According to SteelCityInsider.com, the Steelers worked out Waynesburg University defensive end Mike Czerwien and California University punter Jace Amore after their OTA Thursday.
The 5-8, 225-pound Czerwien led college football with 23 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss last season. He finished his career with 53.5 sacks at Waynesburg.
Obviously, the North Hills High School product would be a linebacker for the Steelers, if they decided to sign him, but no move has been made as of yet.
Amore was a transfer from Temple. The Elizabeth Forward High School grad averaged 40.1 yards per punt last season.
The Steelers did not sign a rookie punter for camp behind Daniel Sepulveda following the draft.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tickets on sale
A limited number of individual game tickets for the Steelers 2008 home games are available through Ticketmaster beginning on Saturday, June 21, at noon. This marks the second consecutive season fans will be able to purchase the tickets through Ticketmaster.
Fans may buy up to four tickets total for the eight regular-season games while there is no limit for the two preseason home contests. A majority of the tickets will be priced at either $59 or $62. However, there will be single seats available at prices ranging from $59-$240.
Tickets will be sold either on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 412-323-1919. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover will be accepted by Ticketmaster. Tickets will not be sold at Ticketmaster outlets.
Since there are a limited number of tickets available, tickets are expected to sell out very quickly.
Fans may buy up to four tickets total for the eight regular-season games while there is no limit for the two preseason home contests. A majority of the tickets will be priced at either $59 or $62. However, there will be single seats available at prices ranging from $59-$240.
Tickets will be sold either on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 412-323-1919. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover will be accepted by Ticketmaster. Tickets will not be sold at Ticketmaster outlets.
Since there are a limited number of tickets available, tickets are expected to sell out very quickly.
Week 2 OTA notes
Rain shortened what was otherwise a pretty lackluster day Tuesday.
A team that had been very loose and having a lot of fun the first week back, didn’t seem all that interested in practicing today. It was probably a little hangover from the long holiday weekend.
The lone time somebody showed some real fire was when safety Anthony Smith jumped a sideline pass from Charlie Batch during a two-minute drill, intercepting it. Smith, of course, couldn’t just pick the pass off, he ran about 10 yards with the ball and then fired it at the fence surrounding the field.
Just when you though the kid might be learning a little something, he goes and does something totally stupid like that.
Why is it stupid?
Much like Joey Porter doing a foot-stomp in training camp and injuring his knee after beating a fourth-string tackle for a sack, Smith firing a ball as hard as he can after picking off a pass in practice is totally meaningless.
The only thing that can happen is an injury.
The coaching staff knows you picked off the pass Anthony. You don’t need any of the extracurricular stuff.
I can guarantee that Dick LeBeau never did anything like that after any of his more than 60 career meaningful interceptions.
© Marvel Smith was still a no-show as he is still at home helping his wife with the birth of their first child. Max Starks continues to hold down the left tackle spot with Smith out, with Willie Colon at right tackle.
Kendall Simmons was present, but still out of action, but Chris Kemoeatu was back at left guard.
With Kemoeatu back in action, Sean Mahan was back at center, with Darnell Stapleton filling in for Simmons at right guard.
The coaching staff seems to really like Stapleton and the fact they feel comfortable enough to line the youngster up at guard as well as his regular center position speaks volumes about that.
© James Harrison was another no-show today, but there was another Harrison, Arnold, holding down the outside linebacker position opposite LaMarr Woodley.
The team isn’t ready to move rookie Bruce Davis up the chart just yet.
© Wide receiver Kevin Marion was only signed by the Steelers after Dorian Bryant failed his physical with the team, but the little man from Wake Forest doesn’t look bad out there.
The 5-10, 168-pound speedster catches everything thrown his way and hasn’t looked like a guy who is technically the last player on the roster.
Just goes to show you that all some guys need is a chance.
A team that had been very loose and having a lot of fun the first week back, didn’t seem all that interested in practicing today. It was probably a little hangover from the long holiday weekend.
The lone time somebody showed some real fire was when safety Anthony Smith jumped a sideline pass from Charlie Batch during a two-minute drill, intercepting it. Smith, of course, couldn’t just pick the pass off, he ran about 10 yards with the ball and then fired it at the fence surrounding the field.
Just when you though the kid might be learning a little something, he goes and does something totally stupid like that.
Why is it stupid?
Much like Joey Porter doing a foot-stomp in training camp and injuring his knee after beating a fourth-string tackle for a sack, Smith firing a ball as hard as he can after picking off a pass in practice is totally meaningless.
The only thing that can happen is an injury.
The coaching staff knows you picked off the pass Anthony. You don’t need any of the extracurricular stuff.
I can guarantee that Dick LeBeau never did anything like that after any of his more than 60 career meaningful interceptions.
© Marvel Smith was still a no-show as he is still at home helping his wife with the birth of their first child. Max Starks continues to hold down the left tackle spot with Smith out, with Willie Colon at right tackle.
Kendall Simmons was present, but still out of action, but Chris Kemoeatu was back at left guard.
With Kemoeatu back in action, Sean Mahan was back at center, with Darnell Stapleton filling in for Simmons at right guard.
The coaching staff seems to really like Stapleton and the fact they feel comfortable enough to line the youngster up at guard as well as his regular center position speaks volumes about that.
© James Harrison was another no-show today, but there was another Harrison, Arnold, holding down the outside linebacker position opposite LaMarr Woodley.
The team isn’t ready to move rookie Bruce Davis up the chart just yet.
© Wide receiver Kevin Marion was only signed by the Steelers after Dorian Bryant failed his physical with the team, but the little man from Wake Forest doesn’t look bad out there.
