Nose tackle Casey Hampton was unable to complete the team's run challenge on the opening day of training camp and will begin camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Hampton, who skipped the team's offseason workout program, finished just five of the eight 100-yard sprints and jogs back to the starting line.
Hampton looked very much out of shape when he arrived here at Saint Vincent College.
Head coach Mike Tomlin would not put a timeframe on when the Pro Bowl nose tackle will be removed from the PUP, but did say that it could be some time.
Safety Troy Polamalu arrived with a sore hamstrong, but completed his run test, as did guard Chris Kemoeatu, who has some weakness in his triceps.
Both could be held out of practice Monday morning when the team takes the field for the first time.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
All in
Friday, the Steelers assured that all of their players will be under contract when they report on Sunday as the team signed its two remaining unsigned draft picks, running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed.
Mendenhall, the Steelers’ top pick, agreed to a five-year deal worth $12.55 million. Sweed, a second-round selection, came to terms on a four-year deal believed to be worth $3.5 million.
Mendenhall’s deal includes nearly $7 million in guaranteed money and could – at least at times this season – give the Steelers a very high-priced backfield.
Mendenhall, the Steelers’ top pick, agreed to a five-year deal worth $12.55 million. Sweed, a second-round selection, came to terms on a four-year deal believed to be worth $3.5 million.
Mendenhall’s deal includes nearly $7 million in guaranteed money and could – at least at times this season – give the Steelers a very high-priced backfield.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thoughts from Tomlin PC
Mike Tomlin held a pre-training camp press conference Wednesday. Here are a few of my thoughts of about what was said.
© Tomlin was asked about the team's defensive line depth and if it was a concern and he proceeded to give a long answer about how when he made his statement about the lack of depth and age issues at the position, it was before Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason were re-signed.
Now, I like Mike, but he sounded a lot like a guy trying to convince himself that things aren't all that bad.
It is my understanding, though, that second-year man Ryan McBean has been practically living at the team's facility since getting the walking boot off his injured foot and the team has some high hopes for the 2007 fifth-round draft pick.
Also, keep an eye on undrafted rookie Kyle Clement from Northwood.
If Eason makes this team, it will be because those two didn't pan out and this team could have problems down the stretch as it did last season.
© Tomlin spoke very highly of free safety Ryan Clark and his recovery from having his spleen removed last season.
Clark's weight is back to normal and he got through the team's offseason program with no problems. But you'd better believe the team will keep a watchful eye on how he handles contact.
This team needs Clark as the deep man in the secondary. He's a heady guy and a good all-around football player as we saw last season when he was out of the lineup.
That's not to say Anthony Smith didn't learn and get better from last year's debacle, but Clark makes very few mistakes.
© Tomlin said Max Starks will start camp primarily at right tackle, which tells me there will be a competition there between he and Willie Colon.
Last year's battle never really materialized because Starks was forced to play left tackle for much of training camp after Marvel Smith's back became troublesome.
I still think the best line may incorporate Starks at right tackle and Colon at one of the guard spots. If Chris Kemoeatu struggles at left guard replacing Alan Faneca, that could happen.
© Lawrence Timmons will open as the backup to Larry Foote, but Timmons will get plenty of action as a linebacker on passing downs as the team begins to phase James Farrior out of that role.
It may not happen right away because Farriror is such a smart player and is still very effective. But it wouldn't hurt to give the aging vet a chance to catch his breath every once in a while.
© Tomlin was asked about the team's defensive line depth and if it was a concern and he proceeded to give a long answer about how when he made his statement about the lack of depth and age issues at the position, it was before Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason were re-signed.
Now, I like Mike, but he sounded a lot like a guy trying to convince himself that things aren't all that bad.
It is my understanding, though, that second-year man Ryan McBean has been practically living at the team's facility since getting the walking boot off his injured foot and the team has some high hopes for the 2007 fifth-round draft pick.
Also, keep an eye on undrafted rookie Kyle Clement from Northwood.
If Eason makes this team, it will be because those two didn't pan out and this team could have problems down the stretch as it did last season.
© Tomlin spoke very highly of free safety Ryan Clark and his recovery from having his spleen removed last season.
Clark's weight is back to normal and he got through the team's offseason program with no problems. But you'd better believe the team will keep a watchful eye on how he handles contact.
This team needs Clark as the deep man in the secondary. He's a heady guy and a good all-around football player as we saw last season when he was out of the lineup.
That's not to say Anthony Smith didn't learn and get better from last year's debacle, but Clark makes very few mistakes.
© Tomlin said Max Starks will start camp primarily at right tackle, which tells me there will be a competition there between he and Willie Colon.
Last year's battle never really materialized because Starks was forced to play left tackle for much of training camp after Marvel Smith's back became troublesome.
I still think the best line may incorporate Starks at right tackle and Colon at one of the guard spots. If Chris Kemoeatu struggles at left guard replacing Alan Faneca, that could happen.
© Lawrence Timmons will open as the backup to Larry Foote, but Timmons will get plenty of action as a linebacker on passing downs as the team begins to phase James Farrior out of that role.
It may not happen right away because Farriror is such a smart player and is still very effective. But it wouldn't hurt to give the aging vet a chance to catch his breath every once in a while.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Good seats still remain
More than 10,000 tickets remain for the Steelers' preseason game against Buffalo in Toronto, Canada.
If you've never been to Toronto before, you should get there. Of course you will need a passport.
And it's an easy drive from Pittsburgh, right up I-79 through Buffalo.
© Here's an interesting story I came across breaking down NFL contracts.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/21/sp-nfl-contract-breaking-down-an-making-sense-of-d/?sports-bucs
Things are a little different on the road for the Steelers than for some other teams.
I travel on the team plane, so I get a little different look than writers do that cover some other teams that don't allow that.
The food available to the players on the plane is abundant. They also have a team snack after meetings the night before games and a breakfast the morning of.
The $90 given to them for meals per day really turns out to be pocket money.
If you've never been to Toronto before, you should get there. Of course you will need a passport.
And it's an easy drive from Pittsburgh, right up I-79 through Buffalo.
© Here's an interesting story I came across breaking down NFL contracts.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/21/sp-nfl-contract-breaking-down-an-making-sense-of-d/?sports-bucs
Things are a little different on the road for the Steelers than for some other teams.
I travel on the team plane, so I get a little different look than writers do that cover some other teams that don't allow that.
The food available to the players on the plane is abundant. They also have a team snack after meetings the night before games and a breakfast the morning of.
The $90 given to them for meals per day really turns out to be pocket money.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
One week to go
As Tom Petty says, the waiting is the hardest part.
As I write this, it's officially one week until the Steelers training camp opens next Sunday at Saint Vincent College with players reporting.
It's hard to believe another NFL season is upon us.
For me, I always look forward to training camp opening with some regret.
While I do enjoy very much what I do - otherwise I wouldn't be doing it - training camp opening up means that, at least for me, summer is over.
I'll spend much of the next six months watching practices and games and what unfolds in another NFL season.
© As of this writing, the Steelers still have two draft picks unsigned, second-rounder Limas Sweed and first-rounder Rashard Mendenhall.
Look for Sweed to get his deal done sometime later this week, with Mendenhall to follow Saturday or Sunday. At least that's the word.
© There may be another deal coming later this week as well with a veteran player already on the roster.
My source wouldn't tell me who, but the team does have some players it would like to get something done with, with perhaps Max Starks being first on that list.
Getting something done to lower Starks' salary this season and getting him signed past it would give the team some cap room to do some other things.
As I write this, it's officially one week until the Steelers training camp opens next Sunday at Saint Vincent College with players reporting.
It's hard to believe another NFL season is upon us.
For me, I always look forward to training camp opening with some regret.
While I do enjoy very much what I do - otherwise I wouldn't be doing it - training camp opening up means that, at least for me, summer is over.
I'll spend much of the next six months watching practices and games and what unfolds in another NFL season.
© As of this writing, the Steelers still have two draft picks unsigned, second-rounder Limas Sweed and first-rounder Rashard Mendenhall.
Look for Sweed to get his deal done sometime later this week, with Mendenhall to follow Saturday or Sunday. At least that's the word.
© There may be another deal coming later this week as well with a veteran player already on the roster.
My source wouldn't tell me who, but the team does have some players it would like to get something done with, with perhaps Max Starks being first on that list.
Getting something done to lower Starks' salary this season and getting him signed past it would give the team some cap room to do some other things.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Good news, bad news
It was a good news, bad news thing for me this week.
I was tooling around the net looking for something - anything - interesting out there in the world when I came across the mondesishouse site.
On the site there was a poll for media people in Pittsburgh and you could vote whether you approve or disapprove of that person.
The good news was that I made the list – I guess.
The bad news was that my approval rating was like 29 percent.
Then again, guys like Joe Bendel and Bob Smizik were below me, so I've got that going for me, which is nice.
Now if I could only achieve total consciousness on my deathbed, I'd be set.
I was tooling around the net looking for something - anything - interesting out there in the world when I came across the mondesishouse site.
On the site there was a poll for media people in Pittsburgh and you could vote whether you approve or disapprove of that person.
The good news was that I made the list – I guess.
The bad news was that my approval rating was like 29 percent.
Then again, guys like Joe Bendel and Bob Smizik were below me, so I've got that going for me, which is nice.
Now if I could only achieve total consciousness on my deathbed, I'd be set.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Some random thoughts
I just got off the phone a little while ago with former West Virginia University star center Dan Mozes.
For those of you outside the area, Mozes is a Washington native and signed with the Minnesota Vikings after last year's draft.
The 2006 Rimington Award winner as college football's best center, Mozes is a high-motor player who gives his all on the field.
He suffered a torn ACL in camp last summer with the Vikings while trying to make a tackle following an interception during a scimmage with the Kansas City Chiefs.
But Mozes is back on the field with the Vikings this year and has a good shot at making the roster. Starting center Matt Birk is considered one of the best in the business, but he's sat out the OTAs while trying to get a new contract. And Minnesota may not want to give him one considering he's on he wrong side of 30.
The Vikings selected John Sullivan from Notre Dame in the sixth round of this year's draft, but he's by no means a lock to make the roster ahead of Mozes. The team could, in fact, keep both around considering Birk's age and impending free agency.
© So Brett Favre now wants the Packers to release him. Who is really surprised by that?
Favre will likely be looking for one last shot at a Super Bowl – though he pretty much kept the Packers out of one last season with his NFC Championship performance – and my best guess is that he'll wind up in Baltimore for at least one season,
Miami is also a possibility and certainly he would make a nice mentor to Matt Ryan in Atlanta, but the Ravens have a better chance to win some games this season.
© The very public sale of the Steelers - or adjustment of the team's stock - has to be killing Dan Rooney, who prefers to do such things in private.
One thing for sure, when it's all said and done, the Rooneys will still be running this team.
It may cost Dan and Art III more money than they wanted, but it will happen.
© The Steelers agreed to terms with sixth-round picks Mike Humpal and Ryan Mundy Friday, leaving only first and second rounders Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed unsight.
Humpal and Mundy each got three-year contracts. Humpal receives $71,600 signing bonus, and Mundy gets a $67,600 bonus.
For those of you outside the area, Mozes is a Washington native and signed with the Minnesota Vikings after last year's draft.
The 2006 Rimington Award winner as college football's best center, Mozes is a high-motor player who gives his all on the field.
He suffered a torn ACL in camp last summer with the Vikings while trying to make a tackle following an interception during a scimmage with the Kansas City Chiefs.
But Mozes is back on the field with the Vikings this year and has a good shot at making the roster. Starting center Matt Birk is considered one of the best in the business, but he's sat out the OTAs while trying to get a new contract. And Minnesota may not want to give him one considering he's on he wrong side of 30.
The Vikings selected John Sullivan from Notre Dame in the sixth round of this year's draft, but he's by no means a lock to make the roster ahead of Mozes. The team could, in fact, keep both around considering Birk's age and impending free agency.
© So Brett Favre now wants the Packers to release him. Who is really surprised by that?
Favre will likely be looking for one last shot at a Super Bowl – though he pretty much kept the Packers out of one last season with his NFC Championship performance – and my best guess is that he'll wind up in Baltimore for at least one season,
Miami is also a possibility and certainly he would make a nice mentor to Matt Ryan in Atlanta, but the Ravens have a better chance to win some games this season.
© The very public sale of the Steelers - or adjustment of the team's stock - has to be killing Dan Rooney, who prefers to do such things in private.
One thing for sure, when it's all said and done, the Rooneys will still be running this team.
It may cost Dan and Art III more money than they wanted, but it will happen.
© The Steelers agreed to terms with sixth-round picks Mike Humpal and Ryan Mundy Friday, leaving only first and second rounders Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed unsight.
Humpal and Mundy each got three-year contracts. Humpal receives $71,600 signing bonus, and Mundy gets a $67,600 bonus.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Dixon a done deal
As per several sources, the Steelers have signed fifth-round pick Dennis Dixon to a three-year contract that includes a $130,000 signing bonus.
Also, don't make too much of the Rooney family's shifting of some of the team's stock. This is something that has been coming for some time now as the NFL works to remove itself from any kind of gambling.
The family itself doesn't want to divest itself of its race tracks or the football team. You won't see the team sold to an outside source anytime soon - if ever.
Also, don't make too much of the Rooney family's shifting of some of the team's stock. This is something that has been coming for some time now as the NFL works to remove itself from any kind of gambling.
The family itself doesn't want to divest itself of its race tracks or the football team. You won't see the team sold to an outside source anytime soon - if ever.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Hills in the house
Fourth-round draft pick Tony Hills has become the Steelers' first choice to sign, putting his name to a three-year deal worth $1.45 million.
The deal includes a signing bonus of just over $300 thousand.
The deal includes a signing bonus of just over $300 thousand.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Kreider to Rams
Fullback Dan Kreider, the Steelers' 2000 rookie of the year, has been invited to training camp by the St. Louis Rams.
One of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, Kreider's season ended with a knee injury against Miami and the Steelers did not re-sign him.
He had shared time with Carey Davis before the injury as the Steelers went with more of an offensive threat at the fullback position.
One of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, Kreider's season ended with a knee injury against Miami and the Steelers did not re-sign him.
He had shared time with Carey Davis before the injury as the Steelers went with more of an offensive threat at the fullback position.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Steelers cut Davenport
The Steelers have released running back Najeh Davenport after finding no takers in a trade for the seven-year veteran.
Davenport, who rushed for a career-high 499 yards and five touchdowns last season, became expendable when the Steelers selected running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of the draft and signed free agent Mewelde Moore from Minnesota.
By releasing Davenport now, the team is giving him a chance to find another job in the league before training camps open in July.
Davenport's release also opens the door for second-year pro Gary Russell to earn a spot on the roster.
Davenport, who rushed for a career-high 499 yards and five touchdowns last season, became expendable when the Steelers selected running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of the draft and signed free agent Mewelde Moore from Minnesota.
By releasing Davenport now, the team is giving him a chance to find another job in the league before training camps open in July.
Davenport's release also opens the door for second-year pro Gary Russell to earn a spot on the roster.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Any questions
Not much going on right now in the way of Steelers news. I'm also on vacation this week - as you can tell by the unseasonably cold and wet Pa. weather.
But if anybody has any Steelers or NFL-related questions, feel free to ask away.
But if anybody has any Steelers or NFL-related questions, feel free to ask away.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Week 4 OTA thoughts
Many of the stars were missing as the Steelers returned to practice this week after a day of bowling.
Ben Roethlisberger – who was at Dwight White's funeral – Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton were among the missing. Polamalu, of course, is working out in California. Hampton may be at a clinic working on getting his weight down. At least that's the rumor.
Brett Keisel, Santonio Holmes and Najeh Davenport didn't practice Wednesday - not that Davenport is a star.
What it means, though, is that a lot of the younger players are getting more reps.
I mentioned last week that defensive lineman Kyle Clement, an undrafted rookie from Northwood, has been working with the second unit. Wednesday, Clement was getting extra attention from Aaron Smith after practice, as Smith worked with the 6-3, 315-pounder on his hand placement and coming out of his stance.
Clement is definitely somebody to keep an eye on at camp.
Another player who has caught my eye is undrafted cornerback Travis Williams from East Carolina.
Williams looks to have good playmaking ability and can run. He's just 5-9, 180, though, so he is lacking some size.
© Ryan Clark has had a solid camp coming back from his spleen injury.
That's a good sign. But the real test will be when the hitting starts.
Ben Roethlisberger – who was at Dwight White's funeral – Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton were among the missing. Polamalu, of course, is working out in California. Hampton may be at a clinic working on getting his weight down. At least that's the rumor.
Brett Keisel, Santonio Holmes and Najeh Davenport didn't practice Wednesday - not that Davenport is a star.
What it means, though, is that a lot of the younger players are getting more reps.
I mentioned last week that defensive lineman Kyle Clement, an undrafted rookie from Northwood, has been working with the second unit. Wednesday, Clement was getting extra attention from Aaron Smith after practice, as Smith worked with the 6-3, 315-pounder on his hand placement and coming out of his stance.
Clement is definitely somebody to keep an eye on at camp.
Another player who has caught my eye is undrafted cornerback Travis Williams from East Carolina.
Williams looks to have good playmaking ability and can run. He's just 5-9, 180, though, so he is lacking some size.
© Ryan Clark has had a solid camp coming back from his spleen injury.
That's a good sign. But the real test will be when the hitting starts.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Bowling day
Head coach Mike Tomlin took the Steelers bowling on Tuesday, the opening day of their final week of OTAs.
I guess after the chippiness of last week, Tomlin figured the players needed a little distraction - all while getting to hang out together.
There was no media access, so there is nothing new to report. But they'll be back at practice Wednesday and I'll be updating.
