***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2012 Thread (2 Viewers)

[Godsbrother]

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

Wow. I wonder what his speed is like...

 

[The Hank]

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

Wow. I wonder what his speed is like...

This was a few years back but this site says his 40 Time was 4.67!

 

[Kenny Powers]

How many GD TE's do we need?!

4 TE set anyone?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

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

Wow. I wonder what his speed is like...

Great WR from Woodland Hills HS. Good for him.

 

[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.

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

Saw that - wouldn't mind adding him either.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

@EdBouchette: #steelers most impressive rookie on first day? Caveat: in shorts, no contact, but LB Sean Spence, third rounder

 

[H8fulHuck]

@EdBouchette: #steelers most impressive rookie on first day? Caveat: in shorts, no contact, but LB Sean Spence, third rounder

Great to hear this. I was surprised to hear Spence was drafted with Ta'Amu still on the board. Colbert must have felt he's a high want/perfect fit.

 

[H8fulHuck]

Article from the washington post on the steelers rookies

mentions DeCastro wearing Faneca's old number 66 and lining up at right guard. (I guess IB really was putting DeCastro's name on his old Faneca jersey on draft day)

Adams was at left tackle.

 

[Kenny Powers]

@EdBouchette: #steelers most impressive rookie on first day? Caveat: in shorts, no contact, but LB Sean Spence, third rounder

I wasnt sure of the pick at first (who knows if he does pan out still, and getting Ta'Amu later certainly made me less concerned about this pick), but his athleticism, instincts, and penchant for being around the ball - based on what Ive seen - make me think he can be a mini-Timmons circa 2010 the more I think about it. Maybe we do have Farrior's replacement?! I dont believe he was the defensive signalcaller at The U.That said, as much as he could be a mini-Timmons, he looks as much like a Sylvester clone too.

 

[apalmer]

Didn't realize they had Myron Rolle in camp. If nothing else, he probably doubles the average IQ of the class.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

• Center Maurkice Pouncey said he is 100 percent following offseason surgery to remove bone spurs that made his ankle unstable.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Rainey and Ta'amu both have signed.

 

[moondog]

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.

Saw that - wouldn't mind adding him either.

From todays Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback column -"I think if you want to know why the Bills whacked credible veteran cornerback Drayton Florence, look no further than the 103.3 passer rating he allowed foes last year in coverage (per ProFootballFocus.com). GM Buddy Nix is too smart to give away cornerbacks who can still cover, and with 2011 second-round pick Aaron Williams and this year's first-rounder, Stephon Gilmore, in house, Nix can afford to jettison an aging, slumping player. "

 

[steelcityman]

I been really busy the last 2 weekends, I have been catching up though. Love DeCastro pick. Nice to think that we could have 4/5 of an OLine together for a decade now.

Not sold on Adams, needs to put on weight and more muscle at least IMO. Spence could be part of the new wave of ILBs in the NFL. Rainey could really be interesting, speed is amazing, played vs SEC too. Big DL was perfect draft pick at that time. The local WR from Colorado, he has Marques Colston type images dancing in my head. Speed, size...seems like he has a desire to make the team and do well, and he aint no dummy. Should be WR5, might not play a lot, but should make squad, esp if he can do some special teams. Rolle is smart, good player but couldnt make it in Tenn, curious to see what the ask of him and how much PT he gets in summer and camp.

CB is still huge question mark. We need someone to step up there.

overall grade a week later is A.

Potential for greatness A+

Steelers drafted size and speed. Now they need to prep those kids to get ready for the big time football.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Just heard them say on The Fan that NFLN or CBS (forget which) is reporting we had a deal with NYJ to move up to 16 in the draft to take DeCastro but they pulled out?! If thats true, I have no complaints to the FO anymore for not trading up to just 20 or so because I didnt even expect to see them trade up by more than that.

