I've done some radio interviews and been asked otherwise on the streets which rookie I think will have the biggest impact for the Steelers this season.
There's actually several good choices.
Though I think first-round pick Bud Dupree is raw and isn't ready to be a full-time player anytime soon, I do think he can make an impact on special teams and as a situational pass rusher.
And considering outside linebackers coach Joey Porter is planning on rotating his top four linebackers, Dupree should get a chance to contribute sharing time with Arthur Moats.
I liked cornerbacks Senquez Golson and Doran Grant before the draft and the fact the Steelers got both of them was a bonus.
Both had second-round talent and it wouldn't surprise me to see both play this season and make major contributions on special teams.
But I think Golson is more likely to step into the nickel role and make an impact - though it wouldn't shock me if Grant forced his way into the package with his solid speed and tackling skills.
Wide receiver Sammie Coates will have a tough time breaking into the lineup, much as Martavis Bryant did a year ago. Of course, once Bryant did start playing, he made a major impact, the biggest of any rookie on the roster.
I don't see a similar path for Coates this season, however.
Jesse James should win a spot as the No. 3 tight end, but it's tough to predict big things for him in that role.
As for the other picks, if they earn spots on the roster, they'll likely be inactive on game days - unless they prove to be special teams stars.
I'm going to go with Golson making the biggest impact this season as a rookie. He'll be my favorite to win the Joe Greene Great Performance Award given to the team's top rookie, with Dupree and Grant being darkhorses.
31 comments:
hahaha
I had a similar effect on my phone, but I didn't assume Dale had passed.
sorry Dale, you're stuck with us
I thought he died too.
Dale,
I see Sammie Coates getting a crack at kick returns. I've always loved the big fast guys (a la Josh Cribs) who can break some tackles. Could be a huge contributor.
PS. Mr. Collins Why wouldn't you want to come and sign with a stable organization with a hall of fame player as your position coach while getting to pass block for a future hall of fame QB and maybe the best RB in the league? Just saying.
I think coates could have a big impact on the red zone offense. brown, wheaton, Bryant, coates and bell in the backfield will be a tough matchup for defenses inside the 10 yard line.
I also think grant is a darkhorse and will play his way onto the field by the end of the season. all around solid player who plays smart.
the fact nobody has signed Collins yet should be a warning sign. if he's not signed within the next 2 weeks, then there is definitely something else going on that the public doesn't know about.
OMG!!! Holly crap! I thought it was the end of the blog and Dale.. I pulled it up on my 6 plus and almost passed out... I'm glad all it well Dale but Jesus!!
Coates as a kick returner? The last thing I want to see is a guy with suspect hands trying to field kicks or punts. Let's get him catching consistently, then we can consider expanded roles.
I think Grant winds up making the biggest impact. He has leadership experience, a more than marginal size advantage (small height advantage but a significant weight advantage) and is a little better of a tackler. I can see them being used in different ways, really, with Golson coming on for the more certain pass plays and Grant playing in the nickel when there is a greater chance of a run.
dale, do you have a succession plan in place for the blog? it would alleviate many of our concerns...lol.
It is a little big on the smart phone. Didn't check that out. Was just fooling around with the layout last night. Gotta change it up every once in a while.
Don't you know Steeler fans better than that? We're just getting over not having Dan Kreider on the team any more; change scares us! LOL
I think it will be Golson. I think he'll play and the shorter CB is a good adjustment in draft strategy given our scheme. Golson will be above average in preventing yards after the catch and tackling which is what the defense needs. The big advantages are the facts that short CBs are currently undervalued in the draft and that a QB can't just throw the ball into his area unless he's confident his guy is going to catch it.
Golson will play because he'll get a couple of early picks and while I also think Dupree will play a lot and do well I think Golson's turnovers will be viewed as more significant.
The wild card for me is actually Holliman. It's really sort of stupid to dismiss a guy for not giving up his body for free in college. I agree it's a huge red flag but tackling is a decision to trade your health for a paycheck. If he makes the right choice he could start at some point this year at FS. He could still have shoulder damage though so we'll just have too see.
emac, if what you're saying about Holliman is true then the guy is a freakin genious. But there's less than a 1% chance of that being so. You dont suddenly become adept at tackling and are able to hide it to "preserve your body"
I would imagine kids learn how to do things like that in college all the time. I don't think he was suddenly adept and hiding it. Not learning proper technique due to an injury is different and doesn't prevent him from learning it now that it's the difference between playing in the league or not.
As long as he's healthy and smart enough to know his paycheck options I think he can figure out tackling.
Neon dion knew where his paycheck came from. pretty sure I saw him run away from sweeps from time to time.
Hey Dale - From pc, your layout isn't working as planned. If you click on article title to expand the article and read the comments, the font on the comments shrinks to an unreadable size along with no place to add comments.
When you click directly on the comments link (from the main screen) all is ok.
There is just a completely different user experience when you click on the article title to expand the article.
Marc,
FYI, teams can't meet with Collins until after 5/9. That's probably why Rex Ryan met with him.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/05/teams-cant-meet-with-lael-collins-yet/
Thanks, didn't know that.
Dale,
Do you think Brady gets suspended? That would really make that first game easier :)
the punishment handed down by goodell will be determined by how much the other 31 teams chirp in his ear about how pissed off they may or may not be. those 31 other teams voted him in and can vote him out as well. that's who has leverage right now.
It's going to come up so why not me....
how many times did Ben talk to the Ball guy before the AFC title game and Super bowl?
Dallas Cowboys sign La'el Collins. BUMMER!
Im still upset Kreider is gone. My choice is also Grant. I see him as a true corner vs. Golson who looks more like a slot corner. Coates will be buried by the depth chart.
Will be interesting to see how many years he signed for
Nevermind.. 3 yrs
Marc,
So much for that 5/9 deadline, in other words, don't believe everything you read on the internet:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/07/report-cowboys-sign-lael-collins/
Now on the bright side, I think the Steelers have a chance if Brady gets suspended:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/07/report-everything-on-the-table-regarding-tom-brady-punishment/
Anyone have Goodell's email address? I wanted to talk to him about if he truly believes that a certain organization has learned it's lesson from "Spygate" or this is just a way of doing business for this organization?
I won't hold it against you.
if the kid is really innocent in all of this I hope it works out for him. the timing just couldn't have been worse.
do you think jerry is getting a little restless down there to get another super bowl before he kicks the bucket?
Am I crazy, I don't want the game without Brady.... How can we start our year thinking we won (but did we really?). This team will be better with hard fought wins, not gimmes. I hate the Pats, but can we all really accept that kind of win? We are just fans, does it help the team? Sorry, venting. I think they should be tainted from the early 2000's, but such is life.
From Atl
Anonymous above, Id normally agree but with our best offensive weapon out I'll take everything that helps us win!
A to my A, Yes, I guess in a sense, you are right. I just want the attitude back. But you are right, a win is a win. But think of the motivation if they met them in the playoffs............. Take care bud
Cheaters never win...except in New England.
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