2010 draft needs

[zulater]

I know it's early, but what would you like the Steelers to do with their first day draft picks this spring?

1. BPA

2. Interior OL

3. Safety

4. DT

5. ILB

6. OT

7. WR

8. Other

[Mistah_Q]

Is that list your order of preference, or just a spread of choices to consider?

I'd like to see Day One be spent getting the best possible combination of interior OL and Defensive Line possible.

[zulater]

Is that list your order of preference, or just a spread of choices to consider?

Both.

I'd like to see Day One be spent getting the best possible combination of interior OL and Defensive Line possible.

[vrabinec]

Since Casey's most likely gone, IMO we go for a NT with the first choice, then look for a center and ILB.

[primantibro1]

It's so convoluted without knowing who, if any, of our Unrestricted Free Agents will be resigned. Looking at Clark's safety position, and wonder if our rook Lewis might work there with his size and speed. I like Clark and would like him to stay. We need a Hamptonesque spark plug DTin the middle. Hard to find, and that is scary. Parker is gone, but we still have a strong base ...

ILB is important as Farrior (while still playing out of his mind) is obviously getting a bit longer in the tooth.Gonna take some time to get a youngster ready anyway. One thing we have learned is that if we have top linebacker play, we win a lot of football games. I also worry about Timmons and the ankle/injury bug. Hard to not think Kendrell with a gimpy talented ILB. Don't get me wrong, I really like Timmons, but you have to be prepared if his body's resilience is not commensurate with his talent.

Offensive line we have a new guard and tackle we are developing and all of a sudden I am more comfortable here with the right side tearing holes and lanes and Ben having decent protection. You can never have enough good line talent, and center is a place we could upgrade.

If all things remain the same, I go DT (because of scarcity,) ILB, OT, Safety (Or Safety, OT if Clark Leaves) ... If they do decide to move Lewis to safety (which I like for some unspecific reason I made up in my head,) grab another project corner to develop. I am still not sold on Gay after Peterson highlight filmed his ass. I like him, but he seems just a little overwhelmed sometimes.

[Lemonhead]

Is it assumed that Hampton is gone because he didn't receive a new contract ? His numbers to this point are almos equal to all of last year and in rewatching him in a couple it looks like he's playing fairly stout football, and has to be considered partly responsible for 70.4 opp rushing average. At this point I'd like to see us draft his future replacement, but have him stick around another year or two.

[vrabinec]

Oh, I'd love it if they kept him around, but his contract's up, and he'd be dumb not to test the market. IMO he can get a lot more somewhere else than here.

[TB]

Have no idea because I don't know who will be back. If Clark and/or Hampton are gone obviously those are immediate needs. Hopefully Burnett and Lewis stick and are keepers so that we can leave secondary needs to finding another young guy with talent at safety. Would like to add another edge rusher, can never have enough of those guys. Let Ziggy and Sonny Harris continue to develop, both will be good in time. First round material? I wouldn't mind a BPA philosophy. Would always like to add an elite interior o-lineman.

I think I'd like them to focus more on the defense. Keep building on a strength and adding new pieces. Offensively, they've got a relatively young offensive line. Mendenhall is the young stud who is proving himself. Miller is entering his prime. Ward is in the twilight but doesn't look like he's slowing down. You've got Holmes and Wallace both young and improving. Lots of young talent on offense either still improving or just hitting their prime. So go heavy on defense. Use a second rounder on an athletic OLB to rotate in. I don't know if you're going to find that elite NT picking at the bottom of the first (hopefully that's where they'll be), so maybe trade up if there's an elite one out there. Nothing set in stone, just throwing out ideas, but that's what I wouldn't mind seeing.

[TB]

Oh, I'd love it if they kept him around, but his contract's up, and he'd be dumb not to test the market. IMO he can get a lot more somewhere else than here.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if they tag him. Either franchise or transition. Get another year out of him while they develop someone.

[Jball]

Have no idea because I don't know who will be back. If Clark and/or Hampton are gone obviously those are immediate needs. Hopefully Burnett and Lewis stick and are keepers so that we can leave secondary needs to finding another young guy with talent at safety. Would like to add another edge rusher, can never have enough of those guys. Let Ziggy and Sonny Harris continue to develop, both will be good in time. First round material? I wouldn't mind a BPA philosophy. Would always like to add an elite interior o-lineman.

