In what was a smart move for Max Starks, he signed the Steelers' transition tender offer of $6.9 million on Saturday, a week before the NFL draft.
Though I was told it was unlikely the Steelers would pull the transition tag off of Starks, the team's No. 3 tackle in 2007, Starks had to be thinking that if the team selected offensive linemen with its first two picks next week – as it did with linebackers in 2007 – yanking the offer may have been a possibility.
Starks' signing means that right tackle Willie Colon will likely shift to left guard to replace departed Alan Faneca. He also gives the team some insurance should left tackle Marvel Smith's surgically repaired back act up again in 2008.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Mock Take 2
1. Miami, Chris Long, DE, Virginia. Though the Dolphins opened negotiations with offensive tackle Jake Long first, you can bet they’ll also do so with some of the others considered. And Bill Parcells will settle on Chris Long as the pick. Pick in previous draft: Long
2. St. Louis, Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State. The Rams could grab offensive tackle Jake Long, but feel the value will be there later in the draft. Gholston is a lot like current Rams’ star Leonard Little, without the drinking problem. Previous pick: Jake Long.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. No change from my previous draft, as Dorsey fills a big need.
4. Oakland, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. After striking out with Robert Gallery a couple of years ago, the Raiders go for another offensive tackle. Previous pick: Sedrick Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Kansas City. The Chiefs will be looking to move down and pick up some extra selections – Baltimore being a possibility. Barring that, the Chiefs go for a QB. Previous pick: Ryan.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. McFadden gives the Jets a running back of the future and a home run hitter. Previous pick: McFadden.
7. New England, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker higher than the fifth round under Bill Belichick. But that has to change this year. Previous pick: Gholston.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. With Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady makes sense here unless the Ravens can get Ryan. Previous pick: Clady.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Bengals failed in their attempts to acquire some beef up front in the offseason, but Ellis will fill that need. Previous pick: Rivers.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. With Dorsey and Ellis off the board, the Saints go for a defensive playmaker. McKelvin paired with Reggie Bush would give the Saints a ridiculously good return game. Previous pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie..
11. Buffalo, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State. The Bills would like a receiver, but none are worthy of being taken this high. Previous pick: Derrick Harvey
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the need for an offensive tackle is too grat to overlook. Previous pick: Williams
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. The Panthers need somebody to rush the passer opposite Julius Peppers. Previous pick: Branden Albert.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears have a big need at offensive tackle. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is also a possibility. Previous pick: Otah.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. With Kevin Jones’ release, the team won’t go with Tatum Bell as it’s top back. That makes Mendenhall a necessity.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. The Cardinals desperately need help at cornerback. Previous pick: McKelvin.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Merling takes care of a need for the Vikings. Previous Pick: Merling.
18. Houston, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Texans need corner help, but with the top three off the borad, and Aqib Talib falling because of off-field problems, they go offensive line. Albert can play left tackle. Previous pick: Kenny Phillips.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been trying to get Donovan McNabb wide receiver help since Terrell Owens went crazy in Philadelphia. Previous pick: Mike Jenkins.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top receiver in the draft, but poor workouts caused him to drop. He won’t drop too far, though. Previous pick: Kelly.
21. Washington, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Three receivers in a row. Previous pick: Devin Thomas.
22. Dallas, Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. Some felt Jerry Jones would move up to take Darren McFadden. But why do that when Jones is available? Previous pick: Jonathan Stewart.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. The Steelers give serious thought to Stewart, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Quentin Groves.
24. Tennessee, DeSean Jackson, WR, California. The Titans need to get Vince Young some help. Previous pick: Kentwaan Balmer.
25. Seattle, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Seahawks are tempted by Stewart as well, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Martellus Bennett.
26. Jacksonville, Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC. Jackson’s stock is rising after a solid workout and the Jaguars need help at defensive end. Previous pick. Calais Campbell.
27. San Diego, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. After losing Michael Turner, the Chargers grab another powerful runner to pair with LaDanian Tomlinson. Previous pick: Gosder Cherlius.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas. The Cowboys roll the dice, even though Talib reportedly skipped a scheduled meeting with them recently. Previous pick: Talib.
29. San Francisco, Quentin Groves, LB, Auburn. Groves was an undersized defensive end at Auburn, but will play outside linebacker in San Francisco’s 3-4.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Al Harris and Charles Woodson aren’t getting any younger. Previous pick: Dan Connor.
31. N.Y. Giants, Kenny Phillps, S, Miami (Fla.). Phillips didn’t run well, but he’s a playmaker. Previous pick: Reggie Smith.
2. St. Louis, Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State. The Rams could grab offensive tackle Jake Long, but feel the value will be there later in the draft. Gholston is a lot like current Rams’ star Leonard Little, without the drinking problem. Previous pick: Jake Long.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. No change from my previous draft, as Dorsey fills a big need.
4. Oakland, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. After striking out with Robert Gallery a couple of years ago, the Raiders go for another offensive tackle. Previous pick: Sedrick Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Kansas City. The Chiefs will be looking to move down and pick up some extra selections – Baltimore being a possibility. Barring that, the Chiefs go for a QB. Previous pick: Ryan.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. McFadden gives the Jets a running back of the future and a home run hitter. Previous pick: McFadden.
7. New England, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker higher than the fifth round under Bill Belichick. But that has to change this year. Previous pick: Gholston.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. With Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady makes sense here unless the Ravens can get Ryan. Previous pick: Clady.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Bengals failed in their attempts to acquire some beef up front in the offseason, but Ellis will fill that need. Previous pick: Rivers.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. With Dorsey and Ellis off the board, the Saints go for a defensive playmaker. McKelvin paired with Reggie Bush would give the Saints a ridiculously good return game. Previous pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie..
11. Buffalo, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State. The Bills would like a receiver, but none are worthy of being taken this high. Previous pick: Derrick Harvey
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the need for an offensive tackle is too grat to overlook. Previous pick: Williams
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. The Panthers need somebody to rush the passer opposite Julius Peppers. Previous pick: Branden Albert.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears have a big need at offensive tackle. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is also a possibility. Previous pick: Otah.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. With Kevin Jones’ release, the team won’t go with Tatum Bell as it’s top back. That makes Mendenhall a necessity.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. The Cardinals desperately need help at cornerback. Previous pick: McKelvin.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Merling takes care of a need for the Vikings. Previous Pick: Merling.
18. Houston, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Texans need corner help, but with the top three off the borad, and Aqib Talib falling because of off-field problems, they go offensive line. Albert can play left tackle. Previous pick: Kenny Phillips.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been trying to get Donovan McNabb wide receiver help since Terrell Owens went crazy in Philadelphia. Previous pick: Mike Jenkins.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top receiver in the draft, but poor workouts caused him to drop. He won’t drop too far, though. Previous pick: Kelly.
