I just finished up doing a draft on the radio with Adam Caplan of the NFL Network on Sirius Radio.
Interestingly enough, running back LenDale White of USC was still available, as was DeAngelo Williams of Memphis. If that's the case, the Steelers could get some interest from teams wanting to trade up.
But the Steelers like White and would consider trading up to get him or Donte Whitner.
If White fell to 32, they would be ecstatic.
You could then expect the team to trade up in Round 2 to grab a safety, either Daniel Bullocks or Darnell Bing. That would be an awesome first day for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
No defensive end early
A number of mock drafts recently have had the Steelers selecting a defensive end in the first round of the draft, namely Rodrique Wright of Texas. It's not going to happen.
Follow the money folks.
The Steelers just re-signed Casey Hampton to a new deal before last season began and signed end Brett Keisel to a nice deal this offseason. Add to that Aaron Smith's hefty contract and you have three defensive linemen making a big buck.
Backups Chris Hoke and Travis Kirschke are also pulling down nice salaries.
If the Steelers add a defensive lineman, it won't be in the first half of the draft.
Follow the money folks.
The Steelers just re-signed Casey Hampton to a new deal before last season began and signed end Brett Keisel to a nice deal this offseason. Add to that Aaron Smith's hefty contract and you have three defensive linemen making a big buck.
Backups Chris Hoke and Travis Kirschke are also pulling down nice salaries.
If the Steelers add a defensive lineman, it won't be in the first half of the draft.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Safety first
The more I've looked at things, the more I think the Steelers will go with a safety in the first round of this year's draft.
Why? It's the safest thing to do and another safety will help out immediately in the team's nickel defense.
Even with the signing of Ryan Clark, the Steelers have just Troy Polamalu, Clark and Tyrone Carter on the roster to play that important position.
Adding a first-round talent at the position to pair with Polamalu for years to come would be the smart thing to do. And Kevin Colbert is nothing if not smart.
So who will the pick be?
I think if the Steelers had their druthers, it would be Donte Whitner of Ohio State.
If he's gone before they pick in the first round, Darnell Bing, Daniell Bullocks or Jason Allen will get a look.
I'm still not sold on Allen's health, but I would have no problem with Bing or Bullocks, two big, physical safeties to pair with Polamalu.
A late riser in the team's plans has been Ko Simpson of South Carolina, who was originally thought to be one of the top safeties available before his stock fell for some reason. Simpson is back on the Steelers' radar, though probably not as a first-round possibility.
The sleeper pick? Stanford linebacker John Alston, a 6-0, 227-pounder who runs a 4.4-second 40. Hmm. A Pac 10 linebacker turned safety in the second round. Carnell Lake anyone?
Why? It's the safest thing to do and another safety will help out immediately in the team's nickel defense.
Even with the signing of Ryan Clark, the Steelers have just Troy Polamalu, Clark and Tyrone Carter on the roster to play that important position.
Adding a first-round talent at the position to pair with Polamalu for years to come would be the smart thing to do. And Kevin Colbert is nothing if not smart.
So who will the pick be?
I think if the Steelers had their druthers, it would be Donte Whitner of Ohio State.
If he's gone before they pick in the first round, Darnell Bing, Daniell Bullocks or Jason Allen will get a look.
I'm still not sold on Allen's health, but I would have no problem with Bing or Bullocks, two big, physical safeties to pair with Polamalu.
A late riser in the team's plans has been Ko Simpson of South Carolina, who was originally thought to be one of the top safeties available before his stock fell for some reason. Simpson is back on the Steelers' radar, though probably not as a first-round possibility.
The sleeper pick? Stanford linebacker John Alston, a 6-0, 227-pounder who runs a 4.4-second 40. Hmm. A Pac 10 linebacker turned safety in the second round. Carnell Lake anyone?
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Broncos wheeling, dealing
The Denver Broncos as at it again trading first-round draft picks, this time dealing their extra choice in the first round to San Francisco, the third deal they've made with first-round picks in this draft.
