2020 Draft & FA

[Superbelt]

Finney is going to get a chance to redeem himself after not faring so well at OG earlier this year.

They're going to need him starting at OC for up to 3 games here.

 

[Superbelt]

Colin Kaep, Dez Bryant, Jay Ajayi, Cj Anderson.

There are skill guys out there to be looked at.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Colin Kaep, Dez Bryant, Jay Ajayi, Cj Anderson.

There are skill guys out there to be looked at.

I've always felt with PIT having this TNF game that Colbert/Tomlin might be here tomorrow for the Kaep workout.

 

[SteelersPride]

I've always felt with PIT having this TNF game that Colbert/Tomlin might be here tomorrow for the Kaep workout.

even if they are. Would they really let him come in and play?

 

[ATL96Steeler]

even if they are. Would they really let him come in and play?

Yes...if they thought he was the best option to win a game...if Mason dials up another sticking 1st half, they would go to Hodges he would get a game or two and Kaep as a last resort.

Else no reason to bring him here.

 

[SteelersPride]

Yes...if they thought he was the best option to win a game...if Mason dials up another sticking 1st half, they would go to Hodges he would get a game or two and Kaep as a last resort.

Else no reason to bring him here.

i guess. But im just skeptical. Mason continues to stink it up, we still dont go to duck.
Tomlin is a guy who doesnt give up on draft picks.
They still tout that mason had a first round grade.
I can see them showing up, but thats about it. I could be wrong.
what time is the workout

 

[ATL96Steeler]

i guess. But im just skeptical. Mason continues to stink it up, we still dont go to duck.
Tomlin is a guy who doesnt give up on draft picks.
They still tout that mason had a first round grade.
I can see them showing up, but thats about it. I could be wrong.
what time is the workout

No clue on the time...it apparently got moved from the Falcons facility to a HS...I’m not sure if they came or not.

It would be totally screwed up to the DEF to keep trotting Mason out there if he’s still stinking it up as bad as he was vs CLE. IMO they would have to give Hodges the ball.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

I'm with @SteelersPride in that this coaching staff is too invested in Mason. They will give him 2 more shitshows like we saw in CLE before they contemplate hanging him up & starting Hodges. They have been treating him with training wheels & toddler spoons all season, so I wouldn't expect them to give up on him so easily. Playoff race be damned. The media can play up the QB controversy card all they want, Mason is the guy until he drives this team into the ground & the season is lost.

I'm tired of Mason. I have zero desire to see him continue to start this year, or at least until proven otherwise. I know that sounds spoiled given how long we have been graced with Ben's play, but I have seen plenty of what Mason brings to the table. And even during the win streak I wasn't impressed. None of us should have been. These coaches are so hell bent on proving that Mason is a quality QB. I hope I'm wrong about him, but seeing how other backup/young QBs have stepped in & played for other teams makes me believe that Mason just ain't it.

 

[SteelersPride]

I'm with @SteelersPride in that this coaching staff is too invested in Mason. They will give him 2 more shitshows like we saw in CLE before they contemplate hanging him up & starting Hodges. They have been treating him with training wheels & toddler spoons all season, so I wouldn't expect them to give up on him so easily. Playoff race be damned. The media can play up the QB controversy card all they want, Mason is the guy until he drives this team into the ground & the season is lost.

I'm tired of Mason. I have zero desire to see him continue to start this year, or at least until proven otherwise. I know that sounds spoiled given how long we have been graced with Ben's play, but I have seen plenty of what Mason brings to the table. And even during the win streak I wasn't impressed. None of us should have been. These coaches are so hell bent on proving that Mason is a quality QB. I hope I'm wrong about him, but seeing how other backup/young QBs have stepped in & played for other teams makes me believe that Mason just ain't it.[/QUOTE]

This. So much this. This is not 1990. QB's dont get 3 years to develop anymore. Your lucky if you get a year. Look at alot of the youn qb's out there. THey come in and play, sans mahomes. At that 1 year, and you are to come in and play well. Not this, well hes young, this is only his 7th start.

You had a first round grade on him. First rounders come in and play immediately. Your first round graded QB got a little over a year to sit and learn behind a HOF qb. He's still lost, thats not young and learning, thats lost.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

This. So much this. This is not 1990. QB's dont get 3 years to develop anymore. Your lucky if you get a year. Look at alot of the youn qb's out there. THey come in and play, sans mahomes. At that 1 year, and you are to come in and play well. Not this, well hes young, this is only his 7th start.

