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Draft 2017 - deljzc

I would be happy as hell if we could nab Mixon anything beyond the 4th.

agreed.
we as fans need to forget the 'steelers have morals and dont take on players with issues' crap. that might have been the xase before but not anymore.
draft/sign players to help you win championships.........period
 
Lots of good cornerbacks this year and many are difficult to grade. Really weird group with lots of size and underclassman. Almost done with them but if the Steelers want to add another secondary player, there are options this year.

Very good post. Anxious to see your OLB reads. Also anxious to see what Baker runs-some people have said 4.35 with cb cover skills. Would be nice to see in our secondary. Last year when Thomas got hurt showed what the real key to the Seattle pass D was.
 
I agree there are some similarities to Baker with Earl Thomas.
 
PRE COMBINE OFFENSIVE TACKLE EVALUATIONS

Cam Robinson, Alabama (6’6”, 326#)
Really good athlete that shows no problem moving at his elite size/weight. Can fire out of stance and hit moving targets. Plenty of length, size and decent kick slide. A little rough around the edges and can lose balance at times in pass protection but he’s a very good talent based on complete package of traits to work with. Likely immediate starter. Round 1
NFL Comparison: Erick Flowers

Roderick Johnson*, Florida St. (6’7”, 323#)
Massive frame and super long arms. Raw on pass protection but just wins on size/athleticism/footwork to date. Not technically sound and can have too much forward lean. Very good athleticism and move skills for size. Can get in front of downfield runs and cover lots of ground. Tons of potential. Naturally strong. Very, very similar skill set and potential to Cam Robinson with Johnson naturally looking more inexperienced. Boom/bust potential. Round 1-2
NFL Comparison: Andre Smith

Ryan Ramczyk*, Wisconsin (6’6”, 314#)
Big, solid build. I was expecting a bit more athleticism for an early entry prospect. More of a meat and potatoes lineman that is a good, not great, talent with lots of position versatility (maybe even all 5 spots). Great depth addition for most teams and will likely find a place early in career. Solid round 2 guy that a team could fall in love with and draft a lot higher. Round 2
NFL Comparison: Riley Reiff

Garrett Bolles*, Utah (6’5”, 300#)
Very similar to Ramczyk in I don’t see why an average/good talent like this would leave school early. Not really an elite LT as much as a versatile, solid offensive lineman capable of playing almost any position on the line. I think Ramczyk is better but it’s close. Round 2
NFL Comparison: Justin Pugh

Conner McDermott, UCLA (6’9”, 310#)
Planet theory prospect and 6’9” talents with his athleticism (even limited) don’t come along very often. Very good pass blocking skills and can just swallow up opponents. Good kick slide and maintains balance well (although strong power moves under his chest give him trouble). Not a great power blocker due to leverage issues and played with historic bad running game at UCLA last season. Round 2-3
NFL Comparison: Nate Solder

Chad Wheeler, USC (6’7”, 280#)
Really curious about actual height/weight because he doesn’t look that tall on film nor look that light on film. Length also matters because he plays very tight on opponents and doesn’t have elite punch. That said, his feet and technical move skills are top notch and he instinctively knows how to wall off opponents and beat them to a spot. Can easily pull and move and might be ideal slide/zone blocking scheme player. Good kick slide and mirror ability but when one-on-one lack of physical strength and toughness can be exposed by NFL athletes. Very similar prospect to Erik Magnuson. Round 3
NFL Comparison: Michael Schofield

Erik Magnuson, Michigan (6’6”, 300#)
Played RT in very NFL-based offense for Michigan. Did lots of different things (pull, zone block, and straight man-on-man) and versatility and play intelligence look decent. Point of attack strength might need a bit more work. Pass protection is adequate. I don’t think he’s that bad a prospect. Not a left tackle (at least not yet) and likely doesn’t have the elite length you like but reminds me a bit of Kyle Long and might end up being a very versatile and good RT or Guard. Round 3
NFL Comparison: Kyle Long

