Mike Tomlin & Kevin Colbert 2018 Pre Draft Takeaways

Quite a bit to dwelve in here but in short, not too much different than in years past. That out of the way, a quick synopsis of the Pre Draft Conference. Please let me know if I missed anything or if anything needs corrected!


Prelude 2018 Draft discussion:



- Dupree's fifth year option has been picked up. Personally I think he does need to show something but has not been able to due to injuries.


- Le'Veon Bell's contract will wait. No brainer here hence why no further evaluation need be stated.



2018 NFL Draft Evalution:


- Both Colbert and Tomlin generally gather up to 90 prospects per season; another 90 for depth. Of the 127 or so players, 90 of them can be either starters or starting capable prospects; round having no impact.


- As per usual, Colbert differentiates "needs vs. wants" when selecting any pick and not just first; the best available athlete being the most logical choice. Stressed that overreaching for talent hinders team success.


- Colbert and Tomlin both stressed that the "Best Player Available" means just that; no spectrums nor binaries. This was in response to a question about drafting an inside linebacker in Round One. This also likely means that a Running Back is likely in play as well.


- As Colbert stated before the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, the overall positions of Inside Linebackers and Defensive Backs are evolving to meet the currenr demands of today's NFL (i.e. greater emphasis on slot corners, coverage 'backers vs. Pass Rush specialists, etc.).


- Tomlin also agreed and added to the notion that the game is becoming more dependant on these "unique players" as the NFL is more engaged in sub package football than it was over two decades ago.


Closing Conference Comments:


- Tomlin liked the versatility of Morgan Burnett and his veteran presence; further indication that playing more dime is on the books.


*** Big Note ***


- Tomlin stated that it is likely that Burnett starts out at Free Safety. Did state Davis will obtain an oppurtunity though.


This note tells me that either Justin Reid or Jessie Bates III will be play more than Evans or Vander Esch should the board be unfavorable within three days time. This also means that, whomever they select will likely assume centerfielding duty as it is possible Tomlin wants Burnett to be the dime 'backer later on in the season assuming either Bates III or Reid is selected.




Outside of those notes, not much I can recall from the Pre Draft Conference. Thoughts?

 

I think Colbert only said that because they have been mostly FAIL at finding OLBs who can rush the passer. If he thinks a legit pass rusher isn't the 2nd most valuable type of player, only 2nd to QB, he's lost his mind. If you can't get to the QB, the best pass defenders will still not be able to cover for more than a few seconds. I think their new take that players like pass rushers need to cover now is purely ego protection. If you can't get to the QB, you can't be that good of a D.

Look at THE play most responsible for Philly winning a ring: It was the sack/forced fumble of Brady. F their claim that 3-4 OLBs are no longer needed to pass rush and make a D effective. My @ss.

 

Just don't tell Suggs, Mack or Von Miller or Kerrigan that.

 

Seem to recall that sack was by a DE?

 

Disclosed he has a questionable neck injury and has failed some teams physicals being taken off boards. I feel were in for a surprise come 1st round.

also need to be run stoppers, seal the edge.

 

Even without dominant OLBs they set a franchise record with 56 sacks, they also led the league . I doubt they feel OLBs aren't needed to pass rush, they keep drafting them in the first round.

 

Charlie Campbell. He is also indirectly responsible for the infamous "time bomb" quote regarding Myles Jack's knee.

 

REID REID REID

 

100% on the last statement....Not all sacks are created equal we had 20 of our sacks against Cleveland and Houston...13 coming in the last 2 games. How horrendous did we look against Cleveland in the last game selling out just to get the record? Like I said they aren't all created equal....The dropping of our OLBs is overblown...what about the other 65-70% of the time. It's against the good and well coached teams where the lack of pass rush from our OLBs rears its ugly head and we aren't fooling them with our zone blitz schemes. We witnessed it first hand against NE and Jacksonville. When we have asked our OLBs to pin their ears back and go get the QB the results have been poor to say the least. We still need our OLBs to be able to win 1on 1 matchups.... Some of you might say ,well they're not asked to and I say if they could they would....I like Watt and his tenacity and I think he will only get better....it's the guy on the other side that needs to step up or step out...

 

I do know a guy who often gets access to the team's front office. Word just leaked that the team's eyeing for a Half-back in the first round (smh)...see what happens

 

Never said they played for us - just pointing out OLBs still should get sacks. Try again.

 

Yea, but half of those sacks were against the Browns.

 

Those stats still count , the Browns also had a hall of fame LT.

 

Yeah sack stats count if your chasing records but they're not all the same if you're chasing titles....
Just ask Marsha....

 

Pressure can sometimes be as good as sacks. We don't play all teams the same. Most teams know the patriots are the best holding team in the league and Marsha knows how to get rid of the ball quickly. You have to play him differently. Pressure and collapsing the pocket around him makes him rush throws. Most teams can't get him sacked so you do the next best thing. Most qbs have this problem so those pressures have merit. Shore up the D backfield and get pressure and we should win most games.

 

Nice breakdown.
I always wondered what formula was used to determine 'best player available'. Whenever I hear that term I cringe.