Players that I(you) wouldn't mind being drafted

[slashsteel]

(Feel free to add yinz own)

Round 1

Mackenzie Alexander - some might point to lack of INTs. But I think he will prove to be a rock solid cover corner in the NFL.

Allowed 29% completion and never a TD

Not bad stats coming from a powerhouse college school.

Vernon Butler - I think he can man the NT position, then switch to DE and have the power athleticism to rotate at DE.

Andrew Billings - I like his motor etc. I just give him a slight notch below Butler due to his ankle injury. Not that I am expecting it to be reoccurring.

William Jackson the 3rd. Gets my fourth and final spot. I like him over (Apple, who I consider to be slightly overrated) Nice speed, which the Steeler tend to like in their corners, among other traits.

Round 2

DTs Kenny Clark/ Jarran Reed - Such a strong D-line draft value wise, I would think someone has to fall. And if the Steelers go CB or S in 1, I would think they would target DE/DT no later than 2. Simply because that is where BPA should sit. Typically the pass rush prospects go before the run defending specialists. So possibly one falls to 2.

S's Vonn Bell and Darian Thompson - I expect both to be off the board come late 2, but if by some luck either was there, someone better be running up to that podium. I think I prefer Bell as I think he would fit the Steelers scheme better.

OLB Leonard Floyd . I think this Georgia product brings the speed that Jarvis never possessed. Same school two totally different players. Some slight injury question marks might drop him to the Steelers in 2.

S Jeremy Cash - I think he is more of a SS, but I like his tackle ability.



Round 3

WR Braxton Miller - Is a raw conversion project. Probably will go higher based on potential. This is where I would draft him. But again he probably doesn't make it out of the bottom of 2.

G Joshua Garnett - I think he could be a future replacement for Foster, as I like his power and pulling ability.

WR Rashard Higgins.- Not a burner but has the look of a solid route runner, who is competitive, productive, and can block..

CB Harlan Miller - Needs to pack on some weight/strength but has the frame to do so. Productive and effective on STs.

Round 4


CB Maurice Canady- good size and a (playmaker. Which the Steelers are trying to gravitate towards at corner.)

RB Tyler Ervin -I like his athleticism and pass catching potential. Hits top speed quickly.

RB Daniel Lasco -Injuries knock him down but athleticism keeps him from falling lower.


Round 6

DT D J Reader - His away from football venture is worrisome. But let's face it talent this late is worth a look. I think he could go 5, but this is where I would draft him.

WR Daniel Braverman- Has some smallish frame -get off the blocks concerns, but his production/quickness is interesting.

Round 7

QB Cody Kessler - Could provide Landry with some needed competition.

CB Tavon Young - Late round playmaker that sparked the Steelers interest. Better zone prospect than man.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Solid and thanks for putting it together.!!!!!!!!!!!




Salute the nation

 

[steelbush]

I would never draft a CB in the first round....unless they had the pedigree of Deion Sanders, Woodson, etc. This board has gushed over CB's the last couple years (Dennard, Trae Waynes, Justin Gilbert, etc). For the most part they never live up to the hype and mostly suck. Waste of a pick IMO. I would be happy with DL, Safety, or even best OL or LB available.

 

[diver]

I would never draft a CB in the first round....unless they had the pedigree of Deion Sanders, Woodson, etc. This board has gushed over CB's the last couple years (Dennard, Trae Waynes, Justin Gilbert, etc). For the most part they never live up to the hype and mostly suck. Waste of a pick IMO. I would be happy with DL, Safety, or even best OL or LB available.

I have always agreed with this assessment, especially in light of the rules enforcement. But man, the Steelers just don't cover anybody. Sometimes it looks so easy. They have to do something at some point, right? Since they don't have the pass rushers they used to have at OLB, maybe they need to get more talent on the backend, hold their coverage a little longer and see if the rush can get there.

 

[chipped ham]

I would never draft a CB in the first round....unless they had the pedigree of Deion Sanders, Woodson, etc. This board has gushed over CB's the last couple years (Dennard, Trae Waynes, Justin Gilbert, etc). For the most part they never live up to the hype and mostly suck. Waste of a pick IMO. I would be happy with DL, Safety, or even best OL or LB available.

I think Gilbert is the only one on that list who really "busted" out though. Waynes was decent and is only going into his second year and Dennard was deep on the depth chart and had an injury last year but, unfortunately, I think he'll fill the void left by Leon Hall on the bungholes roster rather well. Last years corners in the first fared pretty well too. Peters had 8 picks, Houston is in love with Kevin Johnson and Byron Jones was solid and looking to improve. Now, the steelers missed out on some because of where they were picking, but like diver said, the steelers just don't cover ANYBODY. Hopefully, this is the year we get one. I really like Mack Alexander and hope people keep focusing on his lack of int's and he slides to the steelers and I'm really warming up to William Jackson.

 

[kev4heels]

I have a couple mocks I'm kicking around right now.
Emphasis will be heavily on defense, for obvious reasons. The not-so-obvious is that we haven't even looked at fixing defensive issues in FA.
We have gone after offensive guys b/c that's how Colbert does business. You fill areas where the draft is weak in. This draft is defensive heavy...specifically DL.

1. Mackensie Alexader or William Jackson CB. Alexander would probably be their first choice as the can really cover and is "sticky" with ferocity and swagger.
2. Keanu Neal/Karl Jospeh SS. I like Joseph better but Neal is pretty good as well with great measureables.
3. Johnathan Hargrave NT. Obvious need pick.
4. Yannick N'gakoue OLB. Obvious need pick.

If both CB's are off the board, I think we do this:

1. Andrew Billings NT
2. Keanu Neal/Karl Joseph SS
3. Johnathon Jones CB
4. Yannick N'gakoue

 

[slashsteel]

Thing is I think we have a good chance of missing out on some needed additions come two.

As the ones the Steelers have shown interest a decent amount looks to be going low one early to mid two.

With the lack of picks a trade up is unlikely.... unless you are aggressive trade down in 1, then maneuver to trade up in two.

Not sure that this will take place, but I am hoping for a aggressive mindset early.

Although I am very well aware of the old say want in one hand **** in another.

 

[Coach]

(Feel free to add yinz own)

Round 1

Mackenzie Alexander - some might point to lack of INTs. But I think he will prove to be a rock solid cover corner in the NFL.
Not bad stats coming from a powerhouse college school.

Vernon Butler - I think he can man the NT position, then switch to DE and have the power athleticism to rotate at DE.

Andrew Billings - I like his motor etc. I just give him a slight notch below Butler due to his ankle injury. Not that I am expecting it to be reoccurring.

William Jackson the 3rd. Gets my fourth and final spot. I like him over (Apple, who I consider to be slightly overrated) Nice speed, which the Steeler tend to like in their corners, among other traits.

Round 2

DTs Kenny Clark/ Jarran Reed - Such a strong D-line draft value wise, I would think someone has to fall. And if the Steelers go CB or S in 1, I would think they would target DE/DT no later than 2. Simply because that is where BPA should sit. Typically the pass rush prospects go before the run defending specialists. So possibly one falls to 2.

S's Vonn Bell and Darian Thompson - I expect both to be off the board come late 2, but if by some luck either was there, someone better be running up to that podium. I think I prefer Bell as I think he would fit the Steelers scheme better.

OLB Leonard Floyd . I think this Georgia product brings the speed that Jarvis never possessed. Same school two totally different players. Some slight injury question marks might drop him to the Steelers in 2.

S Jeremy Cash - I think he is more of a SS, but I like his tackle ability.



Round 3

WR Braxton Miller - Is a raw conversion project. Probably will go higher based on potential. This is where I would draft him. But again he probably doesn't make it out of the bottom of 2.

G Joshua Garnett - I think he could be a future replacement for Foster, as I like his power and pulling ability.

WR Rashard Higgins.- Not a burner but has the look of a solid route runner, who is competitive, productive, and can block..

CB Harlan Miller - Needs to pack on some weight/strength but has the frame to do so. Productive and effective on STs.

Round 4


CB Maurice Canady- good size and a (playmaker. Which the Steelers are trying to gravitate towards at corner.)

RB Tyler Ervin -I like his athleticism and pass catching potential. Hits top speed quickly.

