Way too early mock draft

[FordFairLane]

Round 1- Steelers trade #15 (projected) to the Buccaneers for #27 & #59.
Steelers select Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati
Smaller division I school but have climbed the ladder to be a powerhouse this year. Gardner has been outstanding in his college career not allowing a TD and giving QB’s few opportunities to throw his way. When they do they pay for it. Reminds me a lot of Revis.

Round 2a- Steelers trade #47 to Miami for #51 & #115. Steelers select Phidarian Mathis DL Alabama. Mathis really came on his senior season. I don’t have a lot of faith in Tuitt returning and believe he might end up being cut. Alualu hopefully come back but isn’t a spring chicken and even Heyward is getting long in the tooth.

Rounds 2b- Trevor Penning LT Northern Iowa.
The reason Spencer Brown played RT is because Penning was the LT. I think he goes higher once he works out but if he was here I’d be happy. I feel Moore would make an exceptional guard and this pick could solidify our left side for years to come.

Round 3- Wan’Dale Robinson WR Kentucky
Smooth athlete that breaks in and out of cuts seamlessly. I don’t think we keep JuJu unless he takes a discount and I feel he wants to expand his marketability and NY or LA would give him that. Robinson is suited for the slot as he can get YAC and open up things down field.

Round 4a- Emil Ekiyor OC Alabama
Ekiyor has only played guard but has started 30 games for the tide. I feel he’d make a fantastic center. I’m not giving up on Green but he definitely needs some competition.

Round 4b(comp)- Marcus Jones CB Houston
Nickel/Dime DB but his immediate value is return man. Might be the most dynamic return man since Devon Hestor.

Rounds 6- PJ Mustipher DT Penn State
Big man with good movement skills. He should be a good replacement for Alualu in a year or two.

Round 7a- Dustin Crum QB Kent
Probably not where people want a QB but Crum is underrated and a definite gamer. Not a great arm but pretty accurate. He also is a decent athlete and will move the chain with his feet.

Rounds 7b- Scott Patchan Edge Colorado State
Effort pass rusher with A+ size. I’m not sure if I put him at OLB or have him pack on 20-30lbs and make him an end.

 

[madinsomniac]

If we get a top 15 pick and dont trade down we are fools lol. we need picks bad

 

[Steeltime]

If we get a top 15 pick and dont trade down we are fools lol. we need picks bad

 

[PolamaluFanForever43]

Our history of developing corners is so bad that I would be upset if we picked one early. Must go OL early and DL after that.

 

[madinsomniac]

I also really would like a later pick used on Cam's brother who plays TE/RB/FB... he would make a good HBack type and could be a backup ate TE and at the various RB positions.... the versatility would be great If he is there in the 6th or 7th, id take him... especially since his brother would ensure we dont cut him for some half assed mediocre special teams jackass like we too often do to 6th and 7th rounders

 

[TheDudeAbides]

I really like your draft. Please make this happen NOW.

If, by some miracle, Mustifer would be there in the 6th that would be a steal. He's coming off a torn ACL which will cause him to drop some, but he was all BIG10 prior to the injury.

 

[FordFairLane]

If we get a top 15 pick and dont trade down we are fools lol. we need picks bad

We have lots of holes and not a lot of picks. Unless we go balls to the wall in free agency I would suspect we are sellers in the draft.

 

[FordFairLane]

Our history of developing corners is so bad that I would be upset if we picked one early. Must go OL early and DL after that.

Gardner is one of the most technically sound CB’s I’ve seen coming out of college. If Tomlin can’t develop a guy who’s already better technically than half the corners in the NFL… well it is Tomlin. So hopefully he can not have him regress.

 

[FordFairLane]

I really like your draft. Please make this happen NOW.

If, by some miracle, Mustifer would be there in the 6th that would be a steal. He's coming off a torn ACL which will cause him to drop some, but he was all BIG10 prior to the injury.

Big block eaters usually don’t go too high in the pass happy NFL. And his injury probably makes him drop. He definitely could go higher but he has a couple things going against him there.

