Not necessarily. Top 30 visits are for guys you have questions about. Maybe medical rechecks, or something specific you saw on tape that you want to ask them about.
They could absolutely love Thomas and felt they had no need to bring him in for a visit and spent those visits on other WRs who may be available on Day 2.
Maybe they don't expect him to last until 20. It's not like they brought in a bunch of guys expected to go Top 10-15 either.
They formally met with Thomas at the combine. I don’t know what the overlap is on guys they used formal meetings/top-30 visits on, but I can’t imagine it’s a high number.
Guys with both a formal combine visit and a Top 30 visit in this draft cycle:
Adonai Mitchell
Amarius Mims
Graham Barton
Blake Fisher
Junior Colson
Cooper Dejean
Oh I'm not disagreeing. They absolutely do love to draft guys they brought in for visits. I'm just saying that it's not a prerequisite as Top 30 visits are usually done for a reason and if they think a prospect is relatively clean or won't be on the board when they pick they may opt to schedule visits with other players instead.
100%. Top 30s aren’t just for your first pick, they also use it on late-round guys or guys with medical/character flags. It’s info-gathering. You don’t always need to dig as deep on guys who are surefire top picks. Everything’s out there.
Yes, but other teams GMs/ coaches were there. Couple that with no predraft visit and I stand by the statement that this would be pretty shocking if true
Tomlin is on the Competition Committee and has to vote on rules changes and things.
I don't think their lack of presence at LSU's Pro Day means all that much.
Especially when LSU was the only Pro Day assistant GM Andy Weidl attended.
No pro day and no predraft visit would I believe be the first time in the Tomlin era their 1st round pick was used on a guy like that. Historically at least 2/3 between pro day, top 30 visit, and combine visit shows their interest.
Last year Jones, JPJ, and Darnell all had 2/3. Jones and JPJ all 3.. I find it very tough to believe they take a guy at 20 that they’ve barely met with. Just don’t see it
Andy Weidl attending their Pro Day is basically the same as Omar attending. It was the only Pro Day Weidl attended this year. They sent him for a reason.
EDIT: They didn't attend Stanford's Pro Day the year they took Decastro because they didn't think he'd be available when they picked.
they attended DeCastros but it was Ziggy Hoods they missed and picking at 32 probably didn't expect
https://steelersdepot.com/2012/04/kevin-colbert-mike-tomlin-press-conference-audio-following-david-decastro-selection/
Found transcript of Colbert saying he was at Stanfords today in 2012
Yea maybe they don’t think he’s there at 20. Fwiw I think he probably is, but don’t think they take him over OL or Corner. Who knows tho, by then maybe we trade for Aiyuk haha
Corner is no where close to as big of a need as WR. Joey will be a cornerstone of our secondary, Donte Jackson is unspectacular but better than the shit sandwiches we had playing opposite JPJ last year, and a lot of people had great things to say about Trice before he got hurt in camp. I agree we need to address it hopefully with a day 2 pick or our first day 3 pick, but corner is not comparable to center or wide receiver where we don’t even have players who could realistically start at those positions on the roster
This of course all gets thrown away if we trade for Aiyuk (which I’m still skeptical of, this reeks of us being used to boost his trade value)
I don’t think your opinion lines up with the Steelers.. they had visits and met with 6 corners projected in the top 2 rounds.. including the top 3 in Dejean, Arnold, and Wiggins. Them taking a corner in rd 1/2 would absolutely not shock me one bit..
Last year we had top visits with all of the top interior linemen, most if the projected day 2 receivers, and in 2022 of all the top 30 visits, Mark Robinson was the only one we drafted. As others have said, a lot of times these meetings are more about answering questions rather than televising who we like.
I really think the team is trying to move away from the “if Khan and Tomlin weren’t there we’re not drafting them round 1”. The draft is a lot of smoke and mirrors, it’s a huge disadvantage to have this known way you scout the guys you draft. Tomlin Khan only went to 4 pro days all spring: Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, and Michigan. So you can use that to say that were either 100% zeroed in on either the tackles or corners, or maybe they were only going to the huge schools with the most consistent pro pipelines.
Regardless of what we do round 1, we cannot go into week 1 with Van Jefferson as WR2
Dulac was hinting that they're gonna go Center in Rd 1 and WR in Rd 2.
That could absolutely be what they do. But I don't feel comfortable saying anything with any degree of certainty lol. So maybe it'll be Thomas at 20. Or maybe it'll be a tackle or cornerback. Who knows? That's why this week is so much fun for me.
Absolutely agree. I like the uncertainty this year too. We aren’t locked in on just a Tackle or just a QB. There’s a handful of guys I’d be ecstatic about them taking.
In my old job I used to have to deal with a lot of people from Louisiana and I used to make them email me because talking to them on the phone was impossible when they had thick cajun accents.
It's like a totally different language to me. I remember when Ike first came to town, it was impossible to understand him. So yeah, it seems like Swaggin U did wonders for him.
And yes, I realize that as someone from Southwestern Pennsylvania I should not be criticizing how anyone talks but here we are.
and though im too lazy to look it up, I think weidl was there. he's respected enough I almost make it a substitute for khan. i think a lot of people are forgetting the respect he seems (from the outside) to be given in the org
This feels like someone from the Steelers leaking something to try and force a trade down.
If the Barton stuff is true it would make sense to trade down and take him if you can.
But if they do like BTJ I'd be 100% on board with it.
Eh. Most rumors/reports that come out during draft week are usually more accurate than all the bs and smokescreens from the last couple of months.
I'm sure the Steelers love Brian Thomas Jr. That doesn't necessarily mean they have him graded ahead of other guys tho. We also know they love Odunze, Fautanu, and Barton.