RB Daniel Lasco -Injuries knock him down but athleticism keeps him from falling lower.


Round 6

DT D J Reader - His away from football venture is worrisome. But let's face it talent this late is worth a look. I think he could go 5, but this is where I would draft him.

WR Daniel Braverman- Has some smallish frame -get off the blocks concerns, but his production/quickness is interesting.

Round 7

QB Cody Kessler - Could provide Landry with some needed competition.

CB Tavon Young - Late round playmaker that sparked the Steelers interest. Better zone prospect than man.

Thanks. I'll only comment on the guys I disagree with in rounds 1-3

Round two:

OLB Floyd. Where's the production? And he has a lanky type of body that gets injured too easily.

S Jeremy Cash. While he shined at the senior bowl there are doubts on how he holds up in coverage. Too early for him in round two. Round 3-4, okay.


Round 3:


WR Rashard Higgins. Not a need. Next year might be better to draft WR. We still have AB, Wheaton, and an improving Coates with a reliable Heyward-Bey. And we just signed a down the field TE weapon in Green.

G Joshua Garnett . We have too many needs to pick up a Backup guard this early!

 

[SteelerFan448]

G Joshua Garnett . We have too many needs to pick up a Backup guard this early!

Disagree with this. If you think the guy can be an upper-tier guard, you gladly take him in round three.

 

[ZACKB]

I would totally like to go this route
1 Cb
2 DL
3 Safety
4 NT or Offensive Guard

 

[Coach]

Disagree with this. If you think the guy can be an upper-tier guard, you gladly take him in round three.

DeCastro is an upper tier Guard. Foster a solid veteran familiar with the system. No guard in the draft would start for us, partly because Tomlin doesn't like to play rookies

In terms of need positions, Guard is way down on the list.

So I want a round three selection at a position of need, and one with a chance to start due to the weakness of the position.

 

[CoolieMan]

Pretty sure y'all know who I would like in Round 1

 

[slashsteel]

DeCastro is an upper tier Guard. Foster a solid veteran familiar with the system. No guard in the draft would start for us, partly because Tomlin doesn't like to play rookies

In terms of need positions, Guard is way down on the list.

So I want a round three selection at a position of need, and one with a chance to start due to the weakness of the position.

A age long debate, I tell you you don't want to reach in the process though. as then you might pass up a starter in favor just a average backup player.

 

[bermudasteel]

I would never draft a CB in the first round....unless they had the pedigree of Deion Sanders, Woodson, etc. This board has gushed over CB's the last couple years (Dennard, Trae Waynes, Justin Gilbert, etc). For the most part they never live up to the hype and mostly suck. Waste of a pick IMO. I would be happy with DL, Safety, or even best OL or LB available.

I beg to differ...

Many of us "liked and wanted" Marcus Peters last year - we passed on him and he shined in KC. Oh well...

Now, for my quick mock.

Rd. 1 - I'm personally targeting one of the DB's first - and I've whittled the list to two: 1a. Alexander 1b. WJIII; if both of those players are gone my backup plan it BPA (preferably a DT in the likes of Billings, Jarran Reed or Nkemdiche).
Rd. 2 - We have to target a SS in Rd. 2; I keep hearing that Cravens doesn't think or want to play the position (makes me sad), but, Karl Joseph is my pick here. You know the deal, if he's not there - BPA - hopefully a OLB
Rd. 3 - While I support Mr. Jarvis because he's a Steeler - it's time to find some new blood at OLB - Deebo may or may not come back and Uncle Jarvis has been somewhat mediocre at the position - get another OLB in Rd. 3.
Rd. 4 - Going back to the big uglies - Heyward and Tuitt can't stay on the field for every defensive snap so we need some back up at the DE position.
Rd. 6 - I'm tired of seeing Landry Jones. It's time to get another winner and leader at the QB position - don't care what y'all think; but, Jake Coker is my guy here.
Rd. 7 - Me thinks RB or FB is what I'd like to get here - but BPA is fine...

 

[ZACKB]

I do agree that we need to look at OLB. What if Calhoun is there in rd 2 for us...we would have to take him.

