I had to laugh when a reporter asked James Harrison how he was adjusting to his new role as a mentor with the Steelers.
"It's really not any different than before," Harrison replied. "It's just that the team is more vocal about it now than before."
Harrison couldn't be more right.
To think that James Harrison just became a leader this year because the team started talking about it is silly. After all, he's a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
To think that other players haven't always at least watched how he goes about his business is short-sighted. After all, that's exactly why the Cincinnati Bengals signed him as a free agent in 2013 following his release by the Steelers.
The Bengals didn't necessarily have a spot to play Harrison because he didn't fit in their 4-3 defense. But they wanted to have him around in an attempt to change the culture there.
When you're a guy such as Harrison or Troy Polamalu, you don't necessarily lead vocally. You lead by example. Players watch your work ethic and how you go about your business. Do you take plays off or mess around in the weight room? Do you pay attention in meetings?
You're always under the microscope. You can't take a day off.
It's the same reason a guy such as Antonio Brown is looked as a leader on this team, even though he's not the most vocal player.
The young guys on the team can look at Brown's work ethic and see the right way to do things.
Harrison has always been that guy. And he's always been approachable for those who have questions. Now, he's just being a little more vocal.
@ It's just been a few practices, but I like what I see from undrafted rookie running back Cameron Stingley.
He's a thick 6-1, 230 and shows some burst. Mind you, there's no tackling right now. But Stingly's a guy to keep an eye on.
@ Both Daniel McCullers and Clifton Geathers look lean for guys who can block out the sun.
John Mitchell said at the draft that both were in great shape and he wasn't stretching the truth.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
OTA opens
The Steelers had perfect attendance at the opening of their final OTA session on Tuesday.
That's important because, well, these are the actual OTAs that matter.
While a big deal was made about Antonio Brown skipping the initial OTAs a while back - reportedly because he wanted a new contract - the final three weeks are the on-field team work, 9-on-7, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11.
There's really not a lot of position work for a guy like Brown to do at this point. He works out hard enough on his own. At this point, he's fine-tuning his game and the best way to do that is in team drills.
Ben Roethlisberger laughed off any questions about whether he thought Brown was going to show for OTAs and mini-camp.
"I called him as soon as I heard that," Roethlisberger said. "He said he didn't know where it was coming from."
It came from Brown's agent or someone close to him. But it was more laying the groundwork for a possible new deal in 2016 than it was this year.
@ Roethlisberger said he has no idea what PSI the Steelers set their footballs to and he doesn't care one way or the other. He has no preference as to how hard or soft the footballs are.
He also said that the Patriots getting caught manipulating footballs in last year's playoffs and spygate doesn't diminish anything they've done in his eyes.
"They've won a lot of games." he said.
@ Ryan Shazier said his workouts with many of the other young linebackers and James Harrison in Arizona were very beneficial, teaching him what it takes to workout in the offseason in the NFL.
@ With a tip of the cap to the NFL's new PAT rule and possibly more two-point conversions this year, the Steelers began by working on that aspect.
Roethlisberger feels the new PAT rule of kicking from the 15 will benefit dome teams since they have a lower potential to miss those kicks while outdoor teams will have a more difficult time with them late in the year.
Then again, if you've got home field advantage in the playoffs and you're playing a dome team, you could have an advantage.
@ Ike Taylor showed up at the first practice. He's not playing, but he was around and didn't have anything to do, so . . .
That's important because, well, these are the actual OTAs that matter.
While a big deal was made about Antonio Brown skipping the initial OTAs a while back - reportedly because he wanted a new contract - the final three weeks are the on-field team work, 9-on-7, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11.
There's really not a lot of position work for a guy like Brown to do at this point. He works out hard enough on his own. At this point, he's fine-tuning his game and the best way to do that is in team drills.
Ben Roethlisberger laughed off any questions about whether he thought Brown was going to show for OTAs and mini-camp.
"I called him as soon as I heard that," Roethlisberger said. "He said he didn't know where it was coming from."
It came from Brown's agent or someone close to him. But it was more laying the groundwork for a possible new deal in 2016 than it was this year.
@ Roethlisberger said he has no idea what PSI the Steelers set their footballs to and he doesn't care one way or the other. He has no preference as to how hard or soft the footballs are.
He also said that the Patriots getting caught manipulating footballs in last year's playoffs and spygate doesn't diminish anything they've done in his eyes.
"They've won a lot of games." he said.
@ Ryan Shazier said his workouts with many of the other young linebackers and James Harrison in Arizona were very beneficial, teaching him what it takes to workout in the offseason in the NFL.
@ With a tip of the cap to the NFL's new PAT rule and possibly more two-point conversions this year, the Steelers began by working on that aspect.
Roethlisberger feels the new PAT rule of kicking from the 15 will benefit dome teams since they have a lower potential to miss those kicks while outdoor teams will have a more difficult time with them late in the year.
Then again, if you've got home field advantage in the playoffs and you're playing a dome team, you could have an advantage.
@ Ike Taylor showed up at the first practice. He's not playing, but he was around and didn't have anything to do, so . . .
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Questions, questions, questions?
With this being the little bit of down time in the NFL, anybody have any questions?
Thursday, May 14, 2015
It's quiet time
It's quiet time for a couple of weeks around the Steelers as the rookies get some time to digest their new playbooks and the veterans continue their OTA activities.
One thing that did catch my eye this week was that the Steelers put a claim in on Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger.
They didn't get him, of course, since they were way down the list. Swearinger landed in Tampa Bay.
But the fact that the former second-round pick, who wore out his welcome in Houston after just two seasons, was on Pittsburgh's radar speaks volumes about what the team feels about its current safeties.
I liked Swearinger a lot coming out of South Carolina. He was feisty. He liked to hit - hard. He constantly showed up when I watched the Gamecocks.
That doesn't mean he wasn't without his issues. He showed a me-first tendency that I felt would have to be coached out of him. That didn't happen in Houston.
He also is best used as a box safety.
Was it just a case of the Steelers putting in a claim on a good player to perhaps block him from landing in Baltimore, which also put in a claim? Perhaps.
We might never know. But the fact the Steelers put in a claim on him certainly raises an eyebrow.
One thing that did catch my eye this week was that the Steelers put a claim in on Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger.
They didn't get him, of course, since they were way down the list. Swearinger landed in Tampa Bay.
But the fact that the former second-round pick, who wore out his welcome in Houston after just two seasons, was on Pittsburgh's radar speaks volumes about what the team feels about its current safeties.
I liked Swearinger a lot coming out of South Carolina. He was feisty. He liked to hit - hard. He constantly showed up when I watched the Gamecocks.
That doesn't mean he wasn't without his issues. He showed a me-first tendency that I felt would have to be coached out of him. That didn't happen in Houston.
He also is best used as a box safety.
Was it just a case of the Steelers putting in a claim on a good player to perhaps block him from landing in Baltimore, which also put in a claim? Perhaps.
We might never know. But the fact the Steelers put in a claim on him certainly raises an eyebrow.
Friday, May 08, 2015
What I would do with Brady
Now that we've all had a couple of days to digest the whole Patriots' deflating footballs situation, here are my two cents on the issue.
Tom Brady must be suspended.
While Brady's supporters will point out that the evidence is circumstantial, there is also a preponderance of it. And let's remember, this isn't a criminal case. The NFL doesn't need to be convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Brady was involved in having the footballs adjusted.
The league just needs to be pretty sure something happened. Ask Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger was suspended for six games - later reduced to four - in 2010 for his involvement in an alleged sexual assault even though a Georgia district attorney did not feel there was enough evidence to convict the Steelers' quarterback in a court of law.
If Brady is innocent of any involvement of doctoring the footballs, why didn't he turn his cell phone records over to NFL investigators? That's what an innocent person would have done.
Brady, however, did not.
And those poo-pooing this as not a big deal should look at how these kind of things are handled in other sports.
In baseball, if you doctor a baseball or bat, you are suspended. In NASCAR, crew chiefs are suspended if their car is off by 1/8 of an inch.
Cheating is cheating. And if it wasn't a big deal and didn't give a competitive advantage, why would Brady risk doing it?
His agent's assertion that the league ran a sting on his client in conjunction with the Colts is laughable. The league provided footballs, to be sure, but it did not provide any needles or drop any hints that a deflating the balls might be a good idea.
Brady should draw, in my opinion, at least a two-game suspension and the Patriots, as a team, should be fined and docked at least a second-round draft pick.
While I don't doubt that there are other quarterbacks who have done this in the past, the league has to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Biggest rookie impact
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.
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.
Saturday, May 02, 2015
Final draft thoughts
So much for the best player available.
GM Kevin Colbert as much as admitted the Steelers didn't do that this year - not that they really do any year - and instead drafted for need.
The team went into this draft wanting to take six defensive players and two offensive. Lo and behold, six defensive and two offensive players were taken.
They were taking offensive players based on value, which is why Maxx Williams would have been the pick in the second round had he lasted and Sammie Coates was taken in the third round.
The Steelers felt the value was too great to pass up.
But they had holes they wanted to fill and they did so.
@ The Steelers sign 12 undrafted rookies on Saturday following the draft. They are:
GM Kevin Colbert as much as admitted the Steelers didn't do that this year - not that they really do any year - and instead drafted for need.
