Last minute draft thoughts

[tbsteel]

Trying to get the lay of the land and reading the tea leaves, here's where I think things are at FWIW (which probably ain't much):

*I think the Steelers are in love with Broderick Jones and he's target #1 on a trade up. The athletic profile for the 21-year-old tackle, the temperament, the idea he's a raw piece of clay with a huge ceiling... I think they've got Johnson and Jones as the two top tackles and then a notable drop off from there. I don't think they view Skoronski as a T. All that screams that if he makes it past Chicago, I think there are good odds we make a move up from 17 for Broderick Jones.

*Plus, I think the pressure from above (i.e. Art #2) is going to focus on drafting to support Kenny. Nabbing a franchise LT in the first is the huge, overriding goal.

*If Broderick Jones and Paris Johnson, Jr. are both gone, my guess is they stay at 17 and I think the pick will be Deonte Banks IF Washington doesn't take him at 16. And I've heard that Washington likes Banks as well. If Banks is gone, I think the pick will be Darnell Wright. I don't see JPJ at 17... maybe they nab him in a slight trade back from 17, but odds are lower for that IMO. Current over/under for JPJ draft position is 19.5. What does Vegas know...

*Maybe it's a smokescreen, but I kind of think they're off Dawand Jones unless he's available later in the second, either in a trade down from 32 or at 49 if they still have that pick. Would they take a high risk on a guy who very well might not have the right makeup? You can make a similar argument for Darnell Wright though...

*I do think we'll trade down from 32. That gap between 120 to 241 is massive. I can't imagine they won't move around and pick up and extra day three pick or two. I think a small trade down from 32 is in the cards. A move down a few picks with 32 and our last pick in the seventh for a 2nd, 4th, and 6th? That seems doable. For Khan and Weidl's first draft I think they'll want to have plenty of ammo, even if they do make a move up from 17.

*EDGE will be the sneaky surprise pick if there is a big surprise. I don't realistically see Highsmith re-signed and they already had no depth at that spot to begin with.

What do you guys think?

[Steelperch]

After listening to the Khamlin presser today (and being irked that Weidl wasn’t there) I increasingly believe they trade up to get a tackle in the top 10 (probably Paris Johnson) then they dump pick 32 for a mid 2nd rounder and 3rd rounder. They take a CB like Brents or Stevenson, then fill OLB, NT and Safety with the next few picks. WR may not get addressed at all seeing that they have 5 on the roster that likely stick through the season.

[tbsteel]

After listening to the Khamlin presser today (and being irked that Weidl wasn’t there) I increasingly believe they trade up to get a tackle in the top 10 (probably Paris Johnson) then they dump pick 32 for a mid 2nd rounder and 3rd rounder. They take a CB like Brents or Stevenson, then fill OLB, NT and Safety with the next few picks. WR may not get addressed at all seeing that they have 5 on the roster that likely stick through the season.

Agreed. I still think if the WRs fall and Addison is there at 32 they'd really consider it, but otherwise I don't see it now. I think they'd love a guy like Mingo in the third (well, probably a lot more prior to ARob), but I don't see him making it out of the second.

[Steelafan77]

With all the speculation floating around of trading…

What’s the likeliness of a Johnson trade for some draft capital then drafting, Mingo?

[Mick]

One perspective I’ve had with this draft is in terms of our 2024 starting lineup. Here’s who we have under contract to start in 2024 right now:

Defense:
DL: Watt/heyward*/ogunjobi/2023 draft pick
ILB: Holcomb/(roberts/robinson)*
CB: Peterson*/2023 draft pick/2023 draft pick or FA
S: Fitzpatrick/(Kazee/Neal)*

Offense:
OL: Moore*/Seumalo/Cole*/Daniels/Okorafor*
QB: Pickett
WR: Diontae/Pickens/(Austin/Robinson)*
RB: Najee/whatshisname
TE: Freiermuth

Basically, we already have our full 2024 offense ready to go right now, though as we are all aware, OT could use a bit more talent. On D, 2024 is Swiss cheese. We’d really like to come away with about 7 starting capable defenders in the draft this year, which may be a bit of a reach goal but we need to bring in a lot of bodies there.