Also makes me feel that much better it didnt pan out because Im guessing that wouldve meant no way we trade up Ta'Amu

 

[Corky]

Just heard them say on The Fan that NFLN or CBS (forget which) is reporting we had a deal with NYJ to move up to 16 in the draft to take DeCastro but they pulled out?! If thats true, I have no complaints to the FO anymore for not trading up to just 20 or so because I didnt even expect to see them trade up by more than that.Also makes me feel that much better it didnt pan out because Im guessing that wouldve meant no way we trade up Ta'Amu

Wow. I reaaaaaaallly wanted DeCastro. I probably would have been happy with the trade up to 16 to get him, because I would not then know that we would have got him at 24. But DAMN, that makes me happier to get him at 24.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Bouchette tweeting that Adams has signed. 4 years, no details on cash though.

 

[Steelfan7]

@EdBouchette: #steelers most impressive rookie on first day? Caveat: in shorts, no contact, but LB Sean Spence, third rounder

I wasnt sure of the pick at first (who knows if he does pan out still, and getting Ta'Amu later certainly made me less concerned about this pick), but his athleticism, instincts, and penchant for being around the ball - based on what Ive seen - make me think he can be a mini-Timmons circa 2010 the more I think about it. Maybe we do have Farrior's replacement?! I dont believe he was the defensive signalcaller at The U.That said, as much as he could be a mini-Timmons, he looks as much like a Sylvester clone too.

Steelers like the "Buck" lb position to be bigger so they envision Spence to play the "mack" lb behind Timmons.

 

[H8fulHuck]

@EdBouchette: #steelers most impressive rookie on first day? Caveat: in shorts, no contact, but LB Sean Spence, third rounder

I wasnt sure of the pick at first (who knows if he does pan out still, and getting Ta'Amu later certainly made me less concerned about this pick), but his athleticism, instincts, and penchant for being around the ball - based on what Ive seen - make me think he can be a mini-Timmons circa 2010 the more I think about it. Maybe we do have Farrior's replacement?! I dont believe he was the defensive signalcaller at The U.That said, as much as he could be a mini-Timmons, he looks as much like a Sylvester clone too.

Steelers like the "Buck" lb position to be bigger so they envision Spence to play the "mack" lb behind Timmons.

The steelers were looking to get better in pass protection at the linebacker position. Adjusting to the pass first NFL.

 

[Kenny Powers]

@EdBouchette: #steelers most impressive rookie on first day? Caveat: in shorts, no contact, but LB Sean Spence, third rounder

I wasnt sure of the pick at first (who knows if he does pan out still, and getting Ta'Amu later certainly made me less concerned about this pick), but his athleticism, instincts, and penchant for being around the ball - based on what Ive seen - make me think he can be a mini-Timmons circa 2010 the more I think about it. Maybe we do have Farrior's replacement?! I dont believe he was the defensive signalcaller at The U.That said, as much as he could be a mini-Timmons, he looks as much like a Sylvester clone too.

Steelers like the "Buck" lb position to be bigger so they envision Spence to play the "mack" lb behind Timmons.

The steelers were looking to get better in pass protection at the linebacker position. Adjusting to the pass first NFL.

While I think at least short term they are thinking this, picking Spence in the 3rd to solely have that role and/or be a backup ILB longterm is pretty early for that type of player.

 

[Godsbrother]

Bouchette tweeting that Adams has signed. 4 years, no details on cash though.

I wonder if there were any special personal conduct clauses in his contract.

 

[Godsbrother]

@EdBouchette: #steelers most impressive rookie on first day? Caveat: in shorts, no contact, but LB Sean Spence, third rounder

I wasnt sure of the pick at first (who knows if he does pan out still, and getting Ta'Amu later certainly made me less concerned about this pick), but his athleticism, instincts, and penchant for being around the ball - based on what Ive seen - make me think he can be a mini-Timmons circa 2010 the more I think about it. Maybe we do have Farrior's replacement?! I dont believe he was the defensive signalcaller at The U.That said, as much as he could be a mini-Timmons, he looks as much like a Sylvester clone too.

Steelers like the "Buck" lb position to be bigger so they envision Spence to play the "mack" lb behind Timmons.

The steelers were looking to get better in pass protection at the linebacker position. Adjusting to the pass first NFL.

While I think at least short term they are thinking this, picking Spence in the 3rd to solely have that role and/or be a backup ILB longterm is pretty early for that type of player.

