Mock draft threads

[bermudasteel]

Why can't we keep all the mock draft stuff in one place?

Here's my take at the draft - no trades; strictly best player available, if the player is there...

1. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama - instant upgrade over both Big Mac and Big Dan - if picked, I shall dub him "Big J".
2. Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford - another smart and mean kid from Stanford up front. No brainer - just hope he doesn't take Mr. Pouncey next season...
3. Karl Joseph, SS, WVU - simply put - Kam Chancellor Part II. He's a beast - big hitter and playmaking SS.
4. Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama - Drake had some injuries during his collegiate time at Bama; but, he's a RB w/ return man skills. I might target Aaron Burnbridge here as well and get "Cyrus Jones" later to take the return duties from AB and Wheaton. Oh, how hindsight is 20/20...
7a. Terrance Smith, OLB, FSU - need someone to push Jarvis. Nuff said.
7b. Jacoby Brissett, QB, NC State - Shall I say that I like him better than Landry Jones - already? Yes, I do...

 

[bermudasteel]

Comparing Apple to Blake is ridiculous. That is all.

True. But, from what I've seen from Apple, so far, I don't like it that much - especially not FIRST ROUND, IMO...

 

[Stryker]

Why can't we keep all the mock draft stuff in one place?

Here's my take at the draft - no trades; strictly best player available, if the player is there...

1. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama - instant upgrade over both Big Mac and Big Dan - if picked, I shall dub him "Big J".
2. Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford - another smart and mean kid from Stanford up front. No brainer - just hope he doesn't take Mr. Pouncey next season...
3. Karl Joseph, SS, WVU - simply put - Kam Chancellor Part II. He's a beast - big hitter and playmaking SS.
4. Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama - Drake had some injuries during his collegiate time at Bama; but, he's a RB w/ return man skills. I might target Aaron Burnbridge here as well and get "Cyrus Jones" later to take the return duties from AB and Wheaton. Oh, how hindsight is 20/20...
7a. Terrance Smith, OLB, FSU - need someone to push Jarvis. Nuff said.
7b. Jacoby Brissett, QB, NC State - Shall I say that I like him better than Landry Jones - already? Yes, I do...

I hate it Berm, so it will probably be closest to our actual draft.

JK

 

[bermudasteel]

So I played the draft game for an hour...

Here's how it turned out:

Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 25: Robert Nkemdiche, DT/DE, Ole Miss (A-)
Round 2 Pick 25: Jayron Kearse, SS, Clemson (A-)
Round 3 Pick 25: Artie Burns, CB, Miami (Fla.) (A-)
Round 5 Pick 24 (K.C.): Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State (A+)
Round 6 Pick 2 (TENN): Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State (A+)
Round 6 Pick 32 (CHI): D.J. Reader, DT, Clemson (B+)
Round 7 Pick 1 (TENN): Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford (B)
Round 7 Pick 21 (WASH): Eric Mac Lain, OG, Clemson (B-)
Round 7 Pick 28 (K.C.): Kyle Carter, TE, Penn State (B)

 

[F83]

1 CB Apple Georgia
2 S Mills
3 NT Tupoou
4 dt Chris Jones
7 LB Feeney

trade Sushiham to the Giants or 49ers for a 6th

 

[POP]

I like the trade down idea, but Jones to me is a 4-3 OLB, not a 3-4 OLB. He's too small and will be a liability vs. the run. Also the name Jones seems jinxed for the Steelers dating back to Aaron!

Aaron Jones was better than JJ (and I realize not the same position). AJ was pretty much a bust but, to me, he showed a little more promise than JJ.

 

[FordFairLane]

http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/mock-draft/2016/

I think this site is a little more on with their picks.

RD1- Nick Martin OG/OC Notre Dame
I personally think the Steelers will try to move out of this spot to pick up a few middle round picks that they blew on Boykin and Scobee but it takes two to tango so if no one wants to move up Steelers will go to their board and take a safe player. Martin might be the safest player in this draft and with Foster being a FA and next year not having DeCastro locked up and Pouncey being all too injury prone this pick actually makes sense to me. I know it isn't flashy but the Steelers are playing a ton of cover 2 and usually cover 2 CB's can be found later in the draft. If the steelers let Gay and Blake walk then I could see them grabbing a CB right away but right now I feel Gay at 31 draws little interest in FA and Blake draws none.

