The Bush & Fitzpatrick trades in retrospect

[SteelerSask2]

First off let me say that I fully acknowledge all of the variables in drafting. For example if the Steelers didn't get Fitzpatrick they probably draft much higher in round one. And of course would you pick the same guys. Probably not. But still......
Now the Bush trade I was very much for. In the end the Steelers got Devin. The Broncos got Noah Fant, Drew Locke and Cushberry. That is a lot. Now the Fitzpatrick trade which again creates a ton of variables (and I was dead against at the time) the Dolphins took a C- grade on the tackle they took. More importantly there wasn't a whiff of a player of Minkah's caliber anywhere near that pick. Plus I believe the Steelers got a fourth for a fifth today though I know they swapped one of their fourths for that **** TE from Seattle.

 

[slashsteel]

Both players significantly helped the D get faster, as well as help improve the turnover ratio. Still to this day I think both moves were solid. I think Highsmith will prove to be an upgrade over Chickillo in the passing game while the rest of his game develops.

Overall I like what I am seeing defensively.

 

[Punxsutawney]

There may have been noone in this entire draft class near Fitzpatrick's caliber. He might end up being another Ed Reed or Polamalu. Colbert hit a grand slam there.

I did not like the Bush trade, largely because I did not think an ILB was worth a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick.

Given the potential Bush showed as a rookie, the trade has grown on me, but I still think he needs to be an Allpro type player to fully justify it.

Merely being good/solid won't do it

 

[SteelerSask2]

I think there is pretty much no way the Steelers didn't win the Fitzpatrick deal. But like with any unhappy player it is hard for the Dolphins to win. But pretty clearly the Broncos have to feel very good about how that worked out for them. And I don't have buyers remorse on that at all. But what looks like a starting QB and a plug and play interior lineman to move back 10 spots. They must feel pretty good with that deal. And the guy they ended up taking had 562 yards and three TDs.

 

[SteelerSask2]

There may have been noone in this entire draft class near Fitzpatrick's caliber. He might end up being another Ed Reed or Polamalu. Colbert hit a grand slam there.

I did not like the Bush trade, largely because I did not think an ILB was worth a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick.

Given the potential Bush showed as a rookie, the trade has grown on me, but I still think he needs to be an Allpro type player to fully justify it.

Merely being good/solid won't do it

I would say that is very accurate. And I was all in on that trade for Bush.