NFL Network is reporting that the Steelers had a trade in place with the Jets to move up and get guard David DeCastro - something I tweeted they should do as DeCastro fell past the 15th pick.
The Jets wanted Quinton Coples or Bruce Irvin and when the Seahawks took Irvin with the 15th selection, the Jets decided to stick with their pick and take Coples rather than risk not getting their man in a trade down with the Steelers.
As luck would have it for the Steelers, they were able to stay where they were at and get DeCastro anyway.
Tells you why the Steelers were so excited about getting DeCastro on draft day and wasted no time getting their pick to the podium.
The Steelers also have the Bengals to thank.
Cincinnati, which needed a guard, passed on the chance to take DeCastro not once, but twice, deciding instead to trade back in the first round and take Kevin Zeitler.
I like Zeitler and think he'll be a solid player for a long time in the NFL. But DeCastro has an opportunity to be special.
21 comments:
Dale,
That's why the Steelers are the Steelers and the Bengals and Browns are the Bengals and Browns. I love the Bengals draft, but you don't pass up the chance to draft a potential perennial Pro Bowler and a player whom many feel could be one of the best from this draft when all is said and done. Thanks Bengals.
Let me amend that, I like the Bengals draft. I LOVE the Steelers draft, lol.
Dale, what rookies from this past year that you expect to make the biggest jump from year 1 to year 2?
The two young corners are the easy picks. I expect both to see a lot of time.
I look for Heyward to make a nice impact as well
Dale, I'm interested to see what the 3 rookie free agents do - Corbin Bryant, Wes Saunders and Trevis Turner. We know Saunders is suspened for the first 4 games, but he could be a weapon in this offense if he takes that next step. I think Bryant and Turner can win roster spots this year.
If Adams wows at mini-camp, does he have a legitimate shot to be our Game 1 starting Left tackle?
Dale,
I find it interesting that so many people are naive about the cornerback situation.
Have they not seen how the Steelers operate? As to young players not seeing much time, then playing when well groomed and seasoned.
Keenan Lewis was awesome in last years preseason, then randomly benched for Gay. He joins 3rd yr. Cortez Allen, and intriguing sophomore Curtis Brown; as a group of youngsters who will look up to Ike Taylor as a mentor [like Ward was to *Young Money* receivers Wallace, Brown, & Sanders].
Agree?
JJ
you can understand the bengals logic. they probably graded decastro slightly higher than zeitler, but figured they could get more picks and still get zeitler. the bengals have more holes to fill than the steelers and they ended up with a very good draft, on paper. hard to argue with their strategy. the steelers just lucky to be the benefactor of it.
MIke Adams will start sooner than later IMO, he is a left tackle and has better feet than Marcus Gilbert. My bet is Adams-Colon-Pouncey-DeCastro-Gilbert no later than week 4, maybe to start. It is just going to be too hard to keep that talent on the sidelines.
Also going back to prior discussions, apparently Sean Spence was very impressive in the mini camp, obviously way early, and no pads, but the reports were he looked faster than on tape, which is saying a lot. The guy flies to the ball.
consistency is HUGE on the offensive line. Hopefully the position battles are won early in camp
shuffling things around during the season is dumb
consistency is HUGE on the offensive line. Hopefully the position battles are won early in camp
shuffling things around during the season is dumb
I don't know if I'd count on Adams starting this season. He had some consistency issues at Ohio State. DeCastro, in my opinion, will be a given. But having two rookie oline starters might be asking a bit much from coach Kugler.
Max Starks is likely to come back?
That's always a possibility. But that can be done before training camp - or even after it starts.
Adams-Colon-Pouncey-DeCastro-Gilbert
This might be interesting. You'd have a vetern next to a rookie on both sides.
Adams-Colon-Pouncey-DeCastro-Gilbert
Why are people still trying to make Colon a OG? He has developed into a solid RT with health being the only concern. I doubt Adams starts this year, barring an injury.
Colon-Essex/Foster-Pounce-Decastro-Gilbert
I think eventually, Colon could move inside. But it won't likely be this year. Possibly in 2013, if he can stay healthy and Adams works out.
Adams will be the third tackle this season and see some time as an extra blocker at the goal line.
Let Foster and Legursky battle for the other guard spot. Even with just DeCastro in the lineup and Colon back, it's an improved line.
Why do people insist on saying Colon was one of the best RT's in the league? He was horrible year after year and then had ONE decent year while he was playing for a new contract.
Gilbert came in as a rookie and played better with hardly any practice.
It is not that Colon is not a solid RT, it is the health concern...you can't make the club from the tub. Everyone counted on Colon last year and how did that go? Gilbert is the better RG prospect, and we will have to wait and see on Adams, but he is a better prospect coming out than Gilbert was and Gilbert did very well last year. Much of Adams consistency issues were the state of the team he was on and the changes at OSU. He will be fine once Kugler gets a hold of him. I trust the coaches will play the players who earn the spot. I would be perfectly happy with Gilbert at LT and Colon at RT, but he has to be healthy, and healthy line is not something we have seen here in a while. I do maintain that Adams is the better LT prospect in long run, better feet than Gilbert IMO.
**Gilbert is the better RT prospect
i have a feeling adams will be starting by the end of the season.
2 Reasons I like moving Colon to guard:
#1) To me it's turning a guy who is an adequate RT into a very good left guard...and the Steelers haven't had a decent left guard in a long, long time. I think he'd be a good pulling left guard because he's strong, and can move...sounds like a good left guard to me.
#2) The Steelers now have several guys who can play tackle at a high level (especially if they bring back Starks). If Colon is made a starting guard/backup tackle then that gives the team a bit more depth and options.
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