LaMarr Woodley signed a six-year deal worth $61.5 million to stay in Pittsburgh early Friday morning, also clearing up some cap space for the Steelers.
The question now is who's next?
Both Lawrence Timmons and Troy Polamalu are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents at the conclusion of the 2011 season, while wide receiver Mike Wallace will be restricted.
That's three pretty key components to this team.
Some would argue that if Timmons is now given a long-term deal, it would lock up quite a bit of money at the linebacker position.
James Harrison just signed a six-year, $51.75-million deal a couple of years ago, while James Farrior is pulling down around $2.5 million.
The question is, do they want to take a chance at losing a young star such as Timmons and what exactly is he worth. Do you take the chance on signing him now based on his current level of play or do you roll the dice and if he has a great season, as many expect, does he now cost $10 million per season as well?
Timmons has played well to this point in his career - great in some stretches. But he has yet to do it over the course of a season.
Polamalu, on the other hand, is a completely proven player, albeit one who is going to miss some games here and there. But the Steelers' record with him on the field is remarkably better than it is without him. He's also one of the faces of the franchise, if not the NFL.
It would be hard to imagine him playing elsewhere.
In Wallace, you have a player who took over the No. 1 receiver role in 2010 and is a blossoming star. With Hines Ward near the end of his storied career, it's up to Wallace to become the leader of the wideouts.
The bet here is that the Steelers try to work something out with Timmons and Polamalu now, with Polamalu being the bigger priority.
They could possibly get something done with him before the season begins that will not only lock him up for another four seasons after this one - making that his last contract - but also lower his cap number slightly for this season.
And if they can't get something done with Timmons, they'll have the franchise tag available once the season ends.
As for Wallace, he'll likely become a restricted free agent - though the Steelers will place the highest-level tag on him and continue to work on a new deal.
There's also the chance that the money saved with Woodley's new deal will be used to bring back one of the two offensive tackles cut last week, Max Starks or Flozell Adams.
© Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher is in camp and will be attending the team's 7 p.m. practice tonight at Latrobe High School Stadium.
© Woodley, Ben Roethlisberger and James Farrior will be at Heinz Field Saturday filming a scene for the upcoming Batman movie being shot in Pittsburgh.
Friday, August 05, 2011
Thursday, August 04, 2011
The Woodley negotiations
I had the question posed to me on another post about the Steelers and Woodley being far apart on their contract negotiations. Here are my thoughts on that situation:
They're negotiating. There's no pressure on Woodley to settle on, say, a 4-year, $20-million deal when he's going to make $10 million this season.
But, the Steelers have to be careful that they don't upset the apple cart with Woodley considering they have deals with Polamalu and Timmons to work on as well.
Woodley can't make more than Polamalu. You could argue that he shouldn't make more than Timmons. And they're not going to give him a better long-term deal than the one Harrison has now.
But, the negotiations haven't even been ongoing for a week. Something will get done at some point because the Steelers need to lower his cap nnumber so they can start working on Polamalu/Timmons.
They're negotiating. There's no pressure on Woodley to settle on, say, a 4-year, $20-million deal when he's going to make $10 million this season.
But, the Steelers have to be careful that they don't upset the apple cart with Woodley considering they have deals with Polamalu and Timmons to work on as well.
Woodley can't make more than Polamalu. You could argue that he shouldn't make more than Timmons. And they're not going to give him a better long-term deal than the one Harrison has now.
But, the negotiations haven't even been ongoing for a week. Something will get done at some point because the Steelers need to lower his cap nnumber so they can start working on Polamalu/Timmons.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Wednesday news and notes
It was an interesting morning with LaMarr Woodley saying the Steelers have opened negotiations with him on a new deal and then saying that the date for the league year to begin could be moved to next Tuesday.
That would mean a bunch of players would be unable to practice tomorrow as planned. They have unable to practice, waiting for a new CBA to be ratified. That has obviously not happened.
© Ryan Clark explained that the Steelers won't OK a deal that doesn't take the fining and suspension powers away from Roger Goodell.
A majority vote on the new CBA, however, is all that is needed.
© The Steelers on Wednesday worked extensively with their tight ends catching passes. Tuesday was a big day for those guys in terms of blocking.
The team is looking hard at who is going to be Heath Miller's backup.
© Somehow a rumor surfaced that the Steelers were making some kind of moves at quarterback.
Byron Leftwich, however, continues to get the second-team snaps. Charlie Batch has gotten precious little work.
That's not uncommon for Batch, but with Dennis Dixon set to return – either Thursday or next Tuesday – I have to believe he bumps Batch.
© Emmanuel Sanders was still in a walking boot, but was off the crutches today.
© Keenan Lewis was back at practice today after sitting out with hamstring issues.
That would mean a bunch of players would be unable to practice tomorrow as planned. They have unable to practice, waiting for a new CBA to be ratified. That has obviously not happened.
© Ryan Clark explained that the Steelers won't OK a deal that doesn't take the fining and suspension powers away from Roger Goodell.
A majority vote on the new CBA, however, is all that is needed.
© The Steelers on Wednesday worked extensively with their tight ends catching passes. Tuesday was a big day for those guys in terms of blocking.
The team is looking hard at who is going to be Heath Miller's backup.
© Somehow a rumor surfaced that the Steelers were making some kind of moves at quarterback.
Byron Leftwich, however, continues to get the second-team snaps. Charlie Batch has gotten precious little work.
That's not uncommon for Batch, but with Dennis Dixon set to return – either Thursday or next Tuesday – I have to believe he bumps Batch.
© Emmanuel Sanders was still in a walking boot, but was off the crutches today.
© Keenan Lewis was back at practice today after sitting out with hamstring issues.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Tuesday at training camp
The Steelers returned to work on Tuesday after being off Monday and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders was on crutches.
Sanders had a procedure on his sore left foot, getting bone marrow from his heel injected into the area in which he had a stress fracture during the offseason.
Sanders expects to be back in two to three weeks.
© The highlight of today's practice was the linebackers vs. tight ends running drill.
I watched rookie Chris Carter, a fifth-round pick out of Fresno State a lot - as did coach Mike Tomlin.
Carter looks small compared to the team's other linebackers and that showed up in this drill. He pretty much got overpowered by anyone he went up against.
He looked better in one-on-one pass rushing drills later, but he needs to work on his functional strength.
Tomlin was riding second-year linebacker Jason Worilds pretty good throughout the drill.
Worilds told me he has added some muscle this season and is up to 257 pounds. He looked like Carter last season, so there is some hope there.
© Starring for the tight ends in the drill was first-year player Jamie McCoy. McCoy showed strong hands and good strength. He does duck his head some at contact, but that can possibly be coached out of him.
© Rookie offensive lineman Keith Williams is starting at left guard, at least until Thursday, and he has shown some pretty good nasty.
On an inside run drill Tuesday, he caught a blitzing Larry Foote and drove him into the ground.
He also held his own in one-on-one passing drills against first-round pick Cameron Heyward. Looks like the sixth-round draft pick might have a future here.
© The more I see of the punters in camp, the more sense it makes that the team resigned Daniel Sepulveda. I've seen my fill of 30 and 35-yard kicks.
Sanders had a procedure on his sore left foot, getting bone marrow from his heel injected into the area in which he had a stress fracture during the offseason.
Sanders expects to be back in two to three weeks.
© The highlight of today's practice was the linebackers vs. tight ends running drill.
I watched rookie Chris Carter, a fifth-round pick out of Fresno State a lot - as did coach Mike Tomlin.
Carter looks small compared to the team's other linebackers and that showed up in this drill. He pretty much got overpowered by anyone he went up against.
He looked better in one-on-one pass rushing drills later, but he needs to work on his functional strength.
Tomlin was riding second-year linebacker Jason Worilds pretty good throughout the drill.
Worilds told me he has added some muscle this season and is up to 257 pounds. He looked like Carter last season, so there is some hope there.
© Starring for the tight ends in the drill was first-year player Jamie McCoy. McCoy showed strong hands and good strength. He does duck his head some at contact, but that can possibly be coached out of him.
© Rookie offensive lineman Keith Williams is starting at left guard, at least until Thursday, and he has shown some pretty good nasty.
On an inside run drill Tuesday, he caught a blitzing Larry Foote and drove him into the ground.
He also held his own in one-on-one passing drills against first-round pick Cameron Heyward. Looks like the sixth-round draft pick might have a future here.
© The more I see of the punters in camp, the more sense it makes that the team resigned Daniel Sepulveda. I've seen my fill of 30 and 35-yard kicks.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Day off for Steelers
The Steelers get a day off today but that doesn't mean the front office isn't working.
In addition to working on contract extensions for strong safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers are also looking to re-work quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's deal.
If some of those aren't finished by Wednesday, the team may have to do some more cutting to get under the salary cap by the Thursday deadline.
© So Dennis Dixon wants to go somewhere he can be a starter.
I thought all his college eligibility was used up.
Dixon didn't come close to showing enough last season for any NFL team to think he's capable of being its starter.
© The Steelers have re-signed DT Chris Hoke.
In addition to working on contract extensions for strong safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers are also looking to re-work quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's deal.
If some of those aren't finished by Wednesday, the team may have to do some more cutting to get under the salary cap by the Thursday deadline.
© So Dennis Dixon wants to go somewhere he can be a starter.
I thought all his college eligibility was used up.
Dixon didn't come close to showing enough last season for any NFL team to think he's capable of being its starter.
© The Steelers have re-signed DT Chris Hoke.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The other Batch shines
The Steelers agreed to terms with running back Mewelde Moore on Sunday. But the old third-down back might want to figure out a way to get back on the football field before Aug. 4 - when the league permits free agents to practice – sooner.
Rookie Barron Batch wasn't perfect in the backs on backers drill Sunday, but he did enough to show that he is an up and comer.
When you beat James Harrison, the unofficial king of the drill, it opens eyes.
In fact, Joe Greene, who was watching, leaned over to reporters and said, "That boy is from Texas," after he stoned Harrison.
For the record, Batch went 6-2 in backs on backers, a fine performance in a drill in which the defense holds all the advantages.
He also showed some nifty moves running with the ball. The Steelers may have gotten a steal in the seventh round.
© William Gay also re-signed on Sunday, giving the Steelers options at defensive back.
Many fans are still critical of Gay after his 2009 season, when he was forced into the starting lineup. But he was solid last season as the team's third corner, a role he's more suited to.
© Ben Roethlisberger wore No. 78 at practice Sunday in honor of Max Starks. No word if he'll wear 71 Tuesday when the Steelers return to practice. Then again, Starks' locker has been right next to Roethlisberger's since 2004.
© Bryant McFadden had an excellent over-the-shoulder interception in coverage against Mike Wallace on a deep pass from Roethlisberger.
© Roethlisberger threw a short touchdown pass to Heath Miller during a two-minute drill. But the drill should have ended when Antonio Brown dropped a ball over the middle on fourth down earlier. Mike Tomlin gave the offense a pass on the play because he wanted to see the drill finished.
Rookie Barron Batch wasn't perfect in the backs on backers drill Sunday, but he did enough to show that he is an up and comer.
When you beat James Harrison, the unofficial king of the drill, it opens eyes.
In fact, Joe Greene, who was watching, leaned over to reporters and said, "That boy is from Texas," after he stoned Harrison.
For the record, Batch went 6-2 in backs on backers, a fine performance in a drill in which the defense holds all the advantages.
He also showed some nifty moves running with the ball. The Steelers may have gotten a steal in the seventh round.
© William Gay also re-signed on Sunday, giving the Steelers options at defensive back.
Many fans are still critical of Gay after his 2009 season, when he was forced into the starting lineup. But he was solid last season as the team's third corner, a role he's more suited to.
© Ben Roethlisberger wore No. 78 at practice Sunday in honor of Max Starks. No word if he'll wear 71 Tuesday when the Steelers return to practice. Then again, Starks' locker has been right next to Roethlisberger's since 2004.
© Bryant McFadden had an excellent over-the-shoulder interception in coverage against Mike Wallace on a deep pass from Roethlisberger.
© Roethlisberger threw a short touchdown pass to Heath Miller during a two-minute drill. But the drill should have ended when Antonio Brown dropped a ball over the middle on fourth down earlier. Mike Tomlin gave the offense a pass on the play because he wanted to see the drill finished.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Burress comes and goes
Plaxico Burress blew into town Saturday morning and had breakfast/lunch with the Steelers' brass, including coach Mike Tomlin.
Burress left without speaking to reporters after a more than hour-long meal, but looked to be in great shape.
He met with the Giants Friday and San Francisco and the Jets are also rumored to be interested in the receiver.
© Also in camp Saturday was former New England tight end Daniel Graham. The Steelers were kicking Graham's tires as a possible replacement for Matt Spaeth.
© Saw placekicker Shaun Suisham on the practice field kicking field goals by himself today.
Suisham, who signed a free agent contract, isn't able to practice with the team, but, apparently, kicking on his own is OK.
© According to Steelers Digest, the Steelers have signed punter Daniel Sepulveda.
© Crezdon Butler got the first chance as the team's dime corner. Of course, Keenan Lewis is in the lineup in place of Ike Taylor, so that could change.
Burress left without speaking to reporters after a more than hour-long meal, but looked to be in great shape.
He met with the Giants Friday and San Francisco and the Jets are also rumored to be interested in the receiver.
© Also in camp Saturday was former New England tight end Daniel Graham. The Steelers were kicking Graham's tires as a possible replacement for Matt Spaeth.
© Saw placekicker Shaun Suisham on the practice field kicking field goals by himself today.
Suisham, who signed a free agent contract, isn't able to practice with the team, but, apparently, kicking on his own is OK.
© According to Steelers Digest, the Steelers have signed punter Daniel Sepulveda.
© Crezdon Butler got the first chance as the team's dime corner. Of course, Keenan Lewis is in the lineup in place of Ike Taylor, so that could change.
Friday, July 29, 2011
First day notes
The Steelers opened their first practice with Chris Scott at RT, Kyle Jolly at LT and Keith Williams at LG in their first-team offense.
Keenan Lewis was running with the first team defense in place of Ike Taylor.
Veterans who signed free agent deals - or who signed their restricted offer sheets - aren't allowed to practice until Aug. 4.
© Troy Polamalu said he still isn't 100 percent recovered from his Achilles' tendon injury, but he's getting close.
He has a month to go before games begin and Polamalu is shooting for 100 percent by then.
© First-round pick Cameron Heyward missed the first 15 minutes of practice in the afternoon after signing his contract.
Then the practice was shortened by rain. Talk about timing.
© Curtis Brown has also signed, giving the Steelers all seven draft picks under contract.
© Ben Roethlisberger said there are no hard feelings between he and James Harrison.
Harrison said he should not have said what he did about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Hines Ward said he learned a valuable lesson.
Rashard Mendenhall said very little despite being given an opportunity to do so – though Mike Tomlin did yell over to the running back when he was cornered by reporters, "Sucks to be you Rashard."
© Don't expect any disciplinary action from the NFL for Ward, Harrison or Mendenhall.
Keenan Lewis was running with the first team defense in place of Ike Taylor.
Veterans who signed free agent deals - or who signed their restricted offer sheets - aren't allowed to practice until Aug. 4.
© Troy Polamalu said he still isn't 100 percent recovered from his Achilles' tendon injury, but he's getting close.
He has a month to go before games begin and Polamalu is shooting for 100 percent by then.
© First-round pick Cameron Heyward missed the first 15 minutes of practice in the afternoon after signing his contract.
Then the practice was shortened by rain. Talk about timing.
© Curtis Brown has also signed, giving the Steelers all seven draft picks under contract.
© Ben Roethlisberger said there are no hard feelings between he and James Harrison.
Harrison said he should not have said what he did about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Hines Ward said he learned a valuable lesson.
Rashard Mendenhall said very little despite being given an opportunity to do so – though Mike Tomlin did yell over to the running back when he was cornered by reporters, "Sucks to be you Rashard."
© Don't expect any disciplinary action from the NFL for Ward, Harrison or Mendenhall.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Reporting time come and gone
The Steelers had another busy day, releasing tackle Max Starks and wid receiver Antwaan Randle El and signing tackles Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott.
Starks' release was purely due to cap reasons and he could be re-signed.
© Hines Ward, Chris Kemoeatu and Eugene Bright will all begin camp on the PUP list.
© For those of you who follow me on Twitter - and I don't know why you wouldn't - you know that I reported seeing a couple of draft picks in the cafeteria, including first-rounder Cameron Heyward.
I'm pretty sure - the rules are so convoluted right now - that means they have agreed to a contract. The team is not confirming that at this point, but Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin will address the media later on today.
I do know that the NFLPA is urging rookies to get to camp as soon as possible.
© Emmanuel Sanders said he had a second surgery on his broken foot 13 weeks ago, but the foot is 100 percent now.
© I didn't see any vets who did not look to be in good shape.
© The players who avoided the media today included Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison, Hines Ward and Rashard Mendenhall. They must have been off in the mountains singing campfire songs and bonding.
Starks' release was purely due to cap reasons and he could be re-signed.
© Hines Ward, Chris Kemoeatu and Eugene Bright will all begin camp on the PUP list.
© For those of you who follow me on Twitter - and I don't know why you wouldn't - you know that I reported seeing a couple of draft picks in the cafeteria, including first-rounder Cameron Heyward.
I'm pretty sure - the rules are so convoluted right now - that means they have agreed to a contract. The team is not confirming that at this point, but Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin will address the media later on today.
I do know that the NFLPA is urging rookies to get to camp as soon as possible.
© Emmanuel Sanders said he had a second surgery on his broken foot 13 weeks ago, but the foot is 100 percent now.
© I didn't see any vets who did not look to be in good shape.
© The players who avoided the media today included Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison, Hines Ward and Rashard Mendenhall. They must have been off in the mountains singing campfire songs and bonding.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Burress to meet with Steelers
Per ESPN's Chris Mortensen, wide receiver Plaxico Burress will meet with the Steelers and will sign with either Pittsburgh or the Giants.
Burress, of course, began his career with the Steelers before leaving after the 2004 season for New York. He ran afoul of the law there, getting two years in prison for shooting himself in the leg at a nightclub with an handgun.
But, in my dealings with Burress, I never found him to be a bad guy. In fact, he was always pretty much a standup guy, always available and willing to talk, win or lose.
He was also well-liked by his teammates.
© In other news, the Steelers have re-signed placekicker Shaun Suisham, who was an unrestricted free agent.
Burress, of course, began his career with the Steelers before leaving after the 2004 season for New York. He ran afoul of the law there, getting two years in prison for shooting himself in the leg at a nightclub with an handgun.
But, in my dealings with Burress, I never found him to be a bad guy. In fact, he was always pretty much a standup guy, always available and willing to talk, win or lose.
He was also well-liked by his teammates.
© In other news, the Steelers have re-signed placekicker Shaun Suisham, who was an unrestricted free agent.
Taylor returns, now on to the next business
With Ike Taylor agreeing to a four-year deal to stay with the Steelers, they can now move on to other pressing business.
Next up for the team are tackles Willie Colon, Jonathan Scott, and placekicker Shaun Suisham.
If Colon re-signs, it could be as a guard. The Steelers will speak to Flozell Adams about returning for another season, but would like him to do so for less than the $5 million he is scheduled to earn this season.
Adams, who held down the starting right tackle position in 2010 after Colon suffered an Achilles' tendon tear, will likely only return if he can remain a starter. Adams wants to make one last run at a Super Bowl and returning to the Steelers would give him a solid opportunity to do so.
Next up for the team are tackles Willie Colon, Jonathan Scott, and placekicker Shaun Suisham.
If Colon re-signs, it could be as a guard. The Steelers will speak to Flozell Adams about returning for another season, but would like him to do so for less than the $5 million he is scheduled to earn this season.
Adams, who held down the starting right tackle position in 2010 after Colon suffered an Achilles' tendon tear, will likely only return if he can remain a starter. Adams wants to make one last run at a Super Bowl and returning to the Steelers would give him a solid opportunity to do so.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Steelers add undrafted rookies
The Steelers added 15 undrafted rookie free agents Tuesday, including talented running back John Clay of Wisconsin.
Those who followed this blog in the weeks leading up to the draft will also recognize some other names on the list as players the team brought in for visits.
Below is the list of players added Tuesday in addition to Clay.
Vaughn Charlton, TE, Temple
Terrence McCrae, WR, Ohio
Armand Robinson, WR, Miami
Adam Mims, WR, Furman
Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina
Colin Miller, C, Central Michigan
Trevis Turner, OT, Abilene Christian
Brent Greenwood, S, Iowa
Niles Brinkley, CB, Wisconsin
Eric Clanton, LB, Citadel
Mario Harvey, LB, Marshall
Miguel Chavis, DE, Clemson
Anthony Gray, DT, Southern Miss
Eric Greenwood, WR, Idaho
Those who followed this blog in the weeks leading up to the draft will also recognize some other names on the list as players the team brought in for visits.
