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So.. did we get better?

A

AggieSteel

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Not many picks, a couple head scratchers (the Maryland kids, namely), and not filling the hole at NT earlier are the main negatives

Claypool could definitely add a dimension to the offense, Highsmith has huge potential but won’t help much this year, Dotson is a BEAST (love this pick!) and should be the eventual Foster replacement.

I was really hoping for S depth and a quality NT and while we addressed both positions, don’t think we did so with quality.

I was willing to accept a RB who would undoubtedly improve the RB room (like Taylor or Dobbins). I just don’t see what McFarland adds. He’s explosive at times but not a consistent producer.. will have trouble getting touches over Kerrith Whyte

Overall, seeing the immense loads of talent flying off the boards to other teams, especially at WR, I’m having a bit of draft envy right now. And I think the Rats absolutely NAILED this draft (although I always think that). We’ll see how it plays out but right now I’m “meh” on the draft, with the potential to improve if Claypool ends up closer to Megatron than to Sammie Coates


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I agree, the Rats killed this draft. We were at a disadvantage losing picks for Vannett, Bush, and Minkah. Moving forward, we will have a full stable of picks next season which is a plus. This team is so deep, we may be able to earn more picks by getting rid of players before roster cut down.

The film on the MD guys is awesome. Check out Antione Brooks 11min highlight. Dude his serious skills. The Ohio St game 2 years ago with McFarland as a freshmen is one of the best running back performances I've seen in College football. Reminds me of Fast Willie with more wiggle.

Claypool is a 4th receiver/ red zone package threat that can push Washington for playing time.


Dotson was the best pure guard in the draft by some analysts.

Davis is a 7th rounder, not expecting much, but will be pushing McCullers.

I'm fine with the draft. There is some skill there to help us next year.
 
I really really hate the Ravens got our RB in Dobbins.

As to the rest, who knows, so we won't see any of these guys on the field for 4 more months?

Back to sleep, zzzzzzzzz
 
Oh, don't forget we mortgaged the house to get Ebron and a FB, so there's that

Its all up to Ben's elbow now
 
Chase Claypool
He should get playing time as the No. 4 early and play to his strengths. As the season progresses, it's hard to fathom that he won't see more snaps. I love his size and long speed, but concern with his ability off the line and to separate from quick defenders. I think he maxes out as an average of 60-70 reception No. 2 receiver capable of putting up 5-8 touchdowns per year.

Alex Highsmith
I expect him to immediately be our top backup at outside linebacker. He comes into the NFL with more pass rushing moves than Dupree and these should only get refined over his first few years in the league. Will need work to develop as a run defender. However, much needed insurance who can develop into a player similar to Dupree.

Anthony McFarland
This is the type of back the Steelers needed to round out the backfield. Unlike some, I felt the Steelers were comfortable with Conner/Snell as the workhorse and needed to add a speed element to the mix. McFarland looks good running the ball, has deceptive power for a shorter guy, and can get to the outside. As all rookies, he'll need to improve his blocking, but they'll find ways to get this guy in open space. He can be mismanaged and a non-factor or the Steelers can use him like KC or NE uses their backs and he can develop into a highly productive situational back.

Kevin Dotson
Interesting pick here. Knock on him is pass protection, yet he is suppose to be a monster in the ground game. That's exactly what I wanted from a guard in this draft. There's a gaping hole at LG and there's no reason why even a rookie shouldn't be able to compete for a starting job. Upside seems to be a long-term starter at the position.

Antoine Brooks
The two Maryland guys I often picked myself in mock drafts...which admittedly was odd taking two players from Maryland in a draft, but here we are. Immediate contributor on special teams who can hopefully develop into that hybrid role that we tried to get out of Barron. At the very least he can be the backup safety who only plays special teams (Dangerfield, Allen, etc.)

Carlos Davis
Crazy speed for a big guy. Steelers have had success with late-round defensive linemen. They may never develop into a starter, but at least as a competent backup through his first contract. He needs to develop and will have to battle to make the roster.