The Niners acquired the 22nd overall selection in the draft from the Denver Broncos on Wednesday for picks in the second round and third round.
The Broncos will receive the 37th and 68th overall picks in the deal.
The Niners own the sixth overall pick in the draft as well as No. 22 in the first round.
Denver acquired the 22nd pick in a draft-day deal with Washington last year in which the Broncos gave up their first round pick for the Redskins' top pick this season.
Denver also made a trade earlier this spring with Atlanta and the Jets in which Atlanta received defensive end John Abraham and the Broncos moved up from the 29th pick to 15.
Denver, which lost to the Steelers in the AFC Championship, now owns seven picks in the first four rounds of the draft.
The Niners acquired the 22nd overall selection in the draft from the Denver Broncos on Wednesday for picks in the second round and third round.
The Broncos will receive the 37th and 68th overall picks in the deal.
The Niners own the sixth overall pick in the draft as well as No. 22 in the first round.
Denver acquired the 22nd pick in a draft-day deal with Washington last year in which the Broncos gave up their first round pick for the Redskins' top pick this season.
Denver also made a trade earlier this spring with Atlanta and the Jets in which Atlanta received defensive end John Abraham and the Broncos moved up from the 29th pick to 15.
Denver, which lost to the Steelers in the AFC Championship, now owns seven picks in the first four rounds of the draft.
Monday, April 17, 2006
I'm back
Sorry to let the blog slip a little in the past week, but I had to take some time off for a birth in the family. But I'm back now and ready to rock and roll on this draft.
What have we learned in recent weeks?
A day after I wrote on this site that the Steelers would not be interested in safety Jason Allen from Tennessee, my good friend Rick Gosselein from the Dallas Morning News did his first mock of the year with the Steelers taking Allen in the first round.
I respect the heck out of Goose and his final mock, which will come out late next week, is one of the most accurate available. It also changes considerably.
I don't think Allen will be the pick and Gosselein will likely agree next week.
LenDale White was in Pittsburgh Monday taking a physical and meeting with the Steelers brass. Hopefully word will filter out about that meeting soon.
What have we learned in recent weeks?
A day after I wrote on this site that the Steelers would not be interested in safety Jason Allen from Tennessee, my good friend Rick Gosselein from the Dallas Morning News did his first mock of the year with the Steelers taking Allen in the first round.
I respect the heck out of Goose and his final mock, which will come out late next week, is one of the most accurate available. It also changes considerably.
I don't think Allen will be the pick and Gosselein will likely agree next week.
LenDale White was in Pittsburgh Monday taking a physical and meeting with the Steelers brass. Hopefully word will filter out about that meeting soon.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Allen wrenched
You can scratch safety Jason Allen off your list of potential Steelers draft picks.
Rumor has it the speedy Tennessee safety has been flunking phyicals around the league because of a degenerative condition in his hip. It's the same hip injury that forced him out of action last season.
Allen was a possibility for the Steelers in the first round before the physical problems.
We'll keep weeding through the information until the draft. Keep checking back.
Rumor has it the speedy Tennessee safety has been flunking phyicals around the league because of a degenerative condition in his hip. It's the same hip injury that forced him out of action last season.
Allen was a possibility for the Steelers in the first round before the physical problems.
We'll keep weeding through the information until the draft. Keep checking back.
Monday, April 10, 2006
LenDale White slipping
As we near the NFL draft, a number of mocks now have the Steelers getting USC running back LenDale White with the 32nd pick.
Don't believe it.
White was reportedly a huge disappointment at the USC pro day last month, acting standoffish with scouts and really not working out all that well. He was also overweight.
But a fall to the 32nd pick?
I'm not buying that. White won't last past the mid-teens. On-field production does mean something, after all.
Besides, if he was that big of an idiot, the Steelers wouldn't take him anyway,
Don't believe it.