21. Washington, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Three receivers in a row. Previous pick: Devin Thomas.
22. Dallas, Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. Some felt Jerry Jones would move up to take Darren McFadden. But why do that when Jones is available? Previous pick: Jonathan Stewart.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. The Steelers give serious thought to Stewart, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Quentin Groves.
24. Tennessee, DeSean Jackson, WR, California. The Titans need to get Vince Young some help. Previous pick: Kentwaan Balmer.
25. Seattle, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Seahawks are tempted by Stewart as well, but go for the bigger need. Previous pick: Martellus Bennett.
26. Jacksonville, Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC. Jackson’s stock is rising after a solid workout and the Jaguars need help at defensive end. Previous pick. Calais Campbell.
27. San Diego, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. After losing Michael Turner, the Chargers grab another powerful runner to pair with LaDanian Tomlinson. Previous pick: Gosder Cherlius.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas. The Cowboys roll the dice, even though Talib reportedly skipped a scheduled meeting with them recently. Previous pick: Talib.
29. San Francisco, Quentin Groves, LB, Auburn. Groves was an undersized defensive end at Auburn, but will play outside linebacker in San Francisco’s 3-4.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Al Harris and Charles Woodson aren’t getting any younger. Previous pick: Dan Connor.
31. N.Y. Giants, Kenny Phillps, S, Miami (Fla.). Phillips didn’t run well, but he’s a playmaker. Previous pick: Reggie Smith.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A closer look at the schedule
At first glance, the Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 schedule looks loaded with annual and potential playoff contenders – and it is.
But looking at it a little more closely, it's not as bad as it seems.
In fact, the playoffs could be a strong possiblility again in Mike Tomlin's second season.
I know – it's difficult to look at a schedule, particularly before the draft, and say who's going to do what.
But if you look at it with an eye on the past, you can get an idea of what the end result will look like.
The Steelers open at home Sept. 7 in a game against the Houston Texans, a game they should win with relative ease.
After that, they travel to Cleveland to face the team many feel will be the one to beat in the AFC North this season.
But Cleveland still has to show that it can beat the Steelers, something it has done just once in the last 10 times the two teams have met. Even though it will be a Sunday night game and the Browns will be fired up for prime time, I’m not ready to chalk that up as a loss just yet.
We'll come back to this game later.
Next, Pittsburgh travels cross state to face Philadelphia Sept. 21.
The Eagles will be coming off a short week after playing at Dallas on Monday night. Again, it’s a tough game, but not one I’d ready to assume is a loss even though the Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia in the regular season since 1965, going 0-7 in that span.
The Steelers return home to face Baltimore in a Monday night game Sept. 29, a game they should win.
They next head to Jacksonville on a short week to face the Jaguars in another prime time game, one that is likely a loss. Pittsburgh has its bye in Week 6 and comes out of that to head to Cincinnati. Given what Cincinnati has done this offseason, there’s nothing to suggest the Steelers shouldn’t win that game.
After that, Pittsburgh comes home to face the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, a game they should be able to win at home. As the Steelers found out a couple of years ago, everybody gives the defending champions their best shot.
They then head to Washington for a Monday night game Nov. 3 in what should be another tossup.
Nov. 9, the Steelers return home on the short week to face Indianapolis. But Indianapolis will be coming off a game against New England, which, given the way that game has been treated in recent years, will be like a mini-Super Bowl.
It smells like a letdown game to me for the Colts.
The Steelers had better not have a similar letdown the next week, as San Diego rolls into Pittsburgh. But the Chargers are just 2-12 in games in Pittsburgh, so you have to like the Steelers in that one as well.
Finally, a three-game home swing ends Thursday, Nov. 20 with a game against Cincinnati, a game that will be very difficult for the Bengals considering the short week.
That should be another victory.
Pittsburgh heads to New England Nov. 30 in what should be a sure loss before coming back home to host Dallas Dec. 7. The game will be the Cowboys’ lone road trip in a five-game stretch and we’ll write it off as a loss.
After that, Pittsburgh heads on a two-game road trip, first at Baltimore, then at Tennessee.
The Steelers, for whatever reason, always seem to split with the Ravens, so a win at Heinz Field earlier in the year will mean that we’ll chalk up a loss in that one.
At Tennessee the next week, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau should be able to come up with a plan to shut down the running game and force Vince Young to beat the Steelers, something I don’t think he’s capable of doing.
Finally, the Steelers finish up with Cleveland at home in a game that could decide the winner of the AFC North.
With the schedule the way it is before the bye, the Steelers figure to be 3-2 at best, 2-3 at worst at that point.
If they start 3-2, wins over Cincinnati (twice), the Giants, Indianapolis, San Diego and Tennessee will have the Steelers sitting at 9-6 heading into the finale with the Browns and likely mean that a win at Heinz Field will give the Steelers a playoff spot and/or the AFC North title.
If they go 2-3 in their first five games, they’re going to have to steal a win at some point – against Dallas at home, or Baltimore or Washington on the road – to get to where a win over the Browns in the finale will put them at 10-6.
Now all of this supposes wins over a couple of tough teams at home – Indianapolis and San Diego – along the way. But that's not out of the question.
What happens with the draft and injuries will certainly play a factor in what eventually happens this season.
But the bottom line is that the Steelers figure to be in the hunt for the playoffs again in 2008.
But looking at it a little more closely, it's not as bad as it seems.
In fact, the playoffs could be a strong possiblility again in Mike Tomlin's second season.
I know – it's difficult to look at a schedule, particularly before the draft, and say who's going to do what.
But if you look at it with an eye on the past, you can get an idea of what the end result will look like.
The Steelers open at home Sept. 7 in a game against the Houston Texans, a game they should win with relative ease.
After that, they travel to Cleveland to face the team many feel will be the one to beat in the AFC North this season.
But Cleveland still has to show that it can beat the Steelers, something it has done just once in the last 10 times the two teams have met. Even though it will be a Sunday night game and the Browns will be fired up for prime time, I’m not ready to chalk that up as a loss just yet.
We'll come back to this game later.
Next, Pittsburgh travels cross state to face Philadelphia Sept. 21.
The Eagles will be coming off a short week after playing at Dallas on Monday night. Again, it’s a tough game, but not one I’d ready to assume is a loss even though the Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia in the regular season since 1965, going 0-7 in that span.
The Steelers return home to face Baltimore in a Monday night game Sept. 29, a game they should win.
They next head to Jacksonville on a short week to face the Jaguars in another prime time game, one that is likely a loss. Pittsburgh has its bye in Week 6 and comes out of that to head to Cincinnati. Given what Cincinnati has done this offseason, there’s nothing to suggest the Steelers shouldn’t win that game.
