Jaxson Dart

[CKSteeler]

Apparently the Steelers have high interest. The guy is going to go int the first round, likely the top 20 picks. His stock is rising.

I don't watch college football, but for his age he's started a lot of games and studies I've seen in the past show that tat and completion percentage are actually the stats that correlates the highest with success in the NFL. That was years ago, but that's about all I know.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if this is the big move the Steelers make during the draft. Khan is going to want to get his own QB.

Not sure if he passes the Ron name test. It's a conventional name with unconventional spelling. Need a ruling here.

[Charles Demarr]

Taking Dart would be the final nail in the coffin for Tomlin & Khan. Zach Wilson 2.0, not interested.

[jebrick]

Apparently the Steelers have high interest. The guy is going to go int the first round, likely the top 20 picks. His stock is rising.

I don't watch college football, but for his age he's started a lot of games and studies I've seen in the past show that tat and completion percentage are actually the stats that correlates the highest with success in the NFL. That was years ago, but that's about all I know.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if this is the big move the Steelers make during the draft. Khan is going to want to get his own QB.

Not sure if he passes the Ron name test. It's a conventional name with unconventional spelling. Need a ruling here.

It sounds like Dart has a good agent who is making more of him than tape has shown. No team in the right mind would take Dart in the 1st.

[Ice]

Apparently the Steelers have high interest. The guy is going to go int the first round, likely the top 20 picks. His stock is rising.

I don't watch college football, but for his age he's started a lot of games and studies I've seen in the past show that tat and completion percentage are actually the stats that correlates the highest with success in the NFL. That was years ago, but that's about all I know.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if this is the big move the Steelers make during the draft. Khan is going to want to get his own QB.

Not sure if he passes the Ron name test. It's a conventional name with unconventional spelling. Need a ruling here.

It sounds like Dart has a good agent who is making more of him than tape has shown. No team in the right mind would take Kenny Pickett in the 1st.

Fixed it for ya. I'm ruling nothing out.

[jebrick]

Apparently the Steelers have high interest. The guy is going to go int the first round, likely the top 20 picks. His stock is rising.

I don't watch college football, but for his age he's started a lot of games and studies I've seen in the past show that tat and completion percentage are actually the stats that correlates the highest with success in the NFL. That was years ago, but that's about all I know.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if this is the big move the Steelers make during the draft. Khan is going to want to get his own QB.

Not sure if he passes the Ron name test. It's a conventional name with unconventional spelling. Need a ruling here.

It sounds like Dart has a good agent who is making more of him than tape has shown. No team in the right mind would take Kenny Pickett in the 1st.

Fixed it for ya. I'm ruling nothing out.

This that draft there were no 1st round QBs no matter how hard you squinted. This draft has 2 1st round QBs and the rest are not. It does not mean teams do not reach but ...

[Gonzo]

tbsteel would like this - if they draft jaxson dart in the first round or better yet trade up for him …. then this ship and all its captains is Sunk.

I have watched him a few times - no thanks.

[K_C_]

After Matthew Golden ran in the 4.2's, he's gonna be the first round pick if he's there.

Zero doubt about that.

Dart likely won't be there in the second but if he lasts until early in round 2, I could see some teams (including the Steelers) looking to trade up for him.

I think Dart has a lot of hype around him and the earliest he'll go is late first round.

[Ice]

I'll admit, I've been around long enough to be a little nervous if the 1-2 punch is a combo of B1G RB and Texas WR, but I'd be willing to be optimistic about it.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

If the PS drafted John Elway or Dan Marino by accident, they would squander his talent. Nothing matters with Deuce in charge.

[smithessmokin]

I'll admit, I've been around long enough to be a little nervous if the 1-2 punch is a combo of B1G RB and Texas WR, but I'd be willing to be optimistic about it.

That draft was infuriating.

Wanted Chris Johnson over Mendenhall.

Limas we all wanted but could never put it all together for all the talent he had.

Bruce Davis...yikes. Never did shit.

