There were no real big surprises in the Steelers' list of final cuts for regular readers of this blog.
Chukky Okobi and Verron Haynes were two veterans sent packing among the 22 players released Saturday.
Also cut were three rookie draft choices - defensive end Ryan McBean, a fourth-round pick; guard Cameron Stephenson (fifth) and wide receiver Dallas Baker (seventh).
I thought McBean might make it on potential, but the Steelers felt otherwise and will try to sign him to their practice squad.
Defensive end Shaun Nua, linebacker Rian Wallace and former special teams co-captain Chidi Iwuoma were also cut.
The players released from the Steelers roster include WR Dallas Baker, TE Cody Boyd, OT Jason Capizzi, TE Jon Dekker, RB Verron Haynes, CB Chidi Iwuoma, CB Jovon Johnson, FB John Kuhn, S Mike Lorello, CB Anthony Madison, CB Grant Mason, DE Ryan McBean, DE Shaun Nua, C Chukky Okobi, DT Scott Paxson, C Marvin Philip, QB Bryan Randall, LB Ron Stanley, OG Cameron Stephenson, OT Brandon Torrey, WR Gerran Walker, LB Rian Wallace and WR Walter Young.
I guess Marquis Cooper is the surpise on the roster. But he's a solid special teams guy.
Well, we knew 48 or so roster spots were locks, the only question was what they were going to do with the last 5 spots. So we're not talking about any starters, just backups and prospects with potential for the future.
ReplyDeleteHopefully they can get Capizzi on the practice squad, otherwise it might be a mistake not keeping him instead of Essex.
Also, I'm surprised they kept Goo Wallace instead of a sixth CB/special teams madman like Chidi, Madison, or Johnson.
Hopefully the decision to release Okobi was made because they felt Mahan was a better center, not because they felt obligated to go with Mahan just because they signed him as a free agent. Chukky certainly didn't help his case any with all his pouting, maybe he's been hanging around Faneca too much.
As it turns out, Wallace was on the final list. I had a preliminary one.
ReplyDelete