After that, Pittsburgh comes home to face the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, a game they should be able to win at home. As the Steelers found out a couple of years ago, everybody gives the defending champions their best shot.
They then head to Washington for a Monday night game Nov. 3 in what should be another tossup.
Nov. 9, the Steelers return home on the short week to face Indianapolis. But Indianapolis will be coming off a game against New England, which, given the way that game has been treated in recent years, will be like a mini-Super Bowl.
It smells like a letdown game to me for the Colts.
The Steelers had better not have a similar letdown the next week, as San Diego rolls into Pittsburgh. But the Chargers are just 2-12 in games in Pittsburgh, so you have to like the Steelers in that one as well.
Finally, a three-game home swing ends Thursday, Nov. 20 with a game against Cincinnati, a game that will be very difficult for the Bengals considering the short week.
That should be another victory.
Pittsburgh heads to New England Nov. 30 in what should be a sure loss before coming back home to host Dallas Dec. 7. The game will be the Cowboys’ lone road trip in a five-game stretch and we’ll write it off as a loss.
After that, Pittsburgh heads on a two-game road trip, first at Baltimore, then at Tennessee.
The Steelers, for whatever reason, always seem to split with the Ravens, so a win at Heinz Field earlier in the year will mean that we’ll chalk up a loss in that one.
At Tennessee the next week, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau should be able to come up with a plan to shut down the running game and force Vince Young to beat the Steelers, something I don’t think he’s capable of doing.
Finally, the Steelers finish up with Cleveland at home in a game that could decide the winner of the AFC North.
With the schedule the way it is before the bye, the Steelers figure to be 3-2 at best, 2-3 at worst at that point.
If they start 3-2, wins over Cincinnati (twice), the Giants, Indianapolis, San Diego and Tennessee will have the Steelers sitting at 9-6 heading into the finale with the Browns and likely mean that a win at Heinz Field will give the Steelers a playoff spot and/or the AFC North title.
If they go 2-3 in their first five games, they’re going to have to steal a win at some point – against Dallas at home, or Baltimore or Washington on the road – to get to where a win over the Browns in the finale will put them at 10-6.
Now all of this supposes wins over a couple of tough teams at home – Indianapolis and San Diego – along the way. But that's not out of the question.
What happens with the draft and injuries will certainly play a factor in what eventually happens this season.
But the bottom line is that the Steelers figure to be in the hunt for the playoffs again in 2008.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
I guess I was right
When Cedrick Wilson was released last month following his arrest for assaulting his former girlfriend in a crowded bar, many pundits claimed the Steelers weren’t being consistent.
Why did the team release Wilson and not linebacker James Harrison or running back Najeh Davenport, two players facing similar charges?
At the time, I simply stated that while Wilson allegedly punched his former girlfriend in a crowded bar with multiple witnesses, there were no witnesses in Harrison and Davenport’s cases other than the two men and the two women involved.
In the past couple of weeks, charges against Harrison were dropped, while Davenport won a case in court, showing that I was right.
I’m not saying that domestic violence isn’t abhorrent and doesn’t occur. But when it becomes a case of one person’s word against another, it’s awfully hard to prove guilt unless there are obvious signs of trauma. It become a case of he said-she said. And any parent knows that there is no good way to settle such disputes without evidence.
In Wilson’s case, however, with a number of witnesses available, there was no way he was going to be proven innocent.
Why did the team release Wilson and not linebacker James Harrison or running back Najeh Davenport, two players facing similar charges?
At the time, I simply stated that while Wilson allegedly punched his former girlfriend in a crowded bar with multiple witnesses, there were no witnesses in Harrison and Davenport’s cases other than the two men and the two women involved.
In the past couple of weeks, charges against Harrison were dropped, while Davenport won a case in court, showing that I was right.
I’m not saying that domestic violence isn’t abhorrent and doesn’t occur. But when it becomes a case of one person’s word against another, it’s awfully hard to prove guilt unless there are obvious signs of trauma. It become a case of he said-she said. And any parent knows that there is no good way to settle such disputes without evidence.
In Wilson’s case, however, with a number of witnesses available, there was no way he was going to be proven innocent.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
First mock
With the NFL draft now just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start figuring out who is going to go where.
Here’s one stab at who could – or at least in my opinion, should – go where.
1. Miami Dolphins, Chris Long, DE. Virginia. Long is everything you’d want in a player, though the Dolphins would certainly like to trade down to acquire more picks.
2. St. Louis, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. St. Louis’ offensive line was awful last season because of injuries and ineffectiveness.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. Dorsey’s workouts eased a lot of minds about his injuries.
4. Oakland, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Raiders have been spending like crazy this offseason, but there is still a need at defensive tackle. Former USC assistant Lane Kiffin knows all about Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. When your quarterbacks are Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, that position is an obvious need. Offfensive line is as well, but the Chiefs have to grab the QB.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. Thomas Jones isn’t getting any younger and underwhelmed in his first season in the Big Apple last season.
7. New England, Vernon Ghoulston, DE/OLB, Ohio State. Bill Belichick loves players with position flexibility. Ghoulston fits the bill.
8. Baltimore Ravens, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. Jonathan Ogden is likely done. Clady will help fill the void.
9. Cincinnati, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Bengals would have loved Ellis to fall to them, but settle for a stud linebacker.
10. New Orleans, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State. The Saints added Randall Gay and still have Mike McKenzie, but McKenzie is 32.
11. Buffalo, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Buffalo had just 26 sacks last season. Harvey will help the pass rush.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. Matt Lepsis retired, leaving a big hole on the Broncos’ offensive line. Denver is really looking to move down, though.
13. Carolina, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Panthers snap up the player the Steelers would really love to have.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears need to upgrade the offensive line and Otah could be plugged in at right tackle as a road grader.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions failed in their efforts to sign Julius Jones and released Kevin Jones.
16. Arizona, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. It looks like Antrelle Rolle is moving to free safety full time.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Kenechi Udeze’s diagnosis with cancer makes this a big need.
18. Houston, Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami (Fla.). The Texans had an NFL-worst 11 interceptions last season. He didn’t run well at the combine, but he’s a playmaker.
19. Philadelphia, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Even with the signing of Asante Samuel, the Eagles are looking to get rid of Lito Sheppard.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are older than Mozes.
21. Washington, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. New head coach Jim Zorn will be looking for a big receiver to match with Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El once the top defensive ends are off the board.
22. Dallas, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. There is some concern that Marion Barber won’t be able to hold up getting 300 carries with his physical running style.
23. Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn. Groves will play immediately as a situational pass rusher even though the Steelers took linebackers with their first two picks last year. Gosder Cherlius is a possibility, but the Steelers stay true to their board and take the best player available.
24. Tennessee, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans lost a lot on their defensive front this offseason and Jeff Fisher’s teams are always strong up front.
