2009 Steelers Draft and Mel Kiper Sucks Thread

Beachum!!!!!!!!

Here is a list of UDFA we have verbel commitments from along with position and school: Nothing is concrete yet. 1. OG - Ryan Lee , Furman 2. K - Grant Ressel, Missouri 3. WR - Connor Dixon, Duquesne 4. P - Drew Butler, Georgia 5. OLB - Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh 6. DT - Ikponmwosa Igbinosun - Southern Connecticut State 7. CB - Robert Golden, Arizona 8. DL - Jake Stoller, Yale 9. OLB - Adrien Robinson Jr., Temple 10. OG - Desmond Stapleton, Rutgers 11. WR - Marquis Maze, Alabama 12. CB - Terry Carter, Louisianna LaFayette

As usual, the Steelers have another great draft.  Congrats to all....it's a great organization that rarely ever fails on draft day....Steelers just sit patiently and rock it out.  The most criticized pick, Sean Spence, was one of my favorite's...It's no surprise why this team is always on top in this division...

I like most of you Steelers fans.  I hope you don't mind if I post over here more often....Way too much negativity swirlin in the Browns' fan base for me....It's really sad.  I actually loved their draft. Especially round 1....  Didn't understand the DT pick in round 3, but who knows?   H&H went off the charts on that one....Day 3 was REALLY strong for the Browns too, and Billy Winn in round 7 makes me feel alot better about the round 3 guy that nobody ever heard of....lol!

Anyway....I'm sure I'll get some negative responses, but i just can't take the pessimism in C-town right now...This is a vibrant fan base, and I just want to talk football.......The Browns absolutely HAD to upgrade the QB IMO.   I know beach and Mano agree with me on that.....any other thoughts?

Raise your hand if you didn't see Burfict signing with the Bengals?  *sigh*

K - Grant Ressel, Missouri

Watched him all year and most of Mizzou ended up getting sick of him because he blew so many kicks before getting hurt but before this year he was good.

Thanks TD. You're always welcome here!

Did Colbert take a nap after the 5th round and tell the assistants to pick whoever is left from their visit list in the 7th round?

I have seen something interesting that I have yet to see after a draft. First of all, (and yes this is preliminarily without any of these kids stepping on the field) the Steelers had an incredibly successful draft and analysts are also saying so (not that why analysts say means anything). The other thing that makes me laugh is those same analysts are FINALLY callIng out the Patriots for poor drafting. Hightower is about the only one they haven't criticized because Chandler Jones is more suited for a 4-3 and they reached like crazy for a lot of no name players. Trading up for guys they could have very easily sat back and got.

Ryan Lee OG Furman  - Keep an eye on this kid....  Was doing some reading on the kid - Has great numbers..  Can he play?  Long shot - but small school kid that I'll cheer for...

Robinson OLB Temple - Why this kid names rings a bell - I dont know - Need to read up on him

Brandon Lindsey OLB Pitt -  I watch a lot of Pitt football this year - my dad has season tickets - Dont like him as a steeler..  I doubt he last long in  camp.

enjoy,

bb

There's a rumor this small school QB(http://www.nfldraftscout.com/rating
s/dsprofile.php?pyid=80646&draftyear=2012&genpos=QB) is a camp invite, if true, that would make 7QB's in camp ( I think ).
 Do you think the Steelers are trying hard to upgrade there backup QB situation ?

I can sit back and reflect now, some choices I don't like, but hey it's easy from an arm chair.

Moving up for Ta'mau was smart, but I hated the fact it left a huge hole between 159 and 231, 72 picks to be exact. Guys that went inbetween Chris Rainey and Toney Clemmons.

Marvin Jones
Juron Criner
Keith Tandy
Justin Bethel
James Hanna
Billy Winn
Michael Smith
Kheeston Randle


It's all a crap shoot, the only  player the Steelers took I know little to nothing about is Terrence Frederick.

I am less than thrilled, bummed is more the word that they were not able to bring in at least ONE of these Linebackers as UDFA.

Shawn Loisseau
Cordaro Law
Ronnie Thorton
Max Holloway
Noah Keller

the depth at ILB and OLB is scary thin, just my observation.  I am with bb on the kid out of Pitt, will be part of the first cut.

Another guy I think went undrafted, Jerry Franklin ILB out of Arkansas, I like his read and react, he has some thump to him.

Interesting information on Lamar Miller, Steelers passed on him because their medical staff gave him the thumbs down.

