Needless to say, when it comes to your Steelers Draft news, NPC has had it covered better than any other outlet on the big bad web.

Amazingly enough, the demand for even more draft data is still at a fevered pitch.  So tonight, I will give you my Ten Best Value Picks of the 2012 NFL Draft.  These are players who I believe will provide the best value for their teams in relation to the round they were chosen in, and my opinions are based off of deep statistical analysis and how the player fits with their new NFL team.  We will concentrate on players picked in the mid-to-late rounds.

Buffalo OT Cordy Glenn, selected 41st overall; courtesy ajc.com

10.  OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia (drafted by Buffalo Bills with 2nd round pick #41) – Was it just simple team needs that allowed one of the top three offensive tackle prospects to fall into the mid-second round, where Buffalo quickly snagged him to become their new plug-and -play left tackle?  With all of the trades and odd selections made at the tail end of round one, Glenn – who was pre-ranked as a possible top 10 pick by NFL.com – ended up as the fifth offensive tackle drafted.  This is a player who tied a school record by starting 50 games in the SEC and gained an All-American selection in 2010.  At 6-foot 5, 343 lbs., Glenn will most likely start immediately for the Bills at right tackle, replacing incumbent Erik Pears.  Glenn has the potential to be a dominating right tackle for the Bills, a team that desperately needed an upgrade to their offensive line after allowing QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to be sacked 22 times in 2011.  In the second round, Cordy Glenn is a great value pick for Buffalo.

WR Rueben Randle, picked #63 overall by the New York Giants

9.  WR Rueben Randle, LSU (drafted by New York Giants with 2nd round pick #63) – The Champs lost starting WR Mario Manningham to free agency, pushing 2011 phenom WR Victor Cruz into the #2 WR slot behind Hakeem Nicks.  With that change, the Giants needed to add another WR weapon for QB Eli Manning and they found their man at #63 overall in WR Rueben Randle.  A 2011 first-team All-SEC selection, Randle opted out of his senior season with the Tigers to enter the draft at just 20-years old.  He started 21 games for LSU between 2010-2011 and was the premiere receiver on the 2011 team that reached the BCS National Title Game.  At 6-foot 3, 210 lbs. he provides another large target for Manning, and should be used as both a #2 and slot receiver for the Giants.  Randle was considered a late-first round draft grade, and ended up being the ninth WR taken in the draft.  The Giants are excellent at fitting players into their offensive scheme, and Randle has a chance to catch 40-50 passes in his rookie season.  An excellent value for New York, drafting out of the final slot of each round after winning Super Bowl XLVI.

DT Mike Martin, drafted by Tennessee at #82 overall; courtesy nepatriotsdraft.com

8.  DT Mike Martin, Michigan (drafted by Tennessee Titans with 3rd round pick #82) – Martin was a four-year letterman at Michigan, starting 37 games at nose tackle for the Wolverines.  Anyone who watched Michigan over the past two years would have noticed #68 making tackles all over the field.  His non-stop motor and ability to get to the ball carrier will immediately pay dividends for the Titans, who lacked aggressive players on their defense in 2011 and lost defensive leader All-Pro CB Cortland Finnegan to free agency.  Martin is a born leader who will provide a solid presence at whichever position Head Coach Mike Munchak decides to play him at, possibly DE but most likely DT.  The leadership qualities he will bring to the defense will make every player around him better, and his presence will solidify a defense that allowed 4.5 YPG on the ground in 2011.

LB Ronnell Lewis, drafted by Detroit Lions at #125 overall

7.  LB Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma (drafted by Detroit Lions with 4th round pick #125 overall) – Lewis is another early entry player who skipped his senior season with the Sooners.  He was extremely productive in the Oklahoma defense, tallying 10.5 sacks and 118 tackles over just 14 starts, and adding 2 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles.  He was graded as a 4th round pick, so he was drafted right about where he was expected to go.  However, his athletic ability and size (6-foot 2, 244 lbs) should enable the Lions to use him at several different slots, depending on the defensive set on the field.  If he had stayed at Oklahoma for his senior season, Lewis would have easily been a first-round pick next year.  The Lion get a young player who will be able to play special teams and situational defense in 2012 while he prepares to take over a starting slot at ILB the following season.  Detroit grabbed Lewis at #125 overall and probably scored a starting defensive player, making this a great value pick.