The team went into this draft wanting to take six defensive players and two offensive. Lo and behold, six defensive and two offensive players were taken.
They were taking offensive players based on value, which is why Maxx Williams would have been the pick in the second round had he lasted and Sammie Coates was taken in the third round.
The Steelers felt the value was too great to pass up.
But they had holes they wanted to fill and they did so.
@ The Steelers sign 12 undrafted rookies on Saturday following the draft. They are:
Cameron
Clear
TE
6-5
277 Texas A&M
Nigel
Crawford-Kinney DT
6-5
300 Saint
Augustine’s
Dominique
Davis
DE
6-5
285 Liberty
Miles
Dieffenbach
G
6-3
303 Penn State
Reese
Dismukes
G
6-3
296 Auburn
B.J.
Finney
C
6-4
318 Kansas State
Tyler
Murphy
WR 6-2
213 Boston College
Bradon
Prate
DE 6-4
285 Illinois
State
Collin Rahrig G 6-2 285 Indiana
Collin Rahrig G 6-2 285 Indiana
Eli
Rogers
WR
5-10
180 Louisville
Ross Scheuerman
RB
6-0
204 Lafayette (Pa.)
Kevin
Whimpey
T
6-5
295 Utah State
Murphy is interesting in that he was a quarterback at Boston College and will be making the switch to wide receiver.
@ Corners Senquez Golson and Doran Grant and safety Gerod Holliman had a combined 29 interceptions last season. The Steelers have 42 as a team - and no more than 11 in any one season - since the 2010 season.
That also happens to be the last time they won a playoff game.
Coincidence? I think not.
@ I find it interesting the team didn't take an offensive lineman. Mike Adams, Ramon Foster and Kelvin Beachum are all heading into unrestricted free agency following this season, while the team also needs to work out a long-term extension with David DeCastro, even though his fifth-year option was picked up.
You'll notice, though, four offensive linemen among the undrafted guys brought in. There's a good chance one or two of those guys sticks around.
@ Colbert said the Steelers had targeted a cornerback in the second round and that Golson was one of them.
But Eric Rowe was a target as well. And once Rowe was taken and tight end Maxx Williams began to fall, he became a target.
But they didn't want to give up a fifth-round pick to move up.
I don't have a problem with that. As it turns out, would you rather have Golson and Jesse James or Williams?
I'd take Golson and James. Williams, in my opinion, is OK. But he's not the next Jimmy Graham.
@ When we asked defensive line coach John Mitchell about Daniel McCullers and Clifton Geathers, his eyes lit up.
Mitchell said he had spoken to McCullers about getting his weight down and the big nose tackle complied. Geathers, meanwhile, according to Mitchell, came in about 30 pounds lighter.
Both guys should be much better in 2015.
@ When we asked defensive line coach John Mitchell about Daniel McCullers and Clifton Geathers, his eyes lit up.
Mitchell said he had spoken to McCullers about getting his weight down and the big nose tackle complied. Geathers, meanwhile, according to Mitchell, came in about 30 pounds lighter.
Both guys should be much better in 2015.
Day 2 post-draft thoughts
Some Steelers fans might not have liked the pick, but I like the team's selection of Senquez Golson in the second round of Friday's draft.
It showed something of a change in thinking for the Steelers with their corners.
Yes, at 5-9, 176 pounds, Golson isn't the ideal size for a cornerback in the NFL. But he takes the ball away, including recording 10 interceptions last season.
For too long the Steelers have focused on bigger corners who don't necessarily have ball skills. And picking where they were typically at in the bottom of the first round, they rarely had an opportunity to select a corner with good ball skills.
If a guy has both size and ball skills, he goes in the first part of the first round.
But the Steelers took Golson over some larger corners who didn't possess his ball skills.
Those trashing the pick should think about one thing. Did they want the Steelers to take a chance on Tyrann Mathieu a couple of years ago?
Mathieu, as you might remember, had numerous off-field issues at LSU, eventually getting himself kicked out of school.
But there were plenty of Steelers fans who wanted the team to take a chance on him - despite his 5-9, 186-pound size and bevy of issues - because the team needed playmakers in its secondary.
Golson is Mathieu without the rap sheet.
The typical Steelers pick would have been Eric Rowe, a big corner with speed who had three career interceptions in college. And Pittsburgh was interested in him.
But for a team that hasn't had more than 11 interceptions in a season since 2010 - the last time it won a playoff game - acquiring a playmaker in the secondary was a must.
@ I thought the pick of Sammy Coates was a good value pick in the third round.
Yes, he has some issues with drops. But the Steelers feel that can be corrected.
He's got 4.4 speed and averaged over 20 yards per catch in his college career. And at 6-1, 212 chiseled pounds, he's got a different body type than Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton or even Martavis Bryant, to whom Coates has been compared.
The Steelers see Coates as a guy who can do some of the dirty work blocking while also having the ability to take the top off a defense.
@ The Steelers were trying to move up in the second round but found the price too expensive. Then, when they decided to wait and see if tight end Maxx Williams would fall to them, Baltimore pulled the trigger and moved up, giving up their second and fifth round picks to do so.
We'll see if that bites the Steelers in the behind. Williams is the top tight end in this draft, but it's a weak tight end group. He catches the ball well, but isn't particularly fast and offers little as a blocker, though he could get better as he grows into his body.
But it's not getting any easier to find true tight ends with so many college teams running spread offenses.
One thing for certain, if you look at the team's record of selecting tight ends early in the draft, it's been good, with Eric Green, Mark Bruener and Heath Miller all contributing early in their careers.
All were first-round picks and all had plenty of success right away.
In fact, the Steelers went to the Super Bowl in both 1995 and 2005, when they took Bruener and Miller in the first round.
@ Who will the Steelers target on Day 3?
Ohio State's Doran Grant or USC's Josh Shaw are the top corners still available. That position has once again been picked over pretty hard, but it wouldn't surprise me to see the Steelers make a move to go up in the fourth round to get one of them.
Other targets could include Penn State's Jesse James or South Alabama's Wes Saxton at tight end, Georgia Tech center/guard Shaq Mason and Clemson defensive end Corey Crawford or Kristjan Sokoli of Buffalo.
The Steelers also could target a safety since Will Allen isn't getting any younger. James Sample of Louisville and Ibraheim of Northwestern are the top strong safety types available. One guy to keep an eye on, though is UCLA's Anthony Jefferson.
At free safety, there are some interesting guys still out there. Cody Prewitt, who played with Golson at Ole Miss is a solid centerfielder type and Penn State's Adrian Amos also is still on the board.
Derron Smith of Fresno also is a guy who had 15 career interceptions in college.
There also are a couple of interesting small college outside linebackers available in Davis Tull of Chattanooga and Kyle Emmanuel of North Dakota State, though I don't know the Steelers will take another outside linebacker unless the value is just too great to pass on.
I'm hearing that CFL product Shawn Lemon is just a guy so a special teams ace could find a spot.
It showed something of a change in thinking for the Steelers with their corners.
Yes, at 5-9, 176 pounds, Golson isn't the ideal size for a cornerback in the NFL. But he takes the ball away, including recording 10 interceptions last season.
For too long the Steelers have focused on bigger corners who don't necessarily have ball skills. And picking where they were typically at in the bottom of the first round, they rarely had an opportunity to select a corner with good ball skills.
If a guy has both size and ball skills, he goes in the first part of the first round.
But the Steelers took Golson over some larger corners who didn't possess his ball skills.
Those trashing the pick should think about one thing. Did they want the Steelers to take a chance on Tyrann Mathieu a couple of years ago?
Mathieu, as you might remember, had numerous off-field issues at LSU, eventually getting himself kicked out of school.
But there were plenty of Steelers fans who wanted the team to take a chance on him - despite his 5-9, 186-pound size and bevy of issues - because the team needed playmakers in its secondary.
Golson is Mathieu without the rap sheet.
The typical Steelers pick would have been Eric Rowe, a big corner with speed who had three career interceptions in college. And Pittsburgh was interested in him.
But for a team that hasn't had more than 11 interceptions in a season since 2010 - the last time it won a playoff game - acquiring a playmaker in the secondary was a must.
@ I thought the pick of Sammy Coates was a good value pick in the third round.
Yes, he has some issues with drops. But the Steelers feel that can be corrected.
He's got 4.4 speed and averaged over 20 yards per catch in his college career. And at 6-1, 212 chiseled pounds, he's got a different body type than Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton or even Martavis Bryant, to whom Coates has been compared.
The Steelers see Coates as a guy who can do some of the dirty work blocking while also having the ability to take the top off a defense.
@ The Steelers were trying to move up in the second round but found the price too expensive. Then, when they decided to wait and see if tight end Maxx Williams would fall to them, Baltimore pulled the trigger and moved up, giving up their second and fifth round picks to do so.
We'll see if that bites the Steelers in the behind. Williams is the top tight end in this draft, but it's a weak tight end group. He catches the ball well, but isn't particularly fast and offers little as a blocker, though he could get better as he grows into his body.
But it's not getting any easier to find true tight ends with so many college teams running spread offenses.
One thing for certain, if you look at the team's record of selecting tight ends early in the draft, it's been good, with Eric Green, Mark Bruener and Heath Miller all contributing early in their careers.
All were first-round picks and all had plenty of success right away.
In fact, the Steelers went to the Super Bowl in both 1995 and 2005, when they took Bruener and Miller in the first round.