 

[steelerscotty]

While i think its a distinct possibility we got corner (Apple, Alexander, Jackson) in round one, if one of the multi-purpose lineman are there I'm betting thats our choice:

1. NT/5-tech rotation-Billings or Butler.
2. S-Joseph, Neal, or Darian Thompson.
3. CB- Jonathon Jones, Cyrus Jones, Will Redmon, Daryl Worley. If rounds 1 and 2 go as i listed then bet on taking best corner available in round 3.
4. DE-Jihad Ward. Some mocks have him going as high as the 2nd round. Great Value here. I do see us taking all defense and 2 lineman in the first 4 rounds.
6-7. With our last 3 picks I see us taking and OLB, Olineman and a QB. I really like Joe Thuney from NC State. He can play all 5 positions on the line. OLB: Ochi, Nichols or Antwione Williams. Any QB to give Jones competition. Not sure which order but I could see it going 6-OLB, 7-Oline, 7-QB.

 

[USDA#1]

if they took Dak Prescott late, I wouldn't mind.

 

[Clete]

I would love Dak Prescott and Trae Elston

 

[CoolieMan]

late round flyer on RB Kenneth Farrow or ILB Elandon Roberts would be good also

 

[ARBY]

I am prettysure that we did NOT pass on peters last year...Didn't kc pick him ahead of our pick in the first round ?

I beg to differ...

Many of us "liked and wanted" Marcus Peters last year - we passed on him and he shined in KC. Oh well...

Now, for my quick mock.

Rd. 1 - I'm personally targeting one of the DB's first - and I've whittled the list to two: 1a. Alexander 1b. WJIII; if both of those players are gone my backup plan it BPA (preferably a DT in the likes of Billings, Jarran Reed or Nkemdiche).
Rd. 2 - We have to target a SS in Rd. 2; I keep hearing that Cravens doesn't think or want to play the position (makes me sad), but, Karl Joseph is my pick here. You know the deal, if he's not there - BPA - hopefully a OLB
Rd. 3 - While I support Mr. Jarvis because he's a Steeler - it's time to find some new blood at OLB - Deebo may or may not come back and Uncle Jarvis has been somewhat mediocre at the position - get another OLB in Rd. 3.
Rd. 4 - Going back to the big uglies - Heyward and Tuitt can't stay on the field for every defensive snap so we need some back up at the DE position.
Rd. 6 - I'm tired of seeing Landry Jones. It's time to get another winner and leader at the QB position - don't care what y'all think; but, Jake Coker is my guy here.
Rd. 7 - Me thinks RB or FB is what I'd like to get here - but BPA is fine...

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I still haven't had enough time to really go through everyone yet but from games i watched last year and guys who stood out to me, here's the draft pool i'd like for the steelers. It's also based on who i think the steelers will like.

CB - huge need but may not be the 1st round pick. The steelers just don't value CB as highly as many other teams so i'm thinking it's Mackensie Alexander or nothing in Rd 1 for CB
1 Alexander
2 William Jackson, Eli Apple,
3 Jonathan Jones

Safety - steelers ask more of their safeties than CBs. Neal could be the pick because CB and DL are deeper than Safety.
1 Keanu Neal,
3 Miles Killebrew, Darian Thompson,
Late - Mike Caputo, Jordan Lucas

DL - They need depth and i think they want a guy who can play NT and also be in the DE rotation or play DT in nickel. This is the deepest position in the draft. If they can find that 3 down NT then that's their first round pick.
1 Billings, Vernon Butler,
2 Austin Johnson, Adolphus Washington, Carl Nassib (DE/OLB), Kevin Dodd DE, Jonathan Bullard
Late - Anthony Zettel

OLB - not a ton of OLBs in this draft. There may be some DEs who are athletic enough. If they want an OLB they may need to spend a 1st rounder
1 Noah Spence, Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah, Leonard Floyd,
2 Kyler Fackrell,
3 Jordan Jenkins,

 

[GRBman]

M. Alexander is going to be another very, very good CB in the league. He's totally worth a 1/25 pick...even higher if the Steelers want to trade up to get him (yes, I know...it's rare)

Thoughts on Neal at S... I watched every game of this kid's career at Florida and he's going to be great. He's a fantastic young man (don't we say that about all of "our" college guys?)...does a ton of community work, great character, never in any kind of trouble at all even when the program was falling apart. He really reminds me a lot of Ryan Clark. He's got great size and speed, but he hits like a Mack Truck. Run support is not going to ever be a problem... and his hits on receivers at Florida rarely drew flags.

