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

[Plorfu]

Steelers hosting Demetrius Bell.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/30/steelers-hosting-demetrius-bell/

 

[Kenny Powers]

But this is the first 1st-round grade player they are looking at for a reason.

I think the only reason is.....that he happens to be the first 1st-round grade player that was available to be brought in. It has to be somebody every year. To read anything more into than that is pretty silly to me, unless we've got data supporting that 80% of the first 1st-round graded players that they bring in are who they draft in round one, or something. I'm guessing that probably isn't the case.At any rate, I'll worry about Adams on draft day. Colbert was at the second 'Bama Pro Day today. Upshaw and Barron were a couple of the notable participants that he could have been watching.

I think Barron is a big sleeper possibility as our #1.He doesnt fill near our biggest need, but it is a position with zero depth and Troy & Clark are both around 30 if not past it. Barron to me looks like 1 of the cant miss players in this draft, although Im not quite sure how much of a difference making safety hell be. He will be a linchpin for any D, which is good enough for me, but I dont quite see him as transcendent safety. Hell, few are.

i was thinking the same thing while watching path to the draft

Whatd they say?

 

[Kenny Powers]

Steelers hosting Demetrius Bell.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/30/steelers-hosting-demetrius-bell/

Never heard of him but he sounds like an almost certain upgrade

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Bell has talent.....when healthy.

I thought he'd already visited the Eagles? I'd assume anyone who remotely has a pulse that can play LT is someone that they will jump all over given the Peters injury.

 

[moondog]

Bell has talent.....when healthy.I thought he'd already visited the Eagles? I'd assume anyone who remotely has a pulse that can play LT is someone that they will jump all over given the Peters injury.

Bell has a visit scheduled with the Eagles.http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/25255/Source--Demetrius-Bell-to-visit-Eagles/Default.aspx

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Don't see Adams to the Steelers in the first. He's just not an elite talent. I think they believe they're set at tackle with Gilbert and Colon. I really believe the first two picks are defense unless a bigtime player slips.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Don't see Adams to the Steelers in the first. He's just not an elite talent. I think they believe they're set at tackle with Gilbert and Colon. I really believe the first two picks are defense unless a bigtime player slips.

I could see an OG but otherwise agree, especially the 1st pick, will be on D.

 

[Faust]

Draft team needs: Pittsburgh Steelers

By Clark Judge | CBSSports.com Senior NFL Columnist

The Pittsburgh Steelers failed to reach the Super Bowl last season, and I know what you're thinking. So what? So, the past three times they reached the Super Bowl they didn't win a playoff game the following year. In fact, twice they didn't even make the playoffs.

They should this season, even though they go into the season without running back Rashard Mendenhall and with a passel of unanswered questions. But it's not Mendenhall who's the key here; it's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the team's linebackers and defensive coordinator **** LeBeau.

They have kept the Steelers at or near the top of the AFC for most of the past seven seasons, and nothing has changed there. Only once since realignment has Pittsburgh gone consecutive seasons without winning a division championship, and then it tied for first -- losing only in a tiebreaker (2005).

Look out above.

QB: Ben Roethlisberger isn't just the best quarterback in the division; he's one of the best quarterbacks in the game. He has a flair for making the right play at the right time, something that carried the Steelers to three Super Bowl appearances in six years. But he absorbs too many hits, and it cost him ... and the Steelers ... again last season, with Roethlisberger handicapped by a fractured right thumb in midseason. Then he suffered a high-ankle sprain that reduced his effectiveness down the stretch and basically ended Pittsburgh's chances of a Super Bowl repeat. Injuries are part of the game, but Roethlisberger invites them with the number of hits he takes. That has to end, and it's not the only aspect of his game that changes. He just turned 30. He lost his most trusted receiver in Hines Ward. His offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians, is gone, replaced by the fiery Todd Haley. And the team president, Art Rooney, suggested Roethlisberger needs to "tweak" his game, all but calling on him to take fewer hits. Stay tuned.

RB: A severe knee injury to Rashard Mendenhall should have him starting the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list and may keep him out for the season. So now the question: Who replaces him? There aren't many options, with Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman the most immediate. General manager Kevin Colbert said last week that he's confident with them, but coach Mike Tomlin indicated the club probably won't stand pat in this area. Redman has one career start but ran for 121 yards vs. Denver in the playoffs. Dwyer, a sixth-round choice, has shown flashes but has little experience (25 carries). Nevertheless, he ran for 107 yards in a game vs. Tennessee. Look for the Steelers to spend at least one of their picks on this position.