@ Who will the Steelers target on Day 3?
Ohio State's Doran Grant or USC's Josh Shaw are the top corners still available. That position has once again been picked over pretty hard, but it wouldn't surprise me to see the Steelers make a move to go up in the fourth round to get one of them.
Other targets could include Penn State's Jesse James or South Alabama's Wes Saxton at tight end, Georgia Tech center/guard Shaq Mason and Clemson defensive end Corey Crawford or Kristjan Sokoli of Buffalo.
The Steelers also could target a safety since Will Allen isn't getting any younger. James Sample of Louisville and Ibraheim of Northwestern are the top strong safety types available. One guy to keep an eye on, though is UCLA's Anthony Jefferson.
At free safety, there are some interesting guys still out there. Cody Prewitt, who played with Golson at Ole Miss is a solid centerfielder type and Penn State's Adrian Amos also is still on the board.
Derron Smith of Fresno also is a guy who had 15 career interceptions in college.
There also are a couple of interesting small college outside linebackers available in Davis Tull of Chattanooga and Kyle Emmanuel of North Dakota State, though I don't know the Steelers will take another outside linebacker unless the value is just too great to pass on.
I'm hearing that CFL product Shawn Lemon is just a guy so a special teams ace could find a spot.
Friday, May 01, 2015
Bud Dupree and other thoughts
Regular followers of this blog know I am no Bud Dupree fan. I see his athleticism and size and know why a team would want to select him in the first round.
What I didn't always see in the tape that I watched was production. And that's kind of important.
Apparently, the 21 teams that picked ahead of the Steelers on Thursday saw some of that as well. That's why a guy who many saw as a top 10 to 15 pick fell to 22.
The Steelers certainly had a need at outside linebacker. They need production out of the outside linebacker position to make their defense work.
But I don't know that Dupree will be anything more than a situational pass rusher this year - and maybe even in the future.
Now, everything the team said about him following the draft says they feel they can mold him into an every-down player. And perhaps they can.
But I see a player who lacks good football instincts when it comes to diagnosing things quickly. Again, maybe that can be worked on.
The ceiling is high on Dupree. He could be a game-changer in the DeMarcus Ware mold. But he could also be the next Huey Richardson.
He's a project in the first round and I'm not big on taking projects in the first round, especially when your most important player, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, has a Super Bowl window that is closing.
@ Who would I have taken? Byron Jones was a nice, safe pick for a team that is in need of defensive backs.
Like Dupree, Jones is a freakish athlete. But Jones' game tape is much better than that of Dupree.
@ That said, the Steelers will definitely focus on the cornerback position on day 2 of the draft. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to see the team take a pair of corners in the second and third rounds.
At the very least, they will likely take two in the top four rounds.
Who's available? I like Eric Rowe, Quinten Rollins, Josh Shaw, Doran Grant D'Joun Smith and Senquez Golson. Alex Carter would also be solid, though safety might wind up being his best position.
There's also some other guys, such as Jalen Collins, Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams who will likely go in the second round, though they have some off-field red flags.
So with the 24th pick in the second round, the Steelers should be able to get a corner who might help this season.
GM Kevin Colbert also said a trade up in the second round is possible since the team has seven picks remaining in the final six rounds - if there's a player the team has to have and a run on corners starts.
What I didn't always see in the tape that I watched was production. And that's kind of important.
Apparently, the 21 teams that picked ahead of the Steelers on Thursday saw some of that as well. That's why a guy who many saw as a top 10 to 15 pick fell to 22.
The Steelers certainly had a need at outside linebacker. They need production out of the outside linebacker position to make their defense work.
But I don't know that Dupree will be anything more than a situational pass rusher this year - and maybe even in the future.
Now, everything the team said about him following the draft says they feel they can mold him into an every-down player. And perhaps they can.
But I see a player who lacks good football instincts when it comes to diagnosing things quickly. Again, maybe that can be worked on.
The ceiling is high on Dupree. He could be a game-changer in the DeMarcus Ware mold. But he could also be the next Huey Richardson.
He's a project in the first round and I'm not big on taking projects in the first round, especially when your most important player, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, has a Super Bowl window that is closing.
@ Who would I have taken? Byron Jones was a nice, safe pick for a team that is in need of defensive backs.
Like Dupree, Jones is a freakish athlete. But Jones' game tape is much better than that of Dupree.
@ That said, the Steelers will definitely focus on the cornerback position on day 2 of the draft. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to see the team take a pair of corners in the second and third rounds.
At the very least, they will likely take two in the top four rounds.
Who's available? I like Eric Rowe, Quinten Rollins, Josh Shaw, Doran Grant D'Joun Smith and Senquez Golson. Alex Carter would also be solid, though safety might wind up being his best position.
There's also some other guys, such as Jalen Collins, Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams who will likely go in the second round, though they have some off-field red flags.
So with the 24th pick in the second round, the Steelers should be able to get a corner who might help this season.
GM Kevin Colbert also said a trade up in the second round is possible since the team has seven picks remaining in the final six rounds - if there's a player the team has to have and a run on corners starts.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Final mock draft
The playing around is pretty much over. It’s time to put up
or shut up – or at the very least get this draft completed before another
prospect his arrested for something stupid.
For the sake of sanity, I’m not putting any trades into this
draft that already have not taken place. This doesn’t mean that I don’t think
there will be any deals made. In fact, I expect quite a few this year as teams
position themselves to get the guys they want.
Anyway, without any further ado, here we go.
1. Tampa Bay, Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State –
This pick has been locked in since the combine.
2. Tennessee, Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – I
wouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans make this pick and then deal Mariota
later.
3. Jacksonville, Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida – The
Jaguars need pass rushers. Leonard Williams would fit, but Fowler will give Gus
Bradley the kind of edge rusher he covets.
4. Oakland, Leonard Williams, DT, USC – Amari
Cooper would make sense as well, but the Raiders can add a receiver later.
Williams is a game changer.
5. Washington, Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson – Beasley
steps in and replaces Brian Orakpo. Brandon Scherff would make sense here too,
but it’s a little too early.
6. N.Y. Jets, Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky – The Jets
would love to get their hands on Winston or Mariota. Perhaps they make this
move and dangle Dupree and something else for Mariota.
7. Chicago, Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama – It’s no
secret that since Brandon Marshall was dealt that the Bears will be looking at
wide receivers.
8. Atlanta, Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia – With Fowler,
Beasley and Dupree gone, the Falcons go get Steven Jackson’s replacement in
Gurley.
9. N.Y. Giants, Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa – I’ve
felt pretty good about this being Scherff’s landing spot for a while now.
10.
St. Louis, La’el Collins. OT, LSU – The Rams got
Greg Robinson last year, now they get his bookend.
11.
Minnesota, Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State – When you play in the same
division as Green Bay, Detroit and Chicago, you’d better have corners who can
cover.
12.
Cleveland, Kevin White, West Virginia – It’s
hard to believe White falls this far, but here he is. He would be tough for
Cleveland to pass on.
13.
New Orleans, Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska – The
Saints are in desperate need of pass rushers.
14.
Miami, DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville – The
Dolphins would have loved to get their hands on Gurley and it’s too early for
Melvin Gordon, so they go for a dynamic playmaker.
15.
San Francisco, Marcus Peters, CB, Washington –
Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver are gone and the 49ers should have more info
than anyone on the Peters, an Oakland native.
16.
Houston, Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon – The Texans
could use an inside linebacker, but it’s too early for that. Armstead gives
them an end to line up opposite J.J. Watt.
17.
San Diego, Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin – An
easy choice for the Chargers, who need an every-down runner.
18.
Kansas City, Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford – Eric
Fisher is still a work in progress at LT. If he fails on the left side, Peat
would give them another option. And can start on the right side right away.
19.
Cleveland, Danny Shelton, DT, Washington –
Getting White and Shelton would be a heck of a haul for the Browns.
20.
Philadelphia, Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest –
The top three corners and top four OLB prospects are now off the board for the
Steelers.
21.
Cincinnati, Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Fla.) –
Andrew Whitworth will turn 34 this year. Flowers plays with a nasty edge.
22.
Pittsburgh, Byron Jones, CB, UConn – With the
top three corners off the board, the Steelers choice in this mock comes down to
Jones, talented-but-troubled Shane Ray or Landon Collins. Collins would be
tempting as a box safety, and Ray is a top-15 talent who drops because of a toe
injury and an issue with marijuana. Jones, meanwhile, is a high-character
player who tested off the charts at the combine, including setting a world
record in the standing long jump. Oh, and he can play as well, though he was
limited to seven games in 2014 with a shoulder injury.
23.
Detroit, Malcom Brown, DT, Texas – The losses of
Suh and Fairley in the middle will be made up for by the additions of Brown and
Haloti Ngata.
24.
Arizona, Cameron Erving, C, Florida State –
Bruce Arians saw what adding a top-notch center did in Pittsburgh when Maurkice
Pouncey was brought in.
25.
Carolina, D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida –
Offensive line picks aren’t sexy, but they are necessary. And Carolina needs
help on its line in the worst way.
26.
Baltimore, Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami (Fla.) –
Having lost their speed receiver, Torrey Smith, the Ravens need for speed at WR
is obvious.
27.