Antonio Garcia, Troy (6’6”, 290#)
Very decent small-school left tackle prospect. Held up and had good film vs. Clemson athletes (often on island in pass blocking). Like many small school guys is not there yet on core strength and toughness and will need NFL level weight training and gain 10-20 lbs. But his kick slide and size are very good (though arm length could be questionable) and there is a lot to work with. Another guy to do some research on post-season all star games and how he measure up vs. FBS guys in practices. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Will Beatty

Avery Gennesey, Texas A&M (6’5”, 305#)
Average height/weight but looks to have nice arm length on film. Choppy, hyper footwork sometimes gets him in trouble. Needs to trust athleticism a bit more and let play come to him. Can lower head on contact and get over skates. Predominant 2-point stance and left on island in Texas A&M’s spread system. Left tackle potential but there is work to do. Round 4-5
NFL Comparison: Joseph Barksdale

Will Holden, Vanderbilt (6’7”, 315#)
Big, farm boy type tackle. Nice frame and length. Not elite footwork and very susceptible to NFL caliber lateral moves (swim, rip, etc.). Pretty decent at locking on and doing job and not bad kick slide. Is likely a RT at first and then see what happens but his athletic shortcomings are going to be more exposed at the next level. Round 4-5
NFL Comparison: Doug Free

Levon Myers, Northern Illinois (6’5”, 309#)
Watched film vs. Ohio State and did pretty decent for a small school prospect. Very athletic build, strong in seat/thighs, and can run and looks more suited to RT or Guard work. Not sure about play smarts and often looked lost on blocking assignments and responsibilities. Mental aspects of game will need to be cleaned up to gain favor of coaches in camp. Would not be shocked if he measures closer to 6’4”. Difficult to project because NFL athlete is there but he will have to show the mental capabilities to learn 3-4 positions along the line as a position-versatile backup and not sure that’s in the cards. Round 5
NFL Comparison: T. J. Clemmings

Dan Skipper, Arkansas (6’10”, 319#)
Tough player to scout. Not a lot of 6’10” guys out there to compare to. Moves better than I thought but can really lose leverage (especially in 3-point stance) and lacks power in his game. Not position versatile to me and might even cause some throwing lane issues for medium-height QB’s. Eye of the beholder player that I’m having a tough time classifying. Round 5
NFL Comparison: Jared Veldheer

David Sharp*, Florida (6’6”, 357#)
To me, he’s a right tackle only prospect. Great size/wingspan but is a lumbering athlete that lacks NFL ability to move and maintain balance throughout a play. Very similar to the player he replaced in Florida, Trent Brown, who is now starting RT in San Francisco (and who I didn’t like). He plays an ugly brand of football but his size/length sometimes just get the job done. Not sure why he came out as an underclassman. Round 6
NFL Comparison: Trent Brown

Julie’n Davenport, Bucknell (6’7”, 315#)
Very raw, small-school prospect based on NFL-caliber size and athleticism. Lacks functional strength and technique and will be a project LT. Shows very good mirror ability for his size/length and that will tempt some teams and played a lot with his hand in the dirt at Bucknell so that won’t be an issue. This selection will take a lot of time to come to fruition (if at all). Need to run background on why he wasn’t recruited to FBS schools. Worth looking into Senior Bowl or other post-season talent evaluation games/practices to see how he stood up vs. FBS caliber talent. Round 6

Dion Dawkins, Temple (6’5” 318#)
A run blocking tackle that has a lot of deficiencies in pass protection and will almost certainly move to RT or (more likely) inside during training camp. Does not have elite “pop” off the snap (see Penn State game), but shows very good lock and drive on delays and when getting to the 2nd level. In pass protection can really stop feet or duck head on initial contact/punch which is a big problem in the NFL. Round 6

Adam Bisnowaty, Pittsburgh (6’6”, 300#)
Not my thing. Top heavy and barrel chested. Lacks elite footwork. Fires out and misses often. Pass protection and kick slide are much too upright. Almost certainly better suited to guard work where his power and clutch/grab blocking will work better and be hidden from officials. Round 6-7 (Guard)

Taylor Moton, Western Michigan
No film
 
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Dan Skipper, Arkansas (6’10”, 319#) Tough player to scout. Not a lot of 6’10” guys out there to compare to. Moves better than I thought but can really lose leverage (especially in 3-point stance) and lacks power in his game. Not position versatile to me and might even cause some throwing lane issues for medium-height QB’s. Eye of the beholder player that I’m having a tough time classifying. Round 5
NFL Comparison: Jared Veldheer


Wow....can he drop like 40 lbs and play TE....red zone success.
 
