Although the Steelers’ brass must find a way to bolster their depth and improve their personnel at the outside linebacker position, the franchise has a multitude of other pressing needs to address through the draft process.  In the event that Colbert & Co. elect to plug other holes like the ones at wide receiver, safety, running back or inside linebacker early on, outside linebacker could be put on the “back-burner” until Day 2 or even Day 3.

Goodman could be a versatile mid-Round steal for Pittsburgh’s brass to select in a few weeks. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

While I have talked at length about post-Round 1 pass-rushers like Stansly Maponga (T.C.U.), Corey Lemonier (Auburn), Jamie Collins (Southern Mississippi), Brandon Jenkins (Florida State), and John Simon (Ohio State), former Clemson defensive end Malliciah Goodman might also be on Pittsburgh’s radars as well.

As far as Goodman is concerned, I am intrigued to see if he would truly fit in a base 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker.  At 6’4” 276 lbs., the former Tiger has the perfect type of height, speed, weight ratio to be a defensive end in a 4-3 defense.  The Steelers’ brass however appear to view Malliciah as a candidate for a potential switch to the strongside-outside linebacker position in their 3-4 scheme.  In fact, earlier in the week, Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review even tweeted that “LB” Malliciah Goodman was coming to town for a visit, not “DE” Malliciah Goodman.

While I like Goodman’s measurables, I certainly have plenty of questions about his productivity at Clemson and his overall skill-set.  While Malliciah set career-highs in tackles for loss (9.5), sacks (7.0), and forced fumbles (4) in 2012, he only registered a combined 12.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles during his first three years at Clemson combined.

When I watched the former defensive end in action, I was also left with some concerns about how well he would transition to the outside linebacker position at the professional level.  At times, Goodman was very inconsistent when it came to his ability to diagnose snap-counts and come off the ball quickly (especially on passing-downs).  In addition to that, Goodman did not anchor himself and set the edge against the run game as well as I believed that a player with his athletic ability could.

I would also like to know how well that a 270 lb. full-time defensive end can turn his hips and play in space against the pass in zone and man coverages.  As a down-lineman with the Tigers, Goodman would would have to develop as a pass-defender in addition to a stand-up pass-rusher if he became an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.  While Malliciah ran a reportedly fast time in the 40 yard dash at his Pro Day (4.67 and 4.7 seconds), he must maintain that type of speed and develop more fluidity in his hips if he wishes to change directions and stick with some of the league’s better pass-catching running backs.

Although the Steelers might view Goodman as a potential outside linebacker, I believe that Goodman might have the potential to be a defensive end with Pittsburgh if he can add another 10-15 lbs. to his already stout frame.  Due to the length of his python-like arms (almost 37″) and his raw strength (26 reps of 225 lbs. at Pro Day), Goodman could turn out to be a successful 5-techinque in a 3-4 scheme if he can learn to disengage from blockers better, maintain control of multiple gaps so the inside and outside linebackers around him can make plays, and use his powerful frame to better set the edge against the run.  Although Malliciah struggled to master those skills consistently against college foes, the physical tools (33″ vertical at Pro Day) are there for defensive line coach John Mitchell to develop him into a 5-technique.

I should also add that Goodman’s ability to rush the passer from a 3-point-stance could make him a viable candidate to utilize his pass-rushing skills from the defensive line in sub-packages and on 3rd downs too.  The Steelers have always found ways to make players with versatile skill-sets shine, and the former Clemson tiger could find a place as a “jack-of-all-trades” sub-package player on passing downs early in his career.

I for one believe that the physical tools are there for the former Tiger defensive end, and it definitely appears that he can be mentally prepared to play professional football as well.  But because of his rawness as a prospect, marginal productivity at the collegiate level, and the mystery of where he can be best utilized in a 3-4 defense could hurt Malliciah’s stock on “Draft Weekend.”

Overall, if the Steelers elect to fill their pass-rusher needs later in the Draft and grab Goodman at any point in the 4th Round or beyond, I would be very pleased.  At that juncture, I believe that they will acquire themselves a solid developmental prospect who has the potential to help out in a number of different areas once Dick LeBeau and Keith Butler or John Mitchell find out exactly how to highlight his unique skills.

Readers: Should the Steelers take Goodman if he is available on Day 3?  Do you believe that he would fit better as a defensive end or an outside linebacker with Pittsburgh?  Why or why not?