WR: Mike Wallace is the team's top receiver, but will he be back? He's a restricted free agent, and so far nobody has signed him to an offer sheet. Teammate Antonio Brown thinks Wallace returns, and, if so, that's nothing but good news for the home team. Nevertheless, he must play better than he did down the stretch, when his play tailed off from the first half of the season. All I know is that he's the team's most dangerous threat, though Brown is a star on the rise. He not only was the Steelers' second-leading receiver; he averaged 16.1 yards per catch and was one of the game's top punt returners. His teammates thought so much of him they named him the team MVP. Emmanuel Sanders is a decent third option -- provided, of course, he overcomes his foot and knee problems -- but the possible departure of Jerricho Cotchery and the uncertain future of Wallace mean the Steelers must address this position in the draft.

TE: Heath Miller is one of the league's most versatile tight ends, a guy who is as adept at blocking as he is catching passes. Backup Weslye Saunders is young and promising, but he will miss the first four games because of a league suspension. That means the next option could be fullback David Johnson, who is more like an H-back, or Jamie McCoy.

OL: No quarterback has been sacked more the past few years than Roethlisberger. Part of that is that he holds the ball longer than most QBs, but most of it is that the pass protection hasn't been all that good. With left tackle Max Starks out of the picture for now, Marcus Gilbert is expected to move from the right side to replace him. Tomlin is high on the guy and thinks the move should be seamless. While Colbert said the club could consider re-signing Starks, who tore his ACL in the playoffs, Pittsburgh has Gilbert penciled in at his position. Doug Legursky returns to left guard after replacing Chris Kemoeatu, who was released in a salary-cap move. After years of waiting on Kemoeatu, the Steelers tired of his mediocre play and costly penalties. Center Maurkice Pouncey is one of the game's top offensive linemen, and the Steelers suffered when a high-ankle sprain removed him from the lineup down the stretch. Look for Willie Colon to take over at right tackle after missing all but one game the past two seasons, though there's always the possibility he could step in at right guard, but Ramon Foster seems more likely there. It's a reshuffled lineup, but what's new? The Steelers had 10 different offensive lineups last season.

DL: Tackle Casey Hampton is another starter sidelined by a knee injury, though Tomlin thinks he will return and contribute this season. Ziggy Hood could move to take his place in the starting lineup, with Steve McLendon a capable backup with experience. Hood played defensive tackle in college, and there is talk of a possible move -- with no decision at this point. Aaron Smith was released, but that's not the blow it may appear. In fact, the move was expected. Smith, who once was an indispensable part of the defense, had been hampered by injuries that limited him to 15 games the past three years. Plus, he's 35. End Brett Keisel is a solid player but is coming off a serious groin injury, while Cameron Heyward looks like a future starter despite playing inconsistently as a rookie. The Steelers could start him at end if they move Hood inside. If there's a need, it's at tackle, with Hampton turning 35 this season. With the retirement of Chris Hoke, the Steelers have only five players here with experience -- including two (Keisel and Hampton) coming off significant injuries.

LB: Linebacker James Farrior, who had been with the Steelers since 2002, is another salary cap casualty who will be missed. While he was slowing down, he still was one of the team leaders and an invaluable presence in the huddle. But Farrior is 37, and the Steelers had to trim their roster. In his place, the club has a couple of options -- young Stevenson Sylvester or the experienced Larry Foote -- but it's unclear if Foote can be an every-down player. Sylvester seems promising, but the Steelers could use depth at the position. Injuries to outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley had an impact on the usually reliable Lawrence Timmons, whose play dropped off while splitting time at outside and inside linebacker. Woodley and Harrison are superb outside rushers, but Harrison turns 34 in May. Still, he averaged nearly a sack per game last season.