I guess after the chippiness of last week, Tomlin figured the players needed a little distraction - all while getting to hang out together.
There was no media access, so there is nothing new to report. But they'll be back at practice Wednesday and I'll be updating.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Week three OTA thoughts
Mike Tomlin had to get a little loud Wednesday at OTAs as a couple of minor scrimmashes broke out between players following plays.
The first involved right tackle Willie Colon – who else - and a defensive lineman who I believe was Nick Eason.
A couple of plays later, tackle Trai Essex – Trai Essex? – got into a scuffle with another defensive lineman.
Tomlin yelled at the players to stop with the stupid $#&^.
After practice, he held a lengthy huddle, talking to the players about how important it was for them in this third week with just one week remaining not to lose their focus.
© The Steelers had a welcome sight on their offensive line as Marvel Smith was back at his left tackle position. That left the line at, from left to right, Smith, Chris Kemoeatu, Sean Mahan, Kendall Simmons and the aforementioned Colon.
© Larry Foote sat out Wednesday with a stiff neck, allowing second-year pro Lawrence Timmons to take all the snaps with the first team at inside linebacker.
I like Foote a lot, but a stiff neck wouldn't keep me out at this point with the kid breathing down it.
© Rookie Rashard Mendenhall looks strong and fast running with ball. I'm anxious to see how the kid breaks tackles, something starter Willie Parker doesn't do all that well.
Parker, by the way, sat out Wednesday, though it's no big deal.
© The Steelers have a bunch of undrafted rookie defensive linemen in camp and the one they seem to be taking the biggest liking to is Kyle Clement. But it's very early and the hitting hasn't started yet.
The first involved right tackle Willie Colon – who else - and a defensive lineman who I believe was Nick Eason.
A couple of plays later, tackle Trai Essex – Trai Essex? – got into a scuffle with another defensive lineman.
Tomlin yelled at the players to stop with the stupid $#&^.
After practice, he held a lengthy huddle, talking to the players about how important it was for them in this third week with just one week remaining not to lose their focus.
© The Steelers had a welcome sight on their offensive line as Marvel Smith was back at his left tackle position. That left the line at, from left to right, Smith, Chris Kemoeatu, Sean Mahan, Kendall Simmons and the aforementioned Colon.
© Larry Foote sat out Wednesday with a stiff neck, allowing second-year pro Lawrence Timmons to take all the snaps with the first team at inside linebacker.
I like Foote a lot, but a stiff neck wouldn't keep me out at this point with the kid breathing down it.
© Rookie Rashard Mendenhall looks strong and fast running with ball. I'm anxious to see how the kid breaks tackles, something starter Willie Parker doesn't do all that well.
Parker, by the way, sat out Wednesday, though it's no big deal.
© The Steelers have a bunch of undrafted rookie defensive linemen in camp and the one they seem to be taking the biggest liking to is Kyle Clement. But it's very early and the hitting hasn't started yet.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Now it makes sense
The New England Patriots signed free agent offensive tackle Oliver Ross Monday in a move that didn't make sense to me - until Tuesday.
The Boston Globe reported Tuesday at Patriots' starting right tackle Nick Kaczur had been arrested for illegal possession of painkillers and as a result had been working as an informant for the DEA.
Kaczur's involvement as an informant may have gotten him out of hot water with the DEA, but it won't with the NFL.
It's likely Kaczur is facing a suspension, which is why the Pats signed Ross.
The Boston Globe reported Tuesday at Patriots' starting right tackle Nick Kaczur had been arrested for illegal possession of painkillers and as a result had been working as an informant for the DEA.
Kaczur's involvement as an informant may have gotten him out of hot water with the DEA, but it won't with the NFL.
It's likely Kaczur is facing a suspension, which is why the Pats signed Ross.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Steelers work out local pair
According to SteelCityInsider.com, the Steelers worked out Waynesburg University defensive end Mike Czerwien and California University punter Jace Amore after their OTA Thursday.
The 5-8, 225-pound Czerwien led college football with 23 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss last season. He finished his career with 53.5 sacks at Waynesburg.
Obviously, the North Hills High School product would be a linebacker for the Steelers, if they decided to sign him, but no move has been made as of yet.
Amore was a transfer from Temple. The Elizabeth Forward High School grad averaged 40.1 yards per punt last season.
The Steelers did not sign a rookie punter for camp behind Daniel Sepulveda following the draft.
The 5-8, 225-pound Czerwien led college football with 23 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss last season. He finished his career with 53.5 sacks at Waynesburg.
Obviously, the North Hills High School product would be a linebacker for the Steelers, if they decided to sign him, but no move has been made as of yet.
Amore was a transfer from Temple. The Elizabeth Forward High School grad averaged 40.1 yards per punt last season.
The Steelers did not sign a rookie punter for camp behind Daniel Sepulveda following the draft.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tickets on sale
A limited number of individual game tickets for the Steelers 2008 home games are available through Ticketmaster beginning on Saturday, June 21, at noon. This marks the second consecutive season fans will be able to purchase the tickets through Ticketmaster.
Fans may buy up to four tickets total for the eight regular-season games while there is no limit for the two preseason home contests. A majority of the tickets will be priced at either $59 or $62. However, there will be single seats available at prices ranging from $59-$240.
Tickets will be sold either on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 412-323-1919. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover will be accepted by Ticketmaster. Tickets will not be sold at Ticketmaster outlets.
Since there are a limited number of tickets available, tickets are expected to sell out very quickly.
Fans may buy up to four tickets total for the eight regular-season games while there is no limit for the two preseason home contests. A majority of the tickets will be priced at either $59 or $62. However, there will be single seats available at prices ranging from $59-$240.
Tickets will be sold either on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 412-323-1919. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover will be accepted by Ticketmaster. Tickets will not be sold at Ticketmaster outlets.
Since there are a limited number of tickets available, tickets are expected to sell out very quickly.
Week 2 OTA notes
Rain shortened what was otherwise a pretty lackluster day Tuesday.
A team that had been very loose and having a lot of fun the first week back, didn’t seem all that interested in practicing today. It was probably a little hangover from the long holiday weekend.
The lone time somebody showed some real fire was when safety Anthony Smith jumped a sideline pass from Charlie Batch during a two-minute drill, intercepting it. Smith, of course, couldn’t just pick the pass off, he ran about 10 yards with the ball and then fired it at the fence surrounding the field.
Just when you though the kid might be learning a little something, he goes and does something totally stupid like that.
Why is it stupid?
Much like Joey Porter doing a foot-stomp in training camp and injuring his knee after beating a fourth-string tackle for a sack, Smith firing a ball as hard as he can after picking off a pass in practice is totally meaningless.
The only thing that can happen is an injury.
The coaching staff knows you picked off the pass Anthony. You don’t need any of the extracurricular stuff.
I can guarantee that Dick LeBeau never did anything like that after any of his more than 60 career meaningful interceptions.
© Marvel Smith was still a no-show as he is still at home helping his wife with the birth of their first child. Max Starks continues to hold down the left tackle spot with Smith out, with Willie Colon at right tackle.
Kendall Simmons was present, but still out of action, but Chris Kemoeatu was back at left guard.
With Kemoeatu back in action, Sean Mahan was back at center, with Darnell Stapleton filling in for Simmons at right guard.
The coaching staff seems to really like Stapleton and the fact they feel comfortable enough to line the youngster up at guard as well as his regular center position speaks volumes about that.
© James Harrison was another no-show today, but there was another Harrison, Arnold, holding down the outside linebacker position opposite LaMarr Woodley.
The team isn’t ready to move rookie Bruce Davis up the chart just yet.
© Wide receiver Kevin Marion was only signed by the Steelers after Dorian Bryant failed his physical with the team, but the little man from Wake Forest doesn’t look bad out there.
The 5-10, 168-pound speedster catches everything thrown his way and hasn’t looked like a guy who is technically the last player on the roster.
Just goes to show you that all some guys need is a chance.
A team that had been very loose and having a lot of fun the first week back, didn’t seem all that interested in practicing today. It was probably a little hangover from the long holiday weekend.
The lone time somebody showed some real fire was when safety Anthony Smith jumped a sideline pass from Charlie Batch during a two-minute drill, intercepting it. Smith, of course, couldn’t just pick the pass off, he ran about 10 yards with the ball and then fired it at the fence surrounding the field.
Just when you though the kid might be learning a little something, he goes and does something totally stupid like that.
Why is it stupid?
Much like Joey Porter doing a foot-stomp in training camp and injuring his knee after beating a fourth-string tackle for a sack, Smith firing a ball as hard as he can after picking off a pass in practice is totally meaningless.
The only thing that can happen is an injury.
The coaching staff knows you picked off the pass Anthony. You don’t need any of the extracurricular stuff.
I can guarantee that Dick LeBeau never did anything like that after any of his more than 60 career meaningful interceptions.
© Marvel Smith was still a no-show as he is still at home helping his wife with the birth of their first child. Max Starks continues to hold down the left tackle spot with Smith out, with Willie Colon at right tackle.
Kendall Simmons was present, but still out of action, but Chris Kemoeatu was back at left guard.
With Kemoeatu back in action, Sean Mahan was back at center, with Darnell Stapleton filling in for Simmons at right guard.
The coaching staff seems to really like Stapleton and the fact they feel comfortable enough to line the youngster up at guard as well as his regular center position speaks volumes about that.
© James Harrison was another no-show today, but there was another Harrison, Arnold, holding down the outside linebacker position opposite LaMarr Woodley.
The team isn’t ready to move rookie Bruce Davis up the chart just yet.
© Wide receiver Kevin Marion was only signed by the Steelers after Dorian Bryant failed his physical with the team, but the little man from Wake Forest doesn’t look bad out there.
The 5-10, 168-pound speedster catches everything thrown his way and hasn’t looked like a guy who is technically the last player on the roster.
Just goes to show you that all some guys need is a chance.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Random thoughts
I talked at length to running back Mewelde Moore this week at OTAs and came away impressed with the young man.
While many free agent running backs the Steelers have signed in the past come in looking to carry the ball as much as possible or even win a starting job, Moore – who was signed away from Minnesota – seems to be more than happy to fill his niche with the Steelers.
What will that niche be?
Returning punts and possibly kickoffs and being the third-down back.
Those were both jobs Najeh Davenport filled in the past.
© Gary Russell, another young back the team has, looks awfully good running with the ball. His cuts are sharp and he has a nice burst.
Russell saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2007, but the team liked him enough that it didn't dare try to put him on the practice squad.
With the addition of Moore and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers have a very crowded backfield.
© A national writer took the Steelers to task recently after Mendenhall suffered a strained hamstring during mini-camp, citing that and 2007 No. 1 pick Lawrence Timmons' groin injury as evidence that the Steelers are pushing their young players too hard in these drills.
Maybe he should take a look at Cleveland instead.
Cornerback Daven Holly blew his knee out in the Browns' workouts, adding just another injury to a long list of them that have happened to Cleveland players in that team's workouts.
And after trading Leigh Bodden in the deal to get Shaun Rogers from Detroit, cornerback was one spot the Browns couldn't afford to lose anyone.
Cleveland's run defense may be better this season, but the pass defense promises to be awful.
While many free agent running backs the Steelers have signed in the past come in looking to carry the ball as much as possible or even win a starting job, Moore – who was signed away from Minnesota – seems to be more than happy to fill his niche with the Steelers.
What will that niche be?
Returning punts and possibly kickoffs and being the third-down back.
Those were both jobs Najeh Davenport filled in the past.
© Gary Russell, another young back the team has, looks awfully good running with the ball. His cuts are sharp and he has a nice burst.
Russell saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2007, but the team liked him enough that it didn't dare try to put him on the practice squad.
With the addition of Moore and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers have a very crowded backfield.
© A national writer took the Steelers to task recently after Mendenhall suffered a strained hamstring during mini-camp, citing that and 2007 No. 1 pick Lawrence Timmons' groin injury as evidence that the Steelers are pushing their young players too hard in these drills.
Maybe he should take a look at Cleveland instead.
Cornerback Daven Holly blew his knee out in the Browns' workouts, adding just another injury to a long list of them that have happened to Cleveland players in that team's workouts.
And after trading Leigh Bodden in the deal to get Shaun Rogers from Detroit, cornerback was one spot the Browns couldn't afford to lose anyone.
Cleveland's run defense may be better this season, but the pass defense promises to be awful.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
OTAs reconvene
The Steelers got back together Tuesday for what will be the bulk of their OTAs with most of the team on the practice field. Left tackle Marvel Smith, wide receivers Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes, and strong safety Troy Polamalu – who will miss all of the sessions while working out in Calfornia – were notable exceptions.
Washington, in particular, may not want to miss too much action. Second-year pro Dallas Baker continued right where he left off in mini-camp and was catching everything in sight.
Baker, a seventh-round pick last season who spent the year on the practice squad, looks like a player who's ready to contribute.
© Think the rookies' heads aren't swimming? Think again. Cornerback Travis Williams, an undrafted player, was checking the playlist tucked in his pants before every play, and even sometimes after the ball was snapped, getting a late jump off the line.
He made perhaps the defensive play of the session, however, breaking up a deep ball intended for Willie Reid. Reid, by the way, is firmly on the bubble with this team, especially since his return skills have proven to be less than what they should be.
© With Smith out, the Steelers looked at a lot of different offensive line combinations, using centers Sean Mahan, Darnell Stapleton and Justin Hartwig at guard, and tackles Willie Colon and Trai Essex at guard as well.
Max Starks saw plenty of action at left tackle.
© No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall was still out of action with the hamstring injury suffered in mini-camp, but second-year defensive end Ryan McBean had his cast off and was practicing lightly.
© I saw one player – I believe it was first-year wide receiver Matt Trannon, but it's tough to tell when they're in street clothes and I don't know all the faces yet – in the lunch room with a fresh cast on his hand, something that doesn't bode well for the youngster.
© Punter Daniel Sepulveda looks like his leg is even stronger than last year. He was consistently kicking the ball into the roof at the indoor practice facility, which is 100-feet high. And some of those balls were still rising when they hit.
Washington, in particular, may not want to miss too much action. Second-year pro Dallas Baker continued right where he left off in mini-camp and was catching everything in sight.
Baker, a seventh-round pick last season who spent the year on the practice squad, looks like a player who's ready to contribute.
© Think the rookies' heads aren't swimming? Think again. Cornerback Travis Williams, an undrafted player, was checking the playlist tucked in his pants before every play, and even sometimes after the ball was snapped, getting a late jump off the line.
He made perhaps the defensive play of the session, however, breaking up a deep ball intended for Willie Reid. Reid, by the way, is firmly on the bubble with this team, especially since his return skills have proven to be less than what they should be.
© With Smith out, the Steelers looked at a lot of different offensive line combinations, using centers Sean Mahan, Darnell Stapleton and Justin Hartwig at guard, and tackles Willie Colon and Trai Essex at guard as well.
Max Starks saw plenty of action at left tackle.
© No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall was still out of action with the hamstring injury suffered in mini-camp, but second-year defensive end Ryan McBean had his cast off and was practicing lightly.
© I saw one player – I believe it was first-year wide receiver Matt Trannon, but it's tough to tell when they're in street clothes and I don't know all the faces yet – in the lunch room with a fresh cast on his hand, something that doesn't bode well for the youngster.
© Punter Daniel Sepulveda looks like his leg is even stronger than last year. He was consistently kicking the ball into the roof at the indoor practice facility, which is 100-feet high. And some of those balls were still rising when they hit.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
OTAs start this week
The Steelers will begin their OTAs this week. Check back often to get the latest news and notes.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Spygate ended?
We learned earlier this week that after meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Matt Walsh had no new information on the Patriots' spying case.
That's actually not all that surprising. And it's not all that surprising that Steelers owner Dan Rooney is again saying this should put the issue to rest.
The NFL wants in the worst way for this to go away, The league knows that there were other teams involved in similar things over the years. Hence Goodell's memo to the league's teams saying that he wanted this stuff to stop – before the Patriots were caught.
With the money involved in this, don't expect a smoking gun to turn up. Too many people with far too much power and money have too much at stake for that to happen.
That's actually not all that surprising. And it's not all that surprising that Steelers owner Dan Rooney is again saying this should put the issue to rest.
The NFL wants in the worst way for this to go away, The league knows that there were other teams involved in similar things over the years. Hence Goodell's memo to the league's teams saying that he wanted this stuff to stop – before the Patriots were caught.
With the money involved in this, don't expect a smoking gun to turn up. Too many people with far too much power and money have too much at stake for that to happen.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Not a good sign in Baltimore
According to Associated Press reports out of Baltimore Saturday, the Ravens' mini-camp was the site of a team brawl.
As per the report, nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.
Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.
It has a familiar ring to it for me.
Back in 2000, the Steelers were coming off a 6-10 season and had a similar locker room brawl in which linebackers Jason Gildon and Earl Holmes went after running back Richard Huntley for something that happened on the field.
The jawing continued into the locker room and the fight erupted, with reporters stuck in the middle. Luckily for me, I was not one of the guys stuck in the middle, but I was in the locker room at the time and it was not a pretty sight.
Baltimore is coming off a 5-11 season and many of the veterans, much like the ones in that Pittsburgh locker room, see themselves coming to the end of their careers.
And, in fact, by the time the Steelers were good again in 2001, Holmes and Huntley – two of the main combatants - were gone.
As per the report, nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.
Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.
It has a familiar ring to it for me.
Back in 2000, the Steelers were coming off a 6-10 season and had a similar locker room brawl in which linebackers Jason Gildon and Earl Holmes went after running back Richard Huntley for something that happened on the field.
The jawing continued into the locker room and the fight erupted, with reporters stuck in the middle. Luckily for me, I was not one of the guys stuck in the middle, but I was in the locker room at the time and it was not a pretty sight.