RD2- Su'a Cravens S USC
Now if the Steelers can get Cravens to commit to the safety position I feel he can lose a little weight gain back a little speed and be a playmaker for the secondary. I feel Cravens can play LB in sub packages and play S in base and be that hybrid we had TP play his last few seasons. I wanted Shaq Thompson last year because I felt he could do that for the defense and so getting Cravens in round 2 would fill that need. I think we sign Golden to start and work Cravens in over the season.

RD3- Adolphus Washington DL Ohio State
I know DL why would we go DL? Because Washington is a good value and we are thin on DL after Heyward and Tuitt. Washington is a lot like Heyward in my opinion and with the new multi-package defensive I wouldn't be surprised to see McCullers in on base run downs and Washington in on base D pass downs.

RD4- Briean Boddy-Calhoun CB Minnesota
Bobby-Calhoun in my opinion fits the cover 2 defense perfectly. He's not the biggest guy but he plays the ball well, jumps routes, has good speed and hips, catches the ball well.

RD7a- Victor Ochi OLB Stoney Brook
Dupree has flashed and I think will be a good OLB but JJ is about done. Ochi is a pass rush specialist that reminds me a little of Deebo.

RD7b- Antwaun Woods DT USC
Big, run stuffing, block eating lineman.

UDFA signings-
Cole Toner OT Harvard
Big, smart, decent feet. A guy I would like to see Munchak get ahold of.

Michael Caputo S Wisconsin
Smart, rangy safety who isn't afraid of contact and even though might not be the fastest safety on the planet he makes up with that by anticipation and reading the QB.

Cody Kessler QB USC
Kessler is a pro style QB who has above average pocket awareness and knows how to read a defense and go thru his progressions. Isn't the tallest QB or strongest armed but he has good accuracy and anticipation.

Crevon LeBlanc CB Florida International
A quick footed CB with some ball and return skills.

 

[kev4heels]

Caveats for mine: we pick up Casey Heyward in FA to be a starting CB. also add Jason Jones as DE depth.
We also get a 6th for McCain.

1. Emmaneul Ogbah OLB - Elephant guy that is nasty.
2. Jalen Mills S - free lance guy that plays like a CB.
3. Germain Ifedi OT/G - will provide depth at both positions
4. Jarrell Adams TE - move TE that can block...has fantastic hands.
6. Cody Kessler QB - another QB in the hopper
7a. Brandon Wilds RB - should go earlier but falls due to low productivity on a bad Gamecocks offense
7b. Quentin Jefferson DE - depth

 

[21STEELERS21]

I think the same thing will happen when we got Decastro and Dupree, someone falls we can't pass up.
I'm hoping it's either Alexander CB Clemson or Robinson NT Alabama

 

[Coach]

Aaron Jones was better than JJ (and I realize not the same position). AJ was pretty much a bust but, to me, he showed a little more promise than JJ.

Maybe. Aaron Jones > Darryl Sims? I think so!

 

[Coach]

http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/mock-draft/2016/

I think this site is a little more on with their picks.

RD1- Nick Martin OG/OC Notre Dame
I personally think the Steelers will try to move out of this spot to pick up a few middle round picks that they blew on Boykin and Scobee but it takes two to tango so if no one wants to move up Steelers will go to their board and take a safe player. Martin might be the safest player in this draft and with Foster being a FA and next year not having DeCastro locked up and Pouncey being all too injury prone this pick actually makes sense to me. I know it isn't flashy but the Steelers are playing a ton of cover 2 and usually cover 2 CB's can be found later in the draft. If the steelers let Gay and Blake walk then I could see them grabbing a CB right away but right now I feel Gay at 31 draws little interest in FA and Blake draws none.

RD2- Su'a Cravens S USC
Now if the Steelers can get Cravens to commit to the safety position I feel he can lose a little weight gain back a little speed and be a playmaker for the secondary. I feel Cravens can play LB in sub packages and play S in base and be that hybrid we had TP play his last few seasons. I wanted Shaq Thompson last year because I felt he could do that for the defense and so getting Cravens in round 2 would fill that need. I think we sign Golden to start and work Cravens in over the season.

RD3- Adolphus Washington DL Ohio State
I know DL why would we go DL? Because Washington is a good value and we are thin on DL after Heyward and Tuitt. Washington is a lot like Heyward in my opinion and with the new multi-package defensive I wouldn't be surprised to see McCullers in on base run downs and Washington in on base D pass downs. .

