Mike Tomlin spoke to the media for the first time since the Steelers lost at Denver in the playoffs on Tuesday at the NFL owner's meetings.
There wasn't a lot of earth-shattering news to be had. Tomlin reiterated that it was he, not owner Art Rooney II, who made the decision to both fire Bruce Arians and hire Todd Haley to replace him as offensive coordinator.
Tomlin also said the Steelers will likely add a running back this offseason, either via free agency or the draft. The draft is the more likely scenario, though a veteran such as Justin Forsett could fill the void left by Mewelde Moore and serve as a nice change-of-pace to Isaac Redman until Rashard Mendenhall is able to return.
He said receiver Emmanuel Sanders and tackle Willie Colon have a lot to prove after both going through back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.
Tomlin also said the Steelers have hosted three college players - not including the ones from Pitt.
They are Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams, Florida International wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and Cincinnati defensive end Derek Wolfe.
Hilton is an intriguing player. The 5-10, 183-pounder looks like an Antonio Brown clone. He also ran a 4.3ish 40 at his individual workout before pulling up with a quad injury, the same issue he had in his bowl game at Florida International.
The Steelers were likely having their doctors check him out to make sure he's sound.
But the fact that Tomlin offered those names up freely tells me he's not interested in any of those players.
Hilton is likely being looked at as a possible replacement for Antonio Brown as our punt return guy. As a starter, Brown is too valuable to risk on returns full time.
ReplyDeleteI think the draft in particular will be telling of the Steelers offensive gameplan for 2012. After brooming former OC Bruce Arians for Todd Haley, whether or not the coaches share their owners desire for a return to the "ground and pound". If they pickup a back on day 2, then I would expect it.
ReplyDeleteThe squatting monkey.
Pit def wouldnt draft Derek Wolfe. Hes not their kind of player.
ReplyDeleteDale, I read something that made it sound like E. Sanders had ANOTHER foot surgery (meaning after the 2011 season). Is this right?
ReplyDeletedale,
ReplyDeletewhen are you going to get a mock draft out?
is there any OL that could realistically fall to the steelers in the first round that would have them pass on hightower?
Dale,
ReplyDeleteDoes it seem likely that the team will sign Starks, even if just for backup purposes?
I'd also imagine they'll again be looking for interior line, any prospects?
If Sanders had another, they haven't disclosed it officially. Wouldn't surprise me.
ReplyDeleteI will do a mock once we get within a couple of weeks of the draft.
As for Starks, I don't see him coming back unless they would resign him in training camp. He'll need time to trim down again.
I like Cordy Glenn, but he might not be there. Zeitler from Wisconsin is a pure guard who could be the pick in the first.
Zeitler seems like a reach in the first to me. But I acknowledge he won't be there in the 2nd. Do the Steelers see him as good value at #24? That would surprise me. It's a top need, but they don't like to reach for position in the first round. There should really be better value at a position of need where we're drafting than Zeitler in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy with Hightower in the first and Osemele/Silatolu in the 2nd. Any idea if the Steelers are interested in Josh Chapman, the Alabama NT?