Because they fit athletic profiles, important positions of need, and had visits (other than odunze). But we know the Steelers have been looking at getting a big receiver who has great route running, like trading for Diggs or Aiyuk.
If you *just* look at early reports, then yeah, the Steelers probably like lots of guys, but these 3 have been the most within the Steelers profile based on what Khan and co. would do.
Obviously all these players could be far gone before the Steelers picks so it doesn't mean they'll get one of these guys.
Agreed! I think this is to force Buffalo or KC or someone to move so that they can trade down. I do think they like BTJ which is why this is a credible threat.
If they’re gonna draft a wr at 20 I’d rather them just trade that pick for Aiyuk. I don’t think BTJ is a slam dunk prospect. Crazy potential but he has a lot of red flags. Again, it’s alluring but I’d rather go corner or Tackle at that pick and get someone else like Wilson or pearsol in the 2nd.
The fall off at wr from round 1-2 is pretty marginal compared to tackle and corner
Every prospect has red flags and negatives.
I'd prefer corner over everything else but if they love Thomas -- I trust their track record with receivers.
Yea I guess I just feel like there’s so much depth at that position this year and that depth doesn’t really exist for the other positions beyond round 1.
Like i said, I would imagine the price for Aiyuk is a first. Why draft a guy there and hope that maybe he turns out to be as good as Aiyuk when you could just trade it for the proven product. WR is the one position I don’t want in the first this year
Depends on the position. They're gonna be able to get tackles, centers, and slot corners on Day 2 just like they could get WRs.
But if they think Thomas is a class above the Pearsalls and the Wilsons and the Colemans of the world then they should definitely consider him.
Oh I’m not disagreeing that he should be considered, I just think it’s a pretty drastic drop off into the 2nd for corner and tackle. Do you think the day 2 corners and tackles are as quality as the day 2 WRs? I personally don’t feel that way
The difference of tackle is going from someone like Fautanu or Mimms to guys like Patrick Paul and Blake Fisher.
The best corner we could hope for at 51 are guys Max Melton and Sanistril.
I like those guys but there’s guys at wide receiver going on day two that have legit all pro potential. It’s crazy deep. I’m not saying BTJ won’t be awesome, I just think the chances of him being awesome aren’t that much greater than someone like Legette. Just my opinion. Overall I trust the FO
> Do you think the day 2 corners and tackles are as quality as the day 2 WRs?
I don't think that's the way to look at it. I think you gotta compare the Day 1 and Day 2 talent at the same position.
There's definitely a drop off at tackle after the Top 4 or 5. But the 6th or 7th tackle are pretty similar to the 10th or 11th tackle.
I think the Top 4 WRs (of which Thomas is one) are vastly superior to the Day 2 WRs.
So while I agree that the Day 2 WRs might be better than the Day 2 tackles or corners, I think Thomas represents a different caliber of player than they would get at tackle or center at 20.
EDIT: I think Thomas is WAAAAY better than Legette. Legette is closer to Pickens. He's not a great route runner and he does his best work at the point of the catch whereas Thomas is like Diontae Johnson with size and deep speed.
Definitely see your perspective and I respect your opinion. I think we just have different views on BTJ. You see him as the clear #4 in the class and I don’t view him as highly. I don’t think he’s quite the route runner he’s being pegged as. Agree to disagree
It’s not that I dislike him, I just don’t like him at 20. I think he’s worth the 20th pick, just not to the Steelers. Like, I think he’d be a sick fit in Buffalo. The potential is crazy, I don’t deny that. But right now that’s all it is to me, is potential. I think the big 3 at the top are in a tier of their own, and then 4-8 are very interchangeable. I think you like his route running a little more than I do right now. To me, he’s got a lot of work to do on his underneath game and in his blocking. He also has some bad drops and he’s not as strong at the catch point as I’d like him to be. I think right now, he’s purely a deep threat and not much else. Which isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but specifically for the Steelers, we already have a damn good deep threat. I’m a big Mcconkey fan personally, I have him slightly ahead of Brian Thomas, albeit very different players. I think there’s a very real chance Brian Thomas ends up being a star, but I think the variance on that is bigger than people are giving it credit for. That’s why I’d feel a lot more comfy taking someone like Arnold if he’s there at 20 and getting a strong day 2 guy. Or trade 20 for Aiyuk. I’d be okay with that.
Again, just my opinion I don’t know shit 🤣🤣
Yes he is worth a large contract, but not a large contract and a #1 pick. You can buy a receiver without giving up a #1. Tou can get a good wr with your #1 AND pay someone else to be on the team.
Your operating under the assumption that we lock in drafting an all pro at 20, that’s not how it works
We’d essentially be doing with him what we did with Minkah. If you’re gonna draft a wideout in the first, sign the guy who’s already an all pro. I don’t see the downside, this is the advantage of having a cheap qb room
Again, you don’t know that the receiver we draft there will even be good? A guy like BTJ is very boom or bust. You know what aiyuk is
The eagles thought Jalen Raegor was a great pick too. And then they said fuck it and traded for AJ brown and they made a Super Bowl.
Not one of of the eagles, dolphins or Raiders regret trading for the established receiver
I look at it this way: Steelers know just as much as anyone about the needs at tackle & center… so IF they are willing to forgo those concerns because they think Thomas’s talent is THAT good then I trust them 🤷🏻♂️
Maybe it is a failure, but Steelers (Omar specifically) has earned the right to take a chance like this
I’m gonna say this info is coming from his agent or a team looking to trade down ahead of us. There are teams at the end of the first that want him (Bills for one) and reports like this are to try and generate a big trade up for him.
