I agree with most of that assesment Non, except I would grade Pouncey as an A and Worilds as a D-. I still believe Worilds would have been available in the third round and they passed up, what IMO, was a sure fire pick in Golden Tate.Non wrote: Draft Grades
1-Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida = B+
...Safe but solid pick. He'll have a good shot to get on the field next year at right guard and then figures to be the center of the future.
2-Jason Worilds, OLB, Virginia Tech = C
...Reach. I don't have a problem with the player but I don't think any teams were targeting him that high and they should've considered trading down and adding another pick. They do need that No. 3 outside linebacker and someone who can keep Harrison and Woodley fresh. I'm taking into account both the player and the draft value. Unless this guy was a wrecking machine I don't think this was the right position for that spot.
3-Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU = B-
...The Steelers specifically targeted Sanders over some other receivers. Even at 5'11 he has good leaping ability and quick-twitch athleticism. He may not be Santonio Holmes in terms of polish, coming from a non-major program, but he does have a similar build and style. I also think this was a reach, though, and they could've traded down and still got him.
4-Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State = C
...Regardless of what I think of Gibson this was overkill. They have two Pro Bowl outside linebackers and already drafted the same position two rounds earlier.
5-Chris Scott, G/T, Tennessee = D+
...This guy doesn't sound too promising. He has versatility as a guard and tackle but doesn't have a lot of athleticism. Only ran a 5.52. Good position to address, but I'd be surprised if he ends up being a factor.
5-Crezdon Butler, CB, Clemson = B-
...He'll be a project. One of those players the Steelers will redshirt as a rookie. But he has good size at 6'0 and has run in the 4.3 range. Nice prospect to add to the secondary.
5-Stevenson Sylvester, LB, Utah = B
...I'll play it safe because you never know about durability but I like what I see. He does a great job keying on the run and closing to make tackles. He'll compete for inside in the 3-4. A possible long-term replacement for James Farrior.
6-Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech = B
...He was projected in the first three rounds for quite awhile. It was good the Steelers still had a big running back option available in the sixth round. I'm really not sure how his style will transition to the NFL. He played in a unique offensive system at Georgia Tech, which may have inflated his ability and production. But the Steelers are wise to give him a shot to be that No. 2 running back.
6-Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan = B-
...Another smallish receiver but he has good speed and makes great cuts with the ball in his hands. Clearly, someone who can compete for a spot as a slot receiver and return specialist.
7-Doug Worthington, DE, Ohio State = B-
...They probably should've addressed the d-line earlier but given that they didn't and had to try and make up for it with one last pick, they may luck out with Worthington. He has a good frame (tall and big) and can still add a good 10 pounds to be more sturdy as a 3-4 end.
Overall grade: B-
Clumsy draft. Poor strategy. But they had enough picks to fool around and still end up with a lot of new players.
rock_knutne
R
R
rock_knutne
Sat, Apr 24, 2010 7:01 PM
Apr 24, 2010 7:01 PM
Apr 24, 2010 7:01pm