If you notice, I am not very high on this year's group of tackle prospect. Almost all my "NFL Comparison" analysis is to professionals that are not left tackles.

Andre Smith, Riley Reiff, Joseph Barksdale, Doug Free, TJ Cummings are all right tackles now.

Pugh, Long and Schofield all got moved into guard spots.

It's not that I think these guys are bad, it's just I really question their ability to be top-notch left tackles and worth premier draft selections. I actually think Ramczyk and Bolles are pretty decent offensive line prospects but I like them for their versatility and just workmanlike approach than what I normally consider "elite" left tackle attributes.

Maybe I'm really wrong on this group. Who knows.... in 3 years, there might be 4-5 LT's starting around the league from this crowd. Maybe these guys show a lot more footwork and athleticism at the combine.

It's still very early so don't take this as the "end" of my evaluation. This is just my first step and I thought I'll pull back the curtain a bit on how my process works.
 
Mixon? You guys are f'n stoned. No way that piece of **** will ever put on a Steeler uniform. I don't care if he is the second coming of Gayle Sayers, every team that has ever won a championship has done so without Gayle Sayers, we don't need that scumbag.

Now if Tina Turner starts acting up again......
 
Mixon? You guys are f'n stoned. No way that piece of **** will ever put on a Steeler uniform. I don't care if he is the second coming of Gayle Sayers, every team that has ever won a championship has done so without Gayle Sayers, we don't need that scumbag.

Now if Tina Turner starts acting up again......

as was mentioned we aren't the Steelers of the past, they haven't been squeaky clean on who they allow on the roster. Everything from a smoking Joe to a dog killing smoe and throw in a domestic violence wouldn't ya know.


yo
 
Im keeping my eyes on Joe Mixon (RB)....he's gonna fall this draft because of the video but the kid has THE TOOLS..great all around back. I follow OU games and hes got speed, size and great hands for a back. If hes available after the start of the 3rd or 4th round, you take him. YOU TAKE HIM .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leu4jnkWaQs

Whose running style does he remind you of ? :unconscious:

pass...........................
 
Del can you include this guy when you do DEs

Villanova*defensive end*Tanoh Kpassagnon

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Del can you include this guy when you do DEs

Villanova*defensive end*Tanoh Kpassagnon

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Steeler Nation mobile app

Watched a little tap of him right now. He will not go in my edge defender list. I will probably include him with my defensive lineman group. I think he projects more to a 3-4 DE prospect with all that size/length.
 
Watched a little tap of him right now. He will not go in my edge defender list. I will probably include him with my defensive lineman group. I think he projects more to a 3-4 DE prospect with all that size/length.
Yes I agree. I do think he can play nickle or Dime DE. Put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer

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Watched a little tap of him right now. He will not go in my edge defender list. I will probably include him with my defensive lineman group. I think he projects more to a 3-4 DE prospect with all that size/length.
With the nickle being our base I think we need to get bigger pass rushers on the ends. So we can rush the passer and stop the run.. we need to get depth at these positions so we can rush the passer and not get tired like the falcons did.

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PRE COMBINE EDGE DEFENDER NOTES

Myles Garrett*, Texas A&M (6’5”, 252#)
As good as he wants to be. Eerily similar to Jadaveon Clowney including not sure how elite his combine is going to be right down to play intensity his last junior season and playing not to get injured. Can just flash unique skills on one play and just skate through others. Like Clowney, I think he’s actually best as a traditional weak side DE but has all the talent to stand up as well (although could take a bit of time). Has frame to gain weight if necessary and very quick off ball. Round 1
NFL Comparison: Jadaveon Clowney