Overall, I think we have three players who will immediately contribute on special teams. Claypool and McFarland will both get spot duty with the offense throughout the season and Highsmith will come in to spell Dupree and Watt. Dotson will have an outside chance at earning a starting job. We didn't get any immediate big-time impact players in terms of finding a starter, but we've found at least four players with future starting potential. Ideally we get two starters, one key contributor, and one long-term backup out of this draft. Anything else would be a bonus.
 
we take 2 Maryland guys in draft. doesn't Tomlins kid go to Maryland? maybe he knows something
 
Spike said:
You mean that juggernaut 3-9 Maryland team that everyone in the NFL wanted a part of?

LOL
Click to expand...

At least MD DBs become starters and actually play for this team. Chad Scott, Sean Davis

Unlike most DBs we draft...
 
Real nice read steelerfan448, thank you

The first three picks need to contribute in proportion of their place picked. Claypool needs to show right away he is capable by taking snaps from James Washinton.

It may hurt this rookie class with the possibility of NO team activities due to the "19" pandemic.

NOW we must all be patient and see how this pans out.





Salute the nation
 
Cope said:
At least MD DBs become starters and actually play for this team. Chad Scott, Sean Davis

Unlike most DBs we draft...
Click to expand...

Well that's true, Steelers have much better luck with WRs, and RBs, so there is still hope
 
i just don't think it is a coincidence that we take 2 Marylanders and Tomlins son goes there
 
Yup with our first round pick in the top ten of the first round=Mincah Fitzpartick. The rest is a crapshoot.
 
Well looks like we went for some productive athletes at least........

EWfGFOsU4AAuXE4
]
 
Better all depends on Ben. If he is back to his pre-injured arm Ben or close to it, we will be much better, baring major injuries.
 
AggieSteel said:
Not many picks, a couple head scratchers (the Maryland kids, namely), and not filling the hole at NT earlier are the main negatives

Claypool could definitely add a dimension to the offense, Highsmith has huge potential but won’t help much this year, Dotson is a BEAST (love this pick!) and should be the eventual Foster replacement.

I was really hoping for S depth and a quality NT and while we addressed both positions, don’t think we did so with quality.

I was willing to accept a RB who would undoubtedly improve the RB room (like Taylor or Dobbins). I just don’t see what McFarland adds. He’s explosive at times but not a consistent producer.. will have trouble getting touches over Kerrith Whyte

Overall, seeing the immense loads of talent flying off the boards to other teams, especially at WR, I’m having a bit of draft envy right now. And I think the Rats absolutely NAILED this draft (although I always think that). We’ll see how it plays out but right now I’m “meh” on the draft, with the potential to improve if Claypool ends up closer to Megatron than to Sammie Coates


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Click to expand...

Yes we got better and the start of it was when the Steelers traded for [FONT=arial, sans-serif]Fitzpatrick. The Steelers picked up a playmaker in round two. Rounds 3-7 could have been better.
[/FONT]
McFarland adds speed and big play ability. He's the hope pick.
 
If you look at last years draft and season coupled with this years (since we are looking at the trade for Minkah, then you have to look at trading up to get Bush since our picks this year changed because of it), then we got a lot better. Bush, Minkah and Claypool should end up being integral parts of the team for the next 6 to 8 years. Ben coming back will give us a legit shot this year barring our own injuries. With that said, KC and the Rats are both going to take our best to get past. McFarland also could end up being a sleeper if he gets his attitude checked (apparently he is "immature") as teams didn't get to see him at full strength for all of 2019 with his bad ankle he played through.
 
Keep Ben upright and rub some Allegheny river mud on his elbow and we are about 3-4 games better than last year without the picks...
 
steel dino said:
Keep Ben upright and rub some Allegheny river mud on his elbow and we are about 3-4 games better than last year without the picks...
Click to expand...



PRE-heat the mud to 108 F and replace every 12 minutes for 2hrs.. NO Gisha Girls except the last 24minutes and then they must be wearing full cloths. If anything else durring this time is caught swelling, give it the "MUD" treatmentment.

Could squeeze out one more win.



Salute the nation
 
Steel Maniac said:
I disagree on the McFarland selection.

This is no different in Colbert’s selections of Chris Rainey and Dri archer.
Click to expand...
If you aren't looking closely yeah no difference. If you look closely now you just might see the difference between a track guy and a football player.

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