DT Alameda Ta'amu, drafted by the Steelers at #109 overall

6.  DT Alameda Ta’amu, Washington (drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers with 4th round pick #109 overall) – The Steelers needed to find a true zero-technique NT to be the heir apparent to Casey Hampton, as Hampton enters what will most likely be his final season in 2012.  Pittsburgh traded up to pick Ta’amu, giving up just a late 6th rounder to move ahead of potential suitor San Diego, who were ready to take him at #110.  Ta’amu is a monster (6-foot 3, 348 lbs) and made a name for himself at the NFL Combine, where he showed unbelievable athletic ability and speed for a player his size.  He will spend a season as the backup to Hampton, learning the Steelers NT position from the best player to ever play there.  He should see some snaps in 2012 as the Steelers limit Hampton even further, and he could end up starting quickly if Hampton is unable to fully return from the injury that ended his 2011 season.  This was a case of a team that needed a specific type of player – zero technique defensive tackles were very limited in this draft – and was able to secure him for a very small price.  I was trying to avoid placing Steelers draft picks on this list, but to leave Ta’amu off would have been a travesty.

DT Josh Chapman, drafted by Indianapolis at #136 overall

5.  DT Josh Chapman, Alabama (drafted by Indianapolis Colts with 5th round pick #136 overall) – The Colts had a great draft as they rebuild their franchise, and have plans on transitioning to a 3-4 in 2012.  Needing to secure bigger players to fill out the positions for that scheme, they set their sights on finding a solid DT to build around.  Chapman was the anchor on a championship Alabama defense for the past two seasons, starting 25 games.  His experience in big game situations should enable him to step in right away and start for the Colts.  At the outset of the draft, some experts had Chapman going as high as the early 2nd round – making his selection here in round five a major value pick for a team that needed to draft as many future starters as possible.  Chapman is not a flashy player, but he is solid against the run and can stuff the line to allow Indianapolis pass-rushers open lanes to the opposing QB.  A sound pick for the Colts.

WR Juron Criner, drafted by Oakland at #168 overall

4.  WR Juron Criner, Arizona (drafted by Oakland Raiders with 5th round pick #168 overall) – The Raiders needed to find another solid WR for their offense, and in keeping with tradition they selected Criner, a speedy playmaker who was expected to be one of the top five WR taken in the draft.  At 6-foot 3, Criner has the length to become a major red-zone target and has the speed to line up anywhere on the field.  A lack of consistent play was a primary reason for the drop to the 5th round, but the Raiders feel that Head Coach Dennis Allen should be able to coach up Criner.  If the young wideout buys into the coaching and learns to show up every Sunday, the Raiders may have scored the offensive steal of the draft.

RB Dan Herron, drafted by Cincinnati at #191 overall

3.  RB Dan Herron, Ohio State (drafted by Cincinnati Bengals with 6th round pick #191 overall) – Herron was a very productive running back at Ohio State, rushing for 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010.  His senior season was not as prolific, as he shared time in the backfield.  He is an extremely physical runner who could work his way up a weak Bengals depth chart in 2012.  If Herron had entered the draft in 2011, prior to the Ohio State NCAA violation scandal, he may have been a second round pick.  He has the ability to run between the tackles, and will start out as a 3rd down RB.  Herron was a highly-recruited player out of high school, and ran into a loaded  depth chart with the Buckeyes that never allowed him to fully take the starting RB position for himself.  Drafting Herron in the 6th round is great value and brings a local product into the Bengals system.  A solid late round pick that could eventually provide starter value.

RT Bobby Massie, drafted by Arizona at #112 overall

2.  T Bobby Massie, Ole Miss (drafted by Arizona Cardinals with 4th round pick #112 overall) – How Massie fell into the 4th round after being universally considered a possible first round pick is unknown.  What is known is the Cardinals had a major need at right tackle and were able to draft a three-year starter at Mississippi, and will plug him in immediately as the starter.  While scouts are split on his ability, Massie presents as a huge right tackle who should be able to manhandle smaller defensive ends and create space for the edge running game.  As far as value picks go, Massie could end up as one of the biggest values for a mid-round pick in the past few years.  You just shouldn’t be able to find players with his size, experience, and skill set in the 4th round.  GREAT value.

