Draft

[el loco]

The NFL awarded 32 compensatory draft picks today, but the Steelers got none of them.

A total of 21 of those picks were awarded to Clubs based upon the Compensatory Draft System. Eleven additional picks were awarded at the end of the seventh round to bring the total of compensatory picks to 32, equal to the number of teams in the league.

The eleven additional picks were awarded to Carolina, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Denver, Cleveland, Arizona, San Francisco, Tennessee, Dallas, Washington and Houston based upon the 2011 draft selection order.

The picks are awarded based on some formula attached to the signing and loss of unrestricted free agents from the previous offseason. As a result of this action by the league, the Steelers will have seven picks -- one in each round -- in the upcoming draft.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 8996f85150

This stings a little bit, but the Steelers still have a pick in each round. The bad news is the picks are at the end of each round.

Needs: cb, offensive line, defensive line, kicker, maybe a punter Sepulveda recently underwent his 3rd knee surgery, (rb, wr, and te depth). Tight end could be a concern area both of the Steelers TE's had injury issues last season.

[el loco]

visits on 4/19: WR Austin Pettis, Boise; RB Da'rel Scott, Md,; CB Cortez Allen, Citadel; CB Ras-I Dowling, UVa, OL Marcus Cannon of TCU and OL Keith Williams of Nebraska

Visits on 4/20: WR Vincent Brown, San Diego State; TE Weslye Saunders, S. Carolina; S Davon Morgan, Va. Tech; CB Aaron Williams, Texas

Aaron Williams might be the Steelers 1st round pick (I hope not). Other teams looking for a QB might be looking at the Steelers 1st round pick in a draft day trade according to Mayock. But, the Steelers rarely make draft day trades, instead they usually stand pat and stick to their board. I don't know why Mayock would think this way considering that he is a Steelers guy, so there might be some truth to it.

[el loco]

1st Pick: The Steelers used their first pick on Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, The Ohio State University 6'5" 295. He is the son of Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, so I am nicknaming him Steelhead Heyward

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inKtdfodCak[/youtube]

Pick Analysis: The Steelers opt to upgrade their defensive line instead of addressing their secondary with the selection of Heyward. He gives them another athletic five-technique to throw into the rotation, and his overall skill set is a perfect fit in their "30" scheme. This pick is another illustration of the Steelers stockpiling young players to groom for huge roles down the road.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/ ... id=2495165

Heyward was the guy that Steelers had on top of their draft board and he wanted the Steelers to draft him, he is from Pittsburgh and his father played college ball at Pitt. I could go on and on about it, but it would be easier and better if you were to hear it from the horses mouth:

http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio ... 397d8e9e5d

Video clip of LeBeau on drafting Heyward:

http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio ... 9384a6b5c2

“I know it’s a long evening, but we feel it was very worthwhile for us to be able to stick this out and pick a kid like Cameron Heyward,” said Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert. “We feel this is one of those special players, not only from a football standpoint, but this kid has impeccable character, work habits, toughness, you name it. It’s hard to find a hole with this guy. He is a special player. He is a special person.”

What the Steelers did in their preparations leading up to this draft was to identify a handful of guys they believed had a chance to be available toward the end of the first round, and then they put them in an order. They weren’t convinced Heyward would make it to their neighborhood, but they included him anyway. And he was on top of the list of the possibilities.

“The longer it went, the better we felt about our chances,” said Colbert. “We got a guy we really coveted and we have all our picks remaining. I can’t tell you how happy we are about this.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 9f57e92903

[el loco]

2nd Pick: Pick 63, the Steelers take on offensive tackle that can play right or left tackle and he was a college teammate of Pouncey. Marcus Gilbert (OL) Florida 6'6" 330 lbs.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpDOelVqM2Y[/youtube]

Pick Analysis: The Steelers pick up a quality pass protector in Gilbert. He is a big, physical blocker on the edge with the size, toughness and skill to protect Ben Roethlisberger in the pocket. Gilbert gives them another young player to groom for a big role along the offensive line.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/ ... id=2495285

2010 SEASON

All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, earning third-team honors from Phil Steele…shifted to the left tackle position as a senior, starting all 13 games…registered a career-best 81 knockdowns with 13 touchdown-resulting blocks, as Florida averaged 350.85 yards in total offense and 166.54 rushing yards per game…was a key member of an offensive line that surrendered one sack or less in seven contests…graded out a Champion (top performance) in six of Florida’s games…part of a front wall that allowed 24 quarterback sacks, a reduction from the 28 given up during his junior campaign.