Below is the list of players added Tuesday in addition to Clay.
Vaughn Charlton, TE, Temple
Terrence McCrae, WR, Ohio
Armand Robinson, WR, Miami
Adam Mims, WR, Furman
Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina
Colin Miller, C, Central Michigan
Trevis Turner, OT, Abilene Christian
Brent Greenwood, S, Iowa
Niles Brinkley, CB, Wisconsin
Eric Clanton, LB, Citadel
Mario Harvey, LB, Marshall
Miguel Chavis, DE, Clemson
Anthony Gray, DT, Southern Miss
Eric Greenwood, WR, Idaho
Monday, July 25, 2011
List of free agents
Thanks to the AP for this info:
Franchise Players
Players with three or more accrued seasons have been designated as franchise players. The old club has a right of first refusal to the players listed below and compensation of two No. 1 draft choices:
CLEVELAND — Phil Dawson, K
KANSAS CITY — Tamba Hali, LB
NEW ENGLAND — Logan Mankins, G
SAN DIEGO — Vincent Jackson, WR
In order to submit an offer sheet, a new club must have available the required choices, defined as its own or better choices in the first round in the 2012 and 2013 NFL drafts. Offer sheets may be submitted to an old club until 4 p.m. EDT on the Tuesday following the 10th regular season weekend.
———
Right of First Refusal
Players with four or more accrued seasons who negotiated rights of first refusal with their old clubs:
KANSAS CITY — Kevin Curtis, WR
———
Restricted Free Agents
Restricted free agents who received qualifying offers from their old clubs and are subject to the first refusal/compensation system of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement. The old club has a right of first refusal to all players listed. Compensation (round) is listed on right. ROFR-right of first refusal (if the old club simply has a right of first refusal but is not entitled to any compensation):
ARIZONA — Early Doucet, WR, 3rd; Tim Hightower, RB, 2nd; Brandon Keith, OT, 2nd
ATLANTA — Brent Grimes, DB, 1st; Eric Weems, WR, 2nd
BALTIMORE — Oniel Cousins, T, 3rd; Tavares Gooden, LB, 3rd; Jameel McClain, LB, 2nd; Haruki Nakamura, DB, 6th; Jalen Parmele, RB, 6th; Marcus Smith, WR, 4th; Kelly Talavou, NT, ROFR; Tom Zbikowski, DB, 3rd
BUFFALO — Scott Chandler, TE, 4th
CAROLINA — David Clowney, WR, 5th; J.J. Jansen, LS, ROFR; Jordan Senn, LB, ROFR
CHICAGO — Caleb Hanie, QB, ROFR
CINCINNATI — Kyle Cook, C, 2nd; Nate Livings, G, ROFR; Jordan Palmer, QB, 6th; Dennis Roland, T, ROFR
CLEVELAND — Evan Moore, TE, 2nd
DALLAS — Alan Ball, DB, 7th
DENVER — Matt Prater, K, 2nd; Wesley Woodyard, LB, 2nd
DETROIT — Cliff Avril, DE, 1st; Jerome Felton, RB, 5th; Andre Fluellen, DT, 3rd
HOUSTON — Mike Brisiel, G, 2nd
INDIANAPOLIS — Eric Foster, DE, 2nd
KANSAS CITY — Brandon Carr, DB, 1st; Mike Cox, RB, ROFR; Wallace Gilberry, DE, 2nd; Barry Richardson, T, 2nd
MIAMI — Nate Garner, T, 2nd
MINNESOTA — Husain Abdullah, DB, 2nd; Erin Henderson, LB, ROFR
NEW ENGLAND — BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, 2nd
NEW ORLEANS — Carl Nicks, G, 1st
N.Y. JETS — Robert Turner, C, ROFR
OAKLAND — Michael Bush, RB, 1st
PITTSBURGH — Dennis Dixon, QB, 5th; Tony Hills, T, 4th
ST. LOUIS — Chris Chamberlain, LB, 7th; Renardo Foster, T, ROFR; John Greco, G, 3rd; David Vobora, LB, 7th
SAN DIEGO — Antwan Applewhite, LB, 2nd; Mike Tolbert, RB, 2nd
SEATTLE — Tyler Polumbus, T, ROFR
TAMPA BAY — Connor Barth, K, 2nd; James Lee, T, 2nd; Corey Lynch, DB, 6th; Elbert Mack, DB, ROFR; Frank Okam, NT, 5th; Micheal Spurlock, WR, ROFR
TENNESSEE — Patrick Bailey, LB, ROFR; Mike Otto, T, 7th; Tim Shaw, LB, 5th
In order to submit an offer sheet, a new club must have available the required choice, defined as its own or better choice in the applicable rounds, in the 2012 NFL draft. Offer sheets may be submitted to an old club until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Aug. 20.
———
Unrestricted Free Agents (Four or more seasons)
Players in this category may be signed by any club in the league until 4 p.m. EDT on Sept. 3 with no rights of any character held by the old club:
ARIZONA — Hamza Abdullah, DB; D’Anthony Batiste, OT; Alan Branch, DT; Steve Breaston, WR; Ben Claxton, C; Alan Faneca, G; Ben Graham, P; Deuce Lutui, G; Trumaine McBride, DB; Ben Patrick, TE; Bryan Robinson, NT; Lyle Sendlein, C; Stephen Spach, TE; Matt Ware, DB; Gabe Watson, NT; Jason Wright, RB.
ATLANTA — Justin Blalock, G; Matt Bryant, K; Tyson Clabo, OT; Harvey Dahl, G; Brian Finneran, WR; Thomas Johnson, NT; Michael Koenen, P; Stephen Nicholas, LB; Jerious Norwood, RB; Mike Peterson, LB; Jason Snelling, RB; Brian Williams, DB.
BALTIMORE — Marc Bulger, QB; Prescott Burgess, LB; Chris Carr, DB; Chris Chester, G; Jared Gaither, OT; Kevin Houser, LS; T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; Dawan Landry, DB; Le’Ron McClain, RB; Tony Moll, OT; Donte’ Stallworth, WR; Fabian Washington, DB; Josh Wilson, DB; Marshal Yanda, G.
BUFFALO — Akin Ayodele, LB; Keith Ellison, LB; Drayton Florence, DB; John McCargo, DE; Paul Posluszny, LB; Donte Whitner, DB; Ashton Youboty, DB.
CAROLINA — Gerald Alexander, DB; James Anderson, LB; Abdul Hodge, LB; Marcus Hudson, DB; Charles Johnson, DE; Jeff King, TE; Derek Landri, DT; Rhys Lloyd, K; Richard Marshall, DB; Matt Moore, QB; Chris Morris, C; Rob Petitti, OT; Dante Rosario, TE; Brian St. Pierre, QB; DeAngelo Williams, RB; Jamar Williams, LB; C.J. Wilson, DB.
CHICAGO — Anthony Adams, NT; Josh Bullocks, DB; Desmond Clark, TE; Todd Collins, QB; Rashied Davis, WR; Corey Graham, DB; Brian Iwuh, LB; Olin Kreutz, C; Danieal Manning, DB Abilene; Brad Maynard, P; Nick Roach, LB; Pisa Tinoisamoa, LB; Rod Wilson, LB; Garrett Wolfe, RB.
CINCINNATI — Cedric Benson, RB; Kirk Chambers, OT; Jonathan Fanene, DE; Brandon Johnson, LB; Dhani Jones, LB; Johnathan Joseph, DB; Reggie Kelly, TE; Brian Leonard, RB; Evan Mathis, G; Chinedum Ndukwe, DB; Terrell Owens, WR; Keiwan Ratliff, DB; Roy Williams, DB; Gibril Wilson, DB.
CLEVELAND — Mike Bell, RB; Abram Elam, DB; Greg Estandia, TE; Jayme Mitchell, DE; Sabby Piscitelli, DB; Derreck Robinson, DE; Matt Roth, LB; Robaire Smith, DE; Nick Sorensen, DB; Chansi Stuckey, WR; Jason Trusnik, LB; Lawrence Vickers, RB; Floyd Womack, G; Eric Wright, DB; Billy Yates, G.
DALLAS — Alex Barron, OT; Stephen Bowen, DE; Doug Free, OT; Jason Hatcher, DE; Sam Hurd, WR; Kyle Kosier, G; Gerald Sensabaugh, DB; Marcus Spears, DE; Leon Williams, LB.
DENVER — Kyle Eckel, RB; Ronald Fields, NT; Ryan Harris, OT; Laurence Maroney, RB; Marcus Thomas, DE.
DETROIT — C.C. Brown, DB; Bobby Carpenter, LB; Vinny Ciurciu, LB; Brian Clark, WR; Jared DeVries, DE; Dylan Gandy, C; Tye Hill, DB; Chris Houston, DB; Landon Johnson, LB; Turk McBride, DE; Brandon McDonald, DB; Dave Rayner, K; Drew Stanton, QB; John Wendling, DB.
GREEN BAY — Atari Bigby, DB; Daryn Colledge, G; Mason Crosby, K; Korey Hall, RB; Brandon Jackson, RB; Cullen Jenkins, DE; James Jones, WR; John Kuhn, RB; Anthony Smith, DB; Jason Spitz, C; Matt Wilhelm, LB.
HOUSTON — Mark Anderson, DE; Kevin Bentley, LB; Tim Bulman, DE; Rashad Butler, OT; Zach Diles, LB; Jarvis Green, DE; Jacoby Jones, WR Lane Vonta Leach, RB; Matt Leinart, QB; Damione Lewis, DT; Karl Paymah, DB; Bernard Pollard, DB; Kasey Studdard, G; Matt Turk, P.
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph Addai, RB; Melvin Bullitt, DB; Keyunta Dawson, DE; Aaron Francisco, DB; Tyjuan Hagler, LB; Ken Hamlin, DB; Antonio Johnson, DT; Charlie Johnson, OT; Daniel Muir, DT; Dominic Rhodes, RB; Clint Session, LB; Adam Vinatieri, K.
JACKSONVILLE — Todd Bouman, QB; Sean Considine, DB; Justin Durant, LB; Trent Edwards, QB; Kirk Morrison, LB; Adam Podlesh, P; Mike Sims-Walker, WR.
KANSAS CITY — Charlie Anderson, LB; Jackie Battle, RB; Tim Castille, RB; Terrance Copper, WR; Brodie Croyle, QB; Travis Daniels, DB; Ron Edwards, NT; Corey Mays, LB; Jon McGraw, DB; Rudy Niswanger, C; Ryan O’Callaghan, OT; Leonard Pope, TE; Shaun Smith, DE; Mike Vrabel, LB; Casey Wiegmann, C.
MIAMI — Ronnie Brown, RB; Patrick Cobbs, RB; Tony McDaniel, DE; Pat McQuistan, OT; Quentin Moses, LB; Chad Pennington, QB; Cory Procter, G; Tyler Thigpen, QB; Ricky Williams, RB.
MINNESOTA — Hank Baskett, WR; Ryan Cook, G; Ray Edwards, DE; Fred Evans, NT; Brett Favre, QB; Eric Frampton, DB; Tarvaris Jackson, QB; Ben Leber, LB; Greg Lewis, WR; Ryan Longwell, K; Patrick Ramsey, QB; Sidney Rice, WR; Lito Sheppard, DB; Naufahu Tahi, RB; Frank Walker, DB; Pat Williams, NT.
NEW ENGLAND — Kevin Faulk, RB; Shayne Graham, K; Matt Light, OT; Brandon McGowan, DB; Sammy Morris, RB; Quinn Ojinnaka, G; Jarrad Page, DB; Fred Taylor, RB; Gerard Warren, DE; Tracy White, LB.
NEW ORLEANS — Remi Ayodele, NT; Ladell Betts, RB; Jermon Bushrod, OT; Jeff Charleston, DE; Danny Clark, LB; Heath Evans, RB; Matt Giordano, DB; Jonathan Goodwin, C; Tony Hargrove, DT; Roman Harper, DB; Tory Humphrey, TE; Julius Jones, RB; Kawika Mitchell, LB; Marvin Mitchell, LB; Lance Moore, WR; Pierson Prioleau, DB; Chris Reis, DB; Courtney Roby, WR; Scott Shanle, LB; Darren Sharper, DB; Zach Strief, OT; David Thomas, TE; Leigh Torrence, DB; Jimmy Wilkerson, NT; DeShawn Wynn, RB; Usama Young, DB.
N.Y. GIANTS — Chase Blackburn, LB; Kevin Boothe, G; Kevin Boss, TE; Ahmad Bradshaw, RB; Keith Bulluck, LB; Michael Clayton, WR; Barry Cofield, DT; Deon Grant, DB; Derek Hagan, WR; Michael Johnson, DB; Mathias Kiwanuka, DE; Steve Smith, WR; Jim Sorgi, QB; Dave Tollefson, DE; Gerris Wilkinson, LB.
N.Y. JETS — Kellen Clemens, QB; Drew Coleman, DB; Antonio Cromartie, DB; Braylon Edwards, WR; Shaun Ellis, DE; Nick Folk, K; Santonio Holmes, WR; Wayne Hunter, OT; James Ihedigbo, DB; Lance Laury, LB; Brodney Pool, DB; Trevor Pryce, DE; Tony Richardson, RB; Brad Smith, WR; Eric Smith, DB; Steve Weatherford, P.
OAKLAND — Nnamdi Asomugha, DB; Khalif Barnes, OT; Ricky Brown, LB; Jon Condo, LS; Charlie Frye, QB; Robert Gallery, G; Bruce Gradkowski, QB; Mario Henderson, OT; Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR; Howard Thomas, LB; Michael Huff, DB; Zach Miller, TE; Jarvis Moss, LB; J.T. O’Sullivan, QB; Samson Satele, C; Langston Walker, OT; Sam Williams, LB.
PHILADELPHIA — David Akers, K; Stewart Bradley, LB; Nick Cole, G; Omar Gaither, LB; Antoine Harris, DB; Jerome Harrison, RB; Ellis Hobbs, DB; Max Jean-Gilles, G; Akeem Jordan, LB; Bobby McCray, DE; Quintin Mikell, DB; Dimitri Patterson, DB; Saverio Rocca, P; Ernie Sims, LB; Reggie Wells, G.
PITTSBURGH — Willie Colon, OT; Nick Eason, DE; Trai Essex, G; Keyaron Fox, LB; William Gay, DB; Chris Hoke, NT; Anthony Madison, DB; Mewelde Moore, RB; Jonathan Scott, OT; Daniel Sepulveda, P; Matt Spaeth, TE; Shaun Suisham, K; Ivan Taylor, DB; Greg Warren, LS.
ST. LOUIS — Mark Clayton, WR; Kevin Dockery, DB; Daniel Fells, TE; Gary Gibson, DT; Adam Goldberg, G; Chris Hovan, DT; Darcy Johnson, TE; Michael Lewis, DB; Laurent Robinson, WR; Clifton Ryan, DT; Derek Schouman, TE.
SAN DIEGO — Antwan Barnes, DE; Kevin Burnett, LB; Tyrone Carter, DB; Jacques Cesaire, DE; Jeromey Clary, OT; Stephen Cooper, LB; James Dearth, LS; Malcom Floyd, WR; Dante Hughes, DB; Travis Johnson, DE; Randy McMichael, TE; Brandon Moore, LB; Scott Mruczkowski, C; Legedu Naanee, WR; Ryan Neill, LS; Paul Oliver, DB; Brandon Siler, LB; Darren Sproles, RB; Billy Volek, QB; Kelley Washington, WR; Pat Watkins, DB; Eric Weddle, DB.
SAN FRANCISCO — David Baas, C; Demetric Evans, DE; Aubrayo Franklin, NT; Dashon Goldson, DB; William James, DB; Travis LaBoy, LB; Manny Lawson, LB; Ray McDonald, DE; Jeff Reed, K; Barry Sims, OT; Alex Smith, QB; Troy Smith, QB; Takeo Spikes, LB; Brian Westbrook, RB; Tony Wragge, C.
SEATTLE — Jordan Babineaux, DB; Raheem Brock, DE; Amon Gordon, DT; Matt Hasselbeck, QB; Will Herring, LB; LeRoy Hill, LB; Kelly Jennings, DB; Sean Locklear, OT; J.P. Losman, QB; Olindo Mare, K; Ruvell Martin, WR; Matt McCoy, LB; Brandon Mebane, DT; Lawyer Milloy, DB; Chester Pitts, OT; Jay Richardson, DE; Michael Robinson, RB; Junior Siavii, DT; Chris Spencer, C; Brandon Stokley, WR; Craig Terrill, DT; Ray Willis, OT.
TAMPA BAY — Quincy Black, LB; Tim Crowder, DE; John Gilmore, TE; Adam Hayward, LB; Davin Joseph, G; Niko Koutouvides, LB; Barrett Ruud, LB; Maurice Stovall, WR; Jeremy Trueblood, OT; Stylez G White, DE; Carnell Williams, RB.
TENNESSEE — Jason Babin, DE; Dave Ball, DE; Kerry Collins, QB; Marques Douglas, DT; Jacob Ford, DE; Ahmard Hall, RB; Leroy Harris, G; Roderick Hood, DB; Randy Moss, WR; Donnie Nickey, DB; Bo Scaife, TE; Chris Simms, QB; David Thornton, LB; Stephen Tulloch, LB; Jamie Winborn, LB.
WASHINGTON — H.B. Blades, LB; Jammal Brown, OT; Phillip Buchanon, DB; Reed Doughty, DB; Mike Furrey, WR; Kedric Golston, DE; Rex Grossman, QB; Stephon Heyer, OT; Rocky McIntosh, LB; Santana Moss, WR; Carlos Rogers, DB; Chris Wilson, LB.
———
Unrestricted Free Agents (fewer than four seasons)
Players who received no qualifying offer or no minimum tender from their old club. The players in this category may be signed immediately with no rights of any character held by the old club. There is no signing deadline applicable to these players:
ARIZONA — Michael Adams, DB; Nehemiah Broughton, RB; Keilen Dykes, DT; Kenny Iwebema, DE; Reagan Maui’a, RB.
BALTIMORE — Daniel Sanders, C.
BUFFALO — Brian Brohm, QB; Quinton Ganther, RB; Jonathan Stupar, TE.
CHICAGO — Devin Aromashodu, WR.
CINCINNATI — Marvin White, DB.
CLEVELAND — Titus Adams, DE; Blake Costanzo, LB.
DALLAS — Chris Greisen, QB.
DETROIT — Jake Nordin, TE; Kevin Smith, RB.
GREEN BAY — Josh Bell, DB.
INDIANAPOLIS — Mike Hart, RB; Mike Richardson, DB; Gijon Robinson, TE; Tom Santi, TE; Jamie Silva, DB.
JACKSONVILLE — Bryan Smith, DE.
KANSAS CITY — Maurice Leggett, DB.
MIAMI — Joey Haynos, TE.
MINNESOTA — Albert Young, RB.
NEW ORLEANS — Jo-Lonn Dunbar, LB; Anthony Waters, LB.
N.Y. GIANTS — Courtney Brown, DB.
PITTSBURGH — Tuff Harris, DB.
ST. LOUIS — Quincy Butler, DB; Kenneth Darby, RB; Curtis Johnson, LB.
SAN DIEGO — Darry Beckwith, LB; Billy Latsko, RB.
SAN FRANCISCO — Chris Patrick, OT.
TAMPA BAY — Kareem Huggins, RB.
TENNESSEE — Colin Allred, LB.
Franchise Players
Players with three or more accrued seasons have been designated as franchise players. The old club has a right of first refusal to the players listed below and compensation of two No. 1 draft choices:
CLEVELAND — Phil Dawson, K
KANSAS CITY — Tamba Hali, LB
NEW ENGLAND — Logan Mankins, G
SAN DIEGO — Vincent Jackson, WR
In order to submit an offer sheet, a new club must have available the required choices, defined as its own or better choices in the first round in the 2012 and 2013 NFL drafts. Offer sheets may be submitted to an old club until 4 p.m. EDT on the Tuesday following the 10th regular season weekend.