Shawn Loisseau Texans
Cordaro Law
Ronnie Thorton Bears
Max Holloway
Noah Keller
Jerry Franklin  Broncos

NY,

thanks for the update - Was wondering where some of these guys went.

Enjoy,

bb

I posted that about Beachum..  Might have been about the UFA kid from Furman...  I cant remember where I read that - in a profile somewhere - If I find it - I'll post it...

I'd swear I heard that somewhere too.  I think it was Dave-Te Thomas who mentioned that at Steelers Depot...might have been in a pod cast?  Can't find it at the moment either.

How CNN graded the draft by team. I did not catch who wrote it, but Kudos for kicking Bill Belichik in the nuts for once, knock him down for his craptacular draft after round one. Even then Chandler Jones,  DE out of Syracuse is a really good or really bad pick, He was a late riser. probably inflated by ESPN or Patriot Nation, same difference.

HEre is the hyperlink: http://nfl.si.com/2012/04/29/2012-n
fl-draft-grades/

some of the highlights for those of you who want a crash course.

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens traded down and still landed DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw (35), who may develop into the next feared defender in Baltimore. Guard Kelechi Osemele (60) and running back Bernard Pierce (84) filled needs well, making the Ravens’ reaches in Round 5 (Gino Gradkowski and Christian Thompson) more tolerable. Grade: B

Cincinnati Bengals: If you didn’t buy the Bengals’ rise last season, this should push you over the top. Cincinnati landed potential starters with each of its first nine picks, led by CB Dre Kirkpatrick (17) and G Kevin Zeitler (27), who should be in the lineup from Day One. Grade: A-plus

Cleveland Browns: I don’t mind Cleveland going all-in to get Trent Richardson at No. 3. Heck, I don’t even really mind reaching for QB Brandon Weeden at 22. I’m not sure what happened after that, though, as the Browns took OT Mitchell Schwartz when they needed a receiver, then tanked picks on DT John Hughes (87) and WR Travis Benjamin (100). Grade: C-plus

Denver Broncos: Help us, Peyton Manning, you’re our only hope. This doesn’t feel like a draft that will put Denver over the top. DT Derek Wolfe fills a need, but Jerel Worthy or Devon Still would have been safer picks, and the Brock Osweiler selection at 57 makes absolutely no sense. Grade: D

Detroit Lions: The Lions are unapologetic about their “best player available” strategy, even when it brings them Ryan Broyles, a receiver coming off a knee injury, at 54. It can’t be oversold, though, how badly Detroit needed that Riley Reiff pick in the first round. CB Dwight Bentley (85) should help, and Oklahoma linebacker Travis Lewis (223) might be one of the steals of the draft. Grade: B

New England Patriots: This must be what it’s like on the floor of the Stock Exchange. New England started with four picks (two first, two seconds), traded up twice in the first, then traded down enough to add four picks after Round 2. The results? A mixed bag, with DE Chandler Jones (21) and LB Dont’a Hightower (25) possible moments of brilliance, and S Tavon Wilson (48) potentially a total flub. Grade: B-minus

New Orleans Saints: It’s hard to do much without a pick in Round 1 or 2 … and the Saints didn’t do much. The keys will be DT Akiem Hicks’ (89) transition from Canadian college ball to the NFL and WR Nick Toon’s (122) ability to stay healthy. No one after that is a sure-bet to make the roster. Grade: D-plus

New York Giants: Honestly, their worst pick might have been their first one: RB David Wilson (32) has playmaking ability, but he might struggle to make an impact in his rookie season. It was gem after gem from then out: WR Rueben Randle (63), CB Jayron Hosley (94) and OT Brandon Mosley (131) standing out. Grade: B-plus

New York Jets: DE Quinton Coples is a colossal roll of the dice at 16 overall, and the Jets decided to address their issues at offensive tackle by completely ignoring that position. WR Stephen Hill (43) will help that underwhelming unit, as might sleeper Jordan White (244). But there was more bad than good here. Grade: D-plus

Oakland Raiders: Like the Saints, Oakland didn’t have a pick until the third round. The Raiders didn’t do too poorly given that challenge, landing a needed offensive lineman in Tony Bergstrom (95) and finding underrated WR Juron Criner at 168. It was a safer draft that New Orleans had in similar circumstances, but there are no stars here. Grade: C

