Give me your draft grades in advance if you dare for round one!

[Coach]

Give me your draft grades in advance if you dare for round one!

I'll list a few players that may be on the board for round one and tell you what I think in terms of value of the pick, the need level of the position, and what type of player I think he'll be in the NFL


CB Jackson III ( Grade A ) Hits need, value, and upside. Love this guy. A true outside corner with speed, playmaking ability, and height.

NT/DL Billings ( Grade A- ) Hits need, value, and upside. I'd be very happy with this pick.

DE Lawson ( Grade B ) Not a NT or DT, and we have two great ends already.

CB Apple ( Grade B ) Need and value are there, but he's very raw on tape and could bust in the NFL unless he fixes a bunch of things. A tough call.

DL Reed ( Grade B- ). An NT type, but not the player maker type like Billings can be. Could be limited to a two-down defender in the NFL.

OLB/DE Spence. Grade B. His skills are great, but the drug issues ( worse than pot ) and character are major red flags. Could be a nice pass rusher or a bust. Not much vs the Run.

OT Spriggs ( B+ ) I liked him a lot in the senior bowl, and he worked out like a top 8 pick. Projects at Left tackle with upside. Villanueva might always have issues with speed rushers. Got to protect Ben.

CB Fuller ( B ). Need, is there, might be a bit of a reach. A safe pick, I think he'd make a solid #2 corner.

DL Butler ( B ) Not a true NT, but a nice playmaker vs. the run or pass. If we pick him, we can switch to 4-3. We pretty much play 4 DL players most of the time anyway. I'd love to have him in round two if we go corner in round one

OT Decker. ( B- ) A solid player, but more of a Right Tackle.

CB Burns. ( B- ) Flim is not that good, but the coaching at UM was awful. An upside guy, and I think a bit of a reach for round one. For some reason, mock draft sites have us picking him. I'd like to see how he interviewed and how smart he is.

CB Alexandar. ( B- ) Average size, speed, and bad character worry me. Zero interceptions, yet he allowed no TD's in 24 games, and has a very low completion percentage against. A risky guy for round one.

DL Nkemdiche. ( C ) Lacking production and bad character. I want no part of this guy in round one!

OT Conklin. ( C + ) More of a right tackle type.

DL Bullard ( C- ) Won't fit our system! Teams can run on him. Too small to play 3-4. A gap shooting DT type lacking versatility for what we need.

DL Robinson. ( B+ ) I have a sneaky feeling if Jackson and Billings are gone, this is our pick. A bull of a man, he can make plays behind the line of scrimmage or pressure the ball carrier to make a move he doesn't want to. Can hold up as an NT, though he needs to play a bit lower. Shines as a 4-3 interior player vs the run or pass. A bit inconsistent.

 

[Troglodyte]

Couldn't Lawson be a 3-4 OLB?

 

[CoolieMan]

if WJIII is on the board, selecting anyone else is an automatic FAIL

 

[ZACKB]

I feel very comfortable saying that one of these 5 guys will be our pick...that's just my gut feeling. I think Spence just partied with drugs, I don't feel he is an addict.

CB Jackson III ( Grade A ) Hits need, value, and upside. Love this guy. A true outside corner with speed, playmaking ability, and height.
S Joseph (Grade A-)-Knee issue
NT/DL Billings ( Grade A- ) Hits need, value, and upside. I'd be very happy with this pick.
CB Apple ( Grade B ) Need and value are there, but he's very raw on tape and could bust in the NFL unless he fixes a bunch of things. A tough call.
OLB/DE Spence. Grade B. His skills are great, but the drug issues ( worse than pot ) and character are major red flags. Could be a nice pass rusher or a bust. Not much vs the Run.

 

[Stryker]

if WJIII is on the board, selecting anyone else is an automatic FAIL

Even though I would rather have Billings, I'm starting to see the value of grabbing WJ3 as the drop off past him is bigger than the drop off for NTs after Billings.

Problem with Billings, is I think he can be a special disruptive force from the middle, and that would be a big advantage as well.

I hope it's one of these guys, but if I had to choose from both being on the board at the same time, that would be an incredibly difficult pick.

 

[bermudasteel]

Give me your draft grades in advance if you dare for round one!