Dallas, Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri – If there’s a
team that doesn’t mind troubled players, it’s the Cowboys. I’m not convinced
Ray is a truly bad guy. Smoking some marijuana is not the character strike it
used to be. That toe injury, though, is troubling.
28.
Denver, Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon – The Broncos
have to protect Peyton Manning, who is as mobile as the Lincoln Memorial at
this stage in his career, not that he ever moved around great to begin with.
29.
Indianapolis, Landon Collins, S, Alabama –
Winston Guy is currently Indianapolis’ starting strong safety. Nobody outside
of Guy’s family knows who he is.
30.
Green Bay, Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA – Brad Jones
and A.J. Hawk are gone. Kendricks is a bit on the small side, but he makes
every tackle.
31.
New Orleans, Nelson Aghlor, WR, USC – Agholor doesn’t
have the size of some of the other top receivers, but he’s silky smooth.
32.
New England, Eric Rowe, CB/S, Utah – Rowe’s size
and speed are off the charts. He has suspect hands, but he’s the kind of hybrid
player the Patriots love.
Friday, April 24, 2015
My ideal Steelers draft
I'm tired of doing mock drafts, even though I will do my final one later this week. So instead, today I'll do a mock eight-selection draft for the Steelers, who have eight picks in the seven-round draft, with the players I think the team will target in each round.
Obviously, availability will have a lot to do with this, otherwise, I'd simply plug in Dante Fowler in the first round, even though there's no way he's there in with the 22nd pick.
Round 1-Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest - I think Johnson will be there for the Steelers and he's a guy who can, at the very least, step right in as the nickel corner. I could also see Byron Jones being the guy. But if Shane Ray's toe injury causes him to fall, he's go a shot as well.
Round 2-Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville - Kid who had 16 different sets of foster homes could find a home with the Steelers. Was a productive collegiate pass rusher and is considered a high-character guy. Just what the Steelers need. If they go OLB in the first, then they go corner in the second, with Quentin Rollins, Eric Rowe or Jalen Collins being targets - yes, I think Collins falls that far.
Round 3-Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary - Mike Tomlin bites the bullet and takes a kid from his alma mater. McBride is worth the pick. He's the next in the long line of third-round receivers who make an impact with the Steelers.
Round 4-Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss - Golson isn't very big, but all he does is make big plays. The Steelers could use a player like that.
Round 5-Shaquille Mason, G/C, Georgia Tech - Mason is the kind of athlete the Steelers have drafted in recent years on their offensive line. He's a bit undersized, but he can pull and run block well coming from Tech's run-heavy offense.
Round 6 (1)-Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama - Saxton is a better athlete than a football player right now, but the Steelers have a little time to develop him before Heath Miller hangs up his pads for good. He's a willing blocker and ran a 4.65 40.
Round 6 (2)-Kyle Emmanuel, OLB, North Dakota State - A big-time playmaker at the lower levels, Emmanuel might eventually develop into a valuable backup with starter capabilities. At worst, he's a core special teams player.
Round 7-Corey Crawford, DE, Clemson - At 6-5, 299, he's got ideal size for a 3-4 defensive end. He might never be starter quality, but could be a valuable backup.
Well, there it is. I realize there are no running backs on the list, but there weren't any I wanted to take over the value picks of McBride, Golson, Mason and Saxton in the middle round. Then, you might as well wait and bring in a URFA.
Obviously, availability will have a lot to do with this, otherwise, I'd simply plug in Dante Fowler in the first round, even though there's no way he's there in with the 22nd pick.
Round 1-Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest - I think Johnson will be there for the Steelers and he's a guy who can, at the very least, step right in as the nickel corner. I could also see Byron Jones being the guy. But if Shane Ray's toe injury causes him to fall, he's go a shot as well.
Round 2-Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville - Kid who had 16 different sets of foster homes could find a home with the Steelers. Was a productive collegiate pass rusher and is considered a high-character guy. Just what the Steelers need. If they go OLB in the first, then they go corner in the second, with Quentin Rollins, Eric Rowe or Jalen Collins being targets - yes, I think Collins falls that far.
Round 3-Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary - Mike Tomlin bites the bullet and takes a kid from his alma mater. McBride is worth the pick. He's the next in the long line of third-round receivers who make an impact with the Steelers.
Round 4-Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss - Golson isn't very big, but all he does is make big plays. The Steelers could use a player like that.
Round 5-Shaquille Mason, G/C, Georgia Tech - Mason is the kind of athlete the Steelers have drafted in recent years on their offensive line. He's a bit undersized, but he can pull and run block well coming from Tech's run-heavy offense.
Round 6 (1)-Wes Saxton, TE, South Alabama - Saxton is a better athlete than a football player right now, but the Steelers have a little time to develop him before Heath Miller hangs up his pads for good. He's a willing blocker and ran a 4.65 40.
Round 6 (2)-Kyle Emmanuel, OLB, North Dakota State - A big-time playmaker at the lower levels, Emmanuel might eventually develop into a valuable backup with starter capabilities. At worst, he's a core special teams player.
Round 7-Corey Crawford, DE, Clemson - At 6-5, 299, he's got ideal size for a 3-4 defensive end. He might never be starter quality, but could be a valuable backup.
Well, there it is. I realize there are no running backs on the list, but there weren't any I wanted to take over the value picks of McBride, Golson, Mason and Saxton in the middle round. Then, you might as well wait and bring in a URFA.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Steelers wrap up draft visits
The local airwaves are abuzz going over the Steelers' schedule, so I'll leave that to them. The schedule is what it is, after all. And anybody who thinks they can predict what a team's record will be without taking the draft into account is, well, a little short sighted.
With that in mind, we'll continue to focus on the draft.
The Steelers wrapped up their pre-draft visits today with four more defensive players. Here's the final list of who they brought in:
TE Cameron Clear, Texas A&M
WR DeVante Parker, Louisville
LB Shane Ray, Missouri
LB Kyle Emanuel, North Dakota State
DL Randy Gregory, Nebraska
QB/WR Devin Gardner, Michigan
CB Darryl Roberts, Marshall
RB Matt Jones, Florida
WR Sammie Coates, Auburn
OLB Eli Harold, Virginia
CB Senquez Golson, Ole Miss
TE C.J. Uzomah, Auburn
DE Nate Orchard, Utah
WR Sammie Coates, Auburn
WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
CB Marcus Peters, Washington
CB Alex Carter, Stanford
LB Max Valles, Virginia
CB Doran Grant, Ohio State
QB Tyler Murphy, Boston College
OL Quinton Spain, WVU
TE Jesse James, Penn State
WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona
TE Kennard Backman, UAB
DT Xavier Cooper, Washington State
TE Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State
TE Wes Saxton, South Alabama
CB Bryce Callahan, Rice
CB Stephen Nelson, Oregon State
S Landon Collins, Alabama
DE Preston Smith, Mississippi State
CB Dexter McDonald, Kansas
LB Davis Tull, Chattanooga
Of course, the Steelers also met with a number of other players at the combine and head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert attended at least a dozen on-campus workouts - while other assistant coaches and scouts attended dozens of others.
But it's pretty obvious the Steelers are looking at corners, linebackers and tight ends very closely.
What does all of this mean?
Last year, the Steelers brought six of the players they selected in the draft in for private visits. The year before, that number was five, while another of their visitors was signed as an undrafted free agent. And in 2012, four of the players they selected came off their pre-draft visit list.
So there's a good chance that four or five of the 29 players players listed above will be selected by the Steelers in this year's draft.
With that in mind, we'll continue to focus on the draft.
The Steelers wrapped up their pre-draft visits today with four more defensive players. Here's the final list of who they brought in:
TE Cameron Clear, Texas A&M
WR DeVante Parker, Louisville
LB Shane Ray, Missouri
LB Kyle Emanuel, North Dakota State
DL Randy Gregory, Nebraska
QB/WR Devin Gardner, Michigan
CB Darryl Roberts, Marshall
RB Matt Jones, Florida
WR Sammie Coates, Auburn
OLB Eli Harold, Virginia
CB Senquez Golson, Ole Miss
TE C.J. Uzomah, Auburn
DE Nate Orchard, Utah
WR Sammie Coates, Auburn
WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
CB Marcus Peters, Washington
CB Alex Carter, Stanford
LB Max Valles, Virginia
CB Doran Grant, Ohio State
QB Tyler Murphy, Boston College
OL Quinton Spain, WVU
TE Jesse James, Penn State
WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona
TE Kennard Backman, UAB
DT Xavier Cooper, Washington State
TE Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State
TE Wes Saxton, South Alabama
CB Bryce Callahan, Rice
CB Stephen Nelson, Oregon State
S Landon Collins, Alabama
DE Preston Smith, Mississippi State
CB Dexter McDonald, Kansas
LB Davis Tull, Chattanooga
Of course, the Steelers also met with a number of other players at the combine and head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert attended at least a dozen on-campus workouts - while other assistant coaches and scouts attended dozens of others.
But it's pretty obvious the Steelers are looking at corners, linebackers and tight ends very closely.
What does all of this mean?
Last year, the Steelers brought six of the players they selected in the draft in for private visits. The year before, that number was five, while another of their visitors was signed as an undrafted free agent. And in 2012, four of the players they selected came off their pre-draft visit list.
So there's a good chance that four or five of the 29 players players listed above will be selected by the Steelers in this year's draft.