Philadelphia Eagles: I’m very unconvinced that QB Nick Foles will ever be an NFL starter, so using a third-rounder (88) on him stings. Aside from that, this was gold. Philadelphia robbed the league by trading up for DT Fletcher Cox at 12, then added solid pieces in LB Mychal Kendricks (46), DE Vinny Curry (59), CB Brandon Boykin (123), WR Marvin McNutt (194) and G/T Brandon Washington (200). Grade: A-minus

Pittsburgh Steelers: Not sure how the Steelers did it, but G David DeCastro (24), T Mike Adams (56) and NT Alameda Ta’amu (109) all fell into their lap, and all fit the Pittsburgh scheme (even if Adams brings some character concerns). The Sean Spence pick at 86 was the only question mark, because Spence doesn’t appear to be a great fit for the Steelers’ 3-4. Grade: A-minus

 

Indiana, the Patriots have sucked at the draft for several years (take a look at last year's crop), and no one ever calls them out. Especially for a team that stockpiles picks like they do. I thought the Steelers and Bengals had two of the best drafts this weekend. The Steelers went from O line being a major weakness to a major strength, much to my dismay. The Bengals concern me a lot, depending on how fast they can get these young players performing. I thought my Ravens had another solid draft. Their scouting department has invested a lot of resources in scouting small FCS schools for hidden talent. They were looking for depth, and I think they got it. I think Courtney Upshaw will fill that Jarret Johnson / Adalius Thomas OLB/DE/Jack of All Trades hybrid role they seem to utilize so well. The AFC North is going to be brutal this year, on top of a brutal schedule.

Just when you thought the Redskins had finally figured out the draft, they go and get Kirk Cousins. Huh???? I am experiencing a little Schadenfruede this morning.

Just when you thought the Redskins had finally figured out the draft, they go and get Kirk Cousins. Huh????

I didn't get it either....Why add THAT pressure? As if the young man didn't have enough on shoulders all ready....  Made no sense at all to me....

Snyder and Shanahan have been selling RG3 to the fans for months...."This is our savior!....but just in case we really screwed up, maybe this dude can bail us out"...lol!  I just don't get that....Are the Redskins that strong at all other positions?

The Bengals did very well IMO, again...Two years in a row for them.....I loved their draft, and I agree that there is reason to be concerned...

This whole division did very well....It's the toughest division in sports.  The Browns certainly have their work cut out, but I think they are on the right track..

Prag, I agree with you on the Pats. Ever since Scott Pioli left, they have been awful at finding defensive talent, regardless of how many players they draft. Even offensive talent has been hit-or-miss. Bill Belichek isn't exactly the defensive genius when it comes to drafting and they are finally getting called out. The Ravens did a great job shoring up their holes but the Bengals are finally getting with the program. Their owner/GM shouldn't get near as much credit as Marvin Lewis. Two years ago, Lewis essentially said he was leaving if he didn't have more say over personnel and finally they get rid of Palmer and Ochocinco, drafted a great QB and WR combo last year and then fixed a lot of holes and added some weapons this year. I can see them starting to finally compete in the division after years of sub-par players and internal issues.

I like most of you Steelers fans.  I hope you don't mind if I post over here more often....Way too much negativity swirlin in the Browns' fan base for me....It's really sad.  I actually loved their draft. Especially round 1....  Didn't understand the DT pick in round 3, but who knows?   H&H went off the charts on that one....Day 3 was REALLY strong for the Browns too, and Billy Winn in round 7 makes me feel alot better about the round 3 guy that nobody ever heard of....lol!

-------------------

Thanks TopDawg,

Come on over and post here - love to have more folks evaluating players.  One of my kicks is seeing these small school kids make it.. Saw that Ravens took the OG out of UofDelaware  - brother of Bruce Gradowski and the kid is a local kid from Pittsburgh.. These kids I cheer  for.

Richardson is going to be a stud - When he played at Bama while Ingram was there, I liked Richardson better and now we need to face him twice a year...    Billy Winn is a friggin steal in the 7th...  I was watching his name from about the end of the 3rd round on - wondering when he is going to be called.  The Boise kds always have a high motor and are well coached.

Stop in anytime Top Dawg - Nice to see you and best wishes.  And tell that old man Lyman to stop over once in a while too.

enjoy,

bb

You're always welcome here TD.  It looks like the Browns had a very good draft.  I can't keep up like you guys do, but Trent Richardson is a great start and most analyst I heard yesterday thought you guys did very well. A grade draft.

I'll get a chance to read more today and get back.  Looks like AFCN had a good draft as a conference. 