The 5-10, 168-pound speedster catches everything thrown his way and hasn’t looked like a guy who is technically the last player on the roster.
Just goes to show you that all some guys need is a chance.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Random thoughts
I talked at length to running back Mewelde Moore this week at OTAs and came away impressed with the young man.
While many free agent running backs the Steelers have signed in the past come in looking to carry the ball as much as possible or even win a starting job, Moore – who was signed away from Minnesota – seems to be more than happy to fill his niche with the Steelers.
What will that niche be?
Returning punts and possibly kickoffs and being the third-down back.
Those were both jobs Najeh Davenport filled in the past.
© Gary Russell, another young back the team has, looks awfully good running with the ball. His cuts are sharp and he has a nice burst.
Russell saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2007, but the team liked him enough that it didn't dare try to put him on the practice squad.
With the addition of Moore and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers have a very crowded backfield.
© A national writer took the Steelers to task recently after Mendenhall suffered a strained hamstring during mini-camp, citing that and 2007 No. 1 pick Lawrence Timmons' groin injury as evidence that the Steelers are pushing their young players too hard in these drills.
Maybe he should take a look at Cleveland instead.
Cornerback Daven Holly blew his knee out in the Browns' workouts, adding just another injury to a long list of them that have happened to Cleveland players in that team's workouts.
And after trading Leigh Bodden in the deal to get Shaun Rogers from Detroit, cornerback was one spot the Browns couldn't afford to lose anyone.
Cleveland's run defense may be better this season, but the pass defense promises to be awful.
While many free agent running backs the Steelers have signed in the past come in looking to carry the ball as much as possible or even win a starting job, Moore – who was signed away from Minnesota – seems to be more than happy to fill his niche with the Steelers.
What will that niche be?
Returning punts and possibly kickoffs and being the third-down back.
Those were both jobs Najeh Davenport filled in the past.
© Gary Russell, another young back the team has, looks awfully good running with the ball. His cuts are sharp and he has a nice burst.
Russell saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2007, but the team liked him enough that it didn't dare try to put him on the practice squad.
With the addition of Moore and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers have a very crowded backfield.
© A national writer took the Steelers to task recently after Mendenhall suffered a strained hamstring during mini-camp, citing that and 2007 No. 1 pick Lawrence Timmons' groin injury as evidence that the Steelers are pushing their young players too hard in these drills.
Maybe he should take a look at Cleveland instead.
Cornerback Daven Holly blew his knee out in the Browns' workouts, adding just another injury to a long list of them that have happened to Cleveland players in that team's workouts.
And after trading Leigh Bodden in the deal to get Shaun Rogers from Detroit, cornerback was one spot the Browns couldn't afford to lose anyone.
Cleveland's run defense may be better this season, but the pass defense promises to be awful.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
OTAs reconvene
The Steelers got back together Tuesday for what will be the bulk of their OTAs with most of the team on the practice field. Left tackle Marvel Smith, wide receivers Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes, and strong safety Troy Polamalu – who will miss all of the sessions while working out in Calfornia – were notable exceptions.
Washington, in particular, may not want to miss too much action. Second-year pro Dallas Baker continued right where he left off in mini-camp and was catching everything in sight.
Baker, a seventh-round pick last season who spent the year on the practice squad, looks like a player who's ready to contribute.
© Think the rookies' heads aren't swimming? Think again. Cornerback Travis Williams, an undrafted player, was checking the playlist tucked in his pants before every play, and even sometimes after the ball was snapped, getting a late jump off the line.
He made perhaps the defensive play of the session, however, breaking up a deep ball intended for Willie Reid. Reid, by the way, is firmly on the bubble with this team, especially since his return skills have proven to be less than what they should be.
© With Smith out, the Steelers looked at a lot of different offensive line combinations, using centers Sean Mahan, Darnell Stapleton and Justin Hartwig at guard, and tackles Willie Colon and Trai Essex at guard as well.
Max Starks saw plenty of action at left tackle.
© No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall was still out of action with the hamstring injury suffered in mini-camp, but second-year defensive end Ryan McBean had his cast off and was practicing lightly.
© I saw one player – I believe it was first-year wide receiver Matt Trannon, but it's tough to tell when they're in street clothes and I don't know all the faces yet – in the lunch room with a fresh cast on his hand, something that doesn't bode well for the youngster.
© Punter Daniel Sepulveda looks like his leg is even stronger than last year. He was consistently kicking the ball into the roof at the indoor practice facility, which is 100-feet high. And some of those balls were still rising when they hit.
Washington, in particular, may not want to miss too much action. Second-year pro Dallas Baker continued right where he left off in mini-camp and was catching everything in sight.
Baker, a seventh-round pick last season who spent the year on the practice squad, looks like a player who's ready to contribute.
© Think the rookies' heads aren't swimming? Think again. Cornerback Travis Williams, an undrafted player, was checking the playlist tucked in his pants before every play, and even sometimes after the ball was snapped, getting a late jump off the line.
He made perhaps the defensive play of the session, however, breaking up a deep ball intended for Willie Reid. Reid, by the way, is firmly on the bubble with this team, especially since his return skills have proven to be less than what they should be.
© With Smith out, the Steelers looked at a lot of different offensive line combinations, using centers Sean Mahan, Darnell Stapleton and Justin Hartwig at guard, and tackles Willie Colon and Trai Essex at guard as well.
Max Starks saw plenty of action at left tackle.
© No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall was still out of action with the hamstring injury suffered in mini-camp, but second-year defensive end Ryan McBean had his cast off and was practicing lightly.
© I saw one player – I believe it was first-year wide receiver Matt Trannon, but it's tough to tell when they're in street clothes and I don't know all the faces yet – in the lunch room with a fresh cast on his hand, something that doesn't bode well for the youngster.
© Punter Daniel Sepulveda looks like his leg is even stronger than last year. He was consistently kicking the ball into the roof at the indoor practice facility, which is 100-feet high. And some of those balls were still rising when they hit.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
OTAs start this week
The Steelers will begin their OTAs this week. Check back often to get the latest news and notes.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Spygate ended?
We learned earlier this week that after meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Matt Walsh had no new information on the Patriots' spying case.
That's actually not all that surprising. And it's not all that surprising that Steelers owner Dan Rooney is again saying this should put the issue to rest.
The NFL wants in the worst way for this to go away, The league knows that there were other teams involved in similar things over the years. Hence Goodell's memo to the league's teams saying that he wanted this stuff to stop – before the Patriots were caught.
With the money involved in this, don't expect a smoking gun to turn up. Too many people with far too much power and money have too much at stake for that to happen.
That's actually not all that surprising. And it's not all that surprising that Steelers owner Dan Rooney is again saying this should put the issue to rest.
The NFL wants in the worst way for this to go away, The league knows that there were other teams involved in similar things over the years. Hence Goodell's memo to the league's teams saying that he wanted this stuff to stop – before the Patriots were caught.
With the money involved in this, don't expect a smoking gun to turn up. Too many people with far too much power and money have too much at stake for that to happen.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Not a good sign in Baltimore
According to Associated Press reports out of Baltimore Saturday, the Ravens' mini-camp was the site of a team brawl.
As per the report, nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.
Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.
It has a familiar ring to it for me.
Back in 2000, the Steelers were coming off a 6-10 season and had a similar locker room brawl in which linebackers Jason Gildon and Earl Holmes went after running back Richard Huntley for something that happened on the field.
The jawing continued into the locker room and the fight erupted, with reporters stuck in the middle. Luckily for me, I was not one of the guys stuck in the middle, but I was in the locker room at the time and it was not a pretty sight.
Baltimore is coming off a 5-11 season and many of the veterans, much like the ones in that Pittsburgh locker room, see themselves coming to the end of their careers.
And, in fact, by the time the Steelers were good again in 2001, Holmes and Huntley – two of the main combatants - were gone.
As per the report, nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.
Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.
It has a familiar ring to it for me.
Back in 2000, the Steelers were coming off a 6-10 season and had a similar locker room brawl in which linebackers Jason Gildon and Earl Holmes went after running back Richard Huntley for something that happened on the field.
The jawing continued into the locker room and the fight erupted, with reporters stuck in the middle. Luckily for me, I was not one of the guys stuck in the middle, but I was in the locker room at the time and it was not a pretty sight.
Baltimore is coming off a 5-11 season and many of the veterans, much like the ones in that Pittsburgh locker room, see themselves coming to the end of their careers.
And, in fact, by the time the Steelers were good again in 2001, Holmes and Huntley – two of the main combatants - were gone.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Thoughts on Kemoeatu
In talking with Chris Kemoeatu last weekend at mini-camp, I got the idea that he was feeling a little pressure.
Kemoeatu talked time and again about not wanting to let his teammates down as he attempts to replace All-Pro Alan Faneca at left guard.
Kemoeatu has talent. That's never been the question with him. It's his work ethic, not so much on the field, but off of it. He's never been one to hit the books very hard.
With the starting spot now in front of him, Kemoeatu seems to finally get it.
He talked about how the other veterans were counting on him and how he didn't want to let them down.
It's a start.
Kemoeatu talked time and again about not wanting to let his teammates down as he attempts to replace All-Pro Alan Faneca at left guard.
Kemoeatu has talent. That's never been the question with him. It's his work ethic, not so much on the field, but off of it. He's never been one to hit the books very hard.
With the starting spot now in front of him, Kemoeatu seems to finally get it.
He talked about how the other veterans were counting on him and how he didn't want to let them down.
It's a start.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Mini-camp thoughts
The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their second mini-camp under head coach Mike Tomlin Sunday with hat day.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked ridiculous dropping back to pass with his big, floppy sombrero, but not as ridiculous as placekicker Jeff Reed and long snapper Greg Warren, who were both running around with firemen’s hats on.
Roethlisberger was going for laughs – as was running back Najeh Davenport, who had a huge afro wig on. Reed and Warren undoubtedly thought they were being cool.
Of course, wide receiver Hines Ward wore a silly old-school football helmet all weekend, but he’s another matter altogether.
But the whole thing kind of showed how this team keeps things loose. Throughout every practice, they play little games with each other – ones that have been going on for years now – to keep everything a little light.
Talking to newcomer Justin Hartwig Sunday after his first camp with the team, he said the Steelers’ locker room was much different than any other he’s been in. Hartwig, who spent time with Tennessee and Carolina, said the outside view of the Steelers’ organization is one of class and respect all the way.
And things like Sunday are why this team doesn’t seem to flinch when it loses venerable leaders like Alan Faneca, as it did this offseason.
© It was particularly good to see Ryan Clark on the field running around again.
Had you seen Clark in the locker room last October, you would have wondered if he would make it through the week, not set foot on the football field again.
But Tomlin is still taking a wait-and-see approach. Until the hitting starts, we really won't know if Clark is back.
© Davenport was lining up at fullback some in this mini-camp and while that in itself is not all that uncommon, it’s become much more important for the veteran this year.
With the offseason additions of Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall, there aren’t many roster spots left for running backs behind Willie Parker and fullback Carey Davis.
Playing some fullback might be something that keeps Davenport on the active roster.
© Pity poor Ryan McBean.
Assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Mitchell usually has a promising rookie to beat up on in training camp every year, giving that youngster his undivided, and often caustic, attention.
We reporter types love to wander over to the defensive line workouts during training camp to listen to the Mitch-isms.
With no new draft picks on the line this year, McBean will again be Mitchell’s whipping boy – once he recovers from his lingering foot injury.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked ridiculous dropping back to pass with his big, floppy sombrero, but not as ridiculous as placekicker Jeff Reed and long snapper Greg Warren, who were both running around with firemen’s hats on.
Roethlisberger was going for laughs – as was running back Najeh Davenport, who had a huge afro wig on. Reed and Warren undoubtedly thought they were being cool.
Of course, wide receiver Hines Ward wore a silly old-school football helmet all weekend, but he’s another matter altogether.
But the whole thing kind of showed how this team keeps things loose. Throughout every practice, they play little games with each other – ones that have been going on for years now – to keep everything a little light.
Talking to newcomer Justin Hartwig Sunday after his first camp with the team, he said the Steelers’ locker room was much different than any other he’s been in. Hartwig, who spent time with Tennessee and Carolina, said the outside view of the Steelers’ organization is one of class and respect all the way.
And things like Sunday are why this team doesn’t seem to flinch when it loses venerable leaders like Alan Faneca, as it did this offseason.
© It was particularly good to see Ryan Clark on the field running around again.
Had you seen Clark in the locker room last October, you would have wondered if he would make it through the week, not set foot on the football field again.
But Tomlin is still taking a wait-and-see approach. Until the hitting starts, we really won't know if Clark is back.
© Davenport was lining up at fullback some in this mini-camp and while that in itself is not all that uncommon, it’s become much more important for the veteran this year.
With the offseason additions of Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall, there aren’t many roster spots left for running backs behind Willie Parker and fullback Carey Davis.
Playing some fullback might be something that keeps Davenport on the active roster.
© Pity poor Ryan McBean.
Assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Mitchell usually has a promising rookie to beat up on in training camp every year, giving that youngster his undivided, and often caustic, attention.
We reporter types love to wander over to the defensive line workouts during training camp to listen to the Mitch-isms.
With no new draft picks on the line this year, McBean will again be Mitchell’s whipping boy – once he recovers from his lingering foot injury.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Steelers add WR
The Dorian Bryant mystery is over.
The Purdue WR/return man failed his physical with the Steelers, which is why he was in town Thursday, but not with the team Friday when mini-camp opened.
The Steelers signed Wake Forst wide receiver Kevin Marion to take his place on the roster.
The 5-foot-10 Marion caught 44 passes for 485 yards and one touchdown during his career at Wake Forest, making 18 catches for 192 yards as a senior in 2007.
The Purdue WR/return man failed his physical with the Steelers, which is why he was in town Thursday, but not with the team Friday when mini-camp opened.
The Steelers signed Wake Forst wide receiver Kevin Marion to take his place on the roster.
The 5-foot-10 Marion caught 44 passes for 485 yards and one touchdown during his career at Wake Forest, making 18 catches for 192 yards as a senior in 2007.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Opening mini-camp thoughts
The first day of mini-camp is always tough because there are so many new players on the field, you actually need a roster handy to figure out who's who. By the time training camp rolls around, I've learned all the numbers, so it's not a problem.
But for now, I have to look at the roster before and after every play.
© Several vets were sitting out, Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu among them.
It's no big deal, as it gives some younger guys more reps.
© With Polamalu out, Tyrone Carter was at strong safety. Ryan Clark was at free safety. Clark, by the way, was wearing No. 21, as was new running back Mewelde Moore. I guess they'll have to wrestle to see who actually gets Ricardo Colclough's old uni.
© The starting offensive line was Marvel Smith at LT, Chris Kemoeatu at LG, Sean Mahan at C, Kendall Simmons at RG and Willie Colon at RT.
I spoke with Smith, who's coming off offseason back surgery, after practice and he said he feels better than he has in years.
The back had been hurting him for several years, but last year it got really bad, causing his right leg to go numb.
He's very excited about finally being able to play pain free.
© Rookie wide receiver Dorian Bryant, an undrafted free agent, is no longer on the roster.
Word is that he was in Pittsburgh Thursday night, but was a no-show for practice Friday. I don't know what's up with that, unless he changed his mind and signed with another team after he took a good look around.
© Quarterback Dennis Dixon, who wasn't supposed to be football ready yet, did take one snap with the offense Friday morning.
But for now, I have to look at the roster before and after every play.
© Several vets were sitting out, Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu among them.
It's no big deal, as it gives some younger guys more reps.
© With Polamalu out, Tyrone Carter was at strong safety. Ryan Clark was at free safety. Clark, by the way, was wearing No. 21, as was new running back Mewelde Moore. I guess they'll have to wrestle to see who actually gets Ricardo Colclough's old uni.
© The starting offensive line was Marvel Smith at LT, Chris Kemoeatu at LG, Sean Mahan at C, Kendall Simmons at RG and Willie Colon at RT.
I spoke with Smith, who's coming off offseason back surgery, after practice and he said he feels better than he has in years.
The back had been hurting him for several years, but last year it got really bad, causing his right leg to go numb.
He's very excited about finally being able to play pain free.
© Rookie wide receiver Dorian Bryant, an undrafted free agent, is no longer on the roster.
Word is that he was in Pittsburgh Thursday night, but was a no-show for practice Friday. I don't know what's up with that, unless he changed his mind and signed with another team after he took a good look around.
© Quarterback Dennis Dixon, who wasn't supposed to be football ready yet, did take one snap with the offense Friday morning.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Looking at the URFAs
The Steelers picked up a couple of young defensive linemen as rookie free agents in Martavius Prince of Southern Mississippi and Jordan Reffett of Washington, but I wouldn't expect either to make a push to make this team as anything except as practice squad players.
My opinion may change once I see them practice - starting this weekend - but that's the feeling for now, as both went undrafted in what was considered a so-so defensive line draft.
Then again, they are just trying to beat out Nick Eason.
The two guys the Steelers did get as undrafted rookies who I like are wide receiver Micah Rucker of Southern Illinois and center Doug Legursky of Marshall.
Rucker is a 6-6 receiver with some speed who had an outstanding season at Southern Illinois last year. He caught two touchdowns working against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – a first-round draft pick – when those two squared off.
Legursky has good size and I felt he had a good chance to be drafted. But there isn't always a strong push to draft centers. He also may be able to play some guard.
My opinion may change once I see them practice - starting this weekend - but that's the feeling for now, as both went undrafted in what was considered a so-so defensive line draft.
Then again, they are just trying to beat out Nick Eason.
The two guys the Steelers did get as undrafted rookies who I like are wide receiver Micah Rucker of Southern Illinois and center Doug Legursky of Marshall.
Rucker is a 6-6 receiver with some speed who had an outstanding season at Southern Illinois last year. He caught two touchdowns working against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – a first-round draft pick – when those two squared off.
Legursky has good size and I felt he had a good chance to be drafted. But there isn't always a strong push to draft centers. He also may be able to play some guard.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
That's a wrap
Let me just say this about the Steelers' draft, they had me right up until they took Dennis Dixon in the fifth round.
Rashard Mendenhall was a great value in the first round, as was Limas Sweed in the second.
Bruce Davis in the third round may have been a little higher than I had him rated, but he's a strong pass-rushing tweener end and that's the same round the Steelers have taken previous stars Joey Porter and Jason Gildon, so it fits – especially now that there are more teams running 3-4 defenses than before. Davis wouldn't have been there when the Steelers drafted in the fourth round.
If Tony Hills can play left tackle, he was well worth a fourth-round pick. He certainly has a better pedigree than Trai Essex, whom the Steelers selected in the third round a few years ago out of Northwestern.
Dixon is a bit of a mystery. He won't be ready to get back onto the football field for at least another month after suffering a torn ACL at the end of last season.
Considering he's fighting to be the team's third QB – which is basically a camp arm – the more time he misses, the worse off he'll be.
And there's a chance he may not even be ready until training camp. That's a lot of reps he'll miss between now and then.
He's a talent, to be sure, but it was a bit of a guilty indulgence.
Mike Humpall, the linebacker out of Iowa who was the first of the team's two sixth-round picks, is the new Clint Kriewaldt. A smart, instinctive player who was a tackling machine at Iowa, Humpall should be an excellent special teams player.
Ryan Mundy, the team's final pick, is another heady player, which is what the Steelers like in their free safeties.
In fact, Mundy is so smart, despite transferring into West Virginia for a fifth year under an NCAA rule that now no longer exists, Mundy was the guy who lined up the Mountaineers on defense last season.
He's also another player who should be a solid special teams player, as should Davis.
Yep, not a bad draft at all.
Rashard Mendenhall was a great value in the first round, as was Limas Sweed in the second.
Bruce Davis in the third round may have been a little higher than I had him rated, but he's a strong pass-rushing tweener end and that's the same round the Steelers have taken previous stars Joey Porter and Jason Gildon, so it fits – especially now that there are more teams running 3-4 defenses than before. Davis wouldn't have been there when the Steelers drafted in the fourth round.
If Tony Hills can play left tackle, he was well worth a fourth-round pick. He certainly has a better pedigree than Trai Essex, whom the Steelers selected in the third round a few years ago out of Northwestern.
Dixon is a bit of a mystery. He won't be ready to get back onto the football field for at least another month after suffering a torn ACL at the end of last season.
Considering he's fighting to be the team's third QB – which is basically a camp arm – the more time he misses, the worse off he'll be.
And there's a chance he may not even be ready until training camp. That's a lot of reps he'll miss between now and then.
He's a talent, to be sure, but it was a bit of a guilty indulgence.
Mike Humpall, the linebacker out of Iowa who was the first of the team's two sixth-round picks, is the new Clint Kriewaldt. A smart, instinctive player who was a tackling machine at Iowa, Humpall should be an excellent special teams player.
Ryan Mundy, the team's final pick, is another heady player, which is what the Steelers like in their free safeties.
In fact, Mundy is so smart, despite transferring into West Virginia for a fifth year under an NCAA rule that now no longer exists, Mundy was the guy who lined up the Mountaineers on defense last season.
He's also another player who should be a solid special teams player, as should Davis.
Yep, not a bad draft at all.
Where's the beef?
3:34 p.m. - Defensive line coach John Mitchell's head has to be spinning right about now as the Steelers have done nothing to address their defensive line in this draft.
With two picks left, one of them has to be a d-lineman.
The favorites right now are Wallace Gilberry from Alabama, Eric Foster from Rutgers or Keilan Dykes from WVU. But Foster and Dykes are NT-types and the Steelers' real need is at end.
With two picks left, one of them has to be a d-lineman.
The favorites right now are Wallace Gilberry from Alabama, Eric Foster from Rutgers or Keilan Dykes from WVU. But Foster and Dykes are NT-types and the Steelers' real need is at end.
A good day's work
There were plenty of happy faces around the offices of the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday.
And why not?
The team had just pulled off a pair of draft-day heists without giving anything up in selecting running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed with its first two picks in the NFL draft.
Think about an offense that gives Willie Parker the ball 15 to 20 times and Mendenhall another 10 or so touches?
Or how about one that now has the 6-4 Sweed to put on the field with Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Nate Washington and Heath Miller with Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger distributing the ball?
Either way you look at it, it could be an explosive offense.
The Steelers came into the draft hoping to solidify their offensive and defensive lines. And to this point, they haven’t accomplished that.
It’s a priority heading into the second day.
By not taking an offensive tackle in the first two rounds Saturday, the Steelers may have uncharacteristically painted themselves into a corner for 2009, when Max Starks, Marvel Smith and Trai Essex are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
And on the defensive line, the same cast of characters returns for 2008 that was here in 2007. That’s not necessarily a good thing considering what happened after Aaron Smith was lost in the second half to injury.
At this point, the team needs to either pick up some linemen, or at least add to its pass rush with a linebacker. They make look for some corner help for depth.
Here’s who the Steelers could be looking at going forward to fill those needs:
Round Three
Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP; Red Bryant, DE, Texas A&M; Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton; Cliff Avril, LB; Purdue; Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan; Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgia
Round Four
Bruce Davis, OLB, ULCA; Darrell Robertson, OLB, Georgia Tech; Bryn Smith, OLB, McNeese State; Breno Giacomini, OT; Louisville; Charles Godfrey, DB, Iowa; John Greco, OL, Kent
Round Five
King Dunlap, OT, Auburn; Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers; James Blair, OT, W. Michigan
Sixth Round
William Hayes, DE, Winston Salem State; Keilen Dykes, DL, West Virginia; Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
And why not?
The team had just pulled off a pair of draft-day heists without giving anything up in selecting running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed with its first two picks in the NFL draft.
Think about an offense that gives Willie Parker the ball 15 to 20 times and Mendenhall another 10 or so touches?
Or how about one that now has the 6-4 Sweed to put on the field with Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Nate Washington and Heath Miller with Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger distributing the ball?
Either way you look at it, it could be an explosive offense.
The Steelers came into the draft hoping to solidify their offensive and defensive lines. And to this point, they haven’t accomplished that.
It’s a priority heading into the second day.
By not taking an offensive tackle in the first two rounds Saturday, the Steelers may have uncharacteristically painted themselves into a corner for 2009, when Max Starks, Marvel Smith and Trai Essex are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
And on the defensive line, the same cast of characters returns for 2008 that was here in 2007. That’s not necessarily a good thing considering what happened after Aaron Smith was lost in the second half to injury.
At this point, the team needs to either pick up some linemen, or at least add to its pass rush with a linebacker. They make look for some corner help for depth.
Here’s who the Steelers could be looking at going forward to fill those needs:
Round Three
Oniel Cousins, OT, UTEP; Red Bryant, DE, Texas A&M; Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton; Cliff Avril, LB; Purdue; Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan; Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgia
Round Four
Bruce Davis, OLB, ULCA; Darrell Robertson, OLB, Georgia Tech; Bryn Smith, OLB, McNeese State; Breno Giacomini, OT; Louisville; Charles Godfrey, DB, Iowa; John Greco, OL, Kent
Round Five
King Dunlap, OT, Auburn; Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers; James Blair, OT, W. Michigan
Sixth Round
William Hayes, DE, Winston Salem State; Keilen Dykes, DL, West Virginia; Jamie Silva, S, Boston College
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Draft day news
The Post-Gazette had Kentwan Balmer as the pick, but I've heard some on the coaching staff don't feel he's quick enough to play end in the 3-4.
With the Patriots taking Mayo, Cherlius is not back in play for the Steelers. Philadelphia and Houston will be key picks.
Baltimore didn't get as much as it should have for the eighth pick in the trade with Jacksonville, but it put the Ravens in a position to take a young QB without having to trade up from the second round.
It's look like Cherlius is going to fall to the Steelers, but it's still dicey. Houston will likely take a lineman, as could Philadelphia and/or Arizona.
Wow. Lots of trades today. Rashard Mendenhall and Michael Jenkins are falling. One of them should be available for the Steelers and would be solid picks.
It looks like Mendenhall is the pick. Wow. Never would have seen that coming until about 4 p.m. today when all the trades started.
Look for the Steelers to target offensive line or defensive line in the second. Targets include Kendall Langford and Dre Moore on the D-line and Chilo Rachal and ONeal Cousins.
The Steelers also like Calais Campbell, even though he's coming off a poor senior season at Miami.
With the Patriots taking Mayo, Cherlius is not back in play for the Steelers. Philadelphia and Houston will be key picks.
Baltimore didn't get as much as it should have for the eighth pick in the trade with Jacksonville, but it put the Ravens in a position to take a young QB without having to trade up from the second round.
It's look like Cherlius is going to fall to the Steelers, but it's still dicey. Houston will likely take a lineman, as could Philadelphia and/or Arizona.
Wow. Lots of trades today. Rashard Mendenhall and Michael Jenkins are falling. One of them should be available for the Steelers and would be solid picks.
It looks like Mendenhall is the pick. Wow. Never would have seen that coming until about 4 p.m. today when all the trades started.
Look for the Steelers to target offensive line or defensive line in the second. Targets include Kendall Langford and Dre Moore on the D-line and Chilo Rachal and ONeal Cousins.
The Steelers also like Calais Campbell, even though he's coming off a poor senior season at Miami.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Final Mock
This is the one that will be appearing the paper Saturday, barring any trade tonight.
1. Miami, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. Miami went the safe route and signed Long to a deal earlier this week. The Dolphins will likely take a quarterback with their first pick in the second round.
2. St. Louis, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. If the Rams stay in this spot, they’ll take Dorsey, but there are a number of teams who may want to move up to get him, New Orleans topping that list.
3. Atlanta, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. If Dorsey were still available, the Falcons may have taken him and waited until the second round for a QB. But Ryan is a nice consolation prize.
4. Oakland, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. How does Al Davis pass on former Raiders’ star Howie Long’s son, Chris? He’s apparently enamored with McFadden, even though the team has a bevy of running backs.
5. Kansas City, Chris Long, DE, Virginia. The trade of Jared Allen to Minnesota netted the Chiefs some extra picks, including Minnesota’s No. 1 this year. Now, the draft nets them a solid replacement for Allen.
6. New York Jets, Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State. The Jets really wanted McFadden, but settle on Gholston, who will shift from defensive end to outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.
7. New England (from San Francisco), Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker before the fifth round of the draft since Bill Belichick became head coach. But retirements and free agency have made that a necessity now.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. The Ravens could move up if Atlanta doesn’t select Ryan. But with Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady fills a big need as well. Baltimore will take a QB in the second round.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. A high character player, Ellis may feel out of place in the Bengals’ locker room. But Cincinnati struck out in all its attempts to acquire a defensive tackle in the offseason.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. If the Saints can’t move up to take Dorsey or Ellis, they’ll take a cornerback. McKelvin is also an excellent return man, allowing the Saints to hold Reggie Bush out of that role.
11. Buffalo, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. The Bills could go for Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas, but will likely wait until the second round to fill that need. Rodgers-Cromartie has the size and speed to match up with bigger wideouts.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the Broncos have a hole at left tackle. Williams fills that need, though there are some rumors that he has back problems, which could mean the Broncos take Branden Albert instead.
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Mike Rucker retired this week and the Panthers need somebody to take the pressure off of Julius Peppers rushing the passer.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears could take a running back, but Otah is just the type of road-grader offensive lineman the Bears like. They can then grab a running back in later rounds.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions released Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett left in free agency. They would take Harvey if he’s available. But since he’s not, Mendenhall should be the pick.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Antrel Rolle is making the move from corner to free safety leaving the Cards with a hole at cornerback. Jenkins is a solid player and gives Ken Whisenhunt some much-needed depth at the position.
17. Kansas City (from Minnesota), Branden Albert, OL, Virginia. Larry Johnson had nowhere to run for much of the season last year because the once-proud Chiefs offensive line was mediocre at best. Albert is an immediate starter.
18. Houston, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. The Texans wanted an offensive lineman or corner, but the guys they were targeting in the first round were off the board, so they fill another need, taking the bruising Stewart.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been searching for a big wideout to pair with Donovan McNabb since Terrell Owens left. Now they get one in Thomas, who had a huge 2007 season.
20. Tampa Bay, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Joey Galloway is 36 years old, even though he hasn’t appeared to slow down much. But at some point, they need a talented young receiver to take his place.
21. Washington, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. New head coach Jim Zorn and owner Daniel Snyder attended Merling’s workouts earlier this week at Clemson. And defensive line is a huge need for the Redskins, though they’d take Thomas or Sweed if they were available.
22. Dallas (from Cleveland), Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. After letting Julius Jones leave in free agency, the Cowboys get a speedy young running back to pair with Marion Barber.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. There isn’t a defensive lineman the Steelers like in this spot and the only other player who might interest them is Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo. Cherlius fills a big need.
24. Tennessee, Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans still have Albert Haynesworth, but need somebody to line up next to him. A wide receiver is possible – James Hardy? – but Jeff Fisher is a defensive-minded coach.
25. Seattle, Lawrence Jackson, USC. Jackson had an excellent on-campus workout a few weeks ago and was productive in USC’s defense. He’s a bit of a surprise here, though, since the Seahawks could also go for a tight end.
26. Jacksonville, Quinton Groves, DE/LB, Auburn. Groves will play defensive end for the Jaguars, who need some help at the position. They would have liked Balmer or Jackson, but settle for Groves.
27. San Diego, Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville. I don’t think the Chargers will be making this pick. But Brohm will be taken in this spot by a team at the top of the second round that wants to move up for a quarterback.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas State. Talib would have gone earlier, but three positive drug tests in college force him down. As Jerry Jones proved earlier this week by trading for Pacman Jones, he doesn’t mind bringing in bad character players.
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis), Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top WR in this draft, but didn’t run well. But he’s a player and even though the 49ers signed Issac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, they need some talented youth at the position.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Cason was considered one of the top corners available until he didn’t run well at the combine. But he’s a playmaker and Green Bay’s starting corners are both over 30.
31. New England (pick forfeited)
32. New York Giants, Jerod Mayo, LB. Tennessee. The Giants could go for a corner or safety, but Mayo is too good to pass up at this point.
1. Miami, Jake Long, OT, Michigan. Miami went the safe route and signed Long to a deal earlier this week. The Dolphins will likely take a quarterback with their first pick in the second round.
2. St. Louis, Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. If the Rams stay in this spot, they’ll take Dorsey, but there are a number of teams who may want to move up to get him, New Orleans topping that list.
3. Atlanta, Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. If Dorsey were still available, the Falcons may have taken him and waited until the second round for a QB. But Ryan is a nice consolation prize.
4. Oakland, Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. How does Al Davis pass on former Raiders’ star Howie Long’s son, Chris? He’s apparently enamored with McFadden, even though the team has a bevy of running backs.
5. Kansas City, Chris Long, DE, Virginia. The trade of Jared Allen to Minnesota netted the Chiefs some extra picks, including Minnesota’s No. 1 this year. Now, the draft nets them a solid replacement for Allen.
6. New York Jets, Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State. The Jets really wanted McFadden, but settle on Gholston, who will shift from defensive end to outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.
7. New England (from San Francisco), Keith Rivers, LB, USC. The Patriots haven’t selected a linebacker before the fifth round of the draft since Bill Belichick became head coach. But retirements and free agency have made that a necessity now.
8. Baltimore, Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. The Ravens could move up if Atlanta doesn’t select Ryan. But with Jonathan Ogden likely to retire, Clady fills a big need as well. Baltimore will take a QB in the second round.
9. Cincinnati, Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. A high character player, Ellis may feel out of place in the Bengals’ locker room. But Cincinnati struck out in all its attempts to acquire a defensive tackle in the offseason.
10. New Orleans, Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. If the Saints can’t move up to take Dorsey or Ellis, they’ll take a cornerback. McKelvin is also an excellent return man, allowing the Saints to hold Reggie Bush out of that role.
11. Buffalo, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. The Bills could go for Michigan State wide receiver Devin Thomas, but will likely wait until the second round to fill that need. Rodgers-Cromartie has the size and speed to match up with bigger wideouts.
12. Denver, Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, the Broncos have a hole at left tackle. Williams fills that need, though there are some rumors that he has back problems, which could mean the Broncos take Branden Albert instead.
13. Carolina, Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Mike Rucker retired this week and the Panthers need somebody to take the pressure off of Julius Peppers rushing the passer.
14. Chicago, Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. The Bears could take a running back, but Otah is just the type of road-grader offensive lineman the Bears like. They can then grab a running back in later rounds.
15. Detroit, Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. The Lions released Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett left in free agency. They would take Harvey if he’s available. But since he’s not, Mendenhall should be the pick.
16. Arizona, Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Antrel Rolle is making the move from corner to free safety leaving the Cards with a hole at cornerback. Jenkins is a solid player and gives Ken Whisenhunt some much-needed depth at the position.
17. Kansas City (from Minnesota), Branden Albert, OL, Virginia. Larry Johnson had nowhere to run for much of the season last year because the once-proud Chiefs offensive line was mediocre at best. Albert is an immediate starter.
18. Houston, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. The Texans wanted an offensive lineman or corner, but the guys they were targeting in the first round were off the board, so they fill another need, taking the bruising Stewart.
19. Philadelphia, Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State. The Eagles have been searching for a big wideout to pair with Donovan McNabb since Terrell Owens left. Now they get one in Thomas, who had a huge 2007 season.
20. Tampa Bay, Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Joey Galloway is 36 years old, even though he hasn’t appeared to slow down much. But at some point, they need a talented young receiver to take his place.
21. Washington, Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. New head coach Jim Zorn and owner Daniel Snyder attended Merling’s workouts earlier this week at Clemson. And defensive line is a huge need for the Redskins, though they’d take Thomas or Sweed if they were available.
22. Dallas (from Cleveland), Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. After letting Julius Jones leave in free agency, the Cowboys get a speedy young running back to pair with Marion Barber.
23. Pittsburgh, Gosder Cherlius, OT, Boston College. There isn’t a defensive lineman the Steelers like in this spot and the only other player who might interest them is Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo. Cherlius fills a big need.
24. Tennessee, Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. The Titans still have Albert Haynesworth, but need somebody to line up next to him. A wide receiver is possible – James Hardy? – but Jeff Fisher is a defensive-minded coach.
25. Seattle, Lawrence Jackson, USC. Jackson had an excellent on-campus workout a few weeks ago and was productive in USC’s defense. He’s a bit of a surprise here, though, since the Seahawks could also go for a tight end.
26. Jacksonville, Quinton Groves, DE/LB, Auburn. Groves will play defensive end for the Jaguars, who need some help at the position. They would have liked Balmer or Jackson, but settle for Groves.
27. San Diego, Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville. I don’t think the Chargers will be making this pick. But Brohm will be taken in this spot by a team at the top of the second round that wants to move up for a quarterback.
28. Dallas, Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas State. Talib would have gone earlier, but three positive drug tests in college force him down. As Jerry Jones proved earlier this week by trading for Pacman Jones, he doesn’t mind bringing in bad character players.
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis), Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma. Kelly was once considered the top WR in this draft, but didn’t run well. But he’s a player and even though the 49ers signed Issac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, they need some talented youth at the position.
30. Green Bay, Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Cason was considered one of the top corners available until he didn’t run well at the combine. But he’s a playmaker and Green Bay’s starting corners are both over 30.
31. New England (pick forfeited)
32. New York Giants, Jerod Mayo, LB. Tennessee. The Giants could go for a corner or safety, but Mayo is too good to pass up at this point.
Draft weekend updates
Check back early and often this weekend as I'll be updating what I'm hearing throughout the draft process Saturday and Sunday from the Steelers' headquarters.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Seahawks cut Alexander
The Seattle Seahawks cut ties with running back Shaun Alexander on Tuesday, a curious move to make on the eve of the draft.
Alexander could interest the Steelers, who continue to look for a complimentary runner for Willie Parker.
With much of the free agent period completed and the draft coming up, there's not a lot of money out there to be spent by teams, so Alexander isn't going to get a big contract.
Detroit may be interested and would make sense as a possible destination, but if Alexander wants to take another run at a Super Bowl, he may not jump at an offer just to start.
Alexander could interest the Steelers, who continue to look for a complimentary runner for Willie Parker.
With much of the free agent period completed and the draft coming up, there's not a lot of money out there to be spent by teams, so Alexander isn't going to get a big contract.
Detroit may be interested and would make sense as a possible destination, but if Alexander wants to take another run at a Super Bowl, he may not jump at an offer just to start.
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