Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Draft Review

The Steelers have had so much controversy that the draft seemed to be a long overdue chance at some stability. They began their draft with a very safe pick and selected Maurkice Pouncey of Florida. Though he started at center the last two seasons, Pouncey has started at guard and will probably do so again soon with the Steelers. Jason Worilds is perfect as the type of outside linebacker prospect that the Steelers have molded into playmakers time and time again. Add Thaddeus Gibson to that category and the Steelers have restocked at a position that is beginning to age. Crezdon Butler could win a cornerback job in the Steelers sub-packages as depth is needed in their secondary. Emmanuel Sanders could come in and make an impact as a slot receiver immediately. Jonathan Dwyer was slotted as a first or second round pick at the end of the last college season but slipped to the sixth round and could be a steal. Another sneaky good draft that is full of potential sleepers for the Steelers.

Round 1, Pick 18

Maurkice Pouncey, C/OG, Florida

Ht: 6’ 4 ½” Wt: 304

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Steelers have been in need of offensive line help for several years.  Pouncey is the best center prospect of the draft and carries even more value because he could play both guard positions.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: The best center to enter the draft in some time, Pouncey is a powerful, athletic, big- framed mauler who plays to his size and has proven his ability at the highest level of college football. Should be able to step in to a starting job immediately and play a long time in the league. Has Pro Bowl potential. Will be the first center drafted, and value could be enhanced by the lack of available talent at the position.

NFL projection: First-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Pouncey is a junior who came out early for the draft and while he is the top rated center, he definitely could have helped his draft status by staying for his senior season as he could have worked on becoming much more consistent with his technique. I am a big fan of centers/guards who have the size, playing strength and athleticism to physically control/dominate man when they play with good technique, but Pouncey needs to become a more consistent blocker. Overall, Pouncey will likely be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round because of his physical tools and competitiveness as a blocker, but if he is going to become the player he has the talent to be he will need to greatly improve his technique. He must become much more consistently staying over feet and under control to avoid over-ex- tending, falling off blocks and ending up on the ground so often. He has the tools to become a very productive starting center or guard.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Despite playing on an offense known more for its finesse and trickery, Pouncey is smart, strong and athletic.  He’ll need to prove he can handle the adjustment to the traditional snap after two seasons at the pivot in Florida’s shotgun offense, but scouts don’t feel this will be a problem.  He’s also capable of moving to guard in the NFL (he started 11 of 13 games at right guard as a true freshman). 

Round 2, Pick 52

Jason Worilds, LB, Virginia Tech

Ht: 6’ 1 ¼” Wt: 254

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Steelers are looking for pass rushing help as there outside linebackers are getting up there in age.  Worilds provides speed on the edge and could come in as a situational player during his rookie season. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Compactly built, tough college defensive end who lacks desirable burst and flexibility off the edge. Likely will have to transition to outside linebacker for an aggressive, one-gapping 3-4 team such as the Steelers, Chargers or Ravens.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Worilds lacks the bulk to be a full-time defensive end in the pros but could be – much like former Hokie Darryl Tapp with the Seahawks – a serviceable pass-rush specialist.  If he can prove his trademark hustle and the agility he has flashed in pursuit for the Hokies translates well in linebacker drills, he might be a candidate to convert to the rush line backer positions in the 3-4 defense. 

