OFFICIAL 2006 NFL DRAFT THREAD - WHO DEM STILLERS GONNA PICK

[Draftnik]

Reid averaged 15 yards per punt return with 2TDs last season, so they must see him being an impact return man. Scouts Inc had him pegged in the 5th.

[Draftnik]

He must have been pretty far down the FSU depth chart. I remember a few of their top guys were injured early last season and Reid was kind of an afterthought. With their poor offensive play calling and QB play he may not have been given much to work with, kind of like Moss in Miami.

I like the write-ups about his North/South style. I vaguely remember the guy exceeding expectations last season, but don't remember his PR skills. FSU has so many great athletes they all kind of blend together and nobody stands out.

[Peter]

We've picked 2 WRs. While I understand the logic (replace El and get a punt returner), don't we have any other needs?

[Bowser]

Peter - Yes, they need..

3rd QB - Reggie McNeal
Big RB - Gerald Riggs Jr - take a flyer on him
Better 3rd TE - Jeff King

I'm not real sure about the remaining prospects on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

[DelPen]

Peter - Yes, they need..

3rd QB - Reggie McNeal
Big RB - Gerald Riggs Jr - take a flyer on him
Better 3rd TE - Jeff King

I'm not real sure about the remaining prospects on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Obvisouly they took the "fill needs" route this year, which is fine. They may have missed out on some good linemen but maybe not.

I just hope some of the guys they took the last few years who are linemen pan out or Ben is going to be hurting bad 3-4 years down the line when the starters now become free agents.

[Draftnik]

We've picked 2 WRs. While I understand the logic (replace El and get a punt returner), don't we have any other needs?

Reid replaced El as a PR. El was a horrible starting WR. His best attribute was his ability to throw a great WR option pass. Other than that he was far below average in all other aspects of the position. Holmes replaces Burress as a legitimate NFL starting WR.

[PensFanBryan]

forget white at 32, la paper reporting he tested positive for banned drug in feb

Well I guess we should pass hium up because using one source that is the only one reporting it is a great idea. Have a link to the paper or even a name of the paper?

NFL | L. White had positive test?
Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:23:38 -0700
Scott Wolf, of the Press Telegram, reports USC RB LenDale White reportedly tested positive for an undisclosed drug, according to multiple sources, which could affect his stock the NFL draft. White spoke briefly to a reporter Friday, April 28, but sounded unconcerned about the situation. "(The NFL) ain't worried about it," he said. "The issue's been addressed." Several sources said the test took place at the NFL Combine in late February. "If it's out, it's got to be a Combine test," said a source with knowledge of NFL drug testing. "Some teams also give their own tests but those are at individual workouts and no one releases those."

Thats KFFL.


http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_3764989

Another paper.

Adam Schefter on NFL Network addressed this in the first round of the draft today. He said that the NFL sends all teams a list of guys who tested positive in the drug test. He said only 2 names were on the list (didnt say who), but LenDale White was not one of them.

[PensFanBryan]

We've picked 2 WRs. While I understand the logic (replace El and get a punt returner), don't we have any other needs?

Reid replaced El as a PR. El was a horrible starting WR. His best attribute was his ability to throw a great WR option pass. Other than that he was far below average in all other aspects of the position. Holmes replaces Burress as a legitimate NFL starting WR.

lol, John Clayton lists the Steelers as "Winners" in todays draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/c ... id=2427335

Im not thrilled with the Steelers 3rd round picks. I think Anthony Smith is an alright pick, although NFL.com says "From 2-Deep coverage, he does not get outside quickly enough to really help with over-the-top coverage -- he usually just gets there to make the tackle well after the catch." in his profile. Gil Brandt says he is a "very, very, very skilled safety." I just dont understand the Willie Reid pick. They could have waited till the 2nd day to get a Return Specialist. Im tired of the Steelers' Experiments. 3 years ago they picked a guy by the name of Ike Taylor in the 4th round, and it turned out in their favor, but they seem to be gambling with higher picks every year.

[Rocco]

Peter - Yes, they need..

3rd QB - Reggie McNeal
Big RB - Gerald Riggs Jr - take a flyer on him
Better 3rd TE - Jeff King

I'm not real sure about the remaining prospects on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

A 3rd TE? How often did they even use 3 TEs last year? That's hardly a need, and I actually like King a lot.

I'm not sure why you keep bringing up McNeal- the guy is garbage. He won't be a QB in the NFL. He's a big reason why A&M underachieved last year. Any team that drafts him is going to turn him into a WR. If I'm not mistaken, Omar Jacobs is still available, as is Bruce Gradkowski.

A bigger hole is a DE to replace Kimo, or someone to replace Hartings, or a LB to provide cover (either ILB or OLB, since they're thin there). I'm not buying Rian Wallace just yet.

[PensFanBryan]

Peter - Yes, they need..