MoS

DT - Ikponmwosa Igbinosun - Southern Connecticut State

--------------------------

Heard something about this kid a while back...  But for the life of me can't remeber what it was.....  Maybe it was just about his name being the hardest to say.... 

enjoy,

bb

Beachum!!!!!!!!
----------------

yeah and get this ....  This kid can Long Snap...  sheez..  

Also a quick re DeCastro - at the Stanford Pro Day - he was snappng balls to Luck...  backup center besides being a Pro Bowl Guard...

enjoy,

bb

Beachum!!!!!!!!

That is way too close to Beachbum for my taste. I had to take a second look when I first saw it posted. I thought the Steelers had  made a tragic error.

Without question, the names that really popped on that FA list were Drew Butler and Marquise Maze...

Butler has a chance to be a really, really good punter for the Steelers. Unilke the incredibly stupid decision to TRADE UP to pick Daniel Sepulveda way, way too early, getting Butler as a FA is huge.  I think he will beat out Jeremy Kapinos, and has the bloodlines, along with a decorated career at Georgia.  I mean, he was about as good as it got at the college level.

Maze is small, and maybe he will struggle to adapt to the NFL, but he has some potential as a return man and as a slot player with the Steelers.  He made some big plays at Alabama.  The stage was not too big for him in the SEC...

Would love to see Brandon Lindsey make it, I really think he has a chance, he's a player oozing with ability.

The draft was a tremendous success, as their first 4 picks were potential homeruns and Chris Rainey has a very high ceiling.  Getting him in the 5th round instead of reaching for a guy in the 2nd or 3rd is why the Steelers are the Steelers.   I will be interested to see if he can be utilized similarly to the way Jamaal Charles was by Haley in KC...He will have his work cut out for him beating out Barron Batch if the poor kid can stay on the field healthy...

The only pick I really did not like was the TE Paulsen in the 7th...Toney Clemons has a shot, tremendous athlete, maturity/decision making concerns possbily, did very little at Colorado, but, who did? No very little about the other two 7th rounders, but my faith in taking a Texas A&M corner at all is limited, they got absolutely blasted on pass D all year... 

Apparently Kiper gave the Steelers a B- on value. We all know he is a Ravens fan but could he be anymore wrong?

Apparently Kiper gave the Steelers a B- on value. We all know he is a Ravens fan but could he be anymore wrong?

how could he be anymore wrong? Funny you should ask that because each year he loses more fan base, uses more hair gel, and sucks even harder at his job. LaMichael James was the second best RB on Kipers Big Board.  'nuff said.  That is his grade, my grade on his analysis is an F minus. or just substitued the word mines for the letter U.

There are no NFL executives or scouts that believe his steaming pile of manure. The only ones that buy into his trite rhetoric are the agents he has ties to. I am more than willint to bet the agent of LaMichael James is affiliated with Kiper, but Doug Martin's agent is not..



I get a LOT wrong, Cordaro Law didn't work out, but I think it's an educated late round guess, it's not like I said Mike Williams is going into the HOF and Ryan Leaf is better pro prospect than Peyton Manning.  The key is to MAN UP when you are wrong and learn from it. The only thing Kiper cares about is selling his draft comic books and getting air time.  I don't care who he knows, or how much money he has,  I kow I am a better person that that jackwad could ever hope to be.

You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I'm an easy target. Yeah, you're right, I talk too much. I also listen too much. I could be a cold-hearted cynic like you... but I don't like to hurt people's feelings. Well, you think what you want about me; I'm not changing. I like... I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. 'Cause I'm the real article. What you see is what you get. -John Candy as Del Griffith

"Del Griffith....shower curtain ring division"....lol! one of my favorites






Neil Page:   "Why did you just kiss me?...Get your hand off me!....where's your other hand?!"

Del:   "between two pillows."

(very uncomfortable pause)

Neil:  "THOSE AREN'T PILLOWS!!!"

both:  "aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!"

Who actually has the final say on the draft picks in Pittsburgh?   How much input does Mike Tomlin have?

just curious....Whatever they're doing, it's working....   There are certain thing that you can always count on in this league...One is that the Steelers will draft well....

I really wanted the Browns to get Spence, and I think they would have....That guy just makes plays.  They can say what they want about his "bench press" or whatever.....On the football field, he's all over it!   He stood out in every Canes game I watched...   I'm sure he'll fit in nicely with the rich line-backing history in Pittsburgh...