White was reportedly a huge disappointment at the USC pro day last month, acting standoffish with scouts and really not working out all that well. He was also overweight.
But a fall to the 32nd pick?
I'm not buying that. White won't last past the mid-teens. On-field production does mean something, after all.
Besides, if he was that big of an idiot, the Steelers wouldn't take him anyway,
Saturday, April 08, 2006
What about later rounds?
OK, let's assume the first round of the draft goes as I've predicted.
Who will the Steelers then target in the second round?
If the Steelers go for a linebacker in the first round, the second round pick will almost certainly be a safety or wide receiver, with a trade up to get the player they like the most a possibility.
Darnell Bing, Daniel Bullocks or Jason Allen would be safety targets in the second round, though the Steelers would likely need to move up to get them.
If they stay where they're at, then things get a little more interesting. Ko Simpson seems to be falling, but whether he would fall to the end of the second round is unlikely.
Pat Watkins from Florida State is an interesting prospect at 6-4, 200 pounds. He had 10 interceptions playing free safety for the Seminoles over the past three seasons and also returned six kickoffs for touchdowns.
At wide receiver, the Steelers may take Brandon Williams of Wisconsin at the end of the round, rather than wait another round to take a receiver.
Who will the Steelers then target in the second round?
If the Steelers go for a linebacker in the first round, the second round pick will almost certainly be a safety or wide receiver, with a trade up to get the player they like the most a possibility.
Darnell Bing, Daniel Bullocks or Jason Allen would be safety targets in the second round, though the Steelers would likely need to move up to get them.
If they stay where they're at, then things get a little more interesting. Ko Simpson seems to be falling, but whether he would fall to the end of the second round is unlikely.
Pat Watkins from Florida State is an interesting prospect at 6-4, 200 pounds. He had 10 interceptions playing free safety for the Seminoles over the past three seasons and also returned six kickoffs for touchdowns.
At wide receiver, the Steelers may take Brandon Williams of Wisconsin at the end of the round, rather than wait another round to take a receiver.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
No 5-8 receivers
Mock draft after mock draft has the Steelers taking Miami of Florida wide receiver Sinorice Moss with their No. 1 pick in this month's draft.
Their reasoning? The Steelers need a slot receiver and punt returner to replace Antwaan Randle El, a void they believe Moss would fill.
But there's no way the Steelers will spend a No. 1 pick on a 5-8 receiver, having learned their lesson a few years back when they took Troy Edwards in the first round.
Now if Florida's Chad Jackson or Ohio State's Santonio Holmes fell to No. 32, that would be a different stoty. The Steelers would take either of those receivers in a heartbeat.
But unless the 5-8 guy happens to be Barry Sanders, he won't be taken by the Steelers in the first round. And Moss is certainly no Barry Sanders.
Their reasoning? The Steelers need a slot receiver and punt returner to replace Antwaan Randle El, a void they believe Moss would fill.
But there's no way the Steelers will spend a No. 1 pick on a 5-8 receiver, having learned their lesson a few years back when they took Troy Edwards in the first round.
Now if Florida's Chad Jackson or Ohio State's Santonio Holmes fell to No. 32, that would be a different stoty. The Steelers would take either of those receivers in a heartbeat.
But unless the 5-8 guy happens to be Barry Sanders, he won't be taken by the Steelers in the first round. And Moss is certainly no Barry Sanders.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
And finally
And here are the last 11.
Mind you, all of this will likely change within a week. Have to keep up with Mel Kiper Jr. after all.
22. Denver (from Washington), Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan. Can’t count on those former Browns forever.
23. Tampa Bay, Max Jean-Giles, G, Georgia. Have to open some holes for the Cadillac.
24. Cincinnati Bengals, Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State. The Bengals’ safeties were awful last season and signing Dexter Jackson doesn’t change that.
25. N.Y. Giants, DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama. Ryans is a little undersized, but plays non-stop.