———
Right of First Refusal
Players with four or more accrued seasons who negotiated rights of first refusal with their old clubs:
KANSAS CITY — Kevin Curtis, WR
———
Restricted Free Agents
Restricted free agents who received qualifying offers from their old clubs and are subject to the first refusal/compensation system of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement. The old club has a right of first refusal to all players listed. Compensation (round) is listed on right. ROFR-right of first refusal (if the old club simply has a right of first refusal but is not entitled to any compensation):
ARIZONA — Early Doucet, WR, 3rd; Tim Hightower, RB, 2nd; Brandon Keith, OT, 2nd
ATLANTA — Brent Grimes, DB, 1st; Eric Weems, WR, 2nd
BALTIMORE — Oniel Cousins, T, 3rd; Tavares Gooden, LB, 3rd; Jameel McClain, LB, 2nd; Haruki Nakamura, DB, 6th; Jalen Parmele, RB, 6th; Marcus Smith, WR, 4th; Kelly Talavou, NT, ROFR; Tom Zbikowski, DB, 3rd
BUFFALO — Scott Chandler, TE, 4th
CAROLINA — David Clowney, WR, 5th; J.J. Jansen, LS, ROFR; Jordan Senn, LB, ROFR
CHICAGO — Caleb Hanie, QB, ROFR
CINCINNATI — Kyle Cook, C, 2nd; Nate Livings, G, ROFR; Jordan Palmer, QB, 6th; Dennis Roland, T, ROFR
CLEVELAND — Evan Moore, TE, 2nd
DALLAS — Alan Ball, DB, 7th
DENVER — Matt Prater, K, 2nd; Wesley Woodyard, LB, 2nd
DETROIT — Cliff Avril, DE, 1st; Jerome Felton, RB, 5th; Andre Fluellen, DT, 3rd
HOUSTON — Mike Brisiel, G, 2nd
INDIANAPOLIS — Eric Foster, DE, 2nd
KANSAS CITY — Brandon Carr, DB, 1st; Mike Cox, RB, ROFR; Wallace Gilberry, DE, 2nd; Barry Richardson, T, 2nd
MIAMI — Nate Garner, T, 2nd
MINNESOTA — Husain Abdullah, DB, 2nd; Erin Henderson, LB, ROFR
NEW ENGLAND — BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, 2nd
NEW ORLEANS — Carl Nicks, G, 1st
N.Y. JETS — Robert Turner, C, ROFR
OAKLAND — Michael Bush, RB, 1st
PITTSBURGH — Dennis Dixon, QB, 5th; Tony Hills, T, 4th
ST. LOUIS — Chris Chamberlain, LB, 7th; Renardo Foster, T, ROFR; John Greco, G, 3rd; David Vobora, LB, 7th
SAN DIEGO — Antwan Applewhite, LB, 2nd; Mike Tolbert, RB, 2nd
SEATTLE — Tyler Polumbus, T, ROFR
TAMPA BAY — Connor Barth, K, 2nd; James Lee, T, 2nd; Corey Lynch, DB, 6th; Elbert Mack, DB, ROFR; Frank Okam, NT, 5th; Micheal Spurlock, WR, ROFR
TENNESSEE — Patrick Bailey, LB, ROFR; Mike Otto, T, 7th; Tim Shaw, LB, 5th
In order to submit an offer sheet, a new club must have available the required choice, defined as its own or better choice in the applicable rounds, in the 2012 NFL draft. Offer sheets may be submitted to an old club until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Aug. 20.
———
Unrestricted Free Agents (Four or more seasons)
Players in this category may be signed by any club in the league until 4 p.m. EDT on Sept. 3 with no rights of any character held by the old club:
ARIZONA — Hamza Abdullah, DB; D’Anthony Batiste, OT; Alan Branch, DT; Steve Breaston, WR; Ben Claxton, C; Alan Faneca, G; Ben Graham, P; Deuce Lutui, G; Trumaine McBride, DB; Ben Patrick, TE; Bryan Robinson, NT; Lyle Sendlein, C; Stephen Spach, TE; Matt Ware, DB; Gabe Watson, NT; Jason Wright, RB.
ATLANTA — Justin Blalock, G; Matt Bryant, K; Tyson Clabo, OT; Harvey Dahl, G; Brian Finneran, WR; Thomas Johnson, NT; Michael Koenen, P; Stephen Nicholas, LB; Jerious Norwood, RB; Mike Peterson, LB; Jason Snelling, RB; Brian Williams, DB.
BALTIMORE — Marc Bulger, QB; Prescott Burgess, LB; Chris Carr, DB; Chris Chester, G; Jared Gaither, OT; Kevin Houser, LS; T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR; Dawan Landry, DB; Le’Ron McClain, RB; Tony Moll, OT; Donte’ Stallworth, WR; Fabian Washington, DB; Josh Wilson, DB; Marshal Yanda, G.
BUFFALO — Akin Ayodele, LB; Keith Ellison, LB; Drayton Florence, DB; John McCargo, DE; Paul Posluszny, LB; Donte Whitner, DB; Ashton Youboty, DB.
CAROLINA — Gerald Alexander, DB; James Anderson, LB; Abdul Hodge, LB; Marcus Hudson, DB; Charles Johnson, DE; Jeff King, TE; Derek Landri, DT; Rhys Lloyd, K; Richard Marshall, DB; Matt Moore, QB; Chris Morris, C; Rob Petitti, OT; Dante Rosario, TE; Brian St. Pierre, QB; DeAngelo Williams, RB; Jamar Williams, LB; C.J. Wilson, DB.
CHICAGO — Anthony Adams, NT; Josh Bullocks, DB; Desmond Clark, TE; Todd Collins, QB; Rashied Davis, WR; Corey Graham, DB; Brian Iwuh, LB; Olin Kreutz, C; Danieal Manning, DB Abilene; Brad Maynard, P; Nick Roach, LB; Pisa Tinoisamoa, LB; Rod Wilson, LB; Garrett Wolfe, RB.
CINCINNATI — Cedric Benson, RB; Kirk Chambers, OT; Jonathan Fanene, DE; Brandon Johnson, LB; Dhani Jones, LB; Johnathan Joseph, DB; Reggie Kelly, TE; Brian Leonard, RB; Evan Mathis, G; Chinedum Ndukwe, DB; Terrell Owens, WR; Keiwan Ratliff, DB; Roy Williams, DB; Gibril Wilson, DB.
CLEVELAND — Mike Bell, RB; Abram Elam, DB; Greg Estandia, TE; Jayme Mitchell, DE; Sabby Piscitelli, DB; Derreck Robinson, DE; Matt Roth, LB; Robaire Smith, DE; Nick Sorensen, DB; Chansi Stuckey, WR; Jason Trusnik, LB; Lawrence Vickers, RB; Floyd Womack, G; Eric Wright, DB; Billy Yates, G.
DALLAS — Alex Barron, OT; Stephen Bowen, DE; Doug Free, OT; Jason Hatcher, DE; Sam Hurd, WR; Kyle Kosier, G; Gerald Sensabaugh, DB; Marcus Spears, DE; Leon Williams, LB.
DENVER — Kyle Eckel, RB; Ronald Fields, NT; Ryan Harris, OT; Laurence Maroney, RB; Marcus Thomas, DE.
DETROIT — C.C. Brown, DB; Bobby Carpenter, LB; Vinny Ciurciu, LB; Brian Clark, WR; Jared DeVries, DE; Dylan Gandy, C; Tye Hill, DB; Chris Houston, DB; Landon Johnson, LB; Turk McBride, DE; Brandon McDonald, DB; Dave Rayner, K; Drew Stanton, QB; John Wendling, DB.
GREEN BAY — Atari Bigby, DB; Daryn Colledge, G; Mason Crosby, K; Korey Hall, RB; Brandon Jackson, RB; Cullen Jenkins, DE; James Jones, WR; John Kuhn, RB; Anthony Smith, DB; Jason Spitz, C; Matt Wilhelm, LB.
HOUSTON — Mark Anderson, DE; Kevin Bentley, LB; Tim Bulman, DE; Rashad Butler, OT; Zach Diles, LB; Jarvis Green, DE; Jacoby Jones, WR Lane Vonta Leach, RB; Matt Leinart, QB; Damione Lewis, DT; Karl Paymah, DB; Bernard Pollard, DB; Kasey Studdard, G; Matt Turk, P.
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph Addai, RB; Melvin Bullitt, DB; Keyunta Dawson, DE; Aaron Francisco, DB; Tyjuan Hagler, LB; Ken Hamlin, DB; Antonio Johnson, DT; Charlie Johnson, OT; Daniel Muir, DT; Dominic Rhodes, RB; Clint Session, LB; Adam Vinatieri, K.
JACKSONVILLE — Todd Bouman, QB; Sean Considine, DB; Justin Durant, LB; Trent Edwards, QB; Kirk Morrison, LB; Adam Podlesh, P; Mike Sims-Walker, WR.
KANSAS CITY — Charlie Anderson, LB; Jackie Battle, RB; Tim Castille, RB; Terrance Copper, WR; Brodie Croyle, QB; Travis Daniels, DB; Ron Edwards, NT; Corey Mays, LB; Jon McGraw, DB; Rudy Niswanger, C; Ryan O’Callaghan, OT; Leonard Pope, TE; Shaun Smith, DE; Mike Vrabel, LB; Casey Wiegmann, C.
MIAMI — Ronnie Brown, RB; Patrick Cobbs, RB; Tony McDaniel, DE; Pat McQuistan, OT; Quentin Moses, LB; Chad Pennington, QB; Cory Procter, G; Tyler Thigpen, QB; Ricky Williams, RB.
MINNESOTA — Hank Baskett, WR; Ryan Cook, G; Ray Edwards, DE; Fred Evans, NT; Brett Favre, QB; Eric Frampton, DB; Tarvaris Jackson, QB; Ben Leber, LB; Greg Lewis, WR; Ryan Longwell, K; Patrick Ramsey, QB; Sidney Rice, WR; Lito Sheppard, DB; Naufahu Tahi, RB; Frank Walker, DB; Pat Williams, NT.
NEW ENGLAND — Kevin Faulk, RB; Shayne Graham, K; Matt Light, OT; Brandon McGowan, DB; Sammy Morris, RB; Quinn Ojinnaka, G; Jarrad Page, DB; Fred Taylor, RB; Gerard Warren, DE; Tracy White, LB.
NEW ORLEANS — Remi Ayodele, NT; Ladell Betts, RB; Jermon Bushrod, OT; Jeff Charleston, DE; Danny Clark, LB; Heath Evans, RB; Matt Giordano, DB; Jonathan Goodwin, C; Tony Hargrove, DT; Roman Harper, DB; Tory Humphrey, TE; Julius Jones, RB; Kawika Mitchell, LB; Marvin Mitchell, LB; Lance Moore, WR; Pierson Prioleau, DB; Chris Reis, DB; Courtney Roby, WR; Scott Shanle, LB; Darren Sharper, DB; Zach Strief, OT; David Thomas, TE; Leigh Torrence, DB; Jimmy Wilkerson, NT; DeShawn Wynn, RB; Usama Young, DB.
N.Y. GIANTS — Chase Blackburn, LB; Kevin Boothe, G; Kevin Boss, TE; Ahmad Bradshaw, RB; Keith Bulluck, LB; Michael Clayton, WR; Barry Cofield, DT; Deon Grant, DB; Derek Hagan, WR; Michael Johnson, DB; Mathias Kiwanuka, DE; Steve Smith, WR; Jim Sorgi, QB; Dave Tollefson, DE; Gerris Wilkinson, LB.
N.Y. JETS — Kellen Clemens, QB; Drew Coleman, DB; Antonio Cromartie, DB; Braylon Edwards, WR; Shaun Ellis, DE; Nick Folk, K; Santonio Holmes, WR; Wayne Hunter, OT; James Ihedigbo, DB; Lance Laury, LB; Brodney Pool, DB; Trevor Pryce, DE; Tony Richardson, RB; Brad Smith, WR; Eric Smith, DB; Steve Weatherford, P.
OAKLAND — Nnamdi Asomugha, DB; Khalif Barnes, OT; Ricky Brown, LB; Jon Condo, LS; Charlie Frye, QB; Robert Gallery, G; Bruce Gradkowski, QB; Mario Henderson, OT; Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR; Howard Thomas, LB; Michael Huff, DB; Zach Miller, TE; Jarvis Moss, LB; J.T. O’Sullivan, QB; Samson Satele, C; Langston Walker, OT; Sam Williams, LB.
PHILADELPHIA — David Akers, K; Stewart Bradley, LB; Nick Cole, G; Omar Gaither, LB; Antoine Harris, DB; Jerome Harrison, RB; Ellis Hobbs, DB; Max Jean-Gilles, G; Akeem Jordan, LB; Bobby McCray, DE; Quintin Mikell, DB; Dimitri Patterson, DB; Saverio Rocca, P; Ernie Sims, LB; Reggie Wells, G.
PITTSBURGH — Willie Colon, OT; Nick Eason, DE; Trai Essex, G; Keyaron Fox, LB; William Gay, DB; Chris Hoke, NT; Anthony Madison, DB; Mewelde Moore, RB; Jonathan Scott, OT; Daniel Sepulveda, P; Matt Spaeth, TE; Shaun Suisham, K; Ivan Taylor, DB; Greg Warren, LS.
ST. LOUIS — Mark Clayton, WR; Kevin Dockery, DB; Daniel Fells, TE; Gary Gibson, DT; Adam Goldberg, G; Chris Hovan, DT; Darcy Johnson, TE; Michael Lewis, DB; Laurent Robinson, WR; Clifton Ryan, DT; Derek Schouman, TE.
SAN DIEGO — Antwan Barnes, DE; Kevin Burnett, LB; Tyrone Carter, DB; Jacques Cesaire, DE; Jeromey Clary, OT; Stephen Cooper, LB; James Dearth, LS; Malcom Floyd, WR; Dante Hughes, DB; Travis Johnson, DE; Randy McMichael, TE; Brandon Moore, LB; Scott Mruczkowski, C; Legedu Naanee, WR; Ryan Neill, LS; Paul Oliver, DB; Brandon Siler, LB; Darren Sproles, RB; Billy Volek, QB; Kelley Washington, WR; Pat Watkins, DB; Eric Weddle, DB.
SAN FRANCISCO — David Baas, C; Demetric Evans, DE; Aubrayo Franklin, NT; Dashon Goldson, DB; William James, DB; Travis LaBoy, LB; Manny Lawson, LB; Ray McDonald, DE; Jeff Reed, K; Barry Sims, OT; Alex Smith, QB; Troy Smith, QB; Takeo Spikes, LB; Brian Westbrook, RB; Tony Wragge, C.
SEATTLE — Jordan Babineaux, DB; Raheem Brock, DE; Amon Gordon, DT; Matt Hasselbeck, QB; Will Herring, LB; LeRoy Hill, LB; Kelly Jennings, DB; Sean Locklear, OT; J.P. Losman, QB; Olindo Mare, K; Ruvell Martin, WR; Matt McCoy, LB; Brandon Mebane, DT; Lawyer Milloy, DB; Chester Pitts, OT; Jay Richardson, DE; Michael Robinson, RB; Junior Siavii, DT; Chris Spencer, C; Brandon Stokley, WR; Craig Terrill, DT; Ray Willis, OT.
TAMPA BAY — Quincy Black, LB; Tim Crowder, DE; John Gilmore, TE; Adam Hayward, LB; Davin Joseph, G; Niko Koutouvides, LB; Barrett Ruud, LB; Maurice Stovall, WR; Jeremy Trueblood, OT; Stylez G White, DE; Carnell Williams, RB.
TENNESSEE — Jason Babin, DE; Dave Ball, DE; Kerry Collins, QB; Marques Douglas, DT; Jacob Ford, DE; Ahmard Hall, RB; Leroy Harris, G; Roderick Hood, DB; Randy Moss, WR; Donnie Nickey, DB; Bo Scaife, TE; Chris Simms, QB; David Thornton, LB; Stephen Tulloch, LB; Jamie Winborn, LB.
WASHINGTON — H.B. Blades, LB; Jammal Brown, OT; Phillip Buchanon, DB; Reed Doughty, DB; Mike Furrey, WR; Kedric Golston, DE; Rex Grossman, QB; Stephon Heyer, OT; Rocky McIntosh, LB; Santana Moss, WR; Carlos Rogers, DB; Chris Wilson, LB.
———
Unrestricted Free Agents (fewer than four seasons)
Players who received no qualifying offer or no minimum tender from their old club. The players in this category may be signed immediately with no rights of any character held by the old club. There is no signing deadline applicable to these players:
ARIZONA — Michael Adams, DB; Nehemiah Broughton, RB; Keilen Dykes, DT; Kenny Iwebema, DE; Reagan Maui’a, RB.
BALTIMORE — Daniel Sanders, C.
BUFFALO — Brian Brohm, QB; Quinton Ganther, RB; Jonathan Stupar, TE.
CHICAGO — Devin Aromashodu, WR.
CINCINNATI — Marvin White, DB.
CLEVELAND — Titus Adams, DE; Blake Costanzo, LB.
DALLAS — Chris Greisen, QB.
DETROIT — Jake Nordin, TE; Kevin Smith, RB.
GREEN BAY — Josh Bell, DB.
INDIANAPOLIS — Mike Hart, RB; Mike Richardson, DB; Gijon Robinson, TE; Tom Santi, TE; Jamie Silva, DB.
JACKSONVILLE — Bryan Smith, DE.
KANSAS CITY — Maurice Leggett, DB.
MIAMI — Joey Haynos, TE.
MINNESOTA — Albert Young, RB.
NEW ORLEANS — Jo-Lonn Dunbar, LB; Anthony Waters, LB.
N.Y. GIANTS — Courtney Brown, DB.
PITTSBURGH — Tuff Harris, DB.
ST. LOUIS — Quincy Butler, DB; Kenneth Darby, RB; Curtis Johnson, LB.
SAN DIEGO — Darry Beckwith, LB; Billy Latsko, RB.
SAN FRANCISCO — Chris Patrick, OT.
TAMPA BAY — Kareem Huggins, RB.
TENNESSEE — Colin Allred, LB.
When it's over, it's over
Now that the NFL lockout is over, it appears that a free agent frenzy, the type of which has never been seen before, could begin as early as midnight tonight.
But the league's GMs, money men and scouts are going to be working overtime this week.
Not only will teams be signing free agents - both their own and others - they will also have to sign their draft picks and undrafted rookies in the coming week before training camps open as early as Saturday. And, for teams over the cap like the Steelers, there will also be some contract extension talks with key players in addition to cuts.
In other words, they will be jamming six months worth of work into six days.
The interesting thing will be how many rookie holdouts we have this season.
With no offseason workouts and training camps shortened by a few days in some cases, any rookie holdouts will be dooming themselves to a lost season.
But the league's GMs, money men and scouts are going to be working overtime this week.
Not only will teams be signing free agents - both their own and others - they will also have to sign their draft picks and undrafted rookies in the coming week before training camps open as early as Saturday. And, for teams over the cap like the Steelers, there will also be some contract extension talks with key players in addition to cuts.
In other words, they will be jamming six months worth of work into six days.
The interesting thing will be how many rookie holdouts we have this season.
With no offseason workouts and training camps shortened by a few days in some cases, any rookie holdouts will be dooming themselves to a lost season.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Measuring Roethlisberger vs. Manning
Kerry Byrne of the Colfhardfootballfacts.com lays out an intriguing argument measuring Ben Roethlisberger vs. Peyton Manning on Si.com.
It comes on the heels of teammate James Harrison calling Roethlisberger out for not being Manning.
But the statistics aren't all that far off when looked at closely - particularly over the past few years.
And more importantly, Roethlisberger has an edge in the biggest stat over Manning - Super Bowl wins, 2-1.
Check it out at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/kerry_byrne/07/20/peyton-manning-ben-roethlisberger/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t13_a2
It comes on the heels of teammate James Harrison calling Roethlisberger out for not being Manning.
But the statistics aren't all that far off when looked at closely - particularly over the past few years.
And more importantly, Roethlisberger has an edge in the biggest stat over Manning - Super Bowl wins, 2-1.
Check it out at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/kerry_byrne/07/20/peyton-manning-ben-roethlisberger/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t13_a2
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Open mouth, insert foot
Back when he first came into the league as an undrafted rookie, I was with some other reporters when we happened upon a Steelers assistant coach in a local watering hole at training camp in Latrobe.
We had all been watching this unknown kid out of Kent tearing up blocker after blocker and asked the coach about young James Harrison.
The coach basically said that the kid wasn't going to make it because he didn't want to listen to anyone – coaches, teammates, you name it.
At first, the coach seemed right. Harrison bounced around the league a little bit before finally landing with the Steelers on a full-time basis. It took him some more time before he finally "got it" and began playing within the system, doing what was asked of him.
Was he always a talent? Sure. That much was obvious. But he didn't become a star until he finally realized that football was a team game.