RB Lamar Miller, drafted by Miami at #97 overall

1.  RB Lamar Miller, Miami (FL) (drafted by Miami Dolphins with 4th round pick #97 overall) – The Dolphins won’t know what they have in 1st round pick QB Ryan Tannehill until he is able to start – probably a year or two from now.  What Miami does know is they have a lousy record when it comes to early round RB picks.  When Lamar Miller fell into the 4th round, the Fish were smart enough to draft the kid from their own backyard, who showed explosive power and speed at Miami (FL) and comes to the Dolphins as a 21-year old back who could become a fantastic strength element to compliment resurgent Reggie Bush’s speed.  Miller started one year in college, rushed for 1,272 yards and 9 touchdowns and was considered a potential late first-rounder.  Overall, he was thought to be one of the first five backs off the board.  This is the type of pick that could not only provide benefits immediately, but will also help the Dolphins in another area they have failed at recently – selling tickets.  He is a Florida product, a former Hurricane, a current Dolphin, and future star – it doesn’t get much better than that.

Honorable Mention:

QB Ryan Lindley, San Diego State at #185 overall by Arizona Cardinals – a QB-hungry team finds a potential gem in the 6th round.

CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech at #94 overall by New York Giants – a special teams dynamo, a solid cover corner.  Lack of size kept teams away, Giants know value when they see it.

WR Junior Hemingway, Michigan at #23 overall by Kansas City Chiefs – a big, talented WR who was handicapped by playing with QB Denard Robinson at Michigan.  Watch out for him in 2012.

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Now that we are a full 24 hours removed from the nail-biting selection of the 2012 Mr. Irrelevant (Enjoy Disneyland, Mr. Harnish), the time has come to review the three-day marathon that was the 2012 NFL Draft.

Here at Nice Pick, Cowher we feel that the Steelers came away winners – big, jackpot-level winners.  You can check out our review of the Steelers 2012 Draft HERE.  For the purpose of this article, we will leave the black and gold out of the discussion.  The happiness of knowing that David DeCastro, Mike Adams, Alameda Ta’amu, and Sean Spence jerseys will be available at your nearest retailer by the time you read this is enough to tickle the fancy of even the most curmudgeonly Steelers fans.

The thing about covering the NFL Draft that makes it so difficult (yet, fascinating) is that the spiderweb of potential story lines is virtually endless.  We had 253 players selected over the course of the three-day marathon, each player drafted for a specific reason by their new found employers, and in turn changing the professional outlook for close to 1,696 already employed players who now wonder what the future holds for their career or for their teams depth chart.  When you whittle all of that nonsense down to the bare minimum of thought, you come up with a select list of winners and losers.

Grab yourself a cold beverage, click off that boring NBA Playoff Game, and enjoy the NPC 2012 NFL Draft Winners and Losers.

Winners

The Indianapolis Colts were the big winners in the 2012 NFL Draft; courtesy Associated Press

The Indianapolis Colts – The Colts have drafted first overall in the modern-era NFL Draft more than any other franchise, with five picks in the top slot since 1967.  In 1998, the Colts selected QB Peyton Manning and in the span of one year went from a perennial laughingstock to a perennial Super Bowl contender.  The pick of Manning did more than turn around the fortunes of the team, it saved football in Indianapolis.  The Colts would have never built the fanbase they have, been able to secure funding for their new Lucas Oil Stadium, and would probably be the Los Angeles Colts by now.  So when the team allowed Peyton Manning – one of the greatest players in NFL history – to walk away this past spring, they were entering a frightening new era.  The franchise tore down everything and everyone associated with Manning – from the front office to the coaching staff to the veteran players who had built the team into a powerhouse from 1999-2010.  They essentially cleared the deck and started over, meaning that the 2012 NFL Draft was the most important in their history and perhaps the most important draft for ANY team in the history of the NFL.

The Colts knew who they wanted to replace Peyton Manning, and it was Stanford QB Andrew Luck.  Luck is the most polished college quarterback to come through the draft since – well, Manning.  He is the new face of the team, the big man on campus, the prom king.  He is the franchise.

The Colts could have been happy with that.  They solved the biggest problem any National Football League team has, they found a franchise quarterback.  Instead of resting on those laurels and using the rest of the draft to simply plug holes, the Colts systematically tore apart the draft.  They gave their new QB a security blanket by drafting his college TE – the highest-rated TE in the 2012 Draft – Cody Fleener.  They doubled down on that strategy by drafting another TE in round three, Dwayne Allen – a 6’3″ 255 lb. pass-catching machine.  The Colts then traded back into the late third round to nab WR T.Y. Hilton from Florida International, a do-it-all player who has the potential to win the field position battle for Indianapolis on every single kickoff and punt return.  The Colts are returning WR Reggie Wayne and WR Austin Collie, and brought in WR Donnie Avery in free agency.  The combination of those players and the new TE duo will be a instant playground for Andrew Luck, who will not have to endure the rookie season of doom that so many top QB picks have to contend with.  The Colts did this the right way, and could very easily go from 1-15 to 8-8 or even better in 2012 because of it.  The Colts completed their offensive draft mastery by stealing the 11th ranked QB in the draft, NIU QB Chandler Harnish, with the final pick in round seven.  Harnish could become a valuable NFL backup and insurance policy for Luck over the next five years.  A brilliant move to lock down the quarterback position for a long time.