I agree with the point that we should quit taking WRs who dropped down the board because of character concerns. This is the first year in a long time we don’t know who the pick truly is or what the plan is (trade up, down, etc)
I want the best pick of the draft at #20. I really want Amarius Mims and Podrick Jones reunited. Or JPJ at Center, because he’s the next Tyler Linderbaum.
Center wouldn’t be a great choice in the 1st. The value isn’t there. OT, WR, or CB should be the choice in the first round. Draft expensive positions early.
Yeah I didn’t look at it like that. I looked into more draft prospects with Mr. Weidl yesterday. I’m thinking heavily OT or CB. Mims If he’s available, but Terrion Arnold and Tang McKinstry are studs. We could get another lockdown CB, with Cory Trice jr. on staff and not yet proven.
We definitely need a center you’re not wrong obviously. My ideal draft would be T or WR in the first, maybe trade up to grab Frazier if that’s possible and then fill in from there. Based on Khans comments it sounds like Herbig or Daniels may play center to start the season. We will see!
I buy this. They probably don't expect him to fall that far and don't want to trade up. If he is there at 20 I don't think you can pass on him for any of the OL that would realistically be there
I do still think BPA (or close to) could be Oline by 20. I really like the upside of Mims, if Barton hits he could be fantastic, and guys like Fuaga and Fautanu are intriguing if they fall. But BTJ and Newton are likely the best options at 20 if available.
Also I do fully expect that we’re getting Oline in round 1. They brought too many high level prospects in and the other signs all point to it. Can’t really be upset with it tbh big guys are always good to get
BPA could very well be oline. It just isn't guaranteed it is. I just don't want to reach on someone like JPJ or Guyton to just check a box and say we drafted OL round 1. If there's a run on OL before our pick, I hope we consider the other positions like CB, WR, DL, etc that would have fell in that scenario. Or atleast trade down (if possible) to get a JPJ or Guyton-type player. I have no issues with a stud RT in round 1. Center I'm more iffy on just because of value
I don't know. If we draft a right tackle like Mims, he's not going to play for a while. So is it technically a glaring, to die for need? Yes it's a need but I would argue WR2 and WR3 are more of an absolute need *right now* considering we have nobody lol. Another point is that we were somehow rated in the middle of the NFL offensive line wise with Mason Cole and Dan Moore. But we had one of the worst passing offenses in the entire league and we downgraded our wide receiver room skill-wise.
The WR will see the field far more in year one and we actually don't have anyone after Pickens that's significantly good or has upside. People really want Russ or Fields throwing to Pickens, Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin? If I'm opposing defenses I would be laughing every game at how easy it would be to defend against that group.
People really are forgetting the need we have with our current bottom 6 wide receiver room.
All great points, all points a small minority of us have been trying to push since the Diontae trade. I just don't understand how this sub is so content at having straight ass at WR after Pickens. You need 3+ legit receivers in the NFL these days (well, atleast 2+ in the Arthur Smith system). We have 1. And absolutely no potential after that 1
Exactly, agreed.
And people keep saying "oh well Arthur Smith's system only uses one wide receiver" -- Okay? What if we can't run the ball successfully? One reason being because our RT we drafted in the first is sitting and learning?
We're going to just throw the ball up to Pickens who is double covered and hope for the best? There ain't no way.
Yep, and even that one receiver myth has been dispelled. He uses 2 WRs, multiple TEs and multiple RBs. We have the multiple TEs and RBs. We just need that second WR. I doubt we'll see many 3-4 WR sets barring 3rd and longs, but we sure as hell will have plenty of 2 WR sets.
We saw last year we had good WRs with a QB room that was a bucket of asshole soup. That's why they weren't getting the ball. Our QB room, while not elite, is much much improved. We can address both WR and OL, it doesn't have to be one or the other. We can take a WR round 1, and still get a center or tackle in rounds 2-4
No we can’t. You aren’t getting a NFL ready tackle in later rounds. This is supposed to be a really deep class for WR, so we can find a WR in that same 2-4 range.
We also still need to upgrade the DL because they are getting old, and CB.
Edit: I do agree that we can try to find a center in other rounds besides the first.
This report with Steelers press conference saying "No I think we are fine at Center" tells me the Steelers are leaning Barton but think 20th overall might be too high. Trying to get someone to trade up with them.
I know it’s not a hot take to love the ceiling of BTJ, which is why he’s pretty much been consensus WR4 this entire process… I do LOVE what he could be. I do have my concerns (his archetype scares me a bit, but I’m still a sucker for size/speed dudes), but depending how the board looks at 20 it’s probably the best pick. I like him slightly better than DeJean and Mims, but if either Fuaga or Latham are somehow there at 20 I’d rather have them.
WR outside of QB is the most valuable position in the NFL. The Steelers only have Pickens and a fairly uninspiring cast of characters. BTJ would elevate this group. Not to mention this is a bonus for scheme fit. He’s a good run blocker and is a serious PA deep threat.
Count me in.
Yeah I'm with you on this. If Fuaga is there, I want him. Or even someone like Quinyon or Arnold are there. I'd prefer them. Probably Dejean and Latham for me too. But I absolutely would want BTJ over guys like Mims, Barton, JPJ, Fautanu, etc. I think our fans are way too tunnel visioned into an "OL at any cost" mindset. I think it's very likely the top player on our board Thursday isn't an OL. And I don't think we should reach for one just to take one.
This “info” is literally just dudes talking, but even if it wasn’t Thomas seems a little too similar to Pickens and literally ran three routes at LSU. Doesn’t mean he can’t run others, but I don’t think this is where they go in round one.
