NT Poe visits, could be Steelers No. 1 pick

[mesaSteeler]

NT Poe visits, could be Steelers No. 1 pick
April 19, 2012 12:00 am
Dave Martin/Associated Press
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/...1-pick-632060/

Memphis defensive lineman Dontari Poe == 6 feet 4, 346 pounds is considered the best nose tackle in the draft.

By Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers waited until the final day to meet with the player who could be their first pick in the NFL draft.

Memphis nose tackle Dontari Poe was among five players who visited the Steelers Wednesday -- the last day draft prospects are allowed to meet with NFL teams -- and there is a possibility it could be the first of his many trips inside the team's South Side facility.

Poe, 6 feet 4, 346 pounds, is considered the best nose tackle in the draft next week. And nose tackle is one of two positions in the Steelers defense -- a replacement for James Farrior at inside linebacker is the other -- that could be immediately addressed with the top pick.

Five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton is coming off surgery to his anterior cruciate ligament and is likely in his final year with the Steelers.

Hampton reworked his contract recently and accepted a pay cut in exchange for a return for one more season with the Steelers.

Also visiting the Steelers Wednesday were tight end Adrien Robinson of Cincinnati, offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum of Southern Methodist and wide receivers Toney Clemons of Colorado (Valley High School) and Gregory Childs of Arkansas.

Poe's stock soared after being a workout wonder at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

He ran a 4.98 in the 40-yard dash, did a combine-best 44 reps in the 225-pound bench and had a 29 1/2-inch vertical jump.

Poe can bench-press 500 pounds, squat 700 and power-clean 400.

It is possible Poe could be available to the Steelers with the 24th overall pick because a lot of NFL coaches and personnel people think he needs another season to develop. There is also some concern that Poe tends to take plays off and doesn't play up to his ability.

But he has such raw power and explosion he could become a dominating player in the league.

Gerry Dulac: gdulac@post-gazette.com; twitter: @gerrydulac
First Published 2012-04-19 04:31:32

[GMU Steeler]

I understand the worries about Poe but I would love it if he fell to us. I think Mitchell could do a great job with him. I doubt he falls to us though.

[Hawaii 5-0]

Originally Posted by GMU Steeler

I understand the worries about Poe but I would love it if he fell to us. I think Mitchell could do a great job with him. I doubt he falls to us though.

I do worry about a player like Dontari Poe who has such outstanding measurables yet such mediocre tape and production.

but I think it's a moot point as Poe's potential is just too enormous for him to drop out of the top 20.

[pete74]

If he drops I would love to grab him

[zshelhamer]

A big guy who takes plays off and doesn't play up to his ability...second coming of Albert Haynesworth anyone?

[Kingmagyar]

Too many worries for a first round pick. If there is the slightest chance of a player being a bust then he shouldn't be picked in the first round.

[TRH]

Poe will be long gone before we pick.

[Curtain_of_Steel]

I do not think we should take him if he is there. We can grab one in the 2nd rd. We have other pressing needs, OL, LB, CB.

[pete74]

Originally Posted by Curtain_of_Steel

I do not think we should take him if he is there. We can grab one in the 2nd rd. We have other pressing needs, OL, LB, CB.

Were set at linebacker with our starters. CB we have 3 young guys ready to play. We can use a guard but I wouldn't say we absolutely need one in the first. Regardless of what we think Steelers are taking the best player available

[GMU Steeler]

Originally Posted by Hawaii 5-0

I do worry about a player like Dontari Poe who has such outstanding measurables yet such mediocre tape and production.

but I think it's a moot point as Poe's potential is just too enormous for him to drop out of the top 20.

I agree with you on both counts. I wouldn't trade up for him this all said.