***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2012 Thread (3 Viewers)

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Next on the plank...@RalphCindrich: Percentages are not w/ #Steelers keeping @JamesFarrior. He wanted to retire a PS but he is healthy & ready-wants to play. Good morning!

Again not a surprise. The real surprise is that Aaron Smith and Chris Kemoeatu are still on the team.

Check back next week.

 

[The Hank]

Per Schefter & La Canfora, Steelers plan to release Aaron Smith in the coming days

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

@ScottBrown_Trib: Steelers to release Aaron Smith. His agent, Peter Schaffer, says Smith has no hard feelings and that he "bleeds black and gold."

@ScottBrown_Trib: Schaffer: "No one ever wants this day to come but we're not focused on that. We're focused on the last 14 years."

 

[The Hank]

Per Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib), G Chris Kemoeatu released

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I find that tough to believe since they went out of their way to get him 1000 catches.

He was already on the team at that point though. Bouchette was intimating that some on the coaching staff, including the HC, didn't want him to brought back at all for '11.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Per Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib), G Chris Kemoeatu released

Finally.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

He's also tweeting that Farrior's agent "expects the same."

 

[The Hank]

Per Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib), G Chris Kemoeatu released

Finally.

But he's a pro bowl alternate and pulls really well!

 

[hammerva]

In a day filled with doom and gloom with Ward, Smith, and probably Farrior gone thank god some sunshine with Kemoeatu released. Although it pretty much confirms that n OL is getting drafted first

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

@EdBouchette: #steelers create about $9.7 M in cap room in two days: Chris K 3.6. Aaron Smith 2.1, Hines Ward 4, less their replacements on top 51

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

@jimwexell: According to SCI capologist Ian Whetstone, Steelers about $10-11M under cap: Can afford draft picks, RFA tenders, insurance vs. offer to MW.

 

[Godsbrother]

@jimwexell: According to SCI capologist Ian Whetstone, Steelers about $10-11M under cap: Can afford draft picks, RFA tenders, insurance vs. offer to MW.

and I bet they ain't done trimming either.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Worthy cuts with cap savings:

Farrior $2.8 mill

Jon Scott $2.2 mill

Will Allen $1.3 mill

Likely to take a pay cut/cap number:

Casey Hampton $4.9 mill

Could still be restructured/cap number:

Troy Polamalu $6.2 mill

James Harrison $5.6 mill

Heath Miller $4.3 mill

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/09/steelers-2012-salary-cap-total-players-under-contract/

 

[Steel Dillo]

I just hope he doesn't go to Baltimore.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/03/01/ed-bouchette-ward-would-love-to-play-in-baltimore/?src=fb

Luckily that's just Bouchette's opinion. Hines hasn't said this.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

In a day filled with doom and gloom with Ward, Smith, and probably Farrior gone thank god some sunshine with Kemoeatu released. Although it pretty much confirms that n OL is getting drafted first

As much as I'd like to believe this....I don't.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Farrior cut.

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/228850/football-headlines?r=1

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

 

[Grid71]

I certainly want to keep Wallace, but there are worse things in the world I can think of than the 2012 Steelers lining up with Brown, Sanders, and Cotchery as WR1/2/3.

to Hines. It's been a lot of fun.

into the sunset for Hines. The man truly bleeds Black n Gold.That said, I really liked Cotchery last season and felt he was under utilized. Did I miss him signing with the Steelers for 2012? :FingersCrossed:

No, but I sure hope I'm not going out on a limb in thinking that if they lost Hines AND Wallace that they'd make sure they kept Cotch around.

Just making sure I didn't miss anything. Cotch is a good complimentary receiver. Sure handed too other than one notable drop. He could have showed more if the team wasn't trying to get Hines to 1k.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

In a day filled with doom and gloom with Ward, Smith, and probably Farrior gone thank god some sunshine with Kemoeatu released. Although it pretty much confirms that n OL is getting drafted first

As much as I'd like to believe this....I don't.

I'm sure it will depend on who's there. At this point, who is on the opening day starting line?Gilbert - Foster - Pouncey - Legursky - Colon

A guy who hasn't played in almost two years, two guys who have spent most of their careers as backups, a 2nd year player starting at an entirely new position and one all-Star. No continuity from last year, it could be ugly.

 

[Copeman]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

Agree completely. If the Steelers kind of tail off in wins this year, I will attribute it to lack of leadership, etc..., the things you mention, rather than talent.

 

[Grid71]

In a day filled with doom and gloom with Ward, Smith, and probably Farrior gone thank god some sunshine with Kemoeatu released. Although it pretty much confirms that n OL is getting drafted first

As much as I'd like to believe this....I don't.

Agreed. A team can't go into the draft locked into one position. If the value isn't there or better value somewhere else is available, you have to go that route.That said, it sure would be sweet if a premium OT or G falls to Pittsburgh.

 

[Godsbrother]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

Agree completely. If the Steelers kind of tail off in wins this year, I will attribute it to lack of leadership, etc..., the things you mention, rather than talent.

There is still plenty of leadership on the team but I agree it is tough seeing all of these players that were such a big part of the Steelers success move on.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

In a day filled with doom and gloom with Ward, Smith, and probably Farrior gone thank god some sunshine with Kemoeatu released. Although it pretty much confirms that n OL is getting drafted first

As much as I'd like to believe this....I don't.

Agreed. A team can't go into the draft locked into one position. If the value isn't there or better value somewhere else is available, you have to go that route.That said, it sure would be sweet if a premium OT or G falls to Pittsburgh.

I think they're pretty locked in to NT or ILB.

 

[Copeman]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

Agree completely. If the Steelers kind of tail off in wins this year, I will attribute it to lack of leadership, etc..., the things you mention, rather than talent.

There is still plenty of leadership on the team but I agree it is tough seeing all of these players that were such a big part of the Steelers success move on.

Sure there is some leadership left, but when you lose you defensive captain, special teams captain, and what many considered the heart and soul of the team, among quite a few others, that's gonna leave a mark.It's gonna look like a very different team. Lots of cohesiveness and familiarity gone.

 

[Steel Dillo]

Not sure if it was posted yet, but apparently Haley & Ben have talked.

My link

 

[belljr]

Not sure I'm going to know any players next year

Agree, it had to be done but it does "hurt" a little seeing everyone go

 

[Godsbrother]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

Agree completely. If the Steelers kind of tail off in wins this year, I will attribute it to lack of leadership, etc..., the things you mention, rather than talent.

There is still plenty of leadership on the team but I agree it is tough seeing all of these players that were such a big part of the Steelers success move on.

Sure there is some leadership left, but when you lose you defensive captain, special teams captain, and what many considered the heart and soul of the team, among quite a few others, that's gonna leave a mark.It's gonna look like a very different team. Lots of cohesiveness and familiarity gone.

Agreed. It wouldn't surprise me to see at least one of these guys back at a reduced rate.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

In a day filled with doom and gloom with Ward, Smith, and probably Farrior gone thank god some sunshine with Kemoeatu released. Although it pretty much confirms that n OL is getting drafted first

As much as I'd like to believe this....I don't.

Agreed. A team can't go into the draft locked into one position. If the value isn't there or better value somewhere else is available, you have to go that route.That said, it sure would be sweet if a premium OT or G falls to Pittsburgh.

I think they're pretty locked in to NT or ILB.

I think they're going to have a pool of guys with 1st round grades at positions they're looking to draft. It may be a pool like : DeCastro, Glenn, Reiff, Kirkpatrick or Jenkins(if they haven't been taken off their board entirely), Kuechly, Hightower, Irvin, Poe, Floyd, etc.. etc... and they'll take whoever grades highest that hasn't been snapped up.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

Same could have been said about Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, Rod Woodson (who should have stayed) Fanaca, and Joey Porter etc. at the time. But the Steelers rebuilt and moved on.

 

[36th Chamber]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

Agree completely. If the Steelers kind of tail off in wins this year, I will attribute it to lack of leadership, etc..., the things you mention, rather than talent.

And the fact we have a new OC

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I know the Steelers needed to make these moves, but this is tough to read. Smith, Farrior, Ward - these guys were cornerstones of an almost-dynastic team. Replacing their (current) talent is easier than replacing the leadership, work ethic, attitude that these guys bring to the facility every day.

Same could have been said about Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, Rod Woodson (who should have stayed) Fanaca, and Joey Porter etc. at the time. But the Steelers rebuilt and moved on.

Oh, I know, it's just never easy to see those veterans cut, guys who have been part of the fabric of the franchise for so long.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

(Brett Keisel via Facebook)

Steeler Nation, we can all use some good news about now, right? From Marcus Gilbert: "Coach Wilson looks great, walking and still smiling like always! Should be out soon!"

 

[5-ish Finkle]

(Brett Keisel via Facebook)

Steeler Nation, we can all use some good news about now, right? From Marcus Gilbert: "Coach Wilson looks great, walking and still smiling like always! Should be out soon!"

Give 'em hell, Kirby.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I hate the Steelers but not that I live in PA have lots of friends that are Steelers fans and I respect the organization. The Steelers are going to look very different this year. The kind of leadership that just walked out the door is tough to replace. They will be good this year but it will be different. The Patriots have won lots of games since 2007 but didnt return to the Super Bowl until this year. Losing Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Willie McGinest, Joe Andruzzi and other stalwarts has been tough for the Patriots. The Steelers will probably win plenty of games this year but it might be a couple of years until they return to the status as a true SB contender.

 

[Fiddles]

tomlin talks on ward, farrior, smith, and the transition to new locker room leadership

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Tomlin-on-Ward-Smith-and-Farrior/cfba17da-e9d4-4186-ad74-9645a16cf2fd

 

[Fiddles]

Cordy Glenn had a great combine yesterday. Pair that with a very good senior bowl week, and he might be gone by 24 Mike Adams also had a bad combine. 19 reps? And they were saying its easier for short armed guys like him and harder for a long armed guy like Glenn (who had 31)...I think Im ready to cross Adams off my want list.

From Bloom's Bulldog Pro Day round up

Offensive lineman Cordy Glenn solidified his first-round grade with an impressive set of drills, and Pauline had an interesting report on his possible destination There's a feeling in the scouting community Glenn is headed into the top half of round one, possibly to the Dallas Cowboys.This is higher than most of the media expects Glenn to go, so expect him to move up in mock drafts in the next few weeks.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1091976-pro-day-tracker-2012-nfl-draft-news-from-georgia-and-minnesotas-pro-day

 

[The Hank]

Cordy Glenn had a great combine yesterday. Pair that with a very good senior bowl week, and he might be gone by 24 Mike Adams also had a bad combine. 19 reps? And they were saying its easier for short armed guys like him and harder for a long armed guy like Glenn (who had 31)...I think Im ready to cross Adams off my want list.

From Bloom's Bulldog Pro Day round up

Offensive lineman Cordy Glenn solidified his first-round grade with an impressive set of drills, and Pauline had an interesting report on his possible destination There's a feeling in the scouting community Glenn is headed into the top half of round one, possibly to the Dallas Cowboys.This is higher than most of the media expects Glenn to go, so expect him to move up in mock drafts in the next few weeks.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1091976-pro-day-tracker-2012-nfl-draft-news-from-georgia-and-minnesotas-pro-day

I think that we're going to be looking at Hightower because Poe and Glenn will be off the board by the time we pick

 

[belljr]

tomlin talks on ward, farrior, smith, and the transition to new locker room leadershiphttp://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Tomlin-on-Ward-Smith-and-Farrior/cfba17da-e9d4-4186-ad74-9645a16cf2fd

Good read. I Tomlin

 

[Kenny Powers]

Cordy Glenn had a great combine yesterday. Pair that with a very good senior bowl week, and he might be gone by 24 Mike Adams also had a bad combine. 19 reps? And they were saying its easier for short armed guys like him and harder for a long armed guy like Glenn (who had 31)...I think Im ready to cross Adams off my want list.

From Bloom's Bulldog Pro Day round up

Offensive lineman Cordy Glenn solidified his first-round grade with an impressive set of drills, and Pauline had an interesting report on his possible destination There's a feeling in the scouting community Glenn is headed into the top half of round one, possibly to the Dallas Cowboys.This is higher than most of the media expects Glenn to go, so expect him to move up in mock drafts in the next few weeks.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1091976-pro-day-tracker-2012-nfl-draft-news-from-georgia-and-minnesotas-pro-day

I think that we're going to be looking at Hightower because Poe and Glenn will be off the board by the time we pick

Yup, and it might be a good thing because I think Hightower is by far the least likely to be a bust or underachiever of the 3.And those 3 are my clear top 3 wishes for the draft, so its not like Im not high on Poe and Glenn.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Hightower looks slow to me in the videos. He doesn't deliver with a ton of pop either.

Im not saying he is a bad player, because he *wraps up very well (which may be perfect for us), is *willing to hit the hole to get after the carrier and has *tremndous size.

But he doesnt chase much down and isnt very fluid in drop back coverage - something Farrior (and even a guy like Kirkland) did very well until he got old.

I realize his 265# frame and 4.69 forty time are very impressive, but it doesn't show a lot.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I like Hightower and have got to see a decent amount of his games. He's a really good player, who has been well coached, with a very high floor.

He also probably has a pretty low ceiling.

That isn't a bad thing, necessarily, and I won't snuff at them taking him in round one if that's how things break. He's worth the pick, fills a glaring need and will probably be a pretty good starter for whomever drafts him for a while. That said, I won't weep like a little girl if they decided to go a different route either, because I'm not sure he'll ever be a "game changer" at the NFL level.

As a late first though, it'd be hard to complain much about Hightower even with his deficiencies in coverage(Unless, of course, there was cleary some difference maker available that they passed on to take him).

 

[Idiot Boxer]

No chance Keuchly falls to us, right?

 

[treat88]

No chance Keuchly falls to us, right?

FA might shake things up, but he is easily the #1 ILB on the board.Slimmest of hopes....no way we could be so fortunate.Outside of DeCastro, he'd be my top pick.

 

[MAC_32]

No chance Keuchly falls to us, right?

Given how the league values LB's I'd say it's entirely possible he falls.

 

[The Hank]

No chance Keuchly falls to us, right?

Given how the league values LB's I'd say it's entirely possible he falls.

I dont think there's any chance he slips past Philadelphia.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I dont think there's any chance he slips past Philadelphia.

He shouldn't.....but Andy Reid will probably draft a defensive lineman instead.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I like Hightower and have got to see a decent amount of his games. He's a really good player, who has been well coached, with a very high floor.

He also probably has a pretty low ceiling.

That isn't a bad thing, necessarily, and I won't snuff at them taking him in round one if that's how things break. He's worth the pick, fills a glaring need and will probably be a pretty good starter for whomever drafts him for a while. That said, I won't weep like a little girl if they decided to go a different route either, because I'm not sure he'll ever be a "game changer" at the NFL level.

As a late first though, it'd be hard to complain much about Hightower even with his deficiencies in coverage(Unless, of course, there was cleary some difference maker available that they passed on to take him).

How many 3-4 ILB's in the NFL are game changers?!

 

[Kenny Powers]

No chance Keuchly falls to us, right?

Given how the league values LB's I'd say it's entirely possible he falls.

I dont think there's any chance he slips past Philadelphia.

I doubt he is even around for Philly's pick.

 

[MAC_32]

I dont think there's any chance he slips past Philadelphia.

He shouldn't.....but Andy Reid will probably draft a defensive lineman instead.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

How many 3-4 ILB's in the NFL are game changers?!

Hence why I won't shed any tears if they decide to wait until the second round to go after a LB. I'm sure you've heard of Patrick Willis though. And Ray Lewis. And even Timmons to a degree.