Monday, April 20, 2015
My thoughts on Antonio Brown skipping voluntary workouts
Here's what I had to say in today's Observer-Reporter.
http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20150420/COLUMN0103/150429972#.VTXJjyFViko
http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20150420/COLUMN0103/150429972#.VTXJjyFViko
Friday, April 17, 2015
Latest, greatest mock draft
With the draft a little over two weeks away, here's my latest mock.
1. Tampa Bay, Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State - No change at the top.
2. N.Y. Jets (trade with Tennessee) Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon - The Jets can see all the rumors about others moving up for Mariota and make the move themselves.
3. Jacksonville, Dante Fowler, OLB/DE, Florida - The Jaguars haven't had much of a pass rush in forever. Fowler could give them one.
4. Oakland, Leonard Williams, DT, USC - The Raiders aren't dumb enough to screw this up, are they?
5. Washington, Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama - Washington could use playmakers pretty much across the board.
6. Tennessee (from N.Y. Jets), Kevin White, WR, West Virginia - The Titans could go defensive tackle, but White is a dynamic playmaker.
7. Chicago, DaVante Parker, WR, Louisville - A run on receivers? Yep, it could happen this year.
8. Atlanta, Randy Gregory, LB, Nebraska - The Falcons can just line Gregory up and let him chase quarterbacks.
9. N.Y. Giants, Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa - A pick that stays the same from my previous mock. It just makes too much sense.
10. St. Louis, Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford - In the NFC West, you must protect the quarterback.
11. Minnesota, Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State - With Parker off the board, the Vikings go defense.
12. Cleveland, Danny Shelton, NT, Washington - There are concerns about Shelton's long-term ability to hold up given his weight, but Cleveland needs a run stuffer.
13. New Orleans, Vic Beasley, LB, Clemson - The Saints need help just about everywhere after turning their roster over.
14. Miami, Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida - His 40-time opened some eyes for teams that didn't realize he was that fast.
15. San Francisco, Marcus Peters, CB, Washington - The 49ers take a chance on the local kid.
16. Houston, Alvin Dupree, OLB, Kentucky - The Texans envision pairing Dupree with last year's first round pick Jadaveon Clowney.
17. San Diego, Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia - Gurley is a playmaker, but he's coming off a serious knee injury.
18. Kansas City, Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri - The Chiefs take the local star to eventually replace aging Tamba Hali opposite Justin Houston.
19. Cleveland (from Buffalo), La'el Collins, OT, LSU - The Browns need to improve at right tackle and Joe Thomas isn't getting any younger.
20. Philadelphia, Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon - The Eagles land the massive defensive lineman who Chip Kelly recruited.
21. Cincinnati, Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Fla.) - The Bengals get a guy who can step in and play on their line right away.
22. Pittsburgh, Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest - It all just keeps coming back to Johnson for the Steelers, who haven't taken a corner in the first round since 1997.
23. Detroit, Malcom Brown, DT, Texas - The Lions need to replenish up front.
24. Arizona, Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin. This just makes too much sense if he's on the board.
25. Carolina, D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida - T.J. Clemmings might be the better player long-term, but Humphries is more polished now.
26. Baltimore, Byron Jones. CB, UConn - A freakish athlete, but can he play? The Ravens think yes.
27. Dallas, Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma - Jerry Jones loves him some Oklahoma players.
28. Denver, Cameron Erving, C/G, Florida State - Erving is polished and can help the Broncos now.
29. Indianapolis, Landon Collins, S, Alabama - The Colts pump up their run defense, but can Collins cover anyone?
30. Green Bay, Jalen Collins, CB, LSU - The Packers overlook the fact that Collins started just 10 games in college.
31. New Orleans, Eric Rowe, CB/S, Utah - Is he a corner or safety? The Saints need help all over and can afford to see which it is.
32. New England, Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma - He's got character issues, but that's never bothered Bill Belichick.
1. Tampa Bay, Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State - No change at the top.
2. N.Y. Jets (trade with Tennessee) Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon - The Jets can see all the rumors about others moving up for Mariota and make the move themselves.
3. Jacksonville, Dante Fowler, OLB/DE, Florida - The Jaguars haven't had much of a pass rush in forever. Fowler could give them one.
4. Oakland, Leonard Williams, DT, USC - The Raiders aren't dumb enough to screw this up, are they?
5. Washington, Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama - Washington could use playmakers pretty much across the board.
6. Tennessee (from N.Y. Jets), Kevin White, WR, West Virginia - The Titans could go defensive tackle, but White is a dynamic playmaker.
7. Chicago, DaVante Parker, WR, Louisville - A run on receivers? Yep, it could happen this year.
8. Atlanta, Randy Gregory, LB, Nebraska - The Falcons can just line Gregory up and let him chase quarterbacks.
9. N.Y. Giants, Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa - A pick that stays the same from my previous mock. It just makes too much sense.
10. St. Louis, Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford - In the NFC West, you must protect the quarterback.
11. Minnesota, Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State - With Parker off the board, the Vikings go defense.
12. Cleveland, Danny Shelton, NT, Washington - There are concerns about Shelton's long-term ability to hold up given his weight, but Cleveland needs a run stuffer.
13. New Orleans, Vic Beasley, LB, Clemson - The Saints need help just about everywhere after turning their roster over.
14. Miami, Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida - His 40-time opened some eyes for teams that didn't realize he was that fast.
15. San Francisco, Marcus Peters, CB, Washington - The 49ers take a chance on the local kid.
16. Houston, Alvin Dupree, OLB, Kentucky - The Texans envision pairing Dupree with last year's first round pick Jadaveon Clowney.
17. San Diego, Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia - Gurley is a playmaker, but he's coming off a serious knee injury.
18. Kansas City, Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri - The Chiefs take the local star to eventually replace aging Tamba Hali opposite Justin Houston.
19. Cleveland (from Buffalo), La'el Collins, OT, LSU - The Browns need to improve at right tackle and Joe Thomas isn't getting any younger.
20. Philadelphia, Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon - The Eagles land the massive defensive lineman who Chip Kelly recruited.
21. Cincinnati, Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (Fla.) - The Bengals get a guy who can step in and play on their line right away.
22. Pittsburgh, Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest - It all just keeps coming back to Johnson for the Steelers, who haven't taken a corner in the first round since 1997.
23. Detroit, Malcom Brown, DT, Texas - The Lions need to replenish up front.
24. Arizona, Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin. This just makes too much sense if he's on the board.
25. Carolina, D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida - T.J. Clemmings might be the better player long-term, but Humphries is more polished now.
26. Baltimore, Byron Jones. CB, UConn - A freakish athlete, but can he play? The Ravens think yes.
27. Dallas, Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma - Jerry Jones loves him some Oklahoma players.
28. Denver, Cameron Erving, C/G, Florida State - Erving is polished and can help the Broncos now.
29. Indianapolis, Landon Collins, S, Alabama - The Colts pump up their run defense, but can Collins cover anyone?
30. Green Bay, Jalen Collins, CB, LSU - The Packers overlook the fact that Collins started just 10 games in college.
31. New Orleans, Eric Rowe, CB/S, Utah - Is he a corner or safety? The Saints need help all over and can afford to see which it is.
32. New England, Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma - He's got character issues, but that's never bothered Bill Belichick.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
A look at the Steelers, final
With the draft just a few weeks away, here's the final part of our look at the Steelers as currently constructed. Today, we'll take a look at the offensive line.
The Steelers' offensive line stayed relatively healthy in 2014 and the young group had its best season.
Center Maurkice Pouncey made another trip to the Pro Bowl and right guard David DeCastro could have easily joined him there.
They will continue to be the cornerstones of this group.
Left tackle Kelvin Beachum, a former seventh-round pick, has settled in nicely at left tackle. He's no star, but neither were guys such as John Jackson or Max Starks. They just got the job done.
Beachum also will continue to get better as he improves his strength. He's smart and is a hard worker.
Left guard Ramon Foster isn't a star, either, but he's very capable. He's probably the least athletic of the team's linemen, but he's strong and solid at the point of attack.
At right tackle, Marcus Gilbert overcame a somewhat slow start to put together a solid season. Many griped after he had a tough game against Baltimore in the opener - after signing a contract extension - but Elvis Dumervil has made plenty of guys look bad. Gilbert, like Beachum, isn't a star, but he's solid.
The Steelers have reportedly picked up DeCastro's option for 2016, but I haven't confirmed anything about that yet and the team hasn't announced it. And both Beachum and Foster will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, so the Steelers are going to have to spend some money on the position.
Top backup Mike Adams also will be unrestricted following the 2015 season, and it's likely the team will allow the former second round pick to move on. Adams hasn't lived up to his draft status, though he was OK when he filled in for four starts last season, at least showing some fight.
Cody Wallace and Chris Hubbard are the top backups inside and neither is starter quality on a long term basis.
Alejandro Villanueva spent most of the season on the practice squad and is a project.
It's likely the Steelers will attempt to sign Beachum to an extension - possibly before training camp - and will draft at least one young interior linemen in case they are unable to re-sign Foster - though he'd like to stay.
There's also always the chance the value in the draft could be a offensive tackle if the top corners and edge rushers are gone when the Steelers select at 22. Adding a young tackle to this group who could possibly fill in at guard as well wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
The Steelers' offensive line stayed relatively healthy in 2014 and the young group had its best season.
Center Maurkice Pouncey made another trip to the Pro Bowl and right guard David DeCastro could have easily joined him there.
