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Would you be happy with Gregory at pick #22?

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Last year I loved two guys. Barr and Evans. They tore it up as rookies. You guys know where I stand on Gregory. Heck yes! Walter Football is the gold standard these days on mock drafts. They have us picking Gregory. I get the feeling Gregory would love to play for the Steelers. He said he knows he's a good fit for a 3-4 defense and according to news report was blown away at the history of the Steelers and the super bowl trophies.

Gregory isn't just a cat quick pass rusher; he's a very good player in pursuit with the ability to change directions and at high speed. I think he has a lot of upside as a coverage guy too. He had a pick in each of his two seasons at Nebraska. Thanks to his height and length could be decent at deflecting passes at the line of scrimmage as well.

In 24 games played at Nebraska, Gregory had 120 tackles, 25.5 tackles for losses, 17.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defenses, 2 forced fumbles, 1 TD scored. That my friends is all around production vs the run and pass.

If you have two minutes to spare below are some video clips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6BREHTXuUA
 
I'd be happy with a guy that has been called more athletic than Clowney at #22. But I'd have to temper that based the dude has some red flags regarding his character. But yes, I'd take him and hope that he learns how to be a pro from James Harrison and Arthur Moats. I also hope we don't overwhelm him in his rookie year...just let him focus on being a 3rd down pass rusher for now...
 
SteelerAl said:
I'd be happy with a guy that has been called more athletic than Clowney at #22. But I'd have to temper that based the dude has some red flags regarding his character. But yes, I'd take him and hope that he learns how to be a pro from James Harrison and Arthur Moats. I also hope we don't overwhelm him in his rookie year...just let him focus on being a 3rd down pass rusher for now...
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Clowney had some injury issues in college and the pro's. Gregory seems more durable. Like I said before I would have no bones about giving up our 3rd round pick to get Gregory because I believe he's that good.
 
He weighs less than Shazier ... if we draft him, are we moving him to FS? Bada BOOM Bada BOOM ... :)
 
Most mocks have him going in the top 15, so he is highly unlikely to be there. Also not sure the Steelers want a smoking partner for Bell.
 
21STEELERS21 said:
Most mocks have him going in the top 15, so he is highly unlikely to be there. Also not sure the Steelers want a smoking partner for Bell.
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Here's the thing. Gregory isn't a 4-3 DE player. Only teams who need a pass rusher in a 3-4 system want him. And how many of those 3-4 defense teams might have other needs? With a failed drug test for pot, and apparently a lighter than advertised playing weight, he could slide a bit.
 
Coach said:
Here's the thing. Gregory isn't a 4-3 DE player. Only teams who need a pass rusher in a 3-4 system want him. And how many of those 3-4 defense teams might have other needs? With a failed drug test for pot, and apparently a lighter than advertised playing weight, he could slide a bit.
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With news that Shane Ray needs toe surgery and his estimated recovery time after the surgery is 5 months (mid September availability if he had it NOW), I don't think Gregory drops at all. His value in this draft only increases due to Shane's misfortune.
 
SteelBuckeye said:
With news that Shane Ray needs toe surgery and his estimated recovery time after the surgery is 5 months (mid September availability if he had it NOW), I don't think Gregory drops at all. His value in this draft only increases due to Shane's misfortune.
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&H^T That hurts our chances.
 
A dude that failed a pot test and said he had trouble quitting is a major red flag. Plus, he can't keep weight on and has weighed in this offseason below 230. That is just too damn light for an OLB. I wouldn't touch this guy in the 1st. If he slides to us in the 2nd, then maybe but even then it's a maybe.
 
SteelBuckeye said:
He weighs less than Shazier ... if we draft him, are we moving him to FS? Bada BOOM Bada BOOM ... :)
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If I recall his sparqs scores were not that high either. I hope another team takes him so we can be spared the agony of another wasted pick. The guy came in high on film as a pass rusher that has a very week offensive line draft compared to many. In essence he has good film against guys that for the most part are not all that good. Small not explosive in an OLB I'll pass. Shazier by comparison had fantastic Sparqs numbers.
 
It's the 6.80 3-cone that just jumps out about his workouts.

When you kind of peruse the old OLB/DE lists, that one workout seems to stand out as being very closely related to success. And 6.80 is exceptional. One of the best measured ever at that edge rush position.

He is just such a fluid athlete and plays with such good fundamentals and pad level the other concerns (weight/strength being the primary) seem like things you can fix. You can't fix a bad 3-cone drill. You can fix his weight/strength.
 
Not sure Jones has the same athleticism but they have struggled to help him put on weight or add strength. If Gregory can't keep his weight on while smoking pot how much is he going to lose when he quits... if he even can quit?
 
I for sure hope Gregory is gone so we don't draft him. After comparing his draft breakdown game tape against USC where he was essentially 'blanked' by a freshman LT (2 tackles, no sacks), he looks like he must get lucky w his hands or the direction of the play to make an impact.

