Your score is: 6056 (GRADE: B+) NO TRADES
Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 25: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor (A+)
This is not only incredible value, but getting a talent like Billings at 25 is a steal. While some may say we don't need an immediate starter on the D-Line, while most likely true, there was no way I could pass on Billings. He has the combination of size, strength, and athleticism that makes him scary for opposing offenses. With the way we play our D in Nickel, we honestly would be able to shift Tuitt, Heyward, and Billings all over that D-Line, and use them in a variety of ways (especially since out D-Line pass rushes more now). This also would give McClendon the oppurtunity to shine as a swing guy once Billings is ready to start, and give our front the rotation is needs. Literally would make our front one of the youngest, most dangerous fronts in the league and help our LBs to make more plays.
Round 2 Pick 25: Vonn Bell, SS, Ohio State (A+)
While there was not a S worth taking in the first, the fact Vonn Bell makes it to our second pick is yet another value/steal/need pick. While Bell isn't flashy and doesn't wow anyone with athleticism, he is an all around good SS prospect. He understands the game and excels against the run and pass. Like I said now he won't make you WOW, but he will do his job and do it well.
Round 3 Pick 25: Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State (B)
I was very happy to see Correa here, and it wasn't hard to make this selection. He has the size and athleticism for the OLB spot in a 3-4, but he was also asked to cover in space at Boise St. giving him experience in coverage, increasing his value in our Nickel package. In regards to his pass rush, he shows excellent quickness of the edge, and at times vicious hands to prevent the OT from getting to his pads. He attempts to use inside counters but its obvious he needs to continue to develop there. There are times he sets the edge well against the run, and there are other times he can get stuck on the blocker and cannot shed the block giving up the hole for the RB. He needs to get stronger, and continue to improve on preventing blockers from getting to his pads. Probably could have went 2nd round and I' d be ecstatic to snag him in the third as a possible future replacement of JJ.
Round 4 Pick 25: Deiondre' Hall, CB, Northern Iowa (B)
I'm not as high on him, but there honestly was no other player I liked in this spot after the first three picks. I thought about doubling up on D-Line because I like Jihad Ward (who was available) but even if I'm not as high on Hall, he at least has attributes and upside worth taking in the 4th. I was hoping for Harlan Miller here but he was long gone apparently. Hall possesses the size that is coveted in today's NFL, and he would be a similar 4th rd pick of a raw CB like C. Allen, and I. Taylor in the past for the Steelers. He needs time to develop, but with the intangibles he has it wouldn't be hard to want to mold this kid and watch him grow into his possible potential. His combine/pro day will be key as I want to watch his hips and obviously his speed (40, 3 cone, etc.). His vertical will be important as well, because even if you have the size if you can't get up there to play the ball it's no use anyways.
Round 7 Pick 8: Tavon Young, CB, Temple (A-)
I'm really surprised Young was there, but given his size which will be harped on, it's not overly shocking either. This guy showed up at the Senior Bowl, and really caught my attention. He'll draw Antwon Blake comparisons, but this guy does a much better job of sticking to his WR and playing the pocket. He is feisty (again Blake comp) and extremely competitive, and can compete well with even bigger WRs. To grab a guy like Young in the 7th is tremendous value, and provides even more competition in that secondary which will only be better for the Steelers who will seek to improve in that area (and need to).
Round 7 Pick 25: Jake McGee, TE, Florida (D+)
Haven't watched much on McGee, but I hear good things. We could always use another potential TE prospect as Miller moves closer and closer to retirement. I've read that McGee shows a well rounded game and definitely flashes as a receiver. If nothing else he is a possible steal this late in the draft.