You had a first round grade on him. First rounders come in and play immediately. Your first round graded QB got a little over a year to sit and learn behind a HOF qb. He's still lost, thats not young and learning, thats lost.

Quote retrieved.

Truth. Not only all that, but Mason has a lot of glaring issues with mechanics. He's not stepping into his throws, he's jittery & happy-footed which often results in inaccurate throws. IMO it's all derived from one issue... He has zero confidence in his pocket presence which is unraveling his mechanics. His O-line hasn't been up to par which no doubt is adding to the confidence issue, but you can tell Mason's mental game just isn't where it needs to be. The mental toughness aspect is criminally underrated & understated. "Seeing ghosts" has been a hot headline ever since Darnold's hot mic weeks ago, but Mason is the exact physical embodiment of that phrase.

There's also something to be said about his OC spoonfeeding him which developed confidence issues.

 

[SteelersPride]

Quote retrieved.

Truth. Not only all that, but Mason has a lot of glaring issues with mechanics. He's not stepping into his throws, he's jittery & happy-footed which often results in inaccurate throws. IMO it's all derived from one issue... He has zero confidence in his pocket presence which is unraveling his mechanics. His O-line hasn't been up to par which no doubt is adding to the confidence issue, but you can tell Mason's mental game just isn't where it needs to be. The mental toughness aspect is criminally underrated & understated. "Seeing ghosts" has been a hot headline ever since Darnold's hot mic weeks ago, but Mason is the exact physical embodiment of that phrase.

There's also something to be said about his OC spoonfeeding him which developed confidence issues.

agree on all points. something ive wondered is how i hear mason is a tireless worker, hits the film relentlessly , is always in the playbook. High praise from coaches, teammates, etc........ is it because he doesn't understand it?

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

agree on all points. something ive wondered is how i hear mason is a tireless worker, hits the film relentlessly , is always in the playbook. High praise from coaches, teammates, etc........ is it because he doesn't understand it?

IDK... A mixture I'm sure. But we heard the same things about Shamarko Thomas years ago. Film junkie, gym rat, work ethic, football IQ levels, etc... Everything you want in a player... But sadly its all for naught when the "above the neck" skills just don't translate to the football field.

It's just not something you can teach sadly.

 

[SteelersPride]

IDK... A mixture I'm sure. But we heard the same things about Shamarko Thomas years ago. Film junkie, gym rat, work ethic, football IQ levels, etc... Everything you want in a player... But sadly its all for naught when the "above the neck" skills just don't translate to the football field.

It's just not something you can teach sadly.

what i do like, im upset that we dont have a pick to grab a qb early. there are some good ones. but we did get minkah. but this draft has some sneaky depth to it, one of the best in a long long time IMHO, and i think others feel that way too, i can list some non round 1 guys that are pretty fn good.....if we care to discuss that.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

what i do like, im upset that we dont have a pick to grab a qb early. there are some good ones. but we did get minkah. but this draft has some sneaky depth to it, one of the best in a long long time IMHO, and i think others feel that way too, i can list some non round 1 guys that are pretty fn good.....if we care to discuss that.

Hell yea I would love to discuss that. I haven't really set my sights on the draft class yet so any & all info helps me get acquainted to the prospects.

FWIW, we hear things like "this draft has the best depth in a long time" every year... Until the Steelers pull off another draft like 2017, I'll take that phrase with a grain of salt lol. I remember people touting the 2018 class especially. Lot of great players in that draft that aren't necessarily panning out like they were projected to. Not just for the Steelers, but league-wide. Steelers appear to have missed on their picks. Not to say they aren't going to pan out, and there are a lot of factors at play, just judging based off of comparison of their peers. Terrell Edmunds was a clear reach at the time. After losing Shazier the previous December in 2017, we all pegged ILB as a primo draft selection. We suspected they wanted either Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch and obviously lost out on both, but they still passed on Darius Leonard who has been an absolute stud so far. Even taking Edmunds over Jessie Bates, Justin Reid or Ronnie Harrison is considered a crime until Edmunds proves himself better. Also, even though I still like James Washington, the Jags took DJ Chark the pick right after they took him. Seeing how good Chark has been this year, think about that skillset on this offense with suspect QB play. Something they desperately need right now.