Martin looks very good and has bloodlines, but we can't unload Pouncey for cap space, so I don't see that pick happening.

Washington I think is a round two guy, not a late round three pick.

Cravens needs to look good in DB drill and prove he's not a stright line speed type.

 

[fedderone]

Here is a nice mock draft database.
They used to be called HailRedskins.com.
I guess they folded to the PC Police?
Anyways, they always have the most recent mock posted by the site they link, and they have literally hundreds of sites.
Enjoy! :

http://dcprosportsreport.com/MockDraft.htm

 

[FordFairLane]

Martin looks very good and has bloodlines, but we can't unload Pouncey for cap space, so I don't see that pick happening.

So are you certain we re-sign Foster AND DeCasto then? Martin would be able to play at all three if needed. If by some miracle we sign both that leaves Martin as a backup to all three. Not a bad situation to be in for us. But most likely Foster leaves which leaves a huge hole that Martin fills right away.

Washington I think is a round two guy, not a late round three pick.

Maybe but dropping from round 2 to round 3 isn't very uncommon on draft day. If you look they lost about 45 players as potential first round picks. So short story people fall. Washington is a tweener DT/DE and pretty much fits the 34 defense at DE best and that limits his demand vastly.

Cravens needs to look good in DB drill and prove he's not a stright line speed type.

He also weighs 225lbs+ right now. If he states he's an OLB and doesn't want to play safety I take him off the board completely. If he wants to play a hybrid LB/S role like Troy did the last few years I would have him lose weight maybe even closer to 200lbs but definitely down to 210lbs. With the new NFL teams play so much subpacks now that even if he can't play straight safety he'd still be on the field 50%+ of the time.

 

[Ye Black Knight]

True. But, from what I've seen from Apple, so far, I don't like it that much - especially not FIRST ROUND, IMO...

Apple definitely needs to show more consistency. No doubt. Sometimes he looks elite and other times pedestrian. But he is really young. I'm not sure if I take him rd 1 either but round 2 I would for sure.

 

[bermudasteel]

I've been thinking, over the past two days...

The question is "what is our GREATEST WEAKNESS" going into the draft? After much thought - position-wise - I think that ROLB is our weakest link with SS not to far behind.

So, with that thought process - who would you like to see picked in JUST the first TWO ROUNDS??? (No need for a separate thread - You like that, Coach/Pop???)

 

[Coach]

FordFairLane So are you certain we re-sign Foster AND DeCasto then? Martin would be able to play at all three if needed. If by some miracle we sign both that leaves Martin as a backup to all three. Not a bad situation to be in for us. But most likely Foster leaves which leaves a huge hole that Martin fills right away.

No. I think Foster is gone in free agency. We only have so much money and our 2nd starting guard is not high on the priority of needs. Martin could fill this need, but do you want a DB or pass rusher in round one, or a Guard? We could find value at guard in round three.

Maybe but dropping from round 2 to round 3 isn't very uncommon on draft day. If you look they lost about 45 players as potential first round picks. So short story people fall. Washington is a tweener DT/DE and pretty much fits the 34 defense at DE best and that limits his demand vastly.

I agree, but you have to look at the spots where teams trade down. The later you pick in a round, the harder it is to trade down in general as other teams could also be offering their picks which are ahead of ours.

He also weighs 225lbs+ right now. If he states he's an OLB and doesn't want to play safety I take him off the board completely. If he wants to play a hybrid LB/S role like Troy did the last few years I would have him lose weight maybe even closer to 200lbs but definitely down to 210lbs. With the new NFL teams play so much subpacks now that even if he can't play straight safety he'd still be on the field 50%+ of the time.

I think Cravens is unfairly compared or thought of as the next Polalamu. We have Shazier, and he can play like a Saftey in the nickel or dime. Cravens won't take his spot, so nor will beat out Timmons at ILB. I just don't see much of a role Cravens at linebacker with this roster.

 

[Coach]

I've been thinking, over the past two days...

The question is "what is our GREATEST WEAKNESS" going into the draft? After much thought - position-wise - I think that ROLB is our weakest link with SS not to far behind.

So, with that thought process - who would you like to see picked in JUST the first TWO ROUNDS??? (No need for a separate thread - You like that, Coach/Pop???)

Yes, I like that. I would say our greatest weakness is Blake starting at corner, and if we lose Gay in free agency, were are effed.