Marcus Gilbert Conference Call

Congratulations.
Hey, how are you doing? Thank you very much.

Did you know that the Steelers were this interested in you, and that this was a place that you might end up?
It was a high possibility. There were a couple of teams that had a lot of interest in me. But, really I felt, and I was hoping for the Steelers. They have a great organization. The Pittsburgh Steelers, year-in-and-year-out, they compete for a championship. And that’s what I want to do. I want to come in and I want to help them win championships by doing anything I can do.

How does it feel to be reunited with former teammate Maurkice Pouncey on the line?
It’s great. It’s a blessing. Just to go to a team with a former Gator and a former offensive lineman that I played next to is a blessing. I can learn a lot from him. He can teach me a lot and I can follow his lead. He came in and did a heck of a job. I’m just ready to help lead, to help us get to the top. I’m looking forward to playing for Coach Kugler.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 5f475cde16

He wanted the Steelers as well, his father worked for the secret service and Marcus has met Presidents Clinton and Obama through his father.

Video clip of his press interview on being drafted by the Steelers, he is a big man:

http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio ... 328303dc0f

[el loco]

3rd Pick: Curtis Brown CB, Texas 6'0" 185 lbs. He definitely needs to get stronger, but he is obviously a ball hawk.


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUr4wswq9us[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrA1SAU0UCU&feature=related[/youtube]

Brown has great foot speed and enough size to develop into a quality starting cornerback at the next level. He has the long speed to blanket receivers on go routes and the hip fluidity to maintain momentum on double moves. He is effective on an island in man coverage and is well positioned in zone. He is a bit of a liability in run support, but he is a quick-twitched athlete that should not have a problem covering agile slot receivers in the NFL. Brown should be able to play immediately in nickel and dime packages and he will probably be a second day pick.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/ ... id=2495127

Steeler DB coach Carnell Lake talking about drafting Curtis Brown:

http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio ... 27fe56f80f

Curtis Brown Conference Call

Re: Fitting in for the Steelers:
When I went up there I felt a family atmosphere. I am a real country dude and a family-type person. When I went up there I felt welcomed. I felt at home when I went up there. I just feel like I am now a part of a great and wonderful organization. I couldn’t be happier.

Re: Intercepting Colt McCoy at Texas:
I got him plenty of times.

Can you do that in the AFC North?
You know it. I am going to prove. I am just ready to step in and do whatever I can to get on the field, special teams and gain trust with the coaches. And when I am able to get out there and get to be a starter, then I will be a player.

Did teams shy away from throwing in your direction?
I didn’t see too many balls. I didn’t get a ball until my sixth game in the season. I just really didn’t get thrown at. I didn’t have too many opportunities.

How different will what you’re asked to do here be from what you were asked to do in college?
I’m a student, I’m going to learn. I know there will be veterans in there that will teach me different techniques for the zones and things. I’m not worried. I feel like I learn real well. I’m ready for any challenge that comes my way. I’ll learn it.

What is your best 40 time?
4.37, and my average at college was a 4.45.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 25ba0e17cd

[el loco]

Not a bad draft so far for the Steelers they have had 3 picks (at the end of each round), but they have managed to address the 3 biggest areas of need that the team had with the picks that they have made. All 3 of these guys seem to be good individuals off the field, which is something the Steelers try to look for when they draft a player, and if they become a problem off the field the Steelers usually get rid of them pretty quickly. Big Ben has been an exception to this norm, but that is kinda sorta understandable. I like these 3 new additions to the team.

[el loco]

4th Pick: pick 128, Cortez Allen CB Citadel, 6'1" 200 lbs.