There are a couple of other kids coming out of Gainesville that might be worthy of a late-round flyer: Kelvin Taylor (RB), Jake McGee (TE) and Alex McCalister (DE). The one with the highest ceiling is McCalister. He's built like Charles Haley, but he's raw...VERY raw. He'd definitely be a project. Taylor's production wasn't great at Florida, but neither was the offensive line...hell, the whole offense was terrible for most of his career. Last year, after Will Grier (QB) was suspended for the year, Taylor was the only offense the Gators had. Yes, that's Fred Taylor's kid...and yes, he's going to be a good back.

My favorite guy though is Jake McGee. I don't think he'll last long in the League, but my goodness I love the kid. He transferred to Florida from Virginia and immediately blew out his knee in the first game. He was granted a medical redshirt and finally got to play the whole season last year. He put up good numbers, but again, the QB play was just awful after Grier was gone. If you look at film, he's a Heath Miller clone. Big, Strong white boy with FANTASTIC hands...catches everything... the knock on McGee is that he's not as athletic as teams want... but they all want Gronk now... McGee is going to be good...not sure how long he'll be good...but he'll be good.

 

[bermudasteel]

M. Alexander is going to be another very, very good CB in the league. He's totally worth a 1/25 pick...even higher if the Steelers want to trade up to get him (yes, I know...it's rare)

Thoughts on Neal at S... I watched every game of this kid's career at Florida and he's going to be great. He's a fantastic young man (don't we say that about all of "our" college guys?)...does a ton of community work, great character, never in any kind of trouble at all even when the program was falling apart. He really reminds me a lot of Ryan Clark. He's got great size and speed, but he hits like a Mack Truck. Run support is not going to ever be a problem... and his hits on receivers at Florida rarely drew flags.

There are a couple of other kids coming out of Gainesville that might be worthy of a late-round flyer: Kelvin Taylor (RB), Jake McGee (TE) and Alex McCalister (DE). The one with the highest ceiling is McCalister. He's built like Charles Haley, but he's raw...VERY raw. He'd definitely be a project. Taylor's production wasn't great at Florida, but neither was the offensive line...hell, the whole offense was terrible for most of his career. Last year, after Will Grier (QB) was suspended for the year, Taylor was the only offense the Gators had. Yes, that's Fred Taylor's kid...and yes, he's going to be a good back.

My favorite guy though is Jake McGee. I don't think he'll last long in the League, but my goodness I love the kid. He transferred to Florida from Virginia and immediately blew out his knee in the first game. He was granted a medical redshirt and finally got to play the whole season last year. He put up good numbers, but again, the QB play was just awful after Grier was gone. If you look at film, he's a Heath Miller clone. Big, Strong white boy with FANTASTIC hands...catches everything... the knock on McGee is that he's not as athletic as teams want... but they all want Gronk now... McGee is going to be good...not sure how long he'll be good...but he'll be good.

Absolutely 100% agreed. I meet Jake and his parents after the SECCG in Atlanta this year (sat next to his parents during the game) and I really like what I saw from him most of the season (even though I'm a Bama fan).

I'm going to say it again, knowing that it probably won't happen, adding Jake Coker at QB and Jake McGee at TE - I see a nice bright future for the offense...

 

[GRBman]

McGee quickly became one of my absolute favorite Gators. He even wears 83!! Step right up, kid...

You and I have discussed this before...While I like Coker, I like Kevin Hogan better, but I'd be elated with either. I'd like for the Steelers to dismiss both Jones and Gradkowski. Pick up Hogan or Coker in the late rounds...pickup a veteran off the wire to serve as a mentor to the kids while Ben is doing his thing winning games.

 

[steelerscotty]

I am prettysure that we did NOT pass on peters last year...Didn't kc pick him ahead of our pick in the first round ?

You are correct:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015