Agreed. I think they believe that he can develop into a starter.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Matt Roth and Dave Rayner in for visits today

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Bouchette tweeting that Adams has signed. 4 years, no details on cash though.

I wonder if there were any special personal conduct clauses in his contract.

There were rumors of such clauses at the time of the draft.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Bouchette tweeting that Adams has signed. 4 years, no details on cash though.

I wonder if there were any special personal conduct clauses in his contract.

There were rumors of such clauses at the time of the draft.

His agent said that wasn't true. But the "steps" needed to be done by Adams leading up the draft, were true.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

While I think at least short term they are thinking this, picking Spence in the 3rd to solely have that role and/or be a backup ILB longterm is pretty early for that type of player.

I think this was a "take the player because you love his game, worry about how he fits later" pick. Spence is fast and smart which makes him play even faster. BPA all the way

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Updating a previous report, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed OT Mike X. Adams to a four-year deal worth $3.54 million, and it includes a $1.01 million signing bonus, according to a league source.

 

[belljr]

Mostly just a fluff piece, but here's Dan Patrick's interview with Ben Roethlisberger.

I liked the Batman line

 

[Godsbrother]

Mostly just a fluff piece, but here's Dan Patrick's interview with Ben Roethlisberger.

I liked the Batman line

Good interview. A couple guys on "The Fan" were saying that Ben was whining about losing Ariens and learning a whole new offense but I didn't hear anything like that. I guess it is a slow time for the sports talk guys and they need to complain about something...

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

How soon is too soon to call Ziggy Hood a bust? I'm not saying I'm saying that yet. But I'm thinking it a little bit.

 

[Black&Gold]

How soon is too soon to call Ziggy Hood a bust? I'm not saying I'm saying that yet. But I'm thinking it a little bit.

Why? I thought he filled in fairly well. This is what....his 3rd year? He should really step up this year. I think you have to give a player 3 years on a great team like the Steelers. They learn the system, fit into the system, and take on a leadership role. He's been learning behind Keisel and Smith on how to be a pro. He'll be fine.

 

[The Hank]

How soon is too soon to call Ziggy Hood a bust? I'm not saying I'm saying that yet. But I'm thinking it a little bit.

He actually played well at the tail end of last season; I'd wait to see what happens this year with him. Usually takes rookies a few years to master the LeBeau defense (it took Keisel a long time to be effective)

 

[Kenny Powers]

I think Hood has been fine, nowhere near a bust. You might not hear his name a ton, but thats also because he doesnt make many mistakes.

Yeah, he's a #2, but I think Worilds is much closer to being a bust than Hood.

 

[Corky]

I think Hood has been fine, nowhere near a bust. You might not hear his name a ton, but thats also because he doesnt make many mistakes.Yeah, he's a #2, but I think Worilds is much closer to being a bust than Hood.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

How soon is too soon to call Ziggy Hood a bust? I'm not saying I'm saying that yet. But I'm thinking it a little bit.

I think you're nuts. He is on schedule as far as I am concerned.

 

[Return of the Sheep]

I think Hood has been fine, nowhere near a bust. You might not hear his name a ton, but thats also because he doesnt make many mistakes.Yeah, he's a #2, but I think Worilds is much closer to being a bust than Hood.

I think that we sometimes jump the gun on players bc we have had so many studs on the team. Maybe we are a little spoiled? Our guys that get cut or let go often end up being starters on other teams. I've liked what I've seen out of both Hood and Worilds and think both would start on other nfl teams. I think Worilds breaks out in a big way this year.

 

[Godsbrother]

How soon is too soon to call Ziggy Hood a bust? I'm not saying I'm saying that yet. But I'm thinking it a little bit.

I suggested this a year ago but I thought he came on pretty well last season. I am expecting good things from Ziggy this season.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I think Hood gets washed out of plays a TON.

He looked way better at the end of 2010 than he did at any point in '11 to me. He needs to turn it on this season.

 

[The Hank]

@DVEMike: Willie Colon made it official today: "I've made the transition to left guard. I like it. It's just a matter of learning the verbiage

If he can stay healthy I love this move.