They will continue to be the cornerstones of this group.
Left tackle Kelvin Beachum, a former seventh-round pick, has settled in nicely at left tackle. He's no star, but neither were guys such as John Jackson or Max Starks. They just got the job done.
Beachum also will continue to get better as he improves his strength. He's smart and is a hard worker.
Left guard Ramon Foster isn't a star, either, but he's very capable. He's probably the least athletic of the team's linemen, but he's strong and solid at the point of attack.
At right tackle, Marcus Gilbert overcame a somewhat slow start to put together a solid season. Many griped after he had a tough game against Baltimore in the opener - after signing a contract extension - but Elvis Dumervil has made plenty of guys look bad. Gilbert, like Beachum, isn't a star, but he's solid.
The Steelers have reportedly picked up DeCastro's option for 2016, but I haven't confirmed anything about that yet and the team hasn't announced it. And both Beachum and Foster will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, so the Steelers are going to have to spend some money on the position.
Top backup Mike Adams also will be unrestricted following the 2015 season, and it's likely the team will allow the former second round pick to move on. Adams hasn't lived up to his draft status, though he was OK when he filled in for four starts last season, at least showing some fight.
Cody Wallace and Chris Hubbard are the top backups inside and neither is starter quality on a long term basis.
Alejandro Villanueva spent most of the season on the practice squad and is a project.
It's likely the Steelers will attempt to sign Beachum to an extension - possibly before training camp - and will draft at least one young interior linemen in case they are unable to re-sign Foster - though he'd like to stay.
There's also always the chance the value in the draft could be a offensive tackle if the top corners and edge rushers are gone when the Steelers select at 22. Adding a young tackle to this group who could possibly fill in at guard as well wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
A look at the Steelers, Part VI
With Troy Polamalu's retirement, it's a good time to take at look at the Steelers' defensive backfield as the next part of this series.
Polamalu's retirement was no unexpected. The Steelers asked him to seriously consider hanging up his helmet and expected him to do the right thing.
Polamalu's once special skills had all but completely eroded - at least the speed portion of his game - and he was getting by on his instincts and ability to diagnose quickly.
But they will be better off in 2015 with Shamarko Thomas at strong safety - provided he stays healthy. That has been a major issue for Thomas in his first two seasons, as he's missed seven games with injuries.
Thomas has excellent speed and coverage ability. His only drawback at this point has been those health issues.
That was one reason Will Allen was brought back immediately after Polamalu retired. Allen is a solid backup who can play both free and strong safety and rarely gets himself out of position. If Thomas is injured or falls flat on his face, Allen has proven over the years that the team can win with him at the back of its defense.
Mike Mitchell will be the other starter and there's also the possibility that if Thomas falters, he could move to strong safety with either Robert Golden or Allen playing free safety.
Mitchell had a tough season in his first year in Pittsburgh, but that's not uncommon. In fact, if you back at the man he replaced, Ryan Clark, you'll see some similarities between their first seasons with the Steelers.
Mitchell had 71 tackles, three pass defenses and two forced fumbles in his first season with the Steelers. Clark had 72 tackles, 1 interception and two pass defenses.
Clark missed all but six games in 2007 after nearly dying following a game in Denver, but bounced back in 2008 with 87 tackles, six pass defenses and an interception in 14 games.
Mitchell, who is a better athlete than Clark could ever claim, should be better in 2015.
Might the Steelers select a safety in the draft? Possibly, but this is not a great year for safeties unless you're going to convert a corner. They've been linked with Alabama strong safety Landon Collins a lot by national draftniks, but I don't see them going out of their way to take a box safety when they're looking for more playmaking ability in the secondary.
It's more likely that they'll got with a combination of Thomas, Mitchell, Allen and Golden as their top four and bring in a younger player or two to see if they can crack that top four or add something as a special teams ace.
At cornerback, the team is, quite frankly, a mystery right now.
William Gay will be one starting corner, that much we know. And he's solid with the ability to make some spectacular plays at times. But he's also limited by average speed for the position.
Cortez Allen will get a shot to reclaim the other starting spot after falling apart last season. Allen struggled with the new emphasis by the league on illegal contact and hands to the face by defenders, seemingly drawing at least one penalty per game for an infraction in the preseason and early on. It shook his confidence and he never recovered.
But he's a bright young man and the talent is there. Like Gay, he lacks high-end straight-line speed, but he's certainly capable, if he's got his head right.
Antwon Blake was brought back as the nickel corner and the diminutive speedster showed at times why defensive backs coach Carnell Lake offered him plenty of praise at the draft.
He's feisty and will stick his nose in on running plays, but he's somewhat limited by his size, something that can be exploited by the league's bigger receivers.
B.W. Webb, a former fourth-round pick of the Cowboys, was signed after being released by Dallas at the end of the preseason. The Steelers like the 5-11, 190-pound corner, who was timed at 4.51 seconds in the 40 at the combine two years go while displaying a 40.5-inch vertical, and he can't be discounted as being in the mix to do more in 2015 once he's had an entire offseason and training camp in Pittsburgh.
But it is undeniable that the Steelers need to add some young talent to this group, perhaps even taking a corner in the first round of the draft for the first time since selecting Chad Scott in 1997.
Polamalu's retirement was no unexpected. The Steelers asked him to seriously consider hanging up his helmet and expected him to do the right thing.
Polamalu's once special skills had all but completely eroded - at least the speed portion of his game - and he was getting by on his instincts and ability to diagnose quickly.
But they will be better off in 2015 with Shamarko Thomas at strong safety - provided he stays healthy. That has been a major issue for Thomas in his first two seasons, as he's missed seven games with injuries.
Thomas has excellent speed and coverage ability. His only drawback at this point has been those health issues.
That was one reason Will Allen was brought back immediately after Polamalu retired. Allen is a solid backup who can play both free and strong safety and rarely gets himself out of position. If Thomas is injured or falls flat on his face, Allen has proven over the years that the team can win with him at the back of its defense.
Mike Mitchell will be the other starter and there's also the possibility that if Thomas falters, he could move to strong safety with either Robert Golden or Allen playing free safety.
Mitchell had a tough season in his first year in Pittsburgh, but that's not uncommon. In fact, if you back at the man he replaced, Ryan Clark, you'll see some similarities between their first seasons with the Steelers.
Mitchell had 71 tackles, three pass defenses and two forced fumbles in his first season with the Steelers. Clark had 72 tackles, 1 interception and two pass defenses.
Clark missed all but six games in 2007 after nearly dying following a game in Denver, but bounced back in 2008 with 87 tackles, six pass defenses and an interception in 14 games.
Mitchell, who is a better athlete than Clark could ever claim, should be better in 2015.
Might the Steelers select a safety in the draft? Possibly, but this is not a great year for safeties unless you're going to convert a corner. They've been linked with Alabama strong safety Landon Collins a lot by national draftniks, but I don't see them going out of their way to take a box safety when they're looking for more playmaking ability in the secondary.
It's more likely that they'll got with a combination of Thomas, Mitchell, Allen and Golden as their top four and bring in a younger player or two to see if they can crack that top four or add something as a special teams ace.
At cornerback, the team is, quite frankly, a mystery right now.
William Gay will be one starting corner, that much we know. And he's solid with the ability to make some spectacular plays at times. But he's also limited by average speed for the position.
Cortez Allen will get a shot to reclaim the other starting spot after falling apart last season. Allen struggled with the new emphasis by the league on illegal contact and hands to the face by defenders, seemingly drawing at least one penalty per game for an infraction in the preseason and early on. It shook his confidence and he never recovered.
But he's a bright young man and the talent is there. Like Gay, he lacks high-end straight-line speed, but he's certainly capable, if he's got his head right.
Antwon Blake was brought back as the nickel corner and the diminutive speedster showed at times why defensive backs coach Carnell Lake offered him plenty of praise at the draft.
He's feisty and will stick his nose in on running plays, but he's somewhat limited by his size, something that can be exploited by the league's bigger receivers.
B.W. Webb, a former fourth-round pick of the Cowboys, was signed after being released by Dallas at the end of the preseason. The Steelers like the 5-11, 190-pound corner, who was timed at 4.51 seconds in the 40 at the combine two years go while displaying a 40.5-inch vertical, and he can't be discounted as being in the mix to do more in 2015 once he's had an entire offseason and training camp in Pittsburgh.
But it is undeniable that the Steelers need to add some young talent to this group, perhaps even taking a corner in the first round of the draft for the first time since selecting Chad Scott in 1997.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Polamalu calls it quits
You'll read plenty about Troy Polamalu and what a class act he was throughout his career with the Steelers.
I won't bore you with any of those stories.
I'll share just this one.
In 2004, after Polamalu had put together a rookie season that had many fans wondering if the Steelers had made a mistake in moving up in the draft to acquire the young safety.
Early in training camp, I decided to do a story on Polamalu. There was one problem, Polamalu never came to lunch, even in those days.
See, you had two opportunities to talk to players, during lunch or after practice. And Polamalu was good at avoiding reporters in all cases. It's not that he didn't like talking. He just didn't enjoy talking about himself, especially back then.
Polamalu was always engaging in one-on-one situations. You could talk music, spirituality, etc. But get him in a group setting and it was a lot of yes and no replies, or his favorite, "Sure."
