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Friday, April 27, 2012

With the 19th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft......

the Chicago Bears select, Shea McClellin, DE, Boise St?

The Bears surprised most of the world by the selection of McClellin with the 19th pick.  But the Bears did show interest in McClellin and put him thru a private workout at Halas Hall.  Looks like a round peg in a square hole, but don't mistake this for a blind pick.  The Bears should have a pretty good idea of what McClellin can do in their defensive scheme.

Have been reading a lot of recent comparisons to Clay Matthews, but I think those are a little off base. The biggest asset McClellin provides is his versatility. And as a player, he's almost an exact clone of Mike Vrabel.  Shea is 6'3", 260lbs vs. 6'4", 264 for Vrabel.  I'm guessing I'm not the only one that sees the Vrabel similarities either, as Emery has mentioned the "Patriot Way" a few times since being hire in Chicago. The thing with Vrabel though is that he played every year of his career in a 3-4 defense. But what he did was play LOLB, ROLB, and ILB in the 3-4 starting for multiple seasons at each position and playing all 3 during most games in his career. Like Vrabel, I think McClellin can play all those positions. He can rush the passer from the 3-pt stance, he can blitz from the 2pt stance, he can play the run inside or out. He's actually one of the better LBs in zone coverage in this draft. The problem I see is that he's not elite enough in any of those areas to ONLY do one of those things on a consistent basis in the NFL. He's pretty decent at all of them though, which is where his value lies.

The Bears looked at a lot of undersized guys with speed this offseason. Bruce Irvin, McClellin, Tim Fugger from Vandy, Darius Fleming from ND, and Melvin Ingram. So, I wonder if they are possibly going to use McClellin as a SLB on run downs and as a pass rusher in the nickel. I think that would maximize his abilities to help this team.

My biggest issue is that if the Bears really wanted to improve the pass rush, I think Perry, Mercilus and Jones were all better pass rushers on the board. I'm not a big fan of Jones, but I think he would've been a better fit. Mercilus would be strictly a pass rusher who wouldn't help on run downs but really get after the QB on 3rd and long. Perry was the best all-around player to me with strength in the run game and explosion off the edge rushing the passer. I don't hate the pick of McClellin, but also don't love it. But let's all hope he performs well in whatever role the Bears put him in.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 2012 FINAL MOCK DRAFT


24 Cordy Glenn, OL Georgia- Tomlin and Colbert have said quite a few times how they have concerns over Sanders and Colon's health.  They also have said the OG position is very deep in this draft.  See my post re: that and youll understand this pick.  Glenn fits what Tomlin looks for in an OL- strong, position flexible, over 6'5 300, and played in the SEC (The SEC experience is icing on the cake).  Glenn showed he can play LT and LG in college and in the Senior Bowl.  He could fill in at LG to start, but his ultimate position will be at RT.

56 Mike Martin, DT Michigan- UPDATE: Mike was on Sirius Radio yesterday, April 18th with Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan.  They asked Mike about some of the team visits he's had.  His response "I had a really good Senior Bowl and a great Combine, but I havent visited too many teams.  Just the Patriots, and the Titans."  Then he paused.  "But the Steelers have been calling me ALOT!"

Tomlin spoke to him at the Combine, as well as attended his pro day.  He also has the position flexibility that Tomlin covets.  He's familiar with both a 40 and 30 front, holding down the zero tech NT spot most of the time.  He was a wrestler in high school.  He's the Incredible Hulk.  Did I mention his explosion rate?  78.9.  Thats insane.  On a side note- the 2nd round looks to be a win/win situation due to Martin and now Josh Chapman are graded back to back at 79 and 80 respectively.  Id be thrilled with either.  And thats why Tomlin, Colbert and Co. have spent so much time with them.
Here's a cut from Tomlin at the Michigan pro day: http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/michigan/post/_/id/3368/former-u-m-players-do-well-at-pro-day

86 Ladarius Green, TE Louisiana-Lafayette- Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley is going to put his stamp on our offense next week, starting at the TE and RB positions.  If you look deeper at these positions and the players we've shown interest in youll see that Haley wants another Tony Moeaki at TE and a Dexter McCluster at RB.  While Isaiah Pead and LaMichael James are our top 2 targets at RB, our needs at OL and NT are far more pressing.  By the 86th pick Pead and James are most likely gone.  You'll find our other option at the 119th pick below.  However, Green is at the top of our list at TE.  Green was originally type-cast as purely a pass catching TE and no more.  But his play in the Senior Bowl as well as what he showed at the Combine only prove that he could be the complete TE.  I heard an interview with him on Sirius with Kirwan and Ryan.  They praised his in line blocking at the Senior Bowl.  He humble told them thank you, "but I have a ways to go to get better".  And he'll be learning from Heath.  Heath is 29 and recently signed an extension.  Probably his last.  Until then, we've been trying to find a solid backup, and an heir apparent to when Heath retires.  Green could be that guy.  Green had a private workout at Steelers HQ

