After watching the pro days, and the FA invites, etc I have come to the conclusion that this draft could only be built in 2 ways. CB then WR or WR then CB. I also took another hard look at the roster for 2014 and the potential for losing some of those players in 2015. The mock below was built on the premise that A. Blount would be signed (done) and B. Worilds doesnt sign an extension by May 8th.
Below is a merged mock as only the 15th and 46th picks differ from one another, while the rest of each mock maintains the same. The As are my first choice with Bs being second.
That said, with the 15th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...
15A Darqueze Dennard, CB Michigan State- once again history shows we pick Big 10 or SEC most of the time in the 1st and 2nd rounds under Tomlin. Colbert and Tomlin attended the Michigan State pro day as well as took Benjamin to dinner. The only other time I recall that happening was last year with MT and Colbert took Bell and Dion Sims to dinner. Bell was picked in the 2nd round (as I predicted) and the Dolphins snuck in 4 picks ahead of us in the 4th and took Sims. Bastards. Needless to say, DD is a 6 foot 4.4 36 in vert press CB from the Big 10. And a captain to boot. And I think he is at the top of our board with the likes of Gilbert, Evans, Ebron and Benjamin behind him. Oh, and yes hes also a captain.
15B Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M- here is the player that allows us to follow suit in drafting a junior offensive player. While Evans has size his speed is adequate, not necessarily fast. His route running si fine, and yes he has played with an improvisational QB. But its his ego that troubles me.
46A Donte Moncrief, WR Ole Miss- just the pick Ben wants and needs. Unlike Wallace, also from Ole Miss, Donte is tight with his routes, also runs a 4.4, but he knows the entire route tree. This aint no one trick pony.
46B Jaylen Watkins, CB Florida- I was so excited to see that not only did MT and Colbert attend the Gator PD, but Lake was also there. Watkins proved in the combine that he has the body, athleticism, back pedal and speed to play int he NFL. (As the brother of Sammy Watkins, his blood line doesnt hurt either) But the thing that I think will be a long lasting edge for Jaylen with us is his team first mentaility. In 2013 he played CB with Evans and Elam both left for the draft with little behind them at Florida. Watkins offered to move to safety and played very very well. That same conversation was had by Lake in his career in the NFL. Watkins knew what would be best for the team probably wouldnt grab the attention of scouts, etc, but he knew the team needed him. So he did it. He is also a captain.
97 (COMP) Ryan Carrethers, NT Arkansas State- while I could find proof of us as the Razorbacks PD, I cant find anything linking us to Ryan. Other that the schools history. They employed a young WR by the name of Michael Tomlin and installed him as their 2ndary coach years back. Since then hes drafted another Red Wolf in DJ Johnson. Weve proven we need a true 0 tech, and even the recent signing of Cam Thomas, only for 2 years, doesnt mean the 26 year old Fangupo is hanging onto a spot (never dressed). A mid round pick is the norm for MT to draft DTs lately as the drunk TaAmu was a 4th rounder. Further reviews show Ryan to be the 4-5th best true NT in the draft.
118 Prince Shembo, OLB Notre Dame- Whether or not Worilds signs an extension is actually irrelevant as the depth behind he and Jones is now only Carter (bust) and Moats. Though the moats deal is only for 1 year. The thing we missed re JJ was his size and speed. Colbert over assumed his understanding fo the 34 would allow those 2 things to not be a problem. While he did start, 1 sack is shitty. Enter the Prince. Some things that Shembo has that JJ does not- speed, size, power, and position flexibility. Actually the only thing they have in common is the fact they both played in a 30 front in college. MT and Colbert attended the ND pro day.
157 Taylor Hart, DE Oregon- UPDATE- I found an article where Hart went into detail about working out for Coach Tomlin and the staff at the Combine. To say I was geeked is an understatement. Now we just need the Eagles to make a mistake and miss him in the 4th round as this is the highest I can see us addressing the DE spot. Also, after looking deeper into whats separated Cam Heyward from other recent 5 tech attempts (and failures) I whittled it down to knowledge of the position, use in the game plan, and overall stats. The knocked a large number of DEs from the middle of the draft right off my board. Take a minute to compare the career stats of Cam and Hart. Almost a match. A recent stellar PD requires us to grab him early, but his familiarity in the position could also allow him playing time. At least on rotation. And another captain. And yes, a team captain.
173 (COMP) Crockett Gillmore, TE Colorado State- Ive always been a fan of the Georgia TE Lynch, but after looking over the history of the 6-8th TE being picked by the end of the 3rd round, I had to abandon him. Thankfully Gillmore has similar stats and build, though maybe a better inline blocker. Either way, Im hoping Coach Porter puts in a good word. He did have a minor hammy tweak in his pro day. Yup, a captain.