So I decided to get him after practice. Half an hour after everybody else had left the field, Polamalu was still out there running.
And I waited.
Fourty-five minutes had passed and he looked over at me and smiled. I had waited him out.
He came over with his sheepish smile and I asked if I could talk to him for a few minutes. We spoke about a number of subjects, him standing there sweating from his 3-plus hour workout, me because it was about 90 degrees.
After about 15 minutes, I had run out of questions. But he had stood there and answered them all.
It's not much of a story or an exciting one, but it's one I'll always remember with Polamalu. He had to be dog tired at that point, but he took the time to talk to me. He wasn't going to blow me off after I waited for him - and other guys have over the years.
When we were done, he thanked me, shook my hand and we went on our way.
That was Troy Polamalu. Always a gentleman. Never too big, even when he was one of the game's biggest stars.
I won't bore you with any of those stories.
I'll share just this one.
In 2004, after Polamalu had put together a rookie season that had many fans wondering if the Steelers had made a mistake in moving up in the draft to acquire the young safety.
Early in training camp, I decided to do a story on Polamalu. There was one problem, Polamalu never came to lunch, even in those days.
See, you had two opportunities to talk to players, during lunch or after practice. And Polamalu was good at avoiding reporters in all cases. It's not that he didn't like talking. He just didn't enjoy talking about himself, especially back then.
Polamalu was always engaging in one-on-one situations. You could talk music, spirituality, etc. But get him in a group setting and it was a lot of yes and no replies, or his favorite, "Sure."
So I decided to get him after practice. Half an hour after everybody else had left the field, Polamalu was still out there running.
And I waited.
Fourty-five minutes had passed and he looked over at me and smiled. I had waited him out.
He came over with his sheepish smile and I asked if I could talk to him for a few minutes. We spoke about a number of subjects, him standing there sweating from his 3-plus hour workout, me because it was about 90 degrees.
After about 15 minutes, I had run out of questions. But he had stood there and answered them all.
It's not much of a story or an exciting one, but it's one I'll always remember with Polamalu. He had to be dog tired at that point, but he took the time to talk to me. He wasn't going to blow me off after I waited for him - and other guys have over the years.
When we were done, he thanked me, shook my hand and we went on our way.
That was Troy Polamalu. Always a gentleman. Never too big, even when he was one of the game's biggest stars.
Thursday, April 09, 2015
A look at the Steelers, Part V
With the news of Le'Veon Bell's suspension for the first three games of the season being announced today, it's a good time to continue this ongoing series with a look at that position.
Bell was the Steelers' MVP in 2014, setting team records for total yards from scrimmage (2,215), receptions by a running back (83) and receiving yards by a running back (854).
How important is Bell to the Steelers' offense? In his two seasons with the team, they are 19-10 when he plays, 0-4 when he does not.
The interesting thing about Bell's suspension - which he is appealing - is that he not only will not be paid for the first three weeks of the season, but the league also is fining him a fourth game check in the week that he is permitted to return, bringing his total lost wages to $194,900 of a salary of $779,600.
That, to me, seems excessive, particularly the fine for the fourth game, which totals nearly $49,000.
If I were Bell, I'd be tempted to sit out that game rather than put my health on the line for no pay. He understandably wants to put this incident behind him and likely won't do that, but the temptation has to be there.
With Bell now down for those first three weeks, the Steelers' decision to bring in DeAngelo Williams to a two-year deal looks better.
It was assumed that Bell would get at least two games, which would have been tough. But without him for three games - nearly 20 percent of the schedule - the Steelers needed a running back capable of handling the ball 15-20 times per game in those contests.
Williams, 31, was nicked up quite a bit in 2014, but had seven games in 2013 when he had at least 15 touches while sharing time with Jonathan Stewart.
It's important that the Steelers keep Williams healthy and ready to go for that first month of the season, which means youngsters Dri Archer and Josh Harris could also be worked into the equation.
But the Steelers also will look to the draft to bring some young competition into that equation as well, though likely not in the first three rounds.
Archer, a diminutive speedster has drawn plenty of criticism from fans because he didn't contribute much in 2014. But he did contribute in the playoff loss to Baltimore when Bell was out with an injury. He'll have this offseason to work on his chemistry with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger - which was off at times - and try to reclaim the kick return job.
Harris is a tough back with some decent quickness. He was activated off the practice squad when LeGarrette Blount was released in November, but did not play much until the playoffs, when he had 25 yards on nine carries.
Will Johnson will be back as the team's fullback after the Steelers tendered him an offer as a restricted free agent. He catches the ball well - even though he's a bit underutilized in that area - and has gotten considerably better as a lead blocker.
Bell was the Steelers' MVP in 2014, setting team records for total yards from scrimmage (2,215), receptions by a running back (83) and receiving yards by a running back (854).
How important is Bell to the Steelers' offense? In his two seasons with the team, they are 19-10 when he plays, 0-4 when he does not.
The interesting thing about Bell's suspension - which he is appealing - is that he not only will not be paid for the first three weeks of the season, but the league also is fining him a fourth game check in the week that he is permitted to return, bringing his total lost wages to $194,900 of a salary of $779,600.
That, to me, seems excessive, particularly the fine for the fourth game, which totals nearly $49,000.
If I were Bell, I'd be tempted to sit out that game rather than put my health on the line for no pay. He understandably wants to put this incident behind him and likely won't do that, but the temptation has to be there.
With Bell now down for those first three weeks, the Steelers' decision to bring in DeAngelo Williams to a two-year deal looks better.
It was assumed that Bell would get at least two games, which would have been tough. But without him for three games - nearly 20 percent of the schedule - the Steelers needed a running back capable of handling the ball 15-20 times per game in those contests.
Williams, 31, was nicked up quite a bit in 2014, but had seven games in 2013 when he had at least 15 touches while sharing time with Jonathan Stewart.
It's important that the Steelers keep Williams healthy and ready to go for that first month of the season, which means youngsters Dri Archer and Josh Harris could also be worked into the equation.
But the Steelers also will look to the draft to bring some young competition into that equation as well, though likely not in the first three rounds.
Archer, a diminutive speedster has drawn plenty of criticism from fans because he didn't contribute much in 2014. But he did contribute in the playoff loss to Baltimore when Bell was out with an injury. He'll have this offseason to work on his chemistry with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger - which was off at times - and try to reclaim the kick return job.
Harris is a tough back with some decent quickness. He was activated off the practice squad when LeGarrette Blount was released in November, but did not play much until the playoffs, when he had 25 yards on nine carries.
Will Johnson will be back as the team's fullback after the Steelers tendered him an offer as a restricted free agent. He catches the ball well - even though he's a bit underutilized in that area - and has gotten considerably better as a lead blocker.
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
A look at the Steelers Part IV
Today, we'll take a look at the Steelers' linebackers, a group that includes plenty of depth inside and not so much on the outside.
At inside linebacker, the Steelers have a wealth of riches.
Lawrence Timmons is coming off his first Pro Bowl season and has become one of the team leaders.
He heads a group that includes Ryan Shazier, the team's first-round draft pick in 2014, Vince Williams, Sean Spence, Terrance Garvin and Jordan Zumwalt.
That's six bodies for two starting spots, which Timmons and Shazier figure to hold down in 2015.
Shazier's rookie season was marred by knee and ankle injuries, but the rookie will be counted on to become more of a prominent player in 2015.
The team was upset that it took him so long to recover from getting nicked up - especially with the knee injury - but that allowed Williams - the starter in 2013 - and Spence to show that they were capable players, as well.
Williams is an old-school thumper in the middle. In fact, if the Steelers were looking to deal one of their inside linebackers later this month, he would be the player I'd shop. He's a starter-quality player.
Spence made a miraculous recovery from a knee injury suffered in his rookie season and, in his third season, showed that he can at least be a capable backup. One only wonders where his career would be now had he not completely ripped his knee up?
The Steelers really like Garvin's coverage ability and he's good on special teams. They've also toyed with him on the outside a little bit, but just as when they moved Timmons to the outside in emergency situations a few years back, that's a last resort kind of thing.
Zumwalt, who spent the 2014 season on injured reserve, also practiced on the outside at times, but it's a bit much to ask a guy to play both and be effective. Inside linebackers might have the size to play outside, particularly against the run, but they lack pass rush ability.
That's why the Steelers have always preferred to convert college defensive ends into outside linebackers.
One player they didn't have to do what with was Jarvis Jones. The 2013 first-round draft pick had two sacks in the Steelers' first three games, but suffered a dislocated wrist at Carolina while making the second one.
That cost him nine games as he rehabbed his way back from the injury. When he returned, he was basically the backup to James Harrison - signed when Jones was injured - on the right side.
Jones needs to continue to get stronger, but he had shown some signs early of being able to use hand placement to beat offensive tackles.
Harrison was re-signed in the offseason after recording 45 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2014. But he'll turn 37 next month and the team doesn't want him to be a full-time player in 2015. But he brings a locker room presence and remains a very strong pass rusher.
Harrison also worked out with a number of the Steelers' linebackers this offseason in Arizona, including Shazier, Williams, Spence and Jones, showing the youngsters the ins and outs of how to be a pro.
Arthur Moats also was brought back and is penciled in as the starter on the left side right now. The team moved him back over there when Jones returned and he'll replace Jason Worilds - at least for now.