Jarvis is below average. I really think it won't be hard to replace him at all. The trick is getting a significantly better player.

So our needs to me are as follows:

1 CB. Outside Starter, not the slot. Ideally the player has size, speed and production. We already have slot guys.

2 ) OLB ( to replace Jones and generate a better pass rush )

3 ) Saftey

4 ) DL Depth, and better Nose Tackle

5 ) Interior OL depth, possibly a starting guard if Foster leaves.

6 ) Backup QB. Possibly in free agency.

7 ) Depth at Tackle

7 ) Punter - An easy upgrade.

** luxury pick would be TE.**, however picking a Punter or kick returner with one of our three 7th round picks makes sense to me.

Who would I take in rounds one and two depends on the value of the player in the three most needed positions. I really wish we had our 5th and 6th round pick to help out with the DL and OL depth.

The NFL tends to value CB's and Pass Rusher in round one. I'm thinking the best 3 to 4 players at CB and Edge rusher will already be off the board by our time to pick.

Round one strategy:

If Apple is there in round one, right now I take him ( I could back off if he works our poorly ). If not Fuller. I don't think a safety is worth the pick.

OLB Spence is a roll of the dice with major drug issues, which means he might be there are pick #25. I think he can really play. He passes the eyes test. If all the corners with first or high 2nd round grades are gone, I'm might ask for a shot of tequila and a lemon and roll the dice on the Spence.

Round two strategy, pick the BPA at the position not taken between OLB or CB.

That's how I see it, and of course, I'd shop Wheaton and take a 3rd round pick for him

 

[Coach]

Apple definitely needs to show more consistency. No doubt. Sometimes he looks elite and other times pedestrian. But he is really young. I'm not sure if I take him rd 1 either but round 2 I would for sure.

Corners are tough to evaluate, simply because NFL QB's and WR's are much better than college ones.

Apple is an upside pick. He's young with tools, however, he is a playmaker. I'll take a taller corner with upside and better workout #'s over a 5'9 corner with superior production in round one or two.

 

[TDX27]

I'd take Apple or Fuller at 25 but I'm not picking. If Hunter Henry is there, I can easily see us taking him. Just look at how a good TE has burned the **** out of us and other teams. They are a match up nightmare. I love Heath but he has already lost a step. Henry could take the O to another level again. He would be tough to pass up.

 

[FordFairLane]

No. I think Foster is gone in free agency. We only have so much money and our 2nd starting guard is not high on the priority of needs. Martin could fill this need, but do you want a DB or pass rusher in round one, or a Guard? We could find value at guard in round three.

I want the best player with our first pick. If you look at the Steelers history DL/OL/LB are usually their go to picks and I believe that's because the Steelers like to hit with their first round picks and usually those positions are safe picks. Martin might be the safest pick in this draft. He is not a flashy pick but he probably becomes a need before the draft. I know I don't want Hubbard starting at LG next year he's awful. Also, I think the Steelers would try to trade down and pick up a few extra picks since we are so low on them now.

I agree, but you have to look at the spots where teams trade down. The later you pick in a round, the harder it is to trade down in general as other teams could also be offering their picks which are ahead of ours.

I don't get your point? I was stating that players fall on draft day because there's 32 teams and 45+ rated first round picks. The mock had him drafted after our pick and it is not out of the realm of possibility he does.

I think Cravens is unfairly compared or thought of as the next Polalamu. We have Shazier, and he can play like a Saftey in the nickel or dime. Cravens won't take his spot, so nor will beat out Timmons at ILB. I just don't see much of a role Cravens at linebacker with this roster.

Cravens played pretty much the same role as TP in the same college TP went to school at so the comparisons are going to be there. Is he the next Troy... I doubt it but he's going to get compared. Shazier can also play LB in the nickel role and so can Cravens. That brings a fold to the defense when they have to spot who's playing LB and who's playing safety. Also, with Timmons cap hit there's no guarantee he's on the roster. So maybe Cravens plays LB in passing downs and Vince Williams plays LB in running downs. Cravens is a unique player and finding a position after you draft him is a must so like I stated if he says no I am only a LB not a safety I take him off my board completely because I need to know he's position flexible.