192 Ross Cockrell, CB Duke- As we really only have 1 CB after 2014 being Gay we do need to draft 2 CBs. As the former bust Curtis Brown proved, some of the 2ndary dont need to necessarily be position flexible as long as theyre strong in special teams. Thats totally Ross. Size, speed, hands and a ST gunner. Colbert loved the DBs in the Shrine game and attended his pro day. And yet another captain.
215 (COMP) Wesley Johnson, OL Vanderbilt- The addition fo Wallace allows us to not really worry so much over the interior Oline, however this is Gilberts last year and Adams still sucks. Johnson has the size, athleticism and history starting at RT LT and LG in a zone blocking scheme. We also worked him out at the Vandy pro day. Captain, yes.
230 Henry Josey, RB Mizzou- here is the 3rd down speed back that we now need thanks to the recent deal with LeGarrett Blount. This kid can also return kicks. He is a junior, at 5'9 195 he fits the mold for what MT and Colbert have been looking at. If not for an injury this year he would easily be a 2-3 round pick. Finally, another team captain.
UDFAs-
Richardson, DB Arizona- Total DB that can flex to CB or Safety with height and speed.
Bryant, OL Youngstown State- flexible OL for any of the 5 spots on the oline.
Ramsey, DE Boston College- MTs required local kid selection.
This blog is solely used to provide both Steelers and Bears fans with a very realistic look at their teams upcoming possible draft picks.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Steelers post combine mock
You all know by now that my co-author and I use the CBS Sportsline draft site as our bible. I got tired of waiting for them to update the board with the combine info, so I went ahead and built a logical mock with the Steelers both trading back and staying put.
Hind sight being 20/20 I really wish I had done this earlier (even last night) as my picks fall into place PERFECTLY.
This trading back scenario really has me believing it could occur. It can occur. And yes, it will occur.
While most people look for trading down options primarily in the 1st round, I took it in another direction altogether. I bet we stay put at 15, draft the CB below, but when our turn comes around in the 2nd at 46- our phone will ring. 49ers are on the other end. They want Jordan Matthews, Jerry Rice's cousin. He's graded 57 overall with with another 10 teams between our pick and theirs... he wont last that long. Hell, we could take him.
So, we strike a deal. Swap our 46 for their 56, and they give us their extra 3rd round, 77th pick. When I wrote this mock I had no idea what player would be dropping that could make this happen. But the bible showed it to me tonight. BTW- youll notice the number of times I mention most of these guys being team captains. Why? Because I was the only one that saw that was the trend last year with ALL of our picks. We dont want iffy, maybe, halfass players anymore. We want leaders.
Enjoy folks. This is as real is itll ever get.
With the 15th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select... (I still hate you Goodell for making us wait another 2 weeks, you f'in jag off, when the original date wouldnt be a problem for Easter)
15 Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech- a senior (MT has only ever drafted senior CBs), a "Permanent Captain" on his team, a position flexible defender (played both safety and cb), from Va Tech (a very close defense to ours), is best in a man off coverage, is 6 foot, plays the run HARD, and ran a 4.0. This kid is what I was hoping Dennard from Michigan State would be. The Combine showed me otherwise. Oh, I forgot to mention- he's a blood line. The Fuller name is in the NFL almost as much as the Matthews boys.
56 (from 49ers for our 46) Donte Moncrief, WR Ole Miss- Ive had this kid attached to us for months. SEC product, over 6'2, built strong at 220, runs a 4.0 AND the ENTIRE ROUTE TREE. We interviewed him at the Combine. While most of the WRs we draft we seniors, there have been a few juniors (Wallace) that weve taken high. This kid plays like a taller, faster Hines Ward.
77 (from 49ers in above deal) Terrence Brooks, S Florida State- Another kid Ive had attached to the black and gold for months. Position flexible, this time from CB to S. Plays angry vs the run, calls all the plays in the 2ndary, captain of the team, is 6 foot, and runs a 4.0. Can cover the slot as well as the TE. This is Clarks replacement. Im not sure what to do with the Shark.
97 (Wallace Comp) Demarcus Lawrence, DE/OLB Boise State- and yet another from my past mocks. Hes another Woodley/Worilds product, though at Boise St he was asked to stand up almost as much as when he had a hand in the ground. Powerful vs the run, can scare the shit outta QBs as he uses numerous blitzing moves, and has spent time dropping into coverage. And yes, a team captain. As of today our only depth at OLB is Chris Carter. Need I say more?
116 Arthur Lynch, TE Georgia- Finally, a guy that can officially take over for Miller in 1-2 years. Used mostly in line when blocking, but was a certain threat on 3rd down and goal line. Uses his size, 6'5 255, to block out defenders. Isnt gonna out run anyone, but knows the entire route tree and runs tight routes so he will make separation. Yup, another team captain.
