldn't get that wrapped up in "top" anything in this draft. Darnell Wright is a plug and play RT and is a massive upgrade on Chuks. There are concerns with all the top tackles that they may be better off as guards.

I'd take Keion White or Brian Branch over Addison. Emmanuel Forbes is the most intriguing CB in the draft, IMO. Absolute ballhawk. Gervin Dexter is a good player but really raw. I'd rather get Keeanu Benton, but really I'd rather have Mazi Smith.

I mean I’m a BPA guy but I just don’t see the arguments for Branch or Wright that high- just positionally. Chuks is a positive in pass pro despite his shortcomings in the run game, and they have a decent investment in him. Wright had a great game vs Anderson but I don’t see him as so can’t miss we replace Chuks and ignore the left side of the line.

Then if they can re-sign Sutton, I think Sutton’s best position is where Branch is best suited to play (nickel corner). Sure Cam could be on the outside again but I just think it would make more sense to take a boundary guy than Branch, who I like, but imo is more of a luxury pick for a team with less holes.

I like Forbes, would be fine with him at 17.

 

[OnMyOwn]

I don’t want to see anything other than LT, DT or CB in the top 2 picks. We’ll see how FA goes first, of course. These needs could change drastically.

 

[JTG]

Barring a trade up, there will have to be a set of circumstances where all top four QBS, all top three LTs, and some other team liking Gonzalez over Witherspoon occurs for him to slip to 17.

I have a feeling Kahn may move up using his third, then try to recoup a pick when he solicits offers for a full 24 hrs for pick 32.

That could help him jump into the early teens if he finds a willing partner. If.

17 and 80 could be good enough to get into the top 10 (it is good enough based on draft pick value chart).

I am of the opinion that I'd like Khan to move up or go back depending how things shake out. I will say that we all read about this stuff so much and we have so much info that a lot of the time we have 30 guys as top 15 picks. Someone has to drop, and I really do believe it will be one of the tackles.

I think Khan is aggressive. If the Claypool move is any indication, I think a new day in Steelers football us upon us where we can maybe operate like a modern day franchise in the draft and free agency. One thing that Khan keeps stressing is maximizing Kenny's rookie contract. I expect him to be aggressive.

I mean I’m a BPA guy but I just don’t see the arguments for Branch or Wright that high- just positionally. Chuks is a positive in pass pro despite his shortcomings in the run game, and they have a decent investment in him. Wright had a great game vs Anderson but I don’t see him as so can’t miss we replace Chuks and ignore the left side of the line.

Then if they can re-sign Sutton, I think Sutton’s best position is where Branch is best suited to play (nickel corner). Sure Cam could be on the outside again but I just think it would make more sense to take a boundary guy than Branch, who I like, but imo is more of a luxury pick for a team with less holes.

I like Forbes, would be fine with him at 17.

If you draft Branch, I don't think you re-sign Sutton. Use the resources elsewhere because Branch is a plug and play guy. I do think you take Wright that high. He is one of those guys we can add to the line and it's a trickle effect - Chuks can move to LT, Moore can move to LG. I think Moore is a plus player at guard. Chuks has always been more comfortable on the left side and he can't be worse than Moore.

Cole-Daniels-Wright gives us a fantastic right side of the line to maybe get some more push for Najee.

 

[JTG]

I don’t want to see anything other than LT, DT or CB in the top 2 picks. We’ll see how FA goes first, of course. These needs could change drastically.

This is a really important free agent class for us because the more we can free up needs, the better this draft is going to be. I wish we had more money to spend.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

17 and 80 could be good enough to get into the top 10 (it is good enough based on draft pick value chart).

I am of the opinion that I'd like Khan to move up or go back depending how things shake out. I will say that we all read about this stuff so much and we have so much info that a lot of the time we have 30 guys as top 15 picks. Someone has to drop, and I really do believe it will be one of the tackles.

I think Khan is aggressive. If the Claypool move is any indication, I think a new day in Steelers football us upon us where we can maybe operate like a modern day franchise in the draft and free agency. One thing that Khan keeps stressing is maximizing Kenny's rookie contract. I expect him to be aggressive.



If you draft Branch, I don't think you re-sign Sutton. Use the resources elsewhere because Branch is a plug and play guy. I do think you take Wright that high. He is one of those guys we can add to the line and it's a trickle effect - Chuks can move to LT, Moore can move to LG. I think Moore is a plus player at guard. Chuks has always been more comfortable on the left side and he can't be worse than Moore.

Cole-Daniels-Wright gives us a fantastic right side of the line to maybe get some more push for Najee.

I think it’s super wishful thinking that shedding Sutton and starting a rookie in his place, and the doing the same at OT with a non-elite prospect while shuffling around the line makes us a better team in 2023. Just gotta agree to disagree.

 

[JTG]

I think it’s super wishful thinking that shedding Sutton and starting a rookie in his place, and the doing the same at OT with a non-elite prospect while shuffling around the line makes us a better team in 2023. Just gotta agree to disagree.

The rookie that would be starting is one of the best DBs in college football. I'd have zero fear starting him immediately.

Move Chuks to the left side isn't ideal. Ideally, I'd cut him and save 7m, but that's not a move an NFL GM would make.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I don’t want to see anything other than LT, DT or CB in the top 2 picks. We’ll see how FA goes first, of course. These needs could change drastically.

Landing Dre’Mont Jones or Zach Allen would be pretty massive for their D-ljne.

Not sure if they will even chase bigger names like them though.

I think a trade up is a likely scenario if a guy like skoronski drops to the double digits.

My assumption has always been that they need to jump ahead of the Pats and Jets to get one of the big dogs at LT.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

The rookie that would be starting is one of the best DBs in college football. I'd have zero fear starting him immediately.

Again in my opinion just highly speculative/wishful/hopeful to think Branch would come in and play at or above Sutton’s level right away. That’s DROY level play. Especially if you’re letting Cam walk for him. Feels too Madden-y. If it goes wrong you’re pretty much f***ing yourself.

Would much rather keep Sutton and draft a boundary CB that you don’t *have* to force in or lay a lot of responsibility on until they’re ready.

 

[WheresRamziAbid]

All of these mocks will also change post FA.