Baltimore is coming off a 5-11 season and many of the veterans, much like the ones in that Pittsburgh locker room, see themselves coming to the end of their careers.
And, in fact, by the time the Steelers were good again in 2001, Holmes and Huntley – two of the main combatants - were gone.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Thoughts on Kemoeatu
In talking with Chris Kemoeatu last weekend at mini-camp, I got the idea that he was feeling a little pressure.
Kemoeatu talked time and again about not wanting to let his teammates down as he attempts to replace All-Pro Alan Faneca at left guard.
Kemoeatu has talent. That's never been the question with him. It's his work ethic, not so much on the field, but off of it. He's never been one to hit the books very hard.
With the starting spot now in front of him, Kemoeatu seems to finally get it.
He talked about how the other veterans were counting on him and how he didn't want to let them down.
It's a start.
Kemoeatu talked time and again about not wanting to let his teammates down as he attempts to replace All-Pro Alan Faneca at left guard.
Kemoeatu has talent. That's never been the question with him. It's his work ethic, not so much on the field, but off of it. He's never been one to hit the books very hard.
With the starting spot now in front of him, Kemoeatu seems to finally get it.
He talked about how the other veterans were counting on him and how he didn't want to let them down.
It's a start.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Mini-camp thoughts
The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their second mini-camp under head coach Mike Tomlin Sunday with hat day.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked ridiculous dropping back to pass with his big, floppy sombrero, but not as ridiculous as placekicker Jeff Reed and long snapper Greg Warren, who were both running around with firemen’s hats on.
Roethlisberger was going for laughs – as was running back Najeh Davenport, who had a huge afro wig on. Reed and Warren undoubtedly thought they were being cool.
Of course, wide receiver Hines Ward wore a silly old-school football helmet all weekend, but he’s another matter altogether.
But the whole thing kind of showed how this team keeps things loose. Throughout every practice, they play little games with each other – ones that have been going on for years now – to keep everything a little light.
Talking to newcomer Justin Hartwig Sunday after his first camp with the team, he said the Steelers’ locker room was much different than any other he’s been in. Hartwig, who spent time with Tennessee and Carolina, said the outside view of the Steelers’ organization is one of class and respect all the way.
And things like Sunday are why this team doesn’t seem to flinch when it loses venerable leaders like Alan Faneca, as it did this offseason.
© It was particularly good to see Ryan Clark on the field running around again.
Had you seen Clark in the locker room last October, you would have wondered if he would make it through the week, not set foot on the football field again.
But Tomlin is still taking a wait-and-see approach. Until the hitting starts, we really won't know if Clark is back.
© Davenport was lining up at fullback some in this mini-camp and while that in itself is not all that uncommon, it’s become much more important for the veteran this year.
With the offseason additions of Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall, there aren’t many roster spots left for running backs behind Willie Parker and fullback Carey Davis.
Playing some fullback might be something that keeps Davenport on the active roster.
© Pity poor Ryan McBean.
Assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Mitchell usually has a promising rookie to beat up on in training camp every year, giving that youngster his undivided, and often caustic, attention.
We reporter types love to wander over to the defensive line workouts during training camp to listen to the Mitch-isms.
With no new draft picks on the line this year, McBean will again be Mitchell’s whipping boy – once he recovers from his lingering foot injury.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked ridiculous dropping back to pass with his big, floppy sombrero, but not as ridiculous as placekicker Jeff Reed and long snapper Greg Warren, who were both running around with firemen’s hats on.
Roethlisberger was going for laughs – as was running back Najeh Davenport, who had a huge afro wig on. Reed and Warren undoubtedly thought they were being cool.
Of course, wide receiver Hines Ward wore a silly old-school football helmet all weekend, but he’s another matter altogether.
But the whole thing kind of showed how this team keeps things loose. Throughout every practice, they play little games with each other – ones that have been going on for years now – to keep everything a little light.
Talking to newcomer Justin Hartwig Sunday after his first camp with the team, he said the Steelers’ locker room was much different than any other he’s been in. Hartwig, who spent time with Tennessee and Carolina, said the outside view of the Steelers’ organization is one of class and respect all the way.
And things like Sunday are why this team doesn’t seem to flinch when it loses venerable leaders like Alan Faneca, as it did this offseason.
© It was particularly good to see Ryan Clark on the field running around again.
Had you seen Clark in the locker room last October, you would have wondered if he would make it through the week, not set foot on the football field again.
But Tomlin is still taking a wait-and-see approach. Until the hitting starts, we really won't know if Clark is back.
© Davenport was lining up at fullback some in this mini-camp and while that in itself is not all that uncommon, it’s become much more important for the veteran this year.
With the offseason additions of Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall, there aren’t many roster spots left for running backs behind Willie Parker and fullback Carey Davis.
Playing some fullback might be something that keeps Davenport on the active roster.
© Pity poor Ryan McBean.
Assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Mitchell usually has a promising rookie to beat up on in training camp every year, giving that youngster his undivided, and often caustic, attention.
We reporter types love to wander over to the defensive line workouts during training camp to listen to the Mitch-isms.
With no new draft picks on the line this year, McBean will again be Mitchell’s whipping boy – once he recovers from his lingering foot injury.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Steelers add WR
The Dorian Bryant mystery is over.
The Purdue WR/return man failed his physical with the Steelers, which is why he was in town Thursday, but not with the team Friday when mini-camp opened.
The Steelers signed Wake Forst wide receiver Kevin Marion to take his place on the roster.
The 5-foot-10 Marion caught 44 passes for 485 yards and one touchdown during his career at Wake Forest, making 18 catches for 192 yards as a senior in 2007.
The Purdue WR/return man failed his physical with the Steelers, which is why he was in town Thursday, but not with the team Friday when mini-camp opened.
The Steelers signed Wake Forst wide receiver Kevin Marion to take his place on the roster.
The 5-foot-10 Marion caught 44 passes for 485 yards and one touchdown during his career at Wake Forest, making 18 catches for 192 yards as a senior in 2007.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Opening mini-camp thoughts
The first day of mini-camp is always tough because there are so many new players on the field, you actually need a roster handy to figure out who's who. By the time training camp rolls around, I've learned all the numbers, so it's not a problem.
But for now, I have to look at the roster before and after every play.
© Several vets were sitting out, Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu among them.
It's no big deal, as it gives some younger guys more reps.
© With Polamalu out, Tyrone Carter was at strong safety. Ryan Clark was at free safety. Clark, by the way, was wearing No. 21, as was new running back Mewelde Moore. I guess they'll have to wrestle to see who actually gets Ricardo Colclough's old uni.
© The starting offensive line was Marvel Smith at LT, Chris Kemoeatu at LG, Sean Mahan at C, Kendall Simmons at RG and Willie Colon at RT.
I spoke with Smith, who's coming off offseason back surgery, after practice and he said he feels better than he has in years.
The back had been hurting him for several years, but last year it got really bad, causing his right leg to go numb.
He's very excited about finally being able to play pain free.
© Rookie wide receiver Dorian Bryant, an undrafted free agent, is no longer on the roster.
Word is that he was in Pittsburgh Thursday night, but was a no-show for practice Friday. I don't know what's up with that, unless he changed his mind and signed with another team after he took a good look around.
© Quarterback Dennis Dixon, who wasn't supposed to be football ready yet, did take one snap with the offense Friday morning.
But for now, I have to look at the roster before and after every play.
© Several vets were sitting out, Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu among them.
It's no big deal, as it gives some younger guys more reps.
© With Polamalu out, Tyrone Carter was at strong safety. Ryan Clark was at free safety. Clark, by the way, was wearing No. 21, as was new running back Mewelde Moore. I guess they'll have to wrestle to see who actually gets Ricardo Colclough's old uni.
© The starting offensive line was Marvel Smith at LT, Chris Kemoeatu at LG, Sean Mahan at C, Kendall Simmons at RG and Willie Colon at RT.
I spoke with Smith, who's coming off offseason back surgery, after practice and he said he feels better than he has in years.
The back had been hurting him for several years, but last year it got really bad, causing his right leg to go numb.
He's very excited about finally being able to play pain free.
© Rookie wide receiver Dorian Bryant, an undrafted free agent, is no longer on the roster.
Word is that he was in Pittsburgh Thursday night, but was a no-show for practice Friday. I don't know what's up with that, unless he changed his mind and signed with another team after he took a good look around.
© Quarterback Dennis Dixon, who wasn't supposed to be football ready yet, did take one snap with the offense Friday morning.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Looking at the URFAs
The Steelers picked up a couple of young defensive linemen as rookie free agents in Martavius Prince of Southern Mississippi and Jordan Reffett of Washington, but I wouldn't expect either to make a push to make this team as anything except as practice squad players.
My opinion may change once I see them practice - starting this weekend - but that's the feeling for now, as both went undrafted in what was considered a so-so defensive line draft.
Then again, they are just trying to beat out Nick Eason.
The two guys the Steelers did get as undrafted rookies who I like are wide receiver Micah Rucker of Southern Illinois and center Doug Legursky of Marshall.
Rucker is a 6-6 receiver with some speed who had an outstanding season at Southern Illinois last year. He caught two touchdowns working against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – a first-round draft pick – when those two squared off.
Legursky has good size and I felt he had a good chance to be drafted. But there isn't always a strong push to draft centers. He also may be able to play some guard.
My opinion may change once I see them practice - starting this weekend - but that's the feeling for now, as both went undrafted in what was considered a so-so defensive line draft.
Then again, they are just trying to beat out Nick Eason.
The two guys the Steelers did get as undrafted rookies who I like are wide receiver Micah Rucker of Southern Illinois and center Doug Legursky of Marshall.
Rucker is a 6-6 receiver with some speed who had an outstanding season at Southern Illinois last year. He caught two touchdowns working against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – a first-round draft pick – when those two squared off.
Legursky has good size and I felt he had a good chance to be drafted. But there isn't always a strong push to draft centers. He also may be able to play some guard.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
That's a wrap
Let me just say this about the Steelers' draft, they had me right up until they took Dennis Dixon in the fifth round.
Rashard Mendenhall was a great value in the first round, as was Limas Sweed in the second.
Bruce Davis in the third round may have been a little higher than I had him rated, but he's a strong pass-rushing tweener end and that's the same round the Steelers have taken previous stars Joey Porter and Jason Gildon, so it fits – especially now that there are more teams running 3-4 defenses than before. Davis wouldn't have been there when the Steelers drafted in the fourth round.
If Tony Hills can play left tackle, he was well worth a fourth-round pick. He certainly has a better pedigree than Trai Essex, whom the Steelers selected in the third round a few years ago out of Northwestern.
Dixon is a bit of a mystery. He won't be ready to get back onto the football field for at least another month after suffering a torn ACL at the end of last season.
Considering he's fighting to be the team's third QB – which is basically a camp arm – the more time he misses, the worse off he'll be.
And there's a chance he may not even be ready until training camp. That's a lot of reps he'll miss between now and then.
He's a talent, to be sure, but it was a bit of a guilty indulgence.
Mike Humpall, the linebacker out of Iowa who was the first of the team's two sixth-round picks, is the new Clint Kriewaldt. A smart, instinctive player who was a tackling machine at Iowa, Humpall should be an excellent special teams player.
Ryan Mundy, the team's final pick, is another heady player, which is what the Steelers like in their free safeties.
In fact, Mundy is so smart, despite transferring into West Virginia for a fifth year under an NCAA rule that now no longer exists, Mundy was the guy who lined up the Mountaineers on defense last season.
He's also another player who should be a solid special teams player, as should Davis.
Yep, not a bad draft at all.
Rashard Mendenhall was a great value in the first round, as was Limas Sweed in the second.
Bruce Davis in the third round may have been a little higher than I had him rated, but he's a strong pass-rushing tweener end and that's the same round the Steelers have taken previous stars Joey Porter and Jason Gildon, so it fits – especially now that there are more teams running 3-4 defenses than before. Davis wouldn't have been there when the Steelers drafted in the fourth round.
If Tony Hills can play left tackle, he was well worth a fourth-round pick. He certainly has a better pedigree than Trai Essex, whom the Steelers selected in the third round a few years ago out of Northwestern.
Dixon is a bit of a mystery. He won't be ready to get back onto the football field for at least another month after suffering a torn ACL at the end of last season.
Considering he's fighting to be the team's third QB – which is basically a camp arm – the more time he misses, the worse off he'll be.
And there's a chance he may not even be ready until training camp. That's a lot of reps he'll miss between now and then.
He's a talent, to be sure, but it was a bit of a guilty indulgence.
Mike Humpall, the linebacker out of Iowa who was the first of the team's two sixth-round picks, is the new Clint Kriewaldt. A smart, instinctive player who was a tackling machine at Iowa, Humpall should be an excellent special teams player.
Ryan Mundy, the team's final pick, is another heady player, which is what the Steelers like in their free safeties.
In fact, Mundy is so smart, despite transferring into West Virginia for a fifth year under an NCAA rule that now no longer exists, Mundy was the guy who lined up the Mountaineers on defense last season.
He's also another player who should be a solid special teams player, as should Davis.
Yep, not a bad draft at all.
Where's the beef?
3:34 p.m. - Defensive line coach John Mitchell's head has to be spinning right about now as the Steelers have done nothing to address their defensive line in this draft.
With two picks left, one of them has to be a d-lineman.
The favorites right now are Wallace Gilberry from Alabama, Eric Foster from Rutgers or Keilan Dykes from WVU. But Foster and Dykes are NT-types and the Steelers' real need is at end.
With two picks left, one of them has to be a d-lineman.
The favorites right now are Wallace Gilberry from Alabama, Eric Foster from Rutgers or Keilan Dykes from WVU. But Foster and Dykes are NT-types and the Steelers' real need is at end.
A good day's work
There were plenty of happy faces around the offices of the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday.
And why not?
The team had just pulled off a pair of draft-day heists without giving anything up in selecting running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed with its first two picks in the NFL draft.
Think about an offense that gives Willie Parker the ball 15 to 20 times and Mendenhall another 10 or so touches?
Or how about one that now has the 6-4 Sweed to put on the field with Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Nate Washington and Heath Miller with Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger distributing the ball?
Either way you look at it, it could be an explosive offense.
The Steelers came into the draft hoping to solidify their offensive and defensive lines. And to this point, they haven’t accomplished that.
It’s a priority heading into the second day.
By not taking an offensive tackle in the first two rounds Saturday, the Steelers may have uncharacteristically painted themselves into a corner for 2009, when Max Starks, Marvel Smith and Trai Essex are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
And on the defensive line, the same cast of characters returns for 2008 that was here in 2007. That’s not necessarily a good thing considering what happened after Aaron Smith was lost in the second half to injury.
At this point, the team needs to either pick up some linemen, or at least add to its pass rush with a linebacker. They make look for some corner help for depth.
Here’s who the Steelers could be looking at going forward to fill those needs:
Round Three
Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP; Red Bryant, DE, Texas A&M; Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton; Cliff Avril, LB; Purdue; Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan; Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgia
Round Four
Bruce Davis, OLB, ULCA; Darrell Robertson, OLB, Georgia Tech; Bryn Smith, OLB, McNeese State; Breno Giacomini, OT; Louisville; Charles Godfrey, DB, Iowa; John Greco, OL, Kent
Round Five
King Dunlap, OT, Auburn; Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers; James Blair, OT, W. Michigan
Sixth Round
William Hayes, DE, Winston Salem State; Keilen Dykes, DL, West Virginia; Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
And why not?
The team had just pulled off a pair of draft-day heists without giving anything up in selecting running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed with its first two picks in the NFL draft.
Think about an offense that gives Willie Parker the ball 15 to 20 times and Mendenhall another 10 or so touches?
Or how about one that now has the 6-4 Sweed to put on the field with Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Nate Washington and Heath Miller with Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger distributing the ball?
Either way you look at it, it could be an explosive offense.
The Steelers came into the draft hoping to solidify their offensive and defensive lines. And to this point, they haven’t accomplished that.
It’s a priority heading into the second day.
By not taking an offensive tackle in the first two rounds Saturday, the Steelers may have uncharacteristically painted themselves into a corner for 2009, when Max Starks, Marvel Smith and Trai Essex are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
And on the defensive line, the same cast of characters returns for 2008 that was here in 2007. That’s not necessarily a good thing considering what happened after Aaron Smith was lost in the second half to injury.
At this point, the team needs to either pick up some linemen, or at least add to its pass rush with a linebacker. They make look for some corner help for depth.
Here’s who the Steelers could be looking at going forward to fill those needs:
Round Three
Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP; Red Bryant, DE, Texas A&M; Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton; Cliff Avril, LB; Purdue; Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan; Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgia
Round Four
Bruce Davis, OLB, ULCA; Darrell Robertson, OLB, Georgia Tech; Bryn Smith, OLB, McNeese State; Breno Giacomini, OT; Louisville; Charles Godfrey, DB, Iowa; John Greco, OL, Kent
Round Five
King Dunlap, OT, Auburn; Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers; James Blair, OT, W. Michigan
Sixth Round
William Hayes, DE, Winston Salem State; Keilen Dykes, DL, West Virginia; Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Draft day news
The Post-Gazette had Kentwan Balmer as the pick, but I've heard some on the coaching staff don't feel he's quick enough to play end in the 3-4.
With the Patriots taking Mayo, Cherlius is not back in play for the Steelers. Philadelphia and Houston will be key picks.
Baltimore didn't get as much as it should have for the eighth pick in the trade with Jacksonville, but it put the Ravens in a position to take a young QB without having to trade up from the second round.
It's look like Cherlius is going to fall to the Steelers, but it's still dicey. Houston will likely take a lineman, as could Philadelphia and/or Arizona.
