Armsteeld Final Steelers '2023 Mock Draft

[armsteeld]

I've banged my head around trying to think of the Steelers strengths and weaknesses as a team. We have solid to all pro starters at every position. Here's how I feel the roster can become better. Some positions will be ignored that many feel we need upgraded but I'm confident in those players at said positions. Let's get it on, baby!

Rd1. CB Emmanuel Forbes 6'1 170 4.35

Emmanuel Forbes is a game-changing CB who becomes a legit WR when the ball is thrown near him. He's Devonte Smith playing defense as he dominates despite being a smaller framed guy. The CB position isn't about size but rather providing good coverage and creating turnovers. He does that in bunches. In 3 seasons, Forbes has 150 tackles, 14 interceptions, 20 pass breakups along with 6 interceptions for Touchdowns. He's made a whopping 34 plays where he batted or intercepted the football. That's is causing chaos against opposing offense. Steelers currently have a similar sized player at CB in Levi Wallace who is 6'0 179 but lacks the pedigree and athleticism that Emmanuel Forbes has.

 

Rd2. DT Calijah Kancey 6'1 281 4.67

Interior pass rush specialist. Rotational run defender. Steelers like to put pressure on the QB with their front four defenders. TJ, Alex, and Cam are forces along the defensive front but adding a chess piece like Kancey is what makes your defense elite. Which defender can you slide protection to or double team in passing situations? That handicaps an offense then you have Peters, Kazee, Fitzpatrick, Forbes, and other opportunistic defenders ready to create turnovers. Strange but true facts: Kancey hasn't had any draft visits. He said it himself during an NFL Network interview. 

 

Rd2. TE Darnell Washington 6'7 264

I like how diverse adding an athlete like Darnell Washington to the TE room makes the offense. It creates mismatches that Gentry just can't offer. It also brings more purposeful physicality to the group. Remember that Pat Freiermuth sustained 2 concussions and a knee injury (didn't require surgery) last season. Gentry re-signed but he's a depth piece and Heyward will be the Fullback since Watt hasn't been re-signed. Washington will be TE2 from day 1.

 

Rd3. WR Jonathan Mingo 6'1 226 4.46

Why WR and why so early? Steelers are depending on 3 WRs returning from lower body injuries last season to battle for the Slot WR position. I like all three guys but decided to spice it up even more with Mingo. Mingo is battle tested WR who is the size of Le'Veon Bell with the speed of Martavis Bryant. He will be a force going up against smaller CBs and slower Safeties in the Slot. He can also play the outside receiver spots with no difficulties. Mingo is a strong RAC guy that the Steelers like in the Slot. Mingo should be high on their board come draft time.

 

Rd4. DE Karl Brooks 6'3 303 5.09

Interesting player as he played everywhere from standing up DE in a 2 point stance to 3 Tech. I see him as a 5 Tech who plays DT in our Nickel defense. Brooks has a strong get off with powerful and violent hands. He's an agile defender who fits the current mold of what the Steelers are drafting/signing along their defensive line. Steelers signed Fehoko, Watts, and Leal. I can see Brooks making an impact in his rookie season.

 

Rd7. C/G Chandler Zavala 6'3 322 5.01

The Steelers signed Seumalo and Herbig as Guards. They also have starters  James Daniels and Kevin Dotson. All 4 are capable of playing Center. Chandler Zavala is a powerful James Daniels clone. Same size with same strengths with the ability to play all over the interior of the offensive line. He will compete from day 1 for a helmet on game days.

 

Rd7. CB Memphis Blackmon 5'11 178 4.47

Sticky in coverage slender build but willing tackler. Sounds like the player from the first round that I drafted, right? Blackmon has the IQ and athleticism to play in the Slot or stay on the boundary or field side as a CB. The Steelers have only 1 CB signed for 2024 and that is Patrick Peterson. I expect them to add 2 CBs in this draft class. Blackmon will challenge for playing time from day 1 and contribute on STs. His competitive nature and ball skills will make this an interesting CB group.

 

 

This concludes my final draft less than a week before the real thing. I chose my players not only for 2023 but beyond it. Some positions may seem like overkill but 2024 will be another mass exodus of players leaving and their contracts are structured that way. Omar Khan has a vision and the front office has brought in some interesting players. They haven't signed one player that I can say "What are they thinking?". As usual, I look forward to debating some of these selections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MOSteelers56]

Great post! Well thought out mock. 