DB: Bryant McFadden and William Gay are gone, with Gay the more significant loss. He played well after regaining his starting role but must be replaced -- with Curtis Brown and Kennan Lewis the logical choices. Brown has all the physical tools to be a suitable replacement, and he and Lewis, who played on Pittsburgh's nickel defenses, have bright futures. Ike Taylor is one of the game's top cornerbacks when he plays as he did the first three quarters of last season. But he tailed off down the stretch, with Taylor the victim on Denver's 80-yard touchdown in overtime that ended the Steelers' season. Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark are solid at safety, with Clark coming off what might have been his best season. Ryan Mundy and Will Allen are the backups. The play of the secondary improved significantly under the direction of former Steelers star Carnell Lake. But it's hard to erase the memory of that loss to Denver when Tim Tebow shredded the Steelers' defense for a career-high 316 yards, two touchdowns and a memorable upset.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Draft team needs: Pittsburgh Steelers

By Clark Judge | CBSSports.com Senior NFL Columnist

I think it was funny how this article is supposed to address "draft needs" and the only positions he even mentions the Steelers drafting are RB and WR

 

[Godsbrother]

Draft team needs: Pittsburgh Steelers

By Clark Judge | CBSSports.com Senior NFL Columnist

I think it was funny how this article is supposed to address "draft needs" and the only positions he even mentions the Steelers drafting are RB and WR

Agreed. The Steelers need more help on the defensive side of the ball than offense.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Draft team needs: Pittsburgh Steelers

By Clark Judge | CBSSports.com Senior NFL Columnist

I think it was funny how this article is supposed to address "draft needs" and the only positions he even mentions the Steelers drafting are RB and WR

Agreed. The Steelers need more help on the defensive side of the ball than offense.

He also says "if there is a need it's tackle" in the DT write up. And I tend to agree.

 

[Hoot&HoLLer]

Glad they did not mess up the best looking uniforms in the history of the league.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2012/04/new-steelers-nike-jersey-uniform-unveiled/comment-page-1/

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Now the Saints sign David Hawthorne at LB also.

Damn it, absolutely wrong team for Hawthorne and Lofton to sign with.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Senior Bowl MVP visits Steelers

ETA: Im not sure what Isaiah Pead's round projection is, but he's a guy I would be happy to see the Steelers draft in Id guess the 3rd+ round

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Were the Steelers underwhelmed by Mike Adams?

In the past few days the Steelers set up a visit with Ole Miss R-OT Bobby Massie. He will arrive today (4/4).

 

[Kenny Powers]

Were the Steelers underwhelmed by Mike Adams?

We can only hope

 

[H8fulHuck]

Kirby Wilson stopped in for a visit. My link

Good to see him doing better. Walking with a cane after 40-50% of his body being burned. Tomlin expects him to return at some point this year.

Article aslo mentions Sepulveda won't return. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Were the Steelers underwhelmed by Mike Adams?

We can only hope

+1Mike can take his Coke machine feet elsewhere.As far as Massie goes....he doesn't get as much love as he should, IMO. I'm sure part of it is because he projects only to RT, another part is likely because Ole Miss sucked, but the guy is good. Particularly run blocking.

 

[Steel Dillo]

I'd like to see the Steelers take Kelechi Osemele, OG from Iowa State with their 2nd round pick.

Dude is massive & crushes people in the run game. He does need to get better in pass pro, but he's supposed to be a smart guy & coachable.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Article aslo mentions Sepulveda won't return. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

This was about as cant miss of a pick the Steelers have taken in the last 5 years Id say, and I definitely think (even injuries aside) somehow he was still a semi-bust.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Article aslo mentions Sepulveda won't return. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

This was about as cant miss of a pick the Steelers have taken in the last 5 years Id say, and I definitely think (even injuries aside) somehow he was still a semi-bust.

Semi-bust? Closer to a total bust, prolly(injury related, of course, but still). They traded up to get the guy. "Egads", in retrospect, is probably warranted.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Article aslo mentions Sepulveda won't return. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

This was about as cant miss of a pick the Steelers have taken in the last 5 years Id say, and I definitely think (even injuries aside) somehow he was still a semi-bust.

Semi-bust? Closer to a total bust, prolly(injury related, of course, but still). They traded up to get the guy. "Egads", in retrospect, is probably warranted.

Thats why I said injuries aside. If you consider those (how many?), then definite total bust.And how many punters that arent 7th rounders or UDFAs are busts?!

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Article aslo mentions Sepulveda won't return. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

This was about as cant miss of a pick the Steelers have taken in the last 5 years Id say, and I definitely think (even injuries aside) somehow he was still a semi-bust.

