Time to start talking edge rushers

[Steelperch]

Because it's always a good time to talk draft. With the young pieces in the secondary, the only true weakness on the roster is edge rusher. This draft I feel they need to double dip to replace Harrison and Jarvis. I have no problem with them resigning Jones to play the 2 down LB role, but don't even bother using him as a pas rusher.

So go ahead and start filling this thread up with draft eligible edge rushers. My target, Barnett, has probably already played himself out of Pittsburgh range, although I they they should consider a trade up to target a top pass rusher next year.

Ejuan Price from Pitt has a Elvis Dumervil quality to his game. He would be my 2nd target after taking the top edge rusher I could find in round 1. Price has an injury history, is short, and is severely over aged. He could be a steal later in the draft.

[Steeldrama]

I too have professed my love for Derek Barnett but should the Steelers ride deep into the playoffs they're going to have to trade up to get him...WAY up.

CBS recently dropped Mizzous Charles Harris down into the 30s. He has 3-4 olb experience and would be a nice target as would Carl Lawson who I believe lept up from 43 to 26 on their rankings.

I've never seen the Smoot kid from Illinois play but I'm guessing Tomlins boy Lovie Smith will talk him up.

A lot of late rd sleepers... How about Derek Rivers? 6'4 255 is Youngstown st's all time leading sack man who from all I've read is an athletic beast for Bo Pelinis Penguins.

Soooo many names so little time to discuss.

[jebrick]

Would the Steeler consider Devonte Fields Louisville? Has the talent but also has character red flags (like Noah Spence).

[Steelafan77]

List of guys that are less hyped I found. You've got, Barnett, Garrett, Fields, Harris, Lawson and Williams. Then you have the names listed below.

Like Neal from LSU, seems to be a good fit. Also partial to Hubbard (OSU), Walker (FSU) and Kalambayi from Stanford. Have to research some of the others listed.

Kemoko Turay, Rutgers – RS Junior

Sam Hubbard, Ohio State – RS Sophomore

Al-Quadin Muhammad, Miami – RS Junior

Harold Landry, Boston College – Junior

Dawuane Smoot, Illinois – Senior

Deatrich Wise, Arkansas – RS Senior

Ryan Anderson, Alabama – RS Senior

Vince Biegel, Wisconsin – RS Senior

Andrew Trumbetti, Notre Dame – Junior

Nick DeLuca, North Dakota State – Senior

DeMarcus Walker, Florida State – Senior

Lewis Neal, LSU – Senior

Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M – Senior

Marquis Haynes, Mississippi – Junior

Bryan Cox, Florida – RS Senior

Kylie Fitts, Utah – RS Senior

Ken Ekanem, Virginia Tech – RS Senior

DaShawn Hand, Alabama – Junior

Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State – RS Junior

Chad Thomas, Miami – Junior

Lorenzo Carter, Georgia – Junior

Hunter Dimick, Utah – RS Senior

Darius English, South Carolina – RS Senior

Darius Hamilton, Rutgers – RS Senior

Ifeadi Odenigbo, Northwestern – RS Senior

Peter Kalambayi, Stanford – RS Junior

[Steeldrama]

77 thanks for the list. Lotta good football players that we will all discuss at length leading up to the draft.

The Landry kid really impressed me against Clemson last week.

I've seen a lot of Lorenzo Carter both in high school and UGA. Looks great getting off the bus. Kirby Smarts personal project but a true junior. Doubt he declares

Man the SEC is loaded.

And almost forgot Joe Mathis out in Washington. Kid was chaos and mayhem in blowout wins over Stanford and the Ducks

[smithessmokin]

These are the guys I've been able to watch so far and have an educated opinion.

Myles Garrett, Texas A&M- Obviously the best edge defender in this class and its not even close if you ask me. Has it all.

Derek Barnett, Tennessee- Another guy who won't be in our range. Does anyone other than me think he's playing to heavy? He'd be more explosive if he played closer to 260. He's playing around 280lbs and thats way too big.