26. Chicago, Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami. Spurned by Antwaan Randle El, the Bears grab Moss.
27. Carolina, DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis. DeShaun Foster is too brittle to count on every game.
28. Jacksonville, Manny Lawson, LB, N.C. State. The Jaguars hope Lawson is this year’s DeMarcus Ware.
29. N.Y. Jets (from Denver), Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State. After letting Kevin Mawae go, the Jets get a replacement.
30. Indianapolis, Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota. The Edge is gone.
31. Seattle Seahawks, Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College. Has talent, just needs consistency.
31. Steelers, Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State. Joey Porter and James Farrior are getting up in age. Carpenter could play inside or outside.
Mind you, all of this will likely change within a week. Have to keep up with Mel Kiper Jr. after all.
22. Denver (from Washington), Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan. Can’t count on those former Browns forever.
23. Tampa Bay, Max Jean-Giles, G, Georgia. Have to open some holes for the Cadillac.
24. Cincinnati Bengals, Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State. The Bengals’ safeties were awful last season and signing Dexter Jackson doesn’t change that.
25. N.Y. Giants, DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama. Ryans is a little undersized, but plays non-stop.
26. Chicago, Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami. Spurned by Antwaan Randle El, the Bears grab Moss.
27. Carolina, DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis. DeShaun Foster is too brittle to count on every game.
28. Jacksonville, Manny Lawson, LB, N.C. State. The Jaguars hope Lawson is this year’s DeMarcus Ware.
29. N.Y. Jets (from Denver), Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State. After letting Kevin Mawae go, the Jets get a replacement.
30. Indianapolis, Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota. The Edge is gone.
31. Seattle Seahawks, Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College. Has talent, just needs consistency.
31. Steelers, Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State. Joey Porter and James Farrior are getting up in age. Carpenter could play inside or outside.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The next 11
Here are the next 11 picks in my first mock.
11. St. Louis, Brodrick Bunkley, DT. Florida State. Another great offense that needs defensive stoppers.
12. Cleveland, Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa. Sorry, I’m not buying that he’s slipping. Don’t forget the Phil Savage-Kirk Ferentz connection.
13. Baltimore, Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State. Ravens like high-motor defenders like Hali.
14. Philadelphia, Chad Jackson, WR, Florida. The TO experiment/debacle is over.
15. Denver (from Atlanta) Marcus McNeil, OT, Auburn. The Broncos need to get younger up front.
16. Miami, Jimmy Williams, DB, Va. Tech. Dolphins need secondary help.
17. Minnesota, Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt. Vikings trade Culpepper, get their possible QB of the future.
18. Dallas, Ernie Sims, LB, Florida. Sims can play inside linebacker in the Cowboys’ 3-4.
19. San Diego, Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State. New QB Phillip Rivers needs all the targets he can get and Keenan McCardell isn’t getting any younger.
20. Kansas City, Tye Hill, CB, Clemson. Hill is a welcome addition to a horrid defense.
21. New England, Lendale White, RB, USC. Patriots luck out and get a power back to replce Corey Dillon.
11. St. Louis, Brodrick Bunkley, DT. Florida State. Another great offense that needs defensive stoppers.
12. Cleveland, Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa. Sorry, I’m not buying that he’s slipping. Don’t forget the Phil Savage-Kirk Ferentz connection.
13. Baltimore, Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State. Ravens like high-motor defenders like Hali.
14. Philadelphia, Chad Jackson, WR, Florida. The TO experiment/debacle is over.
15. Denver (from Atlanta) Marcus McNeil, OT, Auburn. The Broncos need to get younger up front.
16. Miami, Jimmy Williams, DB, Va. Tech. Dolphins need secondary help.
17. Minnesota, Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt. Vikings trade Culpepper, get their possible QB of the future.
18. Dallas, Ernie Sims, LB, Florida. Sims can play inside linebacker in the Cowboys’ 3-4.
19. San Diego, Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State. New QB Phillip Rivers needs all the targets he can get and Keenan McCardell isn’t getting any younger.