I think I'd like them to focus more on the defense. Keep building on a strength and adding new pieces. Offensively, they've got a relatively young offensive line. Mendenhall is the young stud who is proving himself. Miller is entering his prime. Ward is in the twilight but doesn't look like he's slowing down. You've got Holmes and Wallace both young and improving. Lots of young talent on offense either still improving or just hitting their prime. So go heavy on defense. Use a second rounder on an athletic OLB to rotate in. I don't know if you're going to find that elite NT picking at the bottom of the first (hopefully that's where they'll be), so maybe trade up if there's an elite one out there. Nothing set in stone, just throwing out ideas, but that's what I wouldn't mind seeing.

I'm right with you here. Especially in regards to the NT situation. If a good one falls far enough, with no glaring holes, jump up and grab him if you think he's gonna be good. It wouldn't surprise me, Colbert doesn't shy away from trading up in the first and getting good players.

The FS spot is another area that needs to be looked at. I agree with you, they need to go Defense heavy in this draft. Load up the Dline and grab another LB, inside or outside.

Also, one important thing, grab another young RB in the mid rounds perhaps to be the 2nd or third RB. With Parker gone, they could use another young stud in the backfield.

[TB]

Have no idea because I don't know who will be back. If Clark and/or Hampton are gone obviously those are immediate needs. Hopefully Burnett and Lewis stick and are keepers so that we can leave secondary needs to finding another young guy with talent at safety. Would like to add another edge rusher, can never have enough of those guys. Let Ziggy and Sonny Harris continue to develop, both will be good in time. First round material? I wouldn't mind a BPA philosophy. Would always like to add an elite interior o-lineman.

I think I'd like them to focus more on the defense. Keep building on a strength and adding new pieces. Offensively, they've got a relatively young offensive line. Mendenhall is the young stud who is proving himself. Miller is entering his prime. Ward is in the twilight but doesn't look like he's slowing down. You've got Holmes and Wallace both young and improving. Lots of young talent on offense either still improving or just hitting their prime. So go heavy on defense. Use a second rounder on an athletic OLB to rotate in. I don't know if you're going to find that elite NT picking at the bottom of the first (hopefully that's where they'll be), so maybe trade up if there's an elite one out there. Nothing set in stone, just throwing out ideas, but that's what I wouldn't mind seeing.

I'm right with you here. Especially in regards to the NT situation. If a good one falls far enough, with no glaring holes, jump up and grab him if you think he's gonna be good. It wouldn't surprise me, Colbert doesn't shy away from trading up in the first and getting good players.

The FS spot is another area that needs to be looked at. I agree with you, they need to go Defense heavy in this draft. Load up the Dline and grab another LB, inside or outside.

Also, one important thing, grab another young RB in the mid rounds perhaps to be the 2nd or third RB. With Parker gone, they could use another young stud in the backfield.

Yeah RB is another area they could address. I mean, I guess it depends on what happens with Parker (and I have no clue as to how that will play out), but I wouldn't mind seeing an early/mid second day pick being used on a RB. I love what Mendenhall and Moore bring to the table, but I'd like to see them add another young guy with fresh legs to the mix. I just don't trust Parker anymore even if he does come back.

[mojouw]

Wanted to throw my 2 cents in on this topic.

I am afraid that Hampton has to be considered gone. With the current cap situation, I don't see how a significant raise to Hampton gets fit in. With all the teams that are now trying to run a 3-4 and the obvious lack of prototypical NT in the NFL, well that makes me figure that some team will back a dumptruck full of money up to Casey's house. That being said, I see the Steelers doing something prior to the draft to "shore up" the NT position. Likely a 2nd tier young UFA type of player. It is rare under the Colbert administration that the Steelers go into the draft "having" to draft a particular position.

RB will also be a need as Parker will be offered a short term incentive laden cap friendly deal, but some other team will pay more and he leaves.

LB in general will need some attention. A rotational OLB to groom and develop and a steady ILB to plug in once Farrior ever hangs 'em up.

On the O-line I see a pick at either tackle or guard. Also if a high quality center becomes available, then I see the Steelers taking a shot. They need to have that position settled out.

In the secondary, I see a few more late round picks to see if anything sticks. Need a nickel corner to emerge.

So that makes it something like this:

Round 1 - BPA
Round 2 - best lineman available (either defensive or offensive)
Round 3 - defensive back or linebacker
Round 4 - Running back
Round 5 - linebacker or defensive back
Round 6 - d line
Round 7 - offensive line

Not saying that is how I would do it...but what I see this FO team doing. But what the hell do I know?