Bench Press18.0 Reps
Vertical Jump35.5 Height
40 Yard Dash4.51 Time

Pick Analysis: Allen is a long, rangy corner with the frame and skills to thrive in the Steelers' scheme. He will compete for playing time as a nickel or dime defender and add some athleticism to their kicking units.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMpaBgpBBRI[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osERwV1vnOk&feature=related[/youtube]

CAREER NOTES

Started 28-of-39 games for the Bulldogs…recorded 121 tackles (77 solos) with three stops for minus seven yards and a pair of fumble recoveries…deflected 16 passes and intercepted five others for 130 yards in returns and two touchdowns…also returned a partially blocked punt five yards to set up a scoring drive…became the sixth player in Southern Conference history to generate 100 yards via interceptions in a game…his 112 interception return yards as a junior marked just the sixth time a Bulldogs player amassed over 100 return yards in a season (first since 1977)…was also part of a 2009 squad that averaged 37.33 yards per interception return in 2009 (11 for 341 yards), breaking the old FCS team season-record of 34.45 yards per return by the 2001 North Carolina A&T team (20 for 689 yards)…also recorded 13 tackles on special teams…did not allow any receptions in 13 of the 29 games he started…in 2010, became the first NCAA Football Championship defender to intercept the first play from scrimmage and return it for a touchdown in a season opener, accomplishing that feat vs. Chowan University.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... dc8665d9ba

Cortez Allen Conference Call

How did the Citadel routine cut into your football?
We do go through the military process and military things as far as marching and drills. But when we have an opportunity to do football, we’re in football. So, we’re not fully involved in everything military at The Citadel. When it’s during the season, our main focus is football as far as doing drills and things like that. I don’t think it hinders me at all. If anything, it makes me a better person to be able to manage all that. We go through that.

What schools recruited you out of high school?
Sam U. [Sam Houston State University], Cincinnati, Bethune-Cookman, SIU [Southern Illinois University], Colgate, The Citadel, and some other small schools

Re: Decision to pick the Citadel:
It’s a different experience. I felt that going in there would prepare me for life. I thought the opportunity granted me unlike any other school, and that’s the choice I went with. I felt that if I worked hard enough I would get noticed playing football, and that’s what happened.

Re: Fitting in with the other picks:
I’m a hard worker, and I’m coming from a hard-working school, a school of hard work, leadership, and success. I feel like I have the ability to stand out and contribute just as well as the other guys.

Re: On-field stand point from a DB:
I’m hard working and highly competitive. I’m very coachable. I’m willing to get the job done and able to compete.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... dc8665d9ba

Video Clip of Carnel Lake about the Steelers drafting Cortez Allen:

posting.php?mode=reply&f=174&t=1102738

[el loco]

5th Pick: pick 162, Chris Carter, Fresno St. 6'1" 248lbs.

Pick Analysis: He is a versatile rush linebacker with speed and athleticism. The Steelers will hope that he can thrive as a special teamer while being groomed for a future role as a rusher in their lineup.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/ ... id=2495268

40 Yard Dash: 4.62
Bench Press: 27 Reps
Vertical Jump 36"

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMVtxfRt8ok&feature=related[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr6rRlyPJhA&feature=related[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rev43WEL6Q0&feature=related[/youtube]

Chris Carter Conference Call

What does it mean to become a Steeler with the linebacker tradition that is here?
It’s amazing. It was a long wait in the draft, but I couldn’t be happier to be with any other team. It’s a wonderful organization. They have a great history and tradition, I’m happy. My uncle is a die-hard Steeler fan so I know he is going to be happy about it as well.

Coach Butler said he might transition you from a defensive end to a outside linebacker. What are your thoughts on that, and can you make that transition?
I feel that I definitely can, I’ve been working on it for the last few months. I’ve been working with Willie McGinest and a few other coaches. I’m just excited and I’m sure I’ll be able to make it.

Plus you have a couple of decent guys to learn from in [LaMarr] Woodley and [James] Harrison, right?
It’s an honor to be in the same locker room as that guy. It’s an honor. I watch him all the time. In college, all I used to do was sit at home and watch NFL Network to watch this guy. He plays with passion. To be a player of that caliber is something I dream about and I definitely plan of making that dream come true.

Which guy? LaMarr or James?
Harrison. I respect both of them for sure. I definitely respect both of them, but I watched a lot of Harrison, especially more so in college.