Charles Harris, Missouri- Here's a guy I can get behind. Missouri has been putting outside some talent on the edge and he's just as quick as the others. This guy reminds a little bit of Jabaal Sheard when he came out. I had a good grade on Sheard.

Carl Lawson, Auburn- This guy reminds me a lot of Markus Golden. He's a guy who isn't the best athlete on the edge, but he's a sneaky good pass rusher. Plays a little upright and stiff but his advanced handwork helps him get around the opposition. Not very good when asked to change direction and chase the play down.

Ejuan Price, Pittsburgh- Couldn't agree more with the Elvis Dumervil comparisons. He's incredibly quick off the line and while he isn't the biggest, he understands leverage and uses it to his strengths.

Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M- Hall is the classic 43 DE. Great length, good power, and an active motor. He's a bit overshadowed by Garrett, but I think he's going to have a productive career.

Tim Williams, Alabama- This guy was on fire last year, having 10 sacks in a limited pass rushing role. However, he hasn't carried it over to this season. He's still a talented player with a good motor and great quickness off the line, but I need to see more out of him.

Dawuane Smoo, Illinoist- Another guy whose best football is ahead of him. He's stuck on a bad team. He's a great athlete who can really bend and run the arc. He hasn't got a sack this year, but he is consistently making plays behind the line and impacting the game.

Takkarist McKinley, UCLA- Very quick off the line, speed is his best weapon. A gifted athlete who consistently gets pressure. Was nicked up to start the year with a groin injury.

Harold Landry, Boston College- A guy I noticed last year for his ability to defend the run and set the edge. Has a great motor and is as strong as an ox.

Carroll Phillips, Illinois- Yeah, a name you won't recognize unless you've seen Illinois play this year. He's not very big but he's got a great get off and is a good athlete.

Deatrich Wise, Arkansas- An absolute beast defending the run and setting the edge. I don't feel like he is real edge rushing threat at the next level.

[jebrick]

By all reports, Takkarist McKinley will be moving up draft boards. He looked impressive vs Utah. Could be a 1st round choice.

[smithessmokin]

By all reports, Takkarist McKinley will be moving up draft boards. He looked impressive vs Utah. Could be a 1st round choice.

Yep, flying up boards right now.

[Steelperch]

Demarcus Walker of FSU has dominated some big games this year. He was unstoppable in the Florida and Ole Miss games. I have to think he's a late first rounder at this point. You want an athletic pass rusher, this might be your guy. Lawson and or Walker should be there when the Steelers pick in round 1. That's comforting.

[Steeldrama]

Demarcus Walker of FSU has dominated some big games this year. He was unstoppable in the Florida and Ole Miss games. I have to think he's a late first rounder at this point. You want an athletic pass rusher, this might be your guy. Lawson and or Walker should be there when the Steelers pick in round 1. That's comforting.

I watched 2nd half of Florida states win last night. Kid owns Florida with 4 sacks past 2 meetings. What I like about Walker is they move him all over the line. He got a sack from defensive tackle. Seems to be the leader of the defense. Watch out for Tavares McFadden. Sophomore but leads fbs in ints. Like walker this kid always stands out to me when I catch a Florida st game

[Steelperch]

Demarcus Walker of FSU has dominated some big games this year. He was unstoppable in the Florida and Ole Miss games. I have to think he's a late first rounder at this point. You want an athletic pass rusher, this might be your guy. Lawson and or Walker should be there when the Steelers pick in round 1. That's comforting.

I watched 2nd half of Florida states win last night. Kid owns Florida with 4 sacks past 2 meetings. What I like about Walker is they move him all over the line. He got a sack from defensive tackle. Seems to be the leader of the defense. Watch out for Tavares McFadden. Sophomore but leads fbs in ints. Like walker this kid always stands out to me when I catch a Florida st game

Yup. If this was the old days of the 3-4 I don't think he'd be as good a fit for the defense. He got sacks and pressures as a DT in obvious passing situations. I'm not sure he'll be very good at dropping in coverage, but with the amount of nickel and dime defense the Steelers play now, that won't matter. They can put him in position to rush the passer which is what they lack.