[STEELCURTIN55]

Pretty sure Keyaron Fox is the heir apparent to Farrior, and if he wasn't slotted to fill those shoes at the beginning of this season, he has certainly earned the right of consideration at this point.

The NT situation needs to be taken care of on day one, that's all I know. Hamptons replacement needs to be drafted early, at whatever cost, and he needs to be rotated with Hoke early in 2010.

I agree with the notion of going defense heavy.

[mojouw]

Pretty sure Keyaron Fox is the heir apparent to Farrior, and if he wasn't slotted to fill those shoes at the beginning of this season, he has certainly earned the right of consideration at this point.

The NT situation needs to be taken care of on day one, that's all I know. Hamptons replacement needs to be drafted early, at whatever cost, and he needs to be rotated with Hoke early in 2010.

I agree with the notion of going defense heavy.

Yeah, I think Fox has forced his way into more playing time. But he was drafted in 2004, so this is likely as good as he is going to get. I would love to see a young ILB brought in to develop along with Timmons and form a fearsome duo on the inside for years to come. I have a feeling that the Steelers see Fox as a special teams ace and a great back-up/spot starter, but not a 3 down 16 game regular.

[dae_5446]

henry hynoski can play

[DSH_97]

henry hynoski can play

If that's your way of saying, " Your guess is as good as mine...." you have a point.

I think overall, the one thing we can agree with is, this is not a "Draft of Luxury".

They need to replace Essex

They need to think about/ figure out Hampton's future

They need to search for another DB for this secondary

They need to find a suitable replacement for Farrior

They need to find Bruce Arians hanging from a bridge support

None of those in any particular order. In fact, it's a matter of executing the deed itself. What's more important about this upcoming off-season, is that they find real time solutions to those problems listed above. Here's the "Invisible Man" chance to make me change my mind about him. Colbert does 3/5 of those things properly, He would have changed my mind about him not being as good as some suggests.

[Creeping Death]

Judging by the sets the Steelers run a majority of the time I have to say

1. TE
2. TE
3. TE
4. TE
5. K
6. TE
7. TE

Here comes the 5 TE sets up your ass, for a two yard gain bitches.

[STEELCURTIN55]

Judging by the sets the Steelers fun a majority of the time I have to say

1. TE
2. TE
3. TE
4. TE
5. K
6. TE
7. TE

Here comes the 5 TE sets up your ass, for a two yard gain bitches.

CD, I don't care if you're obsessed and TB thinks you need a shrink, that's hysterical.

[ubudog]

is there any possibility of them drafting a new offensive coordinator?

[mojouw]

What a big running back to beat off defenders? Ahhh...which reminds me...even if there ends up being only 2 people posting over here; it's better than the OSMB.

In all seriousness I am convinced this team needs to concentrate on both the lines and the defensive secondary in the draft.

I almost forgot to add -- This will be a critical draft for Colbert. He needs to balance planning for the future (to keep the window open) with drafting some parts for "winning now" (as there is obviously a window to win a championship with the current core). With the cap situation basically preventing signing significant outside UFA, the draft is the only option. Should be one of the Steelers more interesting offseasons in a while. Questions that need answered this offseason:

Who replaces Parker?
What about Limas Sweed?
Who plays nosetackle?
Age on the defensive line?
Offensive line depth?
Center of the future?
A younger faster BETTER Tyrone Carter (as safety play is crucial in today's NFL and the two starters struggle with playing a full slate)
A nickel back needs to emerge
Who is Farrior's future replacement (It isn't Fox)
Identify and develop another outside pass rusher

Should be fun. i can't wait to see the debates that emerge here as these and other choices are made. But for now I gotta find a way to get excited for the Chiefs game.

[bigbob67]

Judging by the sets the Steelers fun a majority of the time I have to say

1. TE
2. TE
3. TE
4. TE
5. K
6. TE
7. TE

Here comes the 5 TE sets up your ass, for a two yard gain bitches.

lol this made my day.

[STEELCURTIN55]

Who replaces Parker?

I guess that depends on whether or not they plan on replacing him with a similar type player. I'll assume that they're planning on continuing in this same direction offensively and they'll look for another diverse guy like Mendenhall who can run with power, speed and who has hands out of the backfield. I havent studied the 2010 draft class in very much detail yet, but there seems to be quite a few guys out there with very good size, which is nice.