Forbes - May be a tad of a reach, but I think the back half of the first is going to be full of a lot of “reaches.” There’s a possibility that the best OT we can get at 17 is Dawand Jones, and that’s not a good idea. Forbes has everything a team needs in a CB, just needs some weight. 

Cancey - I agree with the thought, just not the player. I like Adetomiwa Adebawore from Northwestern a bit better. Cancey’s arms are so short it really worries me. 

Washington and Mingo, I love. Move Heyward to FB, I love. I think the Robinson trade probably made both of these guys unlikely, unless we trade Diontae. Regardless, I’d love to add the physicality that these guys both bring. 

Karl Brooks is a stud. He’d fit right into the d-line we’re building(and that you’ve added to with Cancey). Just wave after wave of different types of 3-techs getting after it is an interesting proposition. 

Zavala and Blackman, I don’t know anything about. I like the idea behind the picks, though. 

[3rivers]

5 hours ago, MOSteelers56 said:

Great post! Well thought out mock. 

Forbes - May be a tad of a reach, but I think the back half of the first is going to be full of a lot of “reaches.” There’s a possibility that the best OT we can get at 17 is Dawand Jones, and that’s not a good idea. Forbes has everything a team needs in a CB, just needs some weight. 

Cancey - I agree with the thought, just not the player. I like Adetomiwa Adebawore from Northwestern a bit better. Cancey’s arms are so short it really worries me. 

Washington and Mingo, I love. Move Heyward to FB, I love. I think the Robinson trade probably made both of these guys unlikely, unless we trade Diontae. Regardless, I’d love to add the physicality that these guys both bring. 

Karl Brooks is a stud. He’d fit right into the d-line we’re building(and that you’ve added to with Cancey). Just wave after wave of different types of 3-techs getting after it is an interesting proposition. 

Zavala and Blackman, I don’t know anything about. I like the idea behind the picks, though. 

I know most mocks I have done , Forbes is a bit of a risk to get early RD2, usually can but a risk. Why risk though? Just get the players you want even if a bit earlier. It's not like reaching from RD up to 1  then having a coach/ FO that makes the team keep the player for 4 years no questions asked.

Adebawore is under the radar  in a sense.  He could play inside and out, so versatility should have him rise on draft boards but seems to be there in  mid RD2 most of the time.  

@armsteeld, why not OT or a trade down to get a pick for an OT? Are we winning a trade with the jets for Becton ? 

agree with the mock in that Washington and Mingo could elevate the offence in both run and pass.  Plus it adds depth in case Muth gets hurt , concussion.  Mingo could share slot snaps with A-Rob 

[armsteeld]

 

[armsteeld]

53 minutes ago, 3rivers said:

I know most mocks I have done , Forbes is a bit of a risk to get early RD2, usually can but a risk. Why risk though? Just get the players you want even if a bit earlier. It's not like reaching from RD up to 1  then having a coach/ FO that makes the team keep the player for 4 years no questions asked.

Adebawore is under the radar  in a sense.  He could play inside and out, so versatility should have him rise on draft boards but seems to be there in  mid RD2 most of the time.  

@armsteeld, why not OT or a trade down to get a pick for an OT? Are we winning a trade with the jets for Becton ? 

agree with the mock in that Washington and Mingo could elevate the offence in both run and pass.  Plus it adds depth in case Muth gets hurt , concussion.  Mingo could share slot snaps with A-Rob 

I look at our current starting OTs and then compare them to who is in the draft and return on investment isn't worth it. Dan Moore as a 3rd year starter is better than any rookie in the draft. Moore plays well against the starting defenders but will have lapses at times against inferior talent. All these guys in the draft have too many flaws. I want nothing to do with Becton. He's still unproven. 

[Chieferific]

9 hours ago, armsteeld said:

I've banged my head around trying to think of the Steelers strengths and weaknesses as a team. We have solid to all pro starters at every position. Here's how I feel the roster can become better. Some positions will be ignored that many feel we need upgraded but I'm confident in those players at said positions. Let's get it on, baby!