Wow. Lots of trades today. Rashard Mendenhall and Michael Jenkins are falling. One of them should be available for the Steelers and would be solid picks.
It looks like Mendenhall is the pick. Wow. Never would have seen that coming until about 4 p.m. today when all the trades started.
Look for the Steelers to target offensive line or defensive line in the second. Targets include Kendall Langford and Dre Moore on the D-line and Chilo Rachal and ONeal Cousins.
The Steelers also like Calais Campbell, even though he's coming off a poor senior season at Miami.
With the Patriots taking Mayo, Cherlius is not back in play for the Steelers. Philadelphia and Houston will be key picks.
Baltimore didn't get as much as it should have for the eighth pick in the trade with Jacksonville, but it put the Ravens in a position to take a young QB without having to trade up from the second round.
It's look like Cherlius is going to fall to the Steelers, but it's still dicey. Houston will likely take a lineman, as could Philadelphia and/or Arizona.
Wow. Lots of trades today. Rashard Mendenhall and Michael Jenkins are falling. One of them should be available for the Steelers and would be solid picks.
It looks like Mendenhall is the pick. Wow. Never would have seen that coming until about 4 p.m. today when all the trades started.
Look for the Steelers to target offensive line or defensive line in the second. Targets include Kendall Langford and Dre Moore on the D-line and Chilo Rachal and ONeal Cousins.
The Steelers also like Calais Campbell, even though he's coming off a poor senior season at Miami.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Final Mock
This is the one that will be appearing the paper Saturday, barring any trade tonight.
1. Miami, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. Miami went the safe route and signed Long to a deal earlier this week. The Dolphins will likely take a quarterback with their first pick in the second round.
2. St. Louis, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. If the Rams stay in this spot, they’ll take Dorsey, but there are a number of teams who may want to move up to get him, New Orleans topping that list.
3. Atlanta, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. If Dorsey were still available, the Falcons may have taken him and waited until the second round for a QB. But Ryan is a nice consolation prize.
4. Oakland, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. How does Al Davis pass on former Raiders’ star Howie Long’s son, Chris? He’s apparently enamored with McFadden, even though the team has a bevy of running backs.
5. Kansas City, Chris Long, DE, Virginia. The trade of Jared Allen to Minnesota netted the Chiefs some extra picks, including Minnesota’s No. 1 this year. Now, the draft nets them a solid replacement for Allen.
6. New York Jets, Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State. The Jets really wanted McFadden, but settle on Gholston, who will shift from defensive end to outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.
7. New England (from San Francisco), Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker before the fifth round of the draft since Bill Belichick became head coach. But retirements and free agency have made that a necessity now.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. The Ravens could move up if Atlanta doesn’t select Ryan. But with Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady fills a big need as well. Baltimore will take a QB in the second round.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. A high character player, Ellis may feel out of place in the Bengals’ locker room. But Cincinnati struck out in all its attempts to acquire a defensive tackle in the offseason.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. If the Saints can’t move up to take Dorsey or Ellis, they’ll take a cornerback. McKelvin is also an excellent return man, allowing the Saints to hold Reggie Bush out of that role.
11. Buffalo, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. The Bills could go for Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas, but will likely wait until the second round to fill that need. Rodgers-Cromartie has the size and speed to match up with bigger wideouts.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the Broncos have a hole at left tackle. Williams fills that need, though there are some rumors that he has back problems, which could mean the Broncos take Branden Albert instead.
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Mike Rucker retired this week and the Panthers need somebody to take the pressure off of Julius Peppers rushing the passer.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears could take a running back, but Otah is just the type of road-grader offensive lineman the Bears like. They can then grab a running back in later rounds.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions released Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett left in free agency. They would take Harvey if he’s available. But since he’s not, Mendenhall should be the pick.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Antrel Rolle is making the move from corner to free safety leaving the Cards with a hole at cornerback. Jenkins is a solid player and gives Ken Whisenhunt some much-needed depth at the position.
17. Kansas City (from Minnesota), Branden Albert, OL, Virginia. Larry Johnson had nowhere to run for much of the season last year because the once-proud Chiefs offensive line was mediocre at best. Albert is an immediate starter.
18. Houston, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. The Texans wanted an offensive lineman or corner, but the guys they were targeting in the first round were off the board, so they fill another need, taking the bruising Stewart.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been searching for a big wideout to pair with Donovan McNabb since Terrell Owens left. Now they get one in Thomas, who had a huge 2007 season.
20. Tampa Bay, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Joey Galloway is 36 years old, even though he hasn’t appeared to slow down much. But at some point, they need a talented young receiver to take his place.
21. Washington, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. New head coach Jim Zorn and owner Daniel Snyder attended Merling’s workouts earlier this week at Clemson. And defensive line is a huge need for the Redskins, though they’d take Thomas or Sweed if they were available.
22. Dallas (from Cleveland), Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. After letting Julius Jones leave in free agency, the Cowboys get a speedy young running back to pair with Marion Barber.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. There isn’t a defensive lineman the Steelers like in this spot and the only other player who might interest them is Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo. Cherlius fills a big need.
24. Tennessee, Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans still have Albert Haynesworth, but need somebody to line up next to him. A wide receiver is possible – James Hardy? – but Jeff Fisher is a defensive-minded coach.
25. Seattle, Lawrence Jackson, USC. Jackson had an excellent on-campus workout a few weeks ago and was productive in USC’s defense. He’s a bit of a surprise here, though, since the Seahawks could also go for a tight end.
26. Jacksonville, Quinton Groves, DE/LB, Auburn. Groves will play defensive end for the Jaguars, who need some help at the position. They would have liked Balmer or Jackson, but settle for Groves.
27. San Diego, Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville. I don’t think the Chargers will be making this pick. But Brohm will be taken in this spot by a team at the top of the second round that wants to move up for a quarterback.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas State. Talib would have gone earlier, but three positive drug tests in college force him down. As Jerry Jones proved earlier this week by trading for Pacman Jones, he doesn’t mind bringing in bad character players.
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis), Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top WR in this draft, but didn’t run well. But he’s a player and even though the 49ers signed Issac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, they need some talented youth at the position.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Cason was considered one of the top corners available until he didn’t run well at the combine. But he’s a playmaker and Green Bay’s starting corners are both over 30.
31. New England (pick forfeited)
32. New York Giants, Jerod Mayo, LB. Tennessee. The Giants could go for a corner or safety, but Mayo is too good to pass up at this point.
1. Miami, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. Miami went the safe route and signed Long to a deal earlier this week. The Dolphins will likely take a quarterback with their first pick in the second round.
2. St. Louis, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. If the Rams stay in this spot, they’ll take Dorsey, but there are a number of teams who may want to move up to get him, New Orleans topping that list.
3. Atlanta, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. If Dorsey were still available, the Falcons may have taken him and waited until the second round for a QB. But Ryan is a nice consolation prize.
4. Oakland, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. How does Al Davis pass on former Raiders’ star Howie Long’s son, Chris? He’s apparently enamored with McFadden, even though the team has a bevy of running backs.
5. Kansas City, Chris Long, DE, Virginia. The trade of Jared Allen to Minnesota netted the Chiefs some extra picks, including Minnesota’s No. 1 this year. Now, the draft nets them a solid replacement for Allen.
6. New York Jets, Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State. The Jets really wanted McFadden, but settle on Gholston, who will shift from defensive end to outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.
7. New England (from San Francisco), Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker before the fifth round of the draft since Bill Belichick became head coach. But retirements and free agency have made that a necessity now.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. The Ravens could move up if Atlanta doesn’t select Ryan. But with Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady fills a big need as well. Baltimore will take a QB in the second round.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. A high character player, Ellis may feel out of place in the Bengals’ locker room. But Cincinnati struck out in all its attempts to acquire a defensive tackle in the offseason.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. If the Saints can’t move up to take Dorsey or Ellis, they’ll take a cornerback. McKelvin is also an excellent return man, allowing the Saints to hold Reggie Bush out of that role.
11. Buffalo, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. The Bills could go for Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas, but will likely wait until the second round to fill that need. Rodgers-Cromartie has the size and speed to match up with bigger wideouts.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the Broncos have a hole at left tackle. Williams fills that need, though there are some rumors that he has back problems, which could mean the Broncos take Branden Albert instead.
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Mike Rucker retired this week and the Panthers need somebody to take the pressure off of Julius Peppers rushing the passer.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears could take a running back, but Otah is just the type of road-grader offensive lineman the Bears like. They can then grab a running back in later rounds.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions released Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett left in free agency. They would take Harvey if he’s available. But since he’s not, Mendenhall should be the pick.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Antrel Rolle is making the move from corner to free safety leaving the Cards with a hole at cornerback. Jenkins is a solid player and gives Ken Whisenhunt some much-needed depth at the position.
17. Kansas City (from Minnesota), Branden Albert, OL, Virginia. Larry Johnson had nowhere to run for much of the season last year because the once-proud Chiefs offensive line was mediocre at best. Albert is an immediate starter.
18. Houston, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. The Texans wanted an offensive lineman or corner, but the guys they were targeting in the first round were off the board, so they fill another need, taking the bruising Stewart.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been searching for a big wideout to pair with Donovan McNabb since Terrell Owens left. Now they get one in Thomas, who had a huge 2007 season.
20. Tampa Bay, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Joey Galloway is 36 years old, even though he hasn’t appeared to slow down much. But at some point, they need a talented young receiver to take his place.
21. Washington, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. New head coach Jim Zorn and owner Daniel Snyder attended Merling’s workouts earlier this week at Clemson. And defensive line is a huge need for the Redskins, though they’d take Thomas or Sweed if they were available.
22. Dallas (from Cleveland), Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. After letting Julius Jones leave in free agency, the Cowboys get a speedy young running back to pair with Marion Barber.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. There isn’t a defensive lineman the Steelers like in this spot and the only other player who might interest them is Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo. Cherlius fills a big need.
24. Tennessee, Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans still have Albert Haynesworth, but need somebody to line up next to him. A wide receiver is possible – James Hardy? – but Jeff Fisher is a defensive-minded coach.
25. Seattle, Lawrence Jackson, USC. Jackson had an excellent on-campus workout a few weeks ago and was productive in USC’s defense. He’s a bit of a surprise here, though, since the Seahawks could also go for a tight end.
26. Jacksonville, Quinton Groves, DE/LB, Auburn. Groves will play defensive end for the Jaguars, who need some help at the position. They would have liked Balmer or Jackson, but settle for Groves.
27. San Diego, Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville. I don’t think the Chargers will be making this pick. But Brohm will be taken in this spot by a team at the top of the second round that wants to move up for a quarterback.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas State. Talib would have gone earlier, but three positive drug tests in college force him down. As Jerry Jones proved earlier this week by trading for Pacman Jones, he doesn’t mind bringing in bad character players.
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis), Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top WR in this draft, but didn’t run well. But he’s a player and even though the 49ers signed Issac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, they need some talented youth at the position.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Cason was considered one of the top corners available until he didn’t run well at the combine. But he’s a playmaker and Green Bay’s starting corners are both over 30.
31. New England (pick forfeited)
32. New York Giants, Jerod Mayo, LB. Tennessee. The Giants could go for a corner or safety, but Mayo is too good to pass up at this point.
Draft weekend updates
Check back early and often this weekend as I'll be updating what I'm hearing throughout the draft process Saturday and Sunday from the Steelers' headquarters.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Seahawks cut Alexander
The Seattle Seahawks cut ties with running back Shaun Alexander on Tuesday, a curious move to make on the eve of the draft.
Alexander could interest the Steelers, who continue to look for a complimentary runner for Willie Parker.
With much of the free agent period completed and the draft coming up, there's not a lot of money out there to be spent by teams, so Alexander isn't going to get a big contract.
Detroit may be interested and would make sense as a possible destination, but if Alexander wants to take another run at a Super Bowl, he may not jump at an offer just to start.
Alexander could interest the Steelers, who continue to look for a complimentary runner for Willie Parker.
With much of the free agent period completed and the draft coming up, there's not a lot of money out there to be spent by teams, so Alexander isn't going to get a big contract.
Detroit may be interested and would make sense as a possible destination, but if Alexander wants to take another run at a Super Bowl, he may not jump at an offer just to start.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Starks signs tender
In what was a smart move for Max Starks, he signed the Steelers' transition tender offer of $6.9 million on Saturday, a week before the NFL draft.
Though I was told it was unlikely the Steelers would pull the transition tag off of Starks, the team's No. 3 tackle in 2007, Starks had to be thinking that if the team selected offensive linemen with its first two picks next week – as it did with linebackers in 2007 – yanking the offer may have been a possibility.
Starks' signing means that right tackle Willie Colon will likely shift to left guard to replace departed Alan Faneca. He also gives the team some insurance should left tackle Marvel Smith's surgically repaired back act up again in 2008.
Though I was told it was unlikely the Steelers would pull the transition tag off of Starks, the team's No. 3 tackle in 2007, Starks had to be thinking that if the team selected offensive linemen with its first two picks next week – as it did with linebackers in 2007 – yanking the offer may have been a possibility.
Starks' signing means that right tackle Willie Colon will likely shift to left guard to replace departed Alan Faneca. He also gives the team some insurance should left tackle Marvel Smith's surgically repaired back act up again in 2008.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Mock Take 2
1. Miami, Chris Long, DE, Virginia. Though the Dolphins opened negotiations with offensive tackle Jake Long first, you can bet they’ll also do so with some of the others considered. And Bill Parcells will settle on Chris Long as the pick. Pick in previous draft: Long
2. St. Louis, Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State. The Rams could grab offensive tackle Jake Long, but feel the value will be there later in the draft. Gholston is a lot like current Rams’ star Leonard Little, without the drinking problem. Previous pick: Jake Long.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. No change from my previous draft, as Dorsey fills a big need.
4. Oakland, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. After striking out with Robert Gallery a couple of years ago, the Raiders go for another offensive tackle. Previous pick: Sedrick Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Kansas City. The Chiefs will be looking to move down and pick up some extra selections – Baltimore being a possibility. Barring that, the Chiefs go for a QB. Previous pick: Ryan.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. McFadden gives the Jets a running back of the future and a home run hitter. Previous pick: McFadden.
7. New England, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker higher than the fifth round under Bill Belichick. But that has to change this year. Previous pick: Gholston.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. With Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady makes sense here unless the Ravens can get Ryan. Previous pick: Clady.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Bengals failed in their attempts to acquire some beef up front in the offseason, but Ellis will fill that need. Previous pick: Rivers.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. With Dorsey and Ellis off the board, the Saints go for a defensive playmaker. McKelvin paired with Reggie Bush would give the Saints a ridiculously good return game. Previous pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie..
11. Buffalo, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State. The Bills would like a receiver, but none are worthy of being taken this high. Previous pick: Derrick Harvey
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the need for an offensive tackle is too grat to overlook. Previous pick: Williams
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. The Panthers need somebody to rush the passer opposite Julius Peppers. Previous pick: Branden Albert.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears have a big need at offensive tackle. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is also a possibility. Previous pick: Otah.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. With Kevin Jones’ release, the team won’t go with Tatum Bell as it’s top back. That makes Mendenhall a necessity.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. The Cardinals desperately need help at cornerback. Previous pick: McKelvin.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Merling takes care of a need for the Vikings. Previous Pick: Merling.
18. Houston, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Texans need corner help, but with the top three off the borad, and Aqib Talib falling because of off-field problems, they go offensive line. Albert can play left tackle. Previous pick: Kenny Phillips.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been trying to get Donovan McNabb wide receiver help since Terrell Owens went crazy in Philadelphia. Previous pick: Mike Jenkins.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top receiver in the draft, but poor workouts caused him to drop. He won’t drop too far, though. Previous pick: Kelly.
21. Washington, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Three receivers in a row. Previous pick: Devin Thomas.
22. Dallas, Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. Some felt Jerry Jones would move up to take Darren McFadden. But why do that when Jones is available? Previous pick: Jonathan Stewart.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. The Steelers give serious thought to Stewart, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Quentin Groves.
24. Tennessee, DeSean Jackson, WR, California. The Titans need to get Vince Young some help. Previous pick: Kentwaan Balmer.
25. Seattle, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Seahawks are tempted by Stewart as well, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Martellus Bennett.
26. Jacksonville, Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC. Jackson’s stock is rising after a solid workout and the Jaguars need help at defensive end. Previous pick. Calais Campbell.
27. San Diego, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. After losing Michael Turner, the Chargers grab another powerful runner to pair with LaDanian Tomlinson. Previous pick: Gosder Cherlius.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas. The Cowboys roll the dice, even though Talib reportedly skipped a scheduled meeting with them recently. Previous pick: Talib.
29. San Francisco, Quentin Groves, LB, Auburn. Groves was an undersized defensive end at Auburn, but will play outside linebacker in San Francisco’s 3-4.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Al Harris and Charles Woodson aren’t getting any younger. Previous pick: Dan Connor.
31. N.Y. Giants, Kenny Phillps, S, Miami (Fla.). Phillips didn’t run well, but he’s a playmaker. Previous pick: Reggie Smith.
2. St. Louis, Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State. The Rams could grab offensive tackle Jake Long, but feel the value will be there later in the draft. Gholston is a lot like current Rams’ star Leonard Little, without the drinking problem. Previous pick: Jake Long.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. No change from my previous draft, as Dorsey fills a big need.
4. Oakland, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. After striking out with Robert Gallery a couple of years ago, the Raiders go for another offensive tackle. Previous pick: Sedrick Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Kansas City. The Chiefs will be looking to move down and pick up some extra selections – Baltimore being a possibility. Barring that, the Chiefs go for a QB. Previous pick: Ryan.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. McFadden gives the Jets a running back of the future and a home run hitter. Previous pick: McFadden.