I hated this pick when it happened (I threw a chair). It was too early to draft a punter and he was clearly an injury risk coming out of college.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I'd like to see the Steelers take Kelechi Osemele, OG from Iowa State with their 2nd round pick.Dude is massive & crushes people in the run game. He does need to get better in pass pro, but he's supposed to be a smart guy & coachable.

@MelKiperESPN: I'm projecting the Pittsburgh Steelers 1st 3 picks to be ILB Dont'a Hightower (rd 1) RT/OG Kelechi Osemele (rd 2) & NT Alameda Ta'Amu (rd 3)

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I'd be fine with that as a top 3, although I'm not exactly enamored with Ta'Amu as a true zero tech NG. It'd be round three though....would be worth taking a shot at that point for sure.

As a straight guard Osemele intrigues me, even though he's another Big 10+2 guy. Interior types concern me less than the OTs though and when that guy puts on the headgear he is a bad, bad individual.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I'd like to see the Steelers take Kelechi Osemele, OG from Iowa State with their 2nd round pick.Dude is massive & crushes people in the run game. He does need to get better in pass pro, but he's supposed to be a smart guy & coachable.

@MelKiperESPN: I'm projecting the Pittsburgh Steelers 1st 3 picks to be ILB Dont'a Hightower (rd 1) RT/OG Kelechi Osemele (rd 2) & NT Alameda Ta'Amu (rd 3)

I would be very excited if this is the draft result after 3 rounds. Very excited.

 

[H8fulHuck]

If the top prospects at ILB, DL and OT/G are gone by the 24th pick, does anyone think the steelers could take Fleener at 24? In lieu of bringing back a Cotchery (who I like very much), the Steelers could deploy 2 TE sets.

For a minute, just picture Wallace, Fleener, Heath, & Antonio with Ben under center. W Saunders can spell Fleener & Heath. E Sanders can sub for Wallace & Antonio. The Steelers would have more versatility to scheme against defenses by replacing a TE with speed or pounding the rock in 2 TE sets.

The vision usually ends in a sack if we don't get a good OG/T prospect in round 2. Then the defense can't stop anyone with ILB issues and Polamalu nursing another injury. OK, now I'm depressed. Time to watch some Penguins Flyers action...

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

If the top prospects at ILB, DL and OT/G are gone by the 24th pick, does anyone think the steelers could take Fleener at 24?

I sure hope not.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Were the Steelers underwhelmed by Mike Adams?

We can only hope

+1Mike can take his Coke machine feet elsewhere.

As far as Massie goes....he doesn't get as much love as he should, IMO. I'm sure part of it is because he projects only to RT, another part is likely because Ole Miss sucked, but the guy is good. Particularly run blocking.

More on this as of today... ProFootballWeekly with what they call "Considerable feedback from NFL teams"... Has Mike Adams as a mid-late 2nd rounder.

 

[Godsbrother]

If the top prospects at ILB, DL and OT/G are gone by the 24th pick, does anyone think the steelers could take Fleener at 24?

I sure hope not.

Agreed. The Steelers have much bigger needs on defense and offensive line.

 

[Steel Dillo]

Looks like Foster signed his tender.

My link

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I have to say I'd probably be totally okay with that if it happened. I really like Kendricks' on the field resume. Just wish he were a bit taller.

What's the story on his suspensions, anyway? I just know he had a couple. No idea what for.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

 

[treat88]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

I'd be thrilled to land him in the second. I agree tho, not in the first.

 

[Corky]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

I'd be thrilled to land him in the second. I agree tho, not in the first.

Think he is early third round talent.

 

[treat88]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

I'd be thrilled to land him in the second. I agree tho, not in the first.

Think he is early third round talent.

Which means, if accurate and the Steelers want him, they will have to take him no later than 56 to roster him?Late second and early third round are really not separable value wise IMO.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

I'd be thrilled to land him in the second. I agree tho, not in the first.

Think he is early third round talent.

Which means, if accurate and the Steelers want him, they will have to take him no later than 56 to roster him?Late second and early third round are really not separable value wise IMO.

We also have 3 7th round comp picks... dont see us drafting 10 players.Very possible to move 3rd, 4th and/or 5th to jump up in the preceding round.

 

[Kenny Powers]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

I'd be thrilled to land him in the second. I agree tho, not in the first.

Think he is early third round talent.

