View topic - 2007 draft class

[DirtDawson Profile]

I'd consider it possibly the best of the decade for this team.


Up there with the 2002 draft (Simmons, Randel El, Keisel, Hope, Foote), and the tbd 2008 draft class, which i think is incredibly undervalued at this point, but that will change.



2007 has to be considered the Stiller draft class of the decade because, unlike in any other draft class, the top two picks will play major roles for years to come, and both have the capabilities and proven skills to be pro-bowlers.



Lamaar Woodley, in my mind, has already proven himself as an All-Pro calliber LB. Coming off his FIRST, remember just his FIRST full NFL season, he locks in 17.5 total sacks, 6 in the playoffs. He has 5 games with 2 sack performances. The scarey thing is, with Harrison being dbled throughout next season, Woodley's only going to get better.

Lawrence Timmons is going to be a beast. There is no doubt about it at this point. He will make a splash comparable to his co-draft mate once given full time responsibilities. And as history dictates, the Steelers have done pretty damn well with 1-2 round defensive draft picks. Lets see, Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu, Kendrell Bell, Bryant McFadden just to name a few.


If you look in the later rounds...

Matt Spaeth is showing he can really play, and versatility at TE. Sepulveda, came off a very impressive punting season before his injury. I hope he comes back soon, Mitch Berger is running out of Hamstrings.

And just to mention late round value, Dallas Baker and William Gay.




Anyways, my predictions for Timmons next year, 110+ tackles, 5+ sacks, and atleast 2 INT's.

[steelcitymetal Profile]

i looked up 2004 to see who came with ben.... yikes

[IronCity__Man Profile]

I think the start of this post made some good points but 07 is probably a two hit year at best. To get a hit like Woodley is incredible. I think we all like Timmons athleticism - I do worry if he has enough beef to plug the run all season. He still looks like an outside linebacker playing the inside but this season will tell the tale before I pass too much judgement. The remaining players on that 07 draft probably fit in as good as any others still around in other drafts (e.g., Kemoetau) so to me 07 is but a two pick winner and not that much better than other years. Gay in the 7th round that same year is now starting so we will see if we can add one.

Looks like one hit wonders in 03, 04, 05, and 06 with Polamalu and Big Ben, Heath and Santonio respectively. Interesting they are all the first rounders. Maybe throw in Starks for added measure in 04 which is probably better than Spaeth and Sepulveda combined. I would include Mcfadden with Heath in 05 but the steelers let that one walk away.

Haggans, Plaxico, and Marvel in 2000 (if you include that with this decade, some people don't) may trump them all.

[Steel Holiday Profile]

The Lbs are with out a doubt the headline for the 07 draft class. Woodley was a stud pass rusher coming out of college, and his explosive ability in that area seemed likely to translate to the pro game. My questions with him was his ability to effectively drop in coverage. I think he showed a lot of athleticism doing that last season. The one-handed stab Int he made opening week was an excellent defensive play.

Timmons is still developing into the player he will be. There is no doubting Lawrence's athleticism. I'm cautiously optimistic about his ability as a starter this season. Plenty of fans(including this one) have been critical of his run defense. As a nickel package player his primary responsibility has been coverage and pass rush. He could be considered a little undersized when fitting him to the traditional 3-4 Ilb. But, given that Foote and Farrior both looked skinny last season, it's probable the added quickness from Timmons will upgrade the D. LT just turned 23! I definitely like his potential heading forward.

[mckeesrockstheburg Profile]

I agree. This class best in years. Wm Gay just might surprise with 5 picks as he will be a target.
Can someone help me out with Spaeth? With Miller, Ward, and Tone getting the attention, at 6'7", why is he not isolated on LBs or safeties in red zone? Oh, my bad, we have Arians. Of all the luck...

[Hagerstown Steelman Profile]

Good points on teh 07 class. Plus Gay will be a starter this year.

The 08 and 09 classes hold the key to our future with all of the guys this year heading into the last year of their contracts.

What effect does everyone think Tomlin has had on the draft process? I think that is where you see the late round benefit. Colbert has in general been good on the first day of the draft and not busts since probably Troy Edwards. But day two has always been weak at best.

[DirtDawson Profile]

i dont know for sure, but it really does seem like the drafting has changed dramatically since Tomlin came in.


He seems to take bigger risks with his picks, more so than Cowher, who drafted almost too conservatively.


It was alot easier to predict what Cowher was going to draft in the 1st round.


I'm sure nobody saw us drafting Mendenhall last year, or even two linebackers the year before.



Tomlin's drafting choices seems a bit more bold, devoting clusters of early round picks on specific focuses on the field.