Peter King's Mock Draft Pick for the Steelers is interesting.

[K_C_]

King believes the run at WR will begin with the Steelers at 17 and the pick will be Jaxon Smith-Njigba, OSU.

While I know pretty much everyone here wants an offensive tackle and my favorite receiver in this draft is Zay Flowers, Smith-Njigba is pretty much unanimously considered the best WR in this draft. By everyone. He has flashed true superstar abilities.

You add THIS motherfucker to Pickens, Robinson and Austin III? Holy shit.

Also, if the Steelers DO somehow make Smith-Njigba the pick, I would 100% believe you'd see Diontae Johnson traded later in the draft.

Just an interesting pick I hadn't thought of by King.

[Steelperch]

What is the point of having 5 viable WRs when the team hardly throws the ball and almost never throws it behind 10 yards. The odds they pick a WR in round 1 are roughly 1%.

[Louis Lipps Service]

I think my biggest issue with that is that if you draft a stud WR this year, you’re pretty much guaranteed to lose either him or Pickens in a couple years because you won’t be able to pay top WR money to two guys at the same position (or at the very least /shouldn’t/ pay top dollar for two guys at the same position).

Much rather get a top prospect at T that fits better in the budget for the long haul, then maybe draft a project WR in rounds 3+ that can return kicks and can kick Gunner off the roster.

[K_C_]

What is the point of having 5 viable WRs when the team hardly throws the ball and almost never throws it behind 10 yards. The odds they pick a WR in round 1 are roughly 1%.

If they were to take Smith-Njigba, they'd be trading somebody.

That somebody would be Diontae Johnson.

Also, while I understand it's the cool thing to hate Matt Canada's offense and I don't disagree overall with that sentiment, Canada had Ben Roethlisberger on his last legs, followed by the combination of what I believe to be the worst starting QB in Steelers history (Mitch Trubisky) and a rookie. That doesn't exactly scream; "BOMBS AWAY, BABY!!".

This is a period of transition for the Steelers. They don't have the Hall of Fame QB to bail them out anymore. They are working with a young QB and I like the direction they're headed. They have upgraded the o-line and clearly will pick another o-lineman early.

Kenny will be more comfortable this season and should have better protection. The running attack came alive the second half of last season and I could see us being in the top 10 that department with both Harris and Warren getting a bunch of touches.

That leaves Kenny's weaponry and right now, it isn't good enough. You might believe it is, but I 100% disagree.

I doubt you'll see Air Coryell but there is absolutely zero doubt in my mind they will be going downfield far more often this year.

[Jizz Mop]

Peter King is doing bong hits, and possibly meth

[K_C_]

Peter King is doing bong hits, and possibly meth

Why?

[ironzabo]

Unequivocally agree that you are NOT gonna get away with the mish mash of jabronies that 7 elevated for all those years boys.

You need DUDES like Smith_Njigba surrounding Lenny - as many as you can find.

If JSN is on the board somehow some way at 1.17 you damn well better believe my man Weidl is gonna be taking a long hard look.

This is gonna be the most exciting Steeler haul in many moons.


Buckle up and enjoy it !

[Jobu]

Peter King is doing bong hits, and possibly meth

Why?

A few weeks ago, Dejan stated that if JSN is available at 17, it changes the Steelers entire draft approach.
Now obviously I don’t know if he’s tuned in to the Steelers FO, but drafting JSN isn’t the worst move they can make.
Putting him in that room immediately, and I mean immediately, gives them a true #1 receiver and changes the entire dynamic of their offense.

[cop1211]

If that would happen I’d be good with it, Smith Njgiba is my #1 WR. Trade Johnson for a 2nd round perfect.
1.WR Smith Njigba
2a.RT Dawand Jones
2b.CB Julius Brents
2c.CB Dj Turner

[yygy]

Seems unlikely but Santonio dropped.

Santonio painted that damn red barn and good.

I do agree wt is being overlooked for the most part. Could be interesting

[Obviously]

Remember that time the Steelers had Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders and Antwaan Randle El at WR and Big Ben behind center? Man, that was cool.

[bradshaw2ben]

Remember when the Steelers had a top 5 OL? That was actually cooler!

