steelers1080
Footballguy
Based on keeping Matt Canada and essentially punting on offense, it would seem that defense will be the priority. DL, ILB, CB, etc.
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2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Banged up team loses to Buffalo. Looking ahead to 2024 now (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Godsbrother
- Start date
crushedspirit
Footballguy
The Flores tour is apparently going to see the Vikings for their DC opening next.
Grid71
Footballguy
Could we pin this message and send to Pittsburgh FO?
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Hopefully my guy is right and he stays as Assistant Head Coach . . . .
steelers1080
Footballguy
Rumors that the Steelers could hire a "senior offensive assistant", but not sure if it's credible or just pundit speculation. My lean is to the latter, but that it would be a great decision. Hiring Frank Reich would be awesome, but not sure what the likelihood would be.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
My wish is for Tomlin to relinquish his control on the offense. Franchise was in much better shape with guys like Arians and Haley running the show before both being chased away.
Tomlin's last two hand picked OC's have both been garbage.
Tomlin's last two hand picked OC's have both been garbage.
steelers1080
Footballguy
I mean, did Tomlin pick either?
Big Ben picked Fichtner so he could basically call the plays. And then Dino picked Canada. Tomlin is blameless. /s
steelers1080
Footballguy
I've seen a lot of mock drafts already posted for the Steelers, from Steelers pundits and from fans on reddit. I can confirm that draft simulators are still very much in-progress. My most recent mock draft with 0 trades which I would be pretty happy with:
Battle would be positioned next to Minkah if we don't re-sign Edmunds.
A more likely pick at 17 would be one of the top CBs. There's currently 3-5 vying for the top spot.
- 17 - Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
- 32 - Zay Flowers, Slot WR, BC
- 49 - John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
- 80 - Jordan Battle, S, Bama
Battle would be positioned next to Minkah if we don't re-sign Edmunds.
A more likely pick at 17 would be one of the top CBs. There's currently 3-5 vying for the top spot.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I agree. CB is far more likely at 17. It won't happen but I would love to see one of the top OTs drop to us.
steelers1080
Footballguy
After Skoronski, (who has concerns about size) are you sold on another OT at 17?
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Maybe Harrison or Jones. Both have the length and quickness to play T.
Our current bookends are the weak links. The interior of the line is solid as is.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Don't start down that Dino alley, because we all know he never should have got that scholarship, and we all know this was payback.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
Hailey was awful. He is actually very similar to Canada. Those teams could only move the ball when they went no huddle and Ben called plays. Rumors were he would often call things that weren't in Haileys playbook
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Very similar to this mock from yesterday:
Mock Draft Monday: Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2023 Mock Draft: January 23 - Steelers Depot
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 season is officially in the books with the team finishing with an 9-8 record but failing to make the playoffs. With the season now in the rearview mirror, many will turn their attention toward the offseason and more specifically the 2023 NFL Draft. Now that...
steelersdepot.com
crushedspirit
Footballguy
I would take Haley over this simplistic route tree offense they run now.
geneyus
Footballguy
And his fun wife...
crushedspirit
Footballguy
LOL, she's good for a bar fight or two
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Quincy Roche signed to a futures contract.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
championship!
steelers1080
Footballguy
If we're not able to afford Highsmith, we'll need all the OLB help we can get.
steelers1080
Footballguy
Some draft pundits are saying that overall this is not a strong draft class, wonder if that could induce more trades in the early rounds with teams moving up for specific targets. Anthony Richardson could be targeted around our pick with some of the teams behind us trying to move up ahead of the Lions or Bucs. Would be interesting to see if we'd be willing to trade with the Ravens if they are forced to move on from Lamar.
Steelers currently have 17, 32, 49, 80, 119, 235, 242. Lost our 5th and 6th due to Witherspoon and Malik Reed. Witherspoon looked great in 2021, but turned into a pumpkin in 2022.
Also, recent rumors that the Steelers are interested in Jalen Ramsey, not sure how I feel about that. Feels like he took a step back this year and got burned against some top WRs. But, teaming him with Minkah could improve both their games. Probably not interested if it would cost us 17 & 32 & ~$25 mil per year.
Steelers currently have 17, 32, 49, 80, 119, 235, 242. Lost our 5th and 6th due to Witherspoon and Malik Reed. Witherspoon looked great in 2021, but turned into a pumpkin in 2022.
Also, recent rumors that the Steelers are interested in Jalen Ramsey, not sure how I feel about that. Feels like he took a step back this year and got burned against some top WRs. But, teaming him with Minkah could improve both their games. Probably not interested if it would cost us 17 & 32 & ~$25 mil per year.
steelers1080
Footballguy
Frank Reich to Carolina, there goes the offensive assistant they were never going to hire.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Rooney non-committal on Tomlin extension. But does give him credit for the team improving throughout the season.
Says they kept Canada because he seemed to work well with Pickett, and they improved as the season went on. Continuity as well.
Says they kept Canada because he seemed to work well with Pickett, and they improved as the season went on. Continuity as well.
steelers1080
Footballguy
“They seemed to work well together,” Rooney said, via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “With a new offensive coordinator, you’d start all over again. We felt there was enough there to build on.”
So we kept him because "there was enough to build on", aka 5 passing TDs in 9 games. Super. Starting all over again with a much more talented coordinator is better after year 1 than after year 2...
So we kept him because "there was enough to build on", aka 5 passing TDs in 9 games. Super. Starting all over again with a much more talented coordinator is better after year 1 than after year 2...
crushedspirit
Footballguy
If Matt can't produce in year 3, then that will be a season wasted on a QB rookie contract and Pickett's development, plus an expensive D.
This gamble is a big one. Let's see how it plays out.
This gamble is a big one. Let's see how it plays out.
Leftwich is still available.
steelers1080
Footballguy
I would not be surprised if he was brought in as an assistant if he doesn't get an OC job elsewhere.
steelers1080
Footballguy
I do think the Bengals got kind of screwed on some calls last night, but overall still happy they have 0 shot at a Super Bowl this year. The lack of holding calls against the Chiefs was pretty egregious.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
I did see them get away with some calls, but to be completely honest, that is seen every week.
Bottom line is the Bengals could not beat a one legged QB with 3 WRs injured and 3 rookies in the secondary once Snead went down first series. They had a chance on their last drive before the punt return and failed. They had a chance to take things to OT and failed by pushing Mahomes who had both feet out of bounds.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
TBH....I don't care if refs just egregiously blow calls to keep Cincinnati from ever winning a SB. At least while Mike Brown is alive, anyway. Eff THAT guy.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
This admittance is actually embarrassing and depressing at the same time, but not surprising at all.
steelersdepot.com
Pat Freiermuth Admits Steelers Didn't Have Hot Routes Built Into Offense
To get an idea of how simplified the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense was in its first year without QB Ben Roethlisberger, the offense didn’t even have hot routes. And that’s not hyperbole. It’s what TE Pat Freiermuth revealed during last week’s live show of Ben Roethlisberger’s Footbahlin’ podcast...
steelersdepot.com
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I missed the first half and a bit of the 3rd quarter so I can't say if the Bengals got the raw end of the deal but the out-of-bounds hit to Mahomes was a legit call.
steelers1080
Footballguy
The OB hit was definitely the right call. Mostly refs missed blatant holding and block in the back calls. But, they typically just allow holding to happen without calling it. So I'm not sure they missed it, so much as ignored it.
Also, it feels like they let Tackles get a half second head start on everyone else at the snap. Every single play the tackle jumps before the ball is snapped and it's almost never called. Just another reason why going all-in on defense might not be the best idea, since they're hamstrung by penalties compared with offense.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Tomlin interviewed (not sure if dinner) Keeanu Benton last night after Senior Bowl practice.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
It really didn't mean much to admit it. It was very obvious this was not part of the offense.This admittance is actually embarrassing and depressing at the same time, but not surprising at all.
Pat Freiermuth Admits Steelers Didn't Have Hot Routes Built Into Offense
To get an idea of how simplified the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense was in its first year without QB Ben Roethlisberger, the offense didn’t even have hot routes. And that’s not hyperbole. It’s what TE Pat Freiermuth revealed during last week’s live show of Ben Roethlisberger’s Footbahlin’ podcast...
steelers1080
Footballguy
- Hire an offensive assistant, someone like Marcus Brady, to provide input on game planning and play calling. I don't have faith in the Matt Canada offense and think there needs to be someone else in the room who can push back against the predictability and simplicity.
- Draft BPA at least until the late rounds. The Steelers have tons of needs/areas that could use improvement. At this point targeting specific positions and reaching on players would be a mistake. Ideally, we'll get some really great players in the trenches to help us on O-line and D-line, but we need DL, OG, OT, ILB, CB, S, WR, OLB, QB, etc. The list is longer than our number of picks, so just take the very best talents with each pick and in a few years I think that will really pay off.
- Have our free agent signings outperform their contracts. We have a couple FAs that we'll hopefully be able to re-sign, especially at CB and S. Any players we bring in from the outside, we really need ot maximize our value because we don't have tons of cap space to work with (unless we cut and restructure a lot).
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Stop trying to band aid the line and go get yourself two bookends to protect Kenny. Invest in it and things will improve.
That's just to start, but for me it's the utmost priority.
That's just to start, but for me it's the utmost priority.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
First 3 picks need to be OLine, DLine, and CB -- order depends on who is available. But that pick #32 is HUGE.
Address ILB in free agency, and re-sign Sutton and Edmonds.
Address ILB in free agency, and re-sign Sutton and Edmonds.
steelers1080
Footballguy
Reports from the Senior Bowl have Tomlin and Front Office staff basically staring at the offensive and defensive like players.
steelcityman
Footballguy
Tomlin watched Willis like a hawk last year. Soooo....????
I want OL first, at least get 1 great OL in there. After that, I dont care who they take or when, just make improvements. Pick 32 should be a starter or first guy in a rotation(DL). I wouldnt mind 2 OL, reshape the left side of the line with 2 top guys. Improve depth if Dotson and Chuks are backups. Get rid of Greene.
But no one knows how they value the current guys, like Robinson, do they see him as a starting iLB? Do they like Wallace and Sutton? Do they have to keep Chuks? Would they move Moore to RT if they draft a LT? If they dont resign Gentry, they will need TE depth. So many questions to be answered during FA.
I want OL first, at least get 1 great OL in there. After that, I dont care who they take or when, just make improvements. Pick 32 should be a starter or first guy in a rotation(DL). I wouldnt mind 2 OL, reshape the left side of the line with 2 top guys. Improve depth if Dotson and Chuks are backups. Get rid of Greene.
But no one knows how they value the current guys, like Robinson, do they see him as a starting iLB? Do they like Wallace and Sutton? Do they have to keep Chuks? Would they move Moore to RT if they draft a LT? If they dont resign Gentry, they will need TE depth. So many questions to be answered during FA.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
Why is everyone so convinced OL is the biggest need? It isn't even close. Seriously, where is this coming from? This is an average line with no clear holes in it. Cole is the weakest link. They are not going to draft a T in this class who will out play Moore next year. They would likely need to reach to draft a T in the first. They aren't likely to draft one at 17 who would ever make it to average.
Actual needs:
They currently have no starting caliber CB's signed.
They have nothing at NT and need to draft a DE too.
The MLB's are both absolutely terrible, and 1 is going to walk.
Would they be improved with a couple of probowl OLmen starting? Yes clearly, but they would be improved more with a probowl CB. It is a trash OL year in this draft. It is a great CB class. They should probably draft 2.
Actual needs:
They currently have no starting caliber CB's signed.
They have nothing at NT and need to draft a DE too.
The MLB's are both absolutely terrible, and 1 is going to walk.
Would they be improved with a couple of probowl OLmen starting? Yes clearly, but they would be improved more with a probowl CB. It is a trash OL year in this draft. It is a great CB class. They should probably draft 2.
Grid71
Footballguy
Fun PFF stat. Pickett Passing QBR with a clean pocket was 72.2 good enough to rank 36 of 50 quarterbacks rated.
1. QB - be open to taking a QB in ANY round if one falls in the draft. Do your homework and be ready to strike.
2. Offensive Coordinator - Steelers have gone all in with the defense wins championships concept spending less than any other NFL franchise on offense. Need genius behind the curtain to overcome lack of spending on the other side of the ball.
3. Learn from mistakes. Stop reaching in the 1st based off need. This year, OL is still a huge need but the draft class is weak. Quit over valuing RB position via draft (Mendenhall, Najee Harris).
steelers1080
Footballguy
They definitely improved as the year went on, but I still think that Dotson did not play well for the majority of the year. Also, I agree that Cole could be replaced and center could be improved. The center from the senior bowl from Minnesota (John Michael Schmitz) is a good candidate in the 2/3 range. We could take him at 49 and push Cole to Left Guard. I think that alone could significantly improve our O-line. Then we can use 17, 32, etc to focus on other needs.
~5 cornerbacks grade out as top 17 players, we should probably just pick the best one left assuming we don't sign Sutton and trade for Ramsey (floated in articles). NT/DL does feel like a big need with Alualu just not playing like he was pre-injury and Adams playing worse than the short stretch where he looked great 2 seasons ago.
ILB is a need, even if the rumors that they really like Robinson are true. Jack only has 1 year left on his contract, and we don't currently have a 3rd ILB. Also, I think they draft a WR with one of the top 4 picks. I just think they want to replace and hopefully improve upon the production lost by trading Chase.
steelcityman
Footballguy
Right, playing better is not playing well. OL needs improved, bottom line. Not saying they need to reach, but if one of the top OT are at 17, take one and smile.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Well my friend was mistaken apparently. Flores taking the DC job with the Vikings?
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Moore was tied for 8th with most sacks allowed with 7 for all Tackles, and 4th for hits allowed with 10. His first season he allowed 7 and 11, so I doubt there was much improvement. He was also tied for 9th in penalties with 10, climbed from 6 in 2021.
Basically, if Johnson Jr drops to 17........you run, not walk to the podium.
Basically, if Johnson Jr drops to 17........you run, not walk to the podium.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
Sacks allowed is not a particularly useful stat to evaluate olineman. Pickett held on to the ball longer than anyone but Jones or Fields and they are both running threats.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
There is also no chance Johnson slips to 17 unless there is a gas mask video yet to leak. If he did he would almost certainly be BPA.
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