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

[Flying Dego]

I would rather have Branch that JPJ. I think he is more versatile.

Yep. I think Branch is a stellar compliment to Minkah. JPJ strikes me as a low end #2. That's alright but not as high end potential.

Maybe I'm wrong but I see him getting burned by the high end WRs with his mobility.

I’m floored Branch is still there. Never thought he’d be an option at 32.

He’s a plug and play pro bowler that would help take their secondary to another level.

Dude can do it all and is a tackling machine.

Don’t overthink your good fortune and grab him.

How I feel if we take JPJ over him I'll be pretty disheartened.

 

[wheelz87]

I'd prefer to take a Center with pick #80 but wouldn't hate it if the team loves Schmitz. Cody Mauch a round later though would be nice.

I'd certainly take a flyer on Mauch myself.

 

[Ulf5]

Was it Ike that said they really like Tyrique Stevenson?
Any chance they trade back and nab him if JPJ or Branch are gone before their new spot?

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I'm not even considering Mayer at #32. Seems like a very good every down TE but there's simply no need with Muth still on a rookie deal. Steelers haven't historically valued the position that much either. And you know Tomlin LOVES Gentry.

I get that but then I also think he looks like a Heath Miller type than will play 13 solid as hell years in the league— and part of me thinks you take that and run at pick #32.

 

[Jaded-Fan]

I am not sure.

Nepotism is a thing in this town.

And not taking chances.

But Khan may prove me wrong.

That said if he takes Branch over Porter and it is the wrong call it is a move that gets thrown at him forever.

 

[Andy99]

Leaning towards liking Keion White if they stay at #32 actually…he could be a playmaker and pass rusher…there’s plenty of DBs left that they’ll find one they like at 49

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Yep. I think Branch is a stellar compliment to Minkah. JPJ strikes me as a low end #2. That's alright but not as high end potential.

Maybe I'm wrong but I see him getting burned by the high end WRs with his mobility.


How I feel if we take JPJ over him I'll be pretty disheartened.

I was praying to anyone who would listen that JPJ would be gone by pick 32 so they would take Cam Smith.

I didn’t even think Branch could be here so now it will be ultra frustrating if they pass on a great, versatile safety for a one scheme corner that will have laundry following him all over the field.

 

[WickedWrister]

I won’t call JPJ a nepo baby since he’s literally the #1 or #2 BPA on most big boards right now. 17 would’ve been a reach with the gift of hindsight, but 32 ain’t.

We need a long, outside corner just as much as Safety.

 

[Coastal Kev]

I’m floored Branch is still there. Never thought he’d be an option at 32.

He’s a plug and play pro bowler that would help take their secondary to another level.

Dude can do it all and is a tackling machine.

Don’t overthink your good fortune and grab him.

IF they add Branch and Tipperman .... me happy

Leaning towards liking Keion White if they stay at #32 actually…he could be a playmaker and pass rusher…there’s plenty of DBs left that they’ll find one they like at 49

so many good player available in the next round. I wish we had 4 picks in the second.

 

[Jaded-Fan]

I won’t call JPJ a nepo baby since he’s literally the #1 or #2 BPA on most big boards right now. 17 would’ve been a reach with the gift of hindsight, but 32 ain’t.

We need a long, outside corner just as much as Safety.

I wasn't denying that. Simply the reason that I doubt that Pittsburgh passes on him.

All the more reason in fact.

 

[Ryder71]

I am not sure.

Nepotism is a thing in this town.

And not taking chances.

But Khan may prove me wrong.

That said if he takes Branch over Porter and it is the wrong call it is a move that gets thrown at him forever.

I'm shading branch, but jpj would not surprise me or be that much of a disappointment. Brian branch first in my book but jpj at 32 is still very good value.

 

[Ryder71]

I think Branch fits our scheme better. I think we'd be much stronger with branch and Fitzpatrick. Especially because our linebackers aren't overly proficient in the pass coverage.

 

[Andy99]

JPJ is Ike Taylor…he’s not a playmaker back there…he can shadow a receiver in press coverage but he won’t make any picks

 

[Ryder71]

JPJ is Ike Taylor…he’s not a playmaker back there…he can shadow a receiver in press coverage but he won’t make any picks

But if he can help shut a wide receiver down that's a pretty big deal. I love for somehow we get both. But that would take a lot of horse Trading do try and achieve that.