3rd QB - Reggie McNeal
Big RB - Gerald Riggs Jr - take a flyer on him
Better 3rd TE - Jeff King

I'm not real sure about the remaining prospects on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

A 3rd TE? How often did they even use 3 TEs last year? That's hardly a need, and I actually like King a lot.

I'm not sure why you keep bringing up McNeal- the guy is garbage. He won't be a QB in the NFL. He's a big reason why A&M underachieved last year. Any team that drafts him is going to turn him into a WR. If I'm not mistaken, Brandon Jacobs is still available, as is Bruce Gradkowski.

A bigger hole is a DE to replace Kimo, or someone to replace Hartings, or a LB to provide cover (either ILB or OLB, since they're thin there). I'm not buying Rian Wallace just yet.

I agree a DE would have been helpful. Apparently if we needed a OLB, we are in trouble because there arent any left. I dont buy into the "Steelers are thin at OLB" thing yet though. I think James Harrison, Andre Frazier, Rian Wallace, and Clint Kriewaldt can all be effective stop-gaps if needed for a couple games. By no means am I saying that if someone gets hurt in Pre-Season and are out for the rest of the season, that Rian Wallace can play all season. But I really think the other 3 could be productive.

[Kicksave]

Peter - Yes, they need..

3rd QB - Reggie McNeal
Big RB - Gerald Riggs Jr - take a flyer on him
Better 3rd TE - Jeff King

I'm not real sure about the remaining prospects on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Please say no to Reggie McNeal. We need a 3rd QB but i'd rather take someone who would be actual quarterback who we can develop into a backup. Someone like Erik Meyer or Omar Jacobs.

I'd also pass on Riggs, unless it were the 6th or 7th round. For RB, i'd hope we'd look at someone like Mike Bell from Arizona. We really missed the boat, as far as a running back this draft which is OK with me. If we didn't get Lendale, I really didn't want anyone. Who I really want is Brian Lenard from Rutgers next year. But that is another time and another season away.

I'd go for some offensive line help, like Mark Setterstrom or Joe Toledo.

[Stoosh]

I'd also pass on Riggs, unless it were the 6th or 7th round. For RB, i'd hope we'd look at someone like Mike Bell from Arizona. We really missed the boat, as far as a running back this draft which is OK with me. If we didn't get Lendale, I really didn't want anyone. Who I really want is Brian Lenard from Rutgers next year. But that is another time and another season away.

I agree...I'm not enamored with anyone else left on the board, although I think DonTrell Moore might be worth a look.

I think they'd be best off waiting until next year. Like you said, I could easily live with Brian Leonard, but the guy I'm REALLY hoping for is Michael Bush from Louisville.

Holy crap, I'm already talking about next year's draft...I sound like a yinzer!

[DelPen]

I agree a DE would have been helpful. Apparently if we needed a OLB, we are in trouble because there arent any left. I dont buy into the "Steelers are thin at OLB" thing yet though. I think James Harrison, Andre Frazier, Rian Wallace, and Clint Kriewaldt can all be effective stop-gaps if needed for a couple games. By no means am I saying that if someone gets hurt in Pre-Season and are out for the rest of the season, that Rian Wallace can play all season. But I really think the other 3 could be productive.

This team has a long history of drafting DE's and moving them to OLB's. It's not that different in a 3-4. I think today is a grab at linemen on both sides and if one out of 4 stick then great. The sacraficed a lot by moving up to get Holmes but I think it was worth it because they could have turned those extra picks into 2nd and early 3rd rounders.

[Bowser]

I know McNeal wouldn't be the popular selection for the 3rd QB with Gradowski on the board but the Steelers are unlikely to draft a guy to be a pure backup.

I'm by no means stating Riggs and King should be 3rd round picks. I just think the Steelers should look at them at some point. I don't like Jerame Tuman and been a fan of King for a long time.

I think the Steelers would be wise to draft a big back to be prepared when Staley does his usual work on the sideline. Riggs has had his own problems, I know, but sometimes players change coming into the NFL.

The next few picks in the 4th round are likely to address our depth along the line. I think Gradowski is a 4th rounder so it will be interesting to see the Steelers ranking of the available QBs vs linemen depth.

[Draftnik]

I just dont understand the Willie Reid pick. They could have waited till the 2nd day to get a Return Specialist. Im tired of the Steelers' Experiments. 3 years ago they picked a guy by the name of Ike Taylor in the 4th round, and it turned out in their favor, but they seem to be gambling with higher picks every year.

Reid should touch the ball at least 6 times per game on PRs, maybe a few more if he returns KOs. He can provide an immediate impact and if he lives up to his billing provide the Steel consistent field position. I like the fact he is a guy that goes North/South and straight up the field. He won't be dancing around so he should provide decent field position on a consistent basis and not in a feast or famine style.

The once thing that could be problematic is he and Morey both will be on special teams. One of them will definitely have to be the #4 WR. The Steel can only dress 47 guys per game and El did provide a benefit with his versatility as the slot WR and PR. The Steel could be forced to dress 6 WRs if Morey/Reid can't play in 4 WR packages which could limit gameday depth in other positions.

