Steelers Select Mike Adams in Second Round

By steelerguy26
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Updated: April 28, 2012

Mike Adams Slide Benefits the Pittsburgh Steelers O-Line in the NFL Draft

Six years ago, the Steelers used a first-round pick with a former Ohio State player with some off-field red flags. In 2012, they’re doing it again in round two.

The Steelers have selected tackle Mike Adams with the 56th overall selection.

That gives the Steelers two new offensive lineman in the first two rounds. On Thursday, the Steelers took Stanford guard David DeCastro.

Adams reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the Scouting Combine. Former Ohio State receiver Santonio Holmes had enough marijuana-related incidents in the NFL to ultimately receive a four-game suspension.

Still, Adams plays a position of significant need, especially if the goal is to reduce the amount of time quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spends running for his life.

Adams’ scouting reports make clear the vast distance between his ceiling and his floor.

Positives:

Has long arms, big hands and outstanding body length to match up against size — contained Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt (a 2011 first-round pick of the Houston Texans) as a junior. Can get positioning in the run game and walls off defenders. Sets quickly in pass protection, keeps his shoulders square and can stop a charge. Controlled mover – plays with balance and is patient in pass protection.

Mike Adams to Steelers: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Mike Adams showed he could be an NFL quality offensive tackle at Ohio State, but his career was pockmarked by injuries and suspensions. Foot, knee and shoulder issues caused him to miss time in 2008 and 2009, and he was suspended for multiple games for violating team and NCAA rules in 2009 and 2011.

When he was on the field, Adams’ big frame and good feet earned him first-team Big Ten honors in 2010 and second-team honors in 2011. Jason La Canfora of NFL.com reported that Adams tested positive for marijuana at the NFL combine, but that he might not be hurt too much by it because he has been proactive about dealing with the result.

Negatives:

Plays too upright and struggles with quickness. Does not strike with power and tends to plod. Not agile at the second level. Too inconsistent. Struggled to handle the power of Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 first-rounder Adrian Clayborn and tenacity of Washington Redskins 2011 first-rounder Ryan Kerrigan as a junior. Has battled injuries throughout career. Very spotty play history. Soft-tempered. Came off as very immature and low-burn in the interview process. Questionable mental toughness. Has been pampered and is not wired with a trench mentality. Not passionate about the game. Bench-pressed 225 pounds only 19 times at the Combine and body does not look NFL-conditioned. Too easily distracted and has multiple off-field issues that already have eliminated him from consideration on some NFL draft boards.

Summary:

Generated a buzz at the Senior Bowl because of his giant stature and ability to match up well in pass protection. However, he lacks the mental makeup, toughness and consistency desired on the front lines and has clear bust potential.

Mike Adams is probably not ready for the NFL’s speed rushers, or the pass-rushers that can keep him off-balance with a variety of moves and strategies. He’ll need to be more consistent, intense and durable to break into the starting lineup.

He could be a very good starting tackle for a long time if he works on those issues. Players with his natural size and movement skills are rare, and he’ll get a few chances to fail before a team gives up on him.

Pick Analysis

There’s a reason the Steelers are a perennial contender, and it’s making prudent choices like this in the draft. Coupled with the first-round selection of David DeCastro, the Steelers now have a young, fortified front to protect Big Ben.

This pick was mocked as the Steelers 1st round selection on many boards, so to get him in the second round the Steelers O-line just got much, much better and the luck of the draft has gone Pittsburgh way to this point. We love this pick but let us know your thoughts by posting your thoughts in the comment section below.

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steelerguy26

Editor & Chief at Kree Kreative

The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at info[@]pittsburgh-blitz.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.