Tony Hills never developed either...he was always the last linemen to make the team.

Denis Dixon...had fun with him for a few games but that was it.

Mike Humpal...special teams guy who couldn't stick.

Ryan Mundy...special teams guy who did stick but wasn't very good.

And then traded our 7th for a returner in Allen Rossum who was decent but didn't really make a mark.

[Ice]

Damn near a completely blown draft. There have been some fugly ones in my draft-conscious lifetime, but that one, in its awful totality, sticks out. 1.5 reasonable seasons from Spindenhall is pretty much all we got out of that haul, other than sorrow and disappointment. I'll admit I forgot about Mundy. Guess he qualifies as a bright spot in there, too.

[NCsteelerSU]

Dart would be Kenny part deux.....so perfect pick and par for the course.

I would like to see Hampton out of UNC or the Judkins kid, I think both these guys will be legit workhorse backs, which would be a fit considering our playbook/gameplan has 1995 written all over it.

[bradshaw2ben]

Damn near a completely blown draft. There have been some fugly ones in my draft-conscious lifetime, but that one, in its awful totality, sticks out. 1.5 reasonable seasons from Spindenhall is pretty much all we got out of that haul, other than sorrow and disappointment. I'll admit I forgot about Mundy. Guess he qualifies as a bright spot in there, too.

Spindehall is 11th all-time in Steelers rushing, 4.1 YPC better than Najee, and in one fewer season's worth of games, Mendenhall had more TDs. He's not nearly the worst RB nor 1st round pick they've drafted.

[Ice]

Damn near a completely blown draft. There have been some fugly ones in my draft-conscious lifetime, but that one, in its awful totality, sticks out. 1.5 reasonable seasons from Spindenhall is pretty much all we got out of that haul, other than sorrow and disappointment. I'll admit I forgot about Mundy. Guess he qualifies as a bright spot in there, too.

Spindehall is 11th all-time in Steelers rushing, 4.1 YPC better than Najee, and in one fewer season's worth of games, Mendenhall had more TDs. He's not nearly the worst RB nor 1st round pick they've drafted.

Ah, but the rest of the mess certainly drags things down a lot for that draft. Spinder was certainly a better back than, say, Tim Worley... Najee? Four years of consistent mid-ness or worse vs. some flashy games (I'll credit him for beating the Iggles with a huge play) and injuries? It's a bit of a wash, honestly.

I just remember being excited about those two potential weapons in 1-2 that year, enough to forgive almost nothing but potential backups and special teamers (even at the time, not much hindsight needed), and then being sooo disappointed overall.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Mendenhall Glacier's negative intangibles made us all immediately miss Wille Parker. I'd take Lev or Warren over him any day.

[Who Dee Knee]

I was at the 2008 AFC Championship against the Ravens. Who can forget Sweed’s feigning an injury when he dropped an easy TD?

[langer]

He has a manly name, I can see Coach Mike being attracted to it.

[jebrick]

Dart would be Kenny part deux.....so perfect pick and par for the course.

I would like to see Hampton out of UNC or the Judkins kid, I think both these guys will be legit workhorse backs, which would be a fit considering our playbook/gameplan has 1995 written all over it.

Dart has more arm talent than KP by a long shot. What he doesn't have is good mechanics. I do not like him because when asked to play heroball HE failed because of his throws. Perhaps that is fixable with fixing the mechanics of his throw. He is not worth a 1st round pick.

I would still get McCord or Howard on day 3. McCord is extreamly accurate within 25 yards and has a good arm. At worst you have a great backup.

[bradshaw2ben]

Dart would be Kenny part deux.....so perfect pick and par for the course.

I would like to see Hampton out of UNC or the Judkins kid, I think both these guys will be legit workhorse backs, which would be a fit considering our playbook/gameplan has 1995 written all over it.

Dart has more arm talent than KP by a long shot. What he doesn't have is good mechanics. I do not like him because when asked to play heroball HE failed because of his throws. Perhaps that is fixable with fixing the mechanics of his throw. He is not worth a 1st round pick.

