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This past Friday evening, Charles Henry Noll, who lifted the
Pittsburgh Steelers from the depths of the National Football League and coached
them to a record four Super Bowl champions inside of 6 years in the 1970’s by
adhering to simple, long-held principles, died in his home in Sewickley at age
of 82 years old.
In recent years, Noll suffered from severe back pain that
limited his mobility and forced him to walk with two canes. He served as
Steelers head coach for 23 seasons from 1969-91, winning Super Bowls after the
1974, '75, '78 and '79 seasons and guiding what is considered one of the greatest
sports dynasties ever. His 209-156-1 record and record four Super Bowl titles
earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year
of eligibility.
Chuck Noll in 1952, University of Dayton
Chuck Noll was born on January 5, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Noll attended Benedictine High School, a Roman Catholic preparatory high school
where he played football. He played running back and defensive tackle during
his tenure at Benedictine High School, winning All-State honors. Through his
achievements as a high school football player he won a football scholarship and
attended the University of Dayton, a private Catholic institution in Ohio. As a
result of his football ability, Noll was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in
1953, where he played until his retirement six years later in 1959 at the age
of 27.
He was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles/San Diego
Chargers and the Baltimore Colts for nine years. He was the defensive
coordinator of the Baltimore Colts under head coach Don Shula during their 13-1
season in 1968, in which the team set an NFL record of fewest points allowed.
The Colts’ success that year brought Noll greater attention throughout the
league. When Penn State coach Joe Paterno turned down an offer for the head
coaching position, the Steelers hired Noll for what would be his first and only
head-coaching job in 1969. Noll took the 4-3 defense he ran in Baltimore and
implemented a similar defensive system in Pittsburgh, which became the famous
“Steel Curtain” defense.
Steeler Nation will greatly miss our Legendary Head Coach.....R.I.P
Courtesy of the National Football League - All Rights Reserved (c)
The 2014 National Football League Draft finally takes place this Thursday, May 8th starting at 8 PM EST followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, May 9th at 7 PM EST. The final day is Saturday, May 10th and covers rounds 4-7.
In this mock draft, we take a clear look at the potential picks of each NFL team in Thursday's first round. For
the last three months, NFL Fans have been inconveniently misled of their
favorite team draft pick through multiple unrealistic mock drafts from various
publicists of the mass sports media.
This mock draft isn't a prediction of what will happen Thursday night—even if some of the picks line up with what each NFL team might do. This first-round mock is the result of looking at each team's current roster and future needs, and matching those to find the player who best carries the traits needed for the team's scheme and coaches.
In addition, this mock draft will highlight teams that may influence the Steelers selection.
NOTE: (*) indicate team selection influential in Steelers Selection
So, who will be the first selection in the 2014 NFL Draft?
Looking
pass Clowney’s mediocre season with the South Carolina Gamecocks, he’s still
regarded as the most talented player in this draft class, and I expect Houston
to select him if they can’t trade out.
The St. Louis Rams are more than likely
to trade down this pick on draft day. With needs on the Offensive Line, at Wide
receiver, Cornerback, and Free Safety, the Rams can go a number of directions
here, but only one player at those areas of need is a value at pick No. 2.
Robinson is arguably the best Offensive Lineman in the draft, can could serve
has a safety net for injury prone QB, Sam Bradford.
Veteran QB, Chad Henne has been kept on as a short-term option and/or mentor
to a young quarterback, the Jags can’t afford to miss out on a mobile
difference maker like Johnny Football; they grab him now and worry about the
other positions later on in the draft.
The Oakland Raiders appear to be in win-now mode after a
second straight offseason of bringing in older vets like Lamarr Woodley, Justin
Tuck, Matt Schaub, and Maurice Jones-Drew. Look for Raiders to add youth to
that Veteran Defense, with arguably the best linebacker in this year’s draft
class.
Based on last season’s meltdown on the Offensive Line, the
Falcons pick this royal gem from the great Matthews Family Tree. This will help bring back the cool in Matty
Ice, rekindle the Dynamic Duo at WR, and restore the charging Ram in Steven
Jackson.
They could take a QB here, but
why? This team is in desperate need of an anchor on the Defensive Line, long gone
from the days of Hall-of-Famer John Randle, and the duo of Kevin & Pat
Williams, Aaron Donald is fast and tough enough to lead the Vikings front
seven.
Last year’s Linebacker Rookie,
Kiko Alonso shocked a lot of Bills fans with his outstanding production, with
the addition of Brandon Spikes and this athletic Outside Pass Rusher; expect the
Bills to give the Patriots a run for their money in the AFC EAST.