Round 3, Pick 82

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU

Ht: 5’ 10 7/8” Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Sanders is thought to be in the mold of a Wes Welker type slot receiver.  His thin frame may prevent him from fulfilling his potential, but, at this point in the draft, the Steelers are making a low risk / high reward pick.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Slightly built, physically underdeveloped slot receiver who consistently stands out on tape but will have to prove he is tough enough to survive playing between the numbers at the next level. Capped a very solid senior season with an outstanding East-West Shrine Game.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report: Sanders is a short & thin receiver who jumps off the film with his foot quicks, explosiveness play-making ability.  Having played in SMU’s wide-open passing attack Sanders was not asked to run many routes beyond 5 yards, but when he did he showed the athleticism to run sharp/precise route & was able to explode out of his cuts to consistently get separation.  He has good hands & on passes within his frame he consistently catches the ball & he flashes ability to make touch catches, but does not consistently come up with the very tough catch. In the games graded he caught 88% of the passes that he could get both hands on, but did not step up & make great catches in key situations consistently. His lack of size & strength is going to hinder his ability to gain yards after contact in the NFL & will likely have trouble maintaining durability if he is over-used at his current weight. Overall, Sanders is an explosive & very athletic receiver with the physical talent to be a big play receiver in the NFL. However, right now he is best suited to making his impact as a # 3/Slot receiver & punt returner because of his lack of size/bulk, but if he can add weight & prove durability he could become a productive starting receiver in the NFL. To become the receiver he has the talent to be he must also improve his ability to make the very tough catch more consistently.

116.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Thaddeus Gibson, DE, Ohio State
Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 243

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Gibson is the type of 'tweener linebacker that the Steelers love and - at this point in the draft - is an excellent value.  With the Steelers outside linebackers getting up there in age, developing prospects behind them is necessary.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  A bit of a tweener, Gibson worked out well in LB drills at the Combine but is tight- ly wound and not a natural pass rusher and always could struggle to convert his speed to power as a rusher and function on his feet as a linebacker. Could be overdrafted on upside but is still a considerable project in the works.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

151.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Chris Scott, OT, Tennessee
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 319

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A right guard prospect who could also fill in at right tackle, Scott is an excellent run blocker, and the Steelers, struggled at times, in that area.  The middle of the offensive line has been an issue for the Steelers for several seasons, and they have done a fine job of bringing in competitive players to upgrade those positions. 

164.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Crezdon Butler, CB, Clemson
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 191

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Butler is an intriguing athlete with upside who needs time to improve his on the field instincts and overall production.  The Steelers need help at corner and are hoping Butler can contribute early on in dime packages but most likely he will contribute on special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   A better athlete than football player, Butler has measurables that will attract early interest and significantly upgraded his draft value with a fine showing at the Combine, but lacks the instincts, confidence and toughness desired to make it.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Thick-bodied mauler who lined up at tackle and guard in college and has the size, awareness and versatility to compete for a job if he could manage his weight and buy into a program.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

166.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Stevenson Sylvester, LB, Utah
Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 231

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Steelers, more than likely, see Sylvester as an inside linebacker prospect but perhaps feel he might not contribute much outside of special teams.  Doesn't have the athletic ability to be an impact player.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Looked fluid at his Combine work- out but is not athletic enough to make up for his ordinary athletic ability and read-and-react skills. Would be best as a 4-3 weak-side line- backer where he is free to run and hit.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

188.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 229

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dwyer was once thought of as a first-round prospect; however, he slipped because of weight issues and questions on if his skills translate to the NFL.  Pittsburgh is an excellent situation for him because he can learn the pro-style offense and possibly share carries.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Among the most intriguing all-around backs in this draft, “Diesel’s” bulk, strength and surprising elusiveness made mincemeat of the ACC.  Teams will have to judge whether his production was enhanced by coach Paul Johnson’s unique offense, but considering the effectiveness Dwyer showed as a true freshman in former coach Chan Galley’s pro-style offense, their questions might be answered in the film room. 

195.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan
Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Steelers continue to try to add depth to their wide receiver corps after the loss of Santonio Holmes.  Brown is a slot receiver and returner.  He faces an uphill battle to make the team because of the number of receivers already on the roster.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Could have used another year of development, but opted to come out instead of returning with a new coach and QB. A smallish, slot receiver with run-after-catch ability and return skills, Brown’s strength and instinct deficiencies will make it difficult to separate at the next level. Character concerns could limit his appeal and knock him off draft boards.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

242.)  Pittsburgh Steelers

Doug Worthington, DT, Ohio State

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 292

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Steelers will convert him to defensive tackle in their 3-4 front.  Could make the roster as a rotational player.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Size prospect who might warrant some interest as a developmental five-technique or inside run defender. Could compete for a job in a rotation and has the makeup that will make him more difficult to cut.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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