On the flip side, comparing his USC game against Owa Diggy's, Diggy looked dominant wherever he played. He played most of the game at DE and DT against a 6-9, 350# RT and drove him back into the backfield. When he played over the RG 6-3, 330#, he drove him into the backfield as well. He only matched up a few times against Gregory's LT and made him look like a freshman each time. He used his hand punch/extension to just throw him one direction while he went the other.

Sometimes comparing prospects against common foes tells you more about them. Everyone knows my feelings about Diggy (but that's how I know how little he was used where he could show us his prowess as a pass rusher-unlike the others) He accumulated a ton of pressures by just bull-rushing guys who were bigger than him. He has extraordinary length, 33 3/4" arms to Gregory's 34" for a guy almost 2" taller.

He also ran a faster 40, had a higher jump, a longer jump and faster COD. His 20 yard shuttle was faster than Trae Waynes's at the combine! Despite having neither been in the position to learn or use 'edge' style pass rush moves, he still managed 1 sack and 1 tackle less than JJ Watt's last year at Wisconsin playing the same position(s).

I want no part of Gregory BUT would take Diggy easily in the top 15 IF he didn't have the hip issues. The fact that he held up all year playing roughly what equates to a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE which are usually manned by much bigger and heavier guys, I'd say his hips are good.

I liked Ray but now he has a dislocation in his toe WHICH might be a good thing if it is what kept him from showing better COD and speed. I would still take him IF his toe issue is 'fixable' to a safe degree of certainty. I don't much like Dupree because he looks better on paper than on film. I like Frank Clark BUT he beats up women. I like Beasley for the right side BUT he will be gone and we will have to find another spot for JJ. I'm ok w the 2nd/3rd tier guys but that means developing them for play 2-3 years from now.

So...let's hope the first pick is Diggy or a CB...if the top guys are gone. Gimme anyone who will be an immediate impact player. I don't care where his position is. We have quite a few that could stand to be better.
 
The guy I really want is Bud Dupree for that OLB position. He's big and physical and is just what we need on that side. But and there is always a but, he won't be there at #22. Gregory if there at #22 would be hard to pass up. The guy is rated a top 10 talent. He has a large frame 6'4" that would allow him to add the necessary weight needed in the NFL. Don't think Gregory is there but if he is I think it would be difficult to pass on him at #22.
 
keslerclan said:
I for sure hope Gregory is gone so we don't draft him. After comparing his draft breakdown game tape against USC where he was essentially 'blanked' by a freshman LT (2 tackles, no sacks), he looks like he must get lucky w his hands or the direction of the play to make an impact.

On the flip side, comparing his USC game against Owa Diggy's, Diggy looked dominant wherever he played. He played most of the game at DE and DT against a 6-9, 350# RT and drove him back into the backfield. When he played over the RG 6-3, 330#, he drove him into the backfield as well. He only matched up a few times against Gregory's LT and made him look like a freshman each time. He used his hand punch/extension to just throw him one direction while he went the other.

Sometimes comparing prospects against common foes tells you more about them. Everyone knows my feelings about Diggy (but that's how I know how little he was used where he could show us his prowess as a pass rusher-unlike the others) He accumulated a ton of pressures by just bull-rushing guys who were bigger than him. He has extraordinary length, 33 3/4" arms to Gregory's 34" for a guy almost 2" taller.

He also ran a faster 40, had a higher jump, a longer jump and faster COD. His 20 yard shuttle was faster than Trae Waynes's at the combine! Despite having neither been in the position to learn or use 'edge' style pass rush moves, he still managed 1 sack and 1 tackle less than JJ Watt's last year at Wisconsin playing the same position(s).

I want no part of Gregory BUT would take Diggy easily in the top 15 IF he didn't have the hip issues. The fact that he held up all year playing roughly what equates to a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE which are usually manned by much bigger and heavier guys, I'd say his hips are good.

I liked Ray but now he has a dislocation in his toe WHICH might be a good thing if it is what kept him from showing better COD and speed. I would still take him IF his toe issue is 'fixable' to a safe degree of certainty. I don't much like Dupree because he looks better on paper than on film. I like Frank Clark BUT he beats up women. I like Beasley for the right side BUT he will be gone and we will have to find another spot for JJ. I'm ok w the 2nd/3rd tier guys but that means developing them for play 2-3 years from now.

So...let's hope the first pick is Diggy or a CB...if the top guys are gone. Gimme anyone who will be an immediate impact player. I don't care where his position is. We have quite a few that could stand to be better.
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I'm liking the sound of "Diggy" as our pick the more I read about him. Be great if we could trade down a few spots and pick up Diggy and one of the top CB's. That right now is my dream scenario. Then go for a saftey, CB, or OLB in the third depending on best player available.
 
Gregory is too light and Ray has a toe...