He’s more of your height, right Chris? Is that part of your game – that speed rush around the edge?
Yes he is.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... b494d8d563

Keith Butler talking about Chris Carter:

http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio ... 7023936beb

[el loco]

Pick 6: pick 196, keith Williams, OL/G, Nebraska, 6'4" 320 lbs.

Pick Analysis: The Steelers will be sure to get all they can out of Williams, whose work ethic is unquestioned, but he has room to improve in the NFL.

Williams' mentality, size and strength should allow him to become a solid backup guard in the league. Pass blocking technique must improve. Needs to get set quicker, deliver a punch and become more active with his hands. However, he does show the ability to hold up even when initially beat. If he can take better angles, and stay low in the running game, could be an area of strength. Despite these deficiencies, he still flashes the ability to blow defenders off the ball and get out in space while pulling. Plays angry and doesn't stop until the whistle. Seven round / rookie free agent.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/ ... id=2495366

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRAqikjod1A[/youtube]

Keith Williams Conference Call

Coach Kugler said he likes that you have a little “nasty” to use. Is that something Coach Pelini tends to bring out of his players, particularly the offensive linemen out there?
He does. The thing about Nebraska is we try to compete at a high level all the time, give it everything we got and playing up-front relentless. That’s the way we work. It’s been fun.

Coach Kugler said you get after it in the run game, but need a little help in the pass pro. Is that what you’re looking to improve upon?
Yes, my run game, I’m very aggressive. I like to finish. I like to get after it. When it comes to passing I need a little work there. I’m ready to go.

Re: Lockout affecting late draft picks:
I don’t think so. I think I’m going to come in and try to compete, and give everything I’ve got. I’ve only got one shot.

Re: Thoughts on Steelers during visit:
When I was visiting the Steelers I was very happy. The Steelers like to run the ball a lot and I was really happy about that. Being drafted by the Steelers is a really great thing.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 42c709081b

Kugler talking about drafting Keith Williams:

http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio ... 7710fb96d4

[el loco]

7th Pick: pick 232, Baron Batch, Texas Tech, RB 5'10" 210 lbs.

Pro Day 40 Time: 4.50.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 39. Broad: 10-6.

"My Identity is not found in what the world says I should be. My Identity is found in Christ."

- Baron Batch

They say you save the best for last, and that is exactly what the Steelers did with this pick. Talk about a nice inspirational story. This young man is a very high character guy who also has a very good head on his shoulders. I guess it doesn't hurt matters any when you consider the fact that he is pretty darn good RB as well.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S17t6-YQ7T0[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_12hKW2-j3M&NR=1[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPnTSzrNfE[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZpNXNhJNII&NR=1&feature=fvwp[/youtube]

Baron Batch rushed for 884 yards on a 5.3 YPC. What's more impressive is that he caught 57 passes for 395 more yards in 2009. In 2010, his production was down a bit, but not much, he rushed for 816 yards on 4.6 YPC, and he caught 32 passes for 226 yards (He had a new coach with a new system in his senior season). Big Ben has himself a new 3rd down back in long yardage situations. The Steelers now have 4 quality RB's. Mendenhall, Dwyer, "Red Zone" Redman and now Baron Batch, that pretty much covers every style of back and all 4 will make the team! Can't wait!

Baron Batch Conference Call

Re: Texas Tech offense preparation for the professional league:
It got me really well rounded. Playing at Tech I had to pick up the blitz, run the ball and also catch. So I think it polished me really well for the NFL.

Re: Strengths as a running back and role with the Steelers:
I think I’m physical and that’s my number one trait. If you watch me play, you see that I run extremely hard and I’m physical on contact. I think that’s one of my biggest traits.

Re: Potential start as third-down back:
I see myself as a third-down back, a special teams back, or whatever they want me to do.

Re: Off-the-field activities:
Well, I write. For about eight months, since the start of my senior year, I wrote an article one a week for two different papers. I wrote for the Midland paper, my hometown, and for the Lubbock paper. I do a lot of humanitarian stuff. I worked in Haiti and did a lot of stuff down there. But, I just like to help people. I like to use my platform to affect people in a positive way.

Re: Challenges for being a late-round guy:
I have the same mentality I would if I would have gotten picked mid-round or early on. I’m going to have to come in and prove myself and more importantly I’m going to have to better myself and better whatever team I’m on and the people around me.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 20aa97705a