* Seems to me like this playwr could be targeted for upgrading by the FO, or may retire. YMMV.

[bradshaw2ben]

I'll be shocked if the pick at 17 isn't from Georgia, Ohio State, or Tennessee. They seem to have really put their attention in that basket. However, I would bet my weekly income that Dawand Jones and Darnell Wright are light years ahead of the OTs you mentioned. Matthew Bergeron might be ahead of Paris and Broderick Jones on their OT board. I think the whole "they're off Dawand" is some awesome smokescreening on their part. And they can't even hide their love for Wright. They want to run the ball like mad and those are the three OTs with pass-blocking chops who are also dominant run game guys.

If Jalen Carter or Nolan Smith makes it to 17, I don't care which CBs or OTs are on the board, it's a wrap. They'll take their chances with whatever OTs and CBs are left at 32 & 49.

I think the most likely place for a trade down is 17 if Smith and Carter are gone and Darnell Wright/Dawand are both on the board. Otherwise, 49 or 80 far better places to get an extra 5th or 6th, whcih is all they really need to avoid that long gape between picks. They might also stand pat with picks but trade a guy like Kevin Dotson for a 6th. (early 6 is the going rate for a young G with starting experience).

[tbsteel]

I think the whole "they're off Dawand" is some awesome smokescreening on their part.

Definitely possible, especially with Colbert gone.

they can't even hide their love for Wright. They want to run the ball like mad and those are the three OTs with pass-blocking chops who are also dominant run game guys.

I think they've seen some of Broderick Jones' dominant run blocking snaps and how little he's really played and see the sky as the limit. He just looks so much more athletic looking on the move than Wright (who looks a little bit heavy in the feet) IMO from what little I've seen. But if they stay at 17, I think Wright or Banks will be the pick all dependent on the board.

I think the most likely place for a trade down is 17 if Smith and Carter are gone and Darnell Wright/Dawand are both on the board. Otherwise, 49 or 80 far better places to get an extra 5th or 6th, whcih is all they really need to avoid that long gape between picks. They might also stand pat with picks but trade a guy like Kevin Dotson for a 6th. (early 6 is the going rate for a young G with starting experience).

All good points. Hard to justify keeping Dotson on the roster, so if they can get a pick for him that'd be a win.

[steelclan]

My focus is on the top 6-7 picks . I think it will have a major impact on what PS decide to do and what options they have. I could see Richardson and Stroud slipping and teams trying to move up to get them. Also is the talk around Hooker, just talk?

It could end up PS don't have partners to trade up because other teams are doing so for QBs. Tampa, Tenn, Washington, Pats if they trade Jones, and Vikings off top of my muddled cranium are all in the mix.

One last thought what do you lot think about Dennis the Pitt ILB in 7th? Only watched a few games, one of them Duke and like look of lad.

[franco32]

This thread is depressing. Trading up with all of our present and future holes makes me sick. I like Jones and Johnson don't get me wrong. But, we can't afford to give away more draft capital.

[Scunge]

Yeah, I am with you Franco, this draft to me, has great depth in rounds 2 and 3. I don't want to trade up from pick 17, or trade up from pick 32. I want to trade down a few spots and pick up additional picks.

I know people are down on this DT class but I see a lot of nice DT/NTs in rounds 3-4. I see a lot of TEs that I would love to pick in rounds 3-4. WRs that I would love to take in round 3. A lot of off ball linebackers, dime backers that I would like to take in rounds 3-4. Slot CBs in round 3-4. etc.

What I don't see are elite LT prospects. Or an elite CB except Gonzalez. I think it is foolish to trade up, reaching for these players when the depth is good at CB for example.

[Mick]

*If Broderick Jones and Paris Johnson, Jr. are both gone, my guess is they stay at 17 and I think the pick will be Deonte Banks IF Washington doesn't take him at 16. And I've heard that Washington likes Banks as well. If Banks is gone, I think the pick will be Darnell Wright. I don't see JPJ at 17... maybe they nab him in a slight trade back from 17, but odds are lower for that IMO. Current over/under for JPJ draft position is 19.5. What does Vegas know...

What do you guys think?

i think Banks at 17 is horrible. He might not have been one of the top 17 DBs in the big 10 conference last year, he’s not remotely close to a top 17 talent in this draft class.

[Ice]

*If Broderick Jones and Paris Johnson, Jr. are both gone, my guess is they stay at 17 and I think the pick will be Deonte Banks IF Washington doesn't take him at 16. And I've heard that Washington likes Banks as well. If Banks is gone, I think the pick will be Darnell Wright. I don't see JPJ at 17... maybe they nab him in a slight trade back from 17, but odds are lower for that IMO. Current over/under for JPJ draft position is 19.5. What does Vegas know...

What do you guys think?

i think Banks at 17 is horrible. He might not have been one of the top 17 DBs in the big 10 conference last year, he’s not remotely close to a top 17 talent in this draft class.

There are only a couple of ways I could see myself coming out of Thursday night disappointed, and Banks at 17 might be the top of that short list.

[Charles Demarr]

After listening to the Khamlin presser today (and being irked that Weidl wasn’t there) I increasingly believe they trade up to get a tackle in the top 10 (probably Paris Johnson) then they dump pick 32 for a mid 2nd rounder and 3rd rounder. They take a CB like Brents or Stevenson, then fill OLB, NT and Safety with the next few picks. WR may not get addressed at all seeing that they have 5 on the roster that likely stick through the season.

Weidl not being there bothered me as well.

If they trade up to get a tackle, pick 32 is gone. Tomlin really seemed to embrace trading out of 32 to grab some extra picks.

[Steeldrama]

- I’d much rather trade up for a stud OT than watch the sprint to the podium pick for Porter or Banks at 17.

- Tomlin…a former secondary coach…has NEVER…not even ONCE…drafted and developed a corner during his torturously long tenure (I guess Cam Sutton turned out ok but geez what an abysmal track record).

- “OMG! They killed Kenny!” Dan Moore sucks goat balls. Chuks isn’t a whole lotta better. Simply must get one of the stud tackles come hell or high water so Kenny can take a positive step forward in his development.

- Selfishly, I don’t want to sit around bored out of mind gorging on chips and dip through rds 5 and 6 without a pick so I’m hoping for a small trade down somewhere along the way.

- Don’t sleep on Mazi Smith. Tomlin met with him twice including dinner. The defensive line to me a huge area of concern. Suwanee GA’s own Cam Heyward can’t play forever. Keeanu Benton in play as well and probably earlier than y’all will like. Swaggin’ Ike approved.

- “Why don’t you two go down to the gym and pump each other.” No doubt Low Watt over-training as we speak. Alex Highsmith or no Alex Highsmith, I hope the Steelers tap into an insanely deep edge group. Watt another injury waiting to happen.

- Tomlin LOVES him some Trenton Simpson, “DAMN TRENTON!!!”

- Kind of a crappy safety class, but I think Fitzpatrick could use a legit side kick back there. Kinda like Troy and Ryan Clark or Lake and Perry or Shell and Wagner (google it kids)

- I’ve seen Darnell Washington play in person on more than one occasion. He was criminally underused by new Ravens’ OC Todd Monken but I will shatter my antiquated ’60 plasma if the Steelers reach for him at 17.