25. Seattle, Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M. Fred Davis is a possibility, but Bennett is a better all-around player, particularly as a blocker.
26. Jacksonville, Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla.). It’s hard to believe considering how the Jags’ defense played against the Steelers, but they need help on the defensive line.
27. San Diego, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. Cherlius will be expected to step into the lineup in place of Shane Olivea.
28. Dallas, Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas. Dallas could have gone corner with its first pick, but the value is here now.
29. San Francisco, Pat Sims, DT, Auburn. Sims will help keep blockers off of last year’s top pick and NFL defensive rookie of the year Patrick Willis.
30. Green Bay, Dan Connor, LB, Penn State. Will challenge Brady Poppinga right out of the gate.
31. N.Y. Giants, Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma. Smith could play corner or safety and the Giants need help at both spots.
Here’s one stab at who could – or at least in my opinion, should – go where.
1. Miami Dolphins, Chris Long, DE. Virginia. Long is everything you’d want in a player, though the Dolphins would certainly like to trade down to acquire more picks.
2. St. Louis, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. St. Louis’ offensive line was awful last season because of injuries and ineffectiveness.
3. Atlanta, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. Dorsey’s workouts eased a lot of minds about his injuries.
4. Oakland, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. The Raiders have been spending like crazy this offseason, but there is still a need at defensive tackle. Former USC assistant Lane Kiffin knows all about Ellis.
5. Kansas City, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. When your quarterbacks are Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, that position is an obvious need. Offfensive line is as well, but the Chiefs have to grab the QB.
6. N.Y. Jets, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. Thomas Jones isn’t getting any younger and underwhelmed in his first season in the Big Apple last season.
7. New England, Vernon Ghoulston, DE/OLB, Ohio State. Bill Belichick loves players with position flexibility. Ghoulston fits the bill.
8. Baltimore Ravens, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. Jonathan Ogden is likely done. Clady will help fill the void.
9. Cincinnati, Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Bengals would have loved Ellis to fall to them, but settle for a stud linebacker.
10. New Orleans, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State. The Saints added Randall Gay and still have Mike McKenzie, but McKenzie is 32.
11. Buffalo, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Buffalo had just 26 sacks last season. Harvey will help the pass rush.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. Matt Lepsis retired, leaving a big hole on the Broncos’ offensive line. Denver is really looking to move down, though.
13. Carolina, Branden Albert, G/OT, Virginia. The Panthers snap up the player the Steelers would really love to have.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears need to upgrade the offensive line and Otah could be plugged in at right tackle as a road grader.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions failed in their efforts to sign Julius Jones and released Kevin Jones.
16. Arizona, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. It looks like Antrelle Rolle is moving to free safety full time.
17. Minnesota, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Kenechi Udeze’s diagnosis with cancer makes this a big need.
18. Houston, Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami (Fla.). The Texans had an NFL-worst 11 interceptions last season. He didn’t run well at the combine, but he’s a playmaker.
19. Philadelphia, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Even with the signing of Asante Samuel, the Eagles are looking to get rid of Lito Sheppard.
20. Tampa Bay, Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are older than Mozes.
21. Washington, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. New head coach Jim Zorn will be looking for a big receiver to match with Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El once the top defensive ends are off the board.
22. Dallas, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. There is some concern that Marion Barber won’t be able to hold up getting 300 carries with his physical running style.
23. Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn. Groves will play immediately as a situational pass rusher even though the Steelers took linebackers with their first two picks last year. Gosder Cherlius is a possibility, but the Steelers stay true to their board and take the best player available.
24. Tennessee, Kentwaan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans lost a lot on their defensive front this offseason and Jeff Fisher’s teams are always strong up front.
25. Seattle, Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M. Fred Davis is a possibility, but Bennett is a better all-around player, particularly as a blocker.
26. Jacksonville, Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla.). It’s hard to believe considering how the Jags’ defense played against the Steelers, but they need help on the defensive line.
27. San Diego, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. Cherlius will be expected to step into the lineup in place of Shane Olivea.
28. Dallas, Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas. Dallas could have gone corner with its first pick, but the value is here now.
29. San Francisco, Pat Sims, DT, Auburn. Sims will help keep blockers off of last year’s top pick and NFL defensive rookie of the year Patrick Willis.
30. Green Bay, Dan Connor, LB, Penn State. Will challenge Brady Poppinga right out of the gate.
31. N.Y. Giants, Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma. Smith could play corner or safety and the Giants need help at both spots.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Three weeks and counting
Here we sit three weeks away from the biggest weekend of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers and we really don’t know anything more about the team’s plans than we did a month ago.
Here we sit three weeks away from the biggest weekend of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers and we really don’t know anything more about the team’s plans than we did a month ago.
Despite the signing of center Justin Hartwig, the Steelers still have a need for players on their offensive line. He’s not a capable replacement for All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, who signed with the Jets, but he could push Sean Mahan to the bench.
And after flirting with signing Booger McFarland to improve their offensive line depth, the Steelers instead re-signed Nick Eason, a player who failed when given a chance to replace injured Aaron Smith in 2007. Add to that the re-signing of Travis Kirschke, and the defensive line right now has the exact same group of performers that it did last season.
So other than adding Hartwig, the Steelers have done nothing to improve their play up front – something head coach Mike Tomlin said was a necessity after last season’s collapse down the stretch.
Where does that leave the team?
Virginia guard Branden Albert – the player most linked to the Steelers now on draft boards – is said to be a player on the rise as teams are beginning to look at the athletic junior as a possible left tackle prospect.
If Albert is gone, the Steelers won’t panic. They’ll still make a pick or trade down – with only six picks, a trade up is very unlikely.
But looking at the current draft boards, their options will be limited. The only other first-round lineman the team has met with is tackle Gosder Cherlius.
The release of No. 4 wideout Cedrick Wilson last month after assault charges were filed against him leaves an opening at that position, though some in the organization think Dallas Baker, a seventh-round pick last year, may be ready to jump into that spot.
Still, Hines Ward isn’t getting any younger and adding a talented receiver such as Michigan State’s Devin Thomas would make sense. But the Steelers haven’t hosted any high-profile wide receiver prospects and it appears they won’t make that position a priority.
The Steelers have hosted Kansas State cornerback Aqib Talib, a first-round talent who should be available at pick No. 23. And given Deshea Townsend’s advancing age, he would be a sensible fallback option as well should Albert be gone.
Tracy Porter, another cornerback with a low first, high second-round grade, will also visit the team next week, showing that may be what the team is thinking.
The only other players who have visited thus far who have possible first-round grades are linebacker prospects Quentin Groves and Cliff Avril, though some consider defensive tackle Dre Moore – another visitor – a late first-rounder.