What about Limas Sweed?

Supposedly he's been looking good in practice, which means next to nothing to me, but at least it tells me that the Steelers haven't given up on him yet, so neither will I. The kid has the tools, just needs to get the mental part down. I think he'll be an asset.

Who plays nosetackle?

Think I mentioned my opinion on this subject in a few threads already. Draft Hamptons replacement and rotate him with Hoke for 2010. Seems to be the only option. I would NOT tag Casey. If they tag him, I guarantee he comes into camp at 400 lbs. I'd make a serious move for Terrence Cody.

Age on the defensive line?

I think they have a decent head start on that issue with Ziggy Hood and Sunny Harris. I'd draft another young guy with potential a little later on, maybe a guy who can play 3-4 DE and NT in a pinch.

Offensive line depth?

This is very important, which I'm sure they realize now, but whether they address it in the draft or not all depends on how they feel about guys like Urbik and Shipley. I think Legursky and Foster have already guaranteed themselves roster spots on this team for the next few years. If Urbik and/or Shipley make strides and give the FO a little faith in their abilities, then I think we're ok as far as backup depth. I'd still like to see them draft another tackle who can back up for now but has the potential to take over as a starter one day.

Center of the future?

The true centers out there don't really blow me away, the guy from Boston College looks pretty good. Other than that I'd love to see them take a guy like Asamoah and convert him. I think he'd be a great Center. I do like Legursky at center as well, but I wouldn't consider him the Center of the future, more of a very good backup who can fill in anywhere inside when called upon.

A younger faster BETTER Tyrone Carter (as safety play is crucial in today's NFL and the two starters struggle with playing a full slate)

I think most teams would kill to have a back up safety as good as Carter. That being said, he ain't a kid anymore. They seem to like Mundy a lot, so I'll trust them on that since I haven't seen anything that has really caught my attention. I'm more concerned with them starting to look for the next Polamalu. Troy's a weird dude, wouldn't surprise me at all if he one day went all Barry Foster on us.... especially if he can't stay healthy.

A nickel back needs to emerge

This FO apparently has a good nose for DB talent so I'm holding onto hope that Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett will both be around for a while and both become contributors.

Who is Farrior's future replacement (It isn't Fox)

I think it is Fox, at least for a while. I would count on Fox as my main backup inside and potential starter after Farrior retires for a year or more if necessary, then draft the next Patrick Willis when you get an opportunity to.

Identify and develop another outside pass rusher

That would be a bonus pick IMO. There are a few guys out there that I like and would love to see this team take a chance on. George Selvie and Jermaine Cunningham are two DE's that I think would convert into outstanding 3-4 OLB's.

Should be fun. i can't wait to see the debates that emerge here as these and other choices are made. But for now I gotta find a way to get excited for the Chiefs game.

Sorry can't help ya get excited for the Chiefs game lol. I'm trying to talk myself into even watching it... I have so much work to do on my new home so I can move into it before my water lines freeze that I'm not sure I can risk wasting 3 hours on my only day off watching this team potentially blow a game against a terrible team.

[Jball]

Who replaces Parker?

I guess that depends on whether or not they plan on replacing him with a similar type player. I'll assume that they're planning on continuing in this same direction offensively and they'll look for another diverse guy like Mendenhall who can run with power, speed and who has hands out of the backfield. I havent studied the 2010 draft class in very much detail yet, but there seems to be quite a few guys out there with very good size, which is nice.

There are some really good all around guys coming out. However, I wonder if it might be nice to have that smaller, shifty back that we've never really had. I see a guy like Noel Devine, who could probably be had 4th round and think, hmmmmm.

[zulater]

I'm going guard- center in the early rounds, and OT depth in the 3rd or 4th. Hartwig and Essex have to be replaced sooner rather than later. ( Essex is a nice depth guy though) I can live with our starting tackles, but I think we need to find a good young player with starter potential to keep Max Starks motivated.

[STEELCURTIN55]

I'm going guard- center in the early rounds, and OT depth in the 3rd or 4th. Hartwig and Essex have to be replaced sooner rather than later. ( Essex is a nice depth guy though) I can live with our starting tackles, but I think we need to find a good young player with starter potential to keep Max Starks motivated.

Zu, how do you think the NT situation is going to play out?