Now, after several years as a star player, we're seeing a Harrison who is seemingly trying to live up to his "bad boy" image.
His statements in a recently released magazine piece seem to reinforce that.
Unfortunately, I've seen this show before. And it was from a player at the same exact position as Harrison.
Back in the '90s, Steelers linebacker Greg Lloyd went from being a team leader and respected locker room presence to a guy who started believing all the hype surrounding himself.
He wasn't afraid to offend anyone, including his own teammates, particularly those on the offensive side of the ball.
Did it adversely affect the Steelers in the locker room? Nope. The offensive guys just shook their heads and wrote it off as Lloyd being Lloyd.
They all have a job to do. When you have 53 men in a locker room, there's a good chance that some of them aren't going to be best buddies. But the organization has to rely on the fact that they are all professionals and that when they get on the field, everyone is going to do their job.
They don't have to like each other. They don't even have to fully respect each other. But everyone has to do their job to the best of their abilities.
Harrison's comments about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his two interceptions in the Super Bowl are something that probably should have been best left unsaid. But at the end of the day, they'll have no bearing on the Steelers moving forward.
We had all been watching this unknown kid out of Kent tearing up blocker after blocker and asked the coach about young James Harrison.
The coach basically said that the kid wasn't going to make it because he didn't want to listen to anyone – coaches, teammates, you name it.
At first, the coach seemed right. Harrison bounced around the league a little bit before finally landing with the Steelers on a full-time basis. It took him some more time before he finally "got it" and began playing within the system, doing what was asked of him.
Was he always a talent? Sure. That much was obvious. But he didn't become a star until he finally realized that football was a team game.
Now, after several years as a star player, we're seeing a Harrison who is seemingly trying to live up to his "bad boy" image.
His statements in a recently released magazine piece seem to reinforce that.
Unfortunately, I've seen this show before. And it was from a player at the same exact position as Harrison.
Back in the '90s, Steelers linebacker Greg Lloyd went from being a team leader and respected locker room presence to a guy who started believing all the hype surrounding himself.
He wasn't afraid to offend anyone, including his own teammates, particularly those on the offensive side of the ball.
Did it adversely affect the Steelers in the locker room? Nope. The offensive guys just shook their heads and wrote it off as Lloyd being Lloyd.
They all have a job to do. When you have 53 men in a locker room, there's a good chance that some of them aren't going to be best buddies. But the organization has to rely on the fact that they are all professionals and that when they get on the field, everyone is going to do their job.
They don't have to like each other. They don't even have to fully respect each other. But everyone has to do their job to the best of their abilities.
Harrison's comments about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his two interceptions in the Super Bowl are something that probably should have been best left unsaid. But at the end of the day, they'll have no bearing on the Steelers moving forward.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
What does Ward's DUI mean?
News that Hines Ward was picked up for DUI in Georgia Saturday morning shocked some Steelers fans.
In fact, Pro Football Talk actually went as far as to say that Ward's reputation would take a hit.
The question is, why?
While I don't condone driving under the influence, there's likely not one person who is reading this post who has not driven after having one too many.
Again, I'm not condoning Ward's alleged actions. He's 35 years old and should know better. And he's rich enough that he could have hired a driver or called a taxi - no matter how far he had to go.
Ward made an error in judgment. And judging from the number of DUI arrests that appear in the Observer-Reporter on a weekly basis, he's not alone in that error.
And for those of you wondering if the Steelers or NFL will have some kind of penalty for Ward, remember that this is his first offense. They won't be happy about it, but he won't be facing a suspension or anything like that.
In fact, Pro Football Talk actually went as far as to say that Ward's reputation would take a hit.
The question is, why?
While I don't condone driving under the influence, there's likely not one person who is reading this post who has not driven after having one too many.
Again, I'm not condoning Ward's alleged actions. He's 35 years old and should know better. And he's rich enough that he could have hired a driver or called a taxi - no matter how far he had to go.
Ward made an error in judgment. And judging from the number of DUI arrests that appear in the Observer-Reporter on a weekly basis, he's not alone in that error.
And for those of you wondering if the Steelers or NFL will have some kind of penalty for Ward, remember that this is his first offense. They won't be happy about it, but he won't be facing a suspension or anything like that.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Again with the Barber talk?
Every two or three weeks, the agent for Tiki Barber talks to a reporter and expresses an interest for his client to return to the NFL.
And every time, the agent drops the Steelers - along with Tampa Bay - as the team his client would like to wind up with.
And every time I am again forced to reiterate that there is very little chance Barber winds up in Pittsburgh.
Just because Barber would like to play for the Steelers and his agent keeps saying that two teams have shown interest in the former Pro Bowl running back, doesn't mean the Steelers have shown interest in Barber.
In fact, I highly doubt any team has shown interest in Barber. At this point, he's still property of the New York Giants until they release him from their retired list.
The Steelers just don't work that way, particularly with somebody who is property of a team with which the Steelers have very close ties.
And every time, the agent drops the Steelers - along with Tampa Bay - as the team his client would like to wind up with.
And every time I am again forced to reiterate that there is very little chance Barber winds up in Pittsburgh.
Just because Barber would like to play for the Steelers and his agent keeps saying that two teams have shown interest in the former Pro Bowl running back, doesn't mean the Steelers have shown interest in Barber.
In fact, I highly doubt any team has shown interest in Barber. At this point, he's still property of the New York Giants until they release him from their retired list.
The Steelers just don't work that way, particularly with somebody who is property of a team with which the Steelers have very close ties.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Here we go again
Ben Roethlisberger is nothing if not consistent.
I don't doubt that his injured foot bothered him last season. I saw him on a daily basis limping through the locker room.
But now we have Roethlisberger telling the Tribune-Review that he may need surgery at some point to fix the foot problem.
Of course, this happens after a disappointing loss in the Super Bowl.
It's become a theme for Roethlisberger. Have a bad game on a big stage - which hasn't happened often – and blame it on an injury.
It's a broken toe - or is it? I had a fever of 105. I have broken ribs - unless we win.
Roethlisberger is an outstanding quarterback. But I wish he'd give the injury stuff a rest. So do his teammates. And the Steelers' doctors and trainers. And the coaching staff.
Sometimes, you just get beat. Sometimes the other team outplays you. It doesn't always have to be because of an injury.
I don't doubt that his injured foot bothered him last season. I saw him on a daily basis limping through the locker room.
But now we have Roethlisberger telling the Tribune-Review that he may need surgery at some point to fix the foot problem.
Of course, this happens after a disappointing loss in the Super Bowl.
It's become a theme for Roethlisberger. Have a bad game on a big stage - which hasn't happened often – and blame it on an injury.
It's a broken toe - or is it? I had a fever of 105. I have broken ribs - unless we win.
Roethlisberger is an outstanding quarterback. But I wish he'd give the injury stuff a rest. So do his teammates. And the Steelers' doctors and trainers. And the coaching staff.
Sometimes, you just get beat. Sometimes the other team outplays you. It doesn't always have to be because of an injury.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Lots of scenarios out there
As we march on toward July, a lot of scenarios are being thrown about how the lockout will end.
Shortened training camp, mini, mini-camps, a one-week long free agent period are all being bandied about.
Truth is, nobody knows how or when the lockout will end - save that the owners aren't going to want to start dropping preseason games.
Coaches figure they'll need at least two weeks to get ready to play the regular season. As I've stated before, that largely benefits veteran teams such as the Steelers.
There's not going to be a lot of turnover in the lineup and the system is staying the same.
Regardless of how things work out, this season promises to be one of the most interesting in recent years.
Shortened training camp, mini, mini-camps, a one-week long free agent period are all being bandied about.
Truth is, nobody knows how or when the lockout will end - save that the owners aren't going to want to start dropping preseason games.
Coaches figure they'll need at least two weeks to get ready to play the regular season. As I've stated before, that largely benefits veteran teams such as the Steelers.
There's not going to be a lot of turnover in the lineup and the system is staying the same.
Regardless of how things work out, this season promises to be one of the most interesting in recent years.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Slow time: What's your favorite sports movie?
There have been a lot of great – and some not so great – sports movies made over the years.
My personal favorite remains Slapshot – in part because I went to college in Johnstown where it was made – but Caddyshack, Major League and many other great ones are out there.
What's your favorite?
My personal favorite remains Slapshot – in part because I went to college in Johnstown where it was made – but Caddyshack, Major League and many other great ones are out there.
What's your favorite?
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
What's next for Pryor?
Now that Terrelle Pryor has worked his way out of Ohio State, what's next for the former top QB prospect in the country?
In three seasons for the Buckeyes, the only thing Pryor proved was that he's capable of making bad choices and bringing down a program.
He was compared to Vince Young heading into college, but his body of work doesn't support that. And Young, you'll recall, has struggled reading defenses in the NFL.
This is not to say that Young can't still become a quality NFL quarterback. Look at Michael Vick as an example of a player who got by with his athleticism early in his career and now excells because he understands the game better than he did at 25.
But Pryor's baggage is going to be a tough sell, given his lack of collegiate success. Look at Cam Newton as case and point.
Newton had some baggage heading into the draft, but those things could be overlooked because he had proven to be a stud on the field.
Pryor doesn't have that to fall back on.
© Individual tickets for Steelers regular season games will go on sale through Ticketmaster on June 25.
Tickets will be sold on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster’s toll free sales line 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will not be sold at Ticketmaster Outlets.
All Accessible seating will also be available through Ticketmaster starting at 10 a.m. on June 25.
In three seasons for the Buckeyes, the only thing Pryor proved was that he's capable of making bad choices and bringing down a program.
He was compared to Vince Young heading into college, but his body of work doesn't support that. And Young, you'll recall, has struggled reading defenses in the NFL.
This is not to say that Young can't still become a quality NFL quarterback. Look at Michael Vick as an example of a player who got by with his athleticism early in his career and now excells because he understands the game better than he did at 25.
But Pryor's baggage is going to be a tough sell, given his lack of collegiate success. Look at Cam Newton as case and point.
Newton had some baggage heading into the draft, but those things could be overlooked because he had proven to be a stud on the field.
Pryor doesn't have that to fall back on.
© Individual tickets for Steelers regular season games will go on sale through Ticketmaster on June 25.
Tickets will be sold on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster’s toll free sales line 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will not be sold at Ticketmaster Outlets.
All Accessible seating will also be available through Ticketmaster starting at 10 a.m. on June 25.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
RIP John Henry Johnson
Former Steelers Hall of Fame running back John Henry Johnson died Friday.
Johnson, who rushed for 1,000 yards twice for the Steelers in the early '60s was also part of the "Million Dollar Backfield" with the San Francisco 49ers before joining Pittsburgh.
The 81-year-old Johnson also played with current Steelers coach Dick LeBeau with the Detroit Lions and was a member of Detroit's last championship team.
Johnson, who rushed for 1,000 yards twice for the Steelers in the early '60s was also part of the "Million Dollar Backfield" with the San Francisco 49ers before joining Pittsburgh.
The 81-year-old Johnson also played with current Steelers coach Dick LeBeau with the Detroit Lions and was a member of Detroit's last championship team.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Polamalu edges Reed
Got my new copy of USA Today's Sports Weekly today. It had the rankings for NFL safeties - as voted by the staff of Sports Weekly.
The Steelers' Troy Polamalu edged Baltimore's Ed Reed for the top spot.
It's a case of comparing apples and oranges - they really do different things from the safety position - but there's no arguing Polamalu and Reed are the league's top players at that position.
What was surprising, however, was that Ryan Clark - you know, the Steelers' other safety - picked up four votes.
The Steelers' Troy Polamalu edged Baltimore's Ed Reed for the top spot.
It's a case of comparing apples and oranges - they really do different things from the safety position - but there's no arguing Polamalu and Reed are the league's top players at that position.
What was surprising, however, was that Ryan Clark - you know, the Steelers' other safety - picked up four votes.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Harrison keeps beating the drum
In an effort to get his uncensored thoughts out and about the NFL safety rules changes and other issues that he can't fit into a tweet, James Harrison started his own blog, http://jharrison9292.wordpress.com
Here's a part of his first post regarding the NFL's attempt to crack down on helmet-to-helmet hits.
“I understand the intent behind making the rules, but in their attempt to make the game safer, they are actually clouding what is allowable,” Harrison recently said on his personal blog. “Even the referees are confused. A close look will show you that the referees were calling things that were not even supposed to be called, and NOT calling things that were actually illegal.”
I can think of several instances last season where Harrison was completely correct. How about Ryan Clark's hit in New Orleans for one?
Clark was penalized for what was supposedly a helmet-to-helmet hit. But upon further review, he clearly just hit a receiver in the back after he had caught the ball.
Here's a part of his first post regarding the NFL's attempt to crack down on helmet-to-helmet hits.
“I understand the intent behind making the rules, but in their attempt to make the game safer, they are actually clouding what is allowable,” Harrison recently said on his personal blog. “Even the referees are confused. A close look will show you that the referees were calling things that were not even supposed to be called, and NOT calling things that were actually illegal.”
I can think of several instances last season where Harrison was completely correct. How about Ryan Clark's hit in New Orleans for one?
Clark was penalized for what was supposedly a helmet-to-helmet hit. But upon further review, he clearly just hit a receiver in the back after he had caught the ball.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Remembering how good the Bus was
I found this link on Youtube of a greatest hits highlights of Jerome Bettis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wW-1wGgq4k
I have a tendency to remember Bettis at the end. He was still good and dominant at times, but he had lost that wiggle that made him special.
Nobody finished runs better and by the fourth quarter, everyone was tired of tackling the fat kid.
Enjoy the video.
I have a tendency to remember Bettis at the end. He was still good and dominant at times, but he had lost that wiggle that made him special.
Nobody finished runs better and by the fourth quarter, everyone was tired of tackling the fat kid.
Enjoy the video.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ward wins DWS
I had to break down and watch Dancing With the Stars. Luckily - or unluckily - my wife had all the episodes on the DVR, so I could keep track of what Hines Ward was doing on the show without actually having to watch the whole bloody thing.
Ward obviously showed that he is a great athlete to be able to pull off many of the moves he did throughout the season. He also got quite a bit of support from his teammates and former teammates - and Steelers nation.
It will be interesting to see how his DWS win changes things for Ward. He's always been a guy opposing fans love to hate.
He's also become something more of a household name because of the show.
I've always found Ward to be a genuine guy who's played with a chip on his shoulder because he's never been the biggest, fastest or most talented player on the field.
He's now graduated to superstardom.
Ward obviously showed that he is a great athlete to be able to pull off many of the moves he did throughout the season. He also got quite a bit of support from his teammates and former teammates - and Steelers nation.
It will be interesting to see how his DWS win changes things for Ward. He's always been a guy opposing fans love to hate.
He's also become something more of a household name because of the show.
I've always found Ward to be a genuine guy who's played with a chip on his shoulder because he's never been the biggest, fastest or most talented player on the field.
He's now graduated to superstardom.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ike Taylor is burning
Some are surprised that potential free agent cornerback Ike Taylor went on Jim Rome is Burning and stated that he wouldn't be giving a hometown discount if/when a free agent period begins in the NFL.
No real surprise there.
Had Taylor said he would give a hometown discount, his agent would lose a good deal of leverage with the Steelers.
It's all part of the free agency game, when teams, players and agents say one thing even though they are willing to do another.
Does this mean the Steelers are going to re-sign Taylor for peanuts? Nope.
But the bet is that if they come close to any potential offer Taylor receives on the open market - assuming it's not crazy money - he'll be back in Pittsburgh.
No real surprise there.
Had Taylor said he would give a hometown discount, his agent would lose a good deal of leverage with the Steelers.
It's all part of the free agency game, when teams, players and agents say one thing even though they are willing to do another.
Does this mean the Steelers are going to re-sign Taylor for peanuts? Nope.
But the bet is that if they come close to any potential offer Taylor receives on the open market - assuming it's not crazy money - he'll be back in Pittsburgh.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sorry about being MIA
To the faithful readers of this blog - you know who you are, both of you:
Sorry about being MIA the past two weeks. I had some personal issues to attend to.
Those have been resolved and I am back. Hopefully, you'll be back as well.
Now, on to the issues that have been raised with the Steelers of late.
© An apparently erroneous report was picked up by Sports Illustrated's Peter King that the Steelers and Redskins had worked out a deal for Washington's 16th-overall section in last month's draft.
Presumably, the Steelers wanted to make the deal to move up to select Mike Pouncey.
Do I doubt the two teams talked about it? Nope.
But in retrospect, considering what the Steelers came out of the draft with, I'm sure they're just as pleased no such deal took place.
© Another story out there said that defensive end Aaron Smith is still not completely healed from the torn triceps muscle he suffered last season.
That makes acquiring Cameron Heyward with their first round pick all that much more important for the Steelers.
© Mediation has resumed between the NFL owners and its players. But it's unlikely to go anywhere as long as there are still cases regarding the lockout hanging around.
© I've been asked about the timing of a Minnesota court's temporary stay on the end of the lockout during the first couple of days of the draft and what effect that had.
There would have been a draft even had there been no ruling at that time.
The only thing that ruling did was allow those players selected in the first two rounds of the draft the opportunity to visit with their new team for a day and receive playbooks.
Had the lockout not been lifted, those players could not have had any contact with the team outside of a phone call letting them know they had been selected.
Sorry about being MIA the past two weeks. I had some personal issues to attend to.
Those have been resolved and I am back. Hopefully, you'll be back as well.
Now, on to the issues that have been raised with the Steelers of late.
© An apparently erroneous report was picked up by Sports Illustrated's Peter King that the Steelers and Redskins had worked out a deal for Washington's 16th-overall section in last month's draft.
Presumably, the Steelers wanted to make the deal to move up to select Mike Pouncey.
Do I doubt the two teams talked about it? Nope.
But in retrospect, considering what the Steelers came out of the draft with, I'm sure they're just as pleased no such deal took place.
© Another story out there said that defensive end Aaron Smith is still not completely healed from the torn triceps muscle he suffered last season.
That makes acquiring Cameron Heyward with their first round pick all that much more important for the Steelers.
© Mediation has resumed between the NFL owners and its players. But it's unlikely to go anywhere as long as there are still cases regarding the lockout hanging around.
© I've been asked about the timing of a Minnesota court's temporary stay on the end of the lockout during the first couple of days of the draft and what effect that had.
There would have been a draft even had there been no ruling at that time.
The only thing that ruling did was allow those players selected in the first two rounds of the draft the opportunity to visit with their new team for a day and receive playbooks.
Had the lockout not been lifted, those players could not have had any contact with the team outside of a phone call letting them know they had been selected.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Steelers draft winners, losers
The smoke has cleared and the dust has settled on the 2011 NFL draft. Here's a look at some of the Steelers' winners and losers coming out of the draft:
Winners
Ike Taylor - Cha-ching. A first-round cornerback would have at least tempered Pittsburgh's need to bring back their top corner at all costs. As it stands - with just third- and fourth-round prospects added – the Steelers must assure that Taylor comes back at all costs.
Limas Sweed - With no young receiver added, Sweed will be given every chance to prove that he's finally got his act together after missing last season with an Achilles' tendon injury. The talent is there for the former second-round pick.
Matt Spaeth - The Steelers would have liked to have added another tight end in the draft, but the opportunity never presented itself. Spaeth likely gets at least one more year.
Shaun Suisham - The Steelers could have selected a young placekicker to challenge Suisham, but did not.
Losers
Chris Kemoeatu, Ramon Foster, Tony Hills - Two young offensive linemen, Marcus Gilbert and Keith Williams, will push for starting jobs and roster spots.
William Gay, Keenan Lewis – The addition of two young corners means Gay, a free agent, likely won't be back. Lewis has really fallen out of favor and might be on his last legs.
Jonathan Dwyer - The one thing seveth-round running back Baron Batch does really, really well is catch the ball out of the backfield. Dwyer does not. With Isaac Redman establishing himself as Rashard Mendenhall's top backup, the Steelers will be looking to keep a back who does something the other two do not.
Nick Eason - Eason has been a solid, steady reserve for some time now, but with two first-round defensive ends added in the past three years, finding a roster spot for Eason might be difficult. Not impossible, but difficult.
Winners
Ike Taylor - Cha-ching. A first-round cornerback would have at least tempered Pittsburgh's need to bring back their top corner at all costs. As it stands - with just third- and fourth-round prospects added – the Steelers must assure that Taylor comes back at all costs.
Limas Sweed - With no young receiver added, Sweed will be given every chance to prove that he's finally got his act together after missing last season with an Achilles' tendon injury. The talent is there for the former second-round pick.
Matt Spaeth - The Steelers would have liked to have added another tight end in the draft, but the opportunity never presented itself. Spaeth likely gets at least one more year.