119 Ronnie Hillman, RB San Diego State- Im sure youve heard of a HOF RB from SD State by the name of Marshall Faulk.  Im not saying Hillman will turn out to be another Faulk, but after watching game tape and reading interviews, he sure as hell sounds like he could be.  Mendenhill's ACL injury opens the door to adding another RB.  And the type Haley likes is a fast, quick twitch, pass catching scat back.  Enter Ronnie.  Yes, we have depth at RB, but Dwyer has come to camp overweight the last 2 years, Clay needs to watch his weight too, Batch is coming of an ACL of his own, and Spann is a practice squad carry over.  Not to mention Redman has been a solid backup, but hes the only one with real experience.  Hillman can drop to another gear altogether to get separation, while not doing the one thing Mendy did all too often- spinning.  Ronnie has "stutter step and go" move that allows him to be patient behind the line, reading the possible holes, all the while causing the defense to pause, hesitating just enough that they miss him when he goes by.  Even for his smaller size he doesnt hesitate to go thru the line or if he has to, around it.  He does need to improve his pass catching some.  SDSU used him in the flat, on screens and wheel routes, not so much lining up in the slot, or motioning him to the line of scrimmage.  But as we've seen in Haley's offense at KC, he uses his RBs in the passing game very often.  He's a bright kid, and I bet he picks it up quickly.  We attended his pro day.  Take a peak:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbSeGoaNilE

159 Tommy Streeter, WR Miami- Tommy is a freak of nature being to tall and yet so fast.  We lost Hines this year, Tomlin and Co have questions re: Sanders health, and we'll possibly lose Wallace in 2013.  Tomlin plans ahead with 2 WRs in this draft.  Tommy is a little rough around the edges, doesnt make perfect cuts in his routes, preferring to round them off.  His best position actually looks to be in the slot, especially when put in motion or when the defense is in off man/zone coverage.  He left after his junior year, and really only has the history of 1 good year in college.  He will need some time to iron out the wrinkles, but until then he could be a deadly redzone threat, not to mention if Haley has him run 9 routes all day.  he does like to leave his feet for the ball, but does have a tendency to catch more with his body.  This can be fixed.  The Steelers went to the Miami pro day in masses.  Everyone was there.

193 Kelvin Beachum, OG Southern Methodist-  Ive commented on Tomlin and Colbert's never ending statement "this is a deep draft for OGs".  Well, the proof is in the pudding.  Formerly a LT at SMU, he will make the transition to LG for us, but maybe not this year.  Or, maybe so.  I read an interview with him that asked if he can make the switch to the inside at OG.  He said he shouldnt have a problem at all as he's familiar with pulling outside on toss plays and screens, and enjoys getting nasty with the DE on a run block.  He also said he's hoping a team sees him as a legit swing OL as well.  At 6'3 303 I cant see him on the blind side, but maybe at RT.  If he can snap and play center that would be enough for me.  but its great that he believes in himself so much.  The reason Im not 100% sold on him having to wait a year to move into the LG spot is simple.  He's a 2011 All-Conference USA First team, AND the C-USA All Academic Team.  That tells me he's athletic, and he's bright.  Check out the SMU stats for 2011.  3500+ yards passing, 1500 rushing.  I'll take it.  Beachum had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

231 Toney Clemons, WR Colorado- Here is this years Antonio Brown.  A former no-name that has quietly climbed up the draft board, if only enough to be considered a draft pick and not just a UDFA.  Toney is a Michigan transfer, can run the route tree and while Colorado was pretty much junk this year, it certainly doesnt look to be his fault averaging over 15 yards per catch.  At 6'2 he'd be the tallest WR in our corps, but its his 4.37 40 along with my recent findings that hes a local kid.  Raised in New Kensington, PA.  Tomlin has a place in his heart for local kids.  See Mundy, Shipley, etc.  Clemons had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

240 Jeremy Jones, DB Wayne State-  For those of you keeping score at home, youll notice a trend when you look at the DBs we have interest in.  Robinson, Tandy and Jones, all under 6 foot 200 pounds, but all have the ability to play anywhere in the 2ndary.  While Tandy has been my pick until now, the need for an OG outweighs the need for a DB.  Jones could be one of those guys you read about that came out of a small school only to explode in the NFL (see Jerry Rice).  Jones could be one of those.  Looking at his career stats at Wayne State, 17 picks (yeah, 17), 3 for TDs, 291 tackles (while playing some FS), and 8.5 sacks.  The word you're looking for is BALLHAWK.  Here's another word to describe him, "team player", ok thats 2 words.  Long story short- the coaches wanted to move him from being a part of the subpackage into a starting position.  He asked the coaches not to, that the seniors were in there are in their final year and they deserve to play.  The coaches said no, and started him, but it shows this kid is all about the team, not himself.  Jones had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

246 Jerrell Harris, LB Alabama- Formerly the ILB before Hightower moved in.  Though Harris was so valuable that Saban took advantage of his flexibility and moved him outside.  He has the build Tomlin prefers for an ILB more than an OLB, but has the flexibility at both positions.  After reading last week that Sly is on a new training regimen and has lost 15 lbs, Im betting Harris is the only LB we draft as a backup, taking over Sly's spot in Special Teams.  Harris had a private workout at Steelers HQ.


248 Ryan Van Bergen, DL Michigan-  Our depth at DE is rather limited.  This is the 1st time that the Steelers will have drafted 2 players from the same school in the same draft.  Ryan is the definition of the 5 tech.  At 6'5 290 he looks like Brett Keisel's little brother.  What really caught my attention was the  conversation between Tomlin and Ryan at the Michigan pro day.  Tomlin watched Rayn workout, pulled him aside and said "You're a 5 tech aren't you?"  Ryan's response "Yep.  I could be your 5 tech Coach."

UDFA Prospects:


James Stampley, FB LSU-  At 5'9 246 he is the prototype FB, one we've done without the past few years.  He is also the modern version of the FB as he can catch out of the backfield and be used in short yardage situations.  He isnt necessarily LeRon McClain, but he could be better than anyone weve had since Danny Kreider.


Philip Welch, K Wisconsin-  Suisham is less than guaranteed when kicking.  Maybe he needs some competition?  Welch would certainly be a step in the right direction as he can kick, punt, and kickoff.  Plus, he's never been injured as well as has kicked in the lovely winters of Wisconsin.


John Hughes, DT Cincinnati- Our depth at the NT is limited.  McLendon isnt a 0 tech.  He's a 5 tech playing the role of a 0 tech.  Yes, on passing downs he does ok providing pressure, but theres nothing stout about him.  We did bring in some cast offs like Woods and the such, but we saw what it meant to Casey having Hoke behind him.  Maybe Hughes can be that type of backup.  I do have to mention John is built more like a heavier Ziggy Hood.  And thats probably why we showed interest in him.  Rumors were we were moving Ziggy to the NT spot.  Wrong.  If we were in a 4-3 defense, Ziggy would be a stellar 3 tech.  He's no NT.  But Hughes is alittle different.  He has a heavier base, though can still penetrate.  Martin and Hughes could be Tomlin's version of Hampton and Hoke.  Hughes had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

Tony Dye, DB UCLA- Stepped in to replace Rahim Moore at the FS position after having played SS his 1st 3 years.  One of those years was under Steelers 2ndary Coach Carnell Lake.  Dye also has the flexibility to play CB in the nickel.  He does have some injury history though.

Trevor Olson, OT Northern Illinois- Former LT that blocked for now Steelers RB Chad Spann at NIU.  53 starts at LT is a Huskie record, 1st team All-MAC, and didnt allow a sack for 5 straight games in 2011.

Lonnie Edwards, OL Texas Tech- Former LG that blocked for now Steelers RB Baron Batch.  Can flex to RT if needed along with RG.  Started his last 2 seasons at LG.



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

RECONSIDERING THE STEELERS 2012 FINAL MOCK DRAFT

  I had an epiphany today.  I figured out that I should have stuck to my initial thought process from many months ago re: our pick at 24.  That pick then was either Kevin Zeitler, OL Wisconsin or Cordy Glenn, OL Georgia.  At the time I looked at our roster (all prior to the 5 vet departure) and found that the 3 positions where we have very limited depth is at OT, LG and NT.  FWDD a few months and sure enough, Hoke, Smith and Hines retired.  Kemoeatu and Farrior were released.  4 out of 5 were starters.  And 1 was the primary depth.

  So I looked into their positions deeper, 1 by 1, and held true to "The Steeler Way".  In case you're unfamiliar, The Steeler Way is to fill any open positions from within first.  Then, if unsuccessful, fill thru the draft.  Finally, if all else fails, look for lower cost free agents.  Here is my analysis below:

Hines- Wallace (pending FA?), Brown, Sanders, Cotchery, and 6 other young future contracts.  According to The Steeler Way, this is not a pressing need.  Hines moved down the depth chart in 2011, so the Young Money Family are prepared.  Whether or not that will include Wallace past 2012, no one knows.  But the position is deep behind him.

Smith- Hood, Heyward, Keisel, McLendon, and 3 other future contracts/practice squad players.  With drafting Hood and Heyward already in the 1st round, theres no way we do it a 3rd time.  Especially in a 30 front defense.

Hoke- Hampton, McLendon, Weston.  Steve isnt a real NT though.  He does fill in ok on passing downs where his primary goal is to pass rush, but he is nowhere near stout enough to be an every down NT.  Weston is a practice squad traveler.  Hampton is much older, coming of an ACL tear.  This is a primary need in a high round, 1 or 2.

Farrior- Timmons, Foote, Slyvester, Ivy and 2 other future contracts.  Farrior's time was split with Foote and some with Sly in 2011.  Sylvester will be expected to take over at the Buck LB position.  A recent interview shows he is ready for the challenge as he has changed his workout regimen and lost 15 pounds.  Once again, according to The Steeler Way, this is not a pressing need as we are filling the position from within.

Kemoeatu- Legursky, Foster, Essex.  Bruno and Ramon were RFAs and recently signed their 1 year deals.   They are also both UDFAs.  Mr. Rooney said at the end of the 2011 season that Ben needs to change his game, that we need to protect him better, and we need to have a more sound running game.  Pouncey cant hold down the interior of the line alone.  I like Ramon, and I think this year will get him a 3 year deal with us.  Bruno has the right attitude, but he is very small, and can be overpowered easily.  He is also the primary backup center.  Essex has played well filling in for Pouncey when he was injured, but this was only required because we didnt have anybody else to play the LG spot.  This is a primary need in a high round, 1 or 2.  That chaos to filling in for injured olinemen (Pouncey, Starks and Colon... again) was total horrible.  But Coach Kugler again managed to use a mess of duct tape and coaching and gave us a decent, aching, oline.

Colon/Starks- Max was released at the beginning of the year due to coming into camp out of shape.  or maybe his cap hit was too great.  Either way, he was released.  Colon injured himself again at the start of the year, just like he did the year before.  Over 2 years Colon has played in only 1 game.  Johnathan Scott was initially tried at LT and failed.  Tomlin would have loved to move Gilbert to LT but couldnt because we lost Colon as well.  So, we reinserted Max.  And he did well.  Until he too was injured.  That means our OT depth is Max- older, weight issues, injuries.  Colon- 1 game in 2 seasons.  Jonathan Scott- decent backup, but best suited for the right side.  And Gilbert- 2nd round pick in 2011, and will start at LT in 2012.  Thats it.  yeah, we did resign Essex, but he's essentially a poorer version of Scott.  His best work is inside.

  As you can see, OT, LG and NT are the key positions that we need to address high in the draft.

  FWDD to today.  Recently most mock drafts have Donta Hightower to us at 24.  Some even have us drafting Dontari Poe.  Neither of these will be picked by the Steelers at 24.  Donta is a 2 down LB at best.  Even Pat Kirwan today admitted that his abilities actually do not fit today's NFL.  As far as Poe, Coach Tomlin shut down this option years ago when Tyson Jackson was the popular thought for the Steelers to draft in 2009.  After the draft, Tomlin made it known, yet again, "we dont draft gym rats".  If you recall Tyson made his fame on YouTube jumping out of a swimming pool flat footed.  And now today, re: Poe, he had a jaw dropping combine.  But Tomlin has said again "he has to show us his play on the tape".  The Combine is known as "the Underwear Olympics".  And recently, his own former Head Coach said in numerous interviews that he admits he might not have used Poe in the proper way.  However if you watch the game tape you see him being lazy, overpowered, and having too high of a stance.  Poe isnt supported by either Tomlin comment.  Scratch Hightower and Poe from the board.

  We are now almost 24 hours from the draft.  Lets take a quick moment to look at 1 of the key additions to the Steelers staff that might be having an impact on this pick.  Todd Haley.  While as the Head Coach of the Chiefs, Haley had an affinity for using "smokescreens" in the draft, especially in the 1st round.  In 2010 he selected Eric Berry, and in 2011 he picked Jonathan Baldwin.  The Chiefs worked out neither player.  Not one peep was mentioned if the Chiefs had any interest.  This may have been the doing of the Chiefs GM at the time, Phil Emery, or it could have been the combined effort of both men.  Could Haley have brought this idea to Pittsburgh?  I think that's a strong possibility.  But there was another addition to a Pittsburgh football team's staff that could also allow this to work.  Coach Chryst.  The former Wisconsin Offensive Coordinator is the new Panthers Head Coach.  His office is probably right down the hall from Coach Tomlin's.  Would you really need to workout a player when you have his entire history right next door?  Probably not.  Would this allow the smokescreen to be completed?  Yes.  We invite Donta and Poe, as well as some OTs like Adams and Massie (I like Massie) only to all but ignore the likes of Glenn and Zeitler.  The most information I could find re: the Steelers attending the Wisconsin pro day was a general "all 32 teams present".  And the only proof i have that we were at the Georgia pro day was our interest in their kicker.  No mention of Tomlin, or Colbert (who has gotten around a lot this year) or even Kugler.  Why?  Smokescreen.

  I addressed a comment that both Tomlin and Colbert have been saying over the past few months when speaking about this draft class "the OG position is very deep".  I broke down the reasons behind that and verified it to be true.  And its maybe not so much that the draft is deep with OGs, but more so its light in regards to OTs.

  This is why I had my "final mock" with us drafting Bobby Massie at 24.  He can play both OT positions, and possibly even RG if needed.  He fits Tomlin's tendencies when drafting olinemen to a T.  He's a junior, he's over 6'5 300 pounds, he has position flexibility, and icing on the cake- he played in the SEC.  As of this morning I was set with that mock.  But even Massie would be a reach.  17 spots to be exact.  The furthesT Tomlin has reached in the 1st round was 13 spots for Pouncey.  17 isnt too much further, but it jumps the likes of Zeitler, Konz, and Adams.  I can see Massie having more value than Adams, but to fill the LG spot we'd have to have Massie start at RT, finally move Colon to RG and Foster to LG.  Thats 3 moves to insert 1 player.

  However, if we were to draft Glenn or Zeitler, then they could play LG day 1.  I do agree with Mike Mayock that Glenn is probably best suited at RT.  So the movement above may be the case either way.  But giving him the shot at LG is at least an option due to the fact that he started there in Georgia.

  Or there's the option of drafting Zeitler at 24.  He would start at LG day 1, no other moves needed.  That seems to make sense.  The problem here would be the lack of options at OT after drafting Zeitler at 24 and Mike Martin (a lock) at 56.  Refer back to the Steelers HQs comments "this draft is deep at OG".  So if its deep, then we should wait on it and address the OT spot first; especially when the pick is familiar with playing the LG position as well as LT/RT.

  So what does this long-ass story mean?  It means I think the smokescreen we have set is to disguise our interest in both Glenn and Zeitler.  Though I do think that Glenn is the primary target.  Colbert said this week he will begin calling teams re: trading up or down (dont get me started on trading down... that would absolutely be the best thing to happen).  Now we just need the Chargers, Bears, Bengals, Browns and Lions to look the other way, and let Glenn fall.

My Complete 1st round mock!!!

And you thought Mayock's mock was highly anticipated?  This mock is complete with trades, I feel are realistic, and very possible. 




1 Indianapolis  Andrew Luck QB
Stanford
2 Washington (f/ STL) Robert Griffin III QB
Baylor
3 Minnesota Morris Claiborne CB
LSU
4 Cleveland Trent Richardson RB
Alabama
5 Buffalo (f/TB) Matt Kalil OT
USC
6 St Louis (f/ Was) Justin Blackmon WR
Oklahoma St
7 Philadelphia (f/ Jax) Fletcher Cox DT
Mississippi St
8 Miami Ryan Tannehill QB
Texas A&M
9 NY Jets (f/Car) Melvin Ingram OLB
South Carolina
10 Tampa Bay (f/ Buf) Luke Kuechly LB
Boston College
11 Kansas City David DeCastro OG
Stanford
12 Seattle Quinton Coples DE
North Carolina
13 Arizona Michael Floyd WR
Notre Dame
14 Dallas Mark Barron S
Alabama
15 Jacksonville (f/ Phi) Stephon Gilmore CB
South Carolina
16 Carolina (f/ NYJ) Dontari Poe DT
Memphis
17 Cincinnati (f/ Oak) Dre Kirkpatrick CB
Alabama
18 San Diego Chandler Jones OLB
Syracuse
19 Chicago Michael Brockers DT
LSU
20 Tennessee Whitney Mercilus DE
Illinois
21 Cincinnati  Courtney Upshaw DE
Alabama
22 Cleveland (f/ Atl) Brandon Weeden QB
Oklahoma St
23 Baltimore (f/Det) Donta' Hightower ILB
Alabama
24 Pittsburgh Cordy Glenn OG/OT
Georgia
25 Denver Kendall Reyes DT
UConn 
26 Houston Kendall Wright WR
Baylor
27 New England (f/NO) Nick Perry DE/OLB
USC
28 Green Bay Shea McClellin DE/OLB
Boise State
29 Detroit (f/Balt) Riley Reiff OT
Iowa
30 San Francisco Amini Silatolu OG
Midwestern St
31 Minnesota (f/NE) Jonathan Martin OT
Stanford
32 NY Giants Bobby Massie OT
Stanford













T

Trades (and non-trades):






- Tampa and NY Jets don't meet what the Vikings want for the #3 pick, so the Vikings keep the pick.







- Kalil on the board still at 5, Buffalo moves up and Tampa moves down with both Claiborne and Richardson off the board












- Once Fletcher Cox gets past St. Louis, the Eagles pounce trading with Jacksonville who doesn't want to be at #7 anyway










- Likewise, Jets see Jags move down so, they move up to take Ingram.  Carolina loses out on Cox and gets extra picks that they typically never have











- Baltimore trades up to take Hightower from the arch rival Steelers.  Detroit moves down with only 1 OT off the board, no CBs on the board, and a couple pass rushers still there.











- New England only has 5 picks in 2013.  That just can't happen.  As much as they like Harrison Smith, they like extra picks more.  Vikings trade up for Martin (who they brought in for a visit), keeping him away from likely landing spots in New York or St Louis at 32 or 33.










Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Chicago Bears Draft Board

Here's a look at the players the Bears are likely to have on their radar and where in the draft they will target these players. 

6-34 WR OL DE CB/S LB DT
1st Justin Blackmon David DeCastro Quinton Coples Dre Kirkpatrick   Fletcher Cox

Kendall Wright  Jonathan Martin Nick Perry Stephon Gilmore   Michael Brockers

Michael Floyd  Cordy Glenn Whitney Mercilus     Jerel Worthy

Stephen Hill    Shea McClellin      

Rueben Randle   Melvin Ingram      







35-65 Chris Givens Amini Silatolu Vinny Curry Josh Robinson Bobby Wagner Brandon Thompson
2nd Alshon Jeffery Brandon Brooks Bruce Irvin Jayron Hosley Lavonte David Kendall Reyes

  Kelechi Osemele Chandler Jones Harrison Smith Zach Brown  

      Trumaine Johnson    

           







66-96 Brian Quick Donald Stephenson Cam Johnson Casey Hayward Nigel Bradham  
3rd Marvin Jones Matt McCants   Trevin Wade Sean Spence  

Juron Criner Ben Jones   Jamell Fleming Demario Davis  

AJ Jenkins       Mychal Kendricks  

           

           







97-127 Tommy Streeter Jeff Allen Malik Jackson Ryan Steed Emmanuel Acho Marcus Forston
4th   Philip Blake Jake Bequette Shaun Prater Terrell Manning DaJohn Harris

  Brandon Washington Jack Crawford Leonard Johnson Keenan Robinson Kheeston Randall

      Brandon Taylor    

      Brandon Hardin    

      Dwight Bentley    

      Josh Norman    







128-168 Junior Hemingway David Molk Jacquies Smith Keith Tandy Travis Lewis Akiem Hicks
5th Devier Posey Rishaw Johnson Olivier Vernon Omar Bolden   Jaye Howard

    Tim Fugger Antonio Allen    

      Kelcie McCray    

      Ron Brooks    

      Coryell Judie    







169-204 BJ Cunningham Desmond Wynn Darius Fleming Sean Richardson Miles Burris  
6th Jordan White Joe Looney   Coty Sensabaugh Danny Trevathan  

  Ronald Leary   Micah Pellerin Tyler Nielsen  

  Lamar Holmes   Winston Guy    

           

           







205+ Thomas Mayo Dennis Kelly Frank Alexander Robert Golden Chris Marve  
7th- UDFA Kashif Moore Adam Gettis Jamie Blatnick Sean Cattouse Nathan Stupar  

Jerrell Jackson Scott Wedige Aston Whiteside Johnny Thomas    

Chris Owusu Ben Burkett   Robert Blanton    

      Matt Johnson    

      Tony Dye    

Thursday, April 19, 2012

PITTSBURGH STEELERS "ALMOST FINAL" 2012 MOCK DRAFT


24 Bobby Massie, OL Ole Miss- Tomlin and Colbert have said quite a few times how they have concerns over Sanders and Colon's health.  They also have said the OG position is very deep in this draft.  See my post re: that and youll understand these 1st 2 picks.  Massie fits what Tomlin wants in an OL to a T.  Junior, strong, position flexible, over 6'5 300, and played in the SEC.  Massie had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

56 Mike Martin, DT Michigan- UPDATE: Mike was on Sirius Radio yesterday, April 18th with Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan.  They asked Mike about some of the team visits he's had.  His response "I had a really good Senior Bowl and a great Combine, but I havent visited too many teams.  Just the Patriots, and the Titans."  Then he paused.  "But the Steelers have been calling me ALOT!"

Tomlin spoke to him at the Combine, as well as attended his pro day.  He also has the position flexibility that Tomlin covets.  He's familiar with both a 40 and 30 front, holding down the zero tech NT spot most of the time.  He was a wrestler in high school.  He's the Incredible Hulk.  Did I mention his explosion rate?  78.9.  Thats insane.  On a side note- the 2nd round looks to be a win/win situation due to Martin and now Josh Chapman are graded back to back at 79 and 80 respectively.  Id be thrilled with either.  And thats why Tomlin, Colbert and Co. have spent so much time with them.
Here's a cut from Tomlin at the Michigan pro day: http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/michigan/post/_/id/3368/former-u-m-players-do-well-at-pro-day

86 Ladarius Green, TE Louisiana-Lafayette- Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley is going to put his stamp on our offense next week, starting at the TE and RB positions.  If you look deeper at these positions and the players we've shown interest in youll see that Haley wants another Tony Moeaki at TE and a Dexter McCluster at RB.  While Isaiah Pead and LaMichael James are our top 2 targets at RB, our needs at OL and NT are far more pressing.  By the 86th pick Pead and James are most likely gone.  You'll find our other option at the 119th pick below.  However, Green is at the top of our list at TE.  Green was originally type-cast as purely a pass catching TE and no more.  But his play in the Senior Bowl as well as what he showed at the Combine only prove that he could be the complete TE.  I heard an interview with him on Sirius with Kirwan and Ryan.  They praised his in line blocking at the Senior Bowl.  He humble told them thank you, "but I have a ways to go to get better".  And he'll be learning from Heath.  Heath is 29 and recently signed an extension.  Probably his last.  Until then, we've been trying to find a solid backup, and an heir apparent to when Heath retires.  Green could be that guy.  Green had a private workout at Steelers HQ

119 Ronnie Hillman, RB San Diego State- Im sure youve heard of a HOF RB from SD State by the name of Marshall Faulk.  Im not saying Hillman will turn out to be another Faulk, but after watching game tape and reading interviews, he sure as hell sounds like he could be.  Mendenhill's ACL injury opens the door to adding another RB.  And the type Haley likes is a fast, quick twitch, pass catching scat back.  Enter Ronnie.  Yes, we have depth at RB, but Dwyer has come to camp overweight the last 2 years, Clay needs to watch his weight too, Batch is coming of an ACL of his own, and Spann is a practice squad carry over.  Not to mention Redman has been a solid backup, but hes the only one with real experience.  Hillman can drop to another gear altogether to get separation, while not doing the one thing Mendy did all too often- spinning.  Ronnie has "stutter step and go" move that allows him to be patient behind the line, reading the possible holes, all the while causing the defense to pause, hesitating just enough that they miss him when he goes by.  Even for his smaller size he doesnt hesitate to go thru the line or if he has to, around it.  He does need to improve his pass catching some.  SDS used him in the flat, on screens and wheel routes, not so much lining up in the slot, or motioning him to the line of scrimmage.  But as we've seen in Haley's offense at KC, he uses his RBs in the passing game very often.  He's a bright kid, and I bet he picks it up quickly.  We attended his pro day.  Take a peak:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbSeGoaNilE

159 TY Hilton WR Florida International- Hilton is a blazing fast WR that is familiar with running the route tree.  He is also a weapon returning kicks and punts.  We lost Hines this year, Tomlin and Co have questions re: Sanders health, and we'll probably lose Wallace in 2013.  Tomlin plans ahead with 2 WRs in this draft.  His nagging hamstring could raise red flags.  His ability to be a weapon in the return game makes up for that loss with James.  Hilton had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

193 Kelvin Beachum, OG Southern Methodist-  Ive commented on Tomlin and Colbert's never ending statement "this is a deep draft for OGs".  Well, the proof is in the pudding.  Formerly a LT at SMU, he will make the transition to LG for us, but maybe not this year.  Or, maybe so.  I read an interview with him that asked if he can make the switch to the inside at OG.  He said he shouldnt have a problem at all as he's familiar with pulling outside on toss plays and screens, and enjoys getting nasty with the DE on a run block.  He also said he's hoping a team sees him as a legit swing OL as well.  At 6'3 303 I cant see him on the blind side, but maybe at RT.  If he can snap and play center that would be enough for me.  but its great that he believes in himself so much.  The reason Im not 100% sold on him having to wait a year to move into the LG spot is simple.  He's a 2011 All-Conference USA First team, AND the C-USA All Academic Team.  That tells me he's athletic, and he's bright.  Check out the SMU stats for 2011.  3500+ yards passing, 1500 rushing.  I'll take it.  Beachum had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

231 Toney Clemons, WR Colorado- Here is this years Antonio Brown.  A former no-name that has quietly climbed up the draft board, if only enough to be considered a draft pick and not just a UDFA.  Toney is a Michigan transfer, can run the route tree and while Colorado was pretty much junk this year, it certainly doesnt look to be his fault averaging over 15 yards per catch.  At 6'2 he'd be the tallest WR in our corps, but its his 4.37 40 along with my recent findings that hes a local kid.  Raised in New Kensington, PA.  Tomlin has a place in his heart for local kids.  See Mundy, Shipley, etc.  Clemons had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

240 Jeremy Jones, DB Wayne State-  For those of you keeping score at home, youll notice a trend when you look at the DBs we have interest in.  Robinson, Tandy and Jones, all under 6 foot 200 pounds, but all have the ability to play anywhere in the 2ndary.  While Tandy has been my pick until now, the need for an OG outweighs the need for a DB.  Jones could be one of those guys you read about that came out of a small school only to explode in the NFL (see Jerry Rice).  Jones could be one of those.  Looking at his career stats at Wayne State, 17 picks (yeah, 17), 3 for TDs, 291 tackles (while playing some FS), and 8.5 sacks.  The word you're looking for is BALLHAWK.  Here's another word to describe him, "team player", ok thats 2 words.  Long story short- the coaches wanted to move him from being a part of the subpackage into a starting position.  He asked the coaches not to, that the seniors were in there are in their final year and they deserve to play.  The coaches said no, and started him, but it shows this kid is all about the team, not himself.  Jones had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

246 Jerrell Harris, LB Alabama- Formerly the ILB before Hightower moved in.  Though Harris was so valuable that Saban took advantage of his flexibility and moved him outside.  He has the build Tomlin prefers for an ILB more than an OLB, but has the flexibility at both positions.  After reading last week that Sly is on a new training regimen and has lost 15 lbs, Im betting Harris is the only LB we draft as a backup, taking over Sly's spot in Special Teams.  Harris had a private workout at Steelers HQ.


248 Ryan Van Bergen, DL Michigan-  Our depth at DE is rather limited.  This is the 1st time that the Steelers will have drafted 2 players from the same school in the same draft.  Ryan is the definition of the 5 tech.  At 6'5 290 he looks like Brett Keisel's little brother.  What really caught my attention was the  conversation between Tomlin and Ryan at the Michigan pro day.  Tomlin watched Rayn workout, pulled him aside and said "You're a 5 tech aren't you?"  Ryan's response "Yep.  I could be your 5 tech Coach."

UDFA Prospects:


James Stampley, FB LSU-  At 5'9 246 he is the prototype FB, one we've done without the past few years.  He is also the modern version of the FB as he can catch out of the backfield and be used in short yardage situations.  He isnt necessarily LeRon McClain, but he could be better than anyone weve had since Danny Kreider.


Philip Welch, K Wisconsin-  Suisham is less than guaranteed when kicking.  Maybe he needs some competition?  Welch would certainly be a step in the right direction as he can kick, punt, and kickoff.  Plus, he's never been injured as well as has kicked in the lovely winters of Wisconsin.


John Hughes, DT Cincinnati- Our depth at the NT is limited.  McLendon isnt a 0 tech.  He's a 5 tech playing the role of a 0 tech.  Yes, on passing downs he does ok providing pressure, but theres nothing stout about him.  We did bring in some cast offs like Woods and the such, but we saw what it meant to Casey having Hoke behind him.  Maybe Hughes can be that type of backup.  I do have to mention John is built more like a heavier Ziggy Hood.  And thats probably why we showed interest in him.  Rumors were we were moving Ziggy to the NT spot.  Wrong.  If we were in a 4-3 defense, Ziggy would be a stellar 3 tech.  He's no NT.  But Hughes is alittle different.  He has a heavier base, though can still penetrate.  Martin and Hughes could be Tomlin's version of Hampton and Hoke.  Hughes had a private workout at Steelers HQ.

Tony Dye, DB UCLA- Stepped in to replace Rahim Moore at the FS position after having played SS his 1st 3 years.  One of those years was under Steelers 2ndary Coach Carnell Lake.  Dye also has the flexibility to play CB in the nickel.  He does have some injury history though.

Trevor Olson, OT Northern Illinois- Former LT that blocked for now Steelers RB Chad Spann at NIU.  53 starts at LT is a Huskie record, 1st team All-MAC, and didnt allow a sack for 5 straight games in 2011.

Lonnie Edwards, OL Texas Tech- Former LG that blocked for now Steelers RB Baron Batch.  Can flex to RT if needed along with RG.  Started his last 2 seasons at LG.



Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Whether they show it publicly or not, I'm pretty sure Phil Emery and the Bears have done all the necessary homework on every player in the upcoming draft.  That includes players that most project to be off the board when the Bears pick at 19.  The following is a list of players that I think the Bears would scrap their draft plan for and draft at 19, or in some cases even trade up for, if necessary.

Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma St.-- not trading up in top 10 for him, but if he's hanging around at 12 or so for whatever reason, the Bears may move up for him.  Bears showed up deep including with Lovie Smith and wined and dined Blackmon before his pro day.  Brandon Marshall probably lessens the odds of a trade up for a WR though.

Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St. -- Bears are said to LOVE Fletcher Cox.  I can see why, he's the perfect fit for the Bears defense.  And with the roster down to 3 DTs, I think the Bears move up if Cox is there at 12.  Gotta get above Philly to get him, and the Bears should be willing to do it.....within reason.

David DeCastro, OG Stanford -- I don't know how the Bears feel about DeCastro, but I feel he is the safest bet to be a good NFL player in this draft.  I wouldn't take him over any of the top 5 players (Luck, RG3, Claiborne, Kalil, Richardson) but if he's there he gives the Bears a LG for the next 10 years.  Chris Williams would move back to LT to compete with J'Marcus Webb in this scenario.

Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina -- I'm convinced the Bears are going DL in the 1st round.  All the talent in the world, and worth the gamble that being across from what he could be in 8-10 years and being in the same huddle as Urlacher and Briggs would get him to show up every Sunday.  Not the speed rusher the Bears are looking for, but just too good to pass up.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama -- It would be a surprise if the team that never takes a CB early would take one at 19, but I've heard whispers that the organization does like Kirkpatrick.  He'd be a really good for for the Bears, in my opinion.  The man coverage skills are still developing, but can press at the line, come up in off/zone coverage, and make plays in the run game right now.  Perfect tutor in Charles Tillman.

Michael Brockers, DT LSU -- Recent rumors are that the Bears would have a hard time passing on Brockers if he's there at 19.  Not sure how I feel about that, but Brockers is young, having left school as a RS Sophomore.  He has all the talent in the world.  And while Marinelli hasn't been able to get the best out of Corey Wootton and Gaines Adams, he has done wonders developing DT talent like taking a college RB and DE like Henry Melton and making him one of the leaders in sacks from the DT position, salvaging the career of Amobi Okoye, and getting something out of Stephen Paea, with no offseason.  Brockers would be a nice project to have as he has all the projectables you could ever want from a DT.