I'll list a few players that may be on the board for round one and tell you what I think in terms of value of the pick, the need level of the position, and what type of player I think he'll be in the NFL


CB Jackson III ( Grade A ) Hits need, value, and upside. Love this guy. A true outside corner with speed, playmaking ability, and height. - Hope you're right - but I doubt he'll be there now. My first choice if he's there over all the other DB's

NT/DL Billings ( Grade A- ) Hits need, value, and upside. I'd be very happy with this pick. There is quite a drop off in talent at the NT/DL position after round 3 - I hope we snag on before then, should Billings be gone and our other targets in the first...

DE Lawson ( Grade B ) Not a NT or DT, and we have two great ends already. I have Lawson as an OLB. Not DE. If he's there - it'll be hard to pass on him

CB Apple ( Grade B ) Need and value are there, but he's very raw on tape and could bust in the NFL unless he fixes a bunch of things. A tough call. Not a Rd. 1 pick IMO - I want Day One starters in the first round

DL Reed ( Grade B- ). An NT type, but not the player maker type like Billings can be. Could be limited to a two-down defender in the NFL. This analysis is hilarious - go back and watch some tape and games on Reed. CONSTANT MOTOR - probably the best DL on the Bama line last year. We'd be FOOLISH to pass on him if he's available - think Casey Hampton with a jet pack strapped to his back...

OLB/DE Spence. Grade B. His skills are great, but the drug issues ( worse than pot ) and character are major red flags. Could be a nice pass rusher or a bust. Not much vs the Run. He's better than Jarvis Jones...

OT Spriggs ( B+ ) I liked him a lot in the senior bowl, and he worked out like a top 8 pick. Projects at Left tackle with upside. Villanueva might always have issues with speed rushers. Got to protect Ben. Not a position of need in the first round - the board would implode.

CB Fuller ( B ). Need, is there, might be a bit of a reach. A safe pick, I think he'd make a solid #2 corner. Nice pedigree; but, not a round one pick - past injuries scare me...

DL Butler ( B ) Not a true NT, but a nice playmaker vs. the run or pass. If we pick him, we can switch to 4-3. We pretty much play 4 DL players most of the time anyway. I'd love to have him in round two if we go corner in round one Nice option if Billings/Reed/Nkemdiche are gone...

OT Decker. ( B- ) A solid player, but more of a Right Tackle. Nope not a need...

CB Burns. ( B- ) Flim is not that good, but the coaching at UM was awful. An upside guy, and I think a bit of a reach for round one. For some reason, mock draft sites have us picking him. I'd like to see how he interviewed and how smart he is. Great kid with a lot of potential; not a round one pick for me...

CB Alexandar. ( B- ) Average size, speed, and bad character worry me. Zero interceptions, yet he allowed no TD's in 24 games, and has a very low completion percentage against. A risky guy for round one. BEND OVER SO I CAN KICK YOU IN YOUR HIND QUARTERS!!!

DL Nkemdiche. ( C ) Lacking production and bad character. I want no part of this guy in round one! You do realize he was invited in for a visit. He's on our board for sure.

OT Conklin. ( C + ) More of a right tackle type. I already told you twice...

DL Bullard ( C- ) Won't fit our system! Teams can run on him. Too small to play 3-4. A gap shooting DT type lacking versatility for what we need. I suggest SEC Network for ya, Coach - Bullard is a DE/OLB in the NFL

DL Robinson. ( B+ ) I have a sneaky feeling if Jackson and Billings are gone, this is our pick. A bull of a man, he can make plays behind the line of scrimmage or pressure the ball carrier to make a move he doesn't want to. Can hold up as an NT, though he needs to play a bit lower. Shines as a 4-3 interior player vs the run or pass. A bit inconsistent. A'Shawn is a beast - teaming him up w/ Heyward and Tuitt will make offensive lines cringe...shall I say "return of the Steel Curtain???"

My comments are in red...

 

[Coach]

Thanks to all, I'm looking for your own grades pre-draft if possible. There is a very good chance one of these listed names is our pick unless we trade in round one.

 

[POP]

Give me your draft grades in advance if you dare for round one!

I'll list a few players that may be on the board for round one and tell you what I think in terms of value of the pick, the need level of the position, and what type of player I think he'll be in the NFL


CB Jackson III ( Grade A ) Hits need, value, and upside. Love this guy. A true outside corner with speed, playmaking ability, and height.