While the offense is now in the hands of new OC Bruce Arians, the defense begins their switch to a 3-4 style with the addition of DT Josh Chapman and DE/OLB Tim Fugger, two high-motor players who will compete for starting jobs right away and provide talent to surround Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis in the front seven.

Indianapolis did draft a few project picks in the later rounds (T Justin Anderson, WR LaVon Brazill, RB Vick Ballard) who could end up becoming nice role players for the team, and ultimately I believe the Indianapolis Colts had the best draft of any team in the NFL.  Fans in Indy have much to be thankful for today, as their beloved Colts are in great shape for the next decade.

Cincinnati Bengals Fans – For years, despite a few solid playoff seasons mixed in, Bengals fans have basically lived in a world of despair.  They have an owner who seems to care less about the fans and the team on the field less than any other owner in any professional sport.  They have had to endure terrible draft picks by a slew of inept general managers and head coaches, they have sat back and watched as player after player flamed out once they put on the black and orange stripes.  Prior to last season, the team had dumped malcontent Quarterback Carson Palmer and his sidekick Chad OchoCinco.  They seemed to be headed into another dark Bengals era of losing as they transitioned to a rookie QB in Andy Dalton.  Despite a season in which they miraculously made the playoffs behind Dalton and WR sensation A.J. Green, Bengals fans stayed away from Paul Brown Stadium until the final weeks.  They missed the beginning of something special, and the ante got upped even further in the 2012 NFL Draft.  The Cincinnati Bengals raked in their second straight highly rated draft class, and this time they came away with no less than TEN possible impact players for Marvin Lewis and his talented coaching staff.

The Bengals kicked off their draft with two first-round picks, the second one the result of the scam they pulled on Oakland in the Carson Palmer deal last year.  They used their first pick on their biggest need, selecting CB Dre Kirkpatrick, a 6’1″ monster who will instantly become a starter in the defensive secondary for a defense that only got better as each week of the 2011 season passed by.  After trading down with their second first rounder (picking up the Patriots 3rd round pick in the process – more on that later) the Bengals drafted roadblock G Kevin Zeitler from Wisconsin.  Zeitler had a first-round grade, and is a plug and play guard who will be a starter from day one.  After stealing Penn State DE Devon Still in round two – a player who could excel in the Bengals diverse run-stopping schemes, they got the WR they desperately needed with their first third round pick.  WR Mohamed Sanu was one of the most polished players in the draft, having started for three seasons at Rutgers and excelled despite playing with three freshman quarterbacks during his time there.  He jumps in as another play maker on an offense sporting Pro Bowl WR A.J. Green and Pro Bowl TE Jermaine Gresham.  Cincinnati added another talented TE in round four by drafting Georgia TE Orson Charles, a 6’2 251 lb match-up nightmare who will add another dimension to the offense.

More?  How about DT Brandon Thompson of Clemson, a player who miraculously fell to the Bengals in round three when they used that pick from the Patriots to grab him.  Thompson is a future starter at DE for the Bengals after starting over 40 games in college.  Even more?  How about Boise State FS George IIoka, a massive safety who has the physical tools and attitude to become a new fan favorite in Cincinnati.  Not to mention the addition of Ohio State RB Dan Herron, who was one of the top five most prolific running backs in the country in 2011 and amazingly lasted into the seventh round, where the Bengals added the Ohio product.

Bengals fans have no reason to think that their team is not committed to winning any longer, as the franchise has now turned the corner from Cinderella story to legitimate AFC North contenders.  Time to buy those season ticket packages, Bengals fans.  Your team just turned Paul Brown Stadium into the place to be in 2012.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher

St. Louis Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – It has been all rainbows and cream cheese for Fisher since he was hired as the next head coach of the St. Louis Rams, a moribund franchise that never seems to be able to get out of their own way.  Enter Fisher, the former mayor of Titansville.   Despite losing his future defensive coordinator before even coaching a game, Fisher has been on fire since taking over the hot seat in St. Louis.  Luckily, he is in the right place to rebuild an NFL franchise.  The fans in St. Louis are currently going ga-ga over their hometown Blues run at the Stanley Cup, and the baseball Cardinals – the unquestioned champion of St. Louis sports – are defending their World Series title by streaking through the National League in 2012.  So quietly, Fisher has gone about his business of rebuilding the Rams, a team in distant third-place among fans hearts in their city.  He has been given the keys to the castle and was told, “go do your thing Mr. Mustache Man”.