- A WR pick anywhere before day 3 will also lead to a trip to Best Buy. I’m probably the only Jalin Hyatt fan on the board. What a waste that human gazelle would be playing for Tomlida. YOU SUCK, CANADA! (Not the country. Fun times up there)

- Who’s returning kicks? Don’t draft a RB unless he has some return skills.

- What kinda influence will Dino have? Zay Flowers? Terps? Any Virginia area codes I need to worry about?

- No “developmental” qb picks please. YOU SUCK TOMLIN!

Last year I spent round 1 yelling at my TV, just begging teams to draft a quarterback so the Steelers wouldn’t take one.
That angst totally ruined what really was a fun draft night.
So many great trades.
This year, I can just sit back and laugh when teams reach for qbs and be all “hey one more player pushed down to the Steelers.”
Nope it’s all positive for me this year.
I’m now a Kenny optimist and hopeful that Andy Weidl has major input in the draft the way he clearly did in free agency.
Yes, with Aaron Rodgers now a Jet the AFC is absolutely loaded with qbs.
BUT, nail this draft and I think the Steelers are sneaky contenders.

Go Kenny
Go Najee
Go Steelers!

[Ice]

Five-star post, Drama.

[bradshaw2ben]

I think they've seen some of Broderick Jones' dominant run blocking snaps and how little he's really played and see the sky as the limit. He just looks so much more athletic looking on the move than Wright (who looks a little bit heavy in the feet) IMO from what little I've seen. But if they stay at 17, I think Wright or Banks will be the pick all dependent on the board.

See, running forward? Dawand Jones is better than either Wright or Broderick Jones. He moves like a power forward.

Moving laterally or backwards? Wright is much much better than Broderick. B Jones is robotic in his pass sets and Wright just glides. So pretty for a big man. To continue the basketball analogy, Dawand to pick and roll, Broderick to run the floor and take an alley-opp, and Darnell with the footwork to have his back to the basket and pivot.

[Smashmouth21]

Not a fan of trading up. Just aren’t enough true blue chip prospects to make me think it’s a worthwhile investment to give up the extra draft capital. Stay put and take BPA. A quality player will fall.

Also, and off topic, watching the presser I couldn’t stop thinking that Omar Kahn is a straight lookalike for deathbed Darth Vader.

[yygy]

I also think they’ll try to trade up for the LT. either Johnson or jones.

Agree that it’s the right move too. Arguably, there are only two franchise players, the quarterback and LT. Everybody else comes and goes.

I think they’re going to find Paris. Jonson is going to be slightly out of reach. But they’re able to package 17 and 49 and move up into the 10 1112 range and gets Broderick Jones.

Then they can use 32 to move back and maybe get another pic in that range.

Also like Stevenson in that range

[cop1211]

I’m hoping no trade up I’d rather trade down at 32, need some more picks. Use 32 and a 7th, for a 4th and a 6th.

[Steelperch]

This thread is depressing. Trading up with all of our present and future holes makes me sick. I like Jones and Johnson don't get me wrong. But, we can't afford to give away more draft capital.

If you trade 17 and 49 to go up to 9 and take a tackle, you can trade down from 32 and turn that into a mid 2&3. Still can get a good CB in round 2 and you’ll have 3,3,4 to get more quality players.

[Mick]

For 17 and 49 we could take Anton Harrison and Bergeron.

[bradshaw2ben]

With all the speculation floating around of trading…

What’s the likeliness of a Johnson trade for some draft capital then drafting, Mingo?

The only guys I could see getting moved: Kevin Dotson or Mason Cole, either pulls back around a 6th, which would solve the problem of no pick between 120 & 241.

[bradshaw2ben]

This thread is depressing. Trading up with all of our present and future holes makes me sick. I like Jones and Johnson don't get me wrong. But, we can't afford to give away more draft capital.

If you trade 17 and 49 to go up to 9 and take a tackle, you can trade down from 32 and turn that into a mid 2&3. Still can get a good CB in round 2 and you’ll have 3,3,4 to get more quality players.

