Happy Friday and Happy 420 day to all of yinz.
31 years ago today my wife and I started dating and we have been together pretty much ever since as we moved in together not too long after that. That’s a long damn time and I think she deserves a medal or trophy of some sorts.
Well, I spent quite a bit of time in some doctor offices this past week and am not done. I have an MRA scheduled to see if I have an aneurysm for starters. Additionally, I have what will be my third colonoscopy scheduled. If that’s not enough, I had a biopsy of my inner cheek done on Thursday to see if I have mouth cancer. I am only 50, so if I can get 20 more years out of my body it might be a miracle.
The 2018 NFL Draft is almost here and I am so ready for it. I’m ready to start digging deeper into the players the Pittsburgh Steelers draft in addition to this year’s crop of undrafted players that they sign. That should keep us busy for the entire month of May and then we will be roughly 60 days away from training camp starting.
As usual, I have five questions for yinz to answer on this Friday night while you watch the hockey and baseball games and hopefully several participate.
Have a great weekend and peace and love to all of yinz!
1 – With less than a week to go before the 2018 NFL Draft gets underway, can you name one player that you’re very excited about the Steelers potentially drafting at 28 overall? I know I can’t.
2 – James Harrison announced his retirement from the NFL this past week. There are still strong feelings about both his and the team’s handling of him last season, but with that said, where would you rank him as an all-time Steelers defensive player and where would you rank Joey Porter?
3 – Should the Steelers be looking for more of a strong safety type or free safety type in this year’s draft?
4 – Rank the AFC West teams from toughest to easiest as the Steelers will play all four in 2018: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders
5 – Will Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin be selected somewhere within the first three-rounds of this year’s draft?
Recap of Post 2018 Pro Days Steelers Friday Night Five Questions
Question 1 – D.J. Chark won a plurality with 42% of the vote. His supporters liked his size and speed comparing him to an MB 2.0. There were some questions about his hands. James Washington was next at 35%. Deep ball threat and ability to shield the ball on his routes were main assets. Christian Kirk got a lot of praise but was only selected by 23%. Folks like his route running; ability to return kicks and see him as ready to plug & play at the slot. All three were in Gil Brandt’s Hot 150 draft prospects. Kirk at # 37; Chark at # 46 & Washington at # 75.
Question 2 – Team Leighton Vander Esch 45%. Team Rashaan Evans 27%. Team Neither 21% and Team Both 6%. Gil Brandt has Vander Esch ranked # 17 overall. Unless there is some credibility to the injury rumors he will likely be off the board by the time the Steelers pick. Brandt has Evans ranked # 28 which happens to be the Steelers draft position. As Arte Johnson would say, “very interesting.”
Question 3 – 48% believe that either Justin Reid or Jesse Bates III but not both will be draftd in the 1st round. Most seemed to give the edge to Reid. 45% believe neither would be drafted in 1st round. Gil Brandt only has three safeties ranked ahead of them: Minkah Fitzpatrick #10; Derwin James # 14; Ronnie Harrison # 48; Justin Reid # 49 and Jessie Bates III # 52. Would picking Ronnie Harrison in the first round be a reach if he were available?
Question 4 – A clear 88% said they do not like the new NCAA fair catch on kickoffs rule. Several folks stated just do away with the kickoff if it is going to be tinkered with like that.
Question 5 – The consensus was that Dez Bryant would sign with either the Redskins (13) or the Ravens (12). The 49ers (8) was the next closest. 16 other teams had 1-4 mentions. The New York Giants just cut Brandon Marshall ….