They would improve the depth in the front seven and would also make sense, particularly given the age concerns the team has to have in that group.
We’re closing in on the pick, just as, I’m sure, the Steelers are as well.
Here we sit three weeks away from the biggest weekend of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers and we really don’t know anything more about the team’s plans than we did a month ago.
Despite the signing of center Justin Hartwig, the Steelers still have a need for players on their offensive line. He’s not a capable replacement for All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, who signed with the Jets, but he could push Sean Mahan to the bench.
And after flirting with signing Booger McFarland to improve their offensive line depth, the Steelers instead re-signed Nick Eason, a player who failed when given a chance to replace injured Aaron Smith in 2007. Add to that the re-signing of Travis Kirschke, and the defensive line right now has the exact same group of performers that it did last season.
So other than adding Hartwig, the Steelers have done nothing to improve their play up front – something head coach Mike Tomlin said was a necessity after last season’s collapse down the stretch.
Where does that leave the team?
Virginia guard Branden Albert – the player most linked to the Steelers now on draft boards – is said to be a player on the rise as teams are beginning to look at the athletic junior as a possible left tackle prospect.
If Albert is gone, the Steelers won’t panic. They’ll still make a pick or trade down – with only six picks, a trade up is very unlikely.
But looking at the current draft boards, their options will be limited. The only other first-round lineman the team has met with is tackle Gosder Cherlius.
The release of No. 4 wideout Cedrick Wilson last month after assault charges were filed against him leaves an opening at that position, though some in the organization think Dallas Baker, a seventh-round pick last year, may be ready to jump into that spot.
Still, Hines Ward isn’t getting any younger and adding a talented receiver such as Michigan State’s Devin Thomas would make sense. But the Steelers haven’t hosted any high-profile wide receiver prospects and it appears they won’t make that position a priority.
The Steelers have hosted Kansas State cornerback Aqib Talib, a first-round talent who should be available at pick No. 23. And given Deshea Townsend’s advancing age, he would be a sensible fallback option as well should Albert be gone.
Tracy Porter, another cornerback with a low first, high second-round grade, will also visit the team next week, showing that may be what the team is thinking.
The only other players who have visited thus far who have possible first-round grades are linebacker prospects Quentin Groves and Cliff Avril, though some consider defensive tackle Dre Moore – another visitor – a late first-rounder.
They would improve the depth in the front seven and would also make sense, particularly given the age concerns the team has to have in that group.
We’re closing in on the pick, just as, I’m sure, the Steelers are as well.
Mozes in Minnesota
Washington native Dan Mozes is getting a great opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings with starting center Matt Birk skipping the team's offseason workouts because he's unhappy with his contract.
Mozes, the former West Virginia star, missed the entire 2007 season after blowing out a knee in training camp during a scrimmage with Kansas City.
The former Rimington Award winner as college football's best center signed with the Vikings following the 2007 draft and was given a decent chance on making that team's roster.
Right now, with Birk sitting out, Mozes is the only true center on the team's roster.
Mozes, the former West Virginia star, missed the entire 2007 season after blowing out a knee in training camp during a scrimmage with Kansas City.
The former Rimington Award winner as college football's best center signed with the Vikings following the 2007 draft and was given a decent chance on making that team's roster.
Right now, with Birk sitting out, Mozes is the only true center on the team's roster.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Preseason schedule, other notes
The Steelers' preseason schedule is as follows.
Date Time Opponent/TV
TBD............................. TBD........................ PHILADELPHIA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug. 14 ....... 7:30 p.m. ........... at Buffalo (Toronto)/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Saturday, Aug. 23........ 8 p.m. .......................................................... at Minnesota/CBS
Thursday, Aug. 28....... TBD .............................. CAROLINA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Though there is no date and time for the first game, you can figure that it will be Thursday, Friday or Saturday of the preceeding week, which would mean it will be played around Aug. 8 or 9. That would mean the team's training camp will open 14 days prior to that for those of you making plans on coming to Latrobe.
© The Bengals finally had it with Chris Henry on Thursday after his arrest for assault, releasing the oft-troubled former West Virginia star.
Chad Johnson is also an unhappy camper and is asking to be traded. But with Henry now gone, that's unlikely to happen.
In fact, despite needing extensive help on their defensive front, the Bengals may now be forced to use a high draft pick on a wide receiver, something few thought would be needed a couple of seasons ago.
Character matters.
© In case you hadn't heard, the assault charges against Steelers linebacker James Harrison were dropped.
Harrison voluntarily entered domestic abuse counseling and the alleged victim in the case wanted no further retribution.
There is a good chance Harrison will not face a suspension from the league because the charges were dropped.
Date Time Opponent/TV
TBD............................. TBD........................ PHILADELPHIA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug. 14 ....... 7:30 p.m. ........... at Buffalo (Toronto)/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Saturday, Aug. 23........ 8 p.m. .......................................................... at Minnesota/CBS
Thursday, Aug. 28....... TBD .............................. CAROLINA/KDKA-TV, FSN Pittsburgh
Though there is no date and time for the first game, you can figure that it will be Thursday, Friday or Saturday of the preceeding week, which would mean it will be played around Aug. 8 or 9. That would mean the team's training camp will open 14 days prior to that for those of you making plans on coming to Latrobe.
© The Bengals finally had it with Chris Henry on Thursday after his arrest for assault, releasing the oft-troubled former West Virginia star.
Chad Johnson is also an unhappy camper and is asking to be traded. But with Henry now gone, that's unlikely to happen.
In fact, despite needing extensive help on their defensive front, the Bengals may now be forced to use a high draft pick on a wide receiver, something few thought would be needed a couple of seasons ago.
Character matters.
© In case you hadn't heard, the assault charges against Steelers linebacker James Harrison were dropped.
Harrison voluntarily entered domestic abuse counseling and the alleged victim in the case wanted no further retribution.
There is a good chance Harrison will not face a suspension from the league because the charges were dropped.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Steelers shut out in comp picks
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have six picks to work with in the NFL draft later this month after receiving no compensatory picks from the NFL on Monday.
Two other AFC North teams were a little more fortunate.
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals received four picks each, the most awarded to any team this year.
Baltimore lost four compensatory free agents in 2007, including star linebacker Adalius Thomas to New England, and didn’t sign any.
Cincinnati lost five free agents, including guard Eric Steinbach, who signed with division rival Cleveland.
Only four of this year’s picks were awarded in the third round – the highest level at which compensatory picks are given – as Washington, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Baltimore picked up extra selections at the end of that round.
A total of 15 teams were awarded compensatory picks as Washington, Chicago, Indianapolis and Philadelphia each got three selections. Buffalo, Carolina and Miami got two extra picks, while Atlanta, Green Bay, St. Louis, San Diego, Tennessee and the New York Giants were awarded one.