One of the picks that may
influence the Steelers selection, Justin Gilbert finally gives the Lions a
potential Pro Bowl starting cornerback since Dre Bly. He maybe the best
coverage Cornerback in the Draft, plus adding the fact he could be a major
contributor on Special Teams as a Return threat; the Lions find great value
here with Gilbert.
Eli Manning
threw a career worst 27 interceptions last season, due to a mediocre Offensive
Line. Taylor Lewan is a physical Tackle that can help in protecting the 2-time
Super Bowl Quarterback. Zack Martin
maybe an option here as well, but Lewan is the better athlete.
The Rams add depth to improve their
Offensive line with the second overall pick, now they add a quality Safety to
help improve last season struggling secondary.
The Bears have improved their front seven with the addition of Jared
Allen, now this 14th overall pick Calvin Pryor adds youth, talent,
and aggressiveness to this stellar secondary.
During yesterday’s press conference, GM Kevin Colbert said “Obviously
we still could trade down. And with the depth of this draft that’s, I think, a
real possibility. At least it’s an option that’s available to us.” Here I believe
the Steelers could land Kyle Fuller with the 19th overall pick, with
the addition of extra picks mid-round of this 2014 Draft. With Justin Gilbert,
and Darquese Dennard off the board, Steelers are faced with only option with
Fulller, because he’s the only Cornerback worth taking in the top 20 picks. He fits
the Steelers' system well as a physical player who plays zone and press well,
with outstanding blitzing
Few people would have thought one year ago that DeMarcus
Ware wouldn't be in Dallas this season, but he's lining up at defensive end in
Denver after a showdown over his contract. That leaves the Cowboys in a predicament
to address that void in the 1st Round of this year’s draft. Ryan
Shazier is an explosive pass rusher, that would fit the Cowboy’s 3-4 Defensive
scheme perfectly.
With the top Safeties off the
board here at 17, the Ravens will be forced to take the best available player
on the draft board. Eric Ebron fills that void as a possession target since the
absence of Anquan Boldin for Joe Flacco, plus pairing him with Dennis Pitta
could be dangerous for us Steeler Fans.
Adding a speedy receiver is important for the Jets, and Lee
fills a much needed void left my Santonio Holmes. Decker and Lee will be comfortable
targets for the aging QB, Mike Vick.
The Dolphins are in need of major improvements to their
Offensive Line, and Zack Martin can play any position on the Offensive Line.
Very flexible and smart pick for the Miami Dolphins.
Roby comes with some baggage,
but he’s as physically gifted as any CB in the draft. The Cardinals will need a
vibrant CB to pair with Patrick Peterson, and Roby is worth the risk for this
secondary.
Mosley is a top-10 talent, but in a draft this deep it's
difficult to place him with a team higher up the board. With this selection,
the Packers could find themselves with the best linebacker corp. in the
National Football League.
Pick No. 22-EAGLES Select:
ODELL BECKHAM JR,
WR, LSU
It’s a coincidence the Eagles
will land Odell Beckham a WR with big playmaker ability, with great return man
capabilities, after releasing their best WR Desean Jackson whom was a big playmaker,
with great return man capabilities.
Pick No. 23-CHIEFS Select:
Brandin Cooks, WR,
Oregon State
One of the biggest areas of need on
the roster comes at wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe is very good, but Donnie Avery
and A.J. Jenkins opposite him do little to frighten defenses. Cooks also comes
with great return man skills, which makes him a favorite of Andy Reid.
Pick No. 24-BENGALS Select:
DEE FORD, DE/OLB, Auburn
High-motor college left
defensive end perhaps suited for a rush linebacker role with the Bengals.
Pick No. 25- CHARGERS Select:
JASON VERRETT, CB, TCU
The last of the CB’s worth
selecting in the 1st Round of this draft, the Chargers could option
to address the struggling Defensive Line with Louis Nix or Kony Ealy here, but
the need to upgrade the CB position is tough to ignore.
Pick No.26-BROWNS Select:
BLAKE BORTLES, QB, Central Florida
Why would the Browns select a QB with the fourth overall
pick in the first round, when a guy like Bortles will be here at 26th
overall? With the selection of Sammy Watkins and Blake Bortles in the first
round, they finally have a successful draft day.
Pick No. 27-SAINTS Select:
KONY
EALY, DE, Missouri
The Missouri right defensive end has the frame to play end
or tackle and could do so in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He would give the Saints a
pass rush at defensive end in his rookie season, but he has the potential to
add 10-15 pounds and become a very athletic, quick 3-technique pass-rusher.