And his THING is building winning football teams.  Fisher inherited a franchise QB in Sam Bradford, a franchise RB in Steven Jackson, a rock-solid DE in Chris Long, and little else.  He went out and brought in WR Steve Smith (the “other” Steve Smith) to start the process of providing weapons for Bradford.  Then came the 2012 NFL Draft.  The Rams held the #2 overall pick in the draft, which they traded to the Washington Redskins for the Skins 1st round pick in 2012 (#6), along with Washington’s NEXT two 1st round picks (2013 and 2014), and the Redskins second round pick this year (#39).  So with one quick trade, the Rams netted a future basket of draft picks that they can use to continue their rebuild all the way into 2014.

Fisher and the Rams weren’t done yet.  On draft day, they traded that #6 overall pick to Dallas for the #14 and #45 picks in the 2012 Draft.  So once the dust settled, Fisher had hauled in a final tally of:

- The 14th overall pick in the 2012 Draft

- The 45th overall pick in the 2012 Draft

- Washingtons 1st round pick in 2013

- Washingtons 1st round pick in 2014

All of that for simply moving down twelve slots in the 2012 Draft.  That, my pigskin obsessed readers, is the definition of highway robbery.

AND the Draft hadn’t even started yet!

Once the draft began, the Rams used their 14th overall pick to select DT Michael Brockers of LSU, the #2 DT on the board.  Brockers fills a major need for the Rams on the interior of the defensive line and will start immediately.  Fisher then went into the war room to find help for his franchise QB.  The Rams selected WR Brian Quick of Appalachian State, a 6’3 220 lb receiver that many have compared to a young Terrell Owens.  In the fourth round, Fisher found another weapon for Bradford in Wake Forest speedy WR Chris Givens.  Sandwiched in between the Quick and Givens picks were three more high-quality, need-filling selections.  CB Janoris Jenkins was a first-round talent who fell due to character issues.  Jeff Fisher is a master of getting the most out of every player, and he will ensure that Jenkins reaches his potential.  CB Trumaine Johnson of Montana is a HUGE CB who will play opposite Jenkins and become a true enforcer on the field for the Rams.  RB Isiah Pead from Cincinnati was a quickly-rising star up the draft board when the Rams selected him at #50.  Pead will come in and learn from one of the best in Jackson, as well as spell the veteran on passing downs with his ability to work in space and catch passes underneath from Bradford.  A true value pick and possibly the heir apparent to Jackson in the future, but for now the Rams have a solid 1-2 punch at RB.

In the fifth round, the Rams took OT Rokevious Watkins of South Carolina, a 6’4 338 lb lineman who will help plug a hole in the offensive line at either RT or RG.  The addition of K Greg Zuerlein will spell the end of the Josh Brown era in St.  Louis.  Zuerlein presets as a kicker who can split the uprights from anywhere in the field, and in the domes of the NFC West he will be even better.  LB Aaron Brown of Hawaii was picked in the seventh round and will become a special teams dynamo before possibly moving to inside linebacker in the future.

Jeff Fisher has completely turned around the fortunes of the St. Louis Rams in a short time, and the deals he pulled off over the past month ensure the Rams will be able to add at minimum two first-round talents per year through 2014, a wonderful trading chip to have for a coach who knows how to play this game as well as anyone in the league.

Fisher is a winner because he not only secured a player at EVERY position of need heading into this draft, but also set his team up to be a major player in the league for years to come.

South Beach's new Desperate Housewife

South Beach, Miami Dolphins Fans – yeah, the Dolphins got their man.  QB Ryan Tannehill is already having conversations about how the ceremony will go when they retire his number in a few years.  In the meantime, the big story is that Lauren Tannehill is taking her immense talents to South Beach for 2012.  The talk of the draft, the beautiful Lauren overshadowed her slightly”Magoo” QB husband with her amazing body and infectious smile.  Never has a players wife or girlfriend fit better into a city than Lauren Tannehill fits in South Beach.  Ryan may be the franchise QB the fish have been looking for since Dan Marino retired into a life full of Nutraslim commercials, but his wife has instantly become a star.  Lauren Tannehill was the top trending subject on Twitter for over 24 hours Thursday night and a quick Google search uncovers no less than 300 fan sites dedicated to Mrs. Tannehill.