Two other AFC North teams were a little more fortunate.
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals received four picks each, the most awarded to any team this year.
Baltimore lost four compensatory free agents in 2007, including star linebacker Adalius Thomas to New England, and didn’t sign any.
Cincinnati lost five free agents, including guard Eric Steinbach, who signed with division rival Cleveland.
Only four of this year’s picks were awarded in the third round – the highest level at which compensatory picks are given – as Washington, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Baltimore picked up extra selections at the end of that round.
A total of 15 teams were awarded compensatory picks as Washington, Chicago, Indianapolis and Philadelphia each got three selections. Buffalo, Carolina and Miami got two extra picks, while Atlanta, Green Bay, St. Louis, San Diego, Tennessee and the New York Giants were awarded one.
Monday, March 31, 2008
I'm baaaack
Those who are frequent visitors to this blog – both of you – know that I haven't been around for the past week. I was on vacation in Florida, taking the family away for a little R&R.
But I'm obviously back now and ready to hit the ground running as we head into the draft.
The big news of the past week was the Steelers' interest and then lack of interest in signing Booger McFarland following his release by Indianapolis.
The big defensive tackle would have been used as a backup with the Steelers, someone capable of filling in at all three line positions.
Of course, McFarland then barely passed his physical with the team's doctors and the Steelers thought better of it, re-signing Nick Eason instead.
It's not a particularly good tradeoff and keeps the very distinct possibility alive that a defensive lineman will be selected by the Steelers fairly early in the draft later this month.
This team will not go into next season with Travis Kirschke, Eason and Chris Hoke as it's only options behind the starters as it did last season.
Hoke is solid, while Kirschke showed he still has something left in the tank - though you don't want him starting. Eason, however, isn't much more than a camp body.
Ryan McBean is entering his second season with the team and needs to take a big step forward if he is to contribute.
But I'm obviously back now and ready to hit the ground running as we head into the draft.
The big news of the past week was the Steelers' interest and then lack of interest in signing Booger McFarland following his release by Indianapolis.
The big defensive tackle would have been used as a backup with the Steelers, someone capable of filling in at all three line positions.
Of course, McFarland then barely passed his physical with the team's doctors and the Steelers thought better of it, re-signing Nick Eason instead.
It's not a particularly good tradeoff and keeps the very distinct possibility alive that a defensive lineman will be selected by the Steelers fairly early in the draft later this month.
This team will not go into next season with Travis Kirschke, Eason and Chris Hoke as it's only options behind the starters as it did last season.
Hoke is solid, while Kirschke showed he still has something left in the tank - though you don't want him starting. Eason, however, isn't much more than a camp body.
Ryan McBean is entering his second season with the team and needs to take a big step forward if he is to contribute.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Of course there are differences
No sooner had the Steelers released wide receiver Cedrick Wilson than the finger-pointing started.
Releasing Wilson following his arrest for assault while keeping linebacker James Harrison following an incident in which he received similar charges showed the Steelers’ hypocrisy.
But that’s not the whole story.
Are different players treated differently for the same infraction? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than just that.
As team president Dan Rooney later explained, “In the situation with James Harrison, he contacted us immediately after his incident and has taken responsibility for his actions. In today's decision with Cedrick Wilson, we determined the situation was severe enough to warrant the player being released immediately.”
There was also a difference in the two situations beyond that.
While Wilson stormed into a public place and allegedly struck his former girlfriend in a crowded restaurant, Harrison allegedly struck his girlfriend at a private residence.
What’s the difference, you might ask?
In Wilson’s case, there are 50 to 100 witnesses that saw him strike his former girlfriend.
In Harrison’s case, the only two people who know what happened are Harrison and his girlfriend.
And, right or wrong, these kind of cases often come down to a he-said, she-said situation.
Harrison reportedly admitted to police and the Steelers immediately after his incident that he did, indeed, strike the woman.
That, in itself, shows some remorse.
Fact is, he could have said nothing happened and would have had a good chance of getting the charges dropped in court.
Wilson’s infraction, on the other hand, showed an extreme lack of sense. Who, after all, goes into a restaurant and picks a fight? And with a woman, at that?
Couple that with the problems the couple had in January, when police were called to Wilson’s home after the woman in question fired a couple of shots – while Wilson wasn’t there – following an argument, and you see a relationship that is troubled.
In fact, it’s a good idea that if SWAT is called into your relationship, you probably shouldn’t see that person any more.
The Steelers likely sat down with Wilson after that and told him as much. Yet he walked into a crowded restaurant and slugged his former girlfriend.
Smart.
Would the Steelers have released Wilson if he were a starting wide receiver?
Maybe, maybe not.
But the fact is, he isn’t.
And different employees are treated differently, based on their value to the company.
Harrison is likely looking at a one-game suspension – at least – from the NFL for his infraction if convicted.
Perhaps the Steelers felt that punishment in itself will be enough to insure that Harrison will walk the straight and narrow from now on.
In Wilson’s case, he was a guy who already had a tenuous spot, at best, on the roster. His arrest and the fact there was no doubt about his actions was just the final straw.
The biggest thing to me is that these kind of incidents are a symptom of one of the ills of our society.
The Steelers have had four players arrested for assault on a woman they were involved with in recent years – Santonio Holmes, Najeh Davenport, Harrison and Wilson.
In each case, the woman involved was somebody that the player had fathered a child with out of wedlock.
That, in itself, is usually a recipe for problems.
The mother is angry that the father didn’t marry her. The father usually ends up angry because he doesn’t get to see the child as much as he likes – if he wants to at all. And those bad feelings lead to plenty of arguments.
But society doesn’t frown upon these kind of unions as it did, say, 30 years ago.
Releasing Wilson following his arrest for assault while keeping linebacker James Harrison following an incident in which he received similar charges showed the Steelers’ hypocrisy.
But that’s not the whole story.
Are different players treated differently for the same infraction? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than just that.
As team president Dan Rooney later explained, “In the situation with James Harrison, he contacted us immediately after his incident and has taken responsibility for his actions. In today's decision with Cedrick Wilson, we determined the situation was severe enough to warrant the player being released immediately.”
There was also a difference in the two situations beyond that.
While Wilson stormed into a public place and allegedly struck his former girlfriend in a crowded restaurant, Harrison allegedly struck his girlfriend at a private residence.
What’s the difference, you might ask?
In Wilson’s case, there are 50 to 100 witnesses that saw him strike his former girlfriend.
In Harrison’s case, the only two people who know what happened are Harrison and his girlfriend.
And, right or wrong, these kind of cases often come down to a he-said, she-said situation.
Harrison reportedly admitted to police and the Steelers immediately after his incident that he did, indeed, strike the woman.
That, in itself, shows some remorse.
