Cbus Steelers Pre-Combine Mock

Figured I'd get in on the fun even though most all mock drafts in early February will be completely carved up come early May. I've read all of your comments on here and did some research of my own this weekend, but mainly just want to see what you all think about some of these players that I've just started to research. I'll assume a 3rd comp pick and a 5th comp pick.

1. Marqise Lee, WR, USC - Picking at 15, I think we'd like to get a guy that can contribute soon. And even though there are glaring needs on D, I'm not so sure there's many that would be instant contributors the way Lee could be. I know Ben is working with Wheaton and Moye and we have hope those two can develop but Lee is a stud that we can't pass up when drafting this high. I think Evans could be there too, but I think we'd take Lee as we usually shy away from guys with only 2 years of college experience with our top picks.

2. E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri - Seems to be the all around package. Great in coverage (held Evans to 8 yards on 4 catches and also shut down Jordan Matthews) and also physical against the run and a good tackler. Had 5 INTs this past year. He fits the Steeler mold as far as CB goes. Some may see this as earlier than where he projects right now, but he's not going to be there at our 3rd round comp pick.

3(c). Yawin Smallwood, ILB, UCONN - Sideline to sideline player who has a knack for the ball. Plays downhill and also has shown the ability to drop into coverage. If a 3 down player can be had in this draft, I think the Steelers would prefer that rather than the Williams-Garvin hybrid. Some of what I've read indicates he might be a better fit in a 4-3 scheme, in which case maybe Skov could be the pick here if he's still around. If the Steelers deem Spence is ready to contribute, then ILB can be addressed later, maybe with Lamin Barrow from LSU (rd. 5) or Avery Williamson from Kentucky (rd. 6-7) and we could go with another CB here (Pierre Desir maybe?)

4. Kenny Ladler, FS, Vandy - Obviously FS needs addressed and Ladler would present good value on day 3. Good speed and had a hand in ten turnovers (5 forced fumbles and 5 INTs) so obviously is a playmaker. Played SS early in his career at Vandy before shining at FS, but could be versatile in our secondary and play where needed.

5. DeAndre Coleman, DE, Cal - At 6-5, 315, he's huge and is strong against the run. Although a little tall, he could potentially be a NT as well so could provide some flexibility when it comes to depth on the defensive line (similar to Al Woods). Could be a great fit as a DE in our scheme as he is very strong and the best part of his game would be what we ask of him...stuff the run.

5(c). Bashaud Breeland, CB, Clemson - I wouldn't be surprised if we go CB twice in this draft and I wasn't too impressed with the CB's that would appear (at this point) to be available in the last 2 rounds. The consensus seems to be that he would have benefitted from another year in college, but that means he could present good value with this pick and he's got the talent to be worth a shot.

6. Crockett Gillmore, TE, Colorado St. - Been some recent buzz about him after he had an impressive Sr. Bowl. At 6-6, he's got great size but also demonstrates a great deal of athleticism. Could learn behind Heath and Spaeth for a year and then become a dynamic player in this offense alongside Heath the year after that.

7. Dontae Johnson, FS, NC State - This is the 4th selection I have the Steelers going secondary with, which may seem like overkill, but it's obviously a need. He's got good size and length at 6-2 and is a sure tackler. Was a significant contributor for 3 years and was a leader for their D.

Let me know what you think!

 

I doubt we get two FS and two corners. we do have a need for a couple, but we also need some help behind bell too. decent players though c-bus.

 

I haven't done much RB research yet and maybe I should have.

My thoughts at this point are that Dwyer and LSH will be back to provide RB depth and we can address a solid backup next year since we need to get younger and deeper on D now. That's why my draft is so defense heavy but I'd be ok with a RB on day 3. Who would be our top options in rds 4-7?

 

I'm not sold that dwyer can run our offense if bell goes down. I've been considering rajon neal from Tenn. in the 5th. especially if we are going to the zone blocking system with munch. we need a backup that has some vision and cut back ability in the run game. I'm still going over them too, but neals game looks like it could work pretty well. my first choice would be carlos hyde, but I doubt that happens that early. we would be loaded though. dwyer and LSH will have to be signed to contracts. it is early in the process since we have no idea what the steelers will do to find money and who they want or need to keep.

 

I can tell you that you don't want neal. as it was put to me by a huge Tennessee fan. he couldn't find a hole with 2 di**s and a flashlight

 

I'm not sold that dwyer can run our offense if bell goes down. I've been considering rajon neal from Tenn. in the 5th. especially if we are going to the zone blocking system with munch. we need a backup that has some vision and cut back ability in the run game. I'm still going over them too, but neals game looks like it could work pretty well. my first choice would be carlos hyde, but I doubt that happens that early. we would be loaded though. dwyer and LSH will have to be signed to contracts. it is early in the process since we have no idea what the steelers will do to find money and who they want or need to keep.

 

Too many guys I never heard of, I can't say I'm a fan of your mock.

 

This is one of my favorite mocks Cbus, it looks good. Marquis Lee would be an absolute home run, he is my favorite WR in the draft outside of Watkins. You drafted the right positions in the next 3 rounds too. If the first 4 happened the way you have it, I'd be a very happy man

 

Well Done CBus Steeler I also like your
positions you selected, as Mac said maybe
a RB late but pretty decent. I also believe
the Steelers will draft a wr later than the first.

 

As you continue your draft research keep your ears open for some of these guys and see what you think of them. I hadn't heard of most of them a week ago either until I sat down and started analyzing guys in our positions of need.

 

Thank you. I think Lee would be an instant playmaker and would be a reliable WR for us for years to come. I know it's a deep class and granted nothing is a sure thing, but as you get into the mid round WR's they don't feel as impactful as a guy like Lee can be. Although we've had success with the mid to late round WRs in the past, I think there's also a lot of depth at some of the defensive positions and we can get talented guys by waiting rather than Rd. 1.