Moats had 23 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles in his first season with the Steelers after coming over as a free agent from Buffalo. And the 27-year-old still has some upside as he spends his second season in the 3-4.
But the Steelers need to find somebody to push or supplant him in the long term.
Howard Jones hung around on the practice squad last season, but to be honest, I never noticed him much in practice. That's mainly the result of the fact the practice squad guys are running scout team stuff and there's no real contact, but he needs to take a step forward.
Former CFL player Shawn Lemon was signed in the offseason following a 13-sack season in 2014. But in his previous three CFL seasons, he had nine total sacks, so the jury is out on him. The Steelers won't count on him in 2015 but will be pleasantly surprised if he shows he can make an impact.
For that reason, you can expect an edge rusher to be a high draft pick for this team. They need to add a talented young pass rusher to a group that has some guys who either have yet to show much, live up to their potential or are way on the wrong side of 30.
At inside linebacker, the Steelers have a wealth of riches.
Lawrence Timmons is coming off his first Pro Bowl season and has become one of the team leaders.
He heads a group that includes Ryan Shazier, the team's first-round draft pick in 2014, Vince Williams, Sean Spence, Terrance Garvin and Jordan Zumwalt.
That's six bodies for two starting spots, which Timmons and Shazier figure to hold down in 2015.
Shazier's rookie season was marred by knee and ankle injuries, but the rookie will be counted on to become more of a prominent player in 2015.
The team was upset that it took him so long to recover from getting nicked up - especially with the knee injury - but that allowed Williams - the starter in 2013 - and Spence to show that they were capable players, as well.
Williams is an old-school thumper in the middle. In fact, if the Steelers were looking to deal one of their inside linebackers later this month, he would be the player I'd shop. He's a starter-quality player.
Spence made a miraculous recovery from a knee injury suffered in his rookie season and, in his third season, showed that he can at least be a capable backup. One only wonders where his career would be now had he not completely ripped his knee up?
The Steelers really like Garvin's coverage ability and he's good on special teams. They've also toyed with him on the outside a little bit, but just as when they moved Timmons to the outside in emergency situations a few years back, that's a last resort kind of thing.
Zumwalt, who spent the 2014 season on injured reserve, also practiced on the outside at times, but it's a bit much to ask a guy to play both and be effective. Inside linebackers might have the size to play outside, particularly against the run, but they lack pass rush ability.
That's why the Steelers have always preferred to convert college defensive ends into outside linebackers.
One player they didn't have to do what with was Jarvis Jones. The 2013 first-round draft pick had two sacks in the Steelers' first three games, but suffered a dislocated wrist at Carolina while making the second one.
That cost him nine games as he rehabbed his way back from the injury. When he returned, he was basically the backup to James Harrison - signed when Jones was injured - on the right side.
Jones needs to continue to get stronger, but he had shown some signs early of being able to use hand placement to beat offensive tackles.
Harrison was re-signed in the offseason after recording 45 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2014. But he'll turn 37 next month and the team doesn't want him to be a full-time player in 2015. But he brings a locker room presence and remains a very strong pass rusher.
Harrison also worked out with a number of the Steelers' linebackers this offseason in Arizona, including Shazier, Williams, Spence and Jones, showing the youngsters the ins and outs of how to be a pro.
Arthur Moats also was brought back and is penciled in as the starter on the left side right now. The team moved him back over there when Jones returned and he'll replace Jason Worilds - at least for now.
Moats had 23 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles in his first season with the Steelers after coming over as a free agent from Buffalo. And the 27-year-old still has some upside as he spends his second season in the 3-4.
But the Steelers need to find somebody to push or supplant him in the long term.
Howard Jones hung around on the practice squad last season, but to be honest, I never noticed him much in practice. That's mainly the result of the fact the practice squad guys are running scout team stuff and there's no real contact, but he needs to take a step forward.
Former CFL player Shawn Lemon was signed in the offseason following a 13-sack season in 2014. But in his previous three CFL seasons, he had nine total sacks, so the jury is out on him. The Steelers won't count on him in 2015 but will be pleasantly surprised if he shows he can make an impact.
For that reason, you can expect an edge rusher to be a high draft pick for this team. They need to add a talented young pass rusher to a group that has some guys who either have yet to show much, live up to their potential or are way on the wrong side of 30.
Sunday, April 05, 2015
A look at the Steelers by position part III
As we continue our look at the Steelers by position, today we'll focus on the pass catchers.
It's a talented group to be sure.
In Antonio Brown, the Steelers might have the pound-for-pound best player in the NFL. A former sixth-round draft pick, Brown has emerged as one of the most dangerous receivers in the game and is still getting better, as scary as that sounds.
The only thing Brown lacks is size, but he makes up for that with his insane competitiveness and knack for getting open, even against double teams.
Markus Wheaton served as the No. 2 receiver last season and struggled at times with his timing with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. That will continue to get better. Wheaton is a hard worker who has high aspirations. He should be much better in his third season.
It took Martavis Bryant about half a season to earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates last season, but once he did, the rookie took off, catching 26 passes for 549 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games.
Just imagine what he'll do when he actually knows what he's doing.
Bryant's route tree was limited in 2014 and he didn't play a lot in no-huddle situations because of it, but with a full offseason and training camp, he'll be expected to be a much bigger part of the offense in 2015.
Veteran Lance Moore was cut loose following the season and never was much of a factor in 2014 to begin with. But his departure opens the door for Darrius Heyward-Bey to see an increased role in 20125.
Heyward-Bey had just three catches for 33 yards last season as the No. 5 receiver, but the former No. 1 pick of the Oakland Raiders does have a 900-yard season under his belt. He's good on special teams, and the Steelers could do worse for a No. 4 guy.
Of the other guys currently on the roster - Brelan Chancellor, C.J. Goodwin and L'Damian Washington - Goodwin is most well-known.
The former California University of Pennsylvania product spent the 2014 season on the practice squad and showed the ability to make acrobatic catches. Will that translate into a roster spot in 2015? Probably not, as the team will bring in some young talent to challenge.
At tight end, Heath Miller looks to be recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2013 season in Week 17. But it doesn't appear that he'll ever regain his former speed and explosiveness.
He's still a very solid receiving option and a willing blocker, but at some point, the Steelers have to consider looking for his replacement.
Veteran Matt Spaeth was brought back to serve as the No. 2 tight end and is excellent as a blocker but offers little as a receiving option.
Michael Palmer has not been re-signed at this point after serving as the No. 3 tight end last season. That leaves 2014 draft pick Rob Blanchflower and Michael Egnew as the only other tight ends on the roster.
Blanchflower spent the 2014 season on the practice squad and flashed some ability late in the season, while Egnew has a handful of games under his belt - playing in all 16 games and starting five for Miami in 2013. He has seven career receptions for 69 yards.
Again, a rookie will be brought in to add some competition to this group and that could come at any point in the draft if the value is right.
It's a talented group to be sure.
In Antonio Brown, the Steelers might have the pound-for-pound best player in the NFL. A former sixth-round draft pick, Brown has emerged as one of the most dangerous receivers in the game and is still getting better, as scary as that sounds.
The only thing Brown lacks is size, but he makes up for that with his insane competitiveness and knack for getting open, even against double teams.
Markus Wheaton served as the No. 2 receiver last season and struggled at times with his timing with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. That will continue to get better. Wheaton is a hard worker who has high aspirations. He should be much better in his third season.
It took Martavis Bryant about half a season to earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates last season, but once he did, the rookie took off, catching 26 passes for 549 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games.
Just imagine what he'll do when he actually knows what he's doing.
Bryant's route tree was limited in 2014 and he didn't play a lot in no-huddle situations because of it, but with a full offseason and training camp, he'll be expected to be a much bigger part of the offense in 2015.
Veteran Lance Moore was cut loose following the season and never was much of a factor in 2014 to begin with. But his departure opens the door for Darrius Heyward-Bey to see an increased role in 20125.
Heyward-Bey had just three catches for 33 yards last season as the No. 5 receiver, but the former No. 1 pick of the Oakland Raiders does have a 900-yard season under his belt. He's good on special teams, and the Steelers could do worse for a No. 4 guy.
Of the other guys currently on the roster - Brelan Chancellor, C.J. Goodwin and L'Damian Washington - Goodwin is most well-known.
The former California University of Pennsylvania product spent the 2014 season on the practice squad and showed the ability to make acrobatic catches. Will that translate into a roster spot in 2015? Probably not, as the team will bring in some young talent to challenge.
At tight end, Heath Miller looks to be recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2013 season in Week 17. But it doesn't appear that he'll ever regain his former speed and explosiveness.
He's still a very solid receiving option and a willing blocker, but at some point, the Steelers have to consider looking for his replacement.
Veteran Matt Spaeth was brought back to serve as the No. 2 tight end and is excellent as a blocker but offers little as a receiving option.
Michael Palmer has not been re-signed at this point after serving as the No. 3 tight end last season. That leaves 2014 draft pick Rob Blanchflower and Michael Egnew as the only other tight ends on the roster.
Blanchflower spent the 2014 season on the practice squad and flashed some ability late in the season, while Egnew has a handful of games under his belt - playing in all 16 games and starting five for Miami in 2013. He has seven career receptions for 69 yards.
Again, a rookie will be brought in to add some competition to this group and that could come at any point in the draft if the value is right.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)