- Joined
- Apr 8, 2014
- Messages
- 6,340
- Reaction score
- 4,118
- Points
- 113
Devin Bush LB Michigan
Now I am going to take into consideration Bush cost us a our first, second and a 2020 third. This is my concern we gave up a lot (correct value though) for a linebacker under 6’ tall. I cannot think of a hall of fame or even pro bowl MLB that is under 6’ besides Zach Thomas and maybe London Fletcher. That said I like Bush and I like him better than White whom is roughly the same size and went ahead of Bush. The Steeler identified a need and the best player in the draft to fill it and to get that player they figured they’d have to get ahead of the Bengals. Well, they did and this draft and next draft will largely be defined by the player Bush becomes. I for one will be cheering and rooting for him as loud as any.
Pros- Quick twitch athlete who is a natural leader and very cerebral when running the defense. He has the ability to blitz, shoot gaps, tackle, and even the ability to flip his hips and run with a back.
Cons- Size is the biggest concern (no pun intended) and with that concern comes covering larger TE’s up the seam and his ability stack and shed larger offensive linemen.
C+ (again I like the player but if what we gave up was worth it is yet to be seen)
Diontae Johnson WR Toledo
I know this is the least favorite of our picks but looking at some of the bigger draft boards like CBS #37, Draft Countdown #27, and NFL Draft Scout #45. And the fact Bruce Arians was going to take him after if the Steelers didn’t makes me ok with where we go him.
Pros- Elite when getting off the line which is usually a huge learning curve in the NFL. Awesome change of direction skills, and one of if not the best at tracking the ball in the air. The two things the great ones do is get off the line and track the ball in the air. He can do both.
Cons- Average athlete, below average size, with very small hands which is the kicker for me.
B
Justin Layne CB Michigan State
This is the definition of a boom or bust pick. Layne tested off the charts but his lack of technique is going to get him beat like a redheaded stepchild.
Pros- Impressive size for a CB at nearly 6-2, with long arms, and wingspan. Fluid athlete with better long speed that quick twitch but very smooth in his transitions.
Cons- Former wide receiver who doesn’t understand basic concepts of the game being coached by a team notoriously bad at developing CB’s.
B-
Benny Snell RB Kentucky
This is a very high floor but low ceiling type player in my opinion. I think Snell would be a great backup and even a decent starter in a pinch but I don’t see him taking the starting job from Connor or even JaySam if Connor gets hurt.
Pros- Very nice lower center of gravity and with that balance bounces off some would be tacklers. Above average vision and allows blocks to develop. Good size and proven success as a three year starter. One cut and up which is a very successful style in the NFL. Very good in Pass Protection which is my favorite thing about him.
Cons- Below average athlete. Lots of miles on those legs. Not a pass catching threat.
C
Zach Gentry TE Michigan
Felt like the team had a huge hole missing with James gone and was damn sure they were going to fill it with this pick. Truth his Gentry reminds me a ton of Matt Spaeth as he was probably overly productive as a pass catcher in College and will likely be an extra offensive lineman in the pros.
Pros- Imposing size at 6-8 1/8. Had a huge year catching the football with 32 grabs at 514 yards. Seems to understand zone and soft spots and did a nice job on drag routes.
Cons- Two touchdowns when you are 6-8? Very slow and extremely tight hips. Not very good hands and had some very crucial drops. His blocking is average at best. For a guy of his size he doesn’t offer much else.
C
Sutton Smith Edge NIU
Dude might be the most productive player we have ever drafted. 56 TFL and 29 sacks the last two seasons. WOW. He is like mighty mouse out there but is a special teams stud and I feel that is where he makes his money.
Pros- Quick off the snap and gets low to turn the corner. Non stop motor and is always running hot. Very agile and has good feet movement. Outstanding special teamer and plays those snaps with same intensity.
Cons- Drastically undersized with short arms and small hands. Not sure he will even have a position.
C
Isaiah Buggs DL Alabama
I hate Alabama players as they have a HUGE bust rate but taking one this late isn’t so bad. Buggs has a shot at a rotational roll or backup roll with the Steelers and would be a good candidate for the practice squad.
Pros- Good motor and is always active during the play. Experienced in the 34 and our defensive line coach. Had a monster year with 9.5 sacks.
Cons- Not a great athlete and is just another guy. Looks like he is maxed out physically. Short arms, small hands, not explosive ect
C
Ulysees Grant III LB Akron
I was a little confused by this pick and then I started to think about our defense when Shaz went down and we had nothing behind him. I think Grant can backup Bush and be a special teamer and maybe some sub packages in a year or two. Good PS candidate.
Pros- Quick LB with plus coverage skills. Better than average coverage skills. Read and react linebacker.
Cons- Size and strength will be a battle in the NFL.
B
Derwin Gray OL Maryland
Powerful lineman with good length and athleticism. Probably kicks inside to help with his footwork but could be a nice replacement for Foster in two seasons. He again is a likely candidate for PS.
Pros- Long arms, powerful, nasty lineman who doesn’t try to win but destroy his matchup.