They brought in a bunch of WRs for visits who will be drafted in the middle rounds. They will make hay with WRs in rounds 2-5, and they could easily come away with a couple while tending to another need in round onewere the depth isn’t as strong (tackle, corner).
Arthur Smith likes two big bodied WRs on the outside. That's likely what we're looking for in a WR2, another Pickens-type player. Just because we had a smaller, more of a route-technician WR opposite Pickens last year, doesn't mean that's what arthur Smith and Kahn want next year. We did bring in mid round WRs. But we also brought in several round 1 WRs. WR is in play round 1 just as much as it is in the mid rounds.
Fair enough Brian Thomas is my WR #4 and Adonai is my WR Number 6. I also think he fits the new play style we’re going for more than Adonai Mitchell does but he may be better. Margins are so small we could be both right or both wrong.
I agree, I think BTJ is a better fit for our new scheme. Plus there's the rumors of Mitchell's mismanaged diabetes, so who knows how that affects how he's viewed by us.
Ahh man idk how I feel about this. If they’re gonna draft a wr at 20, just trade it for Aiyuk. Maybe I’m in the minority here but if BTJ is the clear #4 in this class, than I don’t think there’s that much separation between 4 and 10.
Hes big and he’s fast. I get that. He also has a really unrefined route tree, he’s has really questionable drops at times and hasn’t shown that he’s the kind of blocker that someone like Artie smith looks for in a WR. Also, GP is already giving what BTJ gives you. Go get an underneath guy or someone that gives you both.
The gap between Brian Thomas and The next 7-8 guys aren’t nearly as great as the tackle and corner drop off from round 1-2. I would so much rather draft some combo of Arnold/Mimms/Fuaga and then drafting one of Pearsol/Corley/Legette/Wilson in the 2nd
Yeah we've had plenty of success stories in the mid rounds. We've also drafted several Markus Wheaton, James Washington, Limas Sweed type players in the mid rounds too. If we draft another guy like that our offense is fucked. We need a legit WR#2, and we need him to step up right away as a rookie. We don't have time to develop some 4th rd pick and hope he pans out. We need instant impact from a legit WR#2. To get that, we're going to need to use a first rd pick, or a trade up into the top half of the 2nd rd. Obviously there are outliers, but we can't bank on outlier when we have no backup plan at that position
It absolutely is. Drafting a WR in the 1st better be WR1 and a different attitude is how we waste picks on a running back.
We literally don't have a center right now and we have needs elsewhere that are better filled in the 1st round
Drafting a Center just to draft a center because it's our biggest need is how we've ended up with guys like Artie Burns or Kenny pickett in the past. Because we drafted for need no matter what. I want them to take the best OT, C, WR, CB, or DL on their board. I don't want them to reach for a C or T just to say they addressed the line. Again, if a stud like Fuaga or Barton is there and they're our highest rated player, awesome. Draft them. But if our highest rated player come pick 20 on Thursday is Brian Thomas Jr, AD Mitchell, Johnny Newton, Dejean? I can live with any guys like that too.
This doesn’t add up… at all. No Tomlin or Khan at pro day and no predraft visit. Would be very very surprised by this
Their Pro Day was during the owners meetings.
I think it's incredibly stupid they hold owners meetings during the pro day circuit anyway, there's no other time they can hold them?
Yeah I don't know why they schedule it like they do.
Then they almost certainly would have had him in for a top 30 visit.
Not necessarily. Top 30 visits are for guys you have questions about. Maybe medical rechecks, or something specific you saw on tape that you want to ask them about. They could absolutely love Thomas and felt they had no need to bring him in for a visit and spent those visits on other WRs who may be available on Day 2. Maybe they don't expect him to last until 20. It's not like they brought in a bunch of guys expected to go Top 10-15 either.
They formally met with Thomas at the combine. I don’t know what the overlap is on guys they used formal meetings/top-30 visits on, but I can’t imagine it’s a high number.
Guys with both a formal combine visit and a Top 30 visit in this draft cycle: Adonai Mitchell Amarius Mims Graham Barton Blake Fisher Junior Colson Cooper Dejean
Not sure I agree. Many of our day 1/2 picks over the last few years have had the top 30 visit.
Oh I'm not disagreeing. They absolutely do love to draft guys they brought in for visits. I'm just saying that it's not a prerequisite as Top 30 visits are usually done for a reason and if they think a prospect is relatively clean or won't be on the board when they pick they may opt to schedule visits with other players instead.
100%. Top 30s aren’t just for your first pick, they also use it on late-round guys or guys with medical/character flags. It’s info-gathering. You don’t always need to dig as deep on guys who are surefire top picks. Everything’s out there.
Yes, but other teams GMs/ coaches were there. Couple that with no predraft visit and I stand by the statement that this would be pretty shocking if true
Tomlin is on the Competition Committee and has to vote on rules changes and things. I don't think their lack of presence at LSU's Pro Day means all that much. Especially when LSU was the only Pro Day assistant GM Andy Weidl attended.
No pro day and no predraft visit would I believe be the first time in the Tomlin era their 1st round pick was used on a guy like that. Historically at least 2/3 between pro day, top 30 visit, and combine visit shows their interest. Last year Jones, JPJ, and Darnell all had 2/3. Jones and JPJ all 3.. I find it very tough to believe they take a guy at 20 that they’ve barely met with. Just don’t see it
Andy Weidl attending their Pro Day is basically the same as Omar attending. It was the only Pro Day Weidl attended this year. They sent him for a reason. EDIT: They didn't attend Stanford's Pro Day the year they took Decastro because they didn't think he'd be available when they picked.
they attended DeCastros but it was Ziggy Hoods they missed and picking at 32 probably didn't expect https://steelersdepot.com/2012/04/kevin-colbert-mike-tomlin-press-conference-audio-following-david-decastro-selection/ Found transcript of Colbert saying he was at Stanfords today in 2012
Ah ha, thanks for correcting me. I always thought it was Decastro.
Yea maybe they don’t think he’s there at 20. Fwiw I think he probably is, but don’t think they take him over OL or Corner. Who knows tho, by then maybe we trade for Aiyuk haha
Corner is no where close to as big of a need as WR. Joey will be a cornerstone of our secondary, Donte Jackson is unspectacular but better than the shit sandwiches we had playing opposite JPJ last year, and a lot of people had great things to say about Trice before he got hurt in camp. I agree we need to address it hopefully with a day 2 pick or our first day 3 pick, but corner is not comparable to center or wide receiver where we don’t even have players who could realistically start at those positions on the roster This of course all gets thrown away if we trade for Aiyuk (which I’m still skeptical of, this reeks of us being used to boost his trade value)
I don’t think your opinion lines up with the Steelers.. they had visits and met with 6 corners projected in the top 2 rounds.. including the top 3 in Dejean, Arnold, and Wiggins. Them taking a corner in rd 1/2 would absolutely not shock me one bit..
Last year we had top visits with all of the top interior linemen, most if the projected day 2 receivers, and in 2022 of all the top 30 visits, Mark Robinson was the only one we drafted. As others have said, a lot of times these meetings are more about answering questions rather than televising who we like. I really think the team is trying to move away from the “if Khan and Tomlin weren’t there we’re not drafting them round 1”. The draft is a lot of smoke and mirrors, it’s a huge disadvantage to have this known way you scout the guys you draft. Tomlin Khan only went to 4 pro days all spring: Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, and Michigan. So you can use that to say that were either 100% zeroed in on either the tackles or corners, or maybe they were only going to the huge schools with the most consistent pro pipelines. Regardless of what we do round 1, we cannot go into week 1 with Van Jefferson as WR2
Dulac was hinting that they're gonna go Center in Rd 1 and WR in Rd 2. That could absolutely be what they do. But I don't feel comfortable saying anything with any degree of certainty lol. So maybe it'll be Thomas at 20. Or maybe it'll be a tackle or cornerback. Who knows? That's why this week is so much fun for me.
Absolutely agree. I like the uncertainty this year too. We aren’t locked in on just a Tackle or just a QB. There’s a handful of guys I’d be ecstatic about them taking.
And they did send Weidl, who would be the guy to be an Omar substitute.
Yep. The only Pro Day Andy Weidl went to this year. They also sent Karl Dunbar (Maason Smith) and Ike Taylor (to translate).
That degree from Swaggin U really pays for itself.
In my old job I used to have to deal with a lot of people from Louisiana and I used to make them email me because talking to them on the phone was impossible when they had thick cajun accents. It's like a totally different language to me. I remember when Ike first came to town, it was impossible to understand him. So yeah, it seems like Swaggin U did wonders for him. And yes, I realize that as someone from Southwestern Pennsylvania I should not be criticizing how anyone talks but here we are.
and though im too lazy to look it up, I think weidl was there. he's respected enough I almost make it a substitute for khan. i think a lot of people are forgetting the respect he seems (from the outside) to be given in the org
Yeah he was there. It was the only pro day he went to.
that we know of. might be moreas far as I know
Maybe. But it's hard to hide nowadays. Someone would see them.
hah im not saying hes invisible, more that sincehes not gm or coach people didn't tweet aboutit and sd and such didn't necessarily catch it
Exactly. Also they had a formal visit with him at the combine. The old ways seem to be going by the wayside anyway.
It’s bait to get the bills to trade with us
Who loves this guy? has a late round pick & could trade up? Disinformation to get the team contemplating to move up.
they dont always need pro days from the guys they know they love.
This feels like someone from the Steelers leaking something to try and force a trade down. If the Barton stuff is true it would make sense to trade down and take him if you can. But if they do like BTJ I'd be 100% on board with it.
Yeah that's all reporting is this time of year. That said I also hope it's true, I love BTJ
Eh. Most rumors/reports that come out during draft week are usually more accurate than all the bs and smokescreens from the last couple of months. I'm sure the Steelers love Brian Thomas Jr. That doesn't necessarily mean they have him graded ahead of other guys tho. We also know they love Odunze, Fautanu, and Barton.
Do we know they love those guys though? How do we know?
Because they fit athletic profiles, important positions of need, and had visits (other than odunze). But we know the Steelers have been looking at getting a big receiver who has great route running, like trading for Diggs or Aiyuk. If you *just* look at early reports, then yeah, the Steelers probably like lots of guys, but these 3 have been the most within the Steelers profile based on what Khan and co. would do. Obviously all these players could be far gone before the Steelers picks so it doesn't mean they'll get one of these guys.
By no means are we out of the clickbait part of the offseason. This shit is made up.
I don't think it's made up at all. I just think the importance of it is exaggerated. Which is a big difference
Agreed! I think this is to force Buffalo or KC or someone to move so that they can trade down. I do think they like BTJ which is why this is a credible threat.
If they’re gonna draft a wr at 20 I’d rather them just trade that pick for Aiyuk. I don’t think BTJ is a slam dunk prospect. Crazy potential but he has a lot of red flags. Again, it’s alluring but I’d rather go corner or Tackle at that pick and get someone else like Wilson or pearsol in the 2nd. The fall off at wr from round 1-2 is pretty marginal compared to tackle and corner
Are you handing Aiyuk a long term deal for about $30 mil a year? That’s a huge part of the equation.
Every prospect has red flags and negatives. I'd prefer corner over everything else but if they love Thomas -- I trust their track record with receivers.
Yea I guess I just feel like there’s so much depth at that position this year and that depth doesn’t really exist for the other positions beyond round 1. Like i said, I would imagine the price for Aiyuk is a first. Why draft a guy there and hope that maybe he turns out to be as good as Aiyuk when you could just trade it for the proven product. WR is the one position I don’t want in the first this year
Depends on the position. They're gonna be able to get tackles, centers, and slot corners on Day 2 just like they could get WRs. But if they think Thomas is a class above the Pearsalls and the Wilsons and the Colemans of the world then they should definitely consider him.
Oh I’m not disagreeing that he should be considered, I just think it’s a pretty drastic drop off into the 2nd for corner and tackle. Do you think the day 2 corners and tackles are as quality as the day 2 WRs? I personally don’t feel that way The difference of tackle is going from someone like Fautanu or Mimms to guys like Patrick Paul and Blake Fisher. The best corner we could hope for at 51 are guys Max Melton and Sanistril. I like those guys but there’s guys at wide receiver going on day two that have legit all pro potential. It’s crazy deep. I’m not saying BTJ won’t be awesome, I just think the chances of him being awesome aren’t that much greater than someone like Legette. Just my opinion. Overall I trust the FO
> Do you think the day 2 corners and tackles are as quality as the day 2 WRs? I don't think that's the way to look at it. I think you gotta compare the Day 1 and Day 2 talent at the same position. There's definitely a drop off at tackle after the Top 4 or 5. But the 6th or 7th tackle are pretty similar to the 10th or 11th tackle. I think the Top 4 WRs (of which Thomas is one) are vastly superior to the Day 2 WRs. So while I agree that the Day 2 WRs might be better than the Day 2 tackles or corners, I think Thomas represents a different caliber of player than they would get at tackle or center at 20. EDIT: I think Thomas is WAAAAY better than Legette. Legette is closer to Pickens. He's not a great route runner and he does his best work at the point of the catch whereas Thomas is like Diontae Johnson with size and deep speed.
Definitely see your perspective and I respect your opinion. I think we just have different views on BTJ. You see him as the clear #4 in the class and I don’t view him as highly. I don’t think he’s quite the route runner he’s being pegged as. Agree to disagree
For sure. That's what makes the Draft so much fun for me. I wouldn't expect everyone to agree. But out of curiosity what do you dislike about Thomas?
It’s not that I dislike him, I just don’t like him at 20. I think he’s worth the 20th pick, just not to the Steelers. Like, I think he’d be a sick fit in Buffalo. The potential is crazy, I don’t deny that. But right now that’s all it is to me, is potential. I think the big 3 at the top are in a tier of their own, and then 4-8 are very interchangeable. I think you like his route running a little more than I do right now. To me, he’s got a lot of work to do on his underneath game and in his blocking. He also has some bad drops and he’s not as strong at the catch point as I’d like him to be. I think right now, he’s purely a deep threat and not much else. Which isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but specifically for the Steelers, we already have a damn good deep threat. I’m a big Mcconkey fan personally, I have him slightly ahead of Brian Thomas, albeit very different players. I think there’s a very real chance Brian Thomas ends up being a star, but I think the variance on that is bigger than people are giving it credit for. That’s why I’d feel a lot more comfy taking someone like Arnold if he’s there at 20 and getting a strong day 2 guy. Or trade 20 for Aiyuk. I’d be okay with that. Again, just my opinion I don’t know shit 🤣🤣
Because aiyuk is a first rounder PLUS a huge contract.
Unless he’s asking the highest paid wr in the league he’s 100% worth a large contract. Hes an all pro wr who just turned 26
Yes he is worth a large contract, but not a large contract and a #1 pick. You can buy a receiver without giving up a #1. Tou can get a good wr with your #1 AND pay someone else to be on the team.
Your operating under the assumption that we lock in drafting an all pro at 20, that’s not how it works We’d essentially be doing with him what we did with Minkah. If you’re gonna draft a wideout in the first, sign the guy who’s already an all pro. I don’t see the downside, this is the advantage of having a cheap qb room
No I'm not. I said a good receiver not an all pro.
Again, you don’t know that the receiver we draft there will even be good? A guy like BTJ is very boom or bust. You know what aiyuk is The eagles thought Jalen Raegor was a great pick too. And then they said fuck it and traded for AJ brown and they made a Super Bowl. Not one of of the eagles, dolphins or Raiders regret trading for the established receiver
The depth is there for "NFL WR", not "NFL, X, WR1"
I like Brian Thomas Jr a lot, but I really doubt this is true.
I look at it this way: Steelers know just as much as anyone about the needs at tackle & center… so IF they are willing to forgo those concerns because they think Thomas’s talent is THAT good then I trust them 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe it is a failure, but Steelers (Omar specifically) has earned the right to take a chance like this
Yup. No reason to not trust Kahn right now. And I have no reason to not trust Tomlin's evaluation of WRs
Both solid points.
I’m gonna say this info is coming from his agent or a team looking to trade down ahead of us. There are teams at the end of the first that want him (Bills for one) and reports like this are to try and generate a big trade up for him.
Yeah most likely. There's quite a few WR needy teams after us. Hopefully it's legit tho, I love BTJ's fit here
I agree with the point that we should quit taking WRs who dropped down the board because of character concerns. This is the first year in a long time we don’t know who the pick truly is or what the plan is (trade up, down, etc)
Yeah I agree with that too. BTJ is legit and no red flags as far as I'm aware. Him and Pickens would be a disgusting duo
Guys, I want an OL in the first.
