View topic - Stillers.com Draft Day Thread

[thesteelhammer Profile]

Hammer,

How do you rate the pick? He is a good motor guy, but DL over OL? What are your thoughts?

6'3"
300 pounds

Kiper had him ranked 28th over all
TSN had him ranked 68th over all (3rd round), but did comare him to Aaron Smith

Solid pick, but not really exciting since our scheme doesn't feature DE's.
Helps with the age problem on the d-line,but won't keep Ben healthy.

There were a couple of OT's available that shouldn't be there by the time we pick again.They might have been slight reaches, but we need O-line help now.

Couple of stud LBs and CB were on the board too, that I think are rarer talents than Hood.

[deltadweller Profile]

I know we need DL help, but are we really comfortable we can get OL & CB help that can play right away later in this draft?

[Hagerstown Steelman Profile]

I thought they would go DL in round 3 or so. That being said Colberts 1st rnd picks have been dead on.

I think Wood and Mack being off of the table was the kicker here. Plus I have heard a lot of draft guys say that at Missouri Hood never took a down off. That is Steeler football.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

I think we will all like hood.

I just don't think we can address or other immediate needs later in this draft, and probably not in free agency either.

[steelcitymetal Profile]

There were a couple of OT's available that shouldn't be there by the time we pick again.

sounds about right

what about eben britton?

[thesteelhammer Profile]

Would love to see us trade up and get one of those OTs (depeding on the cost - not for next years 1st round pick.)

[deltadweller Profile]

I think we were true to our formula by taking the best on our board, but the OL & CB really concern me. It's not like we can wait a year or 2 for them to develop. Unless Gay is capable of starting we have a big hole there, and I don't need to rehash our OL issues.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

what about eben britton?

Britton & Beatty are the OT's I am refering to.

We should be able to get a solid guard that can compete for playing time this year at the end of the 2nd round.

[trenches Profile]

I think we were true to our formula by taking the best on our board, but the OL & CB really concern me. It's not like we can wait a year or 2 for them to develop. Unless Gay is capable of starting we have a big hole there, and I don't need to rehash our OL issues.

Couldn't agree more...

I like Gay but I'm not 100% comfortable with him. I think he might be one of those players that performs great when needed in spot duty but is sub-par when needed in a starting spot.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

I think we were true to our formula by taking the best on our board, but the OL & CB really concern me. It's not like we can wait a year or 2 for them to develop. Unless Gay is capable of starting we have a big hole there, and I don't need to rehash our OL issues.

Couldn't agree more...

I like Gay but I'm not 100% comfortable with him. I think he might be one of those players that performs great when needed in spot duty but is sub-par when needed in a starting spot.

That's were the Ratliff signing comes in.
http://forums.stillers.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2428

Not saying he deserves to be a starter, but he's shown he can be one.

[deltadweller Profile]

what about eben britton?

Britton & Beatty are the OT's I am refering to.

We should be able to get a solid guard that can compete for playing time this year at the end of the 2nd round.

You think Britton will be there, or do we have to move up?

[thesteelhammer Profile]

Bengals take USC ILB Rey Maualuga.

He should call Rivers and ask about getting hit by Hines Ward.

[deltadweller Profile]

I look at Ratliff as more of a Nickel guy, but I could be wrong.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

I look at Ratliff as more of a Nickel guy, but I could be wrong.

I agree that is What Ratliff should be. I am just saying he has started games in the league, so there is some insurace there if Gay isn't ready.

[trenches Profile]

That's were the Ratliff signing comes in.
http://forums.stillers.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2428

Not saying he deserves to be a starter, but he's shown he can be one.

I don't mind that move since it is worth a shot but feel like it's adding another Gay IMHO. I felt coming into the draft that there was legit talent above and beyond the talent of Gay or Ratliff that we could and should sign. Of course, we need OL help and DL youth too so time will tell.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

You think Britton will be there, or do we have to move up?

I think they will be gone by the last pick in the 2nd round.
If we want them, we have to move up.

Question is what cost am I willing to pay.

I'd give our 2nd, 5th & Larry Foote.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

Jax just took Britton with 7th pick in 2nd round.

from TSN.com

Jacksonville now has both its offensive tackles set, potentially each for the next 10 years. While first-rounder Eugene Monroe takes over on the left side, the smart and competitive Britton is a terriffic fit at right tackle. The Jaguars' offensive skill players should be thrilled.

[steelcitymetal Profile]

Bengals take USC ILB Rey Maualuga.

He should call Rivers and ask about getting hit by Hines Ward.

haha

[steelcitymetal Profile]

Jax just took Britton with 7th pick in 2nd round.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

Not saying I agree with their take but here is TSN.com's thoughts on the Hood pick

Hood is a bit of a end/tackle 'tweener, which is OK for the Steelers, because they need to groom a lineman to start as a replacement for either Aaron Smith or Casey Hampton down the line. At first, he will a big boost to their 3-man line rotation.

and their profile of him
http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/2009/players/8409.html

POST-DRAFT ANALYSIS:

(No. 32 overall, Steelers) Hood can play either inside or outside on the defensive line and could eventually replace Casey Hampton. He'll never jump out on film, but he does all the necessary things to win games. He has all the tools to be a quality NFL starter for many years.

PRE-DRAFT ANALYSIS:

Strengths: Is strong and athletic. Can be very productive when he plays with leverage and uses his hands well. Has quick feet and solid snap anticipation instincts. Is quick to split gaps and get into the backfield to make plays. Uses his hands well to protect his legs from low blocks. When cut to the ground, shows good athleticism popping up and making tackles on runs at him. Has a variety of pass rush moves to defeat one-on-one pass blocks.

Weaknesses: Does not consistently play up to his talent level. Has a bad habit of getting upright at the point of attack, making him a non-factor. Struggles to finish sacks when close to the quarterback. Does not see side blocks coming and can be ridden out of the play. Does not move through traffic quickly. Lacks the bulk to be a dominant two-gap tackle.

Bottom line: Hood doesn't immediately jump out on film, but the more you evaluate him the more he impresses you. He is a quick, athletic tackle and has the long arms and strength to defeat blocks and hold his ground, though he must play with leverage more consistently. He has the versatility to play tackle in any 4-3 scheme but might be even more valuable as an end in a 3-4 defense. Hood's stock has risen significantly this spring, but don't be concerned that he is a "tryout" player. Defensive tackles often move up when they prove at all-star games they can handle NFL requirements, which often are hidden by college schemes.