He's built a bit like Woodley was back in the day. Not overly long, 6'2, but thicker at 270 pounds. More of a traditional 4-3 edge, he'd fit in just fine here if they used him right.

I think he was only credited with 2 sacks against Florida, but there were at least 6 plays he completely destroyed with immediate pressure. #44 and 91 lived in the backfield all night long.

[Suwanee88]

Because it's always a good time to talk draft. With the young pieces in the secondary, the only true weakness on the roster is edge rusher. This draft I feel they need to double dip to replace Harrison and Jarvis. I have no problem with them resigning Jones to play the 2 down LB role, but don't even bother using him as a pas rusher.

So go ahead and start filling this thread up with draft eligible edge rushers. My target, Barnett, has probably already played himself out of Pittsburgh range, although I they they should consider a trade up to target a top pass rusher next year.

Ejuan Price from Pitt has a Elvis Dumervil quality to his game. He would be my 2nd target after taking the top edge rusher I could find in round 1. Price has an injury history, is short, and is severely over aged. He could be a steal later in the draft.

Time to start preparing for a 4--3 full time defense

[cop1211]

McKinley.

[smithessmokin]

McKinley.

This dude I think is the the next great Steeler pass rusher. Rushes with his hand down or off the ground.

[Legacy User]

List of guys that are less hyped I found. You've got, Barnett, Garrett, Fields, Harris, Lawson and Williams. Then you have the names listed below.

Like Neal from LSU, seems to be a good fit. Also partial to Hubbard (OSU), Walker (FSU) and Kalambayi from Stanford. Have to research some of the others listed.

Kemoko Turay, Rutgers – RS Junior

Sam Hubbard, Ohio State – RS Sophomore

Al-Quadin Muhammad, Miami – RS Junior

Harold Landry, Boston College – Junior

Dawuane Smoot, Illinois – Senior

Deatrich Wise, Arkansas – RS Senior

Ryan Anderson, Alabama – RS Senior

Vince Biegel, Wisconsin – RS Senior

Andrew Trumbetti, Notre Dame – Junior

Nick DeLuca, North Dakota State – Senior

DeMarcus Walker, Florida State – Senior

Lewis Neal, LSU – Senior

Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M – Senior

Marquis Haynes, Mississippi – Junior

Bryan Cox, Florida – RS Senior

Kylie Fitts, Utah – RS Senior

Ken Ekanem, Virginia Tech – RS Senior

DaShawn Hand, Alabama – Junior

Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State – RS Junior

Chad Thomas, Miami – Junior

Lorenzo Carter, Georgia – Junior

Hunter Dimick, Utah – RS Senior

Darius English, South Carolina – RS Senior

Darius Hamilton, Rutgers – RS Senior

Ifeadi Odenigbo, Northwestern – RS Senior

Peter Kalambayi, Stanford – RS Junior

Don't know his measurables, but I've been watching a ton of PAC12 football recently, and Hunter Dimick is an animal. McKinley is as well, but will probably be long gone by time the Steelers pick.

[Drummer Boy]

Don't know his measurables, but I've been watching a ton of PAC12 football recently, and Hunter Dimick is an animal. McKinley is as well, but will probably be long gone by time the Steelers pick.

Know very little about college ball, but I have to say Dimick seemed to single-handedly keep Utes in the game against Colorado.

[Legacy User]

Don't know his measurables, but I've been watching a ton of PAC12 football recently, and Hunter Dimick is an animal. McKinley is as well, but will probably be long gone by time the Steelers pick.

Know very little about college ball, but I have to say Dimick seemed to single-handedly keep Utes in the game against Colorado.