7. New England, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker higher than the fifth round under Bill Belichick. But that has to change this year. Previous pick: Gholston.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. With Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady makes sense here unless the Ravens can get Ryan. Previous pick: Clady.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Bengals failed in their attempts to acquire some beef up front in the offseason, but Ellis will fill that need. Previous pick: Rivers.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. With Dorsey and Ellis off the board, the Saints go for a defensive playmaker. McKelvin paired with Reggie Bush would give the Saints a ridiculously good return game. Previous pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie..
11. Buffalo, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State. The Bills would like a receiver, but none are worthy of being taken this high. Previous pick: Derrick Harvey
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the need for an offensive tackle is too grat to overlook. Previous pick: Williams
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. The Panthers need somebody to rush the passer opposite Julius Peppers. Previous pick: Branden Albert.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears have a big need at offensive tackle. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is also a possibility. Previous pick: Otah.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. With Kevin Jones’ release, the team won’t go with Tatum Bell as it’s top back. That makes Mendenhall a necessity.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. The Cardinals desperately need help at cornerback. Previous pick: McKelvin.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Merling takes care of a need for the Vikings. Previous Pick: Merling.
18. Houston, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Texans need corner help, but with the top three off the borad, and Aqib Talib falling because of off-field problems, they go offensive line. Albert can play left tackle. Previous pick: Kenny Phillips.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been trying to get Donovan McNabb wide receiver help since Terrell Owens went crazy in Philadelphia. Previous pick: Mike Jenkins.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top receiver in the draft, but poor workouts caused him to drop. He won’t drop too far, though. Previous pick: Kelly.
21. Washington, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Three receivers in a row. Previous pick: Devin Thomas.
22. Dallas, Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. Some felt Jerry Jones would move up to take Darren McFadden. But why do that when Jones is available? Previous pick: Jonathan Stewart.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. The Steelers give serious thought to Stewart, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Quentin Groves.
24. Tennessee, DeSean Jackson, WR, California. The Titans need to get Vince Young some help. Previous pick: Kentwaan Balmer.
25. Seattle, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Seahawks are tempted by Stewart as well, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Martellus Bennett.
26. Jacksonville, Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC. Jackson’s stock is rising after a solid workout and the Jaguars need help at defensive end. Previous pick. Calais Campbell.
27. San Diego, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. After losing Michael Turner, the Chargers grab another powerful runner to pair with LaDanian Tomlinson. Previous pick: Gosder Cherlius.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas. The Cowboys roll the dice, even though Talib reportedly skipped a scheduled meeting with them recently. Previous pick: Talib.
29. San Francisco, Quentin Groves, LB, Auburn. Groves was an undersized defensive end at Auburn, but will play outside linebacker in San Francisco’s 3-4.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Al Harris and Charles Woodson aren’t getting any younger. Previous pick: Dan Connor.
31. N.Y. Giants, Kenny Phillps, S, Miami (Fla.). Phillips didn’t run well, but he’s a playmaker. Previous pick: Reggie Smith.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A closer look at the schedule
At first glance, the Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 schedule looks loaded with annual and potential playoff contenders – and it is.
But looking at it a little more closely, it's not as bad as it seems.
In fact, the playoffs could be a strong possiblility again in Mike Tomlin's second season.
I know – it's difficult to look at a schedule, particularly before the draft, and say who's going to do what.
But if you look at it with an eye on the past, you can get an idea of what the end result will look like.
The Steelers open at home Sept. 7 in a game against the Houston Texans, a game they should win with relative ease.
After that, they travel to Cleveland to face the team many feel will be the one to beat in the AFC North this season.
But Cleveland still has to show that it can beat the Steelers, something it has done just once in the last 10 times the two teams have met. Even though it will be a Sunday night game and the Browns will be fired up for prime time, I’m not ready to chalk that up as a loss just yet.
We'll come back to this game later.
Next, Pittsburgh travels cross state to face Philadelphia Sept. 21.
The Eagles will be coming off a short week after playing at Dallas on Monday night. Again, it’s a tough game, but not one I’d ready to assume is a loss even though the Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia in the regular season since 1965, going 0-7 in that span.
The Steelers return home to face Baltimore in a Monday night game Sept. 29, a game they should win.
They next head to Jacksonville on a short week to face the Jaguars in another prime time game, one that is likely a loss. Pittsburgh has its bye in Week 6 and comes out of that to head to Cincinnati. Given what Cincinnati has done this offseason, there’s nothing to suggest the Steelers shouldn’t win that game.
After that, Pittsburgh comes home to face the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, a game they should be able to win at home. As the Steelers found out a couple of years ago, everybody gives the defending champions their best shot.
They then head to Washington for a Monday night game Nov. 3 in what should be another tossup.
Nov. 9, the Steelers return home on the short week to face Indianapolis. But Indianapolis will be coming off a game against New England, which, given the way that game has been treated in recent years, will be like a mini-Super Bowl.
It smells like a letdown game to me for the Colts.
The Steelers had better not have a similar letdown the next week, as San Diego rolls into Pittsburgh. But the Chargers are just 2-12 in games in Pittsburgh, so you have to like the Steelers in that one as well.
Finally, a three-game home swing ends Thursday, Nov. 20 with a game against Cincinnati, a game that will be very difficult for the Bengals considering the short week.
That should be another victory.
Pittsburgh heads to New England Nov. 30 in what should be a sure loss before coming back home to host Dallas Dec. 7. The game will be the Cowboys’ lone road trip in a five-game stretch and we’ll write it off as a loss.
After that, Pittsburgh heads on a two-game road trip, first at Baltimore, then at Tennessee.
The Steelers, for whatever reason, always seem to split with the Ravens, so a win at Heinz Field earlier in the year will mean that we’ll chalk up a loss in that one.
At Tennessee the next week, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau should be able to come up with a plan to shut down the running game and force Vince Young to beat the Steelers, something I don’t think he’s capable of doing.
Finally, the Steelers finish up with Cleveland at home in a game that could decide the winner of the AFC North.
With the schedule the way it is before the bye, the Steelers figure to be 3-2 at best, 2-3 at worst at that point.
If they start 3-2, wins over Cincinnati (twice), the Giants, Indianapolis, San Diego and Tennessee will have the Steelers sitting at 9-6 heading into the finale with the Browns and likely mean that a win at Heinz Field will give the Steelers a playoff spot and/or the AFC North title.
If they go 2-3 in their first five games, they’re going to have to steal a win at some point – against Dallas at home, or Baltimore or Washington on the road – to get to where a win over the Browns in the finale will put them at 10-6.
Now all of this supposes wins over a couple of tough teams at home – Indianapolis and San Diego – along the way. But that's not out of the question.
What happens with the draft and injuries will certainly play a factor in what eventually happens this season.
But the bottom line is that the Steelers figure to be in the hunt for the playoffs again in 2008.
But looking at it a little more closely, it's not as bad as it seems.
In fact, the playoffs could be a strong possiblility again in Mike Tomlin's second season.
I know – it's difficult to look at a schedule, particularly before the draft, and say who's going to do what.
But if you look at it with an eye on the past, you can get an idea of what the end result will look like.
The Steelers open at home Sept. 7 in a game against the Houston Texans, a game they should win with relative ease.
After that, they travel to Cleveland to face the team many feel will be the one to beat in the AFC North this season.
But Cleveland still has to show that it can beat the Steelers, something it has done just once in the last 10 times the two teams have met. Even though it will be a Sunday night game and the Browns will be fired up for prime time, I’m not ready to chalk that up as a loss just yet.
We'll come back to this game later.
Next, Pittsburgh travels cross state to face Philadelphia Sept. 21.
The Eagles will be coming off a short week after playing at Dallas on Monday night. Again, it’s a tough game, but not one I’d ready to assume is a loss even though the Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia in the regular season since 1965, going 0-7 in that span.
The Steelers return home to face Baltimore in a Monday night game Sept. 29, a game they should win.
They next head to Jacksonville on a short week to face the Jaguars in another prime time game, one that is likely a loss. Pittsburgh has its bye in Week 6 and comes out of that to head to Cincinnati. Given what Cincinnati has done this offseason, there’s nothing to suggest the Steelers shouldn’t win that game.
After that, Pittsburgh comes home to face the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, a game they should be able to win at home. As the Steelers found out a couple of years ago, everybody gives the defending champions their best shot.
They then head to Washington for a Monday night game Nov. 3 in what should be another tossup.
Nov. 9, the Steelers return home on the short week to face Indianapolis. But Indianapolis will be coming off a game against New England, which, given the way that game has been treated in recent years, will be like a mini-Super Bowl.
It smells like a letdown game to me for the Colts.
The Steelers had better not have a similar letdown the next week, as San Diego rolls into Pittsburgh. But the Chargers are just 2-12 in games in Pittsburgh, so you have to like the Steelers in that one as well.
Finally, a three-game home swing ends Thursday, Nov. 20 with a game against Cincinnati, a game that will be very difficult for the Bengals considering the short week.
That should be another victory.
Pittsburgh heads to New England Nov. 30 in what should be a sure loss before coming back home to host Dallas Dec. 7. The game will be the Cowboys’ lone road trip in a five-game stretch and we’ll write it off as a loss.
After that, Pittsburgh heads on a two-game road trip, first at Baltimore, then at Tennessee.
The Steelers, for whatever reason, always seem to split with the Ravens, so a win at Heinz Field earlier in the year will mean that we’ll chalk up a loss in that one.
At Tennessee the next week, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau should be able to come up with a plan to shut down the running game and force Vince Young to beat the Steelers, something I don’t think he’s capable of doing.
Finally, the Steelers finish up with Cleveland at home in a game that could decide the winner of the AFC North.
With the schedule the way it is before the bye, the Steelers figure to be 3-2 at best, 2-3 at worst at that point.
If they start 3-2, wins over Cincinnati (twice), the Giants, Indianapolis, San Diego and Tennessee will have the Steelers sitting at 9-6 heading into the finale with the Browns and likely mean that a win at Heinz Field will give the Steelers a playoff spot and/or the AFC North title.
If they go 2-3 in their first five games, they’re going to have to steal a win at some point – against Dallas at home, or Baltimore or Washington on the road – to get to where a win over the Browns in the finale will put them at 10-6.
Now all of this supposes wins over a couple of tough teams at home – Indianapolis and San Diego – along the way. But that's not out of the question.
What happens with the draft and injuries will certainly play a factor in what eventually happens this season.
But the bottom line is that the Steelers figure to be in the hunt for the playoffs again in 2008.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
I guess I was right
When Cedrick Wilson was released last month following his arrest for assaulting his former girlfriend in a crowded bar, many pundits claimed the Steelers weren’t being consistent.
Why did the team release Wilson and not linebacker James Harrison or running back Najeh Davenport, two players facing similar charges?
At the time, I simply stated that while Wilson allegedly punched his former girlfriend in a crowded bar with multiple witnesses, there were no witnesses in Harrison and Davenport’s cases other than the two men and the two women involved.
In the past couple of weeks, charges against Harrison were dropped, while Davenport won a case in court, showing that I was right.
I’m not saying that domestic violence isn’t abhorrent and doesn’t occur. But when it becomes a case of one person’s word against another, it’s awfully hard to prove guilt unless there are obvious signs of trauma. It become a case of he said-she said. And any parent knows that there is no good way to settle such disputes without evidence.
In Wilson’s case, however, with a number of witnesses available, there was no way he was going to be proven innocent.
Why did the team release Wilson and not linebacker James Harrison or running back Najeh Davenport, two players facing similar charges?
At the time, I simply stated that while Wilson allegedly punched his former girlfriend in a crowded bar with multiple witnesses, there were no witnesses in Harrison and Davenport’s cases other than the two men and the two women involved.
In the past couple of weeks, charges against Harrison were dropped, while Davenport won a case in court, showing that I was right.
I’m not saying that domestic violence isn’t abhorrent and doesn’t occur. But when it becomes a case of one person’s word against another, it’s awfully hard to prove guilt unless there are obvious signs of trauma. It become a case of he said-she said. And any parent knows that there is no good way to settle such disputes without evidence.
In Wilson’s case, however, with a number of witnesses available, there was no way he was going to be proven innocent.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
First mock
With the NFL draft now just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start figuring out who is going to go where.
Here’s one stab at who could – or at least in my opinion, should – go where.
1. Miami Dolphins, Chris Long, DE. Virginia. Long is everything you’d want in a player, though the Dolphins would certainly like to trade down to acquire more picks.
2. St. Louis, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. St. Louis’ offensive line was awful last season because of injuries and ineffectiveness.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. Dorsey’s workouts eased a lot of minds about his injuries.
4. Oakland, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Raiders have been spending like crazy this offseason, but there is still a need at defensive tackle. Former USC assistant Lane Kiffin knows all about Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. When your quarterbacks are Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, that position is an obvious need. Offfensive line is as well, but the Chiefs have to grab the QB.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. Thomas Jones isn’t getting any younger and underwhelmed in his first season in the Big Apple last season.
7. New England, Vernon Ghoulston, DE/OLB, Ohio State. Bill Belichick loves players with position flexibility. Ghoulston fits the bill.
8. Baltimore Ravens, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. Jonathan Ogden is likely done. Clady will help fill the void.
9. Cincinnati, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Bengals would have loved Ellis to fall to them, but settle for a stud linebacker.
10. New Orleans, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State. The Saints added Randall Gay and still have Mike McKenzie, but McKenzie is 32.
11. Buffalo, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Buffalo had just 26 sacks last season. Harvey will help the pass rush.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. Matt Lepsis retired, leaving a big hole on the Broncos’ offensive line. Denver is really looking to move down, though.
13. Carolina, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Panthers snap up the player the Steelers would really love to have.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears need to upgrade the offensive line and Otah could be plugged in at right tackle as a road grader.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions failed in their efforts to sign Julius Jones and released Kevin Jones.
16. Arizona, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. It looks like Antrelle Rolle is moving to free safety full time.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Kenechi Udeze’s diagnosis with cancer makes this a big need.
18. Houston, Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami (Fla.). The Texans had an NFL-worst 11 interceptions last season. He didn’t run well at the combine, but he’s a playmaker.
19. Philadelphia, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Even with the signing of Asante Samuel, the Eagles are looking to get rid of Lito Sheppard.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are older than Mozes.
21. Washington, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. New head coach Jim Zorn will be looking for a big receiver to match with Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El once the top defensive ends are off the board.
22. Dallas, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. There is some concern that Marion Barber won’t be able to hold up getting 300 carries with his physical running style.
23. Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn. Groves will play immediately as a situational pass rusher even though the Steelers took linebackers with their first two picks last year. Gosder Cherlius is a possibility, but the Steelers stay true to their board and take the best player available.
24. Tennessee, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans lost a lot on their defensive front this offseason and Jeff Fisher’s teams are always strong up front.
25. Seattle, Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M. Fred Davis is a possibility, but Bennett is a better all-around player, particularly as a blocker.
26. Jacksonville, Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla.). It’s hard to believe considering how the Jags’ defense played against the Steelers, but they need help on the defensive line.
27. San Diego, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. Cherlius will be expected to step into the lineup in place of Shane Olivea.
28. Dallas, Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas. Dallas could have gone corner with its first pick, but the value is here now.
29. San Francisco, Pat Sims, DT, Auburn. Sims will help keep blockers off of last year’s top pick and NFL defensive rookie of the year Patrick Willis.
30. Green Bay, Dan Connor, LB, Penn State. Will challenge Brady Poppinga right out of the gate.
31. N.Y. Giants, Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma. Smith could play corner or safety and the Giants need help at both spots.
Here’s one stab at who could – or at least in my opinion, should – go where.
1. Miami Dolphins, Chris Long, DE. Virginia. Long is everything you’d want in a player, though the Dolphins would certainly like to trade down to acquire more picks.
2. St. Louis, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. St. Louis’ offensive line was awful last season because of injuries and ineffectiveness.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. Dorsey’s workouts eased a lot of minds about his injuries.
4. Oakland, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Raiders have been spending like crazy this offseason, but there is still a need at defensive tackle. Former USC assistant Lane Kiffin knows all about Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. When your quarterbacks are Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, that position is an obvious need. Offfensive line is as well, but the Chiefs have to grab the QB.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. Thomas Jones isn’t getting any younger and underwhelmed in his first season in the Big Apple last season.
7. New England, Vernon Ghoulston, DE/OLB, Ohio State. Bill Belichick loves players with position flexibility. Ghoulston fits the bill.
8. Baltimore Ravens, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. Jonathan Ogden is likely done. Clady will help fill the void.
9. Cincinnati, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Bengals would have loved Ellis to fall to them, but settle for a stud linebacker.
10. New Orleans, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State. The Saints added Randall Gay and still have Mike McKenzie, but McKenzie is 32.
11. Buffalo, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Buffalo had just 26 sacks last season. Harvey will help the pass rush.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. Matt Lepsis retired, leaving a big hole on the Broncos’ offensive line. Denver is really looking to move down, though.
13. Carolina, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Panthers snap up the player the Steelers would really love to have.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears need to upgrade the offensive line and Otah could be plugged in at right tackle as a road grader.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions failed in their efforts to sign Julius Jones and released Kevin Jones.
16. Arizona, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. It looks like Antrelle Rolle is moving to free safety full time.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Kenechi Udeze’s diagnosis with cancer makes this a big need.
18. Houston, Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami (Fla.). The Texans had an NFL-worst 11 interceptions last season. He didn’t run well at the combine, but he’s a playmaker.
19. Philadelphia, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Even with the signing of Asante Samuel, the Eagles are looking to get rid of Lito Sheppard.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are older than Mozes.
21. Washington, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. New head coach Jim Zorn will be looking for a big receiver to match with Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El once the top defensive ends are off the board.
22. Dallas, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. There is some concern that Marion Barber won’t be able to hold up getting 300 carries with his physical running style.
23. Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn. Groves will play immediately as a situational pass rusher even though the Steelers took linebackers with their first two picks last year. Gosder Cherlius is a possibility, but the Steelers stay true to their board and take the best player available.
24. Tennessee, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans lost a lot on their defensive front this offseason and Jeff Fisher’s teams are always strong up front.
25. Seattle, Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M. Fred Davis is a possibility, but Bennett is a better all-around player, particularly as a blocker.
26. Jacksonville, Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla.). It’s hard to believe considering how the Jags’ defense played against the Steelers, but they need help on the defensive line.
27. San Diego, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. Cherlius will be expected to step into the lineup in place of Shane Olivea.
28. Dallas, Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas. Dallas could have gone corner with its first pick, but the value is here now.
29. San Francisco, Pat Sims, DT, Auburn. Sims will help keep blockers off of last year’s top pick and NFL defensive rookie of the year Patrick Willis.
30. Green Bay, Dan Connor, LB, Penn State. Will challenge Brady Poppinga right out of the gate.
31. N.Y. Giants, Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma. Smith could play corner or safety and the Giants need help at both spots.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Three weeks and counting
Here we sit three weeks away from the biggest weekend of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers and we really don’t know anything more about the team’s plans than we did a month ago.
Here we sit three weeks away from the biggest weekend of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers and we really don’t know anything more about the team’s plans than we did a month ago.
Despite the signing of center Justin Hartwig, the Steelers still have a need for players on their offensive line. He’s not a capable replacement for All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, who signed with the Jets, but he could push Sean Mahan to the bench.
And after flirting with signing Booger McFarland to improve their offensive line depth, the Steelers instead re-signed Nick Eason, a player who failed when given a chance to replace injured Aaron Smith in 2007. Add to that the re-signing of Travis Kirschke, and the defensive line right now has the exact same group of performers that it did last season.
So other than adding Hartwig, the Steelers have done nothing to improve their play up front – something head coach Mike Tomlin said was a necessity after last season’s collapse down the stretch.
Where does that leave the team?
Virginia guard Branden Albert – the player most linked to the Steelers now on draft boards – is said to be a player on the rise as teams are beginning to look at the athletic junior as a possible left tackle prospect.
If Albert is gone, the Steelers won’t panic. They’ll still make a pick or trade down – with only six picks, a trade up is very unlikely.
But looking at the current draft boards, their options will be limited. The only other first-round lineman the team has met with is tackle Gosder Cherlius.
The release of No. 4 wideout Cedrick Wilson last month after assault charges were filed against him leaves an opening at that position, though some in the organization think Dallas Baker, a seventh-round pick last year, may be ready to jump into that spot.
Still, Hines Ward isn’t getting any younger and adding a talented receiver such as Michigan State’s Devin Thomas would make sense. But the Steelers haven’t hosted any high-profile wide receiver prospects and it appears they won’t make that position a priority.
The Steelers have hosted Kansas State cornerback Aqib Talib, a first-round talent who should be available at pick No. 23. And given Deshea Townsend’s advancing age, he would be a sensible fallback option as well should Albert be gone.
Tracy Porter, another cornerback with a low first, high second-round grade, will also visit the team next week, showing that may be what the team is thinking.
The only other players who have visited thus far who have possible first-round grades are linebacker prospects Quentin Groves and Cliff Avril, though some consider defensive tackle Dre Moore – another visitor – a late first-rounder.
They would improve the depth in the front seven and would also make sense, particularly given the age concerns the team has to have in that group.
We’re closing in on the pick, just as, I’m sure, the Steelers are as well.
Here we sit three weeks away from the biggest weekend of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers and we really don’t know anything more about the team’s plans than we did a month ago.
Despite the signing of center Justin Hartwig, the Steelers still have a need for players on their offensive line. He’s not a capable replacement for All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, who signed with the Jets, but he could push Sean Mahan to the bench.
And after flirting with signing Booger McFarland to improve their offensive line depth, the Steelers instead re-signed Nick Eason, a player who failed when given a chance to replace injured Aaron Smith in 2007. Add to that the re-signing of Travis Kirschke, and the defensive line right now has the exact same group of performers that it did last season.
So other than adding Hartwig, the Steelers have done nothing to improve their play up front – something head coach Mike Tomlin said was a necessity after last season’s collapse down the stretch.
Where does that leave the team?
Virginia guard Branden Albert – the player most linked to the Steelers now on draft boards – is said to be a player on the rise as teams are beginning to look at the athletic junior as a possible left tackle prospect.
If Albert is gone, the Steelers won’t panic. They’ll still make a pick or trade down – with only six picks, a trade up is very unlikely.
But looking at the current draft boards, their options will be limited. The only other first-round lineman the team has met with is tackle Gosder Cherlius.
The release of No. 4 wideout Cedrick Wilson last month after assault charges were filed against him leaves an opening at that position, though some in the organization think Dallas Baker, a seventh-round pick last year, may be ready to jump into that spot.
Still, Hines Ward isn’t getting any younger and adding a talented receiver such as Michigan State’s Devin Thomas would make sense. But the Steelers haven’t hosted any high-profile wide receiver prospects and it appears they won’t make that position a priority.
The Steelers have hosted Kansas State cornerback Aqib Talib, a first-round talent who should be available at pick No. 23. And given Deshea Townsend’s advancing age, he would be a sensible fallback option as well should Albert be gone.
Tracy Porter, another cornerback with a low first, high second-round grade, will also visit the team next week, showing that may be what the team is thinking.
The only other players who have visited thus far who have possible first-round grades are linebacker prospects Quentin Groves and Cliff Avril, though some consider defensive tackle Dre Moore – another visitor – a late first-rounder.
They would improve the depth in the front seven and would also make sense, particularly given the age concerns the team has to have in that group.
We’re closing in on the pick, just as, I’m sure, the Steelers are as well.
Mozes in Minnesota
Washington native Dan Mozes is getting a great opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings with starting center Matt Birk skipping the team's offseason workouts because he's unhappy with his contract.
Mozes, the former West Virginia star, missed the entire 2007 season after blowing out a knee in training camp during a scrimmage with Kansas City.
The former Rimington Award winner as college football's best center signed with the Vikings following the 2007 draft and was given a decent chance on making that team's roster.
Right now, with Birk sitting out, Mozes is the only true center on the team's roster.
Mozes, the former West Virginia star, missed the entire 2007 season after blowing out a knee in training camp during a scrimmage with Kansas City.
The former Rimington Award winner as college football's best center signed with the Vikings following the 2007 draft and was given a decent chance on making that team's roster.
Right now, with Birk sitting out, Mozes is the only true center on the team's roster.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Preseason schedule, other notes
The Steelers' preseason schedule is as follows.
Date Time Opponent/TV
TBD............................. TBD........................ PHILADELPHIA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug. 14 ....... 7:30 p.m. ........... at Buffalo (Toronto)/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Saturday, Aug. 23........ 8 p.m. .......................................................... at Minnesota/CBS
Thursday, Aug. 28....... TBD .............................. CAROLINA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Though there is no date and time for the first game, you can figure that it will be Thursday, Friday or Saturday of the preceeding week, which would mean it will be played around Aug. 8 or 9. That would mean the team's training camp will open 14 days prior to that for those of you making plans on coming to Latrobe.
© The Bengals finally had it with Chris Henry on Thursday after his arrest for assault, releasing the oft-troubled former West Virginia star.
Chad Johnson is also an unhappy camper and is asking to be traded. But with Henry now gone, that's unlikely to happen.
In fact, despite needing extensive help on their defensive front, the Bengals may now be forced to use a high draft pick on a wide receiver, something few thought would be needed a couple of seasons ago.
Character matters.
© In case you hadn't heard, the assault charges against Steelers linebacker James Harrison were dropped.
Harrison voluntarily entered domestic abuse counseling and the alleged victim in the case wanted no further retribution.
There is a good chance Harrison will not face a suspension from the league because the charges were dropped.
Date Time Opponent/TV
TBD............................. TBD........................ PHILADELPHIA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug. 14 ....... 7:30 p.m. ........... at Buffalo (Toronto)/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Saturday, Aug. 23........ 8 p.m. .......................................................... at Minnesota/CBS
Thursday, Aug. 28....... TBD .............................. CAROLINA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Though there is no date and time for the first game, you can figure that it will be Thursday, Friday or Saturday of the preceeding week, which would mean it will be played around Aug. 8 or 9. That would mean the team's training camp will open 14 days prior to that for those of you making plans on coming to Latrobe.
© The Bengals finally had it with Chris Henry on Thursday after his arrest for assault, releasing the oft-troubled former West Virginia star.
Chad Johnson is also an unhappy camper and is asking to be traded. But with Henry now gone, that's unlikely to happen.
In fact, despite needing extensive help on their defensive front, the Bengals may now be forced to use a high draft pick on a wide receiver, something few thought would be needed a couple of seasons ago.
Character matters.
© In case you hadn't heard, the assault charges against Steelers linebacker James Harrison were dropped.
Harrison voluntarily entered domestic abuse counseling and the alleged victim in the case wanted no further retribution.
There is a good chance Harrison will not face a suspension from the league because the charges were dropped.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Steelers shut out in comp picks
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have six picks to work with in the NFL draft later this month after receiving no compensatory picks from the NFL on Monday.
Two other AFC North teams were a little more fortunate.
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals received four picks each, the most awarded to any team this year.
Baltimore lost four compensatory free agents in 2007, including star linebacker Adalius Thomas to New England, and didn’t sign any.
Cincinnati lost five free agents, including guard Eric Steinbach, who signed with division rival Cleveland.
Only four of this year’s picks were awarded in the third round – the highest level at which compensatory picks are given – as Washington, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Baltimore picked up extra selections at the end of that round.
A total of 15 teams were awarded compensatory picks as Washington, Chicago, Indianapolis and Philadelphia each got three selections. Buffalo, Carolina and Miami got two extra picks, while Atlanta, Green Bay, St. Louis, San Diego, Tennessee and the New York Giants were awarded one.
Two other AFC North teams were a little more fortunate.
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals received four picks each, the most awarded to any team this year.
Baltimore lost four compensatory free agents in 2007, including star linebacker Adalius Thomas to New England, and didn’t sign any.
Cincinnati lost five free agents, including guard Eric Steinbach, who signed with division rival Cleveland.
Only four of this year’s picks were awarded in the third round – the highest level at which compensatory picks are given – as Washington, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Baltimore picked up extra selections at the end of that round.
A total of 15 teams were awarded compensatory picks as Washington, Chicago, Indianapolis and Philadelphia each got three selections. Buffalo, Carolina and Miami got two extra picks, while Atlanta, Green Bay, St. Louis, San Diego, Tennessee and the New York Giants were awarded one.
Monday, March 31, 2008
I'm baaaack
Those who are frequent visitors to this blog – both of you – know that I haven't been around for the past week. I was on vacation in Florida, taking the family away for a little R&R.
But I'm obviously back now and ready to hit the ground running as we head into the draft.
The big news of the past week was the Steelers' interest and then lack of interest in signing Booger McFarland following his release by Indianapolis.
The big defensive tackle would have been used as a backup with the Steelers, someone capable of filling in at all three line positions.
Of course, McFarland then barely passed his physical with the team's doctors and the Steelers thought better of it, re-signing Nick Eason instead.
It's not a particularly good tradeoff and keeps the very distinct possibility alive that a defensive lineman will be selected by the Steelers fairly early in the draft later this month.
This team will not go into next season with Travis Kirschke, Eason and Chris Hoke as it's only options behind the starters as it did last season.
Hoke is solid, while Kirschke showed he still has something left in the tank - though you don't want him starting. Eason, however, isn't much more than a camp body.
Ryan McBean is entering his second season with the team and needs to take a big step forward if he is to contribute.
But I'm obviously back now and ready to hit the ground running as we head into the draft.
The big news of the past week was the Steelers' interest and then lack of interest in signing Booger McFarland following his release by Indianapolis.
The big defensive tackle would have been used as a backup with the Steelers, someone capable of filling in at all three line positions.
Of course, McFarland then barely passed his physical with the team's doctors and the Steelers thought better of it, re-signing Nick Eason instead.
It's not a particularly good tradeoff and keeps the very distinct possibility alive that a defensive lineman will be selected by the Steelers fairly early in the draft later this month.
This team will not go into next season with Travis Kirschke, Eason and Chris Hoke as it's only options behind the starters as it did last season.
Hoke is solid, while Kirschke showed he still has something left in the tank - though you don't want him starting. Eason, however, isn't much more than a camp body.
Ryan McBean is entering his second season with the team and needs to take a big step forward if he is to contribute.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Of course there are differences
No sooner had the Steelers released wide receiver Cedrick Wilson than the finger-pointing started.
Releasing Wilson following his arrest for assault while keeping linebacker James Harrison following an incident in which he received similar charges showed the Steelers’ hypocrisy.
But that’s not the whole story.
Are different players treated differently for the same infraction? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than just that.
As team president Dan Rooney later explained, “In the situation with James Harrison, he contacted us immediately after his incident and has taken responsibility for his actions. In today's decision with Cedrick Wilson, we determined the situation was severe enough to warrant the player being released immediately.”
There was also a difference in the two situations beyond that.
While Wilson stormed into a public place and allegedly struck his former girlfriend in a crowded restaurant, Harrison allegedly struck his girlfriend at a private residence.
What’s the difference, you might ask?
In Wilson’s case, there are 50 to 100 witnesses that saw him strike his former girlfriend.
In Harrison’s case, the only two people who know what happened are Harrison and his girlfriend.
And, right or wrong, these kind of cases often come down to a he-said, she-said situation.
Harrison reportedly admitted to police and the Steelers immediately after his incident that he did, indeed, strike the woman.
That, in itself, shows some remorse.
Fact is, he could have said nothing happened and would have had a good chance of getting the charges dropped in court.
Wilson’s infraction, on the other hand, showed an extreme lack of sense. Who, after all, goes into a restaurant and picks a fight? And with a woman, at that?
Couple that with the problems the couple had in January, when police were called to Wilson’s home after the woman in question fired a couple of shots – while Wilson wasn’t there – following an argument, and you see a relationship that is troubled.
In fact, it’s a good idea that if SWAT is called into your relationship, you probably shouldn’t see that person any more.
The Steelers likely sat down with Wilson after that and told him as much. Yet he walked into a crowded restaurant and slugged his former girlfriend.
Smart.
Would the Steelers have released Wilson if he were a starting wide receiver?
Maybe, maybe not.
But the fact is, he isn’t.
And different employees are treated differently, based on their value to the company.
Harrison is likely looking at a one-game suspension – at least – from the NFL for his infraction if convicted.
Perhaps the Steelers felt that punishment in itself will be enough to insure that Harrison will walk the straight and narrow from now on.
In Wilson’s case, he was a guy who already had a tenuous spot, at best, on the roster. His arrest and the fact there was no doubt about his actions was just the final straw.
The biggest thing to me is that these kind of incidents are a symptom of one of the ills of our society.
The Steelers have had four players arrested for assault on a woman they were involved with in recent years – Santonio Holmes, Najeh Davenport, Harrison and Wilson.
In each case, the woman involved was somebody that the player had fathered a child with out of wedlock.
That, in itself, is usually a recipe for problems.
The mother is angry that the father didn’t marry her. The father usually ends up angry because he doesn’t get to see the child as much as he likes – if he wants to at all. And those bad feelings lead to plenty of arguments.
But society doesn’t frown upon these kind of unions as it did, say, 30 years ago.
Releasing Wilson following his arrest for assault while keeping linebacker James Harrison following an incident in which he received similar charges showed the Steelers’ hypocrisy.
But that’s not the whole story.
Are different players treated differently for the same infraction? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than just that.
As team president Dan Rooney later explained, “In the situation with James Harrison, he contacted us immediately after his incident and has taken responsibility for his actions. In today's decision with Cedrick Wilson, we determined the situation was severe enough to warrant the player being released immediately.”
There was also a difference in the two situations beyond that.
While Wilson stormed into a public place and allegedly struck his former girlfriend in a crowded restaurant, Harrison allegedly struck his girlfriend at a private residence.
What’s the difference, you might ask?
In Wilson’s case, there are 50 to 100 witnesses that saw him strike his former girlfriend.
In Harrison’s case, the only two people who know what happened are Harrison and his girlfriend.
And, right or wrong, these kind of cases often come down to a he-said, she-said situation.
Harrison reportedly admitted to police and the Steelers immediately after his incident that he did, indeed, strike the woman.
That, in itself, shows some remorse.
Fact is, he could have said nothing happened and would have had a good chance of getting the charges dropped in court.
Wilson’s infraction, on the other hand, showed an extreme lack of sense. Who, after all, goes into a restaurant and picks a fight? And with a woman, at that?
Couple that with the problems the couple had in January, when police were called to Wilson’s home after the woman in question fired a couple of shots – while Wilson wasn’t there – following an argument, and you see a relationship that is troubled.
In fact, it’s a good idea that if SWAT is called into your relationship, you probably shouldn’t see that person any more.
The Steelers likely sat down with Wilson after that and told him as much. Yet he walked into a crowded restaurant and slugged his former girlfriend.
Smart.
Would the Steelers have released Wilson if he were a starting wide receiver?
Maybe, maybe not.
But the fact is, he isn’t.
And different employees are treated differently, based on their value to the company.
Harrison is likely looking at a one-game suspension – at least – from the NFL for his infraction if convicted.
Perhaps the Steelers felt that punishment in itself will be enough to insure that Harrison will walk the straight and narrow from now on.
In Wilson’s case, he was a guy who already had a tenuous spot, at best, on the roster. His arrest and the fact there was no doubt about his actions was just the final straw.