 

[Jaded-Fan]

Also there is about a $2 million dollar or more drop in salary between pick 31 and 32 and first round picks are entirely guaranteed. Second and lower are not.

How much money do NFL first-round picks make in 2023?

With the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft in the books, here’s a look at the salaries that players will earn once they sign their rookie contracts.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[OnMyOwn]

JPJ is Ike Taylor…he’s not a playmaker back there…he can shadow a receiver in press coverage but he won’t make any picks

He’s got better hands but yea he’s like Ike, which I’ve said several times now I would love to have another Ike. Sometimes the corners with higher INT numbers are getting thrown at more because their coverage isn’t great. Safety is a little different or a pure zone corner because they jump routes and play off receivers. Porter is a man coverage corner who also graded really well in zone.

He’s a very good player.

 

[wheelz87]

Would prefer branch at this point… wouldn’t mind a trade down though.

 

[Coastal Kev]

Watching a couple of top matchup games for both Porter and Branch....

Porter is solid. Branch looks special.

 

[Jaded-Fan]

2023 NFL Draft: Joey Porter Jr. headlines Steelers top Day 2 draft options

www.cbssports.com

Basically, it comes down to what the Steelers value more: versatility (Branch) or a more proven commodity at cornerback (Porter). Porter is probably the safer pick, but Branch could eventually blossom into a solid player who could thrive at either safety or corner.

 

[WickedWrister]

Interview with BJ: Broderick Jones says he feels home in Pittsburgh

Also this lol. DAWG. I want the guy that bodies our coaching staff.

 

[Coastal Kev]

Interview with BJ: Broderick Jones says he feels home in Pittsburgh

Impressive dude... thanks for posting

 

[Peat]

I'm not even considering Mayer at #32. Seems like a very good every down TE but there's simply no need with Muth still on a rookie deal. Steelers haven't historically valued the position that much either. And you know Tomlin LOVES Gentry.

You can play both. You can wreak havoc with both. Neither are blockers on Gentry's level but you can still stick them out there and ask defences whether they want to set up for the jumbo block rush or two giant targets streaking out towards the intermediate level.

I dunno how down with that idea the Steelers are but given how they seem to be building their team - mean line, ball control, ground and pound - it seems an incredibly obvious way to do business.

It'd probably make more sense for the team to target a guy like Darnell Washington who really brings it as a blocker, but goddamnit if I wouldn't enjoy the hell out of having Mayer out there too. Would be a little bit of a longjam this year as basically Robinson is there for those of snaps, but oh well.

Leaning towards liking Keion White if they stay at #32 actually…he could be a playmaker and pass rusher…there’s plenty of DBs left that they’ll find one they like at 49

Generally ranked way down. Haven't really looked into why a guy with his measureables is usually put there.

 

[Ryder71]

I think the Steelers are in such a good position right now. I say we not trade the pick unless someone gets silly, make the pick and take a corner like Porter or branch for safety. If anything I'd be more willing to try to get pick 33 give up 49 and a pick in next year's draft if need be. We can completely solidify our secondary in one fell swoop. But maybe that's a bit too ambitious.

 

[Peat]

So overthinking stuff, here's the teams Will Levis and Hendon Hooker visited that haven't picked a QB

Raiders (both)
Titans (Levis)
Bucs (Levis)
Falcons (both)
Patriots (both)
Lions (Hooker)
Giants (Hooker)
Commanders (Hooker)

So assume they're the likely market for trading up.

Detroit would be fantastic. Drop two places. Cardinals maybe take Porter? Or maybe Hyatt or a TE or an Edge... still pretty much in control of destiny there. Good chance you can still get Branch if that's your guy.

Raiders would be good but you ain't getting Branch. Still getting a really good guy.

I'd want a pretty wow-worthy offer to go beyond the Titans at 41.

Other possibilities too. But they seem the obvious ones.



Have to say, more I think about it, more I want Branch and would be willing to give up those extra picks to be sure of getting him.

 

[robopigeon]

JPJ is a really solid shutdown corner but has some issues with footwork and foot speed keeping him from being elite that I'm not sure our coaches can fix, or improve.

Branch is a very special, modern style DB that massively opens up options in the defense. Great timing, great hitter, great at the LOS, great in coverage, pretty good at man, and a total gamer. He just seems like a Steeler and would be incredible next to Minkah.

Easy choice IMHO.