 

[SteelersPride]

Hell yea I would love to discuss that. I haven't really set my sights on the draft class yet so any & all info helps me get acquainted to the prospects.

FWIW, we hear things like "this draft has the best depth in a long time" every year... Until the Steelers pull off another draft like 2017, I'll take that phrase with a grain of salt lol. I remember people touting the 2018 class especially. Lot of great players in that draft that aren't necessarily panning out like they were projected to. Not just for the Steelers, but league-wide. Steelers appear to have missed on their picks. Not to say they aren't going to pan out, and there are a lot of factors at play, just judging based off of comparison of their peers. Terrell Edmunds was a clear reach at the time. After losing Shazier the previous December in 2017, we all pegged ILB as a primo draft selection. We suspected they wanted either Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch and obviously lost out on both, but they still passed on Darius Leonard who has been an absolute stud so far. Even taking Edmunds over Jessie Bates, Justin Reid or Ronnie Harrison is considered a crime until Edmunds proves himself better. Also, even though I still like James Washington, the Jags took DJ Chark the pick right after they took him. Seeing how good Chark has been this year, think about that skillset on this offense with suspect QB play. Something they desperately need right now.

ive been waiting on this qb class for a few years, and there are some guys the dropped, and a few that stepped up. i have heard some experts say that, but i guess I am saying that lol.

i dont even wanna comment on the draft comments you just made, because they piss me off too bad. GImme a bit here and i'll post some guys

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

ive been waiting on this qb class for a few years, and there are some guys the dropped, and a few that stepped up. i have heard some experts say that, but i guess I am saying that lol.

i dont even wanna comment on the draft comments you just made, because they piss me off too bad. GImme a bit here and i'll post some guys

Maybe if the Steelers have another 2018 draft they can be in the mix for Trevor Lawrence in 2021 lol.

 

[SteelersPride]

Maybe if the Steelers have another 2018 draft they can be in the mix for Trevor Lawrence in 2021 lol.

Oh wow that would be something

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

For future FA discussions in here... Here's a list of top FAs (unranked) for the positions that we have deemed as a need in the upcoming offseason...

OLB
Jadeveon Clowney... Not going anywhere given the trade haul Seattle gave up. But for now, he's a pending UFA.
Shaq Barrett... What a year this guy is having. Young & pricey.
Bud Dupree... For all the grief we give him, he's still having a decent year. I don't want the Steelers to overpay.
Dante Fowler Jr... To me he's a Bud Dupree type player. Output doesn't necessarily match the athleticism.
Jamie Collins... Consistent guy, inside or out. Aged (30) & could come at a decent price. Scheme dependent?
Robert Quinn... 4-3 DE, but could easily transition to OLB.
Whitney Mercilus... Not really a premier FA, but a dependable guy. Will turn 31 offseason.
Vic Beasley... Another 4-3 DE. Risky, but still young & talented.

TE
Eric Ebron... Easily the most talented & well-rounded in the FA group. But still carries some risk.
Austin Hooper... Good pass-catcher but not sure about his blocking skills?
Jack Doyle... Indy will likely keep him over Ebron.
Hunter Henry... Young & injury prone. Risky but very talented.
Nick Vannett... Trades for players in a contract year rarely result in them not getting a new contract.
Vance McDonald... 2020 & 2021 are club options under his current contract. Still an injury prone player.

IOL
Brandon Scherff... Young & pricey. Best in run game.
Joe Thuney... Another young & pricey option. Best in pass-pro.
BJ Finney... UFA that the steelers no longer can hold the rights to with EFA/RFA tenders.
Clint Boling... Savvy vet, but aged 30.
Marshal Yanda... UC through 2020, but expected to be cut or traded. In decline, but serviceable at 34 years old.