Cons- Slow to recognize at times and doesn’t have the footwork to stay at tackle. Project.
B
Now I am going to take into consideration Bush cost us a our first, second and a 2020 third. This is my concern we gave up a lot (correct value though) for a linebacker under 6’ tall. I cannot think of a hall of fame or even pro bowl MLB that is under 6’ besides Zach Thomas and maybe London Fletcher. That said I like Bush and I like him better than White whom is roughly the same size and went ahead of Bush. The Steeler identified a need and the best player in the draft to fill it and to get that player they figured they’d have to get ahead of the Bengals. Well, they did and this draft and next draft will largely be defined by the player Bush becomes. I for one will be cheering and rooting for him as loud as any.
Pros- Quick twitch athlete who is a natural leader and very cerebral when running the defense. He has the ability to blitz, shoot gaps, tackle, and even the ability to flip his hips and run with a back.
Cons- Size is the biggest concern (no pun intended) and with that concern comes covering larger TE’s up the seam and his ability stack and shed larger offensive linemen.
C+ (again I like the player but if what we gave up was worth it is yet to be seen)
Diontae Johnson WR Toledo
I know this is the least favorite of our picks but looking at some of the bigger draft boards like CBS #37, Draft Countdown #27, and NFL Draft Scout #45. And the fact Bruce Arians was going to take him after if the Steelers didn’t makes me ok with where we go him.
Pros- Elite when getting off the line which is usually a huge learning curve in the NFL. Awesome change of direction skills, and one of if not the best at tracking the ball in the air. The two things the great ones do is get off the line and track the ball in the air. He can do both.
Cons- Average athlete, below average size, with very small hands which is the kicker for me.
B
Justin Layne CB Michigan State
This is the definition of a boom or bust pick. Layne tested off the charts but his lack of technique is going to get him beat like a redheaded stepchild.
Pros- Impressive size for a CB at nearly 6-2, with long arms, and wingspan. Fluid athlete with better long speed that quick twitch but very smooth in his transitions.
Cons- Former wide receiver who doesn’t understand basic concepts of the game being coached by a team notoriously bad at developing CB’s.
B-
Benny Snell RB Kentucky
This is a very high floor but low ceiling type player in my opinion. I think Snell would be a great backup and even a decent starter in a pinch but I don’t see him taking the starting job from Connor or even JaySam if Connor gets hurt.
Pros- Very nice lower center of gravity and with that balance bounces off some would be tacklers. Above average vision and allows blocks to develop. Good size and proven success as a three year starter. One cut and up which is a very successful style in the NFL. Very good in Pass Protection which is my favorite thing about him.
Cons- Below average athlete. Lots of miles on those legs. Not a pass catching threat.
C
Zach Gentry TE Michigan
Felt like the team had a huge hole missing with James gone and was damn sure they were going to fill it with this pick. Truth his Gentry reminds me a ton of Matt Spaeth as he was probably overly productive as a pass catcher in College and will likely be an extra offensive lineman in the pros.
Pros- Imposing size at 6-8 1/8. Had a huge year catching the football with 32 grabs at 514 yards. Seems to understand zone and soft spots and did a nice job on drag routes.
Cons- Two touchdowns when you are 6-8? Very slow and extremely tight hips. Not very good hands and had some very crucial drops. His blocking is average at best. For a guy of his size he doesn’t offer much else.
C
Sutton Smith Edge NIU
Dude might be the most productive player we have ever drafted. 56 TFL and 29 sacks the last two seasons. WOW. He is like mighty mouse out there but is a special teams stud and I feel that is where he makes his money.
Pros- Quick off the snap and gets low to turn the corner. Non stop motor and is always running hot. Very agile and has good feet movement. Outstanding special teamer and plays those snaps with same intensity.
Cons- Drastically undersized with short arms and small hands. Not sure he will even have a position.
C
Isaiah Buggs DL Alabama
I hate Alabama players as they have a HUGE bust rate but taking one this late isn’t so bad. Buggs has a shot at a rotational roll or backup roll with the Steelers and would be a good candidate for the practice squad.
Pros- Good motor and is always active during the play. Experienced in the 34 and our defensive line coach. Had a monster year with 9.5 sacks.
Cons- Not a great athlete and is just another guy. Looks like he is maxed out physically. Short arms, small hands, not explosive ect
C
Ulysees Grant III LB Akron
I was a little confused by this pick and then I started to think about our defense when Shaz went down and we had nothing behind him. I think Grant can backup Bush and be a special teamer and maybe some sub packages in a year or two. Good PS candidate.
Pros- Quick LB with plus coverage skills. Better than average coverage skills. Read and react linebacker.
Cons- Size and strength will be a battle in the NFL.
B
Derwin Gray OL Maryland
Powerful lineman with good length and athleticism. Probably kicks inside to help with his footwork but could be a nice replacement for Foster in two seasons. He again is a likely candidate for PS.
Pros- Long arms, powerful, nasty lineman who doesn’t try to win but destroy his matchup.
Cons- Slow to recognize at times and doesn’t have the footwork to stay at tackle. Project.
B
Last edited:
