Let’s try this again…I didn’t publish it right. My bad – nc
These may not be the positions of immediate need for the Steelers in terms of the draft, but the fact WRs Emmanuel Sanders and Mike Wallace was taken in the third rounds in 2009 and 2010, respectively, and WR Antonio Brown was taken in the sixth round, it may be interesting to watch some of the projected middle round guys work out at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Baylor QB Robert Griffin III already made the news of the day, running an unofficial 4.41 and a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. Assuming those are legit, they’re absolutely sick numbers for a quarterback who made a Heisman-worthy impression this past season with his deep ball.
Considering QB Byron Leftwich’s recent string of injuries, and QB Charlie Batch’s age, along with the imminent departure of QB Dennis Dixon, it’s not a stretch to suggest the Steelers look to bring in a back-up QB presence for the next few years.Watching a few of those prospects could be a glimpse into the next Brian St. Pierre clone. And that’s always a good time. Plus, you can get caught up after the offensive linemen and tight ends from yesterday. I thought Iowa’s Reilly Reiff looked pretty decent, but I was savagely shot down in the comments. That’s what I’m hoping to read though, take a look at a few guys and share your opinions.
Seeing anyone you like? Chat with other Steelers fans on this (soon-to-be really snowy Sunday for many in my area) Sunday morning and afternoon, let us know your thoughts.
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Inside the Iggles … [
The Steelers were looking to fill needs in last April’s Draft and I think they did a decent job of that. DE Cameron Heyward came to the Steelers in the first round and he will push Aaron Smith or Brett Keisel for a starting job in training camp (if there is one). OT Marcus Gilbert also fills a need as the Steelers’ tackles were pretty awful last year. CBs Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown give the Steelers a couple developmental prospects at a need position. I don’t think either of them will be starters this year but maybe down the road. OG Keith Williams might turn out to be a steal in the 6th round as he is a great run blocker.
PROJECTED GRADE: B
With the third and final day of the 2011 NFL Draft set to kick off in just over an hour, I thought now would be an excellent time to look at a few prospects who the Patriots could target in day three of the NFL Draft.
- Don’t expect the Patriots to look at any more quarterbacks or running backs, although with the way this draft has been unfolding, you never know.
- I could definitely see the Patriots targeting a receiver in the later rounds. A couple of the bigger names are still available in Indiana’s big target Tandon Doss, Hawaii’s underrated Greg Salas, Nebraska’s Niles Paul and Abilene Christian’s explosive athlete Edmund Gates. But there are also some interesting under the radar players available. Chris Matthews is an underrated, big and physical receiving from Kentucky who I like in the fifth or sixth round. Cecil Shorts III (Mount Union) is a small school prospect who is a Taylor Price clone. LSU’s Terrance Tolliver is another big target who I like. Some other options include Hillsdale’s Andre Holmes and TCU’s Jeremy Kerley. As you can see, there are a lot of big targets still available, and I would really like to see the Patriots go after one of these targets with one of their four draft picks today.
- If the Patriots wished, they could draft a third tight end of the future. Luke Stocker, Virgil Green, Josh Baker, Julius Thomas, Kyle Adams, and Zack Pianalto are all still around.
- Along the interior offensive line, there are still some options available. Brandon Fusco, the center from Slippery Rock is a player who I really like. Marcus Cannon, who was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is another option at tackle/guard. Tim Barnes of Missouri remains on the board. Utah’s Zane Taylor is another guy I really like as a developmental guard. Arkansas tackle DeMarcus Love is projected to go in the fifth or sixth round and could slide over to guard. USC’s Kris O’Dowd is another top center/guard prospect still on the board. But the number one player who I think the Patriots should target would be Georgia’s Clint Boling. He is extremely versatile, although I doubt he would be available at pick 138. There are still options on the interior line, and I would expect the Patriots to use a pick or two in that area day three.
- On the defensive line, there are far fewer options that look like a fit. Arizona’s Lawrence Guy and UCLA’s David Carter are two players that look like they could be potential fits at right end. Alabama’s Frank Kearse and Northwestern’s Corbin Bryant are potential sixth or seventh round options at defensive end. I also like Christian Ballard, but I’m not sure if he’s a fit at defensive end.
- At outside linebacker, there are actually some good prospects still available. Texas’ Sam Acho would be the top option. Although he is short for the position, he was widely regarded as a potential 2nd round pick yet somehow still remains on the board. Pittsburgh’s Greg Romeus has all of the tools the Patriots look for in their 3-4 outside linebackers, but he’s fallen due to an injury filled senior season. Fresno State’s Chris Carter is shorter like Acho, but also like Acho, would be a steal at any point in day three. In addition, Oklahoma’s Jeremy Beal is still on the board (as expected). While I didn’t like him as a day one or two pick because he wasn’t particularly special as a pass rusher, he represents terrific value day three. There are also plenty of other options in the later rounds, and I would mind seeing the Patriots pick up a small school option at the position.
- I could also see the Patriots picking up an inside linebacker for special teams purposes. Casey Matthews is an instinctive player and high character player who could fill this role. Doug Hogue is athletic, versatile, underrated and would be an excellent back-up linebacker and special teams player. Other names on the board include Quan Sturdivant, Greg Jones, Mark Herzlich, Adrian Moten, Colin McCarthy, and Chris White.
- I don’t see the Patriots taking another cornerback, but I would like to see the Patriots add a body at safety. One of my favorite players in the draft, Florida’s Ahmad Black, is still on the board and could be available in the fifth round. Most of the other top prospects are off the board, although the likes of DeAndre McDaniel of Clemson and Shiloh Keo are still around. There are also some other late draftable prospects available, including Desia Dunn, Collin Zych, Justin Taplin-Ross, and Mark LeGree.
Overall, I would just like to see the Patriots add a couple of players along the front seven that the team could develop. I also would like to see the team pick up a bigger wide receiver as well as an interior lineman. Safety could also be an option.