First mock draft

[Prosdo]

I think 1st round will be RB. Rounds 2 and 3 I see either a WR, C, or DE.

[Koopa]

i sure hope we draft a good running back in the first two rounds, right now if the draft was held tomorrow we'd have the 19th pick

[Prosdo]

How many picks do we have this year? I heard someone mention the other day that we had 2 third round picks because of a trade? Wasn't sure how true that was though.

[BB2W]

Originally Posted by Prosdo

How many picks do we have this year? I heard someone mention the other day that we had 2 third round picks because of a trade? Wasn't sure how true that was though.

I don't think we get one because of a trade... last year we had an extra 7th round pick because of Todd Fordham...

This year, for the first time since the Pre-Heinz Field era, the Steelers will be a major beneficiary of the league?s compensatory pick system. The Steelers lost four high-profile free agents in the 2005 off-season ? Kendrell Bell, Plaxico Burress, Oliver Ross, and Keydrick Vincent ? while adding only one significant player, Cedrick Wilson. The compensation formula is a well-guarded one, but a few things are known:

Picks are awarded based on ?net losses? of qualifying free agents, and
The level of pick awarded is based upon the contract, playing time, and performance.
In the Steelers case, the ?net loss? is three players ? the four they lost minus the one they signed. The deals signed by Vincent and Wilson were similar enough to offset one another, so the picks awarded to the Steelers will most likely be based upon the losses of Bell, Ross, and Burress. So what level of pick can the Steelers reasonably expect for each of these players?

Kendrell Bell ? Signed a 7-year/$35 million deal with the Chiefs.
Plaxico Burress ? Signed a 6-year/$25 million deal with the Giants.
Oliver Ross ? Signed a 5-year/$17.5 million deal with the Cardinals.

Based upon the compensation awarded to teams this year, and comparing similar contracts, it?s not unreasonable to think that the Steelers could be awarded two 4th round picks (Bell, Burress) and a 5th round pick (Ross). Of course, it?s also possible that they?ll only receive a 4th and two 5th rounders. If Bell has a monster year (and it?s not heading in that direction at this point), he could bump us to a 3rd rounder in compensation.

As always, we need to make an assumption. Since we have the data from this year, let?s stick with the original prognostication of two additional 4th rounders and a 5th rounder. That would leave the Steelers with ten picks in the draft: R1 (1), R2 (1), R3 (1), R4 (3), R5 (2), R6 (1), R7 (1).

[Prosdo]

Ah, thanks for clearing that up BB2W. Rep for you on that.

[TasmanianTroy271]

That's awesome, knowing the way the Steelers draft, a few 4th round picks can definately make an impact.