 

[Coach]

FordFairLane I want the best player with our first pick. If you look at the Steelers history DL/OL/LB are usually their go to picks and I believe that's because the Steelers like to hit with their first round picks and usually those positions are safe picks. Martin might be the safest pick in this draft. He is not a flashy pick but he probably becomes a need before the draft. I know I don't want Hubbard starting at LG next year he's awful. Also, I think the Steelers would try to trade down and pick up a few extra picks since we are so low on them now.

I agree, but we are stuck with Pouncey ( Costs more to cut him than keep him ) and a free agent guard can be found for cheap. I agree Martin is one of the safets picks in the draft.

I don't get your point? I was stating that players fall on draft day because there's 32 teams and 45+ rated first round picks. The mock had him drafted after our pick and it is not out of the realm of possibility he does.

My point was the later you are in round one, the harder it is to trade down. We have the 25th pick, not the 5th pick. You said it yourself. If there are 45 first round grades, why trade up from round two? Why not just wait for one of the 15 players with 1st round grades to fall? Trade ups in round one happen most often with a QB, or when there is just one player worthy of a 1st round grade at a certian posisiton.

Cravens played pretty much the same role as TP in the same college TP went to school at so the comparisons are going to be there. Is he the next Troy... I doubt it but he's going to get compared. Shazier can also play LB in the nickel role and so can Cravens. That brings a fold to the defense when they have to spot who's playing LB and who's playing safety. Also, with Timmons cap hit there's no guarantee he's on the roster. So maybe Cravens plays LB in passing downs and Vince Williams plays LB in running downs. Cravens is a unique player and finding a position after you draft him is a must so like I stated if he says no I am only a LB not a safety I take him off my board completely because I need to know he's position flexible.

I get the value as a part time LB, but he's not a full time player at LB. To me he has to be very good at saftey first.

 

[FordFairLane]

I agree, but we are stuck with Pouncey ( Costs more to cut him than keep him ) and a free agent guard can be found for cheap. I agree Martin is one of the safets picks in the draft.

If the Steelers were going to get a guard in free agency they'd probably re-sign Foster. Also, I am not saying cut Pouncey but can you count on him for 16 games? Usually not. So if they re-sign Foster and extend DeCastro I don't think they go guard. But if Foster walks and they don't have DD locked up I think it's a huge need.

My point was the later you are in round one, the harder it is to trade down. We have the 25th pick, not the 5th pick. You said it yourself. If there are 45 first round grades, why trade up from round two? Why not just wait for one of the 15 players with 1st round grades to fall? Trade ups in round one happen most often with a QB, or when there is just one player worthy of a 1st round grade at a certian posisiton.

It is not that uncommon. Broncos traded up to 23rd last year. 2014 Vikings traded back into the first for Bridgewater. Cleveland traded to 22 for Manziel. Saints traded up to 20 for Cooks. I stated several times it takes a trade partner but I feel the Steelers will be trying to move down.

I get the value as a part time LB, but he's not a full time player at LB. To me he has to be very good at saftey first.

He has to be able to play both positions depending on the sub package or if we are in base IMHO

And we have to make sure his head measures out right too...

 

[Stryker]

So if Eli Apple is drafted by the Steelers, does that make him a Black and Golden Delicious?

 

[Coach]

FordFairLane If the Steelers were going to get a guard in free agency they'd probably re-sign Foster. Also, I am not saying cut Pouncey but can you count on him for 16 games? Usually not. So if they re-sign Foster and extend DeCastro I don't think they go guard. But if Foster walks and they don't have DD locked up I think it's a huge need.

DD will remains a Steeler for a while. I think he likes it here. Foster will get a better offer and leave.

It is not that uncommon. Broncos traded up to 23rd last year. 2014 Vikings traded back into the first for Bridgewater. Cleveland traded to 22 for Manziel. Saints traded up to 20 for Cooks. I stated several times it takes a trade partner but I feel the Steelers will be trying to move down.

A trade down in round one picking late is only done once say every two years ( By just one team ) when there's a QB another team wants! Do any QB's this year rate as a late first round pick? Not likely, so the trading up aciton starts in round two for the QB's.

He has to be able to play both positions depending on the sub package or if we are in base IMHO

And we have to make sure his head measures out right too

No head measurements needed Cravens is 6'1". Troy was 5'10", and like Fletch a bit taller with the hair I'll judge Cravens as a Saftey first.

 

[Steelerfan]

So if Eli Apple is drafted by the Steelers, does that make him a Black and Golden Delicious?

Nice try, but no. You need to be on ESPN's "C'mon man!!"