 

[warriors42]

I would trade all of this years picks for picks in 2023. we can't trade the comp pick so we still get one pick this year. **** 2022 and go for 14 or 15 picks in 2023 rebuild complete in one year lol.

 

[CoolieMan]

I would love to see Jones in Black and Gold. He could turn into a solid slot corner while being a big threat in the return game. I am so sick of ray ray out there

 

[Drink IRON City]

I would trade all of this years picks for picks in 2023. we can't trade the comp pick so we still get one pick this year. **** 2022 and go for 14 or 15 picks in 2023 rebuild complete in one year lol.

Pair that with a fresh coaching staff and GM, then we might have something......................... !





Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

Gardner is one of the most technically sound CB’s I’ve seen coming out of college. If Tomlin can’t develop a guy who’s already better technically than half the corners in the NFL… well it is Tomlin. So hopefully he can not have him regress.

I think the word you are looking for is "Tomlinized" .





Salute the nation

 

[ZonaBurgh]

QB would be the sexy pick, but there's nothing there this year to justify it when they pick.

They need big uglies on both sides of the ball, will they do that?

 

[FordFairLane]

I would trade all of this years picks for picks in 2023. we can't trade the comp pick so we still get one pick this year. **** 2022 and go for 14 or 15 picks in 2023 rebuild complete in one year lol.

You actually can trade comp picks now. That changed a couple years back.

 

[Coach]

Give me the center form Iowa ( Linderbaum) He's the best center prospect in years and lord know we need one.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I used this mock draft as a guide: https://www.drafttek.com/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

I enter the draft under the assumption the Steelers re-sign Witherspoon and add a legit starting cornerback to the roster.

1.15-Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
There are some reservations to take another undersized center, but Linderbaum is so technically sound and understands leverage and already has functional strength. Iowa has pumped out quality linemen and Linderbaum seems to be next in line.

2.47-Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Decent size and excellent athletic attributes. Washington has a nice history of developing NFL quality defensive backs. McDuffie is a physical cover corner who could develop into a No. 1.

3.79-Damone Clark, ILB, LSU
Yet another draft pick thrown at the ILB position. Clark has potential as a three-down starter. He was a tackling machine this year with 136 tackles (78 solo) and had 5.5 sacks. Of note, he wears No. 18, which is relevant at LSU. "The No. 18 is worn by the LSU player that best represents the values of the program on and off the field."

6.178-Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
Versatile player with good athleticism. Basically just trying to find a playmaker for the offense at the point of the draft.

7.196-Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky
Massive frame and has upside at tackle.

7.207-Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
Looking to find a late-round gem at running back to share the load with Harris.

 

[FordFairLane]

I used this mock draft as a guide: https://www.drafttek.com/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

I enter the draft under the assumption the Steelers re-sign Witherspoon and add a legit starting cornerback to the roster.

1.15-Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
There are some reservations to take another undersized center, but Linderbaum is so technically sound and understands leverage and already has functional strength. Iowa has pumped out quality linemen and Linderbaum seems to be next in line.

2.47-Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Decent size and excellent athletic attributes. Washington has a nice history of developing NFL quality defensive backs. McDuffie is a physical cover corner who could develop into a No. 1.

3.79-Damone Clark, ILB, LSU
Yet another draft pick thrown at the ILB position. Clark has potential as a three-down starter. He was a tackling machine this year with 136 tackles (78 solo) and had 5.5 sacks. Of note, he wears No. 18, which is relevant at LSU. "The No. 18 is worn by the LSU player that best represents the values of the program on and off the field."

6.178-Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
Versatile player with good athleticism. Basically just trying to find a playmaker for the offense at the point of the draft.

7.196-Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky
Massive frame and has upside at tackle.

7.207-Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
Looking to find a late-round gem at running back to share the load with Harris.