Fact is, he could have said nothing happened and would have had a good chance of getting the charges dropped in court.
Wilson’s infraction, on the other hand, showed an extreme lack of sense. Who, after all, goes into a restaurant and picks a fight? And with a woman, at that?
Couple that with the problems the couple had in January, when police were called to Wilson’s home after the woman in question fired a couple of shots – while Wilson wasn’t there – following an argument, and you see a relationship that is troubled.
In fact, it’s a good idea that if SWAT is called into your relationship, you probably shouldn’t see that person any more.
The Steelers likely sat down with Wilson after that and told him as much. Yet he walked into a crowded restaurant and slugged his former girlfriend.
Smart.
Would the Steelers have released Wilson if he were a starting wide receiver?
Maybe, maybe not.
But the fact is, he isn’t.
And different employees are treated differently, based on their value to the company.
Harrison is likely looking at a one-game suspension – at least – from the NFL for his infraction if convicted.
Perhaps the Steelers felt that punishment in itself will be enough to insure that Harrison will walk the straight and narrow from now on.
In Wilson’s case, he was a guy who already had a tenuous spot, at best, on the roster. His arrest and the fact there was no doubt about his actions was just the final straw.
The biggest thing to me is that these kind of incidents are a symptom of one of the ills of our society.
The Steelers have had four players arrested for assault on a woman they were involved with in recent years – Santonio Holmes, Najeh Davenport, Harrison and Wilson.
In each case, the woman involved was somebody that the player had fathered a child with out of wedlock.
That, in itself, is usually a recipe for problems.
The mother is angry that the father didn’t marry her. The father usually ends up angry because he doesn’t get to see the child as much as he likes – if he wants to at all. And those bad feelings lead to plenty of arguments.
But society doesn’t frown upon these kind of unions as it did, say, 30 years ago.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wilson arrested
According to reports, wide receiver Cedrick Wilson has been arrested for a fight at a restuarant in Pittsburgh.
If this is the case, it could spell the end of Wilson's days with the Steelers.
Wilson, you'll remember, was involved with an altercation with his then-girlfriend at his home. She apparently had an armed standoff with police at the home - though Wilson was not there.
In the latest altercation, Wilson reportedly assaulted the now ex-girlfriend.
Though technically, he wasn't at fault - though if you read some of the things she claimed he said to her, he was – in the first altercation, there certainly will be plenty of witnesses around for this latest run-in.
It won't be a matter of he-said, she-said. It will be a matter of what the crowd witnessed.
If this is the case, it could spell the end of Wilson's days with the Steelers.
Wilson, you'll remember, was involved with an altercation with his then-girlfriend at his home. She apparently had an armed standoff with police at the home - though Wilson was not there.
In the latest altercation, Wilson reportedly assaulted the now ex-girlfriend.
Though technically, he wasn't at fault - though if you read some of the things she claimed he said to her, he was – in the first altercation, there certainly will be plenty of witnesses around for this latest run-in.
It won't be a matter of he-said, she-said. It will be a matter of what the crowd witnessed.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Random notes
© According to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, the Steelers agreed to contract terms with former Carolina center Justin Hartwig. The deal is reportedly for two years, worth $4 million, and includes a $975,000 bonus.
© Visitors to this blog know that I was in favor of this move as it will send Sean Mahan to the bench and help solidify what was the team's biggest problem area on its offensive line last season.
© The Steelers announced Tuesday that guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Trai Essex have signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders with the team.
That means both are intent on working out with the team during the voluntary workout sessions that began Monday.
© Anybody who has kept an eye on who the Steelers bring in prior to the draft knows that they usually are guys who the team winds up selecting in the draft as well.
That said, here's an early list of players they have already brought in or are scheduled to bring in:
Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
Mike Pollak, OC, Arizona St.
Dre' Moore, DL, Maryland
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Keilen Dykes, DE, WVU
Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Curtis Johnson, OLB/DE, Clark-Atlanta
Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
© Visitors to this blog know that I was in favor of this move as it will send Sean Mahan to the bench and help solidify what was the team's biggest problem area on its offensive line last season.
© The Steelers announced Tuesday that guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Trai Essex have signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders with the team.
That means both are intent on working out with the team during the voluntary workout sessions that began Monday.
© Anybody who has kept an eye on who the Steelers bring in prior to the draft knows that they usually are guys who the team winds up selecting in the draft as well.
That said, here's an early list of players they have already brought in or are scheduled to bring in:
Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
Mike Pollak, OC, Arizona St.
Dre' Moore, DL, Maryland
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Keilen Dykes, DE, WVU
Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
Curtis Johnson, OLB/DE, Clark-Atlanta
Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
Friday, March 14, 2008
Steelers bring in Hartwig
Apparently, somebody with the Steelers reads my blog.
Pittsburgh brought in center Justin Hartwig for a visit Friday, looking at yet another possible replacement for Sean Mahan.
Hartwig, a starter for the Panthers and Titans, would be a definite upgrade over Mahan, who didn't pan out after signing with the team as a free agent in 2007.
The Steelers also like youngster Darnell Stapleton. But the question is if they like him enough to name him a starter heading into 2008 with Mahan being the only other alternative.
Their interest in Rex Hadnot last week would suggest not.
Pittsburgh brought in center Justin Hartwig for a visit Friday, looking at yet another possible replacement for Sean Mahan.
Hartwig, a starter for the Panthers and Titans, would be a definite upgrade over Mahan, who didn't pan out after signing with the team as a free agent in 2007.
The Steelers also like youngster Darnell Stapleton. But the question is if they like him enough to name him a starter heading into 2008 with Mahan being the only other alternative.
Their interest in Rex Hadnot last week would suggest not.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Steelers have another visitor
The Steelers hosted Kansas City linebacker Keyaron Fox on Tuesday, the sixth free agent the team has brought in thus far.
The only one they have signed has been running back Mewelde Moore, though the team did re-sign linebacker Andre Frazier as well.
Despite Frazier's new deal, the team is still searching for a capable replacement for former special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt, who was released a couple of weeks ago.
Kriewaldt had been the team's backup to inside linebacker James Farrior.
The 6-3, 235-pound Fox is a four-year pro who was a third-round pick of the Chiefs.
He's started four games in his career and saw some playing time as KC's fourth linebacker when it shifted to a 3-4 at times last season.
He's also been a solid special teams contributor for the Chiefs.
Also, Tennessee free agent free safety Donnie Nickey will visit the team sometime later this week. Nickie is a very good special teams player.
One thing that jumped out at me Tuesday was Carolina's release of center Justin Hartwig.
Hartwig, 29, is 6-4, 315 pounds and has plenty of starting experience, both in Carolina and Tennessee.
A groin problem ended his 2006 season, while a knee injury did him in 2007.