IMO - IF Ray is there, GET HIM!!! (See my prediction in the official prediction thread). I think that he doesn't have to "start right away" because we have Moats and Jarvis; but, just knowing that he's there and will eventually contribute - makes me need a celebratory drink!
 
keslerclan said:
So...let's hope the first pick is Diggy
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Nice post kesterclan.

I've been falling for Diggy for weeks on end. The more you watch on this kid the more you like. He seems like a plug & play guy at that LOLB spot a la Gildon/Woodley/Worlids. He may turn out better than all of them, imo. If those hips check out - MRI's and all that, I'd love to see Odighizuwa be our first pick.

I won't be shocked to see him snagged ahead of us, so this love-fest may have a very short shelf life, at least on my part. ;)
 
steelhurt said:
The guy I really want is Bud Dupree for that OLB position. He's big and physical and is just what we need on that side. But and there is always a but, he won't be there at #22. Gregory if there at #22 would be hard to pass up. The guy is rated a top 10 talent. He has a large frame 6'4" that would allow him to add the necessary weight needed in the NFL. Don't think Gregory is there but if he is I think it would be difficult to pass on him at #22.
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Bud Dupree would be a great pick, a guy you would love to have on the roster, a tremendous athlete and talent to develop down the road. Can the Steelers take a chance on a developmental prospect in the first round? I'd love to think we can win games with Moats as our starting LOLB, but I would much prefer him as a back-up. So are there any edge rushers in the draft that can come in and start from day 1?

Dupree is probably off the board by #22, same can be said for Gregory. Nobody can accuse us here at SN for not having these speculative, pre-draft conversations.... :)
 
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Tibs said:
Bud Dupree would be a great pick, a guy you would love to have on the roster, a tremendous athlete and talent to develop down the road. Can the Steelers take a chance on a developmental prospect in the first round? I'd love to think we can win games with Moats as our starting LOLB, but I would much prefer him as a back-up. So are there any edge rushers in the draft that can come in and start from day 1?

Dupree is probably off the board by #22, same can be said for Gregory. Nobody can accuse us here at SN for not having these speculative, pre-draft conversations.... :)
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With this logic - why not take the chance and move up for Shane Ray??? I would...
 
I would rather have Diggy as well for many of the reasons listed on here earlier. Just for grins here is the description of this guy from the nfl site.

Weaknesses Thin through trunk and will play with a narrow base, causing balance issues. Almost always last player out of his stance at snap. Technique and feel as pass rusher lacking at this point. Thinks rather than plays. Takes occasional false steps as stand-up rusher. Time-waster. Too much time stutter-stepping tackles rather than exploding upfield. Fails to stress the high side of tackles to get them rocking. Makes it too easy for tackles to quick-set him. Plays man in front of him rather than "seeing through" to quarterback. Lacks creativity as rusher. Gets punched with his shoulders still squared rather than on an angle, which robs ability to turn edge. Doesn't process what he sees very quickly. Marginal play strength in pass rush and can be redirected. Was manhandled by Wisconsin blockers on two long touchdown runs by Melvin Gordon. Issues with positive drug tests are a significant concern.
Draft Projection Round 1
Sources Tell Us "He's super raw, but those physical tools are through the roof. That's why you pay coaches." -- NFC scouting director
NFL Comparison Barkevious Mingo
Bottom Line A 3-4 outside linebacker with the length, toughness and closing burst to immediately help a run defense. Gregory could stand to add more weight to his frame and needs plenty of technique work and a patient coach for his pass-rush skill to match his traits. Gregory's draft stock has been clouded with a positive drug test at the combine to go with failed tests for marijuana while at Nebraska. High-ceiling, low-floor prospect.

This guy has a very low floor and looked good against college players. A good comparison was how he handled the game with Wisconsin mentioned previously. I watched one of his videos and thought he looks like a corner back on a blitz vs a linebacker
 
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I'd be cautiously optimistic with Gregory. He's a great athlete unlike Jarvis. That was my main concern with Jarvis, was that he was not a great athlete. He was a hustle player who was slow. The other problem is many thought Jarvis's frame was already maxed out so he wasn't going to add much weight. We have seen both of those issues.

Gregory has the huge frame to add weight. I doubt Gregory would ever bulk up enough to play on the strong side but he can put on enough to not get pushed around on the weak side while still having quickness.


Mocks are dropping Ray a bunch now. I seriously doubt teams were unaware of his medical. Also, even if true that he needs toe surgery, that wouldn't change my opinion at all. If you think Ray is a stud pass rusher worthy of a high first round pick, why would it bother you if he missed a few weeks to start his career? Most rookies stink anyway.
 
So the NFL comparison for Gregory is Barkevious Mingo ... Barkevious Mingo. Now there's a guy that I haven't heard much about since ... well, the year he was drafted. If he's Gregory's NFL comparison, I'd pass on Gregory in a heartbeat.

Tape, I agree, if Ray drops and is available at 1:22 and they believe he will be an impact player even after the medical evals, they should take him.
 
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