Shaun Suisham - The Steelers could have selected a young placekicker to challenge Suisham, but did not.
Losers
Chris Kemoeatu, Ramon Foster, Tony Hills - Two young offensive linemen, Marcus Gilbert and Keith Williams, will push for starting jobs and roster spots.
William Gay, Keenan Lewis – The addition of two young corners means Gay, a free agent, likely won't be back. Lewis has really fallen out of favor and might be on his last legs.
Jonathan Dwyer - The one thing seveth-round running back Baron Batch does really, really well is catch the ball out of the backfield. Dwyer does not. With Isaac Redman establishing himself as Rashard Mendenhall's top backup, the Steelers will be looking to keep a back who does something the other two do not.
Nick Eason - Eason has been a solid, steady reserve for some time now, but with two first-round defensive ends added in the past three years, finding a roster spot for Eason might be difficult. Not impossible, but difficult.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Day three targets
Here are some players the Steelers could be targeting in rounds 4-7 on the final day of the draft:
DL
Anthony Gray, Southern Miss.
Zach Taylor, Auburn
LB
Sam Acho, Texas
Mario Harvey, Marshall
TE
Julius Thomas, Portland State
OL
Keith Williams, Nebraska
Jason Pinkston, Pitt
CB
Darryl Skrine, Tenn-Chattanooga
Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech
Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
Cortez Allen, The Citadel
WR
Denarius Moore, Tennessee
Edmund Gates, Abilene Christian
RB
Taiwan Jones, E. Washington
Noel Devine, West Virginia
Da'Rel Scott, Maryland
PK
Alex Henery, Nebraska
DL
Anthony Gray, Southern Miss.
Zach Taylor, Auburn
LB
Sam Acho, Texas
Mario Harvey, Marshall
TE
Julius Thomas, Portland State
OL
Keith Williams, Nebraska
Jason Pinkston, Pitt
CB
Darryl Skrine, Tenn-Chattanooga
Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech
Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
Cortez Allen, The Citadel
WR
Denarius Moore, Tennessee
Edmund Gates, Abilene Christian
RB
Taiwan Jones, E. Washington
Noel Devine, West Virginia
Da'Rel Scott, Maryland
PK
Alex Henery, Nebraska
Friday, April 29, 2011
Curtis Brown info
CURTIS BROWN
Cornerback
University of Texas Longhorns
#3
5:11.5-185
Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer High School
OVERVIEW
Despite enduring its first losing season since 1997, Texas employed excellent talent in the secondary in 2010. The
Longhorns finished second in the Big Twelve Conference and sixth in the nation in pass defense, surrendering just 161.58
aerial yards per game. That effort was led by fourth-year cornerback Curtis Brown – an 11-game starter at left cornerback
who earned All-Big Twelve second-team accolades.
Brown has been a steady contributor at defensive back and on special teams throughout his career in Austin. After
arriving on campus as a heralded prep recruit, Brown went on to play in all 52 games of his collegiate career, garnering
all-conference honors for his play on defense in his final two campaigns. He was also the recipient of the Frank Denius
Award as Texas’ Most Valuable Special Teams Player during his junior season.
Brown is an exceptional athlete who developed into a fantastic football player over his career with the Longhorns. As a
former standout prep wide receiver, he has explosive change of direction ability and loose hips to mirror receivers. He
also boasts a size (5:11.5) and length (32 1/4-inch arms) combination that is much desired by NFL franchises looking for
cornerbacks.
Brown enjoyed a decorated prep career at Gilmer High School, where he burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2004.
He started at cornerback for the Gilmer Buckeyes’ 16-0 Class 3A Division II State Championship squad and was named
District Newcomer of the Year, as well as 13-3A Sophomore of the Year. He delivered 46 tackles, 18 pass deflections and
five interceptions, adding 239 yards with a touchdown on 16 receptions (14.94 ypc) and 104 with another score on 15
carries (6.93 ypc).
Brown moved to receiver prior to his junior season and excelled at his new position, as he registered 63 receptions for
974 yards (15.46 ypc) and 10 touchdowns. He added 750 yards with eight more scores on 47 carries (15.96 ypc) and was
named the District 15-3A Most Valuable Player after leading his team to a 10-2 overall record.
During his final season at the prep level, Brown led Gilmer to a 10-1 overall record while catching 40 passes for 970 yards
(24.25 ypc) and 14 touchdowns, adding 168 yards and another score on 16 carries (10.50 ypc). He earned 3A All-State
first-team honors by the Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association, and participated in the prestigious
U.S. Army All-American Bowl after the season.
Brown’s exploits on the gridiron made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in the nation. He was given the
highest rating of five-stars by recruiting services Rivals.com and Scout.com. Rivals listed him as the second-best
cornerback and 21st overall prospect in the nation, as well as the fourth-best recruit in the state of Texas, while Scout
ranked him as the third-best cornerback in the country.
Brown’s main suitors included Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, but the decision was ultimately an easy
one for the standout prospect. Less than 48 hours after receiving his official offer from the Longhorns, Brown gladly
committed.
Brown graduated from Gilmer early and enrolled at the University of Texas in January of 2007. The early arrival allowed
him to participate in spring camp and gave him a leg-up on the depth chart. The true freshman played in all 13 games as
a reserve cornerback behind starters Ryan Palmer and Brandon Foster, in addition to seeing significant time on special
teams. He delivered 13 tackles (11 solos) with one pass deflection.
As a sophomore in 2008, Brown provided depth in the secondary. He played in all 13 games and started on four
occasions – once at right cornerback, twice when Texas opened in its nickel package and again when the team began in
the dime defense. He also continued to contribute on special teams and finished with 28 tackles (23 solos), five pass
deflections and a quarter-back pressure.
Brown enjoyed a breakout junior campaign in 2009, as he started all 14 games, including 10 at right cornerback, one at
left cornerback, two in the nickel package and another in dime. He registered 47 tackles (34 solos), including 1.5 stops for
combined losses of 11 yards. He returned his only interception 77 yards for a touchdown and added seven pass
deflections, a forced fumble and a blocked punt. He also returned one punt for five yards.
Brown’s efforts on defense earned All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention, as he helped the Longhorns finish
second in the Big Twelve and 19th in the country in pass defense (179.57 ypg), as well as third in the conference and
tenth nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.48 avg). At the team’s postseason banquet, he was the recipient of the
Frank Denius Award as Texas’ Most Valuable Special Teams Player.
Brown entered his senior season as a member of Watch Lists for the Bronko Nagurski (top college defender) and Jim
Thorpe Awards (top college defensive back). He played in all 12 games and started eleven contests at left cornerback,
earning second-team All-Big Twelve Conference honors for his performance. He posted 23 tackles (14 solos), including a
two-yard stop for loss. He returned his only interception for a 74-yard gain and added four pass deflections, as he also
returned 13 punts for 194 yards (14.92 avg).
CAREER NOTES
Started 27-of-52 games for Texas – 12 at left cornerback, 11 at right corner-back, four at nickel back and two at dime
back...Recorded 108 tackles (82 solos) with 2.5 stops for combined losses of 13 yards...Caused one fumble...Gained
151 yards with one touchdown on two interceptions (75.50 avg)...Deflected 17 other pass attempts...Blocked one punt
and notched one quarterback pressure...Gained 199 yards on 14 punt returns (14.21 avg)...His 77-yard interception
return for a touchdown vs. Oklahoma State in 2009 is the 11th-longest interception runback in school history.
2010 SEASON
All-Big Twelve Conference second-team selection...Earned Big Twelve Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week
honors vs. Texas Tech...Member of Watch Lists for the Bronko Nagurski (top college defender) and Jim Thorpe Awards
(top college defensive back)...Played in all 12 games, starting 10 contests at left cornerback, as he came off the bench
vs. Oklahoma and Baylor...Recorded 23 tackles (14 solos), including a two-yard stop for loss...Key member of a
secondary that finished second in the second in the Big Twelve and sixth in the country in pass defense (161.58 ypg), as
well as fifth in the league and 36th nationally in pass efficiency defense (118.92 avg)...Registered one interception,
gaining 74 yards on the return...Deflected four other pass attempts, including three on third-down attempts...Made 43
plays vs. the aerial attack, as he allowed 18 receptions for 316 yards (17.56 yards per completion/7.35 yards per pass
attempt) and 11 first downs that included five scores, as he rerouted/jammed his coverage assignment on 18 incomplete
pass attempts, recording 12 third-down stops and one more on a fourth-down snap...Posted 10 stops vs. the ground
game, limiting runners to 39 yards (3.90 ypc) and one first down...Delivered one of his hits inside the red zone...Added
one tackle on the kickoff coverage unit and another in punt coverage duty...Gained 194 yards on 13 punt returns (14.92
avg).
2009 SEASON
All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention...Recipient of the Frank Denius Award as Texas’ Most Valuable Special
Teams Player...Started all 14 games – 10 at right cornerback, two at nickel, one at left cornerback and another in
dime...Ranked eighth among Longhorns defenders with 47 tackles (34 solos), including 1.5 stops for combined losses of
11 yards...Key member of a secondary that finished second in the Big Twelve and 19th in the country in pass defense
(179.57 ypg), as well as third in the conference and 10th nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.48 avg)...Registered
one interception, gaining 77 yards with a touchdown on the return...Deflected seven other pass attempts...Caused one
fumble and blocked one punt...Also gained five yards on his only punt return.
2008 SEASON
Played in all 13 games with four starts – two at nickel, one at right cornerback and another in dime...Recorded 28 tackles
(23 solos)...Key member of a secondary that finished seventh in the Big Twelve and 104th in the country in pass defense
(259.38 ypg), as well as second in the conference and 59th nationally in pass efficiency defense (124.21
avg)...Registered five pass deflections and added one quarterback pressure.
2007 SEASON
Played in all 13 games as a reserve defensive back and on special teams, as he registered 13 tackles (11 solos) with one
pass deflection...Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener vs. Arkansas State and assisted one on tackle...Had
one solo stop vs. Texas Christian and Central Florida...Notched a season-high five solo tackles with one pass deflection
vs. Rice...Tallied two solo stops vs. Iowa State...Had a solo tackle vs. Texas Tech...Assisted on one stop vs. Texas
A&M...Contributed one solo tackle in the Holiday Bowl vs. Arizona State.
AGILITY TESTS
4.54 40-yard dash (electronic)...1.63 10-yard dash...2.65 20-yard dash...4.00 20-yard shuttle...11.00 60-yard
shuttle...6.59 three-cone drill...39 1/2-inch vertical jump...10’8” broad jump...Bench pressed 225 pounds 10 times...32
1/4-inch arm length...9 1/2-inch hands...75 3/4-inch wingspan.
Cornerback
University of Texas Longhorns
#3
5:11.5-185
Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer High School
OVERVIEW
Despite enduring its first losing season since 1997, Texas employed excellent talent in the secondary in 2010. The
Longhorns finished second in the Big Twelve Conference and sixth in the nation in pass defense, surrendering just 161.58
aerial yards per game. That effort was led by fourth-year cornerback Curtis Brown – an 11-game starter at left cornerback
who earned All-Big Twelve second-team accolades.
Brown has been a steady contributor at defensive back and on special teams throughout his career in Austin. After
arriving on campus as a heralded prep recruit, Brown went on to play in all 52 games of his collegiate career, garnering
all-conference honors for his play on defense in his final two campaigns. He was also the recipient of the Frank Denius
Award as Texas’ Most Valuable Special Teams Player during his junior season.
Brown is an exceptional athlete who developed into a fantastic football player over his career with the Longhorns. As a
former standout prep wide receiver, he has explosive change of direction ability and loose hips to mirror receivers. He
also boasts a size (5:11.5) and length (32 1/4-inch arms) combination that is much desired by NFL franchises looking for
cornerbacks.
Brown enjoyed a decorated prep career at Gilmer High School, where he burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2004.
He started at cornerback for the Gilmer Buckeyes’ 16-0 Class 3A Division II State Championship squad and was named
District Newcomer of the Year, as well as 13-3A Sophomore of the Year. He delivered 46 tackles, 18 pass deflections and
five interceptions, adding 239 yards with a touchdown on 16 receptions (14.94 ypc) and 104 with another score on 15
carries (6.93 ypc).
Brown moved to receiver prior to his junior season and excelled at his new position, as he registered 63 receptions for
974 yards (15.46 ypc) and 10 touchdowns. He added 750 yards with eight more scores on 47 carries (15.96 ypc) and was
named the District 15-3A Most Valuable Player after leading his team to a 10-2 overall record.
During his final season at the prep level, Brown led Gilmer to a 10-1 overall record while catching 40 passes for 970 yards
(24.25 ypc) and 14 touchdowns, adding 168 yards and another score on 16 carries (10.50 ypc). He earned 3A All-State
first-team honors by the Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association, and participated in the prestigious
U.S. Army All-American Bowl after the season.
Brown’s exploits on the gridiron made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in the nation. He was given the
highest rating of five-stars by recruiting services Rivals.com and Scout.com. Rivals listed him as the second-best
cornerback and 21st overall prospect in the nation, as well as the fourth-best recruit in the state of Texas, while Scout
ranked him as the third-best cornerback in the country.
Brown’s main suitors included Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, but the decision was ultimately an easy
one for the standout prospect. Less than 48 hours after receiving his official offer from the Longhorns, Brown gladly
committed.
Brown graduated from Gilmer early and enrolled at the University of Texas in January of 2007. The early arrival allowed
him to participate in spring camp and gave him a leg-up on the depth chart. The true freshman played in all 13 games as
a reserve cornerback behind starters Ryan Palmer and Brandon Foster, in addition to seeing significant time on special
teams. He delivered 13 tackles (11 solos) with one pass deflection.
As a sophomore in 2008, Brown provided depth in the secondary. He played in all 13 games and started on four
occasions – once at right cornerback, twice when Texas opened in its nickel package and again when the team began in
the dime defense. He also continued to contribute on special teams and finished with 28 tackles (23 solos), five pass
deflections and a quarter-back pressure.
Brown enjoyed a breakout junior campaign in 2009, as he started all 14 games, including 10 at right cornerback, one at
left cornerback, two in the nickel package and another in dime. He registered 47 tackles (34 solos), including 1.5 stops for
combined losses of 11 yards. He returned his only interception 77 yards for a touchdown and added seven pass
deflections, a forced fumble and a blocked punt. He also returned one punt for five yards.
Brown’s efforts on defense earned All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention, as he helped the Longhorns finish
second in the Big Twelve and 19th in the country in pass defense (179.57 ypg), as well as third in the conference and
tenth nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.48 avg). At the team’s postseason banquet, he was the recipient of the
Frank Denius Award as Texas’ Most Valuable Special Teams Player.
Brown entered his senior season as a member of Watch Lists for the Bronko Nagurski (top college defender) and Jim
Thorpe Awards (top college defensive back). He played in all 12 games and started eleven contests at left cornerback,
earning second-team All-Big Twelve Conference honors for his performance. He posted 23 tackles (14 solos), including a
two-yard stop for loss. He returned his only interception for a 74-yard gain and added four pass deflections, as he also
returned 13 punts for 194 yards (14.92 avg).
CAREER NOTES
Started 27-of-52 games for Texas – 12 at left cornerback, 11 at right corner-back, four at nickel back and two at dime
back...Recorded 108 tackles (82 solos) with 2.5 stops for combined losses of 13 yards...Caused one fumble...Gained
151 yards with one touchdown on two interceptions (75.50 avg)...Deflected 17 other pass attempts...Blocked one punt
and notched one quarterback pressure...Gained 199 yards on 14 punt returns (14.21 avg)...His 77-yard interception
return for a touchdown vs. Oklahoma State in 2009 is the 11th-longest interception runback in school history.
2010 SEASON
All-Big Twelve Conference second-team selection...Earned Big Twelve Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week
honors vs. Texas Tech...Member of Watch Lists for the Bronko Nagurski (top college defender) and Jim Thorpe Awards
(top college defensive back)...Played in all 12 games, starting 10 contests at left cornerback, as he came off the bench
vs. Oklahoma and Baylor...Recorded 23 tackles (14 solos), including a two-yard stop for loss...Key member of a
secondary that finished second in the second in the Big Twelve and sixth in the country in pass defense (161.58 ypg), as
well as fifth in the league and 36th nationally in pass efficiency defense (118.92 avg)...Registered one interception,
gaining 74 yards on the return...Deflected four other pass attempts, including three on third-down attempts...Made 43
plays vs. the aerial attack, as he allowed 18 receptions for 316 yards (17.56 yards per completion/7.35 yards per pass
attempt) and 11 first downs that included five scores, as he rerouted/jammed his coverage assignment on 18 incomplete
pass attempts, recording 12 third-down stops and one more on a fourth-down snap...Posted 10 stops vs. the ground
game, limiting runners to 39 yards (3.90 ypc) and one first down...Delivered one of his hits inside the red zone...Added
one tackle on the kickoff coverage unit and another in punt coverage duty...Gained 194 yards on 13 punt returns (14.92
avg).
2009 SEASON
All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention...Recipient of the Frank Denius Award as Texas’ Most Valuable Special
Teams Player...Started all 14 games – 10 at right cornerback, two at nickel, one at left cornerback and another in
dime...Ranked eighth among Longhorns defenders with 47 tackles (34 solos), including 1.5 stops for combined losses of
11 yards...Key member of a secondary that finished second in the Big Twelve and 19th in the country in pass defense
(179.57 ypg), as well as third in the conference and 10th nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.48 avg)...Registered
one interception, gaining 77 yards with a touchdown on the return...Deflected seven other pass attempts...Caused one
fumble and blocked one punt...Also gained five yards on his only punt return.
2008 SEASON
Played in all 13 games with four starts – two at nickel, one at right cornerback and another in dime...Recorded 28 tackles
(23 solos)...Key member of a secondary that finished seventh in the Big Twelve and 104th in the country in pass defense
(259.38 ypg), as well as second in the conference and 59th nationally in pass efficiency defense (124.21
avg)...Registered five pass deflections and added one quarterback pressure.
2007 SEASON
Played in all 13 games as a reserve defensive back and on special teams, as he registered 13 tackles (11 solos) with one
pass deflection...Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener vs. Arkansas State and assisted one on tackle...Had
one solo stop vs. Texas Christian and Central Florida...Notched a season-high five solo tackles with one pass deflection
vs. Rice...Tallied two solo stops vs. Iowa State...Had a solo tackle vs. Texas Tech...Assisted on one stop vs. Texas
A&M...Contributed one solo tackle in the Holiday Bowl vs. Arizona State.
AGILITY TESTS
4.54 40-yard dash (electronic)...1.63 10-yard dash...2.65 20-yard dash...4.00 20-yard shuttle...11.00 60-yard
shuttle...6.59 three-cone drill...39 1/2-inch vertical jump...10’8” broad jump...Bench pressed 225 pounds 10 times...32
1/4-inch arm length...9 1/2-inch hands...75 3/4-inch wingspan.
Marcus Gilbert info
MARCUS GILBERT
Offensive Tackle/Guard
University of Florida Gators
#76
6:06.1-330
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
OVERVIEW
While most of the media attention paid to Florida’s offensive line in recent years centered on the Pouncey Brothers, Mike
and Maurkice (Pittsburgh Steelers), there is no shortage of talent among the rest of the Gators’ up front. Many
professional scouts feel that Carl Johnson and Maurice Hurt are also capable of playing at the next level.
But those same scouts feel that Gilbert has the potential to be Florida’s best product produced at the offensive tackle
position since Kenyatta Walker was the 14th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay.
The son of a retired secret service agent who protected Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Gilbert was so
focused during the 2009 preseason that every night before he went to bed, he wrote himself notes of what he must
improve upon during the next day’s practices.
“Coach (Steve) Addazio and he developed a father- son type relationship,” said former Florida head coach Urban Meyer.
“He is going to graduate from Florida. He will have an opportunity to play at the next level, and he is one of our most
consistent linemen. That’s just one of those great stories, when you have a great mom and dad, which he has, and a
position coach who is just non-stop on him and then obviously the God-given tools. He has turned into one of our better
linemen. He’s very consistent right now. We moved him from right to left, which is sometimes an issue, but he picked it
right up.”
Gilbert had some good football peers during his younger days. He grew up with former Miami safety Anthony Reddick.
According to Gilbert’s sister, Reddick taught Gilbert how to play ball when they were younger. Gilbert’s brother, David
Walker, was a defensive lineman at Iowa who completed his eligibility following the 2005 season.
During his three-year career as a starter at football powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Gilbert played guard
and tackle on the offensive line, as well as doubling on the defensive line. He moved over to offense following his
sophomore season and became one of three major recruiting prospects, as Sam Young and Dan Wenger eventually
enrolled at Notre Dame.