[K_C_]

Remember when the Steelers had a top 5 OL? That was actually cooler!

You mean like the line Ben had his rookie year? I forget if they had 2 or 3 Pro Bowlers on that line.

I think it was 3.

Well, I think the o-line got a lot better as last season wore on and they've already improved 1 guard spot.

They're gonna take a tackle at some point, but if a guy like Smith-Njigba falls, he would be very, very, very fucking hard to pass up.

Then if you can ditch Diontae for a second, there's likely your tackle.

[Jizz Mop]

Peter King is doing bong hits, and possibly meth

Why?

I think a luxury pick like that would be unwise, especially if one of the really good OTs is there.

I like the retooling of the trenches more so than adding a skill player at 17

[Jizz Mop]

Remember when the Steelers had a top 5 OL? That was actually cooler!

[K_C_]

Peter King is doing bong hits, and possibly meth

Why?

I think a luxury pick like that would be unwise, especially if one of the really good OTs is there.

I like the retooling of the trenches more so than adding a skill player at 17

Here's where we differ.......

Only a few OT's are looked upon a plug and play starters at LT in this draft.

Both of those guys will likely be gone by the time the Steelers pick at 17. The rest are probably more athletic than Dan Moore, but I sincerely doubt they unseat Moore as NFL starters at LT their rookie year. I know Scunge talked about the tackles in this draft and I agree with him. After a few guys, you're basically talking talented projects. Gonna be 2 or 3 years until they truly establish themselves and I don't think you draft that kind of player at 17.

At 32 or 49? Fuck yes. THAT is where you want to take someone that can battle it out with Dan Moore or even Chuks, but will likely need time to develop.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the best WR in this draft. He's a day one starter. He is one SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS MOTHERFUCKER in the same mold as George Pickens. You give Kenny Pickens, Smith-Njigba, Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin III and you have a very, very dangerous receiving corps.

Immediately.

Likely a developmental tackle vs a day one starting WR.

Again, that's IF Smith-Njigba is there, which could happen but might not. He's a lot more likely going to be available than guys like Paris Johnson or Skowronski (which most people seem to think will be a guard anyway).

[Jizz Mop]

My tackles in order of preference

Assume we are staying at 17 (like you said most will not be there but you never know)

Johnson
Jones
Wright

I too think Skoronski will prob be pushed inside by the team who drafts him

I like weapons. Who doesn’t. But I’m hoping for OT at 17.

[K_C_]

My tackles in order of preference

Assume we are staying at 17 (like you said most will not be there but you never know)

Johnson
Jones
Wright

I too think Skoronski will prob be pushed inside by the team who drafts him

I like weapons. Who doesn’t. But I’m hoping for OT at 17.

They aren't taking Jones at 17.

Wright is a very good possibility, but tackles are so highly sought after, I've seen him going in the top 10 of most mock drafts.

Johnson will be long gone

If both Wright and Smith-Njigba are there, gonna be interesting to say the least.

What I personally think happens is before 17, Johnson, Skowronski and Wright are all gone and the Steelers pick either the best corner available or the best WR.

They'll take a guy like Dawand Jones in the second.

[lifelongsteel]

At 17 give me the OT, CB or WR who's the best prospect as judged by these criteria:
- the best chance to be an all pro within 3 years
- can help the team immediately

If JSN is that guy than fine by me

Honestly i'd be fine with a sure fire star at any position. ex. if you think Kinkaid is the next Gronk then you draft him

The Steelers need is for more all pro players . . .

[Mick]

My tackles in order of preference

Assume we are staying at 17 (like you said most will not be there but you never know)

Johnson
Jones
Wright

I too think Skoronski will prob be pushed inside by the team who drafts him

I like weapons. Who doesn’t. But I’m hoping for OT at 17.

They aren't taking Jones at 17.

Wright is a very good possibility, but tackles are so highly sought after, I've seen him going in the top 10 of most mock drafts.

Johnson will be long gone

If both Wright and Smith-Njigba are there, gonna be interesting to say the least.

What I personally think happens is before 17, Johnson, Skowronski and Wright are all gone and the Steelers pick either the best corner available or the best WR.