Tim Williams, Alabama (6’4”, 252#)
There’s a real toughness/power to his game that blends with his athleticism and quickness that jumps off film. Great length for position and isn’t afraid to just power rush people. Great jump off ball and initiates combat. Good hand use that can improve. Not a lot of negatives at all. Not sure why he didn’t come out as junior because he’s the total package as a rush 3-4 OLB. Round 1
NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware

Carl Lawson*, Auburn (6’2”, 257#)
SEC athlete that looks the part of stud OLB. Can really get an O-lineman on their heels quick when attacking edge. Fast and explosive athlete. Wish he had a bit more length but weight is ideal and doesn’t play soft or pushed around. Has things to learn as far as pass rush and power-to-speed-to-power, but could really be a good player if it all comes together. Good in space and can drop back and play zone as well. Round 1-2
NFL Comparison: Khalil Mack

Derek Barnett*, Tennessee (6’3”, 257#)
There’s a lot to like on tape. Good motor and work ethic. Shows a variety of moves and isn’t afraid to attack edge or bull rush. Experience with hand in/out of dirt and looks like ideal 3-4 OLB. Like Lawson and Harris, lacks a bit of length but is very close to them and will be eye-of-beholder player on who fits best where. Round 1-2
NFL Comparison: Derrick Morgan

Taco Charlton, Michigan (6’6”, 265#)
Great NFL frame/length for DE position with room to grow and get stronger. Naturally, gifted athlete that leaves you wanting more on tape. Has wow plays. He’s a handful for O-lineman and plays 60 minutes. The only thing stopping him is himself. All the traits to be successful are there. Round 1-2
NFL Comparison: Chandler Jones

Charles Harris*, Missouri (6’3”, 255#)
Very well put together and solid edge player. Can play and be effective with both hand in the dirt and standing up. Decent first step and plays with power. Good at holding edge in run game. Versatile for both 3-4 and 4-3 systems. Will not set the world on fire with speed, but could have very good KEI. Round 2
NFL Comparison: Brandon Graham

Deatrich Wise, Arkansas (6’5”, 280#)
Huge wingspan that creates havoc for offensive lineman. Really takes it to them and can just walk guys back into pocket and reach out his paw to make plays. Not a quick twitch player, but that’s not his game. Has to improve a bit on changing up moves and disengaging to make plays against the run. When he hits a QB, it’s hard (and legal). Really had good tape vs. LSU. Round 3
NFL Comparison: Carlos Dunlap

Josh Carraway, TCU (6’4”, 250#)
Athlete is there but for 10 out of 11 plays you want a lot more. When he lets loose on an edge rush can really explode and dip. A one-trick pony right not that lacks power in his game and often stands up and watches gap responsibility rather than going after it. Hesitant on reads and often slow steps off the snap. That speed pass rush ability along with his size and athleticism will get him drafted but he’s raw as a complete end. Round 3-4
NFL Comparison: Bruce Irvin

T.J. Watt*, Wisconsin (6’5”, 250#)
J.J. Watt’s brother that might have been better served staying in school rather than cashing in on name recognition. Almost identical looking to his counterpart Vince Biegel on film (very tough to tell them apart) and Beigel often has better film and is much more technically sound. Watt is younger, less experience and has potentially more upside but at the greater risk. Could test out very well like his brother and could still grow into frame. A bit boom/bust. Round 3-4
NFL Comparison: Chris Long

Tarell Basham, Ohio (6’4”, 262#)
Despite small school label, there is a lot to like on tape. Great length and toughness for a traditional DE. Moved around line a lot and teams ran away from him. Uses length to disengage and make tackles very well. Long strides on pass rush and not a lot of pitter-patter steps; goes after it and initiates the play. Stunts well and decisively. Competition issues hurt evaluation but depending on how he tests at Indianapolis looks like a solid 3-4 round pick worth a year to get use to the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Vinny Curry

Bryan Cox Jr., Florida (6’3”, 268#)
Son of former NFL linebacker. Likely well coached and won’t be intimidated by big stage. Versatile front-7 player that played all over Florida’s front. Does not have elite speed or dip around edge and might be one step late on impact plays. Is more of a hard worker type and plays with good power. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Tre Flowers