WR
Amari Cooper... DAL has to pay either Dak or Amari. Not sure if they can do both.
AJ Green... 32 next year. But could easily be a renaissance type player.
Robby Anderson... Young & inconsistent. But in the right offense could do damage.
Nelson Agholor... See Robby Anderson.
Emmanuel Sanders... One foot out the door at 32, but a contender could use him. SF will likely try to retain him.
Larry Fitzgerald... Seems he'd rather retire than sign elsewhere.
DeVante Parker... 2020 is a club option for Miami.
Devin Funchess... Meh.
Randall Cobb... Slot.
Breshad Perriman... Meh.
Phillip Dorsett... Small but dynamic.
Josh Gordon... Not sure if Seattle will want to retain him if he doesn't prove himself.
Chester Rogers... Young & athletic.
Dez Bryant... Still tryin to make a comeback.

RB
Melvin Gordon.. Big fish in this FA group.
Derrick Henry... Tantalizing prospect, but probably overpriced in this upcoming market. Not a pass-catcher.
Kareem Hunt... Still has immense potential. Might leave CLE for a starting gig if he eats into Chubb's role.
Kenyan Drake... AZ should retain, but pending UFA.
Carlos Hyde/Peyton Barber/Isaiah Crowell... 1-cut bruiser types.
Lamar Miller... 30 year old coming off knee injury. Scary.
LeSean McCoy... Slowed by age & injuries. 31 in July.
Jordan Howard... Inconsistent, but proven to play very well.
Chris Thompson... Pass catching specialist, but has proven worthy between the tackles.
CJ Prosise... Haven't seen him in a lead role much, but seems like the hype has been consistent.
Gus Edwards... Doubt BAL lets him walk.

IDL
Marcell Dareus... 2020 club option. Would be the big fish if they let him explore FA.
Chris Jones... DE that plays inside & out. The current big fish of the group.
Michael Brockers... Very versatile & young. Should easily find a contract.
Leonard Williams... Traded in contract year. He's not going anywhere.
Javon Hargrave... Young & pricey. But the IDL market is rich with talent. The Steelers could get lucky & resign.
Jarran Reed... Another youthful talent.
Jordan Phillips... Another youthful talent.
Danny Shelton... Stout interior guy.
Gerald McCoy/Ndamukong Suh... Aged but serviceable.
Timmy Jernigan... Athletic guy with power.
Josh Mauro... Long time no see former UDFA. Still a stout interior guy, but plays well outside at DE too.

 

[SteelersPride]

A Too-Early Ranking of the Top QB Prospects in the 2020 Draft

here is a decent article

Guys like Hurts(really has shown good progression throwing, you know hes a leader, hes a gamer, and he can run)
Eason


Obv no shot at tua, burrow, and hebert

im not on the jordan love bandwagon,

fromm is a guy thats gonna slip, hes a winner, hes calm, he throws with touch and anticipation, but hes not the most gifted, in a class loaded with arm talent, and that could be a steal........

jamie newman from wake is a guy to watch, dual threat. Came out of no where, getting some late hype, if he comes out hell be a late 1, round 2 guy.....like his game ALOT. Manipulates the pocket, goes through progressions, touch on passes, this dude i love

those are my guys right now, theres some smaller school guys, and brian lewerke from MSU could be decent, quick release

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I'm with @SteelersPride in that this coaching staff is too invested in Mason. They will give him 2 more shitshows like we saw in CLE before they contemplate hanging him up & starting Hodges. They have been treating him with training wheels & toddler spoons all season, so I wouldn't expect them to give up on him so easily. Playoff race be damned. The media can play up the QB controversy card all they want, Mason is the guy until he drives this team into the ground & the season is lost.

I'm tired of Mason. I have zero desire to see him continue to start this year, or at least until proven otherwise. I know that sounds spoiled given how long we have been graced with Ben's play, but I have seen plenty of what Mason brings to the table. And even during the win streak I wasn't impressed. None of us should have been. These coaches are so hell bent on proving that Mason is a quality QB. I hope I'm wrong about him, but seeing how other backup/young QBs have stepped in & played for other teams makes me believe that Mason just ain't it.

At some point soon after week 13...they will give up on the '19 season if they lose to CIN. Then they will have the builtin excuse of giving him an extended look. If he's stinking it up at home vs CIN, I'm not sure he would finish that game...I think Hodges would come in.

I'm conceding that Mason is probably not it, but with only 7 starts under his belt, we have to at least recognize that's a fairly quick trigger.

I don't think it's the coaches holding him back as much as I think Rudolph was holding himself back....this next game will be a good sign. If he crawls back into a shell, and resorts back to all passes <10yds, we know he's scared and it's self inflicted.