Gilbert received a four-star prospect rating from both Scout.com and Rivals.com. Scout also regarded him as the 42nd-
best offensive lineman in the country. He was selected to participate in the 2006 CaliFlorida Bowl. He was also a member
of the varsity basketball team and competed in the shot put and discus throws for the track and field squad.
Gilbert was recruited by renowned offensive line coach, Doc Holliday, signing his national letter of intent to attend the
University of Florida on December 31st, 2005. He was also heavily recruited by Auburn, Florida State, Louisiana State and
Miami. He played sparingly in 2006 and retained freshman eligibility.
Gilbert returned in 2007, seeing action in all thirteen games. He made his starting debut at right guard in the Florida
Atlantic contest. He continued to be in the offensive lineman rotation as a sophomore in 2008, seeing action in all but the
Arkansas contest. He started at left guard vs. Miami and Hawaii, in addition to seeing time at tight end vs. Tennessee. He
also performed for the team’s field goal unit.
Improved work ethic in the classroom carried over on to the football field in 2009. Gilbert lined up with the first unit in all
fourteen games. He earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honors vs. Kentucky and turned in
the highest blocking consistency grade (99% vs. Georgia) of any Gators blocker during his junior campaign. He would
grade over 90% five times during a season that saw UF lead the SEC and rank sixth in the nation in total offense (457.86
ypg).
What impressed the coaching staff the most about Gilbert in 2009 was his renewed dedication. While most players sleep
or play video games in their downtime, Gilbert was often seen doing “homework” to prepare himself for the next day. One
example: Gilbert made a few mistakes during a practice which allowed defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine
Cunningham to penetrate the pocket. Gilbert reminded himself that night that he was ``giving a soft edge.''
“So the next day I decided to get deeper in my set and fast off my set and throw my hands out and that was my focus, so I
improved,'' Gilbert said. Gilbert's nightly homework also included reviewing his playbook. In addition to the Gators' base offense, Florida coach Urban Meyer used several I-formation sets that season, which allowed QB Tim Tebow to work
occasionally as a drop-back passer.
This new aspect of UF's offense made Gilbert's job even more demanding. Not only did he have to protect Tebow, but
Gilbert also had to help his quarterback show off his newly learned footwork for NFL scouts. Gilbert now saw his future
taking shape. ``I want to play in the NFL,'' Gilbert said. ``That's what I came here for and that's what I want to do. I'm at
the right tackle position, a position I always wanted to play since I got here, and now I'm here and I'm going to take full
advantage of it.''
Right after his 2009 campaign, Gilbert seriously thought about leaving school to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, but elected to
remain in Gainesville. "I think my papers I got back from the NFL weren't what I wanted them to be -- fourth round," Gilbert
said. "I think this year (2010) I can improve. I know I've got a lot of work to do in the film room, studying defenses and
becoming a better tackle. That was really my first year starting, so I didn't see any need to come out early with just a little
bit of experience. I can get another year under my belt and improve myself as a player."
As a senior, Gilbert shifted to the demanding left tackle position, receiving All-SEC recognition in 2010. He received the
team’s top blocking grade in six contests, but the young offense struggled, finishing 82nd in the nation with an average of
350.85 yards per game in total offense. One of the few bright spots for that unit was the offensive line, as that quintet
improved from allowing 2.14 quarterback sacks per game in 2009 to an average of 1.85 sacks in 2010.
Gilbert would cap his college career by accepting an invitation to play in the 2011 Senior Bowl. Fellow offensive lineman,
Carl Johnson offered accorded this praise upon Gilbert during their final season together, “He is a competitor, hard
worker, great athlete. Most people don’t know he came here at 270 pounds looking like a tight end. They beefed him up
and put weight on him, but he is a phenomenal athlete and that is something you can never coach. Something you can’t
motivate is what you are born with, and he is blessed.”
CAREER NOTES
In his two seasons as a full-time starter, Gilbert manned the left offensive tackle position for thirteen games and played on
the right side for fourteen contests, recording 142 knockdowns and 22 touchdown-resulting blocks during that span.
2010 SEASON
All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, earning third-team honors from Phil
Steele...Shifted to the left tackle position as a senior, starting all thirteen games...Registered a career-best 81
knockdowns with thirteen touchdown-resulting blocks, as Florida averaged 350.85 yards in total offense and 166.54
rushing yards per game...Was a key member of an offensive line that surrendered one sack or less in seven
contests...Gilbert graded out a Champion (top performance) in six of Florida’s games, including three in a row vs. Miami,
South Florida and Tennessee...Graded 93% with eight knockdowns vs. the Tennessee Volunteers...Part of a front wall
that allowed 24 quarterback sacks, a reduction from the 28 given up during his junior campaign.
2009 SEASON
Gilbert took over right offensive tackle duties, starting all fourteen games for a unit that led the Southeastern Conference
and ranked sixth nationally with an average of 457.86 yards in total offense per game...The ground game benefitted from
Gilbert’s drive blocking, finishing tenth nationally and second in the league with an average of 221.79 yards per
game...Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts vs. Kentucky (92%) and turned in one of UF’s highest
grades of the 2009 campaign when he earned Champions’ Club honors with a 99% blocking consistency mark in the win
over Georgia... Checked in at 95% in UF’s win over Arkansas and tallied a 90% mark both the Troy and Tennessee
contests.
2008 SEASON
Gilbert played in thirteen games...Contributed to Florida’s SEC and BCS National Championship Game victories at both
offensive guard and tackle, in addition to playing on the field goal unit...The Gators led the SEC in total offense (445.07
ypg) and rushing, as their ground attack placed tenth in the nation with an average of 231.14 yards per game...Started at
left guard vs. both Hawaii and Miami and lined up at tight end for a play vs. Tennessee...Graded a season-best 93% for
blocking consistency in the 70-19 win over The Citadel.
2007 SEASON
Played in all thirteen games as a guard, earning his first career start vs. Florida Atlantic at right guard, replacing Maurkice
Pouncey...Was the last of 22 Gators who made their first career start in 2007...Helped the team lead the SEC with an
average of 457.15 yards per game in total offense.
2006 SEASON
Retained freshman eligibility after playing in two games. AGILITY TESTS
5.46 in the 40-yard dash...1.93 10-yard dash...3.14 20-yard dash...4.69 20-yard shuttle...7.66 three-cone drill...29-inch
vertical jump...8’5” broad jump...Bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times...33 1⁄2-inch arm length...9 3⁄4-inch hands...80 3⁄4-
inch wingspan.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) High School, playing football for head coach George Smith...Played
guard and tackle on the offensive line during his prep career, as well as doubling on the defensive line...Moved over to
offense following his sophomore season and became one of three major recruiting prospects, as Sam Young and Dan
Wenger eventually enrolled at Notre Dame...Received a four-star prospect rating from both Scout.com and Rivals.com.
Scout also regarded him as the 42nd-best offensive lineman in the country...Added Class 5A All-District XVI honors and
was selected to participate in the 2006 CaliFlorida Bowl...Also a member of the varsity basketball team and competed in
the shot put and discus throws for the track and field squad.
PERSONAL
Family, Youth and Community Science major...Brother, David Walker, was a defensive lineman at Iowa who completed
his eligibility following the 2005 season...Active member of the Goodwill Gators who participated in visits to Terwilliger
Elementary and the Shands Medical Plaza/AGH...Son of Katrina and Jeffrey Gilbert...Father recently retired from the
Secret Service. When the Florida Gators visited the White House to celebrate their second national championship in four
years in April of 2009, Gilbert received special recognition by new President Barack Obama during the ceremony because
his father, Jeff, was a Secret Service agent who helped shield the past three presidents from harm...Born
2/15/88...Resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Offensive Tackle/Guard
University of Florida Gators
#76
6:06.1-330
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
OVERVIEW
While most of the media attention paid to Florida’s offensive line in recent years centered on the Pouncey Brothers, Mike
and Maurkice (Pittsburgh Steelers), there is no shortage of talent among the rest of the Gators’ up front. Many
professional scouts feel that Carl Johnson and Maurice Hurt are also capable of playing at the next level.
But those same scouts feel that Gilbert has the potential to be Florida’s best product produced at the offensive tackle
position since Kenyatta Walker was the 14th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay.
The son of a retired secret service agent who protected Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Gilbert was so
focused during the 2009 preseason that every night before he went to bed, he wrote himself notes of what he must
improve upon during the next day’s practices.
“Coach (Steve) Addazio and he developed a father- son type relationship,” said former Florida head coach Urban Meyer.
“He is going to graduate from Florida. He will have an opportunity to play at the next level, and he is one of our most
consistent linemen. That’s just one of those great stories, when you have a great mom and dad, which he has, and a
position coach who is just non-stop on him and then obviously the God-given tools. He has turned into one of our better
linemen. He’s very consistent right now. We moved him from right to left, which is sometimes an issue, but he picked it
right up.”
Gilbert had some good football peers during his younger days. He grew up with former Miami safety Anthony Reddick.
According to Gilbert’s sister, Reddick taught Gilbert how to play ball when they were younger. Gilbert’s brother, David
Walker, was a defensive lineman at Iowa who completed his eligibility following the 2005 season.
During his three-year career as a starter at football powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Gilbert played guard
and tackle on the offensive line, as well as doubling on the defensive line. He moved over to offense following his
sophomore season and became one of three major recruiting prospects, as Sam Young and Dan Wenger eventually
enrolled at Notre Dame.
Gilbert received a four-star prospect rating from both Scout.com and Rivals.com. Scout also regarded him as the 42nd-
best offensive lineman in the country. He was selected to participate in the 2006 CaliFlorida Bowl. He was also a member
of the varsity basketball team and competed in the shot put and discus throws for the track and field squad.
Gilbert was recruited by renowned offensive line coach, Doc Holliday, signing his national letter of intent to attend the
University of Florida on December 31st, 2005. He was also heavily recruited by Auburn, Florida State, Louisiana State and
Miami. He played sparingly in 2006 and retained freshman eligibility.
Gilbert returned in 2007, seeing action in all thirteen games. He made his starting debut at right guard in the Florida
Atlantic contest. He continued to be in the offensive lineman rotation as a sophomore in 2008, seeing action in all but the
Arkansas contest. He started at left guard vs. Miami and Hawaii, in addition to seeing time at tight end vs. Tennessee. He
also performed for the team’s field goal unit.
Improved work ethic in the classroom carried over on to the football field in 2009. Gilbert lined up with the first unit in all
fourteen games. He earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honors vs. Kentucky and turned in
the highest blocking consistency grade (99% vs. Georgia) of any Gators blocker during his junior campaign. He would
grade over 90% five times during a season that saw UF lead the SEC and rank sixth in the nation in total offense (457.86
ypg).
What impressed the coaching staff the most about Gilbert in 2009 was his renewed dedication. While most players sleep
or play video games in their downtime, Gilbert was often seen doing “homework” to prepare himself for the next day. One
example: Gilbert made a few mistakes during a practice which allowed defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine
Cunningham to penetrate the pocket. Gilbert reminded himself that night that he was ``giving a soft edge.''
“So the next day I decided to get deeper in my set and fast off my set and throw my hands out and that was my focus, so I
improved,'' Gilbert said. Gilbert's nightly homework also included reviewing his playbook. In addition to the Gators' base offense, Florida coach Urban Meyer used several I-formation sets that season, which allowed QB Tim Tebow to work
occasionally as a drop-back passer.
This new aspect of UF's offense made Gilbert's job even more demanding. Not only did he have to protect Tebow, but
Gilbert also had to help his quarterback show off his newly learned footwork for NFL scouts. Gilbert now saw his future
taking shape. ``I want to play in the NFL,'' Gilbert said. ``That's what I came here for and that's what I want to do. I'm at
the right tackle position, a position I always wanted to play since I got here, and now I'm here and I'm going to take full
advantage of it.''
Right after his 2009 campaign, Gilbert seriously thought about leaving school to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, but elected to
remain in Gainesville. "I think my papers I got back from the NFL weren't what I wanted them to be -- fourth round," Gilbert
said. "I think this year (2010) I can improve. I know I've got a lot of work to do in the film room, studying defenses and
becoming a better tackle. That was really my first year starting, so I didn't see any need to come out early with just a little
bit of experience. I can get another year under my belt and improve myself as a player."
As a senior, Gilbert shifted to the demanding left tackle position, receiving All-SEC recognition in 2010. He received the
team’s top blocking grade in six contests, but the young offense struggled, finishing 82nd in the nation with an average of
350.85 yards per game in total offense. One of the few bright spots for that unit was the offensive line, as that quintet
improved from allowing 2.14 quarterback sacks per game in 2009 to an average of 1.85 sacks in 2010.
Gilbert would cap his college career by accepting an invitation to play in the 2011 Senior Bowl. Fellow offensive lineman,
Carl Johnson offered accorded this praise upon Gilbert during their final season together, “He is a competitor, hard
worker, great athlete. Most people don’t know he came here at 270 pounds looking like a tight end. They beefed him up
and put weight on him, but he is a phenomenal athlete and that is something you can never coach. Something you can’t
motivate is what you are born with, and he is blessed.”
CAREER NOTES
In his two seasons as a full-time starter, Gilbert manned the left offensive tackle position for thirteen games and played on
the right side for fourteen contests, recording 142 knockdowns and 22 touchdown-resulting blocks during that span.
2010 SEASON
All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, earning third-team honors from Phil
Steele...Shifted to the left tackle position as a senior, starting all thirteen games...Registered a career-best 81
knockdowns with thirteen touchdown-resulting blocks, as Florida averaged 350.85 yards in total offense and 166.54
rushing yards per game...Was a key member of an offensive line that surrendered one sack or less in seven
contests...Gilbert graded out a Champion (top performance) in six of Florida’s games, including three in a row vs. Miami,
South Florida and Tennessee...Graded 93% with eight knockdowns vs. the Tennessee Volunteers...Part of a front wall
that allowed 24 quarterback sacks, a reduction from the 28 given up during his junior campaign.
2009 SEASON
Gilbert took over right offensive tackle duties, starting all fourteen games for a unit that led the Southeastern Conference
and ranked sixth nationally with an average of 457.86 yards in total offense per game...The ground game benefitted from
Gilbert’s drive blocking, finishing tenth nationally and second in the league with an average of 221.79 yards per
game...Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts vs. Kentucky (92%) and turned in one of UF’s highest
grades of the 2009 campaign when he earned Champions’ Club honors with a 99% blocking consistency mark in the win
over Georgia... Checked in at 95% in UF’s win over Arkansas and tallied a 90% mark both the Troy and Tennessee
contests.
2008 SEASON
Gilbert played in thirteen games...Contributed to Florida’s SEC and BCS National Championship Game victories at both
offensive guard and tackle, in addition to playing on the field goal unit...The Gators led the SEC in total offense (445.07
ypg) and rushing, as their ground attack placed tenth in the nation with an average of 231.14 yards per game...Started at
left guard vs. both Hawaii and Miami and lined up at tight end for a play vs. Tennessee...Graded a season-best 93% for
blocking consistency in the 70-19 win over The Citadel.
2007 SEASON
Played in all thirteen games as a guard, earning his first career start vs. Florida Atlantic at right guard, replacing Maurkice
Pouncey...Was the last of 22 Gators who made their first career start in 2007...Helped the team lead the SEC with an
average of 457.15 yards per game in total offense.
2006 SEASON
Retained freshman eligibility after playing in two games. AGILITY TESTS
5.46 in the 40-yard dash...1.93 10-yard dash...3.14 20-yard dash...4.69 20-yard shuttle...7.66 three-cone drill...29-inch
vertical jump...8’5” broad jump...Bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times...33 1⁄2-inch arm length...9 3⁄4-inch hands...80 3⁄4-
inch wingspan.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) High School, playing football for head coach George Smith...Played
guard and tackle on the offensive line during his prep career, as well as doubling on the defensive line...Moved over to
offense following his sophomore season and became one of three major recruiting prospects, as Sam Young and Dan
Wenger eventually enrolled at Notre Dame...Received a four-star prospect rating from both Scout.com and Rivals.com.
Scout also regarded him as the 42nd-best offensive lineman in the country...Added Class 5A All-District XVI honors and
was selected to participate in the 2006 CaliFlorida Bowl...Also a member of the varsity basketball team and competed in
the shot put and discus throws for the track and field squad.
PERSONAL
Family, Youth and Community Science major...Brother, David Walker, was a defensive lineman at Iowa who completed
his eligibility following the 2005 season...Active member of the Goodwill Gators who participated in visits to Terwilliger
Elementary and the Shands Medical Plaza/AGH...Son of Katrina and Jeffrey Gilbert...Father recently retired from the
Secret Service. When the Florida Gators visited the White House to celebrate their second national championship in four
years in April of 2009, Gilbert received special recognition by new President Barack Obama during the ceremony because
his father, Jeff, was a Secret Service agent who helped shield the past three presidents from harm...Born
2/15/88...Resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Day 2 targets
After grabbing Cam Heyward in the first round of the draft on Thursday, here are some players the Steelers could be targeting in the second and third rounds:
CBs
Ras-I Dowling
Curtis Brown
Johnny Patrick
Darryl Skrine
Rashad Carmichael
S
Rahim Moore
OL
Orlando Franklin
Marcus Gilbert
WR
Randall Cobb
Denarius Moore
RB
Taiwan Jones
Da'Rel Scott
CBs
Ras-I Dowling
Curtis Brown
Johnny Patrick
Darryl Skrine
Rashad Carmichael
S
Rahim Moore
OL
Orlando Franklin
Marcus Gilbert
WR
Randall Cobb
Denarius Moore
RB
Taiwan Jones
Da'Rel Scott
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Everything you need to know about Cam Heyward
CAMERON HEYWARD
Defensive End/Tackle
The Ohio State University Buckeyes
#97
6:05.1-288
Suwanee, Georgia
Peachtree Ridge High School
OVERVIEW
The son of former NFL great, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who passed away in 2006, Cameron is following his father’s path
to the professional ranks. But instead of carrying the ball like his father, Cameron is the one chasing down ball carriers in
the opposing backfields.
In his 11 seasons in the NFL, Craig Heyward amassed 4,301 rushing yards, 177 receptions for 1,559 yards, and 34
touchdowns. He played for the New Orleans Saints, who selected him 24th overall in the 1988 draft, Chicago Bears,
Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis Rams, and Indianapolis Colts during his career.
Cameron started 46 of his final 47 games for the Buckeyes, appearing in 52 contests since forcing his way into the lineup
during the sixth game of his true freshman campaign. While listed as a defensive end, he was utilized at all four positions
on the defensive front wall. His fifteen quarterback sacks tied linebacker A.J. Hawk for 11th on the school all-time record
list, as his 37.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage places him tenth in OSU annals.
At Peachtree Ridge High School, Heyward received a four-star prospect rating from Rivals.com. That recruiting service
ranked him as the seventh-best overall prospect in the state of Georgia and the 13th-best defensive tackle in the nation.
Scout.com ranked him 15th overall in the state and 20th nationally at his position.
A scholar-athlete, Heyward was named the 2006 Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year, helping Peachtree
Ridge capture the state championship that season. He produced 103 tackles with 12 sacks as a sophomore, adding two
sacks with 48 stops as a junior before ending his prep career with 88 tackles and 11 sacks during his senior campaign. He
graduated with a 3.2 grade point average.
Heavily pursued by Florida, Georgia and Louisiana State, Heyward instead signed his national letter of intent to attend
Ohio State on January 31, 2007, having been recruited by former Buckeyes defensive lineman and assistant coach, Luke
Fickell. In 2007, he played in a reserve role for the first five games, but he took over weak-side defensive end duties for
the final eight contests, recording ten stops for loss, 2.5 sacks and 33 tackles (21 solos) for OSU’s national championship
runner-up squad.
Coming off 2007 Freshman All-American honors, Heyward started all 13 games in 2008, rotating across the defensive
line. He produced 36 tackles (13 solos) that included three sacks and 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, as OSU
went on to lose to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl.
As a junior, Heyward garnered All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors. He started 12-of-13 contests, coming up with
46 tackles (21 solos) while finishing tied for eighth in the league with 6.5 sacks. He also posted 10 stops for loss and
recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the Michigan clash.
Voted team captain as a senior, he received All-Big Ten first-team accolades in 2010. He recorded a career-best 48
tackles (23 solos) that included three sacks, as his 13.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage tied for fifth in the league. He
advanced a fumble recovery 9 yards vs. Ohio University and rumbled 80 yards with an interception vs. Miami.