Rd1. CB Emmanuel Forbes 6'1 170 4.35

Emmanuel Forbes is a game-changing CB who becomes a legit WR when the ball is thrown near him. He's Devonte Smith playing defense as he dominates despite being a smaller framed guy. The CB position isn't about size but rather providing good coverage and creating turnovers. He does that in bunches. In 3 seasons, Forbes has 150 tackles, 14 interceptions, 20 pass breakups along with 6 interceptions for Touchdowns. He's made a whopping 34 plays where he batted or intercepted the football. That's is causing chaos against opposing offense. Steelers currently have a similar sized player at CB in Levi Wallace who is 6'0 179 but lacks the pedigree and athleticism that Emmanuel Forbes has.

 

Rd2. DT Calijah Kancey 6'1 281 4.67

Interior pass rush specialist. Rotational run defender. Steelers like to put pressure on the QB with their front four defenders. TJ, Alex, and Cam are forces along the defensive front but adding a chess piece like Kancey is what makes your defense elite. Which defender can you slide protection to or double team in passing situations? That handicaps an offense then you have Peters, Kazee, Fitzpatrick, Forbes, and other opportunistic defenders ready to create turnovers. Strange but true facts: Kancey hasn't had any draft visits. He said it himself during an NFL Network interview. 

 

Rd2. TE Darnell Washington 6'7 264

I like how diverse adding an athlete like Darnell Washington to the TE room makes the offense. It creates mismatches that Gentry just can't offer. It also brings more purposeful physicality to the group. Remember that Pat Freiermuth sustained 2 concussions and a knee injury (didn't require surgery) last season. Gentry re-signed but he's a depth piece and Heyward will be the Fullback since Watt hasn't been re-signed. Washington will be TE2 from day 1.

 

Rd3. WR Jonathan Mingo 6'1 226 4.46

Why WR and why so early? Steelers are depending on 3 WRs returning from lower body injuries last season to battle for the Slot WR position. I like all three guys but decided to spice it up even more with Mingo. Mingo is battle tested WR who is the size of Le'Veon Bell with the speed of Martavis Bryant. He will be a force going up against smaller CBs and slower Safeties in the Slot. He can also play the outside receiver spots with no difficulties. Mingo is a strong RAC guy that the Steelers like in the Slot. Mingo should be high on their board come draft time.

 

Rd4. DE Karl Brooks 6'3 303 5.09

Interesting player as he played everywhere from standing up DE in a 2 point stance to 3 Tech. I see him as a 5 Tech who plays DT in our Nickel defense. Brooks has a strong get off with powerful and violent hands. He's an agile defender who fits the current mold of what the Steelers are drafting/signing along their defensive line. Steelers signed Fehoko, Watts, and Leal. I can see Brooks making an impact in his rookie season.

 

Rd7. C/G Chandler Zavala 6'3 322 5.01

The Steelers signed Seumalo and Herbig as Guards. They also have starters  James Daniels and Kevin Dotson. All 4 are capable of playing Center. Chandler Zavala is a powerful James Daniels clone. Same size with same strengths with the ability to play all over the interior of the offensive line. He will compete from day 1 for a helmet on game days.

 

Rd7. CB Memphis Blackmon 5'11 178 4.47

Sticky in coverage slender build but willing tackler. Sounds like the player from the first round that I drafted, right? Blackmon has the IQ and athleticism to play in the Slot or stay on the boundary or field side as a CB. The Steelers have only 1 CB signed for 2024 and that is Patrick Peterson. I expect them to add 2 CBs in this draft class. Blackmon will challenge for playing time from day 1 and contribute on STs. His competitive nature and ball skills will make this an interesting CB group.

 

 

This concludes my final draft less than a week before the real thing. I chose my players not only for 2023 but beyond it. Some positions may seem like overkill but 2024 will be another mass exodus of players leaving and their contracts are structured that way. Omar Khan has a vision and the front office has brought in some interesting players. They haven't signed one player that I can say "What are they thinking?". As usual, I look forward to debating some of these selections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I guessed all but the last 2 and Kancey 😛 (tho i know you like him).  I'd feel pretty good about this haul, but I have concerns regarding our ILB and SS spots. 

[armsteeld]

1 hour ago, Chieferific said:

I guessed all but the last 2 and Kancey 😛 (tho i know you like him).  I'd feel pretty good about this haul, but I have concerns regarding our ILB and SS spots. 

I just looked at the depth, injury history, length of contracts, and tried to think about this season and the next. 

Coach Tomlin has been saying the Strong and Free Safety positions are basically the same. He's not big on designations of roles within the position and that players should be able to play near and away from the LoS. With all the motions team now use and depending on what you call, those traditional roles can be compromised.