Vince Biegel, Wisconsin (6’4”, 246#)
Although he played like a 3-4 OLB, his better position might be a traditional SAM or MLB. Doesn’t have quite the pass rush ability to play edge all the time but shows decent movement skills and hips to play in space. And while his pass rush skills are below par vs. tackles if isolated on a TE or RB can generator solid matchup problems. Size/length is a plus. A poor-mans Rob Ninkovich. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Rob Ninkovich

Ryan Anderson, Alabama (6’2”, 253#)
Hard to judge him on such a talented and active defense. He’s quick and has decent lateral movement skills but is a bit of a one-trick speed rusher on the edge right now. Needs to learn more counter moves. Can stand up but doesn’t quite have the feel for zone/space. Best start might be as a situational pass rusher and see how that works. Is overshadowed by the vastly superior Tim Williams on opposite side and gets a lot of single coverage and open looks due to strong interior line play at Alabama. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Jason Worilds

Solomon Thomas*, Stanford (6’3”, 273#)
A bit of a tweener that played predominantly as a 3-4 DE or DT on passing downs in Stanford’s system. Not an outside the tackle defender on tape but his size/strength might limit him to 4-3 systems. Try hard player and is not afraid to mix it up. Does a lot of things well but might lack the frame to gain the needed weight to play inside at the next level and doesn’t quite have the athleticism/quicks to play outside. A rotational type player despite the early entry. Round 4-5

Devonte Fields, Louisville (6’4”, 240#)
Decent athlete with very good length for position. Likes space to move and be a wide-9 attacker. Not elite edge rush ability but can stunt and teams will like his versatility as a zone-blitz guy. Tough to scout because not a lot of wow plays, but fills up stat sheet and is involved a lot. Lacks power and physicality in his game. Round 4-5

Keionta Davis, Chattanooga (6’4”, 260#)
Held his own pretty well against Alabama and Cam Robinson. Not afraid of contact and plays with decent toughness and aggression. Solid build, hand-in-dirt player despite small-school issues. Maybe a bit jack-of-all-trades, master of none and doesn’t have elite pass rush skills but works hard and should find a spot as a rotational lineman. Round 4-5

Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M (6’6” 250#)
Size athlete but doesn’t quite play with the intuition and feel for the game you’d like. Loses track of the play. Overshadowed by Garrett on other side and might be heavily/over scouted. Has problems but he’s not a bad player or draft pick because of size/length. Worth a shot in the middle rounds and could be a nice rotational athlete for your front. Round 5

Demarcus Walker, Florida State (6’3”, 273#)
Very similar size, shape and analysis to Solomon Thomas. A cog in the system type player that played (like Thomas) down in the dirt a lot in a 3-4 type end position and not outside the tackle. Not an explosive athlete or quick of foot and is often a step late at closing in on the QB or letting a RB around the edge. Limited fit at the next level as you’d like more length/power for a 3-4 DE and more quicks for an outside the tackle player. Will fit as a rotational guy. Round 5

Jordan Willis, Kansas State (6’5”, 250#)
Lots of almost plays. Doesn’t look 6’5” on film. Played predominantly LDE with hand in dirt and will take time if asked to stand up. Despite size might be maxed out player. Try hard and good energy/hustle. Tough player to scout and might revisit after combine. Is he an NFL caliber athlete because if he’s close in college on plays, he’s going to be a full step late in the pros. Round 5-6

Ejuan Price, Pittsburgh (6’0”, 250#)
You want to root for the guy to be another James Harrison. Very undersized height-wise but his reach is decent and plays with great leverage and power. Very active and makes plays all over the field. Can dip and bend and get under tall tackles with ease. Very good at making plays down line. Tough to draft high but after watching Harrison for a decade, I wouldn’t count this kid out. Round 6
NFL Comparison: James Harrison

Takkarish McKinley, UCLA (6’2”, 250#)
Squatty, thick OLB for UCLA that lacks a lot of burst in game. Like many UCLA players I don’t think he will test well at combine. Not explosive enough to finish and doesn’t have good dip/edge attack ability. Might not be quick footed enough to stand up and could be scheme limited. Round 6