20. Kansas City, Tye Hill, CB, Clemson. Hill is a welcome addition to a horrid defense.
21. New England, Lendale White, RB, USC. Patriots luck out and get a power back to replce Corey Dillon.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Mocking it up
With April now nearly here, it's time to start thinking about mock drafts. Over the next couple of days, I'll be posting my first round, 10 or so picks at a time.
1. Houston, Reggie Bush, RB, USC. A no-brainer, really, unless they trade the pick.
2. New Orleans, Mario Williams, DE, North Carolin State. After signing Drew Brees, the Saints are primed to trade this pick to a team looking for a QB.
3. Tennessee, Vince Young, QB, Texas. Young is close with Steve McNair and is a similar quarterback.
4. New York Jets, Matt Leinart, QN, USC. It’s my belief that the Jets will want to trade up for Leinart. They may not have to.
5. Green Bay, A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State. The Packers were awful on defense last year. Hawk is outstanding.
6. San Francisco, Michael Huff, DB, Texas. The 49ers wanted Hawk, but settle for Huff, who can play corner or safety.
7. Oakland, Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland. Davis was the workout star of the combine and can stretch the field.
8. Buffalo, D’Brickshaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia. This is a stroke of luck for Buffalo, which struck out with former top pick Mike Williams.
9. Detroit, Winston Justice, OT, USC. No wide receiver for the fourth year in a row.
10. Arizona, Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon. Great offense needs defensive stoppers.
1. Houston, Reggie Bush, RB, USC. A no-brainer, really, unless they trade the pick.
2. New Orleans, Mario Williams, DE, North Carolin State. After signing Drew Brees, the Saints are primed to trade this pick to a team looking for a QB.
3. Tennessee, Vince Young, QB, Texas. Young is close with Steve McNair and is a similar quarterback.
4. New York Jets, Matt Leinart, QN, USC. It’s my belief that the Jets will want to trade up for Leinart. They may not have to.
5. Green Bay, A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State. The Packers were awful on defense last year. Hawk is outstanding.
6. San Francisco, Michael Huff, DB, Texas. The 49ers wanted Hawk, but settle for Huff, who can play corner or safety.
7. Oakland, Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland. Davis was the workout star of the combine and can stretch the field.
8. Buffalo, D’Brickshaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia. This is a stroke of luck for Buffalo, which struck out with former top pick Mike Williams.
9. Detroit, Winston Justice, OT, USC. No wide receiver for the fourth year in a row.
10. Arizona, Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon. Great offense needs defensive stoppers.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
More ammunition
The two extra fourth round and one additional fifth round pick the Steelers collected Monday when the NFL announced its compensatory picks will come in handy for a team looking for an infusion of young talent.
The Steelers have drafted well under director of football operations Kevin Colbert, who's also shown no qualms about moving around to get the players he desires.
The team traded down in the first round in 2001 and up in the second to grab nose tackle Casey Hampton and linebacker Kendrell Bell.
A couple of years later, the team traded up in the first round for the first time in history to grab safety Troy Polamalu.
Bell is now gone, but Hampton and Polamalu are Pro Bowl players considered the best in the league at their positions.
By rule, teams can't trade compensatory picks. But if the Steelers are inclined to make a move in this year's draft, they now have the ammunition to do so without giving up the farm.
For example, they could deal their second round pick and their fourth to move up a dozeon or so spots in the second round if there is a player they want by don't feel will be there when they pick.
It would certainly make things easier to grab a guy such as linebacker Bobby Carpenter in the first round and trade up in the second to grab safety Darnell Bing.
That would be two quality players and the team would still own a third and two more fourths.
The Steelers have drafted well under director of football operations Kevin Colbert, who's also shown no qualms about moving around to get the players he desires.
The team traded down in the first round in 2001 and up in the second to grab nose tackle Casey Hampton and linebacker Kendrell Bell.
