"Beware the Greeks Bearing Gifts" Mock

[Steeldrama]

In order to recoup the picks Tombert gave away for Boykin and a kicker, I will once again mock a trade down while I still can.

1.) Jack Conklin OT Michigan St.- While it lacked the surprise of a Trojan horse, the epic Spartan victory over my in-laws beloved Wolverines made my weekend. I’m so elated there is no way I will not have at least one Spartan in this mock. Anyway, Beachum’s torn ACL makes his future status with the team even more uncertain. “Villi” is the next man up. Your guess is as good as mine as to how he’ll fair. I know the secondary is severely lacking talent, but I hate to have such a “grey” area surrounding the position charged with protecting Ben’s blind side.

2.) Jarran Reed DT Alabama- The Steelers run defense has looked better the past couple of games. However, I’d still like to add a dominant piece to the middle of the d-line to complement studs Stephen Tuitt and Suwanee GA’s Cam Heyward.

3.) Lewis Neal OLB LSU- Have you seen this kid yet? He’s generously listed at 6’1 255 and wears #92. The same #92 this kid reminds me of that currently plays OLB for your Pittsburgh Steelers. Neal plays LDE for the Tigers, but man does his size and balls out play against the Gators this weekend ever remind me of James Harrison. He’s only a junior, but I’m hoping that one day Lewis Neal wears the #92 for the Steelers.

3T.) Braxton Miller WR Ohio St.- Ok, I know this kind of feels like a luxury pick but I think Miller is a playmaker. I’m not going to advocate a “slash” role or anything, but I really feel this kid could develop into a quality weapon if used creatively.

4.) Eddie Jackson S Alabama- As a corner, Jackson got toasted by Sammy Coates last year. As a safety, Jackson with his two ints against the Aggies on Saturday broke the Alabama school record for return yardage including a 93 yd pick 6. I know Jackson is only a junior, but after Troy Aikman went on and on and on about the Cardinals “ballhawking” secondary I decided I want the Steelers to have one of those “ballhawking” secondaries too.

5T.) Jack Allen OC Michigan St.- Did I mention how excited I was that Sparty beat Michigan? Another grey area on the OL is at center. How serious is Pouncey’s infection? Is he worth $8mil per season? Do the Steelers look to free agency or the draft to upgrade Doc Wallace? Anyway, Allen was out with an injury of his own this week, but I’ll take a day 3 stab at a tough, hard-nosed old school Big Ten center.

6.) Cyrus Jones DB Alabama- Again with Alabama Drama??? What can I say I watched most of the big games Saturday. And no I’m not comfortable reading PFT’s grading William Gay as like their 77th ranked corner and Blake at like 91st but I really think this Jones kid could be a day 3 steal. He’s fast, shifty, and offers extra value as a return man.

7.) Travis Wilson QB Utah- Again with Wilson Drama??? What can I say I dig this kid and his Utah team. I do not however dig Landry Jones. He’s a pansy and merely the deliverer of two AMAZING touchdowns by Martavius Bryant. We can do better.

Thanks as always for reading and for sharing your thoughts on our beloved Steelers

[Legacy User]

Allen from MSU is a nice player. Fine work Drama.

[cop1211]

I can see a LT in the first, but I'd like a corner or safety in the 2nd and 3rd. Then a NT , or OLB at 3b,I think they're set at wr, until the 6th, or 7th .

[Ice]

Few issues, but overall, depending on how the DB depth shakes down, might be a pretty good indication of what the PS are left with, especially if we have a strong (playoff) finish.

I fear Conklin is RT capable at the NFL level, which may not be too much of a problem with Villy's emergence, but may not be R1-worthy, either, with our other needs. Would be yet another r1 OL pick, too.

I like the Bama NT, and I'd like him even better if the selection followed a first round DB. McCullers and Walton have some potential at this position, which hopefully we'll get to evaluate as this season wears on.

Neal is a beast. If he's there, we're fortunate, and I'll really like the pick.

Ditto for Braxton, though I question whether he'll be there, at this point. If Barrett's role in the offense increases at tOSU, Miller's stats will get a considerable boost in the receiving department. Could push him up to the 2nd, at worst. Athletically, he's a first round prospect.

Like Jackson a lot this season. Position switch has done well for him (see Miller, above). Hope he's there at this point. Also liked FC's suggestion in the last podcast thread at safety, he could be there here, too.

Allen has been solid. I'll keep a close eye on him against Schutt, Bosa, Washington and company in the upcoming big game.

Jones' return potential is intriguing, but if they're not even going to try Boykin there, they may feel they're set. I'm with those that feel corner could and should be addressed earlier and maybe more often, though.

[smithessmokin]

If I remember correctly, since Brad Wing lasted the first 6 games for the Giabts we should be getting a conditional late round pick for him.

[Ice]

If I remember correctly, since Brad Wing lasted the first 6 games for the Giabts we should be getting a conditional late round pick for him.

Wing actuall looked halfway decent for the Gints last night. Dropped a bunch of punts inside the 20. May have been the bast player they had.

[Steeldrama]

Yea I agree probably need to invest earlier picks on the secondary. This mock was more like a list of players I liked from games I watched Satiurday. Really though the highlight was agitating my wife by making fun of all the distraught Michigan dorks in the stands as compared to the wild partiers shown at the LSU game. Damn how'd I miss going there 20 yrs back? Where's doc and the deloreon when you need him???

[jebrick]

I like Sheldon Rankins from Louisville at NT. I admit I have not watched Reed.

[JackLambert58]

Good stuff Drama. Like you, I believe the position of center is in play for next year's draft. I doubt they can hang their hat on Pouncey much longer given the amount of significant injuries he has had.

[Steelafan77]

I have a feeling the DLine is looked at but in a day three approach. Depth. Secondary needs a shot in the arm. I would expect they rely on Golson returning and perhaps even Allen after he's recovered from his injury. That leaves Blake and Boykin if the FO decides to try and resign Boykin. Perhaps a day three selection also. TE and Safety are IMO the biggest holes currently on the team. Yeah OLine is always a concern too. Unless an absolute Blue Chip Stud drops in their lap I see the Steelers drafting DEFENSE early and often. The confusion for me is where to start. ILB is stout. CB could be stout if certain players pan out/resign. That leaves Safety and Pass Rush. DLine needs depth. Walton, Lyons perhaps develop into reliable depth. That leaves OLB and Safety. In this scenario who would the Steelers target? Hmmm...

Thanks again Drama for your analysis.

[Legacy User]

Nice work drama. Is there an address I can send a thank you gift to?