How to Prep for the Draft Like a Pro | Steelers Morning Rush

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.
Today, it's how to prepare for the NFL Draft the way that professionals do. Every draftnik has an opinion, from the original himself, Mel Kiper Jr., to the analysts at PFF.
But which ones matter, which ones should you pay attention to and which one should you ignore? Alan breaks it down. #steelers #herewego #nfl
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[@ivanlara5382]

Hey Alan, is there any date when we are going to know regarding exits interviews about which players are going to be likely free agents and which likely to return?

[@Desert_Kaktus]

Great video Alan. As an aside, almost always with this kind of stuff, the best predictor is the average of as many other predictors as possible. That's true with Hurricane models to reviews for coffee places. Just as true for forecasting where a player will be drafted!

[@davepheilshifter2418]

Times sure have changed from the years spent getting most of the info from news stand publications. Guys like Dave T'e Thomas and Gil Brandt were so good they deserve draft HOF accolades. Mel Kiper and ESPN brought the draft in as an entertainment device and the rest is history now. Pay attention to Jeremia, he watches a ton of college football and has good insights. From a Steelers perspective I've been really impressed with Jonathan Heitritter and Ross McCorkle's work the past several years and can say they have great eyes for talent. Remember too that part of player evaluation is team fit, character, a players attitude and how it meshes with the coaches who will someday grow their skills. The Steelers have always done well finding talent waiting to blossom and high effort players who desire to be great. Hines Ward, and AB are two excellent examples. I remember when we drafted Hines Ward many fans weren't happy but ESPN's Chris Berman and I were cheering the pick knowing he was a perfect fit for Pittsburgh.

[@drshadowsfilms6059]

I admire the reporters who still have faith. Steelers' supporters are tired of average. I guess it's our fault because we still watch.

[@garymccombs4867]

Thanks Alan! Looking a little tired today. Hope you're doing okay!

[@PghSteelersNow]

I am tired! Long road trip. But that's all. Thanks for asking -- AS

[@randyftobias]

Hey Alan. Will you go to Ireland to cover the Steelers game if that does happen?

[@voodoo350]

Keep up the great work Alan this is my top 4 mock draft picks for the Steelers what ya think?
21. Emeka Egbuka
WR Ohio State
52. Deone Walker
DT Kentucky
83. Azareye'h Thomas
CB Florida State
122. Ollie Gordon Il
RB Oklahoma State

[@davepheilshifter2418]

Egbuka is a bit of a reach at 21 but not a lot of receivers with his traits in this draft. Egbuka got a lot of his production in the slot and doesn't create a ton of separation outside which is a key area of need. Nobody would mind us taking Egbuka including myself but the pick will be a failure if all he can be is a big slot receiver. Lots of really solid players can be found in round 3 or later that can play big slot. This is a perfect example of how hard it is to project WR's in the NFL. First tier players always fly off the board because of this challenge and are gone by the pick 10-15 area.
Walker is a monster of a man but doesn't always show consistent effort. Being a two down player at this stage makes this a luxury pick or a projection he can be more.
The key to a great draft is finding 4-5 players who eventually become starters and second contract team players so we have them for 8-10 years. A team needs to hit on 3 at minimum just to keep the status quo and one mistake early can have huge repercussions. Colbert was a great GM but when he reached for Edmunds instead of taking Bates or even Reid it created a domino effect and we lost productive years. Edmunds wasn't even a bad player but Safety is not a position to target round one unless it's a Minkah or Derwin. We did eventually get Minkah by giving up the draft pick which would've been used on drafting Patrick Queen. Would've been nicer to have PQ four years earlier and never play against him.

[@joeyperrone3168]

Does anyone really want to the Steelers to draft another WR that will be a headache and a malcontent in a year or 2? If Tomlin wasnt the coach I wouldnt have a problem with it but Tomlin cant keep them focused or in line with the rest of the team.

[@GC-ir1ur]

Don't see Thomas and Ollie falling that far

[@mikep3455]

Have zero faith in Steelers to draft well.

[@drshadowsfilms6059]

ZERO.

[@christianglover2447]

I had ZERO faith in kevin colbert, especially during his last five years. Omar is doing fine. He and Andy need more time before passing judgment.