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Published on April 26, 2006 by Greg and Dr. Burgher for the Ex-'Burgher. Check out the Archives!
Don’t know if you’ve been in “The War Room” everyday with ESPN, but obviously, the NFL Draft is this Saturday. While I’m not so worried about Reggie Bush’s parents’ house, I DO spend an unhealthy amount of time thinking about the future Steelers. With that in mind, Dr. Burgher and I present an online version of a game we play throughout the college season, “He’d Look Good in Black and Gold.” (A Disclaimer: No, we don’t think we’re Mel Kiper, and we don’t intend for this to be complete, right, or important. But take a look: Some of these guys would, well, look good in black and gold.) Round 1: Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
Dr. Burgher says: Mangold is the best center in the draft, hands down. While centers usually don't come off the board in the first round, many think that Mangold is worthy of this honor. The Steelers like to take offensive linemen early in the draft – the current starting include three first rounders (Faneca, Simmons, and Hartings, who was drafted by Detroit), a second rounder (Smith), and a third rounder (Starks); not to mention the top backup at tackle (Essex) was also taken in the third round – and current center Jeff Hartings is nearing retirement. All told, Mangold would be a safe pick and a good insurance policy for 2006. Greg says: Nick Mangold is an enormous, beautiful specimen, taking down pounds of beef in a single sitting and dwarfing Big Ten DTs for the past three years. About an inch and a half and six Big Macs from being a semi truck, this man was born to push people, and—even though he attended the Ohio State Third Circle of Hell—he is the type of offensive lineman over which I so salivate that friends and neighbors wonder, mouths ajar, about my sexuality. Will he be there: Mangold is a borderline first or second rounder. Scouts Inc. regards him as the number 29 player overall; that puts him smack in the middle of the first-round selections for 2005 playoff teams. Most playoff teams believe that they are only a player or two away from winning it all, and will often pick to fill a need instead of taking the proverbial "best player available." That might work in the Steelers' favor. The Rx: Dr. Burgher says: I'm not a big fan of taking a center in the first round, but (1) picking Mangold makes a lot of sense and (2) he might be the best player available when the Steelers pick. I wouldn't love the pick, but would find it hard to argue with. Greg says: I lovelovelove offensive linemen—in fact, I’ve been known to be pretty well in favor of the Texans trading down to draft D’Brickashaw Ferguson and getting a package of picks—so I can’t and won’t complain if the Steelers choose this mountain to be the anchor of the future. I can just see guys gliding past him on the way to the second level of defenders… LenDale White, RB, USC
Dr. Burgher says: At 6 feet, 238 pounds, White has the size to replace Jerome Bettis as the Steelers' big back. He handled the majority of the between the tackles running at USC, so we know he can take a pounding. He was and still is overshadowed by the flashier Reggie Bush, but this kind of big, grind-it-out back is exactly the kind of player the Steelers like. Critics of his work habits and propensity for injury (including his current torn hamstring) have popped up in the last month, but there also seems to be a consensus that White will thrive under an intense and demanding head coach like Bill Cowher. Greg says: In the middle of last season, I threw a post up on Steeler Nation calling LenDale “a Steeler fan’s wet dream”: The kid’s got size, strength and an irregularly shaped head. It’s a deadly combination, and one that won’t last to pick 32. Will he be there: White's stock has fallen because of his injury, but Mel Kiper swears that he will still be a first-rounder. The Panthers and Jaguars (and maybe even the Patriots) all need a back to replace their aging starters, and White might fit in well with any of those teams. If they all pass, which is unlikely but not impossible, the Steelers might have a shot at him. The Rx: Dr. Burgher says: White will probably be gone before the Steelers pick, but if he manages to fall to the Steelers there might be some serious joy in Steelers Nation. Greg says: I’d like to ride high on this kid, but I don’t want to depress myself with him not being there. There’s also the issue of value: Runningback’s one of the easiest spots to fill and one of the first big spots where names are let fly (see: Edgerrin, Faulk, etc.). I don’t know that it’s worth it to the Super Bowl champs to throw away a pick on a back when they’ve got a need or two. (Besides, I’m still dreaming that the Falcons will trade T.J. Duckett to the Steelers for nothing) Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
Dr. Burgher says: Scouts project that Carpenter could learn to play either inside or outside in the 3-4, and that he could back up at both positions immediately. The depth provided by Carpenter might be enticing to the Steelers, who went through last season with Clint Kriewalt and the oft-injured James Harrison as the primary backups. Carpenter also had eight sacks in 11 games as a senior, and could be groomed as the Steelers' next great pass rusher. He is also one tough SOB – after breaking his ankle in the first quarter against Michigan, Carpenter watched the rest of the game from the sideline, and made it back to practice in time to dress (but not play) in the Fiesta Bowl. Greg says: Bobby Carpenter chews nails. While alien lookalike A.J. Hawk was busy dating Irish QB Brady Quinn’s sister, Carpenter was racking up 11 sacks as he descended on Big Ten QBs with a quiet