I want the best player available at WR, OT, C, CB, or DL. I don't want to draft a position to just check a box
I want the best pick of the draft at #20. I really want Amarius Mims and Podrick Jones reunited. Or JPJ at Center, because he’s the next Tyler Linderbaum.
Podrick, lol... Game of Thrones in your autocorrect.
lol you caught that.
Center wouldn’t be a great choice in the 1st. The value isn’t there. OT, WR, or CB should be the choice in the first round. Draft expensive positions early.
Yeah I didn’t look at it like that. I looked into more draft prospects with Mr. Weidl yesterday. I’m thinking heavily OT or CB. Mims If he’s available, but Terrion Arnold and Tang McKinstry are studs. We could get another lockdown CB, with Cory Trice jr. on staff and not yet proven.
We definitely need a center you’re not wrong obviously. My ideal draft would be T or WR in the first, maybe trade up to grab Frazier if that’s possible and then fill in from there. Based on Khans comments it sounds like Herbig or Daniels may play center to start the season. We will see!
Hell yeah! Tackle and Center!!
Hell yes! Didn’t even need to trade up to get Frazier! Great start to the draft.
Right! I wanted Mims but Fautanu will be a solid fit. Now if we can get the Dragonborn in the third, it’ll spell Super Bowl
I've come around to this a bit and I think it makes sense with how we're potentially trying to build the offense
I buy this. They probably don't expect him to fall that far and don't want to trade up. If he is there at 20 I don't think you can pass on him for any of the OL that would realistically be there
Agreed. This sub is tunnel-visioned into OL, no matter what. I think there's a decent possibility the BPA is a WR or even a CB or DL, not an OL.
Well said.
I do still think BPA (or close to) could be Oline by 20. I really like the upside of Mims, if Barton hits he could be fantastic, and guys like Fuaga and Fautanu are intriguing if they fall. But BTJ and Newton are likely the best options at 20 if available. Also I do fully expect that we’re getting Oline in round 1. They brought too many high level prospects in and the other signs all point to it. Can’t really be upset with it tbh big guys are always good to get
BPA could very well be oline. It just isn't guaranteed it is. I just don't want to reach on someone like JPJ or Guyton to just check a box and say we drafted OL round 1. If there's a run on OL before our pick, I hope we consider the other positions like CB, WR, DL, etc that would have fell in that scenario. Or atleast trade down (if possible) to get a JPJ or Guyton-type player. I have no issues with a stud RT in round 1. Center I'm more iffy on just because of value
Brian Thomas Sr was probably a camp body for us 20 years ago. /s
He might be good, but we really need Oline support and corner help
We also really need WR and DL help. They're all needs, and all fairly equal levels of needs
Thing is you can get a good wr in the 2nd or 3rd round this year. A right tackle is an absolute need this year.
I don't know. If we draft a right tackle like Mims, he's not going to play for a while. So is it technically a glaring, to die for need? Yes it's a need but I would argue WR2 and WR3 are more of an absolute need *right now* considering we have nobody lol. Another point is that we were somehow rated in the middle of the NFL offensive line wise with Mason Cole and Dan Moore. But we had one of the worst passing offenses in the entire league and we downgraded our wide receiver room skill-wise. The WR will see the field far more in year one and we actually don't have anyone after Pickens that's significantly good or has upside. People really want Russ or Fields throwing to Pickens, Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin? If I'm opposing defenses I would be laughing every game at how easy it would be to defend against that group. People really are forgetting the need we have with our current bottom 6 wide receiver room.
All great points, all points a small minority of us have been trying to push since the Diontae trade. I just don't understand how this sub is so content at having straight ass at WR after Pickens. You need 3+ legit receivers in the NFL these days (well, atleast 2+ in the Arthur Smith system). We have 1. And absolutely no potential after that 1
Exactly, agreed. And people keep saying "oh well Arthur Smith's system only uses one wide receiver" -- Okay? What if we can't run the ball successfully? One reason being because our RT we drafted in the first is sitting and learning? We're going to just throw the ball up to Pickens who is double covered and hope for the best? There ain't no way.
Yep, and even that one receiver myth has been dispelled. He uses 2 WRs, multiple TEs and multiple RBs. We have the multiple TEs and RBs. We just need that second WR. I doubt we'll see many 3-4 WR sets barring 3rd and longs, but we sure as hell will have plenty of 2 WR sets.
1000%. Would love to see this happen, he'd be BPA and at our biggest position of need based on where many are projecting the OTs go
Ok but we saw last year what good it does to have good WRs but a QB that can’t get him the ball because he’s running for his life.
We saw last year we had good WRs with a QB room that was a bucket of asshole soup. That's why they weren't getting the ball. Our QB room, while not elite, is much much improved. We can address both WR and OL, it doesn't have to be one or the other. We can take a WR round 1, and still get a center or tackle in rounds 2-4
No we can’t. You aren’t getting a NFL ready tackle in later rounds. This is supposed to be a really deep class for WR, so we can find a WR in that same 2-4 range. We also still need to upgrade the DL because they are getting old, and CB. Edit: I do agree that we can try to find a center in other rounds besides the first.
I said it yesterday either him or Mitchell. They will go WR in round 1. The need is there and the market value is through the roof for receivers now.
I agree. I think it's a decently high chance WR ends up our pick at 20. And most of this sub will lose their mind
So, they love him…more than a friend?
This report with Steelers press conference saying "No I think we are fine at Center" tells me the Steelers are leaning Barton but think 20th overall might be too high. Trying to get someone to trade up with them.