 

[The Hank]

Potential starting Line

Adams - Colon - Pouncey - DeCastro - Gilbert

(T's can be interchangable)

 

[Cookiemonster]

Potential starting LineAdams - Colon - Pouncey - DeCastro - Gilbert(T's can be interchangable)

Hells yeah!Love that interior line. Maybe we can actually get back to having an effective running game.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If they can't move guys off the ball on the interior now, if all three of those guys remain healthy, then they never will with current personnel.

Glad Colon is at least outwardly embracing it. This should have been done 4 years ago and, if he can keep his legs from exploding again, should totally improve his effectiveness. He goes from being a pretty big liability in pass pro as a T to potentially being a fairly good pass blocking G.

They must be in looooove with Adams if they really intend on throwing him to the wolves at LT as a rook. I don't know that they'll start out like that. He and Gilbert may switch at some point, but I'll bet they start him on the right.

 

[treat88]

Hallelujah.

Long time coming. Damn long time.

For the first time in my recent memory, I am actually cautiously optimistic we may have an effective line.

Nothing proven yet, but the FO has done an amazing job reworking this line into a very young, potentially very good unit in the space of 3 seasons.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I'm still an Adams skeptic at this stage. Feel way better about him as a 2nd rounder, but I didn't think he'd be a guy that would come in and be able to start from jump even had he been taken in the first. That hasn't changed for me yet.

I will happily eat crow if he proves me wrong. Hopefully he does. Seems like he may at least have gotten a pretty big wake up call when Pittsburgh "took him off their board", so maybe the light goes on and he just kills it from here on. Stranger things have happened, certainly.

Regardless of Adams though, the interior of the line should certainly be a significant upgrade over what we've seen in recent seasons for sure. Colon/Pouncey/DD is a far cry from Kemo/Mahan-Hartwig/RG dujour, isn't it?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I'm still an Adams skeptic at this stage. Feel way better about him as a 2nd rounder, but I didn't think he'd be a guy that would come in and be able to start from jump even had he been taken in the first. That hasn't changed for me yet. I will happily eat crow if he proves me wrong. Hopefully he does. Seems like he may at least have gotten a pretty big wake up call when Pittsburgh "took him off their board", so maybe the light goes on and he just kills it from here on. Stranger things have happened, certainly.Regardless of Adams though, the interior of the line should certainly be a significant upgrade over what we've seen in recent seasons for sure. Colon/Pouncey/DD is a far cry from Kemo/Mahan-Hartwig/RG dujour, isn't it?

Dear God, yes. A young pro Bowler, a future sure-fire Pro Bowler, and a guy I've long thought had Pro bowl potential at G. Remember too that Colon's injury last year was a bicep, not a leg, so he's had 2 years to heal that Achilles.My worry is the tackles. Gilbert showed me some nice things last year but not enough to have me totally confident he can hold down LT, and Adams has fantastic potential but hasn't played a snap yet.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

FB?

Chad Diel brings the absolute thunder!There is a video on youtube of him smashing people.

A bit stiff though, so not sure if Haley envisions him in his offense, prolly would want a more rounded player.

Here is the

 

[Kenny Powers]

I'm still an Adams skeptic at this stage. Feel way better about him as a 2nd rounder, but I didn't think he'd be a guy that would come in and be able to start from jump even had he been taken in the first. That hasn't changed for me yet.

I will happily eat crow if he proves me wrong. Hopefully he does. Seems like he may at least have gotten a pretty big wake up call when Pittsburgh "took him off their board", so maybe the light goes on and he just kills it from here on. Stranger things have happened, certainly.

Regardless of Adams though, the interior of the line should certainly be a significant upgrade over what we've seen in recent seasons for sure. Colon/Pouncey/DD is a far cry from Kemo/Mahan-Hartwig/RG dujour, isn't it?

Dear God, yes. A young pro Bowler, a future sure-fire Pro Bowler, and a guy I've long thought had Pro bowl potential at G. Remember too that Colon's injury last year was a bicep, not a leg, so he's had 2 years to heal that Achilles.My worry is the tackles. Gilbert showed me some nice things last year but not enough to have me totally confident he can hold down LT, and Adams has fantastic potential but hasn't played a snap yet.

