The Steelers could be forced off the beaten track in the NFL draft



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Recently, I wrote an article about the merits of writing BPA (best available player) versus PON (position of need), which resulted in an interesting debate and conversation. The general view was that the Steelers were better served to apply the two principles when discussing their choices and breaking down their provisional composition.

One concept we can all agree on is the categorization of prospects based on their provisional value. This value is often in a state of constant flux because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Teams will assign a different score to each potential client based on their needs and the projected fit with their organizations. However, most prospects will rank in a round or two in the selection committees of each team, unless they have been moved to the bottom of the board or completely removed for legal reasons or personality.

This is how teams and editorial experts evaluate value choices. It is far from being an exact science, but rather a general consensus. Take the example of the selection of the first round of Steelers last season, Terrell Edmunds. The Steelers nation had a rush of enthusiasm before last year 's repechage. Most fans felt that a strong draft class could push the team over the proverbial bump. Then the first-round selections started coming off the board and the Steelers were hoping their next great linebacker would go up in smoke. At the moment when the selection of the Steelers rolled, I thought: "And now?"

When Edmund's selection was announced, I can not imagine that I'm the only fan to think "Who?" Now, do not get me wrong. I knew Edmunds very well, the player since I live in the area and I am the team. I know a little about the skills of WV Mountaineers and Virginia Tech Hokies, as well as players from their two conferences. Like the Steelers, Edmunds got a higher score than others, but even though I had ranked him in the second round. Therefore, if I am honest and based solely on my prior assessment, selection is not a wise choice. Now, I must admit that my opinion, like everyone else who is not in the Steelers draft room, makes no sense, but the truth will make you free. The selection feels like a litter, an instinctive reaction when the chart does not fall.

The Steelers could very well be faced with a similar scenario this season when their choice will come up. Unless the Steelers make fun of their character and aggressively attempt to trade and discover this seemingly elusive trading partner, it seems more than likely that their coveted ILB prospects will already be discarded. They may be left to choose from overvalued half-corner perspectives and some very talented receivers in a receptor-rich draft class. The Steelers could also face an interesting dilemma.

What happens if Missouri quarterback Drew Lock is still on the board and is by far your best draft value in this selection? What if the Steelers considered Lock among the top ten talents? They should consider making the choice. Crazy I know, but stay with me for a second.

We speak strictly of value here. No position is as valuable as an NFL-grade QB. There is simply not enough to go around. It's hard to find 32 people on the planet who have NFL QB startup capabilities. The NFL is driven by the star power and the QB are the lights that shine. Every team that does not have one is looking for one. Drew Lock is generally considered to have potential and start-up capabilities for the NFL, but given the skill mix of this preliminary class and the individual needs of the teams selecting before the Steelers, it is not impossible that Lock fall type Aaron Rodgers.

The simplest answer would be to sit and answer all the offers that would come back, but what if they did not receive an offer that would scare them and the best value decision would be to select it? ? This could end up being a tricky situation.

The Steelers are preparing an extension for the franchisee QB Ben Roethlisberger. Ben was not happy with Mason Rudolph's selection last year because of the team's more pressing needs and his expressed desire to continue playing through an extension of the contract. Ben may not look positive to see the Steelers pick another apparent heir in consecutive events. The decision to draft Lock could well have an impact on Ben's contract negotiations.

This is where the clear and concise communication between the Steelers and Roethlisberger comes in. This expansion represents the final contract of Ben's career and should allow him to play only for the Steelers franchise throughout his career at the Temple of the fame, but the truth is that Ben will not play forever. His competitiveness is legendary, but football is not his whole life. Tom Brady's life, similar to that of Jerry Rice before him, seems to revolve around football. It seems that he intends to play until his body no longer allows it. Ben is the little kid playing on the playground and having fun. What happens when the game is no longer fun? due to unfair external criticism, unavoidable pain, or family responsibilities? I fear that the end will come quickly and unexpectedly.

This contract extension is an opportunity for the Steelers to reassure Ben and reaffirm their commitment to Ben and his legacy. Go ahead and select Drew Lock. If you think that he could be Ben's possible replacement, let him sit down and learn. It is far from a finished product at this stage. Its value in the meantime could skyrocket after the draft or during the season due to an injury and you end up with a situation of Jimmy Garoppolo on your hands.

Whatever it is, excellent choice. But make sure your QB franchise is on board first.

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