2009 Steelers Draft and Mel Kiper Sucks Thread

Cool, what makes you think that is the case?  Keuchly was more productive and his measurables are quite impressive (i know measureables aren't always relevent but his production in college would suggests that he made use of his athelticism well).  Is it mostly because Hightower has more experience in a 3-4 defense? or do you think that he has a higher ceiling in terms of how his game will translate to the NFL?  Maybe it's because he's more versatile, i saw him play with his hand in the ground as a DE as well as his natural MLB position.  


Kuechly is Jarod Mayo, Hightower is Lawrence Timmons. One makes tackles, one makes plays. I watched a lot of BC games, he tackles everything, but he is more of a fit as a 4-3 MLB, where he stops the ball carrier instincltively.  Hightower is more of a 3-4 backer, more versitile, you can move him around,  Tomlin will like that. Kuechly can play in the middle, that is it and I am not convinced he is a 3 down player. Hightower can cover the backs and TE's that I have seen.  Luke's  teamate,  Max Holloway I like a lot as a converted DE into a OLB, I would bring him into camp and see if he could surplant Chris Carter. You can pick him up late, he was a Shrine Game standout. When I look at both Keuchely and Hightower I look past their tackle total bedcause that is what the BC player does, tackles everything, but watching the games I just don't see a guy that LeBeau can move all over the field and confuse the Offense. He will stay in the middle and tackle people. 

The other thing to consider is this, the talent surrounding Kuechly. Of course he makes a billion tackles his talent level is way above most of his teammates whereas HIghtower is playing next to a bunch of guys getting drafted in the top 100.  You can also look at it where the O keys on blocking Kuechly and he still gets to the ball. BOth players are going to be pros, I just see Hightower as a better fit and a higher ceiling. Which player is going to only get better. What I don;t like about Hightower is his DNPs at the combine, sort of like the top QB's who have agents telling them not to throw.