Heyward closed out his career with a pair of assisted sacks and 3.5 stops for loss among his six tackles vs. Arkansas in
the 2011 Sugar Bowl.
CAREER NOTES
Heyward started 46-of-52 games at Ohio State, missing just one starting assignment in his final 46 appearances...
Recorded 163 tackles (78 solos) with 15.0 sacks for minus 98 yards, 37.5 stops for losses totaling 150 yards and six
quarterback pressures...Recovered two fumbles, including one in the end zone for a touchdown...Gained 80 yards on a
pass theft and broke up five other throws...Also caused two fumbles...Heyward’s 80-yard fumbled interception return vs.
Miami in 2010 ranks as the seventh-longest return by a Buckeye in school annals and the longest run back by a defensive
lineman...His 37.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage rank tenth in school annals, while his 13.0 stops in 2010 placed
tied for 23rd on the Buckeyes season-record chart...Totaled 150 yards in losses on those tackles, the 13th-best career
total by an OSU player...Tied A.J. Hawk (2002-05) for 11th place on the school all-time record list with 15.0 sacks...
Amassed minus 98 yards from those sacks, tying John Kacherski (1988-91) for 15th on the school career-record chart.
Defensive End/Tackle
The Ohio State University Buckeyes
#97
6:05.1-288
Suwanee, Georgia
Peachtree Ridge High School
OVERVIEW
The son of former NFL great, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who passed away in 2006, Cameron is following his father’s path
to the professional ranks. But instead of carrying the ball like his father, Cameron is the one chasing down ball carriers in
the opposing backfields.
In his 11 seasons in the NFL, Craig Heyward amassed 4,301 rushing yards, 177 receptions for 1,559 yards, and 34
touchdowns. He played for the New Orleans Saints, who selected him 24th overall in the 1988 draft, Chicago Bears,
Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis Rams, and Indianapolis Colts during his career.
Cameron started 46 of his final 47 games for the Buckeyes, appearing in 52 contests since forcing his way into the lineup
during the sixth game of his true freshman campaign. While listed as a defensive end, he was utilized at all four positions
on the defensive front wall. His fifteen quarterback sacks tied linebacker A.J. Hawk for 11th on the school all-time record
list, as his 37.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage places him tenth in OSU annals.
At Peachtree Ridge High School, Heyward received a four-star prospect rating from Rivals.com. That recruiting service
ranked him as the seventh-best overall prospect in the state of Georgia and the 13th-best defensive tackle in the nation.
Scout.com ranked him 15th overall in the state and 20th nationally at his position.
A scholar-athlete, Heyward was named the 2006 Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year, helping Peachtree
Ridge capture the state championship that season. He produced 103 tackles with 12 sacks as a sophomore, adding two
sacks with 48 stops as a junior before ending his prep career with 88 tackles and 11 sacks during his senior campaign. He
graduated with a 3.2 grade point average.
Heavily pursued by Florida, Georgia and Louisiana State, Heyward instead signed his national letter of intent to attend
Ohio State on January 31, 2007, having been recruited by former Buckeyes defensive lineman and assistant coach, Luke
Fickell. In 2007, he played in a reserve role for the first five games, but he took over weak-side defensive end duties for
the final eight contests, recording ten stops for loss, 2.5 sacks and 33 tackles (21 solos) for OSU’s national championship
runner-up squad.
Coming off 2007 Freshman All-American honors, Heyward started all 13 games in 2008, rotating across the defensive
line. He produced 36 tackles (13 solos) that included three sacks and 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, as OSU
went on to lose to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl.
As a junior, Heyward garnered All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors. He started 12-of-13 contests, coming up with
46 tackles (21 solos) while finishing tied for eighth in the league with 6.5 sacks. He also posted 10 stops for loss and
recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the Michigan clash.
Voted team captain as a senior, he received All-Big Ten first-team accolades in 2010. He recorded a career-best 48
tackles (23 solos) that included three sacks, as his 13.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage tied for fifth in the league. He
advanced a fumble recovery 9 yards vs. Ohio University and rumbled 80 yards with an interception vs. Miami.
Heyward closed out his career with a pair of assisted sacks and 3.5 stops for loss among his six tackles vs. Arkansas in
the 2011 Sugar Bowl.
CAREER NOTES
Heyward started 46-of-52 games at Ohio State, missing just one starting assignment in his final 46 appearances...
Recorded 163 tackles (78 solos) with 15.0 sacks for minus 98 yards, 37.5 stops for losses totaling 150 yards and six
quarterback pressures...Recovered two fumbles, including one in the end zone for a touchdown...Gained 80 yards on a
pass theft and broke up five other throws...Also caused two fumbles...Heyward’s 80-yard fumbled interception return vs.
Miami in 2010 ranks as the seventh-longest return by a Buckeye in school annals and the longest run back by a defensive
lineman...His 37.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage rank tenth in school annals, while his 13.0 stops in 2010 placed
tied for 23rd on the Buckeyes season-record chart...Totaled 150 yards in losses on those tackles, the 13th-best career
total by an OSU player...Tied A.J. Hawk (2002-05) for 11th place on the school all-time record list with 15.0 sacks...
Amassed minus 98 yards from those sacks, tying John Kacherski (1988-91) for 15th on the school career-record chart.
Interesting read by Lance Zierlein on the Steelers' draft process
Lance Zielein, son of the former Steelers offensive line coach, has an interesting read on the Steelers' draft process.
You can find it here: http://thesidelineview.com/
You can find it here: http://thesidelineview.com/
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Steelers draft odds
Here's my feeling on the odds on who will be the Steelers' top pick Thursday when the NFL draft begins:
Aaron Williams, DB, Texas (2:1) - The odds on favorite if he falls. Though Williams ran in the mid-4.5 range at the combine and looked stiff in the hips, he was much quicker, sub-4.4, at Texas' pro day. His size also gives him an edge over Miami's Brandon Harris. Williams could eventually shift to free safety to replace Ryan Clark.
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.) (4:1) - There's a chance Williams won't be available when the Steelers pick. Harris is the draft's next best corner and has a lot of upside. At 5-9 1/2, he's lacking in ideal size, however.
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State (6:1) - Sherrod is the most likely of the linemen to fall, not counting Danny Watkins, who's just too damned old. He would tempt the Steelers despite their DB need.
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State (6:1) - If Williams and Sherrod are gone, it could come down to Harris or Heyward. The defensive line isn't the glaring need that the secondary is.
Trade down (8:1) - There will be a number of teams looking to move up from the early to mid-second round if they don't take a QB in the first round. The Steelers could slide back 10 to 15 spots and still take a DB such as Virginia's Ras-I Dowling.
Mike Pouncey, G, Florida (10:1) - This would require a trade up, something the Steelers are open to. If he gets past the Giants at 19, Pouncey could be in play for the Steelers. Tampa coach Rahim Morris and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin are very close and the Bucs own the 20th pick.
Rahim Moore, S, UCLA (10:1) - A sleeper pick here. Moore's one of the best playmakers available and was coached by new Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake. Some teams feel he's got the quickness to play corner and he's open to such a move. Like Williams, he ran better at his on-campus workout than he did at the combine.
Aaron Williams, DB, Texas (2:1) - The odds on favorite if he falls. Though Williams ran in the mid-4.5 range at the combine and looked stiff in the hips, he was much quicker, sub-4.4, at Texas' pro day. His size also gives him an edge over Miami's Brandon Harris. Williams could eventually shift to free safety to replace Ryan Clark.
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.) (4:1) - There's a chance Williams won't be available when the Steelers pick. Harris is the draft's next best corner and has a lot of upside. At 5-9 1/2, he's lacking in ideal size, however.
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State (6:1) - Sherrod is the most likely of the linemen to fall, not counting Danny Watkins, who's just too damned old. He would tempt the Steelers despite their DB need.
Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State (6:1) - If Williams and Sherrod are gone, it could come down to Harris or Heyward. The defensive line isn't the glaring need that the secondary is.
Trade down (8:1) - There will be a number of teams looking to move up from the early to mid-second round if they don't take a QB in the first round. The Steelers could slide back 10 to 15 spots and still take a DB such as Virginia's Ras-I Dowling.
Mike Pouncey, G, Florida (10:1) - This would require a trade up, something the Steelers are open to. If he gets past the Giants at 19, Pouncey could be in play for the Steelers. Tampa coach Rahim Morris and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin are very close and the Bucs own the 20th pick.
Rahim Moore, S, UCLA (10:1) - A sleeper pick here. Moore's one of the best playmakers available and was coached by new Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake. Some teams feel he's got the quickness to play corner and he's open to such a move. Like Williams, he ran better at his on-campus workout than he did at the combine.
Final mock - Harris is the man
1. Carolina, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn - The Panthers pass on Marcell Dareus to take a possible franchise QB.
2. Denver, Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama - Denver’s run defense was atrocious in 2010.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M – The Bills could take QB Blaine Gabbert, but Miller is a much safer pick.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia – The Bengals are also a possibility for Gabbert, but hope the pick of Green can entice Carson Palmer to stick around.
5. Arizona, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri – The Cards are pretty good at every position except QB. As can be seen from where they are drafting, that position is pretty important.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina – The Browns are shifting to a 4-3 and need edge pass rushers.
7. San Francisco, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – Houston may be willing to move up for Peterson, but San Francisco may not be able to pass him up.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn – The Titans’ defense wasn’t the same in 2010 without a motivated Albert Haynesworth in the middle.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC – The Cowboys haven’t selected an offensive lineman in the first round since Jerry Jones has been running the show. Time for that to change.
10. Washington, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – Jones is too good to pass up here. The Rams may be on the phone talking trade if he gets this close.
11. Houston, Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri – A premiere pass rusher for the Texans, who need to improve the defense to take the next step.
12. Minnesota, Jake Locker, QB, Washington – Had he come out in 2010, Locker may have been the first QB picked. He’s got plenty of risk, but the Vikings need help at the position.
13. Detroit, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska – The Lions continue to improve their defense.
14. St. Louis, Corey Liuget, DT. Illinois – The Rams would have preferred a receiver, but settle for help on their defensive front.
15. Miami, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen and Chad Pennington aren’t getting it done.
16. Jacksvonille, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – The Jags have seemingly been in search of pass rushing help forever.
17. New England, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Watt is the perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego, Cameron Jordan, DE, California – Another solid 3-4 defensive end.
19. N.Y. Giants, Mike Pouncey, G, Florida – The Steelers were hoping Pouncey would slip to 20, where they may have been able to work a deal with Tampa Bay.
20. Tampa Bay, Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Bowers falls because of a knee problem.
21. Kansas City, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – The Chiefs keep building on that running game.
22. Indianapolis, Athony Costanzo, OT, Boston College – The Colts have to try to keep Peyton Manning around as long as possible.
23. Philadelphia, Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – The Eagles take a chance on the talented but troubled Smith.
24. New Orleans, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – A positive test for marijuana at the combine – ouch – but Clayborn can get after it.
25. Seattle, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – The Hawks would love to move down for a QB, but can play Solder at guard for the time being.
26. Baltimore, Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas – There’s no receiver worth taking this high and Williams can play CB until Ed Reed calls it quits.
27. Atlanta, Justin Houston, DE, Georgia – Another player who had a positive test at the combine for marijuana but can get after the QB.
28. New England, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA – I expect this pick to be moved to a team wanting a QB. But Belechick can’t continue with Tully Banta Cain on the outside.
29. Chicago, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State – The Bears’ line was atrocious in 2010.
30. New York Jets, Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor – The Jets need a man in the middle.
31. Steelers, Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.) – Would have loved for Carimi or Sherrod to fall. But with top offensive line talent gone, the Steelers take the best corner available.
32. Green Bay, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State – Heyward can be dominating at times and is a nice fit for a 3-4 end.
2. Denver, Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama - Denver’s run defense was atrocious in 2010.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M – The Bills could take QB Blaine Gabbert, but Miller is a much safer pick.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia – The Bengals are also a possibility for Gabbert, but hope the pick of Green can entice Carson Palmer to stick around.
5. Arizona, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri – The Cards are pretty good at every position except QB. As can be seen from where they are drafting, that position is pretty important.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina – The Browns are shifting to a 4-3 and need edge pass rushers.
7. San Francisco, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – Houston may be willing to move up for Peterson, but San Francisco may not be able to pass him up.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn – The Titans’ defense wasn’t the same in 2010 without a motivated Albert Haynesworth in the middle.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC – The Cowboys haven’t selected an offensive lineman in the first round since Jerry Jones has been running the show. Time for that to change.
10. Washington, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – Jones is too good to pass up here. The Rams may be on the phone talking trade if he gets this close.
11. Houston, Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri – A premiere pass rusher for the Texans, who need to improve the defense to take the next step.
12. Minnesota, Jake Locker, QB, Washington – Had he come out in 2010, Locker may have been the first QB picked. He’s got plenty of risk, but the Vikings need help at the position.
13. Detroit, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska – The Lions continue to improve their defense.
14. St. Louis, Corey Liuget, DT. Illinois – The Rams would have preferred a receiver, but settle for help on their defensive front.
15. Miami, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen and Chad Pennington aren’t getting it done.
16. Jacksvonille, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – The Jags have seemingly been in search of pass rushing help forever.
17. New England, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Watt is the perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego, Cameron Jordan, DE, California – Another solid 3-4 defensive end.
19. N.Y. Giants, Mike Pouncey, G, Florida – The Steelers were hoping Pouncey would slip to 20, where they may have been able to work a deal with Tampa Bay.
20. Tampa Bay, Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Bowers falls because of a knee problem.
21. Kansas City, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – The Chiefs keep building on that running game.
22. Indianapolis, Athony Costanzo, OT, Boston College – The Colts have to try to keep Peyton Manning around as long as possible.
23. Philadelphia, Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – The Eagles take a chance on the talented but troubled Smith.
24. New Orleans, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – A positive test for marijuana at the combine – ouch – but Clayborn can get after it.
25. Seattle, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – The Hawks would love to move down for a QB, but can play Solder at guard for the time being.
26. Baltimore, Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas – There’s no receiver worth taking this high and Williams can play CB until Ed Reed calls it quits.
27. Atlanta, Justin Houston, DE, Georgia – Another player who had a positive test at the combine for marijuana but can get after the QB.
28. New England, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA – I expect this pick to be moved to a team wanting a QB. But Belechick can’t continue with Tully Banta Cain on the outside.
29. Chicago, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State – The Bears’ line was atrocious in 2010.
30. New York Jets, Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor – The Jets need a man in the middle.
31. Steelers, Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Fla.) – Would have loved for Carimi or Sherrod to fall. But with top offensive line talent gone, the Steelers take the best corner available.
32. Green Bay, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State – Heyward can be dominating at times and is a nice fit for a 3-4 end.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Draft thoughts
After listening to Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin today, I truly think the Steelers are trading down in this draft.
The Steelers believe there is value deep into this draft and given the fact that they like to have their bases covered at all times, they'll want to acquire as much talent as possible with the unsettled nature of the league right now.
There's no telling what the free agency rules will be once that hits - or if the Steelers will be in a position to sign any. Remember, they could wind up being over the cap if a new CBA is put in place with a significantly lower cap - which is what many owners are pushing for.
© Another thing I came out of the sitdown with was that the Steelers badly need a cornerback or two. They are looking at this thing as if Ike Taylor and William Gay aren't on the team and won't be on the team. That leaves you with Bryant McFadden, Anthony Madison, Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler as the team's lone cornerbacks.
There's no way the Steelers are comfortable with that.
While the Steelers would have enough decent talent on the offensive line to line up and play with if they had to tomorrow, they cannot say the same thing at cornerback.
© The headline on Ed Bouchette's piece about Texas defensive back Aaron Williams was somewhat misleading.
"On the Steelers: Williams not the cornerback the Steelers need," the headline said.
But nowhere in that piece is there much to back that up.
Sure, there's some quotes in there from respected scout Jack Butler about the difficulty of taking a safety and making him a corner.
But Williams played cornerback at a big-time school and though his 4.55 40-time isn't ideal for a cornerback, his size (6-0, 205) is an ideal fit in the Steelers defense.
The same thing cannot be said about 5-9 1/2-inch Brandon Harris of Miami, the other top defensive back who could be available when the Steelers pick in the first round.
The wildcard is Virginia's Ras-I Dowling. Dowling has outstanding size, speed and playmaking ability. But he also played in just three games his senior season due to a myriad of injuries.
Do the Steelers roll the dice and take Dowling in the first round or do they play it safe and take Williams?
Again, a trade down five to 10 picks to take Dowling and pick up another third-round selection would seem to make the most sense.
The Steelers believe there is value deep into this draft and given the fact that they like to have their bases covered at all times, they'll want to acquire as much talent as possible with the unsettled nature of the league right now.
There's no telling what the free agency rules will be once that hits - or if the Steelers will be in a position to sign any. Remember, they could wind up being over the cap if a new CBA is put in place with a significantly lower cap - which is what many owners are pushing for.
© Another thing I came out of the sitdown with was that the Steelers badly need a cornerback or two. They are looking at this thing as if Ike Taylor and William Gay aren't on the team and won't be on the team. That leaves you with Bryant McFadden, Anthony Madison, Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler as the team's lone cornerbacks.
There's no way the Steelers are comfortable with that.
While the Steelers would have enough decent talent on the offensive line to line up and play with if they had to tomorrow, they cannot say the same thing at cornerback.
© The headline on Ed Bouchette's piece about Texas defensive back Aaron Williams was somewhat misleading.
"On the Steelers: Williams not the cornerback the Steelers need," the headline said.
But nowhere in that piece is there much to back that up.
Sure, there's some quotes in there from respected scout Jack Butler about the difficulty of taking a safety and making him a corner.
But Williams played cornerback at a big-time school and though his 4.55 40-time isn't ideal for a cornerback, his size (6-0, 205) is an ideal fit in the Steelers defense.
The same thing cannot be said about 5-9 1/2-inch Brandon Harris of Miami, the other top defensive back who could be available when the Steelers pick in the first round.
The wildcard is Virginia's Ras-I Dowling. Dowling has outstanding size, speed and playmaking ability. But he also played in just three games his senior season due to a myriad of injuries.
Do the Steelers roll the dice and take Dowling in the first round or do they play it safe and take Williams?
Again, a trade down five to 10 picks to take Dowling and pick up another third-round selection would seem to make the most sense.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Complete Mock Draft
Here's the final version of my first mock draft – though in the past week, I've already changed my mind on some picks. But sticking with the original first part of the draft, here's one way things could happen – with no trades. I'll do another one Wednesday - full version - with any changes I see happening.
1. Carolina, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn - They could take a defensive tackle such as Marcel Darius, but I think Newton will be the guy.
2. Denver, Marcel Darius, DT, Alabama - A much safer pick than Nick Fairley.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – Miller might be the surest thing in this draft.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia - If Newton isn’t there, the Bengals wait until later to grab a QB.
5. Arizona, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The Cardinals need a QB, but pass on Blaine Gabbert.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina - The Browns need defensive front help.
7. San Francisco, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - The 49ers could be a prime trade partner looking to move down - hello Minnesota.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT. Auburn - The Titans keep building up their defensive front.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC - The Cowboys seem to be zoning in on Smith.
10. Washington, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri - The Redskins can afford to give Gabbert a year to learn behind Donovan McNabb.
11. Houston, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – Adding Jones to an already potent offense could make the Texans a playoff team in 2011.
12. Minnesota, Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple – I don’t expect the Vikings to pick in this spot. They’ll trade it for a QB, either an established veteran or moving up to get Blaine Gabbert.
13. Detroit, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College – The Lions need to keep QB Matthew Stafford upright and healthy.
14. St. Louis, Cameron Jordan, DL, California – A receiver would fit better, but Jordan could immediately step into the rotation.
15. Miami, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – The first big surpise of the draft. Chad Henne and Tyler Thigpen are not the answer. The Dolphins would love to move down and make this pick.
16. Jacksonvillle, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – Kerrigan is the pass rusher the Jaguars have been lacking for several years.
17. New England, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Watt is a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego, Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Bowers is a top-10 talent, but there are questions about the health of his knees. San Diego rolls the dice.
19. New York Giants, Mike Pouncey, G, Florida – Pouncey loses a bet with his brother, going one pick behind where the Steelers selected Maurkice in 2010.
20. Tampa Bay, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – The Bucs were terrible against the run last season and need help at end.
21.Kansas City, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – This is one tackle the Steelers have kept a close eye on. He doesn't fall to them.
22. Indianpolis, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State – The mini-run on offensive linemen continues as the Colts try to keep Peyton Manning healthy for another three or four years.
