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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Steelers' compensatory pick now at end of sixth round

Because of a computer error, the Steelers' compensatory pick, which was originally at the end of the seventh round, has been moved to the end of the sixth round.

That might not sound like a big deal but it does give the Steelers more ammunition in the draft.

Compensatory picks can't be traded, but they do offer the luxury of trading your original pick in that round, knowing you've got another in your back pocket.

For example, if the Steelers are thinking about moving up in the fourth or fifth rounds, they can now deal their sixth round selection as part of a package, knowing that they now have an extra sixth.

And that sixth-round pick is a lot more valuable than a seventh.

* The Steelers have re-signed Darrius Hayward-Bey to a one-year contract.

Some people are trashing the signing. But he's a solid special teams player and great in the locker room.

You're talking about a fourth, fifth or even sixth receiver here.

* Looking at some of the on-campus workout times being turned in, it reminds me of how little stock I put in the on-campus workouts, where players generally run on a track instead of a football surface.

For example, receiver Jamison Crowder posed a sub-4.4 40 at his workout at Duke after having a pedestrian 4.56 at the combine.

Crowder is a nice little slot-type receiver, but which time do we trust?

I'll trust the 4.56 time more because it was run on the same surface as the players he'll be judged against.


18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Random Question:

James Harrison said yesterday that Vince Williams has really added size and strength while training with him. Is there a chance they see him as OLB depth? I know he was listed a 235 during the draft, but I saw him at training camp last an don Instagram recently and he looks much bigger than that now.

Dale Lolley said...

No. Vince is still pretty short and has played inside even in college. He has as many pass rush moves as I do.

Remember when they put Timmons - who had played outside in college - out there? He was terrible. Why is everyone in a rush to move an inside guy outside?

I realize they have too many inside guys and not enough outside. But they will adjust that situation.

Anonymous said...

I agree, moving Timmmons from a position he plays well to one he plays terribly is dumb.

Unknown said...

Any thoughts on Randy Gregory?

Dale Lolley said...

Not a very smart thing to do. I don't know if this is the only time he's tested positive of if it was a recurring issue at Nebraska. Schools have different rules about positive tests.

Tom said...

Dale, the Steelers took Mike Adams after his failed test and he hasn't failed any tests in the NFL yet as far as we know...my question is if Randy Gregory has a historic fall to the second or even third round, would the Steelers bite? I think it would be hard to pass, sounds like the kid identifies the fact he has a problem so you surround him with the right support system and he could pan out.

Unknown said...

^--- Thanks Tom, I was eluding to that but I guess I didn't get my point across..

Dale Lolley said...

Possibly. I have read that he had two failed tests at Nebraska and was facing suspension for a third. But that didn't happen.

At some point, the league will soften its stance on marijuana. But that hasn't happened yet.

The concern I have about Gregory is that he's very, very thin. I saw him at the combine and thought he was a wideout. He came in at 6-5, 235. Plaxico Burress was 6-5, 229 his rookie year.

Anonymous said...

Supposedly he had the flu (?) at the combine, explaining his weight..

he also said he played at around 255 usually. But once again, both things said by him and his agent..

Dale Lolley said...

He didn't lose 20 pounds because of the flu. I can see coming in a little lighter to run faster. But 20 pounds? on a 6-5 guy. He looked more like a small forward than a defensive end/OLB.

Unknown said...

I do agree that he looks a bit thin but his stats and tape makes him play bigger than he is. Kinda of reminded me of JJ. But if he is going to play on the left side he needs to gain some mass.
Maybe his motor is just of the chart.

Noel said...

He'll probably gain weight once he quits the pot, win-win!!

Seriously though, regardless of this issue he looks like the least suited edge rusher for the Steelers. There's enough depth at LB that someone good will be there at 22. The big curiosity for me is to wonder who could drop that would lead them astray from LB or CB at that spot? I don't think any of us would be upset if Scherff fell and they took him as BPA but who else could fall there? Certainly not the QBs but there are some decent linemen on both sides of the ball that could give them pause before heading to the podium.

Dale Lolley said...

Actually, you'd think he'd be a little heavier because of the munchies.

Noel said...

"Okay, on this play JJ has the flat, inside backers have the 'a' gaps, Gregory - you get the Doritos the QB's hiding in his back pocket...break!" Could work for us after all.

Patrick said...

So read a report that Gregory is visiting.

is it me or does he sound too much like Dion Jordan and/or Clowney? Two guys who haven't done much in the league. Clowney because of injuries but everyone seems to have doubts on him regardless of health.

He sounds like he needs a lot of development and the Steelers don't really have time for that. Combined with the pot test, I'm calling bust on him. Someone argue otherwise.

Anonymous said...

You wouldn't even take a shot on him in Round 2, Patrick?

Patrick said...

I think they would pass in Rd. 2 if Gregory fell that far, but not because of character concerns. I don't think the Steelers would draft someone like Marcus Peters at 22, and probably not even in Rd 2.

Someone like Gregory, probably not as much of a character concern, but if he fell that far, then I would say that is an indication there are serious doubts about his talent rather than his character.

Anonymous said...

Failing a drug test at the combine means that you either have a substance abuse problem or you are stupid. Period.