Pick No. 28-PANTHERS Select:
KELVIN
BENJAMIN, WR, Florida St.
An offseason of defections has left the Carolina Panthers
with vacancies at many spots. The team has needs at both tackle spots, both
starting wide receiver spots, both cornerback spots and both safety spots.
While some positions may not be addressed in this draft, the Wide Receiver
however, will be. Benjamin serves as a big target for Cam Newton in the
Redzone, and could be a legit #1 WR for the Franchise.
Pick No. 29-PATRIOTS Select:
RA'SHEDE HAGEMAN, DT, Minnesota
NFL Scouting Combine Reports: “Hageman is a big, athletic, finesse
three-technique with intriguing dimensions and movement skills who fits best in
an aggressive, one-gap scheme where he could fire into gaps.” -Sounds like a
Bill Belichick Defensive Lineman to me!
Pick No. 30-49ERS Select:
TIMMY JERNIGAN, NT, FLORIDA
ST.
Country-strong run stopper that can pair with Justin Smith
on the Niners Defensive Line. He has the ability to drop anchor inside an odd
front and could develop into a solid, 3-4 movement nose tackle with the 49ers.
Pick No. 31-BRONCOS SELECT:
XAVIER SU'A-FILO, OG, UCLA
Su’a-Filo has been on the rise since his outstanding Pro Day
performance, and helps to secure protection for the great Peyton Manning for
the 2014 NFL season.
More depth on the Offensive Line for the Defending Super Champs, Cyrus
Kouandjio has enough length and anchor strength to survive on the left side of
Seahawks O-Line.
GOOD NEWS! The 2014 NFL Draft is only three days
away, and the Steelers are set to continue making tough decisions during this pivotal offseason. Steelers Fans will finally have their moment of truth this Thursday,
as the long awaited five month question “Who will be the Team Selections in Rounds 1-7?”
will finally be answered. Thus far, the Steelers have taken steps to shore up
weaknesses and infuse much-needed young talent in a defense that has aged and
underperformed in the last two seasons.
Entering 2014 NFL draft, there aren't many glaring
holes, but an important youth movement must continue. General Manager Kevin
Colbert will have to keep collecting young impact players to re-establish the
Steelers’ identity as one of the NFL’s most feared defenses. After back-to-back
8-8 seasons and a void of big defensive plays, the search goes on for upgrades
everywhere. With the Steelers now at their final turn to select these 2014
Draft prospects, let’s take a quick look at the potential players the team personnel
has evaluated through Pro Day visits, and pre-draft Steeler facility visits.
There are 30 non-local visits and workouts allowed,
which does not include any individual workouts held away from the team's
facility. The visits and workouts were:
Defensive
Backs:
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State (Visit); Kyle
Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (Visit); Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State (Private
workout); Calvin Pryor S, Louisville (Visit);Bradley Roby,
CB, Ohio State (Visit);Jason Verrett, CB, TCU (Visit);Brock Vereen, S,
Minnesota (Visit); Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State (Visit); Phillip Gaines,
CB, Rice (Visit); Shaquille Richardson, CB, Arizona (Visit)
Wide
Receivers:
Odell Beckham, WR, LSU (Visit); Martavis Bryant, WR,
Clemson (Visit); Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss (Visit); Allen Robinson, WR, Penn
State (Private workout);Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina
(Visit)
Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA (Visit); Ryan Shazier, LB,
Ohio State (Visit); Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA (Visit); Jackson Jeffcoat, DL/OLB,
Texas (Visit); Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB, Boston College (Visit); Carl Bradford,
LB, Arizona State (Visit);Demarcus Lawrence, LB, Boise State
(Visit)
Special Thanks to our friends at “Behindthesteelcurtain.com”
SB Nation, they were also able to provide the full Big Board Draft list for the
Pittsburgh Steelers……Click here
The NFL finally released the full 2014 schedule on
Wednesday, April 23rd 2014, which now means we’re only two weeks away
from the NFL Draft. With the draft right around the corner, we’re finally
getting a realistic overview of prospects that maybe available for the Steelers
at pick 15. For the last three months, NFL Fans have been inconveniently misled to believe their favorite team draft picks through multiple unrealistic mock drafts from
various publicists of the mass sports media. Today, we take a look at the
options the Steelers may have with their nine picks of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Note
that this Mock Draft doesn't take into account the various moves that may
happen on draft day (various trades, current player switches, and offered draft picks, etc.), but are all
current draft positions of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers have a number of pressing needs that include,
Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Defensive End, Nose Tackle, Outside Linebacker
(depth), Tight End (depth), Offensive
Line (depth), and a worthy 3rd Running Back. Luckily, this year's
draft class is deep at those positions, allowing the Steelers to fill many voids with the additions of players available on May 8th through the 10th.