He's definitely somebody worth taking a look at for the Steelers.
The only one they have signed has been running back Mewelde Moore, though the team did re-sign linebacker Andre Frazier as well.
Despite Frazier's new deal, the team is still searching for a capable replacement for former special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt, who was released a couple of weeks ago.
Kriewaldt had been the team's backup to inside linebacker James Farrior.
The 6-3, 235-pound Fox is a four-year pro who was a third-round pick of the Chiefs.
He's started four games in his career and saw some playing time as KC's fourth linebacker when it shifted to a 3-4 at times last season.
He's also been a solid special teams contributor for the Chiefs.
Also, Tennessee free agent free safety Donnie Nickey will visit the team sometime later this week. Nickie is a very good special teams player.
One thing that jumped out at me Tuesday was Carolina's release of center Justin Hartwig.
Hartwig, 29, is 6-4, 315 pounds and has plenty of starting experience, both in Carolina and Tennessee.
A groin problem ended his 2006 season, while a knee injury did him in 2007.
He's definitely somebody worth taking a look at for the Steelers.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Cross Hadnot off the list
The Cleveland Browns saved the Steelers from themselves, signing guard/center Rex Hadnot.
The Steelers had Hadnot in for a visit last week, soon after the loss of Alan Faneca in free agency.
But as I had previously stated, I wasn't a big fan of signing him since Miami had let him walk with no apparent replacement in sight.
Those notions were verified over the weekend by people I talked to, who told me Hadnot is a journeyman-type and would have been a negligible upgrade over center Sean Mahan.
Now, the Steelers can look elsewhere for help.
One player who would intrigue me is former Jacksonville guard Chris Naeole.
Naeole ended the 2007 season in injured reserve after suffering a torn tendon in his quad and was released March 3.
The 33-year-old is a nasty run blocker who had proven to be very durable in his 12-year career before this recent injury. If he checks out OK physically, he could be just the kind of player who would help the Steelers up front immediately.
The Steelers had Hadnot in for a visit last week, soon after the loss of Alan Faneca in free agency.
But as I had previously stated, I wasn't a big fan of signing him since Miami had let him walk with no apparent replacement in sight.
Those notions were verified over the weekend by people I talked to, who told me Hadnot is a journeyman-type and would have been a negligible upgrade over center Sean Mahan.
Now, the Steelers can look elsewhere for help.
One player who would intrigue me is former Jacksonville guard Chris Naeole.
Naeole ended the 2007 season in injured reserve after suffering a torn tendon in his quad and was released March 3.
The 33-year-old is a nasty run blocker who had proven to be very durable in his 12-year career before this recent injury. If he checks out OK physically, he could be just the kind of player who would help the Steelers up front immediately.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Harrison arrested
Steelers linebacker James Harrison was arrested in Ohio Township for assaulting his girlfriend early Saturday morning.
According to the reports, Harrison slapped the woman.
We'll have more in this when we find it, but Harrison could be facing a suspension from the NFL if convicted.
According to the reports, Harrison slapped the woman.
We'll have more in this when we find it, but Harrison could be facing a suspension from the NFL if convicted.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Steelers bring in Crocker
Free agent free safety Chris Crocker visited the Steelers Thursday, but left without a contract.
Crocker, a former Browns' draft pick, played in 2007 for Atlanta, recording a career-high three interceptions.
Crocker is the second free safety brought in by the Steelers for a visit this week, joining New England's Eugene Wilson.
That would seem to signal that the team was not only unhappy with Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter at the position after Ryan Clark was lost for the season, but that it doesn't have a lot of faith that Clark will recover from his surgery to remove his spleen.
Smith, though, could be slated for a move to strong safety.
Crocker, a former Browns' draft pick, played in 2007 for Atlanta, recording a career-high three interceptions.
Crocker is the second free safety brought in by the Steelers for a visit this week, joining New England's Eugene Wilson.
That would seem to signal that the team was not only unhappy with Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter at the position after Ryan Clark was lost for the season, but that it doesn't have a lot of faith that Clark will recover from his surgery to remove his spleen.
Smith, though, could be slated for a move to strong safety.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Wilson leaves, Hadnot visits
Free safety Eugene Wilson came and left the Steelers on Tuesday without a contract offer.
Guard/center Rex Hadnot visited Wednesday, though he, too, hasn't received a formal contract offer as of yet.
Wilson would be likely need to be promised a starting job to be induced into signing with the Steelers, who are optimistic Ryan Clark can return from his medical problems of last year.
Clark has been working out at the team's facility after having surgery during the season to have his spleen removed.
Anthony Smith started in Clark's place after the surgery and was benched late in the year in favor of veteran Tyrone Carter.
Hadnot would be used as a veteran to push Chris Kemoeatu at left guard – in place of Alan Faneca – and Sean Mahan and Darnell Stapleton at center.
At 6-2, 325 pounds, he has more bulk than the 295-pound Mahan, who was the team's starting center last year.
Guard/center Rex Hadnot visited Wednesday, though he, too, hasn't received a formal contract offer as of yet.
Wilson would be likely need to be promised a starting job to be induced into signing with the Steelers, who are optimistic Ryan Clark can return from his medical problems of last year.
Clark has been working out at the team's facility after having surgery during the season to have his spleen removed.
Anthony Smith started in Clark's place after the surgery and was benched late in the year in favor of veteran Tyrone Carter.
Hadnot would be used as a veteran to push Chris Kemoeatu at left guard – in place of Alan Faneca – and Sean Mahan and Darnell Stapleton at center.
At 6-2, 325 pounds, he has more bulk than the 295-pound Mahan, who was the team's starting center last year.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Steelers sign Roethlisberger, Moore
The Steelers made their first big splash of the offseason, signing QB Ben Roethlisberger to an eight-year contract extension worth $102 million and signing free agent running back Mewelde Moore.
Roethlisberger's signing was a priority for the team an gives them stability for the better part of the next decade at the position.
Moore, as regular readers of this blog know, was one of the target players for the Steelers, mainly due to his abilities as a return man and third-down back.
He'll handle punt and kickoff returns for the Steelers and also catch a lot of passes out of the backfield spelling Willie Parker, serving in the same role Kevin Faulk does in New England.
Moore's deal is for three years.
The Steelers are scheduled to host New England free safety Eugene Wilson later this week.
Roethlisberger's signing was a priority for the team an gives them stability for the better part of the next decade at the position.
Moore, as regular readers of this blog know, was one of the target players for the Steelers, mainly due to his abilities as a return man and third-down back.
He'll handle punt and kickoff returns for the Steelers and also catch a lot of passes out of the backfield spelling Willie Parker, serving in the same role Kevin Faulk does in New England.
Moore's deal is for three years.
The Steelers are scheduled to host New England free safety Eugene Wilson later this week.
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