2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Banged up team loses to Buffalo. Looking ahead to 2024 now (1 Viewer)

[steelers1080]

People keep saying that the Steelers should take a 1st round QB, but it feels like even if the QB was talented, they wouldn't be set up for success with a bad O-line and a defense with lots of holes. And just because you take a QB in the first doesn't mean they'll work out and lead to multiple playoff wins, see Baker Mayfield, Johnny Manziel, Brandon Wheeden, Brady Quinn, Tim Couch, etc. 

Lots of talking heads are pointing to Joe Burrow and saying "See! A QB can fix everything." Ok, yeah, except Joe Burrow had the best college football season ever and the QBs coming out this year are being compared to Derek Carr and Andy Dalton with none expected to go top 5. Dalton and Carr are pretty good QBs, above average in their best years, but they're not game changers who are leading their teams to AFC Championships. 

 

[Blick]

People keep saying that the Steelers should take a 1st round QB, but it feels like even if the QB was talented, they wouldn't be set up for success with a bad O-line and a defense with lots of holes. And just because you take a QB in the first doesn't mean they'll work out and lead to multiple playoff wins, see Baker Mayfield, Johnny Manziel, Brandon Wheeden, Brady Quinn, Tim Couch, etc. 

Lots of talking heads are pointing to Joe Burrow and saying "See! A QB can fix everything." Ok, yeah, except Joe Burrow had the best college football season ever and the QBs coming out this year are being compared to Derek Carr and Andy Dalton with none expected to go top 5. Dalton and Carr are pretty good QBs, above average in their best years, but they're not game changers who are leading their teams to AFC Championships. 

Agreed.  We also know that having great RBs like Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt also doesn't translate to success.  

 

[Godsbrother]

I feel like you missed the point I made completely. This 4th quarter comeback stat is basically meaningless, they were trailing almost entirely because of Roethlisberger.

Not sure how many games you actually watched but while Ben wasn't very good the offensive line was by far the weakest link of the team.   

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

People keep saying that the Steelers should take a 1st round QB, but it feels like even if the QB was talented, they wouldn't be set up for success with a bad O-line and a defense with lots of holes. And just because you take a QB in the first doesn't mean they'll work out and lead to multiple playoff wins, see Baker Mayfield, Johnny Manziel, Brandon Wheeden, Brady Quinn, Tim Couch, etc. 

Lots of talking heads are pointing to Joe Burrow and saying "See! A QB can fix everything." Ok, yeah, except Joe Burrow had the best college football season ever and the QBs coming out this year are being compared to Derek Carr and Andy Dalton with none expected to go top 5. Dalton and Carr are pretty good QBs, above average in their best years, but they're not game changers who are leading their teams to AFC Championships. 

If a QB that you love and grades out to whatever you deem acceptable for a long-term starter or difference maker is there, then you take that person, regardless of how your current oline looks.  If that type of QB isn't there, then you continue to build your roster.

The Browns passed on Ben because they were worried about their oline, and they have suffered ever since.

 

[steeler6]

If Fields fell to the Chargers, a deal was in place to move up and get him there.

Any idea what the trade was? 

 

[steelers1080]

If a QB that you love and grades out to whatever you deem acceptable for a long-term starter or difference maker is there, then you take that person, regardless of how your current oline looks.  If that type of QB isn't there, then you continue to build your roster.

The Browns passed on Ben because they were worried about their oline, and they have suffered ever since.

100%, that's what I was trying to get across. If a legit Franchise QB is there in the 1st, trade up to get them (or take them at 20). This class has been noted as historically weak, all of the top 6 QBs in this class are currently ranked below the top 5 from last year's class. That's why I support building the rest of the roster. If the Steelers think that one of these QBs is the next Burrow/Herbert/Mahomes/etc, by all means, pull the trigger!

My assessment could all change based on the offseason activities and Senior Bowl. Maybe Willis was held back by lack of talent around him in the O-line and WR corp (even though he played less challenging competition), maybe Strong is more mobile now that he's further removed from surgery, maybe Ridder isn't just a blah QB who can't hack it in high pressure games against a decent defense. If the Steelers see a Franchise QB, you take him. I just don't see a franchise QB. 

 

[Godsbrother]

If the Steelers see a Franchise QB, you take him. I just don't see a franchise QB. 

Neither do I and this is the main reason why I would prefer they work on solidifying o-line (or any other position) rather than reaching on a QB with the 1st.    

 

[steelers1080]

I just realized that the QB landscape today is very similar to how it was back in 2005. The AFC had the best up and coming QBs in the NFL (Peyton, Brady, Brees), the NFC had 2 decent but aging QBs in Green Bay and Seattle (Favre and Hasselbeck). Hopefully the same thing doesn't happen during this new era with Mahomes and Allen becoming the gatekeepers of the AFC for the next 16 years. Between 2004 and 2019, Brady or Manning were the AFC's QB in the Super Bowl 12 of 16 times, with the Ravens accounting for 1 and the Steelers accounting for 3. If Brady or Manning had been in the NFC the Steelers could have gotten a couple more Super Bowl appearances in that stretch. 

Lots can change over the next few years and the run that Brady had was ridiculous and unlikely to be seen again. But Mahomes has lead the Chiefs to 4 AFC championship home games in a row, that's incredible. My current hope is that the Steelers find a way to improve in the trenches this offseason and find the QB of the future sometime in the next 3 years (a big ask). Mahomes and Allen's contracts are starting to balloon, they have a fair amount of free agents, the Bills are up against the cap, the Chiefs have a little cap space but lots of free agents and have neither of their starting Tackles signed for next year, their coordinators are sought after as head coach candidates who could take staff with them, and Andy Reid is getting old who knows how many more years he'll be a head coach. Not everyone can be like **** Lebeau and coach into their 80's. This doesn't even take into account Burrow and Herbert who seem to be the real deal. 

The competition is going to be fierce over the next 10 years, hopefully the Steelers can stay in the hunt. 

 

[steelers1080]

Lots of articles speculating Jimmy G to the Steelers. Hard pass.

The playoff game is the perfect example; he overthrew multiple open receivers, waited until coverage had caught up before throwing the ball so catches were contested instead of open, threw a key pick, isn't very mobile, and was the biggest liability for a team with a better O-line than ours. Giving up anything for him in a trade, and taking on his $26 million cap hit, would be dumb in the final year of his contract. If the 49ers cut him and we can sign him for less than $10 million I'd be ok with it. I think he's a step above Mason and Dwayne, but I think he's not in the top 16 QBs in the league. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Lots of articles speculating Jimmy G to the Steelers. Hard pass.

The playoff game is the perfect example; he overthrew multiple open receivers, waited until coverage had caught up before throwing the ball so catches were contested instead of open, threw a key pick, isn't very mobile, and was the biggest liability for a team with a better O-line than ours. Giving up anything for him in a trade, and taking on his $26 million cap hit, would be dumb in the final year of his contract. If the 49ers cut him and we can sign him for less than $10 million I'd be ok with it. I think he's a step above Mason and Dwayne, but I think he's not in the top 16 QBs in the league. 

I don't think he is worth trading any significant assets for.  The Steelers need the picks this season -- and maybe they need them to trade up for a QB next year.  Give Mason and Haskins a shot in 2022 and probably sign one of the potential reclamation projects and see what you have.  That QB signing needs to happen Day 1 of free agency though.

 

[menobrown]

Lots of articles speculating Jimmy G to the Steelers. Hard pass.

It's just real simple dot connecting but really makes no sense.  He gets the ball out quickly but his penchant for making mistakes when pressured and getting dinged up when knocked around makes him a bad fit.

Besides Art was just saying last week the team would like to get a mobile QB, not a running QB, but a mobile one. That's not Jimmy G but it's also not Rudolph or Haskins either. It is however Trubisky and a few QB's in this draft class.

I have and will continue to say I'm not ready to bury this QB draft class yet the problem  is should some QB's elevate their stock they likely rise to point they are out of reach. My expectation is we will start to see separation from the QB draft class beginning this week, with I believe all of the main QB's in the Senior Bowl there probably won't be a more critical week for their draft stock then his upcoming one.

I'd add one reason I would be okay not drafting a QB this year is that I'm a little worried that Colbert is the right guy to pick one. He's not invested much in the position after Ben but what little he's picked has not been great and my biggest worry is he reportedly had a first round grade on Rudolph. They were not expensive but I thought Dobbins especially and Landry Jones were bad picks when they were made.  Again he's not put a lot of assets into the position but all these years as GM and Rudolph might be only QB he's acquired that is even good enough to be a second string QB for some teams.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

It's just real simple dot connecting but really makes no sense.  He gets the ball out quickly but his penchant for making mistakes when pressured and getting dinged up when knocked around makes him a bad fit.

Besides Art was just saying last week the team would like to get a mobile QB, not a running QB, but a mobile one. That's not Jimmy G but it's also not Rudolph or Haskins either. It is however Trubisky and a few QB's in this draft class.

I have and will continue to say I'm not ready to bury this QB draft class yet the problem  is should some QB's elevate their stock they likely rise to point they are out of reach. My expectation is we will start to see separation from the QB draft class beginning this week, with I believe all of the main QB's in the Senior Bowl there probably won't be a more critical week for their draft stock then his upcoming one.

I'd add one reason I would be okay not drafting a QB this year is that I'm a little worried that Colbert is the right guy to pick one. He's not invested much in the position after Ben but what little he's picked has not been great and my biggest worry is he reportedly had a first round grade on Rudolph. They were not expensive but I thought Dobbins especially and Landry Jones were bad picks when they were made.  Again he's not put a lot of assets into the position but all these years as GM and Rudolph might be only QB he's acquired that is even good enough to be a second string QB for some teams.

I think Trubiski is a great fit and has more to offer.  Haskins took the year to learn the offense and stay out of trouble.  His arm is scary good.  And they said he was much more mobile than advertised during training camp.  So if he can keep his head, there may be something there.  Mason is who he is.  He had a few chances to play, and nothing makes me confident that he can be the guy.  He looks scared out there.

 

[belljr]

So I restarted my Madden Franchise recently.   Ben retired after the season and I simmed the draft and FA.

Your new Steelers QB will be Marcus Mariota

 

[steelers1080]

It's just real simple dot connecting but really makes no sense. 

There's a ton of that going on with the talking heads, especially ones that cover the entire league, as opposed to specifically the Steelers. Hearing a pundit say that the Steelers have a pretty solid offensive line, or that our WR corp doesn't need addressing this year in the draft makes me realize how little research these people must be doing. We have Diontae, Claypool, and 1 UDFA in our WR corp right now signed for 2022...

 

[5-ish Finkle]

So I restarted my Madden Franchise recently.   Ben retired after the season and I simmed the draft and FA.

Your new Steelers QB will be Marcus Mariota

Gotta be honest....I probably wouldn't hate it.  Can't be any uglier than going into the year with Rudolph as the entrenched, unquestioned #1.  He's certainly far more mobile (in and out of the pocket) than anything they currently have rostered.
 

Haskins took the year to learn the offense and stay out of trouble.  His arm is scary good.  And they said he was much more mobile than advertised during training camp. 

The bolded is the biggest thing with Haskins that makes me want them to give him a legit look/chance.  His arm talent is(or at least was) pretty nuts.  You can't teach that.
 

It's just real simple dot connecting but really makes no sense.  He gets the ball out quickly but his penchant for making mistakes when pressured and getting dinged up when knocked around makes him a bad fit.

Yep. Pretty much lazy analysis by folks who aren't as dialed in as the local hacks, etc.

I wouldn't "despise" Garoppolo as a bridge guy for a couple years, but if they trade for him and that albatross contract....they'd need to have their urine tested.  The Steelers aren't perfect, but they don't do stuff like that.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Also, with regard to Trubisky:  Do we assume after Daboll signed as the HC with NY that probably makes Mitch less likely to stick with him?  Should he be "#1 with a bullet" for Pittsburgh, as far as targeting a FA to be a "bridge" type at QB goes?  Can't imagine he'd want to follow Daboll (as more than a few hacks had been predicting) to a team where he'd practically be guaranteed to be #2 again, at least to start, hoping Jones flames out.

Pedigree with him is there, not too old, has the mobility in the pocket they claim to be seeking, etc., etc.  No idea what the ask on him is likely to be, or how much better he'd be than the current in-house candidates, but I have to believe he'd at least be a better option behind an OL that will be in transition.

I think the market for him may wind up being a little warmer than some of us think though.   Couple/three teams that I could see feeling like he'd be a good fit for the same reasons the Steelers would.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Also, with regard to Trubisky:  Do we assume after Daboll signed as the HC with NY that probably makes Mitch less likely to stick with him?  Should he be "#1 with a bullet" for Pittsburgh, as far as targeting a FA to be a "bridge" type at QB goes?  Can't imagine he'd want to follow Daboll (as more than a few hacks had been predicting) to a team where he'd practically be guaranteed to be #2 again, at least to start, hoping Jones flames out.

Pedigree with him is there, not too old, has the mobility in the pocket they claim to be seeking, etc., etc.  No idea what the ask on him is likely to be, or how much better he'd be than the current in-house candidates, but I have to believe he'd at least be a better option behind an OL that will be in transition.

I think the market for him may wind up being a little warmer than some of us think though.   Couple/three teams that I could see feeling like he'd be a good fit for the same reasons the Steelers would.

Who else gives him a shot to start?  Bridgewater and Winston are the main free agents and there will be teams looking to acquire Garapolo, Watson, Rogers, and maybe Wilson still too.  

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Who else gives him a shot to start?  Bridgewater and Winston are the main free agents and there will be teams looking to acquire Garapolo, Watson, Rogers, and maybe Wilson still too.  

- Saints/Denver as you mention. 

- Conventional wisdom seems to be that Jimmy G is gonna get cut.  Not sure about Rodgers deal.  Either way, if they both get moved, GB and SF drafted QBs not that long ago, but you can't just assume they wouldn't be willing to bring in a vet that had a legit shot to compete to start. If Trubisky believed he could beat out the younger dude's in GB or SF, they're potentially on the table.

- Wilson leaves SEA, they won't be handing the keys to Geno.

- With Brady's official retirement, the Bucs will be in the market and I'd assume will go hard for the Rodgers/Wilson types.

- Washington can't be expecting to go into a season with Heinicke, can they? Snyder has way more money than sense, so I totally see him trying to overpay for a name.  Doubt he's successful, but fully expect they have a new starting QB in '22.

- Maybe Texans, if Watson ends up out of football rather than traded. 

- Dolphins' ownership seem dead-set on NOT having Tua as their starter, and if they can't get a deal done for Watson maybe they'd give Mitch a look (with a plan to move Tua elsewhere)?

- Darnold was a colossal hot mess in Carolina. Can't imagine they're happy with him.

- Detroit probably needs a different QB (I've always been one who thinks Goff sorta sucks and he certainly did this year), but I also assume he'd be a huge cap hit if they cut him, so prolly pretty unlikely.

- Matt Ryan's arm was looking toasted in Atlanta this year, and he is downright Roethlisberg-arian in the pocket at this stage.  No idea on the contract here though, so could be a similar situation to Goff (too expensive to cut, but probably time to move on).
 

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Hell, Mayfield's arm may fall off after whatever surgery he just had too.  

Anyway, that's a long-winded way of saying "I'm guessing there may be 6-8 places that will wind up being available as legit spots to start."

Some of them will be very similar to Pittsburgh (old incumbent moving on or retiring, in-house replacements aren't very good, but have been in the system), so that's where the "peripherals" would likely come in; quality of rushers/receivers and quality of the OL.  That last thing is where the Steelers become a LOT less attractive than some of the other places.

If I'm a FA QB in '22, as of this day I'm probably telling my agent to wear out his contacts in Tampa.

 

[crushedspirit]

If the FO regurgitates the idea that the are still only a QB away from being a contender and signs an overpriced FA, they will put themselves at least two years back like they did with Ben's extension given in 2019. I fear this move in a big way.

If they have a high draft grade on someone coming up, then go for it. You won't get a Mahomes or Allen if you don't move your chips all in, and take the leap of faith for a QB. If not, keep what you have, sign another on the cheap, build the lines first and foremost, figure out who you want as your alpha WR, get a thumper at the ILB position who can also plug the gaps, grab a CB or two, and build a proper foundation that a young QB can ease into.

As steelers 1080 already correctly pointed out, we might be on the cusp of another decade being repeated where Manning and Brady made it difficult on everyone else in the AFC. Add Burrow, Herbert, and possibly Watson to the mix, and one might get left wondering how they can compete consistently without their own young gun. Either you embrace the new path to success, or get left behind hanging on to your past accomplishments.

"This Is The Way"

 

[steelers1080]

As steelers 1080 already correctly pointed out, we might be on the cusp of another decade being repeated where Manning and Brady made it difficult on everyone else in the AFC. Add Burrow, Herbert, and possibly Watson to the mix, and one might get left wondering how they can compete consistently without their own young gun. Either you embrace the new path to success, or get left behind hanging on to your past accomplishments.

"This Is The Way"

I found the solution! We just need the other teams to implode and then we'll be fine. Cincy never fixes the O-line so Burrow gets hurt every other year, Kelce and Andy Reid retire and Mahomes is great but not enough to make them dominate, Josh Allen regresses now that Daboll is gone, the Chargers lose 3-4 games each year by being too analytic driven, and Watson gets traded to the NFC. In ~3 years we could be contenders through no fault of our own!

 

[crushedspirit]

I found the solution! We just need the other teams to implode and then we'll be fine. Cincy never fixes the O-line so Burrow gets hurt every other year, Kelce and Andy Reid retire and Mahomes is great but not enough to make them dominate, Josh Allen regresses now that Daboll is gone, the Chargers lose 3-4 games each year by being too analytic driven, and Watson gets traded to the NFC. In ~3 years we could be contenders through no fault of our own!

You, my friend, are hired as the new GM of the Steelers.

Now, how you make all this happen is up to you. Just get it done!!!!!!!!!

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Steelers doing their DD on Strong, Willis and Howell it appears.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If the FO regurgitates the idea that the are still only a QB away from being a contender and signs an overpriced FA, they will put themselves at least two years back like they did with Ben's extension given in 2019. I fear this move in a big way.

I can't disagree with any of this, and I don't think they're really going to go hog wild for FA quarterback.  Most of my posting about Trubisky/et al as FA QB is just because it's fun to speculate about. 

It's the Steelers, so we probably know how this movie ends:  They kick the tires on a few guys whose agents get in touch, but they stick with what they have and go bring in a guy like Tyrod Taylor for a dollar under some "veteran presence" pretense or some ish.

Only things that make me wonder if it MIGHT be different this time is the amount of available cash they'll have (which hasn't happened since, hell, the '90s?), and the fact that Colbert's not going to be calling the shots past the draft. 

 

[crushedspirit]

I can't disagree with any of this, and I don't think they're really going to go hog wild for FA quarterback.  Most of my posting about Trubisky/et al as FA QB is just because it's fun to speculate about. 

It's the Steelers, so we probably know how this movie ends:  They kick the tires on a few guys whose agents get in touch, but they stick with what they have and go bring in a guy like Tyrod Taylor for a dollar under some "veteran presence" pretense or some ish.

Only things that make me wonder if it MIGHT be different this time is the amount of available cash they'll have (which hasn't happened since, hell, the '90s?), and the fact that Colbert's not going to be calling the shots past the draft. 

I'm good with your suggestion about Trubisky. I would even welcome Mariota or Winston on the cheap. I'm more worried about a Jimmy G, Cousins, or Carr being hailed as the missing piece by Colbert and Tomlin. Also, no Rodgers or Wilson as well. They will suck  the living life out of the cap for no valid reason.

 

[Godsbrother]

As steelers 1080 already correctly pointed out, we might be on the cusp of another decade being repeated where Manning and Brady made it difficult on everyone else in the AFC. Add Burrow, Herbert, and possibly Watson to the mix, and one might get left wondering how they can compete consistently without their own young gun.

We could be but I am not ready to declare any current AFC QB, with the possible exception of Mahomes,  as the next Manning or Brady.

 

[crushedspirit]

We could be but I am not ready to declare any current AFC QB, with the possible exception of Mahomes,  as the next Manning or Brady.

Maybe not as good as those two HOFs of course, but the point is, there are some extremely talented young arms in the AFC that will be tough to beat going forward.

Mahomes destroys Pitt each outing, Burrow had his way this season even though he wasn't really needed both times, Herbert had a good practice in that matchup this year, and Allen has reached another level since they last faced him sleep walking in week one, (he won the last two meetings before that).

The road to future SB visits in the AFC will be going through one of these guys. Bank on it annually, barring major injuries.

 

[steelers1080]

Steelers doing their DD on Strong, Willis and Howell it appears.

As they should. I assume they've already had a great look at Kenny P since he was a hometown guy. They're probably also at least looking into Ridder and Corral. The top QBs, minus Corral, are all at the Senior Bowl, so it's easy to see them all competing in the same place. 

Initial recaps from the senior bowl suggest that Strong and Picket have had some solid practices, and that Willis and Howell have been more up and down. I think Ridder stinks, and initial reports are that he was missing throws with 0 defenders on the field. Willis was described as having the top 5 throws of the day, but also the bottom 5 throws. Strong was noted as being really accurate and dropping dimes, but wasn't asked to move around at all, and again, no defense to play against. 

 

[5-ish Finkle]

As they should. I assume they've already had a great look at Kenny P since he was a hometown guy. They're probably also at least looking into Ridder and Corral. The top QBs, minus Corral, are all at the Senior Bowl, so it's easy to see them all competing in the same place. 

Initial recaps from the senior bowl suggest that Strong and Picket have had some solid practices, and that Willis and Howell have been more up and down. I think Ridder stinks, and initial reports are that he was missing throws with 0 defenders on the field. Willis was described as having the top 5 throws of the day, but also the bottom 5 throws. Strong was noted as being really accurate and dropping dimes, but wasn't asked to move around at all, and again, no defense to play against. 

Strong is the only guy who intrigues me this year at all.  Prior to the knee injury, he was pretty much what Rooney/Tomlin have hinted at what they're after at QB: A guy who can actually throw, but is "mobile in the pocket" enough to be able to extend plays for guys to get open.

I want zero part of Ridder, Corral, Willis, Howell, et al.  Pickett maybe has a bit of shine, because of the accuracy/how he progresses through reads, but no way to do I think he's worth the pick it's going to require to draft him.  Hell, I wouldn't want to spend a 1st on Strong either, really, but I get that 5th year option on a QB can be massive. 

If they are dead set on taking a QB in the first in '22 (I don't think they are), then a trade down with Strong as the target would be my preference.  Otherwise, just wait til next year/see what you can do via FA for competition with the two stiffs you've got rostered.

 

[steelers1080]

Strong is the only guy who intrigues me this year at all.  Prior to the knee injury, he was pretty much what Rooney/Tomlin have hinted at what they're after at QB: A guy who can actually throw, but is "mobile in the pocket" enough to be able to extend plays for guys to get open.

I want zero part of Ridder, Corral, Willis, Howell, et al.  Pickett maybe has a bit of shine, because of the accuracy/how he progresses through reads, but no way to do I think he's worth the pick it's going to require to draft him.  Hell, I wouldn't want to spend a 1st on Strong either, really, but I get that 5th year option on a QB can be massive. 

If they are dead set on taking a QB in the first in '22 (I don't think they are), then a trade down with Strong as the target would be my preference.  Otherwise, just wait til next year/see what you can do via FA for competition with the two stiffs you've got rostered.

My favorite right now is also Strong, but I was hopeful that we could get him in the 2nd round, maybe trading up 5-10 spots in the 2nd. With a good showing at the senior bowl and combine he will definitely be a first round pick. 

Some talent evaluators I trust have spoken really highly about Willis' potential, and it sounds like he's already had a few meetings with Steelers top brass. He's being loosely compared to Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, which I think is overly generous. He is definitely mobile, and he can throw amazing passes while on the run with just a flick of the wrist, but he needs a ton of development as a passer with his touch passes and decision making. I think that if we draft Willis with Canada at OC, he will never develop into a great QB (top 8 potential). I think that if he was paired with someone more talented with a proven track record of developing young QBs, and given a year to sit, he could be amazing. I think Willis' best chance right now is probably the Giants with Daboll and Mike Kafka from the Chiefs, he could sit behind Jones for a year and then take over next year after the Giants have another offseason to build around him. 

If the Steelers' take him and put him in Canada's offense we'll be running a high school/college offense with non-stop RPO and 0 development. He would not develop as a passer and would be 65% Lamar Jackson. 

 

[5-ish Finkle]

My favorite right now is also Strong, but I was hopeful that we could get him in the 2nd round, maybe trading up 5-10 spots in the 2nd. With a good showing at the senior bowl and combine he will definitely be a first round pick.

I think a high 2nd is probably where his true value really lies, given the few questions he still has, but I totally understand the value of having the 5th year option on a QB too.  I think that will drive SOMEONE to select him in the first even if he kind of tanks the Senior Bowl/Combine

He had a good 1st day at Sr. Bowl, by the accounts I'm reading.  Showed off the deep ball strength and accuracy.

 

[menobrown]

Strong is the only guy who intrigues me this year at all.  Prior to the knee injury, he was pretty much what Rooney/Tomlin have hinted at what they're after at QB: A guy who can actually throw, but is "mobile in the pocket" enough to be able to extend plays for guys to get open.
 

My favorite right now is also Strong, but I was hopeful that we could get him in the 2nd round, maybe trading up 5-10 spots in the 2nd. With a good showing at the senior bowl and combine he will definitely be a first round pick. 

.

With all due respect to you both not only do I think Strong is exactly what they are NOT looking for in a QB I've also heard/read he's not been showing well and what limited practice reps I've been able to watch that was my takeaway.

From what I've been able to gather I feel like Strong and Ridder are stock down so far, Willis and Pickett stock up, Howell status quo.

It's early but I'm going to plant my flag and say the Steeler's would draft Willis or Pickett in round one if they are still available, and my guess is they won't be. I'm less sure on someone like Corrall and Howell. Don't think any other QB will interest them until round 2 or later.

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

They won't take Strong. They want a mobile guy, he's just about the least mobile QB to enter the league in years. Great arm, basically a statue. 

I think it'll be Sam Howell. Pickett and Corral will be gone. Some of the O-line repairs will be done in free agency. 

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If the "experts" are to be believed, Strong's pocket mobility took a pretty big hit after the knee injury.  Some feel it's not necessarily gone for good, since it hasn't been that long since he had the surgery, and I've seen talking heads gabbling about how it got better this past season as the year progressed.  I'm not a doctor, nor was I watching UNR like it was my job the past three years, so YMMV.

Not trying to convey he was ever close to a Lamar Jackson type.  His primary asset it the arm, and he was (allegedly) able to move within the pocket (stepping up, rolling with a fluid pocket) to give guys the time they need to get open.  I think that is more what the Steelers are after when they say "mobile", but that's just my interpretation.  If they intend to go full on RPO....
 

With all due respect to you both not only do I think Strong is exactly what they are NOT looking for in a QB I've also heard/read he's not been showing well and what limited practice reps I've been able to watch that was my takeaway.

Interesting.  I've read almost the exact opposite from a couple sites/Twitter about him.  Both days I've seen it reported he showed well, and saw notes about improved movement in the pocket today even in the bad weather.

I suppose there is no way for us to really know for sure, without watching his games from the past couple years, so I guess I'll shut up and let the Steelers worry about it. 

I hope they don't take ANY QB with a first without a trade down, that's for sure.

 

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Jon Ledyard@LedyardNFLDraft

Lol this the worst-kept secret in Mobile

--------------------------------------------------

LINK picture Tomlin eying QB

Jim Nagy on Twitter: "Wednesday @seniorbowl practice recap: 

----------------------------------------------------

Pepe Silvia@OConnor7

They’re not very good at this. They all but announced they were going take Najee at 24 about 2 months before the draft.

-----------------------------------------------------

Football Outsiders

Liberty quarterback Malik Willis has the best arm in Mobile, and it's not close. He rifles off medium-range passes, both from the pocket and on the run, with little effort. Willis doesn't have an off-speed pitch, however, and his accuracy was scattershot on Tuesday. Still, some teams are about to have visions of Trey Lance-meets-Josh Allen dancing in their heads. Some Eagle-eyed observers noted Howie Roseman paying particular attention to Willis.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

• Steelers Showing Early Interest in Liberty QB Malik Willis
  

Zachary Smith@ZacharySmithPGH

Liberty QB Malik Willis talking with #Steelers HC Mike Tomlin and co. following practice #HereWeGo

• Liberty's Malik Willis has been Senior Bowl's most impressive QB so far
  

... The Pittsburgh Steelers need a quarterback, and head coach Mike Tomlin was one of the first people to greet Willis coming off the field Tuesday.

• 1 QB Has Reportedly ‘Separated Himself’ From Competition At Senior Bowl
  

 

[steelers1080]

• Steelers Showing Early Interest in Liberty QB Malik Willis
  

Zachary Smith@ZacharySmithPGH

Liberty QB Malik Willis talking with #Steelers HC Mike Tomlin and co. following practice #HereWeGo

• Liberty's Malik Willis has been Senior Bowl's most impressive QB so far
  

... The Pittsburgh Steelers need a quarterback, and head coach Mike Tomlin was one of the first people to greet Willis coming off the field Tuesday.

• 1 QB Has Reportedly ‘Separated Himself’ From Competition At Senior Bowl
  

We would have to trade up with the Ravens 14 or Browns 13 because lots of Rumors that Howie Roseman is interested. Willis has the best athleticism by far and the best arm, but I wasn't seeing anticipation with his throws. That's not to say he can't develop, but I'd be hesitant to take him at 20, let along move up. The Ravens got Lamar Jackson at 32 and he was a better prospect. 

 

[Bracie Smathers]

We would have to trade up with the Ravens 14 or Browns 13 because lots of Rumors that Howie Roseman is interested. Willis has the best athleticism by far and the best arm, but I wasn't seeing anticipation with his throws. That's not to say he can't develop, but I'd be hesitant to take him at 20, let along move up. The Ravens got Lamar Jackson at 32 and he was a better prospect. 

I've also heard Atlanta picking in the top-ten are interested.

Seems like a very-interesting prospect who 'might take' time to develop with a high ceiling. 

He blew scouts away with his personality, great arm, speed/maneuverability, overall week of practice where he's separated from the pack.  Add, he's getting nice comps to recent high QB selections.

He's definitely interesting.

Top 2022 QB prospect Malik Willis says he’s spoken with Saints

...Willis is one of the more exciting quarterback prospects in the 2022 draft, known for his high-velocity throws and ability to make positive plays when protection breaks down and things get off schedule. But he’s also been cast as an undeveloped talent who may need a year of NFL coaching to be ready to start in his own right, much like Josh Allen was coming out of Wyoming a few years back, and what North Dakota State’s Trey Lance experienced as a rookie in 2021.

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

Josh Allen started his first year with Buffalo though. Didn't do him any harm. If there's nobody better to sit behind, sometimes throwing them in isn't the worst thing.

Steelers not exactly in win now mode either.

 

[song]

Steelers not exactly in win now mode either.

sure they are.  they were in win now mode last year when they were really bad, worst i've seen them in decades.  incredible that they made the playoffs. (poor other team's fans i guess)

with their positive cap situation (finally), there is good reason to expect they will be at least a little better next year.

edta: of course every team in the division is likely to be better.

 

[steelers1080]

Steelers interviewed 3 external candidates for the GM job: 

• Colts assistant G.M. Ed Dodds
  
• Chargers director of player personnel JoJo Wooden
  
• Titans vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden 
  

Not sure I'd want any of them over our in-house guys, but good to know that the Steelers aren't resting on their laurels. 

 

[steelers1080]

Josh Allen started his first year with Buffalo though. Didn't do him any harm. If there's nobody better to sit behind, sometimes throwing them in isn't the worst thing.

Steelers not exactly in win now mode either.

True, and the Bills went 6-10, not exactly lighting the league on fire. Some QBs are able to learn on the job and improve, while others flame out and fail if thrust into the spotlight too early. Of note is how the Bills' record improved as the offensive line improved:

• 2018 - 30th ranked offensive line - 6 wins 10 losses
  
• 2019 - 21st ranked offensive line - 10 wins 6 losses
  
• 2020 - 10th ranked offensive line - 13 wins 3 losses
  

Allen definitely improved, but he was assisted by improvements in his offensive line and his WR/TE corps. 

 

[steelers1080]

sure they are.  they were in win now mode last year when they were really bad, worst i've seen them in decades.  incredible that they made the playoffs. (poor other team's fans i guess)

with their positive cap situation (finally), there is good reason to expect they will be at least a little better next year.

edta: of course every team in the division is likely to be better.

The Steelers could be contenders next year, but it would take a miracle draft like 1974 and we would have to perfect Free Agency. To contend at the top of the AFC in 2022 it would take the following:

• Draft a QB that turns out to be absolutely phenomenal. Way better than this class is anticipated to be. 
  
• Sign starting Center and Guard in free agency
  
• Dotson and Moore healthy and improved in offseason with better O-line Coach (Munchak or other good coach)
  
• Draft OT in top 3 rounds that is a solid starter, LT or RT
  
• Tuitt and Alualu come back and stay healthy, Adams re-signed, and Adams and Loudermilk improve and are solid backups
  
• Draft a great WR
  
• Sign a solid FA WR
  
• Sign a solid CB and re-sign Witherspoon, starting CBs are new guy, Witherspoon, and Sutton at nickel
  
• Sign or draft a better Strong Safety
  
• Sign a solid ILB (assuming Buddy Johnson isn't the answer)
  
• Cut Schobert, Banner, Derek Watt, and Joe Haeg for cap space. If Tuitt is cut or retires or is traded, it should be designated as a post-June 1st action. That way it clears ~$10 mil for this year's cap, instead of $4 mil. 
  
• IMO we would need to leave this draft with amazing starting QB, WR & OT, and have really solid depth at DL, CB, & S that develops into future starters
  

We should have $40+ million in cap space this year, and way more starting in 2023 so we should be able to get some pretty great free agents and re-sign/extend our own. There's lots of spaces to fill or improve, but it is possible to have a quick turnaround, we would mainly need whatever QB prospect lands at 20 to be much more impressive in the NFL than they have been in college. 

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Allen definitely improved, but he was assisted by improvements in his offensive line and his WR/TE corps. 

Inaccurate QBs scare the hell out of me.  Hell, I wasn't a big believer in Allen because of his career comp% at the college level.  There are analytics out there that show pretty decidedly that if a guy isn't very accurate (sub 60%) by the time he hits/finishes college, it isn't likely to get a whole lot better as a pro.  It CAN, of course, it just doesn't happen very often.  Josh Allen is one of the exceptions so far, as a matter of fact.  His career NCAA comp% was somewhere around 56%. He started out his career around that mark in Buffalo, but he's managed to get above 60% the past two years though.  

Willis' was a bit more accurate in college, but that comp% has fallen each year as his volume has went up.  Some of his misses I've seen being rolled out on highlights look pretty McNabb-ian/Stewart-esque (e.g. worm burners, or nowhere close to the intended target.)  He reeeally has issues with touch too.  It's all "the heater", or nothing.

The NFL is a passing league now, so you have got to be able to stick the throws when you have to.  Sometimes that means being able to throw the changeup into a smaller window.  I wonder if Willis is too late in the development stage to learn how to throw the junkball?  He's clearly an elite athlete, comes of pretty well in interviews, and it sounds like he's coming in pretty low on the "knucklehead meter" too...but burning a top 15 pick on the guy?  Someone's gonna do it, but I don't think I could were I an NFL GM.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Willis has bust written all over him. He didn't dominate in college and he was generally going against terrible competition. His height is also a huge red flag. Could he make it, sure. I don't think he is even close to a first round talent though. The only QB I am intrigued by is Ridder.

 

[Godsbrother]

I stand by my opinion that the Steelers should concentrate on improving the o-line, getting an interior defensive lineman, a quality WR and DB, resign Witherspoon and extend Minkah.

That’s a lot to ask for one off season but start there and worry about QB in 2023.

If they must get a QB then get an affordable veteran FA. 

Having said that I just get this feeling they’ll be drafting a QB in the first round 

 

[crushedspirit]

Willis has bust written all over him. He didn't dominate in college and he was generally going against terrible competition. His height is also a huge red flag. Could he make it, sure. I don't think he is even close to a first round talent though. The only QB I am intrigued by is Ridder.

As am I

Many are down on him, and I get it, but if I could only wager on one QB in this class to exceed all expectations, it's this guy. 

Desmond Ridder on 20+ yard throws; 96.0 grade, 14 TDs (1st in AAC), 0 INTs

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

As am I

Many are down on him, and I get it, but if I could only wager on one QB in this class to exceed all expectations, it's this guy. 

Desmond Ridder on 20+ yard throws; 96.0 grade, 14 TDs (1st in AAC), 0 INTs

He has shown improvement throughout his career and I don't think that is done. He has all the physical tools to be a star QB. 

 

[song]

it is possible to have a quick turnaround, we would mainly need whatever QB prospect

sign Trubisky.  you were right when you finally acknowledged that being a good option (not sure thing) a page or two ago.

 

[song]

If they must get a QB then get an affordable veteran FA. 

ding ding ding.  they must if they hope to compete, though it may be better long term if they don't.