What do you think of the Steelers’ picks today? Is there anyone you wish they had picked up? Anyone you wish they had not drafted? Anyone who you knew they wouldn’t, that you believe will be a good pro?
Put it down in the comments. This will make for an interesting look back conversation in a year.
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I don’t see how you can feel bad about any of these picks. On paper, this is one of the most brilliant drafts that I can recall. Now it’s up to the players to perform.
If I’m going to be nitpicky, I would say that one of pick 5b or 6a, or even pick 7, might have been directed toward another cornerback. It’s not that the guys who were selected don’t have a shot to make the team and be good, but the overall quality and depth at CB is more of a concern going into 2014 than OL, ILB (given the Shazier pick and hopeful return of Spence), or TE. Failing that, it’s hard to comprehend the failure to sign two or three CB UDFAs or at least bring them in for tryouts.
The only other position that jumps out at me would be at P. I would have thought there should be a UDFA or two who could be evaluated. Only one punter was drafted, leaving at least six waiting for a post-draft phone call, including Kirby van der Kamp of Iowa state:
Strengths
Precision accuracy and ball placement — can drill the coffin corner. Very good athlete. Catches cleanly. Whip-legged (good speed) to hang it high and drive it far. Smart, competitive and hardworking. Experienced four-year starter.
Weaknesses
Average tackler. Production dropped off as a senior.
Bottom Line
Left-footed, two-step punter with very refined skill to adapt to any situation — can kick with accuracy or for distance and couples unique intangibles for the position.
If the worst thing you can say about a punter is that he is an average tackler, he’s worth a look compared to the detritus that has been punting for the Steelers since Sepulveda was cut.
I was a little shocked with the Dri Archer pick. To me, it seems like Chris Rainey, pt 2. However, if he can perform on kick off/punt returns, that would be superb on many levels, including keeping Antonio Brown off the KR/PR duties.
I’m very interested to see how the Jordan Zumwalt kid pans out–with a name like that, and from the highlight reels–it’s hard not to root for the guy. I’ll also like to see if Daniel “Shadetree” McCullers can make an impact.
“Obviously,” they saw a lot more value in Shazier than Dennard–time will tell.
As for the TE selection, they’ve already got one “blanched” Flower in Pittsburgh, I don’t know why they thought they needed a second one……that was too easy to resist.
with purifoy there at the end of the day, warts and all, with the talent he displayed i would have taken a 7th round chance on him…really liked how things played out overall….