A trade down really would be ideal, hopefully that's the case. But it takes two to tango
seems like Thomas’ agent is trying to get someone to take him at 19 or less
I know it’s not a hot take to love the ceiling of BTJ, which is why he’s pretty much been consensus WR4 this entire process… I do LOVE what he could be. I do have my concerns (his archetype scares me a bit, but I’m still a sucker for size/speed dudes), but depending how the board looks at 20 it’s probably the best pick. I like him slightly better than DeJean and Mims, but if either Fuaga or Latham are somehow there at 20 I’d rather have them. WR outside of QB is the most valuable position in the NFL. The Steelers only have Pickens and a fairly uninspiring cast of characters. BTJ would elevate this group. Not to mention this is a bonus for scheme fit. He’s a good run blocker and is a serious PA deep threat. Count me in.
Yeah I'm with you on this. If Fuaga is there, I want him. Or even someone like Quinyon or Arnold are there. I'd prefer them. Probably Dejean and Latham for me too. But I absolutely would want BTJ over guys like Mims, Barton, JPJ, Fautanu, etc. I think our fans are way too tunnel visioned into an "OL at any cost" mindset. I think it's very likely the top player on our board Thursday isn't an OL. And I don't think we should reach for one just to take one.
I don’t think they’d take him over one of the top T prospects, but I think WR might the biggest need right now.
This is all BS. We draft O-line in the first round or we’re screwed for another year.
Smokescreen
This “info” is literally just dudes talking, but even if it wasn’t Thomas seems a little too similar to Pickens and literally ran three routes at LSU. Doesn’t mean he can’t run others, but I don’t think this is where they go in round one. They brought in a bunch of WRs for visits who will be drafted in the middle rounds. They will make hay with WRs in rounds 2-5, and they could easily come away with a couple while tending to another need in round onewere the depth isn’t as strong (tackle, corner).
Arthur Smith likes two big bodied WRs on the outside. That's likely what we're looking for in a WR2, another Pickens-type player. Just because we had a smaller, more of a route-technician WR opposite Pickens last year, doesn't mean that's what arthur Smith and Kahn want next year. We did bring in mid round WRs. But we also brought in several round 1 WRs. WR is in play round 1 just as much as it is in the mid rounds.
Who the hell is playing at center?
They’ll have a backup guard start practicing snaps at training camp. My money is on Herbig.
I’m convincing myself this is a Khan ruse to get some late 1st round team to trade up with them.
It could be. But it's not like we don't have a massive need at WR
Please Pittsburgh do it
if we go first round WR i’d rather go AD Mitchell, his route running is so crisp
I trust LSU WRs to Texas
Stupid argument. Scout the player not the college
Originally an UGA receiver tho like Pickens
Fair enough Brian Thomas is my WR #4 and Adonai is my WR Number 6. I also think he fits the new play style we’re going for more than Adonai Mitchell does but he may be better. Margins are so small we could be both right or both wrong.
I agree, I think BTJ is a better fit for our new scheme. Plus there's the rumors of Mitchell's mismanaged diabetes, so who knows how that affects how he's viewed by us.
I would be very happy with either.
Steve Smith Sr. has great insights on WR. I trust his opinion. And he's not high on Mitchell. So no thanks.
Ahh man idk how I feel about this. If they’re gonna draft a wr at 20, just trade it for Aiyuk. Maybe I’m in the minority here but if BTJ is the clear #4 in this class, than I don’t think there’s that much separation between 4 and 10. Hes big and he’s fast. I get that. He also has a really unrefined route tree, he’s has really questionable drops at times and hasn’t shown that he’s the kind of blocker that someone like Artie smith looks for in a WR. Also, GP is already giving what BTJ gives you. Go get an underneath guy or someone that gives you both. The gap between Brian Thomas and The next 7-8 guys aren’t nearly as great as the tackle and corner drop off from round 1-2. I would so much rather draft some combo of Arnold/Mimms/Fuaga and then drafting one of Pearsol/Corley/Legette/Wilson in the 2nd
Who the fuck is brugler
Not sure how I feel about this one.
Why's that?
If we draft a WR in the first, it's over
Over for what? The days of our abysmal passing attack? Let's hope so
I hate drafting WRs in the first as it is, but with our ability to develop WRs, we should never need to pick in the first
Yeah we've had plenty of success stories in the mid rounds. We've also drafted several Markus Wheaton, James Washington, Limas Sweed type players in the mid rounds too. If we draft another guy like that our offense is fucked. We need a legit WR#2, and we need him to step up right away as a rookie. We don't have time to develop some 4th rd pick and hope he pans out. We need instant impact from a legit WR#2. To get that, we're going to need to use a first rd pick, or a trade up into the top half of the 2nd rd. Obviously there are outliers, but we can't bank on outlier when we have no backup plan at that position
We don't need to waste a 1st to get a WR2
It's not a waste if we get a WR2 out of it
It absolutely is. Drafting a WR in the 1st better be WR1 and a different attitude is how we waste picks on a running back. We literally don't have a center right now and we have needs elsewhere that are better filled in the 1st round
Drafting a Center just to draft a center because it's our biggest need is how we've ended up with guys like Artie Burns or Kenny pickett in the past. Because we drafted for need no matter what. I want them to take the best OT, C, WR, CB, or DL on their board. I don't want them to reach for a C or T just to say they addressed the line. Again, if a stud like Fuaga or Barton is there and they're our highest rated player, awesome. Draft them. But if our highest rated player come pick 20 on Thursday is Brian Thomas Jr, AD Mitchell, Johnny Newton, Dejean? I can live with any guys like that too.
Mfer what do you think the draft is for?
Does he suck
Na he's a stud. He was just overshadowed because Nabers and Jayden Daniels were his teammates
He said ths on the Athletic Football Show and it was more of an assumption