They'll take a guy like Dawand Jones in the second.

he means Broderick Jones.

[Ice]

Miles Boykin re-signed, so the ST/WR position is filled for the time being.

[LakecrestSteeler]

As someone has posted before, the Steelers have done very well when picking the first player from a position group in the draft. In other words the first running back in the 2023 draft or the first WR in the 2023 draft. or we picked KP8, the first QB in the 2022 draft.

So as K_C is stating, is it better to pick the first player overall in a position group or go for the 4th or 5th left tackle?

I can see the argument.

But I can also see what Linderbaum did for the Ravens too.

Tough decisions! Glad I am not the GM. Grab the popcorn.

[K_C_]

My tackles in order of preference

Assume we are staying at 17 (like you said most will not be there but you never know)

Johnson
Jones
Wright

I too think Skoronski will prob be pushed inside by the team who drafts him

I like weapons. Who doesn’t. But I’m hoping for OT at 17.

They aren't taking Jones at 17.

Wright is a very good possibility, but tackles are so highly sought after, I've seen him going in the top 10 of most mock drafts.

Johnson will be long gone

If both Wright and Smith-Njigba are there, gonna be interesting to say the least.

What I personally think happens is before 17, Johnson, Skowronski and Wright are all gone and the Steelers pick either the best corner available or the best WR.

They'll take a guy like Dawand Jones in the second.

he means Broderick Jones.

Ah, okay.

If it''s between Broderick Jones and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, I'm thinking they take the WR.

[Pabst]

As someone has posted before, the Steelers have done very well when picking the first player from a position group in the draft. In other words the first running back in the 2023 draft or the first WR in the 2023 draft. or we picked KP8, the first QB in the 2022 draft.

So as K_C is stating, is it better to pick the first player overall in a position group or go for the 4th or 5th left tackle?

I can see the argument.

But I can also see what Linderbaum did for the Ravens too.

Tough decisions! Glad I am not the GM. Grab the popcorn.

As an argument against going for the #1 guy, I would point to the 2008 draft.

A total of 8 Offensive Tackles were taken in the First Round that year. The 8th guy taken (Duane Brown) had the best career of that group.

Similarly, the #3 CB taken (Aqib Talib at 21) was the best at his position, as was the 5th RB (Chris Johnson).

[gojira5150]

Peter King is doing bong hits, and possibly meth

Why?

I think a luxury pick like that would be unwise, especially if one of the really good OTs is there.

I like the retooling of the trenches more so than adding a skill player at 17

I'm with KC on this one. Just look at what or division rivals did. With the 5th pick in the '21 draft the Bungles took Chase even thou they needed O-line help. Chase is a monster and scares Defenses.
This league is set up to score. Get KP as many weapons as they can. Grab the Wr from OSU (JSN) at 17 (if he's there) and with the 32nd grab Darnell Washington (if he's there) and now you have an offense who scares defenses. Run 2 TE with Washington/PF with Pickens, JSN & Harris and WOW what a lineup to match up against. Washington kills 2 birds with one stone. Extra lineman who DB's don't want to see running at them in the open field.
Load up on offensive talent. When not running 2 TE you can then bring in Austin III or Robinson

[K_C_]

Why?

I think a luxury pick like that would be unwise, especially if one of the really good OTs is there.

I like the retooling of the trenches more so than adding a skill player at 17

I'm with KC on this one. Just look at what or division rivals did. With the 5th pick in the '21 draft the Bungles took Chase even thou they needed O-line help. Chase is a monster and scares Defenses.
This league is set up to score. Get KP as many weapons as they can. Grab the Wr from OSU (JSN) at 17 (if he's there) and with the 32nd grab Darnell Washington (if he's there) and now you have an offense who scares defenses. Run 2 TE with Washington/PF with Pickens, JSN & Harris and WOW what a lineup to match up against. Washington kills 2 birds with one stone. Extra lineman who DB's don't want to see running at them in the open field.
Load up on offensive talent. When not running 2 TE you can then bring in Austin III or Robinson

Don't get me wrong, I agree with the fellas that want to fix the trenches and we most certainly DO need a guy to challenge Dan Moore at LT.