You could trade with New England:
17 & 32 for 14 & 46. Pretty even swap if they're interested in acquiring that 32 pick.

[bradshaw2ben]

I also think they’ll try to trade up for the LT. either Johnson or jones.

Agree that it’s the right move too. Arguably, there are only two franchise players, the quarterback and LT. Everybody else comes and goes.

I think they’re going to find Paris. Jonson is going to be slightly out of reach. But they’re able to package 17 and 49 and move up into the 10 1112 range and gets Broderick Jones.

Then they can use 32 to move back and maybe get another pic in that range.

Also like Stevenson in that range

Sorry, that's a bad deal. Broderick Jones is way less exciting to me than Darnell Wright or Dawand Jones. Either of those two guys would be a huge win.

[K_C_]

For 17 and 49 we could take Anton Harrison and Bergeron.

You really think we're taking 2 o-linemen with our first 2 picks?

[Mick]

For 17 and 49 we could take Anton Harrison and Bergeron.

You really think we're taking 2 o-linemen with our first 2 picks?

1st and 3rd picks.

But no. My point is that even if all we cared about was the OT position, we’d still be better off not trading up.

[K_C_]

For 17 and 49 we could take Anton Harrison and Bergeron.

You really think we're taking 2 o-linemen with our first 2 picks?

1st and 3rd picks.

But no. My point is that even if all we cared about was the OT position, we’d still be better off not trading up.

I 100% agree that trading up is a terrible idea.

[Orangesteel]

Good shit here doods. Excited for Thursday/Friday.

[Ice]

Some last minute thoughts based on current information and smokescreens?

OT and CB will happen in the first two rounds.

ILB with Nolan Smith would be jump up and down good, even as a Swiss Army knife, he's Micah Parsons in potential.

There's some buzz around the Steelers and TE Darnell Washington, and if you pair him (or another stud blocking TE inline) with one of the run and smash OTs the Steelers will definitely grab in R1, and add in existing personnel like Seumalo and their pair of RBs, the Captain Caveman offense is actually starting to become a reality, not just something the HC gaffles about at press conferences. It'll be interesting to see if contrarianism (with the actual players to back it up) works in Pittsburgh.

If Weidl really does have some hand in Pittsburgh's roster, get ready to see the team draft a lineman high in just about every draft from here on out. It's a Philly staple.

Philly has also not shied away from drafting TEs high for quite some time, for those looking at Washington.

I think WR isn't legitimately in play until 120, unless the board falls very unpredictably (and the Steelers don't reach for need, which they will).

I like to think Weidl wasn't at the pre-draft presser because he prefers quietly doing his job rather than BSing for the media.

[bradshaw2ben]

Some last minute thoughts based on current information and smokescreens?

OT and CB will happen in the first two rounds.

ILB with Nolan Smith would be jump up and down good, even as a Swiss Army knife, he's Micah Parsons in potential.

There's some buzz around the Steelers and TE Darnell Washington, and if you pair him (or another stud blocking TE inline) with one of the run and smash OTs the Steelers will definitely grab in R1, and add in existing personnel like Seumalo and their pair of RBs, the Captain Caveman offense is actually starting to become a reality, not just something the HC gaffles about at press conferences. It'll be interesting to see if contrarianism (with the actual players to back it up) works in Pittsburgh.

If Weidl really does have some hand in Pittsburgh's roster, get ready to see the team draft a lineman high in just about every draft from here on out. It's a Philly staple.

Philly has also not shied away from drafting TEs high for quite some time, for those looking at Washington.

I think WR isn't legitimately in play until 120, unless the board falls very unpredictably (and the Steelers don't reach for need, which they will).

I like to think Weidl wasn't at the pre-draft presser because he prefers quietly doing his job rather than BSing for the media.

If Mingo lasts to 80, they'll throw out the rest of the plan. Problem is, I don't think he will make it to 80.