Same for me. They should benefit by having a very good interior line though.

 

[The Hank]

I'm still an Adams skeptic at this stage. Feel way better about him as a 2nd rounder, but I didn't think he'd be a guy that would come in and be able to start from jump even had he been taken in the first. That hasn't changed for me yet.

I will happily eat crow if he proves me wrong. Hopefully he does. Seems like he may at least have gotten a pretty big wake up call when Pittsburgh "took him off their board", so maybe the light goes on and he just kills it from here on. Stranger things have happened, certainly.

Regardless of Adams though, the interior of the line should certainly be a significant upgrade over what we've seen in recent seasons for sure. Colon/Pouncey/DD is a far cry from Kemo/Mahan-Hartwig/RG dujour, isn't it?

Dear God, yes. A young pro Bowler, a future sure-fire Pro Bowler, and a guy I've long thought had Pro bowl potential at G. Remember too that Colon's injury last year was a bicep, not a leg, so he's had 2 years to heal that Achilles.My worry is the tackles. Gilbert showed me some nice things last year but not enough to have me totally confident he can hold down LT, and Adams has fantastic potential but hasn't played a snap yet.

Same for me. They should benefit by having a very good interior line though.

On top of all this good news is that when injuries occur, we have solid depth as well (Ramon Foster [G/T], Doug Legursky [G/C], Chris Scott [T], Kelvim Beachum [T]*Rookie, Jonathon Scott [T], Trai Essex [G/C])

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I feel a lot better about the team going into this season than I did last season. It needed some youth to step up on D and having a young and talented O-Line that will be together from the beginning and know that they will be together in the future helps a lot as well. Now, we just need Wallace to get a hold of himself and get his ### into camp!

 

[Faust]

Steelers' Dwyer trying to break through

By Mike Wilkening

In the 2010 draft, the Steelers liked Jonathan Dwyer enough to take him seven picks before Antonio Brown.

Brown, a sixth-rounder like Dwyer, has become one of the keys to the Steelers’ offense, a formidable receiving threat opposite Mike Wallace. He’s also a Pro Bowl kick returner.

Dwyer, a running back from Georgia Tech, has not had that sort of impact, but he is a player to watch entering the 2012 season. With starting RB Rashard Mendenhall coming off an ACL tear suffered on Jan. 1, Dwyer could vie for more playing time.

Playing time has been scarce for Dwyer, who has just 26 regular-season touches on offense for Pittsburgh. He played but one game in 2010, a season that was about “just learning about growing up,” he said. He was just 21 when he received his first NFL carry, and he does not turn 23 until July. In 2011, Dwyer appeared in seven games, and in his most extended playing time of the season, he rushed for 107 yards on 11 carries in a victory against Tennessee.

Entering his third NFL campaign, “you want more,” Dwyer said Thursday. “You want to be out (there) more and more and be one of the main guys that contributes on this team.”

The 5-11, 229-pound Dwyer is coming off an injury of his own, a broken left foot suffered Dec. 4, but he’s back running, and he’s able to cut, he said Thursday. He expects to take part in the Steelers’ organized team activities, which begin next week, though his level of participation remains to be seen. He still has some soreness but nothing serious, he said.

After OTAs conclude, Dwyer, whose weight has fluctuated at times in his collegiate and pro careers — will train at Bommarito Performance Systems in Florida. Ideally, he said, he would like to play at 225-230 pounds.

If Mendenhall isn’t ready to begin the season, Dwyer would vie to be the top backup to Isaac Redman. Dwyer said that the rehabilitating Mendenhall is able to jog. “He looked good from what I could see,” said Dwyer, who last saw Mendenhall around the team facilities “a couple days” ago.

Mendenhall has been dependable since entering the starting lineup in 2009, missing but one game in that span — the Steelers’ win vs. Tennessee in October, Dwyer’s breakout performance, which was highlighted by his 76-yard run down the Steelers’ sideline.

“Hopefully, I want to be known for more than that,” Dwyer said of that rush, which is tied for the seventh-longest from scrimmage in club history. “That’s what this season is all about.”