ILBs on the team now:

Elandon Roberts- starter

Cole Holcomb- starter

Mark Robinson - challenger

Tar Crowder- challenger

Tanner Muse- Special Teams

Those are 5 athletic fast LBs who like to hit. Cover-wise we will see but looking at the draft and the consensus top rated ILBs in Campbell, Simpson, Henley, and Sanders all lack that physicality to take on and get off blocks. Campbell's size has many people envisioning he's a super physical prospect like Hightower or Edmunds but he's closer to Zack Cunningham. I like the later round ILBs but most of them aren't an upgrade over what we currently have.

I like our Safety depth but I'm cool with adding another player to the roster via the draft. 

Minkah Fitzpatrick - top 3 Safety

Damontae Kazee - solid starter

Keanu Neal- challenger/dime back

Kenny Robinson - ST

Elijah Riley- ST

Duke Dawson - ST

[3rivers]

2 hours ago, armsteeld said:

I look at our current starting OTs and then compare them to who is in the draft and return on investment isn't worth it. Dan Moore as a 3rd year starter is better than any rookie in the draft. Moore plays well against the starting defenders but will have lapses at times against inferior talent. All these guys in the draft have too many flaws. I want nothing to do with Becton. He's still unproven. 

nice stat on Blackmon regarding rating for zone and man, seems like a good fit for us.  Moore improved and I thought if they put Broderick in there day 1, there could be problems in pass pro, so much for the Pickett fence?  Wright would be the OT that should be an improvement  but others out there will draft him before us I am expecting.  Now what if Moore continues to progress as he did last year? Thats what I am waiting to see because there is a chance he does. The lapses though, I don't know why it happens.

I'm expecting some problems in pass pro in the NFL early in their career for Skoronski and Broderick, something to observe this season.  It's the nFL, the best of the best, so the rookies will find out. 

What's your take on the  positions offer the best value in this draft?

It appears to me CB, C , and S are good , and we need all of them, so it's a great draft for us but we are lacking picks currently . TE is said to be a good class but will they take one early considering lack of playing time?  Maybe more 2TE with Muth  could be in the making.  

[Big Snack]

Solid thought out draft and strategy even though I'm not a fan of the top 2 picks.

I love Forbes skill set but 166 is very concerning. The challenge of finding a pro bowl level player that weighs under 170 is real. I'm sure he can put on some weight but his weight puts him at a disadvantage if people want to admit it or not.

Kancey has a physical liability as well.  Some are dropping or limiting skoronski to just guard because of his "t-rex" arms. Kanceys are 2 inches shorter. Once again I challenge anyone to find me a player that plays o line or d line that has arms his length that has made a pro bowl.

That makes our top 2 picks players with a physical trait that put them in the bottom 1% of that category for their position. I like to gamble as much as the next but them odds aren't great.

[3rivers]

Consider Adetomiwa Adebawore as an alternate for Kancey. Versatile along the line, and will go later than Kancey

19 minutes ago, Big Snack said:

That makes our top 2 picks players with a physical trait that put them in the bottom 1% of that category for their position. I like to gamble as much as the next but them odds aren't great.

Forbes will prove everyone wrong IMO. He will make the tackles, but just not as violently as others.  Press vs top tier big WR's could be a challenge though.

 

also, just watched a clip and the guy claimed Cam Smith had some red flags, anyone know how serious that is?

[armsteeld]

1 hour ago, 3rivers said:

nice stat on Blackmon regarding rating for zone and man, seems like a good fit for us.  Moore improved and I thought if they put Broderick in there day 1, there could be problems in pass pro, so much for the Pickett fence?  Wright would be the OT that should be an improvement  but others out there will draft him before us I am expecting.  Now what if Moore continues to progress as he did last year? Thats what I am waiting to see because there is a chance he does. The lapses though, I don't know why it happens.

I'm expecting some problems in pass pro in the NFL early in their career for Skoronski and Broderick, something to observe this season.  It's the nFL, the best of the best, so the rookies will find out. 

What's your take on the  positions offer the best value in this draft?

It appears to me CB, C , and S are good , and we need all of them, so it's a great draft for us but we are lacking picks currently . TE is said to be a good class but will they take one early considering lack of playing time?  Maybe more 2TE with Muth  could be in the making.  

Steelers used 12 personnel (2TEs) 16% of the time in 2022 season but that was mostly due to Gentry being JaG who didn't offer anything except for size. 