[Bowser]

Steelers 4th Round Picks

131 - Willie Colon, OT, Hofstra
133 - Orien Harris, DT, Miami/FLA

Harris was a 2nd/3rd round talent, nice pickup

[Draftnik]

Omar Jacobs. Nice pick and great value. Maybe Slash II.

Maybe not. 4.83. Very slow................

[The Snapshot]

Omar Jacobs. Nice pick and great value. Maybe Slash II.

Maybe not. 4.83. Very slow................

I think he is a "project" 3rd QB. Decent pick, and he has some upside. He sounds like an Anthony Wright more than a Stewart. Big arm, strong in the pocket but definately not a runner.

It sounds like his technique is his biggest weakness.

[The Snapshot]

WOW! The TE pick now makes it 5 of the 7 picks on the O side of the ball. That is almost unheard of in Pittsburgh.

They really want to give Ben all of the tools to use.....

[Bowser]

Snapshot - You hit it on the button. Omar Jacobs technique throwing the football is just downright horrible. I really can't believe the Steelers took him as a quarterback.

If the Steelers think he's going to be the future backup to Ben, they better hope Charlie Batch can stick around for another 2-3 years. Jacobs has a ton to fix with his footwork, release point, and just learning the game.

He just isn't a pro style QB like Ben and I think a backup should be like your starter. That way, your offense doesn't change.

I would have much rather seen Bruce Gradkowski.

[DelPen]

Snapshot - You hit it on the button. Omar Jacobs technique throwing the football is just downright horrible. I really can't believe the Steelers took him as a quarterback.

If the Steelers think he's going to be the future backup to Ben, they better hope Charlie Batch can stick around for another 2-3 years. Jacobs has a ton to fix with his footwork, release point, and just learning the game.

He just isn't a pro style QB like Ben and I think a backup should be like your starter. That way, your offense doesn't change.

I would have much rather seen Bruce Gradkowski.

This is just taking a QB for the sake of taking a QB. I wouldn't be surprised if he's cut in camp.

[Bowser]

Delpen - I agree. This guy has so many flaws as a thrower, why waste the pick on him. If you planned to take a guy to be the future backup, why not draft a pro style QB like Charlie Whitehurst or Brodie Croyle with the second pick instead of moving down.

Jacobs shouldn't have a hard time earning a spot since he has Rod Rutherford as competition. Another QB that has major flaws with his feet and lacks arm strength.

[Stoosh]

Steelers up with their 6th round pick take center Marvin Philip out of Cal. Ummm...OK.

At this point, a lot of names are running together with a few recognizable names here and there. But this has been a confusing draft to me for the Steelers, and outside of the Holmes pick, I can't say I'm overly thrilled with their draft so far.

We heard so much about how they were looking for depth at linebacker, depth at running back. To this point, neither of those have been addressed, and their down to a seventh-round pick, so I'm not expecting a heck of a lot out of anyone taken there.

I think Willie Reid could be a sleeper. He'll make his mark as a return specialist and if that's all he ever really becomes, I'm fine with that. Drafting a guy like that could help them keep Heath Miller on the field as a #4 wideout when they go to a four-receiver set. I'd much rather see Miller stay on the field in those sets than come off the field in favor of a marginal receiver.

I can't criticize the Anthony Smith pick enough. Darnell Bing was still on the board. Ko Simpson was still on the board. Yet they spent a third-round pick on a guy who was projected to be a sixth-round pick at best. In fact, his profile on NFL.com predicted that Smith wouldn't even get drafted. I just don't get it. Either they weren't anywhere near as high on Bing and Simpson as we all thought they were, or they really know something about Smith that we don't know.

Kind of a confusing draft...I know Colbert likes to stay true to their draft board and everything, but there's very little in this draft to get excited about.

[Draftnik]

Most of the NFL.com writeups are from JR GM or something like that. They aren't one of the better known or respected draft services. I agree Smith seemed like a reach at 2, but Colbert and Cowher have been very good in the draft. The SB victory earns them the benefit of doubt for a while IMO. If they pick up Duckett or some other veteran RB I think they will be in good shape. The 4 year deal they gave Harrison clearly indicates they think he will be starting by 07 for Porter or Haggins.

[Bowser]

Stoosh - I'm with you on the overall success of the Steelers draft.

Holmes - yes
Smith - umm, too early
Reid - too early
Colon - depth pick
Harris - good value but undersized for two-gap DT
Jacobs - needs major help throwing the ball
Davis - I'm fine with him as the 3rd TE instead of Rasby
Philip - undersized C that has little playing experience

Steelers never addressed LB and RB, very surprised.

RB - Gerald Riggs Jr is still there

and former PITT WR Greg Lee is still there in the draft. Here's the perfect example of a player that came out too early because he needed to work on his strength to block, running routes, speed and consistency catching the ball.