I would still get McCord or Howard on day 3. McCord is extreamly accurate within 25 yards and has a good arm. At worst you have a great backup.

Why would you waste a draft pick on a backup QB? There are many out in the wild. I'm only drafting a guy who, if he hits, will be ab elite QB. Otherwise maybe a late 7th or UDFA or FA.

[Ice]

In general, taking late-round QB shots, great strategy at least every couple of years. With our staff, scouting and development, I just don't know.

[RemoAZ]

Damn near a completely blown draft. There have been some fugly ones in my draft-conscious lifetime, but that one, in its awful totality, sticks out. 1.5 reasonable seasons from Spindenhall is pretty much all we got out of that haul, other than sorrow and disappointment. I'll admit I forgot about Mundy. Guess he qualifies as a bright spot in there, too.

Spindehall is 11th all-time in Steelers rushing, 4.1 YPC better than Najee, and in one fewer season's worth of games, Mendenhall had more TDs. He's not nearly the worst RB nor 1st round pick they've drafted.

Tim Worley, Greg Hawthorne, Walter Abercrombie...

[tbsteel]

Damn near a completely blown draft. There have been some fugly ones in my draft-conscious lifetime, but that one, in its awful totality, sticks out. 1.5 reasonable seasons from Spindenhall is pretty much all we got out of that haul, other than sorrow and disappointment. I'll admit I forgot about Mundy. Guess he qualifies as a bright spot in there, too.

Spindehall is 11th all-time in Steelers rushing, 4.1 YPC better than Najee, and in one fewer season's worth of games, Mendenhall had more TDs. He's not nearly the worst RB nor 1st round pick they've drafted.

Mendenhall's performance against the Jets in the AFC Championship easily eclipses anything Najee has done or ever will do. Mendenhall wasn't a great "natural" RB either, but the difference is that he was a fantastic athlete, whereas Najee is a 4.7 lardass who carries himself like he's Earl Campbell when he's really just a very, very poor man's Marion Barber.

BTW, Najee's career playoff stats: 30 carries for 83 yards (2.8 YPC), 1 fumble, 0 TDs.

Anyone that wants him back should have battery acid poured into their eyes.

[jebrick]

Dart would be Kenny part deux.....so perfect pick and par for the course.

I would like to see Hampton out of UNC or the Judkins kid, I think both these guys will be legit workhorse backs, which would be a fit considering our playbook/gameplan has 1995 written all over it.

Dart has more arm talent than KP by a long shot. What he doesn't have is good mechanics. I do not like him because when asked to play heroball HE failed because of his throws. Perhaps that is fixable with fixing the mechanics of his throw. He is not worth a 1st round pick.

I would still get McCord or Howard on day 3. McCord is extreamly accurate within 25 yards and has a good arm. At worst you have a great backup.

Why would you waste a draft pick on a backup QB? There are many out in the wild. I'm only drafting a guy who, if he hits, will be ab elite QB. Otherwise maybe a late 7th or UDFA or FA.

I said at worst. Best case is you have a QB.

I'm sure Tomlin would not like McCord because he is not as athletic as even Howard. More of the Tom Brady/Payton Manning mold.

[bradshaw2ben]

In general, taking late-round QB shots, great strategy at least every couple of years. With our staff, scouting and development, I just don't know.

IF they have a giant upside. Like if you believe that this prospect, if everything breaks right could be a top 10 QB in the NFL. Then you can't draft nor add enough of them. Adding a guy whose blue sky outcome is average nFL starter or good backup is a total waste.

[bradshaw2ben]

Dart has more arm talent than KP by a long shot. What he doesn't have is good mechanics. I do not like him because when asked to play heroball HE failed because of his throws. Perhaps that is fixable with fixing the mechanics of his throw. He is not worth a 1st round pick.

I would still get McCord or Howard on day 3. McCord is extreamly accurate within 25 yards and has a good arm. At worst you have a great backup.