But I believe we can find the guy to challenge Dan Moore at 32 or 49 OR if we somehow traded Diontae Johnson for a second rounder (doubt we could get that for him, but who knows?) maybe we have 3 second round picks to address LT, CB and another position like safety, ILB, TE, depth at OLB or d-line?

You are 100% right.

Joe Burrow was literally no more impressive than Kenny Pickett until they gave the guy 2 SUPERSTAR LEVEL WIDE RECEIVERS.

Kenny has 1 guy that could blossom into a star. Pickens is the REAL DEAL. Why not get him another?

[fractalsteel]

Looking at it from the FO perspective(or what history tells us and BTW, Tomlin and EMR are in the draft room and a big part of the process) it is unlikely they want to go into next year with a very talented WR, a second year guy who was a whiff last year, a possibly broken down Vet and some scrubs as the group.

That is why DJ will be here when the season starts. How they operate.

Now, if Pickens takes the next step, Austin brings that vertical stretch to the offense and a premium pick WR helps with the passing game along with a healthy AR then they might look to trade DJ before the deadline.

Like they did this past year with Claypool.

DJ is their nighty blanket until someone pushes him to fewer snaps. The new faces show and then you move on from #18.

[K_C_]

Looking at it from the FO perspective(or what history tells us and BTW, Tomlin and EMR are in the draft room and a big part of the process) it is unlikely they want to go into next year with a very talented WR, a second year guy who was a whiff last year, a possibly broken down Vet and some scrubs as the group.

That is why DJ will be here when the season starts. How they operate.

Now, if Pickens takes the next step, Austin brings that vertical stretch to the offense and a premium pick WR helps with the passing game along with a healthy AR then they might look to trade DJ before the deadline.

Like they did this past year with Claypool.

DJ is their nighty blanket until someone pushes him to fewer snaps. The new faces show and then you move on from #18.

You could very well be right and that does seem like the Steeler way, but Khan seems far more aggressive than Colbert was so we’ll see.

Cincy went in a different direction and they were a top 3 NFL team the last 2 years.

[Steelperch]

The Steelers ALWAYS telegraph their interest in the draft process. This year they had ZERO WRs that are projected to go in the top 2 rounds for an official visit and sent the brass to ZERO pro days for top WRs (aside from the schools that had top tier OL also at the pro day.) They’re taking Cb and OT early. That’s just what it is. The rest of the needs will fall in line after that.

[fractalsteel]

I think a luxury pick like that would be unwise, especially if one of the really good OTs is there.

I like the retooling of the trenches more so than adding a skill player at 17

I'm with KC on this one. Just look at what or division rivals did. With the 5th pick in the '21 draft the Bungles took Chase even thou they needed O-line help. Chase is a monster and scares Defenses.
This league is set up to score. Get KP as many weapons as they can. Grab the Wr from OSU (JSN) at 17 (if he's there) and with the 32nd grab Darnell Washington (if he's there) and now you have an offense who scares defenses. Run 2 TE with Washington/PF with Pickens, JSN & Harris and WOW what a lineup to match up against. Washington kills 2 birds with one stone. Extra lineman who DB's don't want to see running at them in the open field.
Load up on offensive talent. When not running 2 TE you can then bring in Austin III or Robinson

Don't get me wrong, I agree with the fellas that want to fix the trenches and we most certainly DO need a guy to challenge Dan Moore at LT.

But I believe we can find the guy to challenge Dan Moore at 32 or 49 OR if we somehow traded Diontae Johnson for a second rounder (doubt we could get that for him, but who knows?) maybe we have 3 second round picks to address LT, CB and another position like safety, ILB, TE, depth at OLB or d-line?

You are 100% right.

Joe Burrow was literally no more impressive than Kenny Pickett until they gave the guy 2 SUPERSTAR LEVEL WIDE RECEIVERS.

Kenny has 1 guy that could blossom into a star. Pickens is the REAL DEAL. Why not get him another?

There isn't a Ja'marr Chase in this draft though I hope the B&G draft a receiver with a premium pick or in and around the fourth round.

Next year, there is a guy coming out as good as Chase but he is going in the top 3-5 picks and I don't want to be there.