The team needs are wide-ranging, which means the Steelers has
the option of going in many directions with each selection. Needs, as always,
will be balanced by the selection of the best players available, followed by
the most needed position with the end goal being simply to improve.
The Steelers unfortunately finished their last two seasons with 8-8
records (.500 winning percentage) and failed to reach the postseason in back-to-back years. This offseason, Kevin Colbert has done a great job in upgrading the Roster with young and talented players through Free Agency, but now this draft will require smart decision making
to help return this team to their former dominance of the AFC North, and making
it back to the Super Bowl.
So, who are these players within this draft that can help
the Steelers return to dominance? Here’s a complete seven-round mock draft for the Steelers to help turn this team back into a playoff contender. I do
understand, that some fans may not agree with some (if not all) of the picks in
this mock draft; so, I’ll explain every pick in detail with scenarios of other
teams that may influenced our selection.
If I were forced to bet on who the Steelers' pick would be,
it’ll probably be one of last season’s college
football Jim Thorpe Award finalist, Justin Gilbert or Darqueze Dennard. I’ll expect both to be high on Kevin Colbert’s
draft board, but what are the odds either one of them will still be available come
May 8th? The odds are high with the Detroit Lions and the Tennessee
Titans selecting ahead of the Steelers. Both Teams are in desperate need of help in the their
secondary, and it’s only right to choose the best Cornerbacks in this years draft
class.
Courtesy of FANSIDED.COM
I also believe that Steelers will exhaust all efforts to
trade down for additional 2nd or 3rd Round picks, if one of those Cornerbacks are taken before the 15th Overall pick. The Steelers will also use the vast majority of the time they're given in order to rule out the
possibility a trade is possible. For the meantime, here’s the selection thePittsburgh Steelers may take with the 15th overall pick in the First
Round of the 2014 NFL Draft………
With the possibilities of Justin Gilbert falling to the
Lions at #10, and Darqueze Dennard going to the Titans at #11, this leaves the
Steelers with the best available option on the board at #15. While many Steeler
Fans would contend that the team could get by with Vince Williams starting
opposite Lawrence Timmons for another season, I look at Mosley as a better
option, and a great impact player that can influence the other 10 starting
players around him. CJ Mosley fits the Steelers mold of traditional Pittsburgh
Steelers linebackers, and could also contribute as a back-up outside linebacker
as well, bringing pure flexibility to the position in his first season.
CJ Mosley becomes the Steelers long-term replacement from
the void left by now-retired inside linebacker- James Farrior. No disrespect to
Vince Williams, whom did a good job filling in as a Rookie starter at the
position last season; but his poor coverage skills may doom him to a rotational
role.
Steelers select in the 2nd Round, with the 46th overall pick.......
The Steelers reportedly have told quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
they will draft the tall receiver he's been wanting for years, per Gerry Dulac
of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. However, "tall" is relative when your
three current presumed starters, Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Lance Moore,
all stand less than 6 feet tall.
At 6'1", Davante Adams isn't the tallest
receiver in this year's draft class, but he would add some height to
Pittsburgh's receiving corps. He’s
a rangy, sure-handed possession receiver with starter-caliber, positional
traits. Excellent Redzone threat, and is exactly what the Steelers need in its
current Wide Receivers corps. Adams possesses very intriguing upside to be
groomed under the Steelers Wide Receiver Veterans.
Next Mock Draft Selection......Round 3, Pick 33 (97) (Compensatory selection):
Since the departure of Nose Tackle, Casey Hampton, the Steelers have been in need of a true natural player for the position. Daniel McCullers rare size of 6’6, 352 pounds with vines for arms, has an enormous
wingspan and exceptional mass to occupy space and hold up multiple blockers (just like Hampton)--
has clear two-gap potential. Looks every bit the part with a relatively lean
build for a 350-pounder -- carries his weight well with some muscle definition
and good overall body thickness. Can overpower zone blockers with sheer size.
Very durable and has not missed any games to injury throughout his career.
The Steelers had their one-cut feature back in 2013, through second-round draft pick Le'Veon Bell. They have their bruising short-yardage
back in veteran LeGarrette Blount. But outside of those two, the Steelers don't
have much at running back, and they certainly don't have a speedy, change-of-pace
back to complement their two workhorses.