tenacity akin to a certain Steeler wearing 51. He’s versatile, having played both LB and DE at dOSU. And while he’s not ideal for the inside—he’s not a phenomenal run-stuffer—the kid’s got a work ethic worth watching. Will he be there: Like Mangold, Scouts Inc. rank Carpenter on the border between the first and second rounds. Mel Kiper's early mock draft in January had Carpenter going to the Steelers, but more recent editions have him being taken earlier. The Rx: Dr. Burgher says: After LenDale White, Carpenter is number two on my personal list of first round choices. He gives off the vibe that he would fit in perfectly with the rough-and-tumble Steelers D. Greg says: Look, I’m a Big Ten guy. Went there, watch there, like the kids that come out. This kid’s got more Andy Katzenmoyer/Chris Spielman in him than Hawk, and he’ll cost half as much (if that). Say hello, Steel City. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
Dr. Burgher says: Hali was a standout pass rusher at Penn State, but isn't an elite NFL prospect. Scouts Inc. projects him as a player who can eventually become a starting end in a 4-3, and list among his weaknesses short arms that put him at a disadvantage against pro-sized tackles and a lack of elite athletic ability, a la Julius Peppers. Will he be there: Hali's stock has fallen recently, and right now rates more as a solid second rounder than a borderline first rounder. The Rx: Dr. Burgher says: Hali is my dark horse if White, Carpenter, and Mangold are all taken before the Steelers get to pick. Hali played well as a DT during his freshman and sophomore seasons, and projects more as a guy who could gain weight instead of dropping a few pounds and playing OLB in the 3-4. He sounds like the type of player who could bulk up and eventually play DE in the 3-4, which is more like playing DT than end in the 4-3. Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
Dr. Burgher says: Rumor has it that the Steelers are in the market to draft a receiver following the losses of Plex and Randle El in consecutive seasons. Moss is the consensus #3 receiver in the draft, and the two receivers ranked ahead of him, Chad Jackson and Santonio Holmes, are expected to be drafted in the first 15 or 20 picks. Moss is only 5'8", and is probably too short to fit the Steelers' needs, as they are rumored to be looking for someone built more like Plex than Mighty Mouse. Will he be there: Probably. In the past few weeks, Moss has been a very popular prediction for the Steelers in mock drafts. The Rx: Dr. Burgher says: Moss would be a downright horrible pick. He might be able to provide immediate help retuning kicks, but he is certainly not an upgrade over either Cedrick Wilson or Quincy Morgan, who are expected to battle for Randle El's spot. And I can assure you that Moss won't get any taller. Greg says: I’m not as down on this guy as the Doctor, but there’s this to factor in: Moss went to “The U.” Probably not Steelers material, though I think it’s be cool to throw a ‘Cane into camp. Just not this one. Jason Allen, S, Tennessee
Greg says: Allen’s tall for a DB, coming in at almost 6’1”. But even for having so much “length,” the kid’s got a bit of Steve Atwater in him, and has got a good pop over the middle when he’s not covering over the top on big receivers. His height helps him against the behemoths, and he’ll probably go mid-first. Will he be there: Not bloody likely. DBs are hot commodities in the middle of the first. I sure hope he likes Miami. Greg's Rx: Even though safety’s a need, this isn’t even worth talking about. The guy’ll be getting fitted for his six new Rolexes by the time pick 32 rolls around. Round 2 Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
Dr. Burgher says: At 6'4", Stovall is built from the Plex body mold. If there is any truth to the rumors that the Steelers want another tall, deep-threat receiver, Stovall is their best bet. Some scouts are critical that he underperformed until the arrival of Charlie Weiss in 2005, but I would argue that (1) the Notre Dame offense was terrible during the Ty Willingham days and (2) playing well for Weis is a sign that Stovall thrives under the kind of no-nonsense coaches on the Steelers' staff. Greg says: Stovall was a standout for the Irish, and his draft status would probably be higher if he hadn’t been outshone by Jeff Samardzija (and ND says it’s not racist). The guy is big, and runs faster than a guy his size ought to (a 4.55). His hands are a bit of a liability and he’s not as tough as a Steeler fan might like, but he won’t be a prima donna first-rounder. Will he be there: I trust that Mel Kiper and the other draftniks have a general idea of who will go when during the first round. After that, I think that you can throw most of their predictions out of the window. Teams might be reluctant to take a player a few spots too high in the first round (could you imagine Deangelo Williams going third?), but there is less risk, and therefore more freedom to move up or down, in subsequent rounds. I don't know if Stovall will last until the 64th pick, but if the Steelers are set on drafting him, they can use some of their other picks (they have 10 total) to move up a few spots. The Rx: Dr. Burgher says: Stovall has the size to fill the Steelers' need for a tall receiver, and his performance under taskmaster Charlie Weis is encouraging. He would make a nice addition in the second round. Greg says: I am an unabashed Quincy Morgan apologist—the guy was a number one pick, is big and has number one speed in a package that seems to have cleaned the act up in Pittsburgh—so I can’t get behind taking a one-dimensional receiver in a spot that (at least for me) is already filled. Oh, that and he went to the most hateable school in the universe. I’ll pass.
DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
Will he be there: Ryans is a top-5 linebacker in this draft class, so the Steelers will almost certainly need to trade up if they want him. Dr. Burgher’s Rx: Ryans would be a nice addition if the Steelers don't get Carpenter in the first round. They are a little thin at linebacker, and I expect the Steelers to pick one on the first day of the draft. Ryans might also be a good candidate if the Steelers trade out of the first round after other teams nab their top choices.
Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
Will he be there: Addai is a versatile player, and the Steelers would probably need to trade up to draft him. Dr. Burgher’s Rx: With Willie Parker playing the role of home run hitter and Verron Haynes back for third downs, the Steelers need a Bettis-type runner for short yardage situations. Right now, Addai seems well suited for third-down duty, and I doubt that he could add the 25 (or more) pounds required to play the Bettis role. He doesn't seem like a great fit for the Steelers. Darnell Bing, S, USC
Will he be there: Scouts Inc. ranks Bing as the #69 player overall. That puts him in a good position to be available for the Steelers in the second round. Dr. Burgher’s Rx: The Steelers are definitely interested in Bing, who they brought to Pittsburgh for an interview last week. He would probably need a year to learn the defense, but looks like a player who could help in the future. Later rounds... Michael Robinson, QB/RB/WR, Penn State
Projected Round: Three. Greg says: Now THIS is a pick I can get behind: Instead of filling the “big” receiver slot with someone other than Quincy Morgan, Robinson gives the Steelers the option, to, well, option. No one pulls the trickeration better than the Men of Steel, and Robinson can step right into the “so dangerous” role vacated by ARE. Roman Harper, S, Alabama
Projected Round: Three Greg says: A “tough, strong, durable” presence and, as Scouts, Inc., calls him, “an intelligent football player” who “picks things up quickly,” “a big hitter who makes his presence felt in the middle of the field” who “hits a lot harder than his frame indicates,” and a guy who “is technically sound and does all the little things right.” Put those things next to Troy Polamalu. Hello, secondary! Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green
Projected Round: Seven Greg says: Let’s be honest here: If the Steelers draft a QB, the guy’s going to expected to take a grand total of zero snaps each season, holding a clipboard while Ben (and occasionally Batch) take some snaps. They might as well have someone with awesome dreadlocks. Brett Basanez, QB, Northwestern
Projected Round: Undrafted Greg says: Sure, I’m being a bit of a homer with this one, but Baz is an accurate, if not powerful, passer who is whip-smart and can—like the heralded Jay Cutler—excel without a lot of talent surrounding him. Oh, except Basanez led Northwestern to bowl-eligible seasons and himself to a Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Year season as a senior, while Cutler…well, Cutler has great hair. ----Dr. Burgher and Greg Back to the Ex-'Burgher. |
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Dr. Burgher’s skinny: I only saw Ryans play a few times, but all he seemed to do was lay people out. He's one of those tacklers that runs through people. That qualifies him as Steelers-worthy.
Dr. Burgher’s skinny: Addai is an impressive looking runner who never compiled impressive stats (no 1,000 yard seasons) in college. He has room to add weight to his 214-pound frame, and that will help his power running. He projects as a combination/third-down type of back.
Dr. Burgher’s skinny: Bing is strong against the run, which is a prerequisite for any defender on the Steelers. He fits the mold of Chris Hope, but would not be ready to start immediately. There are also concerns that Bing is a little bit slow of mind.
Greg says: Robinson’s listed here under three positions, but should probably get a different three-letter designation: ATH, for athlete. Forget Reggie Bush: In his time at Penn State, Robinson wasn’t just a tailback who split out wide, he also threw, leading the Nittany Lions to the Big Ten title in his only full season under center, and garnering Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors in the process.
Greg says: Harper was a solid, if not spectacular, player on a defense that vaulted Alabama into the top ten and SEC title contention in 2005. He’s a tough, strong, durable presence in the secondary who provides consistent performace.
Greg says: Jacobs was supposed to crash the BCS party in 2006, with profiles in ESPN the Magazine and Sports Illustrated trumpeting his coming. One should injury later, and the guy with the cannon from BGSU is projected by some—including his Hairness Mel Kiper—to fall as far as the seventh round.
Greg says: Four-year starter at the perennial Big Ten nuisance, leading the Wildcats to several national TV upsets and two bowl berths with a sub-average arm and nonexistent supporting cast of stump-handed receivers.