I got 1 question....

[thumper]

Remember, like, ever since we went to the 3-4, that Pgh
always found DEs in later rounds? It was said that when
in a 3-4, that your DEs need to be big mothers who clog up
the O-linemen, allows the LBs to make tackles and sacks. So,
it seems Pgh knew they could get the guys they needed in later
round for DEs (although they still used high picks at NT, generally
speaking).

With 3-4 DEs, they need size and power, but not elite speed since
we don't need our DEs to get to the passer, however, you sure
as hell need that elite speed for 4-3 DEs, as they are needed to
get to the passer or your D will be lame.

So what has changed? Twice in the last 3 drafts they have used
their first rounder on a DE. It doesn't seem to add up. What has
changed? Yes, more teams run a 3-4 but that doesn't change the
fact that the DEs needed in a 3-4 still don't need to possess elite
physical skill whereby you need to use 1st rounders on them.

Just look at their draft history.

http://www.drafthistory.com/teams/steelers.html

After years of rarely ever taking a DE in the 1st round, they
spend 1st rounders on Hood and Hayward.

The other DEs who end up playing?

Keisel - 7th round
Bailey - 6th
Aaron Smith - 4th
Staat - 2nd - who was a total bust, further proving high picks not needed
Roye - 6th
Gibson - 4th
Rayborn - 5th
Buckner - 2nd
Williams - 2nd

See a trend? Once in a while they spent a 2nd round on DE but
mostly they took the most productive DEs in the 4th or later. No first
rounders were used in the modern era of Pgh football, but now
we have 2 out of 3 first rounders in 3 years? Why has their
philosophy altered so much? Can we not still expect to get our
kind of quality DEs in the 4th round? And if so, why are we
using 1st rounders on DEs in spite of the fact that we desperately
could use our high picks on CBs and OL at this point?

I am not saying that Hood and Hayward will not prove worthy
picks and I hope they rock. But I am just confused on how the
philosophy has radically changed when there doesn't appear to
be a logical reason for it to.

[cloppbeast]

You have to consider that less teams ran a 3-4 back in the day, therefore DEs that may not meet the needs of a 4-3 wouldn't be as coveted and could hence be taken later. Nowadays, many teams have switched to the 3-4.

Also, in the past the Steelers have used their early picks for positions like WR while the patiently select DEs later. Recently, it seems like they're getting better at selecting gems at WR in the higher rounds giving them the ability to get a stud at DE in the lower rounds.

I also think that you'll begin to see a different scheme out of the Steelers in the coming years. With such physicall gifted DEs, they will have no choice to use their talents in creative ways. With Cam and Hood at DE, Worlids and Woodley at OLB, just imagine the possibilities!

[BehindSteelCurtain]

Maybe those drafts didnt have any DE's that they thought were worth taking.....Watch Heyward's film....6'5 295, athletic.....comes from successful program, captain of the defense

[thumper]

Originally Posted by BehindSteelCurtain

Maybe those drafts didnt have any DE's that they thought were worth taking.....Watch Heyward's film....6'5 295, athletic.....comes from successful program, captain of the defense

I have been watching some film - guy really seems like a stud. 1 other thing
too: Dick L not getting any younger. He's got to retire some day. And when he
does, will they consider with the guru being gone from this D, if they don't move
on to a D with more DL play coming into play, like the Tampa 2-deep, which is
what Tomlin knows. Tomlin has often said why not run the 3-4 since they
have the absolute authority on it coaching. Without the guru? Maybe they
don't keep it.

[cloppbeast]

Originally Posted by thumper

I have been watching some film - guy really seems like a stud. 1 other thing
too: Dick L not getting any younger. He's got to retire some day. And when he
does, will they consider with the guru being gone from this D, if they don't move
on to a D with more DL play coming into play, like the Tampa 2-deep, which is
what Tomlin knows. Tomlin has often said why not run the 3-4 since they
have the absolute authority on it coaching. Without the guru? Maybe they
don't keep it.

I guess it's possible, but they have the personnel for a 3-4. I think Tomlin is a pretty rational and smart guy, and I don't think he would try to fix something that isn't broken.

[ebsteelers]

dont think theres gonna be much change when dick goes, thats why keith butler is still around, and tomlin wouldnt let him go.... win the super bowl this year and dick is gone

[55BaileyFan]

Defensive end talent really falls off as they get through the draft. Remember we don't draft need we draft the best available and Heyward was up on our board. He is a great talent who can play end, tackle, and outside linebacker.

I don't think it would be off for Pittsburgh to go after a middle linebacker and only grab one corner and maybe two offensive lineman. This is a typicaly Steeler pick and I think it will work out.

[thumper]

Originally Posted by 55BaileyFan

Defensive end talent really falls off as they get through the draft. Remember we don't draft need we draft the best available and Heyward was up on our board. He is a great talent who can play end, tackle, and outside linebacker.

I don't think it would be off for Pittsburgh to go after a middle linebacker and only grab one corner and maybe two offensive lineman. This is a typicaly Steeler pick and I think it will work out.

I got to disagree a little. DE talent for elite 4-3 ends go quick. DE
talent for a 3-4, where DEs are not asked to get many sacks can
be there for a while. You just need pluggers and they are far easier
to find. The history of who we draft when proves that. I am not complaining
about the pick; he has so many things they look for in addition to physical
talent: mature, a leader, consistent, motivated, loyal. And let's face it:
our DEs are getting old other than 1, Hood. The rest are well into their
30s, so we did have to address the position.

Looking at the past 20 years, it is still noteworthy that they took two
first rounds on DEs in 3 years. And, please, they better go CB and
an OLmen or two the rest of the way instead of taking picks on lame
TEs and punters.

[steeltheone]

Our needs are much glaring than in years past due to age and bad middle round drafting.