Devonta Freeman here in the 4th Round is a reach, but with so much talent in this draft class it's easy to believe the 7th rank Running back in this draft could fall to the Steelers. Freeman has very good eyes and lateral agility in
the hole, he has the ability to shimmies through small spaces and can create yardage where there is
none. He squares his shoulders to the line and runs efficiently. Good
lower-body strength, surprising power and superb balance. Tough and runs hard. He
catches outside his frame and can make the difficult catch (just what the
Steelers look for in 3rd down RB’s). Freeman is strong and nifty
after the catch, reliable in pass protection, terrific competitor, and
extremely durable (never missed a game in College). Works at his craft and is a
student of the game, great insurance guy of the future for LeVeon Bell.
Freeman would serve as a change-of-pace, speed-heavy rusher
for the Steelers behind Bell and Blount, and could make an impact in his rookie
year.
Cornerbacks late in the Draft:
In the 5th Round, the Steelers will finally address their most needed position Cornerback with both selections. The Steelers are thin at cornerback, with just six on the
roster after the signing of free agent Brice McCain early this month. Only three have
had starting experience in Pittsburgh, with the oldest, Ike Taylor, heading
into what is likely his final season with the team.
The Steelers need to not only get younger in the
secondary, but to find playmakers to replace their older veterans. With the top two cornerbacks Justin Gilbert and Darqueze Dennard gone before the Steelers 15th overall pick, and all the others going before their Second Round selection. There isn't much of a difference in the talent of projected Cornerbacks from rounds 3-5, so the Steelers can still get great value at the position in Round 5. Looking back at the 2011 NFL Draft, it's hard to believe the Steelers chose CB-Curtis Brown in the 3rd Round over the likes of Cortez Allen whom was selected in the 4th Round, and the Seattle Seahawks took (whom maybe the best CB in the NFL) Richard Sherman with the 154th pick overall selection in the 5th Round. Steelers can learn off this experience, by selecting the following Cornerbacks in the 5th Round:
Walt has outstanding size, comparable to Ike Taylor at 6’1,
and 205 pounds. He’s has good press strength, and good athletic ability. Walt Aikens can keep stride with receivers down the field and ride the hip pocket
in man coverage. Aggressive tackler (though often shoots low) -- led the
Liberty in tackles as a senior and is unafraid to mix it up. He takes on blocks
with physicality and attacks the run; adequate production on the ball, press
corner and can contribute on special teams.
Ross Cockrell also has good size, with ballhawking zone capabilities. He's a corner who plays fast
and could bring immediate value as a nickel back and contribute on special
teams. Maybe a long term replacement for Steelers William Gay? Cockrell comes at good value for the Steelers late 5th Round.
In the last two rounds of this Mock Draft, I have the Steelers selecting:
Another position the Steelers are thin at heading into the
draft is defensive end. Brett Keisel is gone and won't likely be re-signed, and
the team needs at least depth to boost the ranks of the ends or, in the
best-case scenario, a starter-ready rookie to join Cameron Heyward.
Photo Courtesy of Bruce Ely/The Oregonian
Because of the Steelers' many positional needs, defensive
end could move up in priority. But if they wait until the sixth round, this Brett Keisel built-like Oregon Defensive End could be their target.
The Steelers have four tight ends on their roster—do-it-all
veteran fixture Heath Miller, blocking specialist Matt Spaeth, 2012 draft pick
David Paulson and the recently re-signed Michael Palmer. However, they don't
have a replacement for the all-important Miller, who turns 32 years old in the
fall. Therefore, they could try to find him in this year's draft.
An interesting later-round possibility is Fresno State's
Marcel Jensen. He possesses a lot of potential but had limited playing time in
college that could push him into the fifth round. He had 26 receptions for 353
yards and three scores last season and has a career total of 48 catches. He is not a deep-threat wide receiver-type of pass-catching
tight end like Jimmy Graham. He's a good blocker in the run game and has enough
quickness to handle a pass rush.
Jensen needs more development as a receiver, simply because
he didn't do much of it in college. But he's good at blocking as well as at
special teams, which means he can learn on the job in his rookie season. If the
Steelers are looking for a Miller-type player to eventually take over for the
veteran, Jensen could be a steal in Round 6.
Final Selection in the Steelers 2014 Mock Draft is...........................................
With so many needs this year, the Steelers may have to push
a common one, offensive line, into the last round of the Draft. They have established
starters at all positions, so it's just about keeping them all healthy. Depth
is the biggest concern, and Justin Britt would provide that depth for the Steelers.
He is a better run-blocker than pass-protector, but the
latter is not a liability. The Steelers need to find more versatile linemen who
can step in at a moment's notice, and Britt has proved he can do just that
over the course of his collegiate career.