A couple of years later, the team traded up in the first round for the first time in history to grab safety Troy Polamalu.
Bell is now gone, but Hampton and Polamalu are Pro Bowl players considered the best in the league at their positions.
By rule, teams can't trade compensatory picks. But if the Steelers are inclined to make a move in this year's draft, they now have the ammunition to do so without giving up the farm.
For example, they could deal their second round pick and their fourth to move up a dozeon or so spots in the second round if there is a player they want by don't feel will be there when they pick.
It would certainly make things easier to grab a guy such as linebacker Bobby Carpenter in the first round and trade up in the second to grab safety Darnell Bing.
That would be two quality players and the team would still own a third and two more fourths.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
What Haynes means
The question has been posed what the Steelers will do in the draft if they re-sign running back Verron Haynes. Will they still look for a running back in the draft with starter Willie Parker, backup Duce Staley and third-down back Haynes on the roster?
Sure. Remember, they still have a running back spot open on the roster to take Jerome Bettis' spot. Head coach Bill Cowher has always carried at least five running backs.
Even with the aforementioned threesome and fullback Dan Kreider, the Steelers still have an open spot on the roster for a young back who will eventually replace Staley.
Who woulde fit that bill? How about Virginia running back Walli Lundi, who could be had in the third or fourth round?
Sure. Remember, they still have a running back spot open on the roster to take Jerome Bettis' spot. Head coach Bill Cowher has always carried at least five running backs.
Even with the aforementioned threesome and fullback Dan Kreider, the Steelers still have an open spot on the roster for a young back who will eventually replace Staley.
Who woulde fit that bill? How about Virginia running back Walli Lundi, who could be had in the third or fourth round?
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
We like Ike
Restricted free agent cornerback Ike Taylor has yet to draw a contract offer from another team, but could get one soon.
Now that the New York Jets have two first-round draft picks available to them thanks to their trade of John Abraham to Atlanta, Taylor might be on their radar.
Any team that signs Taylor to a contract would owe the Steelers a first-round draft pick in return if the Steelers don't match the offer.
Considering the Jets released starting corner Ty Law just prior to the start of free agency, Taylor would be a nice pickup for them. And they have the ammunition with which to do it.
Now that the New York Jets have two first-round draft picks available to them thanks to their trade of John Abraham to Atlanta, Taylor might be on their radar.
Any team that signs Taylor to a contract would owe the Steelers a first-round draft pick in return if the Steelers don't match the offer.
Considering the Jets released starting corner Ty Law just prior to the start of free agency, Taylor would be a nice pickup for them. And they have the ammunition with which to do it.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Dwight visits
As I reported last week, the Steelers hosted Tim Dwight Tuesday as they continued their search to replace Antwaan Randle El as a return man.
Dwight is an average NFL wide receiver, possibly even below average. But he's been to the Pro Bowl as a return man and could give the Steelers a boost in that area.
In other news, quarterback Tommy Maddox visited the Miami Dolphins to talk about a backup job behind newly acquired Daunte Culpepper.
I thought the Dolphins were going to be much improved this year, but signing Maddox would be a step backward for Miami.
Dwight is an average NFL wide receiver, possibly even below average. But he's been to the Pro Bowl as a return man and could give the Steelers a boost in that area.
In other news, quarterback Tommy Maddox visited the Miami Dolphins to talk about a backup job behind newly acquired Daunte Culpepper.
I thought the Dolphins were going to be much improved this year, but signing Maddox would be a step backward for Miami.
Monday, March 20, 2006
New commish
The next commissioner of the NFL may very well have ties to Washington, Pa.
Roger Goodell, the NFL's chief operating officer, has been widely rumored to be the next commissioner when Paul Tagliabue retires, something he will now do in July.
Goodell, a native of Jamestown, N.Y., is a 1981 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and has worked for the league since 1982.