The biggest thing to me is that these kind of incidents are a symptom of one of the ills of our society.
The Steelers have had four players arrested for assault on a woman they were involved with in recent years – Santonio Holmes, Najeh Davenport, Harrison and Wilson.
In each case, the woman involved was somebody that the player had fathered a child with out of wedlock.
That, in itself, is usually a recipe for problems.
The mother is angry that the father didn’t marry her. The father usually ends up angry because he doesn’t get to see the child as much as he likes – if he wants to at all. And those bad feelings lead to plenty of arguments.
But society doesn’t frown upon these kind of unions as it did, say, 30 years ago.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wilson arrested
According to reports, wide receiver Cedrick Wilson has been arrested for a fight at a restuarant in Pittsburgh.
If this is the case, it could spell the end of Wilson's days with the Steelers.
Wilson, you'll remember, was involved with an altercation with his then-girlfriend at his home. She apparently had an armed standoff with police at the home - though Wilson was not there.
In the latest altercation, Wilson reportedly assaulted the now ex-girlfriend.
Though technically, he wasn't at fault - though if you read some of the things she claimed he said to her, he was – in the first altercation, there certainly will be plenty of witnesses around for this latest run-in.
It won't be a matter of he-said, she-said. It will be a matter of what the crowd witnessed.
If this is the case, it could spell the end of Wilson's days with the Steelers.
Wilson, you'll remember, was involved with an altercation with his then-girlfriend at his home. She apparently had an armed standoff with police at the home - though Wilson was not there.
In the latest altercation, Wilson reportedly assaulted the now ex-girlfriend.
Though technically, he wasn't at fault - though if you read some of the things she claimed he said to her, he was – in the first altercation, there certainly will be plenty of witnesses around for this latest run-in.
It won't be a matter of he-said, she-said. It will be a matter of what the crowd witnessed.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Random notes
© According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, the Steelers agreed to contract terms with former Carolina center Justin Hartwig. The deal is reportedly for two years, worth $4 million, and includes a $975,000 bonus.
© Visitors to this blog know that I was in favor of this move as it will send Sean Mahan to the bench and help solidify what was the team's biggest problem area on its offensive line last season.
© The Steelers announced Tuesday that guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Trai Essex have signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders with the team.
That means both are intent on working out with the team during the voluntary workout sessions that began Monday.
© Anybody who has kept an eye on who the Steelers bring in prior to the draft knows that they usually are guys who the team winds up selecting in the draft as well.
That said, here's an early list of players they have already brought in or are scheduled to bring in:
Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
Mike Pollak, OC, Arizona St.
Dre' Moore, DL, Maryland
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Keilen Dykes, DE, WVU
Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Curtis Johnson, OLB/DE, Clark-Atlanta
Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
© Visitors to this blog know that I was in favor of this move as it will send Sean Mahan to the bench and help solidify what was the team's biggest problem area on its offensive line last season.
© The Steelers announced Tuesday that guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Trai Essex have signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders with the team.
That means both are intent on working out with the team during the voluntary workout sessions that began Monday.
© Anybody who has kept an eye on who the Steelers bring in prior to the draft knows that they usually are guys who the team winds up selecting in the draft as well.
That said, here's an early list of players they have already brought in or are scheduled to bring in:
Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
Mike Pollak, OC, Arizona St.
Dre' Moore, DL, Maryland
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Keilen Dykes, DE, WVU
Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Curtis Johnson, OLB/DE, Clark-Atlanta
Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
Friday, March 14, 2008
Steelers bring in Hartwig
Apparently, somebody with the Steelers reads my blog.
Pittsburgh brought in center Justin Hartwig for a visit Friday, looking at yet another possible replacement for Sean Mahan.
Hartwig, a starter for the Panthers and Titans, would be a definite upgrade over Mahan, who didn't pan out after signing with the team as a free agent in 2007.
The Steelers also like youngster Darnell Stapleton. But the question is if they like him enough to name him a starter heading into 2008 with Mahan being the only other alternative.
Their interest in Rex Hadnot last week would suggest not.
Pittsburgh brought in center Justin Hartwig for a visit Friday, looking at yet another possible replacement for Sean Mahan.
Hartwig, a starter for the Panthers and Titans, would be a definite upgrade over Mahan, who didn't pan out after signing with the team as a free agent in 2007.
The Steelers also like youngster Darnell Stapleton. But the question is if they like him enough to name him a starter heading into 2008 with Mahan being the only other alternative.
Their interest in Rex Hadnot last week would suggest not.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Steelers have another visitor
The Steelers hosted Kansas City linebacker Keyaron Fox on Tuesday, the sixth free agent the team has brought in thus far.
The only one they have signed has been running back Mewelde Moore, though the team did re-sign linebacker Andre Frazier as well.
Despite Frazier's new deal, the team is still searching for a capable replacement for former special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt, who was released a couple of weeks ago.
Kriewaldt had been the team's backup to inside linebacker James Farrior.
The 6-3, 235-pound Fox is a four-year pro who was a third-round pick of the Chiefs.
He's started four games in his career and saw some playing time as KC's fourth linebacker when it shifted to a 3-4 at times last season.
He's also been a solid special teams contributor for the Chiefs.
Also, Tennessee free agent free safety Donnie Nickey will visit the team sometime later this week. Nickie is a very good special teams player.
One thing that jumped out at me Tuesday was Carolina's release of center Justin Hartwig.
Hartwig, 29, is 6-4, 315 pounds and has plenty of starting experience, both in Carolina and Tennessee.
A groin problem ended his 2006 season, while a knee injury did him in 2007.
He's definitely somebody worth taking a look at for the Steelers.
The only one they have signed has been running back Mewelde Moore, though the team did re-sign linebacker Andre Frazier as well.
Despite Frazier's new deal, the team is still searching for a capable replacement for former special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt, who was released a couple of weeks ago.
Kriewaldt had been the team's backup to inside linebacker James Farrior.
The 6-3, 235-pound Fox is a four-year pro who was a third-round pick of the Chiefs.
He's started four games in his career and saw some playing time as KC's fourth linebacker when it shifted to a 3-4 at times last season.
He's also been a solid special teams contributor for the Chiefs.
Also, Tennessee free agent free safety Donnie Nickey will visit the team sometime later this week. Nickie is a very good special teams player.
One thing that jumped out at me Tuesday was Carolina's release of center Justin Hartwig.
Hartwig, 29, is 6-4, 315 pounds and has plenty of starting experience, both in Carolina and Tennessee.
A groin problem ended his 2006 season, while a knee injury did him in 2007.
He's definitely somebody worth taking a look at for the Steelers.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Cross Hadnot off the list
The Cleveland Browns saved the Steelers from themselves, signing guard/center Rex Hadnot.
The Steelers had Hadnot in for a visit last week, soon after the loss of Alan Faneca in free agency.
But as I had previously stated, I wasn't a big fan of signing him since Miami had let him walk with no apparent replacement in sight.
Those notions were verified over the weekend by people I talked to, who told me Hadnot is a journeyman-type and would have been a negligible upgrade over center Sean Mahan.
Now, the Steelers can look elsewhere for help.
One player who would intrigue me is former Jacksonville guard Chris Naeole.
Naeole ended the 2007 season in injured reserve after suffering a torn tendon in his quad and was released March 3.
The 33-year-old is a nasty run blocker who had proven to be very durable in his 12-year career before this recent injury. If he checks out OK physically, he could be just the kind of player who would help the Steelers up front immediately.
The Steelers had Hadnot in for a visit last week, soon after the loss of Alan Faneca in free agency.
But as I had previously stated, I wasn't a big fan of signing him since Miami had let him walk with no apparent replacement in sight.
Those notions were verified over the weekend by people I talked to, who told me Hadnot is a journeyman-type and would have been a negligible upgrade over center Sean Mahan.
Now, the Steelers can look elsewhere for help.
One player who would intrigue me is former Jacksonville guard Chris Naeole.
Naeole ended the 2007 season in injured reserve after suffering a torn tendon in his quad and was released March 3.
The 33-year-old is a nasty run blocker who had proven to be very durable in his 12-year career before this recent injury. If he checks out OK physically, he could be just the kind of player who would help the Steelers up front immediately.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Harrison arrested
Steelers linebacker James Harrison was arrested in Ohio Township for assaulting his girlfriend early Saturday morning.
According to the reports, Harrison slapped the woman.
We'll have more in this when we find it, but Harrison could be facing a suspension from the NFL if convicted.
According to the reports, Harrison slapped the woman.
We'll have more in this when we find it, but Harrison could be facing a suspension from the NFL if convicted.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Steelers bring in Crocker
Free agent free safety Chris Crocker visited the Steelers Thursday, but left without a contract.
Crocker, a former Browns' draft pick, played in 2007 for Atlanta, recording a career-high three interceptions.
Crocker is the second free safety brought in by the Steelers for a visit this week, joining New England's Eugene Wilson.
That would seem to signal that the team was not only unhappy with Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter at the position after Ryan Clark was lost for the season, but that it doesn't have a lot of faith that Clark will recover from his surgery to remove his spleen.
Smith, though, could be slated for a move to strong safety.
Crocker, a former Browns' draft pick, played in 2007 for Atlanta, recording a career-high three interceptions.
Crocker is the second free safety brought in by the Steelers for a visit this week, joining New England's Eugene Wilson.
That would seem to signal that the team was not only unhappy with Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter at the position after Ryan Clark was lost for the season, but that it doesn't have a lot of faith that Clark will recover from his surgery to remove his spleen.
Smith, though, could be slated for a move to strong safety.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Wilson leaves, Hadnot visits
Free safety Eugene Wilson came and left the Steelers on Tuesday without a contract offer.
Guard/center Rex Hadnot visited Wednesday, though he, too, hasn't received a formal contract offer as of yet.
Wilson would be likely need to be promised a starting job to be induced into signing with the Steelers, who are optimistic Ryan Clark can return from his medical problems of last year.
Clark has been working out at the team's facility after having surgery during the season to have his spleen removed.
Anthony Smith started in Clark's place after the surgery and was benched late in the year in favor of veteran Tyrone Carter.
Hadnot would be used as a veteran to push Chris Kemoeatu at left guard – in place of Alan Faneca – and Sean Mahan and Darnell Stapleton at center.
At 6-2, 325 pounds, he has more bulk than the 295-pound Mahan, who was the team's starting center last year.
Guard/center Rex Hadnot visited Wednesday, though he, too, hasn't received a formal contract offer as of yet.
Wilson would be likely need to be promised a starting job to be induced into signing with the Steelers, who are optimistic Ryan Clark can return from his medical problems of last year.
Clark has been working out at the team's facility after having surgery during the season to have his spleen removed.
Anthony Smith started in Clark's place after the surgery and was benched late in the year in favor of veteran Tyrone Carter.
Hadnot would be used as a veteran to push Chris Kemoeatu at left guard – in place of Alan Faneca – and Sean Mahan and Darnell Stapleton at center.
At 6-2, 325 pounds, he has more bulk than the 295-pound Mahan, who was the team's starting center last year.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Steelers sign Roethlisberger, Moore
The Steelers made their first big splash of the offseason, signing QB Ben Roethlisberger to an eight-year contract extension worth $102 million and signing free agent running back Mewelde Moore.
Roethlisberger's signing was a priority for the team an gives them stability for the better part of the next decade at the position.
Moore, as regular readers of this blog know, was one of the target players for the Steelers, mainly due to his abilities as a return man and third-down back.
He'll handle punt and kickoff returns for the Steelers and also catch a lot of passes out of the backfield spelling Willie Parker, serving in the same role Kevin Faulk does in New England.
Moore's deal is for three years.
The Steelers are scheduled to host New England free safety Eugene Wilson later this week.
Roethlisberger's signing was a priority for the team an gives them stability for the better part of the next decade at the position.
Moore, as regular readers of this blog know, was one of the target players for the Steelers, mainly due to his abilities as a return man and third-down back.
He'll handle punt and kickoff returns for the Steelers and also catch a lot of passes out of the backfield spelling Willie Parker, serving in the same role Kevin Faulk does in New England.
Moore's deal is for three years.
The Steelers are scheduled to host New England free safety Eugene Wilson later this week.
Don't get perplexed
With Ben Roethlisberger due a $3 million roster bonus March 5, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been focused on signing their franchise quarterback.
And that deal is getting closer to happening.
Meanwhile, save guard Alan Faneca’s signing with the New York Jets, all has been relatively quiet for the Steelers on the free agent front, particularly compared to what’s been happening with some of their rivals in the AFC North.
Cleveland has been a major player in the first few days of free agency, signing former New England wide receiver Donte Stallworth to a seven-year, $35-million contract; trading a fifth-round draft pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden to Detroit for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers; sending a second-round pick to Green Bay for defensive end Corey Williams – and signing him to a six-year, $38-million deal; and re-signing quarterback Derek Anderson to a three-year, $26-million deal.
Consider the team had already signed running back Jamal Lewis to a three-year, $17-million deal prior to the opening of free agency, and the Browns have taken on a ridiculous amount of money for what? A quarterback with one good season under his belt, an overweight nose tackle who played – when he felt like it – on the worst defense in the NFL last season, a defensive end who’s never played in a 3-4, and a wide receiver who has spent more time nursing injuries than he has catching passes during his career.
In return, the Browns have given up pretty much their entire 2008 draft and their best cornerback.
It’s a pretty big gamble, one that could add up to a winning season or two, but in the long run will severely damage Cleveland considering the amount of money the Browns are spending.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, has seen two of its better defensive players, defensive end Justin Smith and free safety Madieu Williams, sign with San Francisco and Minnesota, respectively.
And the Bengals have yet to make a free agent addition.
Considering the Bengals’ defense was among the worst in the league last season – and in the past decade, for that matter – that’s not a good sign.
Baltimore, meanwhile, has had no free agent losses, but hasn’t added anyone, either.
So while Steelers fans may gnash their teeth over the loss of Faneca – something that hurts, but was not unexpected – a quick look around the division shows Pittsburgh isn’t really in bad shape.
Certainly losing Faneca hurts the Steelers, but don’t think for a second that the team is going to sit on its hands and come back with the same cast of characters – minus Faneca – that it fielded in 2007.
Signing Roethlisberger to a long-term contract was the team’s main focus for this offseason and that’s going to get done.
And once it is, the Steelers will focus on the offensive line, both in free agency and the draft.
And that deal is getting closer to happening.
Meanwhile, save guard Alan Faneca’s signing with the New York Jets, all has been relatively quiet for the Steelers on the free agent front, particularly compared to what’s been happening with some of their rivals in the AFC North.
Cleveland has been a major player in the first few days of free agency, signing former New England wide receiver Donte Stallworth to a seven-year, $35-million contract; trading a fifth-round draft pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden to Detroit for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers; sending a second-round pick to Green Bay for defensive end Corey Williams – and signing him to a six-year, $38-million deal; and re-signing quarterback Derek Anderson to a three-year, $26-million deal.
Consider the team had already signed running back Jamal Lewis to a three-year, $17-million deal prior to the opening of free agency, and the Browns have taken on a ridiculous amount of money for what? A quarterback with one good season under his belt, an overweight nose tackle who played – when he felt like it – on the worst defense in the NFL last season, a defensive end who’s never played in a 3-4, and a wide receiver who has spent more time nursing injuries than he has catching passes during his career.
In return, the Browns have given up pretty much their entire 2008 draft and their best cornerback.
It’s a pretty big gamble, one that could add up to a winning season or two, but in the long run will severely damage Cleveland considering the amount of money the Browns are spending.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, has seen two of its better defensive players, defensive end Justin Smith and free safety Madieu Williams, sign with San Francisco and Minnesota, respectively.
And the Bengals have yet to make a free agent addition.
Considering the Bengals’ defense was among the worst in the league last season – and in the past decade, for that matter – that’s not a good sign.
Baltimore, meanwhile, has had no free agent losses, but hasn’t added anyone, either.
So while Steelers fans may gnash their teeth over the loss of Faneca – something that hurts, but was not unexpected – a quick look around the division shows Pittsburgh isn’t really in bad shape.
Certainly losing Faneca hurts the Steelers, but don’t think for a second that the team is going to sit on its hands and come back with the same cast of characters – minus Faneca – that it fielded in 2007.
Signing Roethlisberger to a long-term contract was the team’s main focus for this offseason and that’s going to get done.
And once it is, the Steelers will focus on the offensive line, both in free agency and the draft.
Friday, February 29, 2008
What's happening
Steelers Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca has agreed to terms with the New York Jets on a four-year, $32-million deal that includes $23 million in guaranteed money. Or at least that's what ESPN.com was reporting.
According to Faneca's agent, no deal has been agreed to as of yet and he's still mulling offers from the Jets, Rams and 49ers.
Any deal Faneca would sign will dwarf the 4-year, $21-million offer the Steelers made to Faneca.
© The Steelers could pull the transition tag off of tackle Max Starks soon.
The team has no intention of paying Starks – its No. 3 offensive tackle last season – just under $7 million to play next season and has been working on a new deal with his representatives.
Also, the Steelers have just $2 million in free cap space at this point and would need to relinquish the tag on Starks if it wishes to sign any free agents.
The transition tag was used solely to give the team some wiggle room during the initial flurry of free agent signings.
© Kick returner Allen Rossum, released by the Steelers last weekend, was signed Friday by the San Francisco 49ers.
© Linebacker Clark Haggans is garnering interest from the Browns and Patriots, but don't rule out a return to the Steelers - as a backup, of course.
According to Faneca's agent, no deal has been agreed to as of yet and he's still mulling offers from the Jets, Rams and 49ers.
Any deal Faneca would sign will dwarf the 4-year, $21-million offer the Steelers made to Faneca.
© The Steelers could pull the transition tag off of tackle Max Starks soon.