Yes, South Beach is a winner in this contest.  They gained a franchise QB who was minimal experience and will be a major project, but while they wait out the time it takes to get Ryan into the Dolphins lineup, they have Lauren to keep them company on those lonely Florida nights.

Losers

The Seattle Seahawks – as if it wasn’t bad enough that Nike picked the Seabirds to be the guinea pig for the new generation of ugly Nike football uniforms, and now the team has to take the field in jerseys that even the XFL wouldn’t have tried to push through, but now the team is in shambles due to the inability of Head Coach Pete Carroll to use the NFL Draft to fill the many holes his team has.  In a division with the San Fransisco 49ers – the undisputed best team in the NFC West, along with the Rams and Cardinals, both teams who have a plan and are working towards getting better, the Seahawks have become something of an enigma out in the Pacific Northwest.

With a high 1st round pick and MANY positions of need, the Seahawks had an opportunity to secure a player that could give an identity to a franchise that sorely needs one.  Instead, Seattle made the most shocking 1st round move in years – selecting a universally ranked 3rd round situational pass rusher with the 15th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft.  OLB Bruce Irvin of West Virginia played in less than 30% of the plays for his team last season.  He is simply a situational player, with speed to rush the passer.  In order to develop Irvin into a 3-down NFL OLB, the Seahawks will need to spend no less than two full seasons prepping him and teaching him how to play the position.  That is ok if you come in as a 4th or 5th round pick, but as a 1st round pick, IMMEDIATE IMPACT should be tattooed across your forehead.  For a team that had massive holes at OL, DL, CB, and WR to select Irvin when such players as DE Melvin Ingram, DE Shea McClellin, DE Quinton Coples, DE Chandler Jones, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, WR Kendell Wright, and half a dozen 1st round grade offensive lineman were on the board was a blunder that could haunt this franchise for years.

The team signed free agent QB Matt Flynn to a massive multi-year contract to be their quarterback less than a month ago, and then drafted ZERO weapons for him in the draft.  The 3rd round pick of QB Russell Wilson was heralded as a great value pick, but it does nothing to help the team that will be on the field in 2012.  ILB Bobby Wagner of Utah State might turn out to be a nice player, but the shine was off already on OLB picks after the Irvin debacle.  The Seahawks had ten picks in the 2012 Draft and selected eight defensive players, none of them impact players who can start right away – besides Wagner, who may be forced into a starting role due to need.  The only offensive player drafted by Seattle that could contribute in 2012 is RB Robert Turbin of Utah State, a short-yardage type back who could spell RB Marshawn Lynch when he isn’t feeling “beast mode”.

This entire draft was terrible, and now Pete Carroll and his staff will be behind the eight ball trying to figure out a way to keep their new franchise QB Flynn upright all season.  With little offensive talent on the roster outside Lynch and WR Sidney Rice, the Seahawks better hope that they catch lightening in a bottle with some of these late round picks.  If not, I would imagine the career dissipation light for Pete Carroll will begin flashing sometime around week 8 of the 2012 season.

The Redskins started their own QB controversy by taking QB Kirk Cousins in round four.

Washington Redskins – OK, the Redskins mortgaged their future – in typical Dan Snyder fashion – to get their bread and butter player, QB Robert Griffin III.  RGIII is talented, personable, and will be a player that is talked about for years no matter what he accomplishes in the NFL.  He is a new breed of African-American QB – not just fast and athletic, but also a genuinely premier pocket-passer.  He will vie with Cam Newton for the cover of every pre-season magazine, the starring role in every TV commercial, and will be the face of the Washington Redskins for years to come.

So you would think the next goal would be to find him some help on a team that barely averaged 13.0 points per game in 2011.  Some WR, TE, or even a RB to take some of the strain off the young gunslinger as he begins his quest to become a star.

Nope.

Instead, the Redskins decided they would draft ANOTHER quarterback.  Yup, welcome to your new NFL career Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins.  Enjoy holding that clipboard and learning how to be an NFL quarterback from…….Rex Grossman?  The Redskins not only hut themselves by picking Cousins, they essentially ended a promising NFL career before it could start by drafting the 4th ranked QB on the board to be a BACK-UP and possible trade bait in a few years.