Players Stats Provided By Specific Team Pages: Clemson and ESPN.com

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com and NFL Combine Page

Round 1

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT (Texas A&M)

Kansas City’s brass could instantly upgrade their “tackle situation” with Texas A&M’s former blind-side protector.  The 6’6″ 306 lb. Joeckel was the 2012 Outland Award winner, a 2012 consensus All-American, and was three-year starter with the Aggies (39 Games, 39 Starts).  While the nimble Joeckel is not a “road-grading” type of tackle, his quick feet and sound blocking technique will help him to be a fantastic blind-side pass-protector for years to come.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eric Fisher OT (Central Michigan)

2009 1st Round pick Eugene Monroe will be a UFA when the 2013 season ends.  If the Jaguars want to have insurance in case their starting left tackle leaves, they could elect to go the “safe route” and take Eric Fisher at #2 overall.  The 6’7″ 306 lb. Fisher was a 1st Team All-MAC performer last season, and also possesses some versatility to his game.  Although he played most of his collegiate career at left tackle, he did start games at right tackle and right guard earlier in his career with the Chippewas.  So even if Fisher doesn’t pan out on the blind-side, Jacksonville’s coaching staff could find another place for him along their porous offensive line. 

3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd DT (Florida)

Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant are gone, and the Raiders need help at defensive tackle.  Floyd (6’3″ 297 lbs.) has become of the Draft’s hottest commodities as of late, and he played both defensive end and defensive tackle at Florida.  Last year, Floyd played his best football last season on the interior as he displayed a surprising combination of agility, power, and quickness for a man his size.  Overall, Sharrif notched 46 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a team-leading 13.0 tackles for loss during his junior season, and will garner interest from teams who employ 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes in Round 1.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Dion Jordan DE/OLB (Oregon)

Now that the Eagles are switching to a 3-4 Defense, they would best served to acquire an athletic pass-rusher to team with Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham.  If that is the case, it would lead me to believe that new head coach Chip Kelly has his sights set on one of his former college players in the form of Dion Jordan.  Last year, Jordan put up 44 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles, and has a unique frame (6’6″ 248 lbs.), and an athletic skill-set (surprisingly in pass-coverage) which could make him an attractive option for the Eagles to target at #4 if he recovers well from his recent shoulder surgery.

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah DE (Brigham Young)

Detroit will likely need some serious help at defensive end position if they wish to create any pressure off of the edge in future seasons.  Cliff Avril left for a new deal in Seattle, and Kyle Vanden Bosch was just recently released as well.  Ezekiel Ansah has turned heads throughout the offseason, and could inevitably find himself in the Top 5 when “Draft Weekend” rolls around this month.  Despite the fact that Ansah is newer to the game of football, the 6’5″ 271 lb. defensive end had a fine 2012 season as he made 62 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks during his first year as a starter with the Cougars.

6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner CB (Alabama)

Because the Browns signed Paul Kruger, Cleveland’s brass should be able to focus on other needs at the top of the Draft.  If Dee Milliner falls to them at #6 overall, I cannot see new defensive coordinator Ray Horton passing on him.  Milliner solidified his status as a Top 5 pick after a great showing at The Combine, and could be in contention to be taken at the very top of the Draft.  The 6′ 200 lb. cornerback had a terrific 2012 season as he logged 22 passes defended over the team’s 14 games, and added 54 Tackles and 2 Interceptions to his statline as the Crimson Tide won the national championship.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Lane Johnson OT (Oklahoma)

Arizona’s offensive line surrendered a League high 58.0 sacks last year, and Bobby Massie and D’Anthony Batiste looked lost at the tackle positions numerous times in 2012.  If they cannot trade down, the Cardinals might be best served to take Lane Johnson at #7.  The former Sooner (6’6″ 303 lbs.) is an intriguing prospect who played quarterback in high school and at junior college, and spent time at Tight End and defensive end in Norman as well.  For the last two years though Johnson has manned both the right (12 Starts) and left (11 Starts) tackle spots, and has the potential to be a stable pass-protector down the road at either tackle position.

8. Buffalo Bills: Geno Smith QB (West Virginia)

Kansas City’s decision to trade for Alex Smith is huge for Buffalo, as they will likely be able to select a quarterback they want in Round 1 without having to give up a large amount to acquire one by moving up from #8.  Even though the franchise signed Kevin Kolb, I cannot see how they view him as a long-term answer.  In the event that Geno Smith (6’2″ 218 lbs.) falls to Buffalo, I believe that the Bills’ new Head Coach Doug Marrone will be interested in acquiring him.  The strong-armed, accurate, and athletic former Mountaineer (2012: 369 for 518 (71.2%), 4,205 Yards, 42 TD’s, and 6 INT’s) would be a solid fit in Marrone’s offense as the Bills begin the long process of rebuilding.

9. New York Jets: Cordarrelle Patterson WR (Tennessee)

2013 could be the “Last Stand” for both Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez in New York.  If the Jets wish to make their anemic passing offense better, they could roll the dice on Cordarrelle Patterson of Tennessee.  The 6’2″ 216 lb. Junior was a phenomenal kick returner and wide receiver at the junior college level before he came to Knoxville this past year, and boy did he make a splash in 2012.  Over 11 Games, Patterson caught 42 passes for 690 Yards and 4 TD’s, he rushed for 270 Yards and 3 TD’s, and returned 1 Kickoff and 1 Punt for TD’s.  Although his skill-set is still very raw, Patterson just makes plays when he has the football in his hands, and teams must respect his speed.

10. Tennessee Titans: Star Lotulelei DT (Utah)

If the Titans elect to not find upgrades at cornerback and offensive guard in Round 1, then I believe that they will try to draft a defensive tackle at #10 overall.  Sen’Derrick Marks is an impending UFA and Tennessee could stand to use another stout defensive tackle to add to the mix with Jurrell Casey and Mike Martin if Marks indeed leaves.  Despite being double-teamed and keyed on for much of the season,  Lotulelei (6’2″ 311 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-Pac-12 performer in 2012 as he amassed 42 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.  If teams shy away from Lotulelei due his heart issue, the Titans might still snatch him up in a “Best Player Available” scenario.

11. San Diego Chargers: Barkevious Mingo OLB (Louisiana State)

The Chargers need to improve their pass-protection, and their pass-rush.  If Lane Johnson is off of the board by the time San Diego goes on the clock in Round 1, the Front Office might want to take a chance on the ultra-athletic Barkevious Mingo of Louisiana State.  Sporting a 6’4″ and 241 lb. frame, Mingo possesses a tremendous amount of speed (4.58 40 Yard Dash) and agility (6.84 3-Cone Drill) off of the edge which should help him translate well to the professional level.  The biggest issues with Mingo however deal with how raw his skill-set is and his limited production (4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss) at Louisiana State last season.

12. Miami Dolphins: Bjoern Werner DE (Florida State)

After their Free Agent spending splurge, the Dolphins still need to find an outside pass-rusher to pair with Pro Bowler Cameron Wake (15.0 sacks in 2012).  Bjoern Werner’s stock could be falling after his pedestrian showing at The Combine, but if Werner is available at #12, I would have to believe that Miami would make him their 1st Round selection.  Although the German-born Werner (6’3″ 266 lbs.) is relatively new to the game football, he continued to improve his pass-rushing skills as he logged 18.0 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks from his defensive end position last season.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Rhodes CB (Florida State)

The Buccaneers need help at cornerback, and need it there probably more than at any spot on the rest of their roster.  Aqib Talib is long gone, the team is trying to trade Eric Wright, and E.J. Biggers has left for Washington.  Xavier Rhodes (6’1″ 210 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-ACC Cornerback as he racked up 39 tackles and 3 interceptions during the 2012 season as the most talented player in the Seminoles defensive backfield.  A team can never have too many corners in today’s N.F.L., and Rhodes is terrific in man-coverage situations because he can use his physical stature to his advantage.

14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson DT (Missouri)

Although the Panthers’ defense improved this past year, issues still exist along the interior of their defensive line.  Carolina’s run defense could be helped by an impact player like 3-technique prospect Sheldon Richardson from Missouri.  After two years at the junior college level, and one year in a non-starter role with the Tigers, the agile and powerful Richardson (6’3″ 295 lbs.) burst on the scene in 2012 when he racked up 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks over Missouri’s 11 games.

15. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones OLB (Georgia)

The Saints could stand to acquire a 3-4 pass-rusher this offseason.  New Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan could be intrigued to take Georgia’s Outside Linebacker Jarvis Jones.  Although Jones’ “spinal stenosis” condition and poor Pro Day workout could scare scouts away, some teams in need of an athletic pass-rusher are sure to be willing to gamble on the former Bulldog.  Last season, Jones (6’2″ 245 lbs.) racked up 24.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks, and would be a bargain for the Saints if he falls all the way down to #15 overall.

16. St. Louis Rams: Tavon Austin WR (West Virginia)

Danny Amendola is now a Patriot, and the Rams could try to find his replacement early in the form of a slot receiver like Tavon Austin (5’8″ 174 lbs.).  Not only did Austin top the 100 catch mark during his Junior season, he had an even more productive Senior campaign as he recorded 114 grabs for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns.  But Austin not only shined in the passing game for the Mountaineers, he also was effective in the run-game as he rushed for an incredible 643 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Hood’s drastic transformation could not come at a better time, as Cameron Heyward will be vying for a starting spot and extended playing time in the Steelers’ 5-Technique Rotation (Hood, Heyward, and Brett Keisel) in 2012.  To me, the fact that the Steelers have three talented Defensive Ends which will be jockeying for time on the field this season is nothing short of fantastic.  So today I figured would be a great opportunity to discuss my feelings on Ziggy Hood, their “go-to” 5-Technique rotation in general, and the sorts of things expected from this group this season.

Hood

Ziggy is working out to take his game to a new level. Will it work? Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

In terms of playing the run, Hood’s off-season work to strengthen and streamline his body can only help him against the run.  Hood’s 5-Technique position calls for him to have a 2-Gap responsibility in the run-game and at the very least hold at the point of attack if not more.  While Hood has done a decent enough job against the run in the Base-sets there has still been some room for improvement.  Because Hood has added strength and worked on his agility, it should help him against the double teams and man 2-Gaps better while trying to create a mess for the Linebackers to clean up in the run game.

What intrigues me the most is to see what the more athletic Ziggy can do rushing the passer.  Hood in my opinion is the best 5-Technique the Steelers have in terms of pass rushing ability at the moment.  That being said, if him and/or Keisel/Heyward and/or McLendon can provide a stout enough pass rush and at least push the pocket in Nickel and Dime sub-packages where only 2 of them are on the field, it will only give James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and whichever guys are getting to the Quarterback more leeway to run free and attack.

With 23 starts and four professional seasons under his belt, Hood is what I consider to be a veteran.  I am sure he knows better than anyone that he will be eligible for Free Agency in 2014 and strong showings in the next two seasons are vital for him to continue to contribute at the professional level and earn a new contract with Pittsburgh or elsewhere.  Thus, 2012 and 2013 are make or break for Ziggy, and it certainly appears that he wants to take his already developing game to the “next level.”

Heyward and Keisel

Hopefully Hood's and Heyward's collective emergence can help Keisel stay fresh this season. Mandatory credit: Vincent Pugliese-US PRESSWIRE

Before I continue, kudos must go to Colbert and Co. when they zeroed in on a “BPA+Need” selection in the form of Heyward last April.  I am sure they conversed with Defensive Line Coach John Mitchell and Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau at length and determined that Aaron Smith was likely on the tail end of one of the best and most unheralded careers of a 5-Technique Defensive End in the last two decades.

Moreover, I am sure that they saw that the addition of a player at a position of need, and where a 3rd year man like Ziggy Hood was the only experienced and significant depth was an added bonus as well.  And I am sure it did not hurt that Heyward had the ideal size (6’5″ 288 lbs.), skill-set, experience in a pro-style Defense with 3-4 elements (at Ohio State), and professional attitude to play the 5-Technique with the club.

I am sure that I am one of many which are extremely excited to see what Heyward can do in Year 2 of his professional career.  Cameron looked much further ahead development and scheme-wise than Hood was during his Rookie season, and that was without OTA’s and such because of last year’s lockout.  While Cameron started a bit slow, big things are expected from him this season, and Hood seems to already be feeling the heat.  As I discussed in the Defensive piece of my two “Breakout Players” posts from last month, Heyward is definitely somebody to keep our collective eyes on this season, and could shine as part of the 3-man rotation.

I know that I have discussed it at length before, but the biggest benefactor of all of Heyward’s continued development and Hood’s desire to step up his game is Brett Keisel.  At 34, Keisel still has some solid football left in him, and he made the Pro Bowl following the 2010 campaign.  But at 34, he is still getting a tad “long in the tooth” and keeping the wily veteran fresh will be a bonus for this Defense.  If Mitchell and LeBeau are comfortable with Heyward and Hood together in games and subbing “The Beard” out for spells at a time, Keisel will undoubtedly be quite fresh come December and January.  With a healthy “Beard” comes a happy Defensive Line and Defense as a whole come Playoff time.

Final Thoughts

I understand that these are only offseason workouts and that Hood is not actually kicking some tail out there against real live opponents yet.  Nevertheless, seeing Hood’s dedication to get better and outplay his competition is something to look forward to in Training Camp.  Hopefully this group can stay healthy and form a stout 3-man rotation at the position over the course of the year (4 if you count McLendon at 285 lbs. but 3 if he is at 325 lbs. and asked to man the Nose).  My ultimate hope and wish is that Hood and Heyward can step up their games enough to relieve Keisel whenever he needs a breather.  While “The Beard” may be one of those ostracized elderly Steelers Defenders that some in the media decry, he can still bring it.  If all three can contribute regularly and at a high level, good things will happen because not only will they be making plays, but the Linebackers and Defensive Backs will be free to do their jobs and more.  So as I stated previously, competition can breed success, and in my mind it could very well breed some great success along Pittsburgh’s Defensive front in 2012.

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