Why would you waste a draft pick on a backup QB? There are many out in the wild. I'm only drafting a guy who, if he hits, will be ab elite QB. Otherwise maybe a late 7th or UDFA or FA.

I said at worst. Best case is you have a QB.

I'm sure Tomlin would not like McCord because he is not as athletic as even Howard. More of the Tom Brady/Payton Manning mold.

Like in other words, do not draft QBs that can be good NFL QBs. Draft guys that have a realistic path to being an elite NFL QB or don't bother. It's just not worth the draft capital, because those guys are available on the street.

[Gonzo]

i still can’t believe they drafted kenny picket first round

najee and KP first rounders

[Ice]

i still can’t believe they drafted kenny picket first round

najee and KP first rounders

A nauseating melange of reaching for need and playing it safe. The draft recipe for hanging on to NHALS.

[StillerDownSouth]

Not sure what round he'll end up going in, but Steelers had Tyler Shough in for a visit today, that's my guy...6'5 225 and a big arm, good accuracy and great mechanics, kinda old but that doesn't bother me.

[CKSteeler]

Why would you waste a draft pick on a backup QB? There are many out in the wild. I'm only drafting a guy who, if he hits, will be ab elite QB. Otherwise maybe a late 7th or UDFA or FA.

I said at worst. Best case is you have a QB.

I'm sure Tomlin would not like McCord because he is not as athletic as even Howard. More of the Tom Brady/Payton Manning mold.

Like in other words, do not draft QBs that can be good NFL QBs. Draft guys that have a realistic path to being an elite NFL QB or don't bother. It's just not worth the draft capital, because those guys are available on the street.

I mean, would Tom Brady have passed this test? Drew Brees? Hell, Peyton Manning wouldn't pass that test in the modern era as he's not athletic enough.

I think intangibles definitely matter here. Stuff that can't be measured easily. I'm not endorsing Dart. I've never even watched the guy play. I'm not a college football guy. But I look for a base level of tools that a guy can work with.

[bradshaw2ben]

I said at worst. Best case is you have a QB.

I'm sure Tomlin would not like McCord because he is not as athletic as even Howard. More of the Tom Brady/Payton Manning mold.

Like in other words, do not draft QBs that can be good NFL QBs. Draft guys that have a realistic path to being an elite NFL QB or don't bother. It's just not worth the draft capital, because those guys are available on the street.

I mean, would Tom Brady have passed this test? Drew Brees? Hell, Peyton Manning wouldn't pass that test in the modern era as he's not athletic enough.

I think intangibles definitely matter here. Stuff that can't be measured easily. I'm not endorsing Dart. I've never even watched the guy play. I'm not a college football guy. But I look for a base level of tools that a guy can work with.

Brady was a 6th round pick. You want to take a dart throw because you see something in his makeup/intangibles you love? GREAT. Swing for the fences. But don't pick that guy in the top 150. I personally wouldn't have picked Manning 1st overall-- didn't like the way he played in crunch moments/big games. That ended up being more or less predictive of his future in the NFL, but he was consistently good enough vs lesser teams and was in good organizations that built teams for and around him... won his 2 rings.

Anyway, the thing that excites me the most watching a QB prospect is when I see arm arrogance matched with the actual arm talent to cash the checks. Then I move to the thing we once referred to as "it", which is now sometimes referred to as pocket presence: feel for the pocket, for coverages, for anticipation... and the ability to do all of that when the walls are crashing down around you.

And what does that QB do when the game is on the line? Is he calm? Heroic? Does he melt into indecisiveness and poor choices?

Then I get to accuracy/precision of throws... not just good enough to complete passes to wide open guys but different targets for different receivers, putting them in position for YAC or to box out defenders.

I'm not overly concerned with footwork or mechanics, unless there's something that seems hard to fix (Byron Leftwich/Desmond Ridder's throwing motion, for example).

So, it's not about the tools-- although tools are great as an add-on. But 15 minutes watching Patrick Mahomes trying to outdo himself to try and win a hopeless game... money.