Tyus Bowser, Houston (6’3”, 240#)
Purely an edge LB that is used to standing up and often dropped into coverages. A little light in the pants and doesn’t play with much power. Should run well and gets effort sacks due to decent closing speed, matchups and free looks moreso than beating a tackle one-on-one. Should contribute on special teams. Round 6

Dawuane Smoot, Illinois (6’3”, 265#)
Try hard player on bad team that struggled to individually win a lot vs. good competition. Not good film vs. Michigan and was easily handled by RT for most of game. A bit premeditated on moves and doesn’t show flare or improvisational skills on plays. Limited scheme fit for many teams and might struggle to stand up. A lunch pail, does his job guy but doesn’t bring a lot to the table to be much more than that. Round 6-7

Hasson Reddick, Temple (6’3”, 230#)
Very undersized OLB/speed-rusher that is almost a clone of the Steeler draft choice Travis Feeney in 2016. Just too small at this point to compete at OLB and hold point and his pass rush is one move and that’s it. Has some okay space potential as a runner-hitter but is just a limited athlete/NFL prospect at this point. Will take at least a year to develop. Round 6-7

Hunter Dimick, Utah (6’3”, 272#)
Weird build and slightly top-heavy. Played a lot of wide-9 stuff for the Utes which he does not have the NFL athleticism to play at the next level. Might not have a position unless he drastically changes what he does and not sure he has the frame/size to gain more weight. Might benefit lighter as a SAM or similar. Do not see elite pass rush ability although his hand action and chop and rip are good. Choppy stepper. Round 7

Garrett Sickels*, Penn State (6’4”, 260#)
No film yet
 
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pimping for Bowser....

http://www.Invalid Link - Check SN ...raft-player-profiles-houston-olb-tyus-bowser/

He played both football and basketball his first two seasons on campus and I feel that delayed his development some...still he played 8 games last season and had 8 sacks....not too bad
 
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as was mentioned we aren't the Steelers of the past, they haven't been squeaky clean on who they allow on the roster. Everything from a smoking Joe to a dog killing smoe and throw in a domestic violence wouldn't ya know.


yo
I know the Steelers aren't the moral compass of the league, but I would be mildly surprised if even the Cowboys or Bengals signed that clown.
 
I think Tim Williams and the Steelers would be a match made in heaven.. Del do you see any chance he falls to us given what you see on film?
 
del - why no McKinley relative to edge players?
 
Carl Lawson*, Auburn (6’2”, 257#)
SEC athlete that looks the part of stud OLB. Can really get an O-lineman on their heels quick when attacking edge. Fast and explosive athlete. Wish he had a bit more length but weight is ideal and doesn’t play soft or pushed around. Has things to learn as far as pass rush and power-to-speed-to-power, but could really be a good player if it all comes together.
Good in space and can drop back and play zone as well. Round 1-2

Aw, jeez, don't let Tomlin and Butler see that. Lawson will spend all game 10 yards off the LOS, guarding a zone opposite Dupree, who is also 10 yards off the LOS and guarding another zone, while the QB has all freaking day to pick apart ...

The zone.
 
Carl Lawson*, Auburn (6’2”, 257#)
SEC athlete that looks the part of stud OLB. Can really get an O-lineman on their heels quick when attacking edge. Fast and explosive athlete. Wish he had a bit more length but weight is ideal and doesn’t play soft or pushed around. Has things to learn as far as pass rush and power-to-speed-to-power, but could really be a good player if it all comes together.
Good in space and can drop back and play zone as well. Round 1-2

Aw, jeez, don't let Tomlin and Butler see that. Lawson will spend all game 10 yards off the LOS, guarding a zone opposite Dupree, who is also 10 yards off the LOS and guarding another zone, while the QB has all freaking day to pick apart ...

The zone.

you need that, because the Steelers want to be able to do that. So draft one that is capable IMO.........
 
I think Tim Williams and the Steelers would be a match made in heaven.. Del do you see any chance he falls to us given what you see on film?

I wish, but I don't think so. Tim Williams might be my favorite player I've scouted so far specifically for the Steelers but I think we are just too far down round 1 to get him.
 
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