23. Philadelphia, Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – The Eagles like physical corners.
24. New Orleans, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – Back-to-back Buffalos.
25. Seattle, Andy Dalton, QB, TCU – The Seahawks crave a QB and Dalton is shooting up the boards.
26. Baltimore, Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland – The Ravens badly need to add speed at wide receiver and Smith is one of the fastest players in the draft.
27. Atlanta, Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa – The Falcons need a pass rusher to work with John Abraham.
28. New England, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama – Enough of the running back by committee stuff.
29. Chicago, Danny Watkins, G, Baylor – The Bears need offensive line help … badly.
30. N.Y. Jets, Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor – Back-to-back Baylor picks. Rex Ryan doesn't mind having some troubled character guys around.
31. Pittsburgh, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas – Williams has good size, decent speed and is an underclassman coming out of a major program.
32. Green Bay, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State – A nice fit for a 3-4 defense.
1. Carolina, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn - They could take a defensive tackle such as Marcel Darius, but I think Newton will be the guy.
2. Denver, Marcel Darius, DT, Alabama - A much safer pick than Nick Fairley.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – Miller might be the surest thing in this draft.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia - If Newton isn’t there, the Bengals wait until later to grab a QB.
5. Arizona, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The Cardinals need a QB, but pass on Blaine Gabbert.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina - The Browns need defensive front help.
7. San Francisco, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - The 49ers could be a prime trade partner looking to move down - hello Minnesota.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT. Auburn - The Titans keep building up their defensive front.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC - The Cowboys seem to be zoning in on Smith.
10. Washington, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri - The Redskins can afford to give Gabbert a year to learn behind Donovan McNabb.
11. Houston, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – Adding Jones to an already potent offense could make the Texans a playoff team in 2011.
12. Minnesota, Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple – I don’t expect the Vikings to pick in this spot. They’ll trade it for a QB, either an established veteran or moving up to get Blaine Gabbert.
13. Detroit, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College – The Lions need to keep QB Matthew Stafford upright and healthy.
14. St. Louis, Cameron Jordan, DL, California – A receiver would fit better, but Jordan could immediately step into the rotation.
15. Miami, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – The first big surpise of the draft. Chad Henne and Tyler Thigpen are not the answer. The Dolphins would love to move down and make this pick.
16. Jacksonvillle, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – Kerrigan is the pass rusher the Jaguars have been lacking for several years.
17. New England, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Watt is a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego, Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Bowers is a top-10 talent, but there are questions about the health of his knees. San Diego rolls the dice.
19. New York Giants, Mike Pouncey, G, Florida – Pouncey loses a bet with his brother, going one pick behind where the Steelers selected Maurkice in 2010.
20. Tampa Bay, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – The Bucs were terrible against the run last season and need help at end.
21.Kansas City, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – This is one tackle the Steelers have kept a close eye on. He doesn't fall to them.
22. Indianpolis, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State – The mini-run on offensive linemen continues as the Colts try to keep Peyton Manning healthy for another three or four years.
23. Philadelphia, Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – The Eagles like physical corners.
24. New Orleans, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – Back-to-back Buffalos.
25. Seattle, Andy Dalton, QB, TCU – The Seahawks crave a QB and Dalton is shooting up the boards.
26. Baltimore, Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland – The Ravens badly need to add speed at wide receiver and Smith is one of the fastest players in the draft.
27. Atlanta, Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa – The Falcons need a pass rusher to work with John Abraham.
28. New England, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama – Enough of the running back by committee stuff.
29. Chicago, Danny Watkins, G, Baylor – The Bears need offensive line help … badly.
30. N.Y. Jets, Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor – Back-to-back Baylor picks. Rex Ryan doesn't mind having some troubled character guys around.
31. Pittsburgh, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas – Williams has good size, decent speed and is an underclassman coming out of a major program.
32. Green Bay, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State – A nice fit for a 3-4 defense.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Steelers schedule released
Regular Season
Sunday, Sept. 11 at Baltimore 1 p.m CBS
Sunday, Sept. 18 SEATTLE 1 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Sept. 25 at Indianapolis 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Oct. 2 at Houston 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 9 TENNESSEE 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 16 JACKSONVILLE 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 23 at Arizona 4:05 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 30 NEW ENGLAND 4:15 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Nov. 6 BALTIMORE 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Nov. 13 at Cincinnati 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Nov. 20 Bye
Sunday, Nov. 27* at Kansas City 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Dec. 4* CINCINNATI 1 p.m. CBS
Thursday, Dec. 8 CLEVELAND 8:20 p.m. NFL Network/KDKA
Monday, Dec. 19 at San Francisco8:30 p.m. ESPN
Saturday, Dec. 24* ST. LOUIS 1 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Jan. 1* at Cleveland 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Sept. 11 at Baltimore 1 p.m CBS
Sunday, Sept. 18 SEATTLE 1 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Sept. 25 at Indianapolis 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Oct. 2 at Houston 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 9 TENNESSEE 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 16 JACKSONVILLE 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 23 at Arizona 4:05 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 30 NEW ENGLAND 4:15 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Nov. 6 BALTIMORE 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Nov. 13 at Cincinnati 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Nov. 20 Bye
Sunday, Nov. 27* at Kansas City 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Dec. 4* CINCINNATI 1 p.m. CBS
Thursday, Dec. 8 CLEVELAND 8:20 p.m. NFL Network/KDKA
Monday, Dec. 19 at San Francisco8:30 p.m. ESPN
Saturday, Dec. 24* ST. LOUIS 1 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Jan. 1* at Cleveland 1 p.m. CBS
Monday, April 18, 2011
Mock draft through 20
Here's my mock draft through 20 picks. We're inching closer to a complete deal – though I may do another in the final week. I've got some surprises in the second 10.
1. Carolina, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn - They could take a defensive tackle such as Marcel Darius, but I think Newton will be the guy.
2. Denver, Marcel Darius, DT, Alabama - A much safer pick than Nick Fairley.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – Miller might be the surest thing in this draft.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia - If Newton isn’t there, the Bengals wait until later to grab a QB.
5. Arizona, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The Cardinals need a QB, but pass on Blaine Gabbert.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina - The Browns need defensive front help.
7. San Francisco, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - The 49ers could be a prime trade partner looking to move down - hello Minnesota.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT. Auburn - The Titans keep building up their defensive front.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC - The Cowboys seem to be zoning in on Smith.
10. Washington, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri - The Redskins can afford to give Gabbert a year to learn behind Donovan McNabb.
11. Houston, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – Adding Jones to an already potent offense could make the Texans a playoff team in 2011.
12. Minnesota, Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple – I don’t expect the Vikings to pick in this spot. They’ll trade it for a QB, either an established veteran or moving up to get Blaine Gabbert.
13. Detroit, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College – The Lions need to keep QB Matthew Stafford upright and healthy.
14. St. Louis, Cameron Jordan, DL, California – A receiver would fit better, but Jordan could immediately step into the rotation.
15. Miami, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – The first big surpise of the draft. Chad Henne and Tyler Thigpen are not the answer. The Dolphins would love to move down and make this pick.
16. Jacksonvillle, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – Kerrigan is the pass rusher the Jaguars have been lacking for several years.
17. New England, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Watt is a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego, Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Bowers is a top-10 talent, but there are questions about the health of his knees. San Diego rolls the dice.
19. New York Giants, Mike Pouncey, G, Florida – Pouncey loses a bet with his brother, going one pick behind where the Steelers selected Maurkice in 2010.
20. Tampa Bay, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – The Bucs were terrible against the run last season and need help at end.
1. Carolina, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn - They could take a defensive tackle such as Marcel Darius, but I think Newton will be the guy.
2. Denver, Marcel Darius, DT, Alabama - A much safer pick than Nick Fairley.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – Miller might be the surest thing in this draft.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia - If Newton isn’t there, the Bengals wait until later to grab a QB.
5. Arizona, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The Cardinals need a QB, but pass on Blaine Gabbert.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina - The Browns need defensive front help.
7. San Francisco, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - The 49ers could be a prime trade partner looking to move down - hello Minnesota.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT. Auburn - The Titans keep building up their defensive front.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC - The Cowboys seem to be zoning in on Smith.
10. Washington, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri - The Redskins can afford to give Gabbert a year to learn behind Donovan McNabb.
11. Houston, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – Adding Jones to an already potent offense could make the Texans a playoff team in 2011.
12. Minnesota, Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple – I don’t expect the Vikings to pick in this spot. They’ll trade it for a QB, either an established veteran or moving up to get Blaine Gabbert.
13. Detroit, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College – The Lions need to keep QB Matthew Stafford upright and healthy.
14. St. Louis, Cameron Jordan, DL, California – A receiver would fit better, but Jordan could immediately step into the rotation.
15. Miami, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – The first big surpise of the draft. Chad Henne and Tyler Thigpen are not the answer. The Dolphins would love to move down and make this pick.
16. Jacksonvillle, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – Kerrigan is the pass rusher the Jaguars have been lacking for several years.
17. New England, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Watt is a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.
18. San Diego, Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Bowers is a top-10 talent, but there are questions about the health of his knees. San Diego rolls the dice.
19. New York Giants, Mike Pouncey, G, Florida – Pouncey loses a bet with his brother, going one pick behind where the Steelers selected Maurkice in 2010.
20. Tampa Bay, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – The Bucs were terrible against the run last season and need help at end.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Updated visit list
Here's the final list of rookie visits for the Steelers.
Middle Tennessee quarterback/receiver Dwight Daisher
Alabama A&M defensive tackle Frank Kearse
Portland State tight end Julius Thomas
Texas cornerback Curtis Brown
Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones
Hampton defensive tackle Kendrick Ellis
Florida State center/guard Rodney Hudson
South Carolina offensive tackle Jarriel King
Alabama tackle/guard James Carpenter
TGC tackle/guard Marcus Cannon
Nebraska guard Keith Williams
North Carolina wide receiver Greg Little
Florida offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert
California defensive end Cameron Jordan
Marshall linebacker Mario Harvey
Utah State cornerback Curtis Marsh
Tennessee wide receiver Denarius Moore
Southern Miss defensive tackle Anthony Gray
Tennessee-Chattanooga cornerback Buster Skrine
Citadel cornerback Cortez Allen
Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis
Maryland running back Da’Rel Scott
Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling
Auburn defensive tackle Zach Taylor
Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor
Abilene Christian wide receiver Edmund Gates
Bridgewarter wide receiver Tyler Beiler
Louisville cornerback Johnny Patrick
Middle Tennessee quarterback/receiver Dwight Daisher
Alabama A&M defensive tackle Frank Kearse
Portland State tight end Julius Thomas
Texas cornerback Curtis Brown
Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones
Hampton defensive tackle Kendrick Ellis
Florida State center/guard Rodney Hudson
South Carolina offensive tackle Jarriel King
Alabama tackle/guard James Carpenter
TGC tackle/guard Marcus Cannon
Nebraska guard Keith Williams
North Carolina wide receiver Greg Little
Florida offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert
California defensive end Cameron Jordan
Marshall linebacker Mario Harvey
Utah State cornerback Curtis Marsh
Tennessee wide receiver Denarius Moore
Southern Miss defensive tackle Anthony Gray
Tennessee-Chattanooga cornerback Buster Skrine
Citadel cornerback Cortez Allen
Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis
Maryland running back Da’Rel Scott
Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling
Auburn defensive tackle Zach Taylor
Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor
Abilene Christian wide receiver Edmund Gates
Bridgewarter wide receiver Tyler Beiler
Louisville cornerback Johnny Patrick
Friday, April 15, 2011
Mock draft, the first 10
I'm going to do this in parts this week, so you'll have to wait to see who the Steelers pick at 31.
1. Carolina, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn - They could take a defensive tackle such as Marcel Darius, but I think Newton will be the guy.
2. Denver, Marcel Darius, DT, Alabama - A much safer pick than Nick Fairley.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – Miller might be the surest thing in this draft.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia - If Newton isn’t there, the Bengals wait until later to grab a QB.
5. Arizona, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The Cardinals need a QB, but pass on Blaine Gabbert.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina - The Browns need defensive front help.
7. San Francisco, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - The 49ers could be a prime trade partner looking to move down - hello Minnesota.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT. Auburn - The Titans keep building up their defensive front.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC - The Cowboys seem to be zoning in on Smith.
10. Washington, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri - The Redskins can afford to give Gabbert a year to learn behind Donovan McNabb.
1. Carolina, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn - They could take a defensive tackle such as Marcel Darius, but I think Newton will be the guy.
2. Denver, Marcel Darius, DT, Alabama - A much safer pick than Nick Fairley.
3. Buffalo, Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – Miller might be the surest thing in this draft.
4. Cincinnati, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia - If Newton isn’t there, the Bengals wait until later to grab a QB.
5. Arizona, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The Cardinals need a QB, but pass on Blaine Gabbert.
6. Cleveland, Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina - The Browns need defensive front help.
7. San Francisco, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - The 49ers could be a prime trade partner looking to move down - hello Minnesota.
8. Tennessee, Nick Fairley, DT. Auburn - The Titans keep building up their defensive front.
9. Dallas, Tyron Smith, OT, USC - The Cowboys seem to be zoning in on Smith.
10. Washington, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri - The Redskins can afford to give Gabbert a year to learn behind Donovan McNabb.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Preseason schedule released
The Steelers will play one nationally televised preseason game during the 2011 preseason, a Thursday night matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and will also host the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced today.
The Steelers will open the 2011 preseason on the road vs. the Washington Redskins, the fifth straight preseason matchup between the teams at FedEx Field. The Steelers are 5-13-1 all-time in the preseason against the Redskins in the preseason series that started in 1967. The game will be televised locally on KDKA-TV.
The Steelers host the Eagles in a nationally televised contest on Thursday, Aug. 18 (Week 2), at Heinz Field. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be televised on FOX (locally WPGH-TV). It marks the first preseason matchup between the teams since 2008.
Pittsburgh plays its second of back-to-back preseason home games with a Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, which will be televised on KDKA-TV. The two teams have not played a preseason game in Pittsburgh since 1978. The Steelers hosted the Falcons in the 1998 preseason in a game played in Morgantown, W.Va.
The Steelers will conclude the preseason on the road vs. the Carolina Panthers, the ninth consecutive year the two teams will play in the preseason finale. The game also will be televised locally by KDKA-TV.
The times and dates for the three games to be televised on KDKA-TV have yet to be finalized.
The Steelers will open the 2011 preseason on the road vs. the Washington Redskins, the fifth straight preseason matchup between the teams at FedEx Field. The Steelers are 5-13-1 all-time in the preseason against the Redskins in the preseason series that started in 1967. The game will be televised locally on KDKA-TV.
The Steelers host the Eagles in a nationally televised contest on Thursday, Aug. 18 (Week 2), at Heinz Field. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be televised on FOX (locally WPGH-TV). It marks the first preseason matchup between the teams since 2008.
Pittsburgh plays its second of back-to-back preseason home games with a Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, which will be televised on KDKA-TV. The two teams have not played a preseason game in Pittsburgh since 1978. The Steelers hosted the Falcons in the 1998 preseason in a game played in Morgantown, W.Va.
The Steelers will conclude the preseason on the road vs. the Carolina Panthers, the ninth consecutive year the two teams will play in the preseason finale. The game also will be televised locally by KDKA-TV.
The times and dates for the three games to be televised on KDKA-TV have yet to be finalized.
Friday, April 08, 2011
Who has visited the Steelers thus far
Here's a list of 21 players who have visited the Steelers thus far or who will visit them in the next week or so.
NFL teams are permitted to bring in 30 prospects - not counting regional guys – so I'm not counting the guys from local colleges.
I'll rank them in order of what round it appears the player will be selected in.
Remember as well that Mike Tomlin has had more free time on his hands with the lockout and has personally attended a number of pro days - more than usual. For example, Tomlin has been at Wisconsin, Texas and North Carolina, to name a few, getting meetings with a number of their prospects without them being counted against the 30.
Cameron Jordan, DL, California, 1st round
Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor, 1-2
Rodney Hudson, C-G, Florida State, 1-2
Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia, 1-2
Curtis Brown, CB, Texas, 2
Kendrick Ellis, DT, Hampton, 2-3
James Carpenter, OT, Alabama, 2-3
Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville, 2-3
Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State, 3
Jarriel King, OT, South Carolina, 4
Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State, 4-5
Buster Skrine, CB, Tennessee-Chatanooga, 4-5
Da'rel Scott, RB, Maryland, 5-6
Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee, 5-6
Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington, 5-6
Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel, 6
Zach Clayton, DT, Auburn, 6
Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall, 6-7
Anthony Gray, NT, Mississippi State, 7
Frank Kearse, DT, Alabama A&M 7
Tyler Beiler, WR, Bridgewater, 7
NFL teams are permitted to bring in 30 prospects - not counting regional guys – so I'm not counting the guys from local colleges.
I'll rank them in order of what round it appears the player will be selected in.
Remember as well that Mike Tomlin has had more free time on his hands with the lockout and has personally attended a number of pro days - more than usual. For example, Tomlin has been at Wisconsin, Texas and North Carolina, to name a few, getting meetings with a number of their prospects without them being counted against the 30.
Cameron Jordan, DL, California, 1st round
Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor, 1-2
Rodney Hudson, C-G, Florida State, 1-2
Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia, 1-2
Curtis Brown, CB, Texas, 2
Kendrick Ellis, DT, Hampton, 2-3
James Carpenter, OT, Alabama, 2-3
Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville, 2-3
Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State, 3
Jarriel King, OT, South Carolina, 4
Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State, 4-5
Buster Skrine, CB, Tennessee-Chatanooga, 4-5
Da'rel Scott, RB, Maryland, 5-6
Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee, 5-6
Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington, 5-6
Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel, 6
Zach Clayton, DT, Auburn, 6
Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall, 6-7
Anthony Gray, NT, Mississippi State, 7
Frank Kearse, DT, Alabama A&M 7
Tyler Beiler, WR, Bridgewater, 7
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Three more visitors
The Steelers have hosted, or are prepared to host, four more prospects.
They are Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis, Alabama A&M nose tackle Frank Kearse, Utah State corner Curtis Marsh and Louisville corner Johnny Patrick.
None are considered first-round prospects.
Pettis is a slot-type receiver who's all over draft boards. I've seen some that have him as the fifth-best receiver in this class. Others that have him much lower.
He had a suspension as a sophomore that has not been explained - at least publicly - by the school. But anybody who saw Boise play this season knows he's a talent.
Kearse is an interesting late-round prospect. He was pretty productive at Alamaba A&M - he even had two interceptions as a sophomore - but lacks the overall athleticism of some of the top interior prospects.
He's an overachiever-type who would fit in well with the Steelers.
Marsh and Patrick are both decent-sized corners - though Marsh is bigger and faster. Both are likely second-round or lower picks.
They are Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis, Alabama A&M nose tackle Frank Kearse, Utah State corner Curtis Marsh and Louisville corner Johnny Patrick.
None are considered first-round prospects.
Pettis is a slot-type receiver who's all over draft boards. I've seen some that have him as the fifth-best receiver in this class. Others that have him much lower.
He had a suspension as a sophomore that has not been explained - at least publicly - by the school. But anybody who saw Boise play this season knows he's a talent.
Kearse is an interesting late-round prospect. He was pretty productive at Alamaba A&M - he even had two interceptions as a sophomore - but lacks the overall athleticism of some of the top interior prospects.
He's an overachiever-type who would fit in well with the Steelers.
Marsh and Patrick are both decent-sized corners - though Marsh is bigger and faster. Both are likely second-round or lower picks.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Two more offensive line prospects visit
The Steelers hosted Alabama offensive linemen James Carpenter and South Carolina's Jarriel King Friday as they continue to bring in a bevy of linemen prior to the draft.
Carpenter is something of a sleeper in this year's draft. At 6-4, 321 pounds, he's likely a RT or guard prospect and is rated as a second-rounder.
King, 6-5, 317, only played half of the 2010 season. He was suspended while being investigated for receiving improper benefits from a hotel. He also missed time with a concussion.
He's more of a third-round prospect, but with the visits of Carpenter and King, coupled with previous visits by Rodney Hudson and Marcus Gilbert, a couple of other second-to-third-round line prospects, you get an idea of what the Steelers are thinking.
Carpenter is something of a sleeper in this year's draft. At 6-4, 321 pounds, he's likely a RT or guard prospect and is rated as a second-rounder.
King, 6-5, 317, only played half of the 2010 season. He was suspended while being investigated for receiving improper benefits from a hotel. He also missed time with a concussion.
He's more of a third-round prospect, but with the visits of Carpenter and King, coupled with previous visits by Rodney Hudson and Marcus Gilbert, a couple of other second-to-third-round line prospects, you get an idea of what the Steelers are thinking.
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