Absolutely, they couldn't block him. I'm guessing his 40 time won't make anyone say wow, but holy shit his motor is non stop.

[bradshaw2ben]

McKinley.

This dude I think is the the next great Steeler pass rusher. Rushes with his hand down or off the ground.

McKinley absolutely got erased by the two Stanford OTs. Like a milk carton kid. Destroyed in run game and swallowed in pass rush. Either Stanford's redshirt Soph OTs are elite 1st round picks or McKinley is overrated.

[Steeldrama]

My guy Joe Mathis wasn't erased by Stanford. 2 sacks was ferocious coming off right end

[bradshaw2ben]

My guy Joe Mathis wasn't erased by Stanford. 2 sacks was ferocious coming off right end

Haven't seen it-- but that would be impressive. In truth, I think Stanford OTs are pretty good, especially that Kelvin Beachum-like LT.

[Steelperch]

The more I dig into this upcoming draft crop the more I think holy shit, the deepest position is our biggest need. This draft is really rich with pass rushers. I've got about 8 that I'd be happy with the Steelers taking in round 1. There is a nice crop of midrounders that could come in and help as well.

CB and RB are also big needs and have decent talent coming out. QB group is weak IMO. OT is a little the ne'er than recent years.

[bradshaw2ben]

The more I dig into this upcoming draft crop the more I think holy shit, the deepest position is our biggest need. This draft is really rich with pass rushers. I've got about 8 that I'd be happy with the Steelers taking in round 1. There is a nice crop of midrounders that could come in and help as well.

CB and RB are also big needs and have decent talent coming out. QB group is weak IMO. OT is a little the ne'er than recent years.

Explain how CB is a big need, from your point of view?

Burns looks like #1 material.
Cockrell has got to be in the top 10 of #2s in the current NFL.
Gay is vet presence, can still play as a transition guy.
Gilbert under contract.
Tarot card on Golson.

Not to say we shouldn't always be looking to upgrade CB and WR (and perhaps RB & QB) in every draft, but I think CB is lower on the needs scale.

I would maybe put it like this:
Edge
S
Edge
QB
RB
CB
ILB if Timmons leaves
WR (much higher if Bryant washes out)

I might even take another edge late. Our needs are totally out of whack now-- huge need at edge, perhaps a need for more playmaking or ball range at S, and then everything else is backups and depth needs.

[Steelperch]

I'm a big fan of Will Gay, but I think we've seen the beginning of the downside of his career. 32 year old guy who was never the biggest or fastest to begin with, there has been a drop in his play from last year. I expect it to be more notable next season. Golson hasn't played a down of football in 2 years. I can't count on him for anything. Gilbert is a never was. I look at it being a situation of one injury away from the unit being in big trouble and 2 injuries away from total catastrophe. You need 3 starter level corners and a good backup in the modern NFL. I see 2 solid starters and then two giant question marks with nothing after that.

The Steelers have two good starting Safetys. The Mike Mitchell hate train can keep on moving. Golden is a solid backup. They need one young guy in the mix for depth.

I think they need to add 2 edge rushers, a #2 RB, CB, S, DT.

[bradshaw2ben]

I'm a big fan of Will Gay, but I think we've seen the beginning of the downside of his career. 32 year old guy who was never the biggest or fastest to begin with, there has been a drop in his play from last year. I expect it to be more notable next season. Golson hasn't played a down of football in 2 years. I can't count on him for anything. Gilbert is a never was. I look at it being a situation of one injury away from the unit being in big trouble and 2 injuries away from total catastrophe. You need 3 starter level corners and a good backup in the modern NFL. I see 2 solid starters and then two giant question marks with nothing after that.

The Steelers have two good starting Safetys. The Mike Mitchell hate train can keep on moving. Golden is a solid backup. They need one young guy in the mix for depth.