I see Moore only getting better. I wasn't a fan when we drafted him as i kiked his teammate better but he has grown on me. He's a powerful player who just needs to continue developing.

Positions that offer the best value would be DE or 3-4 OLBs & CBs. Both classes are deep with quality players of all sizes and skill sets.

[armsteeld]

53 minutes ago, Big Snack said:

Solid thought out draft and strategy even though I'm not a fan of the top 2 picks.

I love Forbes skill set but 166 is very concerning. The challenge of finding a pro bowl level player that weighs under 170 is real. I'm sure he can put on some weight but his weight puts him at a disadvantage if people want to admit it or not.

Kancey has a physical liability as well.  Some are dropping or limiting skoronski to just guard because of his "t-rex" arms. Kanceys are 2 inches shorter. Once again I challenge anyone to find me a player that plays o line or d line that has arms his length that has made a pro bowl.

That makes our top 2 picks players with a physical trait that put them in the bottom 1% of that category for their position. I like to gamble as much as the next but them odds aren't great.

Forbes weighed 170 at his pro day. I see no reason why he isn't weighing 175 or more during the season. To your point tho, Forbes is a dominant player at 166-170 so imagine him being 185-190 in the next 2-3 seasons. Dude has superstar potential.

Regarding short arms, I looked for a while but couldn't find any. That being said, have you ever seen an OL block with his hands fully outstretched? Yes they can punch but shorter arms normally means they redirect faster to fight off that initial blow.

[warfelg]

23 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Rd1. CB Emmanuel Forbes 6'1 170 4.35

Emmanuel Forbes is a game-changing CB who becomes a legit WR when the ball is thrown near him. He's Devonte Smith playing defense as he dominates despite being a smaller framed guy. The CB position isn't about size but rather providing good coverage and creating turnovers. He does that in bunches. In 3 seasons, Forbes has 150 tackles, 14 interceptions, 20 pass breakups along with 6 interceptions for Touchdowns. He's made a whopping 34 plays where he batted or intercepted the football. That's is causing chaos against opposing offense. Steelers currently have a similar sized player at CB in Levi Wallace who is 6'0 179 but lacks the pedigree and athleticism that Emmanuel Forbes has.

This is very rich for me despite loving him.  Not taking him at 17.  If you can get back to mid-20’s and take him and back that up with a bigger guy later I’d be for that.

23 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Rd2. DT Calijah Kancey 6'1 281 4.67

Interior pass rush specialist. Rotational run defender. Steelers like to put pressure on the QB with their front four defenders. TJ, Alex, and Cam are forces along the defensive front but adding a chess piece like Kancey is what makes your defense elite. Which defender can you slide protection to or double team in passing situations? That handicaps an offense then you have Peters, Kazee, Fitzpatrick, Forbes, and other opportunistic defenders ready to create turnovers. Strange but true facts: Kancey hasn't had any draft visits. He said it himself during an NFL Network interview. 

I really have come around on the idea of him in there.  I know there’s been a lot of freak about about his size, his lack of fit, and so on.  What if you went “small nose” with him.  Put Big F or Adams at the DE positions and have them eat blockers.  Now Kancey is 1-on-1 inside with a C who will struggle to contain him.  Or put Kancey on the outside, Heyward and Ogunjobi on the inside and Watt on the other side.

23 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Rd2. TE Darnell Washington 6'7 264

I like how diverse adding an athlete like Darnell Washington to the TE room makes the offense. It creates mismatches that Gentry just can't offer. It also brings more purposeful physicality to the group. Remember that Pat Freiermuth sustained 2 concussions and a knee injury (didn't require surgery) last season. Gentry re-signed but he's a depth piece and Heyward will be the Fullback since Watt hasn't been re-signed. Washington will be TE2 from day 1.

I know we’re 100% lockstep here.  Tired of seeing Canada as the reason to not do it.

23 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Rd3. WR Jonathan Mingo 6'1 226 4.46

Why WR and why so early? Steelers are depending on 3 WRs returning from lower body injuries last season to battle for the Slot WR position. I like all three guys but decided to spice it up even more with Mingo. Mingo is battle tested WR who is the size of Le'Veon Bell with the speed of Martavis Bryant. He will be a force going up against smaller CBs and slower Safeties in the Slot. He can also play the outside receiver spots with no difficulties. Mingo is a strong RAC guy that the Steelers like in the Slot. Mingo should be high on their board come draft time.