I like Linderbaum but I don’t think the Steelers totally give up on Green. Colbert isn’t one to admit he’s wrong. Jarvis jones, Artie Burns, and even Edmunds to a degree. Also, I feel Linderbaum will fall in the off-season. His size limits him to center only. I don’t think he’s an extraordinary athlete. I feel he ends up in the second round. Which if that’s the case would make him more appealing.
I like McDuffie. I think CB is probably the deepest position in this draft so I few good ones could fall. My only knock on McDuffie is ball skills. But I’d be happy with him in the second,
Clark is a heck of an athlete. But again, Colbert doesn’t like to admit that he’s wrong. Doubt they look to replace Bush.
I’d love to get Smith this late. Reminds me a little of Ward.
Rosenthal would be a good development OT. I’m not sure how much he could contribute year one as he’s pretty raw.
Not sure white lasts that long but would easily surpass McFarland off the roster.

 

[SteelerFan448]

The Steelers need to overhaul the line for real this time with talent. If that means admitting a mistake then that’s what they need to do. If they don’t have at least 3 new starters I’ll expect another bad year from this unit.

The idea with Clark is to replace Schobert. I think they’ll make him a post-June 1st cap casualty.

 

[FordFairLane]

The Steelers need to overhaul the line for real this time with talent. If that means admitting a mistake then that’s what they need to do. If they don’t have at least 3 new starters I’ll expect another bad year from this unit.

The idea with Clark is to replace Schobert. I think they’ll make him a post-June 1st cap casualty.

Personally I feel if they overhaul the line it might come via free agency. But I wouldn’t expect huge name signing. Maybe an Eric Fisher or Cam Robinson for tackle and maybe Bradley Bozeman at center. Bozeman might be nice because we’d be taking him from a division rival.

I guess they could cut Schobert. But we don’t need the cap room and I don’t think he’s played poorly. Especially considering how late he joined the team.

 

[slashsteel]

If by some chance Linderbaum is there the pick is a no brainer. Not only is he a huge upgrade he will give you what Green can't. And that is the ability to stay on his feet and not get pushed backwards. He has some leverage capabilities that came with his wrestling background. He is a natural center unlike Green that is struggling to convert. So you aren't shoving that square peg into a round hole. You pick him and don't blink. This is a decade type starter and would fix the weakest link of the Oline. I also think you turn to your Dline quickly and fix the other problem child. NT or DE if the value is there. I am replacing Tuitt in free agency. I don't have faith he can return to form with a year off.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Personally I feel if they overhaul the line it might come via free agency. But I wouldn’t expect huge name signing. Maybe an Eric Fisher or Cam Robinson for tackle and maybe Bradley Bozeman at center. Bozeman might be nice because we’d be taking him from a division rival.

I guess they could cut Schobert. But we don’t need the cap room and I don’t think he’s played poorly. Especially considering how late he joined the team.

Whatever the method, the line needs addressed in a big way. Last year's approach was unacceptable and is a step back in the rebuilding process. A strong offensive line already in place would have been perfect as the Steelers break in a new QB.

I know cap space isn't an issue, it's more if Schobert is worth the cap space he's taking up or would that be better allocated to adding another player or two to the roster?

If by some chance Linderbaum is there the pick is a no brainer. Not only is he a huge upgrade he will give you what Green can't. And that is the ability to stay on his feet and not get pushed backwards. He has some leverage capabilities that came with his wrestling background. He is a natural center unlike Green that is struggling to convert. So you aren't shoving that square peg into a round hole. You pick him and don't blink. This is a decade type starter and would fix the weakest link of the Oline. I also think you turn to your Dline quickly and fix the other problem child. NT or DE if the value is there. I am replacing Tuitt in free agency. I don't have faith he can return to form with a year off.

You can see some of that wrestling background in how he plays. As you said, he understands leverage and it's why he can bully bigger defensive linemen. The big problem on the offensive line is the worst player on the offensive line in 2020 is the best player in 2021 and he's a free agent after the season.

 

[FordFairLane]

Whatever the method, the line needs addressed in a big way. Last year's approach was unacceptable and is a step back in the rebuilding process. A strong offensive line already in place would have been perfect as the Steelers break in a new QB.