Which means, if accurate and the Steelers want him, they will have to take him no later than 56 to roster him?Late second and early third round are really not separable value wise IMO.

Agreed. Seems like a major overdraft to take him in the 1st, though I like what I saw in that 2nd highlight vid in the link.Id be on board with taking him in the 2nd, and if that happened, probably safe to assume they drafted an OL, NT, or CB in the first which is also good.

 

[Corky]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

I'd be thrilled to land him in the second. I agree tho, not in the first.

Think he is early third round talent.

Which means, if accurate and the Steelers want him, they will have to take him no later than 56 to roster him?Late second and early third round are really not separable value wise IMO.

Agreed. Seems like a major overdraft to take him in the 1st, though I like what I saw in that 2nd highlight vid in the link.Id be on board with taking him in the 2nd, and if that happened, probably safe to assume they drafted an OL, NT, or CB in the first which is also good.

That hardly fits with the Steelers BPA philosophy. If he's early third talent, but not the BPA at our pick in the second round, I would prefer they pick the BPA notwithstanding our need at ILB. Or trade back in the second or up in the third.

 

[Kenny Powers]

We signed Leonard Pope to a 1 yr deal. With Saunders out 4 games, works for me, plus he has a long history with Haley.

 

[treat88]

California LB Mychal Kendricks to visit

Hightower might be a better culture fit, but I love Kendricks abilities in coverage, and he can rush the passer from inside or outside too. Almost makes me hope the Seahawks trade down and snag Hightower from under the Steelers nose so they have to "settle" for Kendricks.

I like Kendricks, but not in the first. Maybe not the second.

I'd be thrilled to land him in the second. I agree tho, not in the first.

Think he is early third round talent.

Which means, if accurate and the Steelers want him, they will have to take him no later than 56 to roster him?Late second and early third round are really not separable value wise IMO.

Agreed. Seems like a major overdraft to take him in the 1st, though I like what I saw in that 2nd highlight vid in the link.Id be on board with taking him in the 2nd, and if that happened, probably safe to assume they drafted an OL, NT, or CB in the first which is also good.

That hardly fits with the Steelers BPA philosophy. If he's early third talent, but not the BPA at our pick in the second round, I would prefer they pick the BPA notwithstanding our need at ILB. Or trade back in the second or up in the third.

Agree with the philosophy.I just don't think you can break a guy down as an "early third round value" vs. a "late second round value"...they are the same thing to me.

Rank the players as they fit your scheme and draft the best available. Far too many variables to count on trying to move up or down to get a specific player before you know if they will even be available.

 

[H8fulHuck]

Have the Steelers shown any interest in Massie?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Have the Steelers shown any interest in Massie?

In the past few days the Steelers set up a visit with Ole Miss R-OT Bobby Massie. He will arrive today (4/4).

 

[Godsbrother]

We signed Leonard Pope to a 1 yr deal. With Saunders out 4 games, works for me, plus he has a long history with Haley.

Typical Steelers offseason FA acquisition and I like it. They fill a need for a second TE, an upgrade IMO, at a bargain basement price.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

“@TheJetsStream: WR Jerricho Cotchery has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers, per source. #nyj”

 

[Corky]

“@TheJetsStream: WR Jerricho Cotchery has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers, per source. #nyj”

Great signing.

 

[Godsbrother]

“@TheJetsStream: WR Jerricho Cotchery has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers, per source. #nyj”

Great signing.

Glad to have him aboard. I am guessing they anticipate having problems signing both Wallace and Brown (and Sanders to a lesser degree) down the road.

 

[Corky]

“@TheJetsStream: WR Jerricho Cotchery has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers, per source. #nyj”

Great signing.

Glad to have him aboard. I am guessing they anticipate having problems signing both Wallace and Brown (and Sanders to a lesser degree) down the road.

2 year contract gives them a high amount of flexibility to let it play out and see who they can retain.

 

[Kenny Powers]

We signed Leonard Pope to a 1 yr deal. With Saunders out 4 games, works for me, plus he has a long history with Haley.

Typical Steelers offseason FA acquisition and I like it. They fill a need for a second TE, an upgrade IMO, at a bargain basement price.

I like Saunders, or at least his upside, as a receiving TE much more than Pope, but we need someone to fill in for 4 games and I think Pope is a solid blocker that will get snaps all season.