Steelers' Draft

[coloradoduck]

I was talking with a couple of my Steelers buddies and we started discussing the draft. It is pretty obvious that once again the Steelers are in a very good position because they really do not have to draft for need. Even though they missed the playoffs they are a team that just won the Super Bowl last season and really played a lot better in the second half despite having their best WR out after having the QB out most of the first half.

Anyway, out thoughts are that they will probably draft a few linemen but that can always happen in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I am thinking they go defense, maybe LB in the first round, since a few of the guys are starting to get old. Of course since they are fairly solid across the board they can always just take the best guy available at that time although I think the only thing they won't take is another WR in the first round.

Thoughts????

[Canada]

Ya never know what will happen.

I can see us Draft a DE early.


I think that Tomlin might want to eventually shift over to a 4-3 Defense.



When was the last time we actually Drafted a LBer in the 1st round?

Huey Richardson???

[coloradoduck]

Ya never know what will happen.

I can see us Draft a DE early.


I think that Tomlin might want to eventually shift over to a 4-3 Defense.



When was the last time we actually Drafted a LBer in the 1st round?

Huey Richardson???

Has it really been that long? Wow....

DE is a real possibility. CB is another. Either way I am pretty sure it will be the BEST defensive player available when they pick. I just don't see them going offense until the 3rd round and then it will be help on the OL.

[Canada]

Ya never know. IMO they are a better team than that .500 record.

I can't think of another 1st round LBer since Richardson.......the only other one I can think of right now who came close is Alonzo Jackson who went in the 2nd.


For years we were able to hit on those "tweeners" later in the Draft since we were one of the only teams to run a base 3-4 Defense.


Success by us, the Pats, Chargers and Cowboys has brought more teams thinking about the 3-4.

[coloradoduck]

No doubt the Steelers do some of the best scouting in the NFL. They consistently find talent in the 3rd and 4th rounds. Their success in the draft contributes directly to them staying competitive every year because it lets them let free agents that are due to get a big raise leave and they have a capable replacement. I think a lot of the success of the players can be given to the system they employ, particularly on defense. It is amazing how players seem to just fall off the map after leaving the Steelers. A few have had good success after they have left...but for the most part they go from being a starter in Pittsburgh to being a journeyman the rest of their careers.

[Canada]

Coaching plays a big part also.

They put the players in position to be successful.

[coloradoduck]

They draft players that fit their system and that is smart. Draft offensive linemen that can run trap blocks. Draft TEs that can catch and block. Draft linebackers that can drop back and cover RBs and TEs. Of course as you pointed out, it still takes coaching to teach them what they need to learn that system though.