NT/DL Billings ( Grade A- ) Hits need, value, and upside. I'd be very happy with this pick.

DE Lawson ( Grade B ) Not a NT or DT, and we have two great ends already.

CB Apple ( Grade B ) Need and value are there, but he's very raw on tape and could bust in the NFL unless he fixes a bunch of things. A tough call.

DL Reed ( Grade B- ). An NT type, but not the player maker type like Billings can be. Could be limited to a two-down defender in the NFL.

OLB/DE Spence. Grade B. His skills are great, but the drug issues ( worse than pot ) and character are major red flags. Could be a nice pass rusher or a bust. Not much vs the Run.

OT Spriggs ( B+ ) I liked him a lot in the senior bowl, and he worked out like a top 8 pick. Projects at Left tackle with upside. Villanueva might always have issues with speed rushers. Got to protect Ben.

CB Fuller ( B ). Need, is there, might be a bit of a reach. A safe pick, I think he'd make a solid #2 corner.

DL Butler ( B ) Not a true NT, but a nice playmaker vs. the run or pass. If we pick him, we can switch to 4-3. We pretty much play 4 DL players most of the time anyway. I'd love to have him in round two if we go corner in round one

OT Decker. ( B- ) A solid player, but more of a Right Tackle.

CB Burns. ( B- ) Flim is not that good, but the coaching at UM was awful. An upside guy, and I think a bit of a reach for round one. For some reason, mock draft sites have us picking him. I'd like to see how he interviewed and how smart he is.

CB Alexandar. ( B- ) Average size, speed, and bad character worry me. Zero interceptions, yet he allowed no TD's in 24 games, and has a very low completion percentage against. A risky guy for round one.

DL Nkemdiche. ( C ) Lacking production and bad character. I want no part of this guy in round one!

OT Conklin. ( C + ) More of a right tackle type.

DL Bullard ( C- ) Won't fit our system! Teams can run on him. Too small to play 3-4. A gap shooting DT type lacking versatility for what we need.

DL Robinson. ( B+ ) I have a sneaky feeling if Jackson and Billings are gone, this is our pick. A bull of a man, he can make plays behind the line of scrimmage or pressure the ball carrier to make a move he doesn't want to. Can hold up as an NT, though he needs to play a bit lower. Shines as a 4-3 interior player vs the run or pass. A bit inconsistent.

NO WAY to Apple, Nkem or Alexander. I will take Jackson 3 or Billings.

 

[SteelerFan448]

CB Jackson III ( Grade A ) Size, speed, playmaker. He is everything the Steelers want in a cornerback.

NT/DL Billings ( Grade A- ) I would love to have a big body in the middle. I don't think he has the same upside as some of the top interior linemen in the league, which knocks him to an A-, but I'd be happy with this pick as long as they planned to use him in the sub package as well.

DE Lawson ( Grade A ) If Lawson falls, I may take him over any player available. We need good pass rushers and Lawson would provide us with another big pass rusher to pair with Dupree.

CB Apple ( Grade A- ) I get that he is raw, but he has the size you look for in a top cornerback. Plus, he plays at Ohio State, which raises his stock for the Steelers.

DL Reed ( Grade B- ). Everything I've read says two-down player. I like him, but in the second round. Would not be upset if he was the pick if most other options were gone.

OLB/DE Spence. ( Grade B ). Character issues scare me, but I also know that the Steelers need guys who can get to the quarterback. Would be an A+ if not for the red flags.

OT Spriggs ( B- ) Eh, not a bad pick, but a little early for him.

CB Fuller ( C+ ). Too much of a reach. I've seen his name come up in the first round recently, but also have seen him as a third-round pick. That is a large gap in evaluations and that is a concern.

DL Butler ( B ) Another player I would be satisfied with, but would rather see in the second round. Would probably take Neal or Joseph over him.

OT Decker. ( B ) Decker has potential to be a good tackle, but there are better options.

CB Burns. ( C ) A ton of athletic skills, but that has not matched production. He is more of a second-round player and I'd be pretty disappointed if this was the pick.