I assume you did this pre-Robinson trade?  Otherwise it feels like we’re using the 3rd on a guy that wouldn’t see the field much in year one, which would mean you hope he’s playing ST’s in year one to see the field.  

 

23 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Rd4. DE Karl Brooks 6'3 303 5.09

Interesting player as he played everywhere from standing up DE in a 2 point stance to 3 Tech. I see him as a 5 Tech who plays DT in our Nickel defense. Brooks has a strong get off with powerful and violent hands. He's an agile defender who fits the current mold of what the Steelers are drafting/signing along their defensive line. Steelers signed Fehoko, Watts, and Leal. I can see Brooks making an impact in his rookie season.

Yup.  Mhmmm.  100% in on him.

23 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Rd7. C/G Chandler Zavala 6'3 322 5.01

The Steelers signed Seumalo and Herbig as Guards. They also have starters  James Daniels and Kevin Dotson. All 4 are capable of playing Center. Chandler Zavala is a powerful James Daniels clone. Same size with same strengths with the ability to play all over the interior of the offensive line. He will compete from day 1 for a helmet on game days.

Need to do some study on him. Sounds promising and looks good on your video.

23 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Rd7. CB Memphis Blackmon 5'11 178 4.47

Sticky in coverage slender build but willing tackler. Sounds like the player from the first round that I drafted, right? Blackmon has the IQ and athleticism to play in the Slot or stay on the boundary or field side as a CB. The Steelers have only 1 CB signed for 2024 and that is Patrick Peterson. I expect them to add 2 CBs in this draft class. Blackmon will challenge for playing time from day 1 and contribute on STs. His competitive nature and ball skills will make this an interesting CB group.

He’s gonna be a sleeper for sure, but not sure he makes it here.  I think he’s a 6th rounder.

13 hours ago, armsteeld said:

I look at our current starting OTs and then compare them to who is in the draft and return on investment isn't worth it. Dan Moore as a 3rd year starter is better than any rookie in the draft. Moore plays well against the starting defenders but will have lapses at times against inferior talent. All these guys in the draft have too many flaws. I want nothing to do with Becton. He's still unproven. 

This is a spot where I got to disagree with you.  Dan Moore is a better starter than any rookie without coaching right now.  But I think Moore is also at his ceiling (or close to it).  All of these OT’s floor IMO is above average OG.  17 isn’t a bad spot to take a tackle upside, top end guard downside OL player.  I’m perfectly fine taking a guy with flaws - you just need to know from your end that the flaws you are taking the risk on is a set of flaws you know you’ve helped guys through.

[armsteeld]

@warfelg I selected Jonathan Mingo for a couple reasons:

Returning from injuries to the top 3 Slot options- Robinson, Miller, and Austin

Big body combat catcher

Mingo is solid playing outside

Excellent blocker at receiver

[3rivers]

11 hours ago, armsteeld said:

Forbes weighed 170 at his pro day. I see no reason why he isn't weighing 175 or more during the season. To your point tho, Forbes is a dominant player at 166-170 so imagine him being 185-190 in the next 2-3 seasons. Dude has superstar potential.

Regarding short arms, I looked for a while but couldn't find any. That being said, have you ever seen an OL block with his hands fully outstretched? Yes they can punch but shorter arms normally means they redirect faster to fight off that initial blow.

I actually initially thought Forbes  lost some weight to run a faster 40 . All potential tactics aside,  the tape speaks for itself about the game of football.  Not every CB can be tall , heavy, fast and have the skill, usually some of those traits are off a bit.  Remove our perception of all that and just watch the football ability, then get an idea of the player's skill without the distractions  mentioned . One problem that could be on going is if they ask him to press the top tier 220LB type receivers, he might not be able to that well.  Banks probably will , but thats about it. Porter has the longer arms but time will tell if he has the strength to do press vs top tier bigger WR's. 

1 hour ago, armsteeld said:

@warfelg I selected Jonathan Mingo for a couple reasons:

Returning from injuries to the top 3 Slot options- Robinson, Miller, and Austin

Big body combat catcher

Mingo is solid playing outside

Excellent blocker at receiver

Injuries  have a history with the 3 we have.  Mingo or whoever gets drafted might get more snaps than expected and here again , depth is crucial.  If they all stay healthy, this will be more than enough weapons for KP, then add a much better OL and run game, we can see where this is going