133 (Lewis Comp) Phillip Gaines, CB Rice- Colbert let the cat out of the bag a few weeks ago when he said he "loved" the DBs in the East West Shrine game. I was originally set on Cockrell, but the combine showed me (and everyone who paid attention) that Gaines might be the more well rounded pick. At 6'0 200 he is Cortez Allen 2.0. Ran faster than a 4.4, and can play inside or out. And he is so much of a leader that he was the FIRST EVER junior to be named team captain at Rice. Ever.
152 Ryan Carrethers, NT Arkansas State- finally a true 0 tech. This kid showed at the combine why he was so disruptive to offenses, especially in the backfield. Had almost 200 tackles while really only starting the last 2 years. He is the definition of the term Bull Rush. Google an interview with him. Now close your eyes. Sounds like Dermontti doesnt it? A very bright kid with a passion to play. Due to the game going more pass happy the NT wont get used alot. So a later pick for the 0 tech makes perfect sense. But what to do when hes not on the field.... oh, thats right, pick 191
191 Deandre Coleman, DL Cal- is a natural in a 30 front base defense either at 5 tech. Has the size that some in the 40 front may like him as their 1 tech. I like what Ive seen with him on the end at the 5. Tomlin has been drafting bigger DL to play the 5 lately, with most on or over 300 lbs. This kid is right up there. Hell, at 6'5 315 he could play RT. Plays the run much better than the pass, but thats expected in our defense. Although pairing him with Cam in the middle of the 2-4-5 nickel set would be very fun to watch. And yes, a team captain.
214 (Mendy Comp) James Morris, LB Iowa- James is natural ILB in a 34, either at the Mack or Buck. Hes always running downfield, and understands the game very well. While his 40 time was only 4.8 I bet he does better on his pro day as the tape shows, and stats, that he can cover. And make picks. (4 last year alone) The stat that grabs Tomlins attention? 399 tackles in the Big Ten. And heres our 2nd Permanent Captain. Catching a trend here?
229 Jalen Saunders, OW Oklahoma- And Haley gets his toy. There are 3 kids in this draft that are essentially the same type of player. Saunders, Archer from Kent State and Thomas from Oregon, are all RB/WR/Offensive Weapons. Line'm up anywhere and just let'm go. All 4.4 or sub 4.4, and all the size of a thimble. We missed on Rainey, so we try again. Id rather have Dri Archer but Im betting someone gets him a little earlier with a kick ass 40.
255 (Mundy Comp) Trey Millard, FB/HBack/TE Oklahoma State- to me this kid looks like Will Johnsons twin. But if you look deeper you find an interesting thing about Trey. He was used in the Cowboys short yardage. Not even so much as a blocker (yeah, sometimes) but also as a ball carrier. He was their short yardage pick up. This kid has the chance to be big and play big. For those yinzers that miss the Bus, Trey will make them happy. The biggest difference is that Millard can also block AND catch. Imagine this- Its 3rd and goal. Full House set (3 in the backfield). Joining Ben is Bell, Will and Trey. Ummm, who's getting the ball? Good luck with that defense. And yes, he is also a team captain.
Hind sight being 20/20 I really wish I had done this earlier (even last night) as my picks fall into place PERFECTLY.
This trading back scenario really has me believing it could occur. It can occur. And yes, it will occur.
While most people look for trading down options primarily in the 1st round, I took it in another direction altogether. I bet we stay put at 15, draft the CB below, but when our turn comes around in the 2nd at 46- our phone will ring. 49ers are on the other end. They want Jordan Matthews, Jerry Rice's cousin. He's graded 57 overall with with another 10 teams between our pick and theirs... he wont last that long. Hell, we could take him.
So, we strike a deal. Swap our 46 for their 56, and they give us their extra 3rd round, 77th pick. When I wrote this mock I had no idea what player would be dropping that could make this happen. But the bible showed it to me tonight. BTW- youll notice the number of times I mention most of these guys being team captains. Why? Because I was the only one that saw that was the trend last year with ALL of our picks. We dont want iffy, maybe, halfass players anymore. We want leaders.
Enjoy folks. This is as real is itll ever get.
With the 15th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select... (I still hate you Goodell for making us wait another 2 weeks, you f'in jag off, when the original date wouldnt be a problem for Easter)
15 Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech- a senior (MT has only ever drafted senior CBs), a "Permanent Captain" on his team, a position flexible defender (played both safety and cb), from Va Tech (a very close defense to ours), is best in a man off coverage, is 6 foot, plays the run HARD, and ran a 4.0. This kid is what I was hoping Dennard from Michigan State would be. The Combine showed me otherwise. Oh, I forgot to mention- he's a blood line. The Fuller name is in the NFL almost as much as the Matthews boys.
56 (from 49ers for our 46) Donte Moncrief, WR Ole Miss- Ive had this kid attached to us for months. SEC product, over 6'2, built strong at 220, runs a 4.0 AND the ENTIRE ROUTE TREE. We interviewed him at the Combine. While most of the WRs we draft we seniors, there have been a few juniors (Wallace) that weve taken high. This kid plays like a taller, faster Hines Ward.
77 (from 49ers in above deal) Terrence Brooks, S Florida State- Another kid Ive had attached to the black and gold for months. Position flexible, this time from CB to S. Plays angry vs the run, calls all the plays in the 2ndary, captain of the team, is 6 foot, and runs a 4.0. Can cover the slot as well as the TE. This is Clarks replacement. Im not sure what to do with the Shark.
97 (Wallace Comp) Demarcus Lawrence, DE/OLB Boise State- and yet another from my past mocks. Hes another Woodley/Worilds product, though at Boise St he was asked to stand up almost as much as when he had a hand in the ground. Powerful vs the run, can scare the shit outta QBs as he uses numerous blitzing moves, and has spent time dropping into coverage. And yes, a team captain. As of today our only depth at OLB is Chris Carter. Need I say more?
116 Arthur Lynch, TE Georgia- Finally, a guy that can officially take over for Miller in 1-2 years. Used mostly in line when blocking, but was a certain threat on 3rd down and goal line. Uses his size, 6'5 255, to block out defenders. Isnt gonna out run anyone, but knows the entire route tree and runs tight routes so he will make separation. Yup, another team captain.
133 (Lewis Comp) Phillip Gaines, CB Rice- Colbert let the cat out of the bag a few weeks ago when he said he "loved" the DBs in the East West Shrine game. I was originally set on Cockrell, but the combine showed me (and everyone who paid attention) that Gaines might be the more well rounded pick. At 6'0 200 he is Cortez Allen 2.0. Ran faster than a 4.4, and can play inside or out. And he is so much of a leader that he was the FIRST EVER junior to be named team captain at Rice. Ever.
152 Ryan Carrethers, NT Arkansas State- finally a true 0 tech. This kid showed at the combine why he was so disruptive to offenses, especially in the backfield. Had almost 200 tackles while really only starting the last 2 years. He is the definition of the term Bull Rush. Google an interview with him. Now close your eyes. Sounds like Dermontti doesnt it? A very bright kid with a passion to play. Due to the game going more pass happy the NT wont get used alot. So a later pick for the 0 tech makes perfect sense. But what to do when hes not on the field.... oh, thats right, pick 191
191 Deandre Coleman, DL Cal- is a natural in a 30 front base defense either at 5 tech. Has the size that some in the 40 front may like him as their 1 tech. I like what Ive seen with him on the end at the 5. Tomlin has been drafting bigger DL to play the 5 lately, with most on or over 300 lbs. This kid is right up there. Hell, at 6'5 315 he could play RT. Plays the run much better than the pass, but thats expected in our defense. Although pairing him with Cam in the middle of the 2-4-5 nickel set would be very fun to watch. And yes, a team captain.
214 (Mendy Comp) James Morris, LB Iowa- James is natural ILB in a 34, either at the Mack or Buck. Hes always running downfield, and understands the game very well. While his 40 time was only 4.8 I bet he does better on his pro day as the tape shows, and stats, that he can cover. And make picks. (4 last year alone) The stat that grabs Tomlins attention? 399 tackles in the Big Ten. And heres our 2nd Permanent Captain. Catching a trend here?
229 Jalen Saunders, OW Oklahoma- And Haley gets his toy. There are 3 kids in this draft that are essentially the same type of player. Saunders, Archer from Kent State and Thomas from Oregon, are all RB/WR/Offensive Weapons. Line'm up anywhere and just let'm go. All 4.4 or sub 4.4, and all the size of a thimble. We missed on Rainey, so we try again. Id rather have Dri Archer but Im betting someone gets him a little earlier with a kick ass 40.
255 (Mundy Comp) Trey Millard, FB/HBack/TE Oklahoma State- to me this kid looks like Will Johnsons twin. But if you look deeper you find an interesting thing about Trey. He was used in the Cowboys short yardage. Not even so much as a blocker (yeah, sometimes) but also as a ball carrier. He was their short yardage pick up. This kid has the chance to be big and play big. For those yinzers that miss the Bus, Trey will make them happy. The biggest difference is that Millard can also block AND catch. Imagine this- Its 3rd and goal. Full House set (3 in the backfield). Joining Ben is Bell, Will and Trey. Ummm, who's getting the ball? Good luck with that defense. And yes, he is also a team captain.
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