I think they need to add 2 edge rushers, a #2 RB, CB, S, DT.

we don't disagree too much... but slot CB is a bigger need than outside, and those guys can be had in mid rounds

our safety play has recently progressed to solid... but we still lack a multi level playmaker, unless Shazier someday gets healthy (still wearing a knee brace and isn't running nearly up to his measured speed) and somehow gets better protected by what's in front of him, I'd still like to see Davis in the Earl Thomas role and a playmaker safety a la Chancellor or Polamalu in the other role.

[FC]

I am not a fan of the 34 OLB's/ Pass rush specialists in this draft...The group is not terrible.

Let me say this...I am looking for a player to rush the passer.

A pass rush specialist can play 60% of the snaps in today's NFL

I figure Myles Garrett is gone

I don't love most of the juniors expected to come out...Lawson Harris Barnett Landry Lewis. I see Bud Dupree and Jarvis Jones type of players.

A player I like

Deatrich Wise Jr Arkansas

He is going to rocket up draft boards

[Steelperch]

I don't even look at players to be 3-4 OLBs anymore. The amount of 4 man D line they play, all they need is a guy who can rush off the edge. That opens up options more than in past years. Top 3 guys probably are gone in the top 10-15 picks. I still like some of the options after that in round 1. There will be some mid round guys that offer a lot of upside. Ejuan Price, Hunter Dimick, Deatrich Wise, Devonte Fields. Hopefully we get one early and another in the mid rounds.

My fear is that Bud Dupree is bizarro Jarvis Jones. All the athleticism in the world, explodes off the line into the backfield, but can't dip the edge and runs past the QB for the rest of his career. Do you realize he's gone 13 games without a sack if you count playoffs? He has 1 sack in the last 16 games he's played. Jarvis Jones has gone 23 regular season games without a full solo sack. That's almost impossible to achieve. You'd think a blown assignment or coverage sack would be bound to happen eventually. Jarvis has likely started his last game here. If Dupree cant get it going it really sets the franchise back.

[Ice]

I have some faith in Dupree if he can stay healthy. Injuries have set his development back considerably.

Completely agree that standard positional distinctions from the last couple decades shouldn't matter anywhere near as much as they used to, if at all.

[bradshaw2ben]

I don't even look at players to be 3-4 OLBs anymore. The amount of 4 man D line they play, all they need is a guy who can rush off the edge. That opens up options more than in past years. Top 3 guys probably are gone in the top 10-15 picks. I still like some of the options after that in round 1. There will be some mid round guys that offer a lot of upside. Ejuan Price, Hunter Dimick, Deatrich Wise, Devonte Fields. Hopefully we get one early and another in the mid rounds.

My fear is that Bud Dupree is bizarro Jarvis Jones. All the athleticism in the world, explodes off the line into the backfield, but can't dip the edge and runs past the QB for the rest of his career. Do you realize he's gone 13 games without a sack if you count playoffs? He has 1 sack in the last 16 games he's played. Jarvis Jones has gone 23 regular season games without a full solo sack. That's almost impossible to achieve. You'd think a blown assignment or coverage sack would be bound to happen eventually. Jarvis has likely started his last game here. If Dupree cant get it going it really sets the franchise back.

I'm a big believer in Bud Dupree... but I fully endorse this post.

[jebrick]

I am more of a fan of McKinley but he may be gone in the top 15. I am not much of a fan of Williams from Alabama. I just have not seen anything from him that makes me think he can get any better. I like Ryan Anderson but not in the 1st. Fields is good if they can get over the character issues. Not many of the EDGE rushers have stood out when really challenged.

[bradshaw2ben]

I am more of a fan of McKinley but he may be gone in the top 15. I am not much of a fan of Williams from Alabama. I just have not seen anything from him that makes me think he can get any better. I like Ryan Anderson but not in the 1st. Fields is good if they can get over the character issues. Not many of the EDGE rushers have stood out when really challenged.

McKinley's tape vs Stanford put me off of him. Erased by both young tackles.