Roger Goodell, the NFL's chief operating officer, has been widely rumored to be the next commissioner when Paul Tagliabue retires, something he will now do in July.
Goodell, a native of Jamestown, N.Y., is a 1981 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and has worked for the league since 1982.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Big week
A week that started with the Steelers losing wide receiver Antwaan Randle El ended with a bang for the defendind Super Bowl champions.
After losing Randle El on Sunday, the Steelers went on a mini signing spree, bringing in outside free agents Ryan Clark and Rodney Bailey, and re-signing linebacker Clint Kriewaldt, defensive end Brett Keisel, cornerback Deshea Townsend, tight end Jerame Tuman and offensive lineman Barrett Brooks.
That's not a bad haul for the Steelers, who have now pretty much kept the nucleus of last season's championship team together.
When you look around the league, particularly the AFC, other than Jacksonville, the contenders for the Steelers next season haven't done a lot to help themselves.
New England has just two receivers (Deion Branch and Bethel Johnson) under contract. Indianapolis lost Edgerrin James and some key defensive players. San Diego lost Drew Brees. Miami has bettered itself, but it may take a while for the Dolphins to gel with new quarterback Daunte Culpepper. And the Bengals still have questions about Carson Palmer's return.
Considering what the Steelers have done and the fact they can still add an impact player or two in the draft, the Super Bowl champs have had a strong offseason.
After losing Randle El on Sunday, the Steelers went on a mini signing spree, bringing in outside free agents Ryan Clark and Rodney Bailey, and re-signing linebacker Clint Kriewaldt, defensive end Brett Keisel, cornerback Deshea Townsend, tight end Jerame Tuman and offensive lineman Barrett Brooks.
That's not a bad haul for the Steelers, who have now pretty much kept the nucleus of last season's championship team together.
When you look around the league, particularly the AFC, other than Jacksonville, the contenders for the Steelers next season haven't done a lot to help themselves.
New England has just two receivers (Deion Branch and Bethel Johnson) under contract. Indianapolis lost Edgerrin James and some key defensive players. San Diego lost Drew Brees. Miami has bettered itself, but it may take a while for the Dolphins to gel with new quarterback Daunte Culpepper. And the Bengals still have questions about Carson Palmer's return.
Considering what the Steelers have done and the fact they can still add an impact player or two in the draft, the Super Bowl champs have had a strong offseason.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Looking for return man
With Antwaan Randle El now in Washington, the Steelers are exploring their options for kick returners.
Tim Dwight will be first up, visiting the Steelers in the next few days.
Dwight, a former Pro Bowl return man, has played for San Diego, Atlanta and, most recently, New England.
Tim Dwight will be first up, visiting the Steelers in the next few days.
Dwight, a former Pro Bowl return man, has played for San Diego, Atlanta and, most recently, New England.
Steelers adding seats
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced today that they have submitted plans to the Sports and Exhibition Authority to add a new club section to Heinz Field for the 2006 season. The project will add approximately 700 club seats plus 20,000 sq. ft. of enclosed club space in the north end of the stadium. The capacity of Heinz Field will increase to 65,050.
The new seats will be offered to those on the season ticket waiting list and some to existing season ticket holders who have previously requested to relocate to club seats.
The new seats will carry a seat license and will be priced in the range of the existing club seats at Heinz Field.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin next month at a cost of approximately $4.0 million.
Also, the Steelers are looking at return man Tim Dwight, most recently of the New England Patriots.
A former Pro Bowl return guy, Dwight would help ease of the loss of Antwaan Randle El.
The new seats will be offered to those on the season ticket waiting list and some to existing season ticket holders who have previously requested to relocate to club seats.
The new seats will carry a seat license and will be priced in the range of the existing club seats at Heinz Field.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin next month at a cost of approximately $4.0 million.
Also, the Steelers are looking at return man Tim Dwight, most recently of the New England Patriots.
A former Pro Bowl return guy, Dwight would help ease of the loss of Antwaan Randle El.
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