While Indianapolis spent their draft surrounding Andrew Luck with familiar faces and weapons in the passing game, Washington – after mortgaging their future to the Rams by trading both their 2013 and 2014 1st round picks for the right to draft RGIII – went another direction.  They loaded up on mid-round offensive linemen, a decent OLB (Keenan Robinson), and a slew of late-round cornerbacks.  The only help they could find Mr. Griffin III was a little-known RB out of Florida Atlantic University named Alfred Morris.  Morris will compete to be the 3rd down back to RB Roy Helu and try to unseat RB Evan Royster as the #2 RB on the depth chart.

If RGIII doesn’t pan out, the Redskins may have just regulated themselves to also-ran status for the next decade in a division that includes Dallas, Philadelphia, and the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants – all teams that are BETTER today than they were a year ago.  The pressure they have put on RGIII is immense, but at least he knows if he messes up he always has a top-rated backup QB looking over his shoulder – that should make him feel MUCH better,

The Mistake by the Lake

The City of Cleveland – We already know that Cleveland is a tough place to live.  Property values are at an all-time low, the city is rotting from the inside due to poverty in urban areas, and the job market is forcing young residents to move away.  Cleveland sports fans had endured so many heartbreaking moments – “The Drive”, “The Fumble”, Art Modell, The Indians, LeBron James, and who can forget poor Craig Ehlo.

The Browns have been nothing more than an afterthought since returning in 1999.  They have had two winning seasons since then, with one playoff appearance ending in a brutal loss to the Steelers in a game the Browns were up by 17 points at one point.  Tim Couch, Courtney Brown, William Green, Kellen Winslow Jr., Braylon Edwards, Kamerion Wimbley……..all 1st round picks for the Browns since their return, none reaching their potential.  Yes, Cleveland is the worst sports city around, but for some reason Browns fans still pack into the cleverly named Cleveland Browns Stadium each Sunday to watch their team lose game after game.

Fast forward to the 2012 NFL Draft.  The Browns make a move to draft the best running back on the board, Alabama RB Trent Richardson.  Things are looking up!  In the streets of Cleveland, they rejoice!  A few hours later, the Browns cap off the end of the Colt McCoy era by selecting a Quarterback who they think can lead their team to the promise land.  Unfortunately, that QB is 28 years old.  Let us put that in perspective for you:  At 28 years old, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had not only played in three AFC Championship games, he had WON two Super Bowl championships.  Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been to the playoffs in all four of his NFL seasons, and he is just 27.  Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers turns 28 this year, has won a Super Bowl, and still had enough time to sit on the bench, learning from future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre for three years before inheriting the starting role.

QB Brandon Weeden is 28 years old and will be a ROOKIE in 2012.  If he takes the usual development route of a rookie NFL quarterback and hits his stride in his third season, he will be 31 years old.  The average QB shelf life in the NFL is seven years.  Weeden is coming in from Oklahoma State, where he ran an offense that was built around throwing the ball 50+ times a game.  He will need to learn how to run a pro-style offense in one summer if he plans to start for the Browns in 2012.  Any way you slice it,for all of the good the Browns did with their Richardson pick – they undid it with the Weeden pick.

At least they brought in some more offensive play makers though, right?  Wrong.  Richardson will join the worst offense in football, with a rookie QB, and no additional help.  The Browns spent the rest of their eleven picks shoring up their defense and offensive line.  Project WR Travis Benjamin from Miami will ad another nameless face out there among Browns receivers.  The Browns did grab up some decent defensive talent though, stealing Boise State DT Billy Winn in the sixth round, and Texas OLB Emmanuel Acho directly before Winn.  Both should be immediate upgrades over the retreads the Browns sent out there in 2011.

Unfortunately, the Browns once again believe they need to “start over” on offense, and plan to do so with a 28 year old rookie QB over Colt McCoy, a player who played admirably in two seasons with virtually zero help.

Good luck Cleveland, Ohio.

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What could the Steelers really have in store for Sean Spence? Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Nine men were selected over the course of three days by the Pittsburgh Steelers.  And, though only time will tell how good this draft class will turn out, it stands with the potential of being one of the best – certainly the best in the Colbert era.  There is no doubt that these nine men have the skills – even the late rounders have beautiful intangibles – and it is now up to the coaches to groom these gentlemen into Pittsburgh Steelers.