CB Alexandar. ( A ) Not worried about his size and by all indications, the guy wants to be a great player. Combine this with his ability to shut down receivers, I can overlook no interceptions and would be happy.

DL Nkemdiche. ( B- ) Pure talent makes this an A pick. Character brings it down significantly and I also don't know if he will ever be a consistently dominate player.

OT Conklin. ( B ) Same as Decker, though I like him bett

DL Bullard ( C- ) Good player, but not a fit. No thanks.

DL Robinson. ( B+ ) Ability to play inside or end. Huge body and can help out the defense, but I don't think they take him over any cornerback, Billings or a couple of the top safety prospects.

 

[Just A Fan]

I say we finish with an honor roll type of draft grade also the stains will grade out higher than Philly all things considered even if Philly does manage to actually get something for Bradford

 

[Coach]

Thanks SteelerFan448 . I wonder what TMC would say about these players?

 

[SteelerFan448]

Thanks SteelerFan448 . I wonder what TMC would say about these players?

Let me add:

Neal and Joseph would both get B+ grades. I like both players, but think they are early second-round prospects. Joseph has a higher upside, even coming off the injury and I would prefer him over Neal, but not by much.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I think ability to impact immediately has to trump ceiling in our situation. We are talking about two maybe three seasons here where this team could easily, easily win another title with the right moves. Now they can't do what the Broncos did and spend on free agents. So it has to be immediate impact with the draft pick. no project guys with flashy tangibles.

 

[Coach]

Let me add:

Neal and Joseph would both get B+ grades. I like both players, but think they are early second-round prospects. Joseph has a higher upside, even coming off the injury and I would prefer him over Neal, but not by much.

We won't draft either in round one. I agree, they would be excellent second round picks.

 

[Coach]

NO WAY to Apple, Nkem or Alexander. I will take Jackson 3 or Billings.

Colbert has been liking OSU players lately. I want players close to NFL ready in the 1st and 2nd round. Apple is raw, and could have used an extra year in school. I also think he had a good front seven and would have been exposed a bit more on a non-stacked defense.

If Billings, Jackson, and Robinson are off the board, Colbert might pick a green Apple. We need to fix the defense quickly. 2-3 year projects in round with Ben at his age is unwise.

 

[ZACKB]

Not as high on Neal, and he is a darkhorse candidate for us in rd 1, or someone else. I don't think he deserved to go in rd 1.

Let me add:

Neal and Joseph would both get B+ grades. I like both players, but think they are early second-round prospects. Joseph has a higher upside, even coming off the injury and I would prefer him over Neal, but not by much.

 

[ZACKB]

I think Gay and Cockrell start this year anyway, so why not get Apple and let him sit behind Cockrell. Golson plays nickel. No corner we will be able to draft will start over Cockrell right now.

Colbert has been liking OSU players lately. I want players close to NFL ready in the 1st and 2nd round. Apple is raw, and could have used an extra year in school. I also think he had a good front seven and would have been exposed a bit more on a non-stacked defense.

If Billings, Jackson, and Robinson are off the board, Colbert might pick a green Apple. We need to fix the defense quickly. 2-3 year projects in round with Ben at his age is unwise.

 

[FordFairLane]

if WJIII is on the board, selecting anyone else is an automatic FAIL

What if Jalen Ramsey is still on the board?

 

[Coach]

I think Gay and Cockrell start this year anyway, so why not get Apple and let him sit behind Cockrell. Golson plays nickel. No corner we will be able to draft will start over Cockrell right now.

Cockrell made some heads up plays, but he was just a little better than toast Blake in outside coverage. Cockrell's speed is marginal at corner.

If the Steelers draft a better coverage person, he'll go back to being a sub package player sometime in the season. Golson hasn't played a snap yet. He'll have to earn the nickel role. He's very short, and not that fast. good for short stuff and zone, but he could be owned in man to man coverage by a faster or bigger players.

 

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

Grades in advance of the draft?

That's a new one.

 

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

Colbert has been liking OSU players lately....

I didn't know Oklahoma St. has any hot prospects.

 

[Just A Fan]

I say we finish with an honor roll type of draft grade also the stains will grade out higher than Philly all things considered even if Philly does manage to actually get something for Bradford

and this is what happens when you respond to thread titles without reading the posts in the thread. lol