The team has no intention of paying Starks – its No. 3 offensive tackle last season – just under $7 million to play next season and has been working on a new deal with his representatives.
Also, the Steelers have just $2 million in free cap space at this point and would need to relinquish the tag on Starks if it wishes to sign any free agents.
The transition tag was used solely to give the team some wiggle room during the initial flurry of free agent signings.
© Kick returner Allen Rossum, released by the Steelers last weekend, was signed Friday by the San Francisco 49ers.
© Linebacker Clark Haggans is garnering interest from the Browns and Patriots, but don't rule out a return to the Steelers - as a backup, of course.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thoughts on Cope's passing
What can you say about Myron Cope that hasn't already been said?
I consider myself fortunate to have known the man for the past 16 years, having met him when I was a young reporter new to the Steelers beat.
Perhaps in that is where I can describe Cope the best.
When I came to the Observer-Reporter in 1993, I was still very wet behind the ears and in way over my head covering the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Heck, the first preseason game that season was in Barcelona, Spain, against the great San Francisco 49ers. I had never before even been on a plane.
But a scant 12 hours after taking off from Pittsburgh, there we were watching practice in Barcelona and sitting next to me was none other than Cope.
I hadn't slept – none of us had – and Cope was certainly ornery from not having been able to smoke – much, I'm pretty sure he snuck off to the bathroom a couple of times – but he sat there and talked to me as if we'd known each other all our lives.
That was Cope. He always had a special place in his heart for the writers covering the team because he knew what they had to deal with.
I remember during the 1995 season having a conversation with him on the bus ride from the hotel to Soldier Field in Chicago. I had seen one of the Bears' players in college at Cheyney and he wanted to know all about this kid so that he could talk about him on the air.
He credited me on the broadcast with the information and needless to say, I got more than one call when I returned home telling me so.
I also remember when the Steelers would take the media covering the team out to dinner on the road on Saturday night before a game and just listening to Cope stories about players from the decades he had been around the team. Stories of players such as Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne and others could and later did fill books.
And finally, I remember sitting in Cope's room at training camp having a drink with the man, again, listening to his stories.
There are other stories, many I can't tell in a forum such as this. But I consider myself fortunate to have known the man.
I was 40 years his junior, but it didn't matter. We were all in the same business and Cope was, after all, always a writer at heart.
I consider myself fortunate to have known the man for the past 16 years, having met him when I was a young reporter new to the Steelers beat.
Perhaps in that is where I can describe Cope the best.
When I came to the Observer-Reporter in 1993, I was still very wet behind the ears and in way over my head covering the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Heck, the first preseason game that season was in Barcelona, Spain, against the great San Francisco 49ers. I had never before even been on a plane.
But a scant 12 hours after taking off from Pittsburgh, there we were watching practice in Barcelona and sitting next to me was none other than Cope.
I hadn't slept – none of us had – and Cope was certainly ornery from not having been able to smoke – much, I'm pretty sure he snuck off to the bathroom a couple of times – but he sat there and talked to me as if we'd known each other all our lives.
That was Cope. He always had a special place in his heart for the writers covering the team because he knew what they had to deal with.
I remember during the 1995 season having a conversation with him on the bus ride from the hotel to Soldier Field in Chicago. I had seen one of the Bears' players in college at Cheyney and he wanted to know all about this kid so that he could talk about him on the air.
He credited me on the broadcast with the information and needless to say, I got more than one call when I returned home telling me so.
I also remember when the Steelers would take the media covering the team out to dinner on the road on Saturday night before a game and just listening to Cope stories about players from the decades he had been around the team. Stories of players such as Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne and others could and later did fill books.
And finally, I remember sitting in Cope's room at training camp having a drink with the man, again, listening to his stories.
There are other stories, many I can't tell in a forum such as this. But I consider myself fortunate to have known the man.
I was 40 years his junior, but it didn't matter. We were all in the same business and Cope was, after all, always a writer at heart.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Free agency primer
With free agency set to begin March 1 here’s a quick look at some players the Steelers could be looking at.
Don't expect the Steelers to go wild, particularly since many of the top players have received the franchise tag this year. But Pittsburgh could look at filling some depth at certain positions, particularly on the defensive line, linebacker and running back.
The only place where the Steelers might be willing to pay starter's money is on the offensive line.
Running backs
Melwelde Moore, Minnesota - a deceptively tough inside runner with good pass-catching skills who also returns punts and kicks.
Musa Smith, Baltimore - a very strong runner who could replace Najeh Davenport as Willie Parker’s backup.
Maurice Hicks, San Francisco - a bigger back who could back up Parker and has also returned kickoffs in his career.
Wide receivers
Andre Davis, Houston - an outstanding return man who blossomed as a receiver in Houston.
Antonio Chatman, Cincinnati - has had a couple of injury-plagued seasons, but could solve the Steelers’ return problems.
Offensive linemen
Jake Scott, Indianapolis - the Colts’ starting right guard could be the perfect replacement for Alan Faneca.
Justin Smiley, San Francisco - suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2007, but should be OK for 2008. Some feel Smiley could play center.
Jason Fabini, Washington - Fabini started at guard for Washington in 2007, but has spent the majority of his career at right tackle. That kind of versatility could be what the Steelers are looking for.
Defensive linemen
Tommy Kelly, Oakland - is coming off a torn ACL, but like Smiley, should be OK for the start of training camp. Is a solid run defender who could be tired of the losing in Oakland.
Bobby Hamilton, Cleveland - Hamilton has bounced around a little in recent years, but he’s got plenty of 3-4 experience and could slide into a backup role for the Steelers getting a handful of snaps per game.
Linebackers
Chaun Thompson, Cleveland - Thompson has played inside and outside in Cleveland’s 3-4 and is a solid special teams player.
Donotarrious Thomas, Minnesota - started some games in 2006 when Mike Tomlin was the team’s defensive coordinator. Has been Minnesota’s best special teams player since entering the league four years ago.
Rocky Boiman, Indianapolis - the Steelers showed an interest last season, but he re-signed with Indianapolis for a season. But Boiman could play inside or outside for Pittsburgh and is an excellent special teams player.
Defensive backs
B.J. Sams, Baltimore - the Steelers wouldn’t be bringing Sams in as a cornerback, but as a return man, where he’s still electrifying despite some injuries.
Jim Leonhard, Buffalo - a special teams ace who ended up starting at free safety this season because of some injuries.
Don't expect the Steelers to go wild, particularly since many of the top players have received the franchise tag this year. But Pittsburgh could look at filling some depth at certain positions, particularly on the defensive line, linebacker and running back.
The only place where the Steelers might be willing to pay starter's money is on the offensive line.
Running backs
Melwelde Moore, Minnesota - a deceptively tough inside runner with good pass-catching skills who also returns punts and kicks.
Musa Smith, Baltimore - a very strong runner who could replace Najeh Davenport as Willie Parker’s backup.
Maurice Hicks, San Francisco - a bigger back who could back up Parker and has also returned kickoffs in his career.
Wide receivers
Andre Davis, Houston - an outstanding return man who blossomed as a receiver in Houston.
Antonio Chatman, Cincinnati - has had a couple of injury-plagued seasons, but could solve the Steelers’ return problems.
Offensive linemen
Jake Scott, Indianapolis - the Colts’ starting right guard could be the perfect replacement for Alan Faneca.
Justin Smiley, San Francisco - suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2007, but should be OK for 2008. Some feel Smiley could play center.
Jason Fabini, Washington - Fabini started at guard for Washington in 2007, but has spent the majority of his career at right tackle. That kind of versatility could be what the Steelers are looking for.
Defensive linemen
Tommy Kelly, Oakland - is coming off a torn ACL, but like Smiley, should be OK for the start of training camp. Is a solid run defender who could be tired of the losing in Oakland.
Bobby Hamilton, Cleveland - Hamilton has bounced around a little in recent years, but he’s got plenty of 3-4 experience and could slide into a backup role for the Steelers getting a handful of snaps per game.
Linebackers
Chaun Thompson, Cleveland - Thompson has played inside and outside in Cleveland’s 3-4 and is a solid special teams player.
Donotarrious Thomas, Minnesota - started some games in 2006 when Mike Tomlin was the team’s defensive coordinator. Has been Minnesota’s best special teams player since entering the league four years ago.
Rocky Boiman, Indianapolis - the Steelers showed an interest last season, but he re-signed with Indianapolis for a season. But Boiman could play inside or outside for Pittsburgh and is an excellent special teams player.
Defensive backs
B.J. Sams, Baltimore - the Steelers wouldn’t be bringing Sams in as a cornerback, but as a return man, where he’s still electrifying despite some injuries.
Jim Leonhard, Buffalo - a special teams ace who ended up starting at free safety this season because of some injuries.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
What Starks tag means
The Steelers' transition tagging of Max Starks means that Alan Faneca's days in Pittsburgh are over.
But it also means that Willie Colon is looking at a move to guard or even center – which is also a possibility – if not Colon, then Kendall Simmons could be shifted to center.
The Steelers weren't at all happy with center Sean Mahan's play and will be looking at different options there.
Darnell Stapleton will also get a serious look.
Does this mean the Steelers won't look for an offensive lineman in the draft? Nope.
Marvel Smith is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2008 season and given his back problems, the team is unlikely to re-sign him. Plus, they don't want to hand a starting spot to Chris Kemoeatu.
But it also means that Willie Colon is looking at a move to guard or even center – which is also a possibility – if not Colon, then Kendall Simmons could be shifted to center.
The Steelers weren't at all happy with center Sean Mahan's play and will be looking at different options there.
Darnell Stapleton will also get a serious look.
Does this mean the Steelers won't look for an offensive lineman in the draft? Nope.
Marvel Smith is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2008 season and given his back problems, the team is unlikely to re-sign him. Plus, they don't want to hand a starting spot to Chris Kemoeatu.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Steelers re-sign Kirschke
It's not the signing that many wanted, but the Steelers have re-signed defensive end Travis Kirschke to a two-year deal.
On the surface, it seems like a lot of nothing. Kirschke's been little more than a backup for the Steelers over the years.
But he proved to still have something left in the tank last season replacing Aaron Smith in the final stretch – when he was far better than Nick Eason.
Do you want Kirschke starting?
Nope. But he's a capable guy when he's getting five to 10 snaps per game.
On the surface, it seems like a lot of nothing. Kirschke's been little more than a backup for the Steelers over the years.
But he proved to still have something left in the tank last season replacing Aaron Smith in the final stretch – when he was far better than Nick Eason.
Do you want Kirschke starting?
Nope. But he's a capable guy when he's getting five to 10 snaps per game.
Friday, February 15, 2008
What it all means
The NFL’s worst nightmare is now coming to fruition.
When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell punished the New England Patriots early in the 2007 season for spying with video cameras on the New York Jets during the opening game of the regular season, he hoped the problem would go away.
It hasn’t.
In fact, it’s growing exponentially.
Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday that Goodell confirmed to him during a special meeting about the Patriots’ spying that the team filmed coaches of the Pittsburgh Steelers on four occasions, presumable using those stolen signals against them. Included in those instances are two AFC Championship games.
The Patriots upset the Steelers in the AFC Championship in 2001 and again in 2004 en route to two of the three Super Bowl victories they’ve had this decade.
“I think Steelers fans have a lot to be concerned about this and I'm one of them,” Specter told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, adding that “maybe Steelers ownership should think about it a little.”
They should, but even if the Steelers’ ownership is privately outraged by this, they won’t take it public.
The Rooney family, if anything, has shown great loyalty to the NFL over and over again throughout the years. Dan Rooney is not Al Davis, to be sure.
Rooney realizes that a scandal involving the integrity of the league such as this can serve no purpose other than to give the league – and by extension, the Steelers – a black eye.
And the rest of the ownership in the league knows it as well. That’s why there wasn’t a greater outcry when the “Spygate” story originally broke, at least not from the powers that be in the NFL.
The NFL doesn’t want this scandal to turn into what steroids and performance-enhancing drugs have been to Major League Baseball. The league doesn’t want its owners and coaches hauled in front of a grand jury to air its dirty laundry.
So go ahead, be angry that the Steelers, Broncos, Colts – pick a team, the Patriots likely spied on them all – were perhaps cheated out of a championship.
But the NFL owners don’t want this to go any farther and they hold enough pull – for better or worse – with the rest of Specter’s cohorts in the government to likely stop this thing from getting that far.
But much like an entire generation of baseball players are now tainted by the steroid scandal, so too are the Patriots’ championships in the 2000s.
New England fans can scream about it all they want, but nothing the team has done in this decade now matters. They’ll try to call it sour grapes or whining, but nobody’s talking about taking those championships away.
The Patriots won them. They just didn’t do so fair and square.
And the only thing worse than that would be to win the first 18 games of a season and then lose in the Super Bowl. Oh wait, that already happened.
When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell punished the New England Patriots early in the 2007 season for spying with video cameras on the New York Jets during the opening game of the regular season, he hoped the problem would go away.
It hasn’t.
In fact, it’s growing exponentially.
Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday that Goodell confirmed to him during a special meeting about the Patriots’ spying that the team filmed coaches of the Pittsburgh Steelers on four occasions, presumable using those stolen signals against them. Included in those instances are two AFC Championship games.
The Patriots upset the Steelers in the AFC Championship in 2001 and again in 2004 en route to two of the three Super Bowl victories they’ve had this decade.
“I think Steelers fans have a lot to be concerned about this and I'm one of them,” Specter told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, adding that “maybe Steelers ownership should think about it a little.”
They should, but even if the Steelers’ ownership is privately outraged by this, they won’t take it public.
The Rooney family, if anything, has shown great loyalty to the NFL over and over again throughout the years. Dan Rooney is not Al Davis, to be sure.
Rooney realizes that a scandal involving the integrity of the league such as this can serve no purpose other than to give the league – and by extension, the Steelers – a black eye.
And the rest of the ownership in the league knows it as well. That’s why there wasn’t a greater outcry when the “Spygate” story originally broke, at least not from the powers that be in the NFL.
The NFL doesn’t want this scandal to turn into what steroids and performance-enhancing drugs have been to Major League Baseball. The league doesn’t want its owners and coaches hauled in front of a grand jury to air its dirty laundry.
So go ahead, be angry that the Steelers, Broncos, Colts – pick a team, the Patriots likely spied on them all – were perhaps cheated out of a championship.
But the NFL owners don’t want this to go any farther and they hold enough pull – for better or worse – with the rest of Specter’s cohorts in the government to likely stop this thing from getting that far.
But much like an entire generation of baseball players are now tainted by the steroid scandal, so too are the Patriots’ championships in the 2000s.
New England fans can scream about it all they want, but nothing the team has done in this decade now matters. They’ll try to call it sour grapes or whining, but nobody’s talking about taking those championships away.
The Patriots won them. They just didn’t do so fair and square.
And the only thing worse than that would be to win the first 18 games of a season and then lose in the Super Bowl. Oh wait, that already happened.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A nugget or two
It's obvious to anybody who's been paying attention that the Steelers will address their offensive and defensive lines in this year's draft.
With that in mind, here are a couple of nuggets from this year's Pro Bowl to consider.
Of the six guards in the Pro Bowl – including Alan Faneca – five were former first-round picks. The other was an undrafted rookie.
Eight of the nine offensive tackles who were elected or attended as an injury replacement were first or second-round picks. One was not drafted.
Three of the four centers in the game were selected in the fourth round or later. The other was undrafted.
Every defensive end in the game was drafted, with five of the eight being selected in the first three rounds.
Four of the eight defensive tackles were first-round picks. Two others were first-day picks, while two were undrafted.
With that in mind, here are a couple of nuggets from this year's Pro Bowl to consider.
Of the six guards in the Pro Bowl – including Alan Faneca – five were former first-round picks. The other was an undrafted rookie.
Eight of the nine offensive tackles who were elected or attended as an injury replacement were first or second-round picks. One was not drafted.
Three of the four centers in the game were selected in the fourth round or later. The other was undrafted.
Every defensive end in the game was drafted, with five of the eight being selected in the first three rounds.
Four of the eight defensive tackles were first-round picks. Two others were first-day picks, while two were undrafted.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Keeping the grass
The Steelers will be keeping grass at Heinz Field.
After toying with the idea of putting in an artificial surface, the team has decided to stick with grass.
After toying with the idea of putting in an artificial surface, the team has decided to stick with grass.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Franchise period set to begin
The time for teams to place the franchise tag on potential free agents begins Feb. 7, and continues until February 21.
The tag gives a team a right of first refusal as to any offer sheet signed by the player. If the team then chooses not to match the offer, it receives two first-round draft picks as compensation.
But don't expect the Steelers to take that route with guard Alan Faneca.
To use the franchise tag, the club must offer the player a one-year deal with a salary equivalent to the average of the five highest-paid players at his position in the league. The pay is determined not by 2007 salary, but by cap number, which is a huge difference.
There are two levels of franchise tag, nonexclusive and exclusive. The exclusive version does not allow the the player to negotiate with other teams.
According to some reports, players who could possibly get the tag this year include: Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross, Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, Patriots receiver Randy Moss, Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant, Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen and Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs.
The tag gives a team a right of first refusal as to any offer sheet signed by the player. If the team then chooses not to match the offer, it receives two first-round draft picks as compensation.
But don't expect the Steelers to take that route with guard Alan Faneca.
To use the franchise tag, the club must offer the player a one-year deal with a salary equivalent to the average of the five highest-paid players at his position in the league. The pay is determined not by 2007 salary, but by cap number, which is a huge difference.
There are two levels of franchise tag, nonexclusive and exclusive. The exclusive version does not allow the the player to negotiate with other teams.
According to some reports, players who could possibly get the tag this year include: Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross, Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, Patriots receiver Randy Moss, Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant, Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen and Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs.
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