‘Final’ is such a loose word to use so early in the new ear of Pittsburgh Steelers football.  So for the sake of this post, let’s just use the term ‘final’ with regards to how the weekend went for collecting wants, needs and potential.  Let’s give a quick breakdown of these players, grade each one, and then look to how these men will contribute come camp and beyond.

David DeCastro Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

OG David DeCastro, 24th overall: The Steelers largest need coming into this draft was at guard and tackle.  DeCastro practically fell into the Steelers’ lap.  He appeared almost like an ‘Ole!’ gloved line drive where the fielder looks into his glove and has that look of, ‘Holy crap look what I found!’  Colbert later stated that the team was willing to trade up for him.  Colbert and his genius must have known (even with all that movement on the board) that no team needed the best guard available in the draft.  They just sat back and let it happen.  DeCastro will be a plug and play lineman and add much needed skill, speed and youth to the line.

Grade: A+

Mike Adams Credit: Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE

OT Mike Adams, 56th overall: The Steelers went back to back offensive lineman for probably the first time in the history of the NFL Draft.  It became a clear message to Steeler Nation and Big Ben that this organization fully recognizes the desperate need for a better offensive line and was willing to commit to it in this year’s draft.  We are all sleeping better for it.  Adams is a big guy coming in at 6’7″ and 323 lbs.  But, there is question to his ability to start immediately for the offense.  Worse case scenario will have Adams, Colon and possibly Starks (should the team bring Ben’s favorite guy back) duke it out over the summer for a starting role on the line.  It’s a win win all around should Colon stay healthy long enough to get through that competition.  Drug history aside, Adams appears committed to improving his character and sought out the team on his own terms prior to the draft – which I think takes guts after the news of his recreational drug use became public knowledge.

Grade: B+

LB Sean Spence, 86th overall: The Steelers moved to the defensive side of the ball with their third pick.  But, surprisingly, instead of snagging a few DT’s still left on the board, they went with a natural OLB.  ’OLB?!’ you say?  It’s true that the ‘real’ need was at ILB with the release of James Farrior.  Spence has only played one game at ILB while at Miami.  Mayock from NFL Network said Spence is one of his favorite players (aren’t they all?) and even acknowledged that Spence would probably have to play the outside.  So what gives?  LB’s coach, Keith Butler, clarified this pick later that day by stating that Larry Foote is ‘ready’ to fill in for Farrior – at least positionally.  Timmons will stay to the inside and Spence will start by backing Timmons up and play on special teams.  Of course no defensive rookie ever has a true starting role on the Steelers roster due to the complexity of Dicky’s defensive scheme.  Spence should have plenty of time to grow into that ILB role should Timmons and Foote stay healthy long enough.  I have another theory on Spence that I will delve into later.  But I think the Steelers also picked him up for another role on the defense…. think long flowing curly locks.

Grade: B+

Alameda Ta'Amu

DT Alameda Ta’Amu, 109th overall: The Steelers made a jump at the start of the day in the 4th Round to jump 10 spots in order to nab this beast of a nose tackle.  It was a necessary move, and they only gave their 6th Rounder for it.  The team could not afford to wait out like they did with DeCastro in the 1st round.  There were only a few left on the board worth any value, and Colbert recognized Ta’Amu’s full potential to be the cookie cut replacement for injured and aging Casey ‘Big Snack’ Hampton.  Should Hampton not be ready to play at the start of the season, Ta’Amu will fill an immediate need without the defensive line having to do any more shuffling than they already have to do with Hoke retiring and Smith being released.  He was a favorite for our draft guru’s, Dom and Jeff, and I like this pick a lot as well.  He will become another NT that won’t garner a ton of stats, but will simply eat two blockers off the line to make lanes for our blitzing LB’s and Safeties.

Grade: A

The rest of the picks on the next page.

Steelers 5th Round Pick, RB Chris Rainey

The Steelers addressed their running back situation in the 5th round today by selecting RB Chris Rainey of the Florida Gators.

Rainey played the Percy Harvin role at Florida; running back, slot receiver, punt/kick returner.  His speed is considered his greatest weapon. He is listed at 5’8″ 180 lbs.

From NFL.com:

DT Alameda Ta'amu, Washington

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in Round Four to get their man – and what a BIG man he is!

As predicted by the staff here at NPC during our 2012 NFL Draft Coverage, the Steelers found their heir apparent to NT Casey Hampton by selecting University of Washington NT Alameda Ta’amu in the 4th round.  The team gave up a 6th round pick for the right to move up ten spots to select Ta’amu, who many had pegged as a 2nd or 3rd round talent.

From NFL.com: