***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2012 Thread (1 Viewer)

[Cookiemonster]

I love the Spence pick and think he'll do just fine in the Steelers 3-4 -- definitely has the speed to cover the TE. Ta'amu sounds like an immovable object that can clog up the middle. Excellent!

Spence's highlight reel looks to me like a London Fletcher. I don't doubt he can add another 10 lbs without losing a step. Ta'amu gives me high hopes for the future of this D.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Yeah, but I believe they thought they had a punter who could also do kickoffs and be a real coverage player on special teams after he kicked, he did play linebacker.Too bad about his knees, he was the only person to win the Ray Guy award twice.

Had he stayed healthy, he would have been a good one for us. Lechler that could chase & tackle? I'd pay a mid-round pick for that.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Still just a punter, with existing knee issues to boot(no pun intended). Rather go after undrafteds every time than trade up in the 4th for a two-time Ray Guy winner.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Still just a punter, with existing knee issues to boot(no pun intended). Rather go after undrafteds every time than trade up in the 4th for a two-time Ray Guy winner.

I dunno, if Sean Spence could punt and do kickoffs....

 

[Kenny Powers]

So yinz like the punter but what about the kiker Ressel? Suisham clearly regressed last year, and I think if given the chance, probably wouldve cost us a game in the playoffs.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Absolutely LOVED the Steelers draft selections this season. I can't believe the got both DeCastro AND Adams -- CRAZY!. I love the Spence pick and think he'll do just fine in the Steelers 3-4 -- definitely has the speed to cover the TE. Ta'amu sounds like an immovable object that can clog up the middle. Excellent!

I didn't do too well in the early rounds but you gotta admit getting 3 of the Steelers last four picks right is pretty impressive!

Not a draftnik so here is my uneducated prognostication for the Steelers 2012 draft:

1. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

2. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

3. Mitchell Swartz, OT, California

4. Hebron Fangupo, DT, BYU

5. Keith Tandy, CB, WVU

6. Toney Clemmons, WR, Colorado

7. Kelvin Beachum, OG, Southern Methodist

7. Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina

7. David Paulsen, TE Oregon

7. Olivier Venrnon, LB, Miami

Well done, sir

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Oh yeah, got the call.... going to Oakland for the Steeler game week 3.

 

[BassNBrew]

Oh yeah, got the call.... going to Oakland for the Steeler game week 3.

Goodbye...nice to know you.

 

[BassNBrew]

Just stopped in to say you guys suck. Between you guys and the Pats, the rest of us might as well be Bolten and Blackburn to Manchester and Arsenal.

Enjoy the spoils of an outstanding draft.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Oh yeah, got the call.... going to Oakland for the Steeler game week 3.

Goodbye...nice to know you.

I'm a big mofo. I don't get much static, if any. Also should have a good 10,000+ fellow towel wavers.

 

[Golden Mike Tomczak]

Ben probably really liked this draft. Much needed protection and a few new toys. The defensive picks are good too, and this should be a sturdy foundation for the future of the steeler D, but the secondary remains suspect again as of yet. Overall, I think it was a fine draft!

 

[Godsbrother]

Absolutely LOVED the Steelers draft selections this season. I can't believe the got both DeCastro AND Adams -- CRAZY!. I love the Spence pick and think he'll do just fine in the Steelers 3-4 -- definitely has the speed to cover the TE. Ta'amu sounds like an immovable object that can clog up the middle. Excellent!

I didn't do too well in the early rounds but you gotta admit getting 3 of the Steelers last four picks right is pretty impressive!

Not a draftnik so here is my uneducated prognostication for the Steelers 2012 draft:

1. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

2. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

3. Mitchell Swartz, OT, California

4. Hebron Fangupo, DT, BYU

5. Keith Tandy, CB, WVU

6. Toney Clemmons, WR, Colorado

7. Kelvin Beachum, OG, Southern Methodist

7. Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina

7. David Paulsen, TE Oregon

7. Olivier Venrnon, LB, Miami

I gotta say, that is pretty damned impressive, GB.

Thanks. I wonder if anyone them will make the team. Clemmons has a decent shot. The others are practice squad material.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Ben probably really liked this draft. Much needed protection and a few new toys. The defensive picks are good too, and this should be a sturdy foundation for the future of the steeler D, but the secondary remains suspect again as of yet. Overall, I think it was a fine draft!

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gave a thumbs-up to the team using its first two draft picks on offensive linemen.

Pittsburgh drafted guard David DeCastro in the first round and offensive tackle Mike Adams in the second round. Roethlisberger said the team kept him "in the loop a little bit" about the selections.

"I'm excited,'' Roethlisberger told the Altoona (Pa.) Mirror before the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "You know, at least on paper, it looks awesome. But, you never know until you take the field and the bullets start flying.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Thanks. I wonder if anyone them will make the team. Clemmons has a decent shot. The others are practice squad material.

Think they stated that Beachum has a real shot at being the long snapper. And he played all three o-line positions in college.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Oh yeah, got the call.... going to Oakland for the Steeler game week 3.

Goodbye...nice to know you.

 

[geneyus]

The Steelers released two players from their off-season roster -- running back Chad Spann and cornerback Antonio Smith.

 

[The Hank]

Love the UDFA add of Drew Butler, punter from Georgia. Just read that he is the son of Bears great, kicker Kevin Butler.

Yeah, no kidding. He was the #1 or #2 ranked punter everywhere, literally.He already is the favorite to be the starting punter for Steeltown and they didn't even use a draft pick on him, despite having four 7th-round picks. Damn front office is money.

I actually liked the job Jeremy Kapinos did last season, thought he did a really good job.

 

[The Hank]

So yinz like the punter but what about the kiker Ressel? Suisham clearly regressed last year, and I think if given the chance, probably wouldve cost us a game in the playoffs.

I was hoping we'd burn a 7th rder on a Kicker, I do NOT trust Suish back there like I did Reed in his heyday

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Love the UDFA add of Drew Butler, punter from Georgia. Just read that he is the son of Bears great, kicker Kevin Butler.

Yeah, no kidding. He was the #1 or #2 ranked punter everywhere, literally.He already is the favorite to be the starting punter for Steeltown and they didn't even use a draft pick on him, despite having four 7th-round picks. Damn front office is money.

I actually liked the job Jeremy Kapinos did last season, thought he did a really good job.

So did I, truth be told.But he is under a 1 year contract with no guarantees.And his avg and net is in the bottom 1/3 of the league... and that was one of his better years.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

So yinz like the punter but what about the kiker Ressel? Suisham clearly regressed last year, and I think if given the chance, probably wouldve cost us a game in the playoffs.

I was hoping we'd burn a 7th rder on a Kicker, I do NOT trust Suish back there like I did Reed in his heyday

I thought they might pick up Josh Brown after the Rams cut him, but apparently he already signed with the Jets.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Ryan Longwell is likely to be cut by Minny since they drafted the K from GA - would you rather have the wily vet back there over Suisham?

 

[Fiddles]

suggs out for the year. sucks for suggs but not so much for the stillers.

 

[Godsbrother]

Ryan Longwell is likely to be cut by Minny since they drafted the K from GA - would you rather have the wily vet back there over Suisham?

I think that I would.

 

[The Hank]

Ryan Longwell is likely to be cut by Minny since they drafted the K from GA - would you rather have the wily vet back there over Suisham?

In a ####### heartbeat.

 

[Copeman]

Ryan Longwell is likely to be cut by Minny since they drafted the K from GA - would you rather have the wily vet back there over Suisham?

In a ####### heartbeat.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Also saying Nate Clements is a possible cut June 1 by Cincinnati since they drafted Kirkpatrick and have Hall returning, with Pac-Man and Terence Newman signed this offseason.

He'll be 33 in December, but if he'd sign a 2-year deal for $5-6 million, I think I might bite if I'm the Steelers. I'm not totally comfortable with Keenan Lewis or Cortez Allen starting opposite Ike and God forbid Taylor gets hurt....

 

[The Hank]

Also saying Nate Clements is a possible cut June 1 by Cincinnati since they drafted Kirkpatrick and have Hall returning, with Pac-Man and Terence Newman signed this offseason.

He'll be 33 in December, but if he'd sign a 2-year deal for $5-6 million, I think I might bite if I'm the Steelers. I'm not totally comfortable with Keenan Lewis or Cortez Allen starting opposite Ike and God forbid Taylor gets hurt....

I said it before, I wouldnt mind the Steelers atleast giving FA RB Ladainian Tomlinson a look. He can still play 3rd down RB, as he excels at pass pro and receiving out of the backfield. I think he would be a tremendous signing. He would be a significant upgrade to Mewelde Moore.Having Clements come in and cover WR2 in multiple nickel/dime formations would be a good thing as well.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I'd wager the Steelers are unlikely to be signing any FA, that won't work for next to nothing, prior to letting the Wallace situation play out.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Ryan Longwell is likely to be cut by Minny since they drafted the K from GA - would you rather have the wily vet back there over Suisham?

In a ####### heartbeat.

Eh, I was going to argue it because when I saw Longwell was only 78.6% (22/28) last year and 61.5% on 40+ (8/13) but I looked at Suisham's stats and he was actually worse by about 1 miss I dont think either is the answer but they gotta bring somebody in for some competition at this point Id say.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Also saying Nate Clements is a possible cut June 1 by Cincinnati since they drafted Kirkpatrick and have Hall returning, with Pac-Man and Terence Newman signed this offseason.

He'll be 33 in December, but if he'd sign a 2-year deal for $5-6 million, I think I might bite if I'm the Steelers. I'm not totally comfortable with Keenan Lewis or Cortez Allen starting opposite Ike and God forbid Taylor gets hurt....

I said it before, I wouldnt mind the Steelers atleast giving FA RB Ladainian Tomlinson a look. He can still play 3rd down RB, as he excels at pass pro and receiving out of the backfield. I think he would be a tremendous signing. He would be a significant upgrade to Mewelde Moore.Having Clements come in and cover WR2 in multiple nickel/dime formations would be a good thing as well.

I would like either guy, or both really, but I think Clements is a bigger need. By the end of the year I might feel different because I liked the progress I saw from Lewis last year, and despite Cortez the Killer being considered a raw CB when we picked him, missing basically all of camp/preseason, yet still seeing snaps late in the year and looking good impressed me. While I believe both guys (and Brown) can be the future, I dont trust them quite yet.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I'd wager the Steelers are unlikely to be signing any FA, that won't work for next to nothing, prior to letting the Wallace situation play out.

Probably difficult to do it before signing all the draft picks as well. Not sure how much that will cost if they sign all 9 guys, $6-7M?How much total space do they have now?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Draft picks should be 5-6, I think. Those 7th will be very cheap.

Don't recall what they have remaining available right now. 10? 11?

Can still cut some dead weight, IMO. John Scott...looking in your direction.

 

[Franknbeans]

from Dulac...

Cornerback: Absolutely not. The Steelers think they have three young corners who can play, especially the two rookies from last year, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. Even though Allen already played in sub packages last year, the one they really like is Brown. Coaches and teammates rave about him – his athleticism, speed, tenacity, skills. He has a chance to be a big contributor this season. Between him, Allen and Keenan Lewis, there is no point in signing a veteran corner who will ####### their development and usurp their playing time. They like these guys. Play ‘em.

Inside linenbacker: To me, the Steelers still don’t have James Farrior’s long-term replacement on the roster. Sure, they have Larry Foote, but he is a one-year stop gap until the heir apparent can be found. And, remember, he is the player they let go because they wanted Lawrence Timmons to be the starter. Foote is a serviceable player and a dependable backup, and the team is not going to sign any type of veteran in free agency who will come in and do a better job. Stevenson Sylvester might develop into a nice player, but he has not shown enough to convince the coaches he deserves more playing time. The Steelers need to find Farrior’s replacement in the draft, not free agency. So the answer is no.

Wide receiver. The Steelers still don’t have a fifth receiver, though I think they are hoping – possibly even counting – on seventh-round pick Toney Clemons being that guy. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added a veteran to come to training camp. But they are not going to sign anyone like Burress because they don’t need a receiver to be anything more than No. 5. They are all set with the top 3 and are thrilled to have Jerricho Cotchery as No. 4. So they are not going to invest that kind of money, nor should they.

 

[The Hank]

from Dulac...Cornerback: Absolutely not. The Steelers think they have three young corners who can play, especially the two rookies from last year, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. Even though Allen already played in sub packages last year, the one they really like is Brown. Coaches and teammates rave about him – his athleticism, speed, tenacity, skills. He has a chance to be a big contributor this season. Between him, Allen and Keenan Lewis, there is no point in signing a veteran corner who will ####### their development and usurp their playing time. They like these guys. Play ‘em.Inside linenbacker: To me, the Steelers still don’t have James Farrior’s long-term replacement on the roster. Sure, they have Larry Foote, but he is a one-year stop gap until the heir apparent can be found. And, remember, he is the player they let go because they wanted Lawrence Timmons to be the starter. Foote is a serviceable player and a dependable backup, and the team is not going to sign any type of veteran in free agency who will come in and do a better job. Stevenson Sylvester might develop into a nice player, but he has not shown enough to convince the coaches he deserves more playing time. The Steelers need to find Farrior’s replacement in the draft, not free agency. So the answer is no.Wide receiver. The Steelers still don’t have a fifth receiver, though I think they are hoping – possibly even counting – on seventh-round pick Toney Clemons being that guy. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added a veteran to come to training camp. But they are not going to sign anyone like Burress because they don’t need a receiver to be anything more than No. 5. They are all set with the top 3 and are thrilled to have Jerricho Cotchery as No. 4. So they are not going to invest that kind of money, nor should they.

I disagree with GD full-heartedly about ILB Stevenson Sylvester; I thought he was looked tremendous in limited time. He is my nominee for Steelers Breakout Player of the Year for 2012-2013 season and will garner more playing time than Foote as the season progresses.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Can still cut some dead weight, IMO. John Scott...looking in your direction.

Yeah, havent thought about this for a couple months and certainly since the draft. Besides a bunch of guys on the roster that have no shot, they would still have 9 OL if they cut 2 of these 3: Jonathan Scott, Chris Scott, Essex. JScott is an obvious one since he's making $2.7M, but the other 2 dont make much sense because CScott is making 600k and the re-signed Essex. I dont recall what they gave Essex, but with the additions now of DeCastro, Adams, and Beachum he is much more expendable.Suisham making $1.7M?! Cut and re-sign for vet min.

 

[Kenny Powers]

from Dulac...Wide receiver. The Steelers still don’t have a fifth receiver, though I think they are hoping – possibly even counting – on seventh-round pick Toney Clemons being that guy. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added a veteran to come to training camp. But they are not going to sign anyone like Burress because they don’t need a receiver to be anything more than No. 5. They are all set with the top 3 and are thrilled to have Jerricho Cotchery as No. 4. So they are not going to invest that kind of money, nor should they.

If not Clemons, Derrick Williams or Marquis Maze can certainly be our WR5. Whoever wins that position battle will be more than adequate, and likely an upgrade from the last few years, as a 5th wideout.

 

[Kenny Powers]

from Dulac...Cornerback: Absolutely not. The Steelers think they have three young corners who can play, especially the two rookies from last year, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. Even though Allen already played in sub packages last year, the one they really like is Brown. Coaches and teammates rave about him – his athleticism, speed, tenacity, skills. He has a chance to be a big contributor this season. Between him, Allen and Keenan Lewis, there is no point in signing a veteran corner who will ####### their development and usurp their playing time. They like these guys. Play ‘em.Inside linenbacker: To me, the Steelers still don’t have James Farrior’s long-term replacement on the roster. Sure, they have Larry Foote, but he is a one-year stop gap until the heir apparent can be found. And, remember, he is the player they let go because they wanted Lawrence Timmons to be the starter. Foote is a serviceable player and a dependable backup, and the team is not going to sign any type of veteran in free agency who will come in and do a better job. Stevenson Sylvester might develop into a nice player, but he has not shown enough to convince the coaches he deserves more playing time. The Steelers need to find Farrior’s replacement in the draft, not free agency. So the answer is no.Wide receiver. The Steelers still don’t have a fifth receiver, though I think they are hoping – possibly even counting – on seventh-round pick Toney Clemons being that guy. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added a veteran to come to training camp. But they are not going to sign anyone like Burress because they don’t need a receiver to be anything more than No. 5. They are all set with the top 3 and are thrilled to have Jerricho Cotchery as No. 4. So they are not going to invest that kind of money, nor should they.

I disagree with GD full-heartedly about ILB Stevenson Sylvester; I thought he was looked tremendous in limited time. He is my nominee for Steelers Breakout Player of the Year for 2012-2013 season and will garner more playing time than Foote as the season progresses.

I could see that, and if he shows enough during the preseason Id probably prefer to have Sylvester starting over Foote from Week 1.I dont think he's the longterm answer though as Farrior's replacement. If only Hightower stayed for his senior year.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

from Dulac...Cornerback: Absolutely not. The Steelers think they have three young corners who can play, especially the two rookies from last year, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. Even though Allen already played in sub packages last year, the one they really like is Brown. Coaches and teammates rave about him – his athleticism, speed, tenacity, skills. He has a chance to be a big contributor this season. Between him, Allen and Keenan Lewis, there is no point in signing a veteran corner who will ####### their development and usurp their playing time. They like these guys. Play ‘em.Inside linenbacker: To me, the Steelers still don’t have James Farrior’s long-term replacement on the roster. Sure, they have Larry Foote, but he is a one-year stop gap until the heir apparent can be found. And, remember, he is the player they let go because they wanted Lawrence Timmons to be the starter. Foote is a serviceable player and a dependable backup, and the team is not going to sign any type of veteran in free agency who will come in and do a better job. Stevenson Sylvester might develop into a nice player, but he has not shown enough to convince the coaches he deserves more playing time. The Steelers need to find Farrior’s replacement in the draft, not free agency. So the answer is no.Wide receiver. The Steelers still don’t have a fifth receiver, though I think they are hoping – possibly even counting – on seventh-round pick Toney Clemons being that guy. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added a veteran to come to training camp. But they are not going to sign anyone like Burress because they don’t need a receiver to be anything more than No. 5. They are all set with the top 3 and are thrilled to have Jerricho Cotchery as No. 4. So they are not going to invest that kind of money, nor should they.

Brown was by far my favorite of the drafted corners coming out of college (I actually drafted him more than once in the SP mock drafts) but I am not nearly as confident throwing these guys out there full-time as Dulac (or the Steelers FO) seems to be. I would love to see a veteran corner signed that can cycle in and out with these kids to get them experience while having 2 seasoned corners to send out there if and when the chips are really down.

 

[Inspiration]

from Dulac...Wide receiver. The Steelers still don’t have a fifth receiver, though I think they are hoping – possibly even counting – on seventh-round pick Toney Clemons being that guy. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added a veteran to come to training camp. But they are not going to sign anyone like Burress because they don’t need a receiver to be anything more than No. 5. They are all set with the top 3 and are thrilled to have Jerricho Cotchery as No. 4. So they are not going to invest that kind of money, nor should they.

If not Clemons, Derrick Williams or Marquis Maze can certainly be our WR5. Whoever wins that position battle will be more than adequate, and likely an upgrade from the last few years, as a 5th wideout.

Could Rainey end up as the 5th WR? Kansas City took McCluster when Haley was coaching there and initially had him primarily at receiver (if I remember correctly). Pass protection has to be an concern for a 180 pound RB and a player who had a similar role at Florida in Percy Harvin has successfully made the transition to receiver in the NFL. Granted this all speculation on my part, so I would be interested to know if Steelers commented on his role with the team yet.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Could Rainey end up as the 5th WR?

Certainly possible, though for this discussion he would still seem to take a RB or ST/Return roster spot.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

5th WR will have to be able to play teams. Which guy projects best to be able to be a gunner? That's who I think makes the team as the 5th wideout.

The big, fast kid from CU sounds like as good a bet as any.

 

[PhD]

suggs out for the year. sucks for suggs but not so much for the stillers.

Looks like the O-Line stats just got better already!

 

[Cookiemonster]

suggs out for the year. sucks for suggs but not so much for the stillers.

Looks like the O-Line stats just got better already!

One less injury for Big Ben this year!

 

[H8fulHuck]

suggs out for the year. sucks for suggs but not so much for the stillers.

Looks like the O-Line stats just got better already!

One less injury for Big Ben this year!

Hate to see a player Suggs caliber go down like that. Can't be easy for a big ugly to recover from an injury like that.

 

[Cookiemonster]

suggs out for the year. sucks for suggs but not so much for the stillers.

Looks like the O-Line stats just got better already!

One less injury for Big Ben this year!

Hate to see a player Suggs caliber go down like that. Can't be easy for a big ugly to recover from an injury like that.

No. Achilles is never good for an explosive player. He says he'll be back this year. I just don't see it. I hope (not for the Steelers' sake) that he makes it back to 100%. Even 90% for that matter. Can't stand the guy, but he is a hell of a player and I'd hate to see his career end too early.

 

[Kenny Powers]

suggs out for the year. sucks for suggs but not so much for the stillers.

Looks like the O-Line stats just got better already!

One less injury for Big Ben this year!

Hate to see a player Suggs caliber go down like that. Can't be easy for a big ugly to recover from an injury like that.

No. Achilles is never good for an explosive player. He says he'll be back this year. I just don't see it. I hope (not for the Steelers' sake) that he makes it back to 100%. Even 90% for that matter. Can't stand the guy, but he is a hell of a player and I'd hate to see his career end too early.

Its "only" a partial tear, which is why he's saying he will be back before the playoffs. That said, I dont see it.That said again, I dont think this is career ending considering he's still 29 (feels like he has tormented us for longer, right?!)...I expect him to sit out this year, and be back guns blazing in 2013. He probably wont be quite as explosive, dominant, quick etc but his drive will still be there.

 

[Kenny Powers]

5th WR will have to be able to play teams. Which guy projects best to be able to be a gunner? That's who I think makes the team as the 5th wideout.The big, fast kid from CU sounds like as good a bet as any.

I agree with this line of thought, but Maze and Williams were both excellent return guys in college (no clue what Williams has done in the pros, Maze is a rook), so I have no clue. Clemons is fast, but I wouldnt be surprised if he hasnt played ST since high school.So basically, I got nothing.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

suggs out for the year. sucks for suggs but not so much for the stillers.

Looks like the O-Line stats just got better already!

One less injury for Big Ben this year!

Hate to see a player Suggs caliber go down like that. Can't be easy for a big ugly to recover from an injury like that.

No. Achilles is never good for an explosive player. He says he'll be back this year. I just don't see it. I hope (not for the Steelers' sake) that he makes it back to 100%. Even 90% for that matter. Can't stand the guy, but he is a hell of a player and I'd hate to see his career end too early.

Its "only" a partial tear, which is why he's saying he will be back before the playoffs. That said, I dont see it.That said again, I dont think this is career ending considering he's still 29 (feels like he has tormented us for longer, right?!)...I expect him to sit out this year, and be back guns blazing in 2013. He probably wont be quite as explosive, dominant, quick etc but his drive will still be there.

"I've already been to see two different doctors," Suggs told The Sun on Thursday. "One says it is a partial tear. One says it is a full tear. I don't know what the hell is going on"

 

[The Hank]

from Dulac...Cornerback: Absolutely not. The Steelers think they have three young corners who can play, especially the two rookies from last year, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. Even though Allen already played in sub packages last year, the one they really like is Brown. Coaches and teammates rave about him – his athleticism, speed, tenacity, skills. He has a chance to be a big contributor this season. Between him, Allen and Keenan Lewis, there is no point in signing a veteran corner who will ####### their development and usurp their playing time. They like these guys. Play ‘em.Inside linenbacker: To me, the Steelers still don’t have James Farrior’s long-term replacement on the roster. Sure, they have Larry Foote, but he is a one-year stop gap until the heir apparent can be found. And, remember, he is the player they let go because they wanted Lawrence Timmons to be the starter. Foote is a serviceable player and a dependable backup, and the team is not going to sign any type of veteran in free agency who will come in and do a better job. Stevenson Sylvester might develop into a nice player, but he has not shown enough to convince the coaches he deserves more playing time. The Steelers need to find Farrior’s replacement in the draft, not free agency. So the answer is no.Wide receiver. The Steelers still don’t have a fifth receiver, though I think they are hoping – possibly even counting – on seventh-round pick Toney Clemons being that guy. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added a veteran to come to training camp. But they are not going to sign anyone like Burress because they don’t need a receiver to be anything more than No. 5. They are all set with the top 3 and are thrilled to have Jerricho Cotchery as No. 4. So they are not going to invest that kind of money, nor should they.

Brown was by far my favorite of the drafted corners coming out of college (I actually drafted him more than once in the SP mock drafts) but I am not nearly as confident throwing these guys out there full-time as Dulac (or the Steelers FO) seems to be. I would love to see a veteran corner signed that can cycle in and out with these kids to get them experience while having 2 seasoned corners to send out there if and when the chips are really down.

Veteran CB Drayton Florence was released by Buffalo today ... could be an option.

 

[The Hank]

@MarkKaboly_Trib: #steelers have moved Wes Lyons to tight end. At 6-9 260, he is a beast.