I know cap space isn't an issue, it's more if Schobert is worth the cap space he's taking up or would that be better allocated to adding another player or two to the roster?

You can see some of that wrestling background in how he plays. As you said, he understands leverage and it's why he can bully bigger defensive linemen. The big problem on the offensive line is the worst player on the offensive line in 2020 is the best player in 2021 and he's a free agent after the season.

How would you have fixed the offensive line? Just curious. You have zero cap space so you can’t sign much of anyone. Trai Turner is probably one of the best budget signings In the NFL last year for offensive linemen. Do you draft early? So no Harris or Freiermuth then. Not as easy as the layman fan would believe.

Hmmm. Maybe. Not sure we can get a lot more than a starting ILB and play caller on defense for less than 9 million. But that’s my two cents.

What I’m saying is he is not position flexible. He’s a center and center alone. He’s listed 6-3 290lbs. I am curious if he actually measures 6-3. I’d gather he’s at least 290 come combine with weight gain and training. But that’s pretty small for an NFL guard. Also, I don’t see him blowing the combine up with his athleticism. I don’t think he’s a bad athlete but I also don’t see his SPARQ looking like Creed Humphrey who was a second round pick. I think his technique keeps him I the second round but I don’t see him going round one. This is my opinion though. But the reasons I’ve stated, undersized, limited position flexibility, and projected athleticism could all hurt his stock. But it only takes one team to fall in love with him also.

 

[SteelerFan448]

How would you have fixed the offensive line? Just curious. You have zero cap space so you can’t sign much of anyone. Trai Turner is probably one of the best budget signings In the NFL last year for offensive linemen. Do you draft early? So no Harris or Freiermuth then. Not as easy as the layman fan would believe.

Hmmm. Maybe. Not sure we can get a lot more than a starting ILB and play caller on defense for less than 9 million. But that’s my two cents.

What I’m saying is he is not position flexible. He’s a center and center alone. He’s listed 6-3 290lbs. I am curious if he actually measures 6-3. I’d gather he’s at least 290 come combine with weight gain and training. But that’s pretty small for an NFL guard. Also, I don’t see him blowing the combine up with his athleticism. I don’t think he’s a bad athlete but I also don’t see his SPARQ looking like Creed Humphrey who was a second round pick. I think his technique keeps him I the second round but I don’t see him going round one. This is my opinion though. But the reasons I’ve stated, undersized, limited position flexibility, and projected athleticism could all hurt his stock. But it only takes one team to fall in love with him also.

Draft Creed Humphrey in the first round. I'll admit I liked Tevin Jenkins, but I never paid attention to his injury red flag. Humphrey was on the radar for me early and I take him as a better first-round investment than a running back.

Day 3 draft Trey Smith. He's been a guy we've talked about on this board about being a perfect fit for the Steelers for a couple of years now. Health red flags become less of a concern on day 3 when you absolutely take a top talent over a special teams linebacker.

Now I have two talented rookie starters on the offensive line, Pat Freiermuth and name whatever guy you want in the third round. Everyone wanted to sign Morgan Moses to play RT and I'm fine with that. Now you have a line with Okorafor-Dotson-Humphrey-Smith-Moses. I'd also do a real job search for an OL coach and not promote a guy who lacks NFL experience as OL coach.

I don't care if Linderbaum is position flexible. I'm drafting him to play center, not guard or tackle. You draft guys late in the draft for position flexibility, not in the first few rounds.

 

[alancac98]

If by some chance Linderbaum is there the pick is a no brainer. Not only is he a huge upgrade he will give you what Green can't. And that is the ability to stay on his feet and not get pushed backwards. He has some leverage capabilities that came with his wrestling background. He is a natural center unlike Green that is struggling to convert. So you aren't shoving that square peg into a round hole. You pick him and don't blink. This is a decade type starter and would fix the weakest link of the Oline. I also think you turn to your Dline quickly and fix the other problem child. NT or DE if the value is there. I am replacing Tuitt in free agency. I don't have faith he can return to form with a year off.

Totally agree, Slash!