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Steelers (2007) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Frenchy Fuqua
- Start date
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Gardocki ($1.3) is definitely gone. Porter is a tough call because the Steelers are thin at LB but his $6.6 million dollar cap hit is huge. Other possible cuts, though some of these would have to wait until after 6/1 to maximize savings, are below:
Travis Kirschke ($2.1)
Ryan Clark ($1.9)
Deshea Townsend ($1.9)
Jerame Tuman ($1.5)
Verron Haynes ($1.0)
Clint Kriewalt ($0.9)
Cedrick Wilson ($2.9)
They will get back $3.3 million due to the Jeff Hartings retirement.
Travis Kirschke ($2.1)
Ryan Clark ($1.9)
Deshea Townsend ($1.9)
Jerame Tuman ($1.5)
Verron Haynes ($1.0)
Clint Kriewalt ($0.9)
Cedrick Wilson ($2.9)
They will get back $3.3 million due to the Jeff Hartings retirement.
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AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
At these prices: Kriewalt, Haynes, Tuman, Towsned are all welcome back. Kirschke better restructure or hit the bricks. Ditto Wilson (although I'd like to see him restructure, not leave. We just don't need to be paying $3M to our #3WR). Ryan Clark is the one I don't know what to do about. I want him back, and I want him and Smith to battle for the job. I think Smith will win, and I hate to pay a backup safety $2M. Probably the right move, though.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
I have to agree on every point. The only one I waffle on is Tuman. He could potentially be replaced cheaper and Miller is obviously our guy for the next 10 years.
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
wilson has a very good agent.
not a fan of ryan clark, every time I saw his number it was on a missed tackle or blown coverage 9/10 times
Haynes Kirschke Kriewalt and Deshea are pretty well priced and worthy.
Porter is a ?.....i could see him leaving unless he restructures
not a fan of ryan clark, every time I saw his number it was on a missed tackle or blown coverage 9/10 times
Haynes Kirschke Kriewalt and Deshea are pretty well priced and worthy.
Porter is a ?.....i could see him leaving unless he restructures
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Irish
Footballguy
Steelers will be shopping a bit differently this year
Sunday, February 18, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Three hundred and 26 prospects were invited to this week's NFL Scouting Combine workouts in Indianapolis, and for the first time in more than 20 years, the Steelers won't routinely scratch many of them off their list before they see them.
The Steelers hired more than a new coach when they signed Mike Tomlin; they bought into a new philosophy on defense. No longer will they dismiss a player because he's a "4-3" tackle or end or outside linebacker.
The Steelers have played a 3-4 defense since Chuck Noll switched to it in the early 1980s. They will stick with it next season, but Tomlin has coached 4-3 defenses throughout his NFL career and wants everyone to keep an open mind toward possibly moving to that defense in the future.
That means Steelers scouts will look at those tackles who aren't built to play the nose but are more suited to play inside than at end. They can look at undersized ends and not necessarily see them as outside linebackers two years from now. They can look at smaller outside linebackers who play more like Jack Ham than Kevin Greene.
"It's actually encouraging because it opens up another avenue of players that maybe previously didn't quite fit," said Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' football operations director. "If we're going to get to a 4-3 defense, you can take a smaller defense tackle now and consider him, because there might be a crossover. We don't really know until this thing comes together."
Had Ham come along in the past 20 years, the Steelers probably would have ignored him. Ham thrived as an outside linebacker in the 4-3 Steel Curtain of the 1970s and made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He would not be an ideal outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in which he would be asked to rush the quarterback most of the time.
Consequently, the Steelers made a habit of drafting undersized defensive ends, having them serve a year or two as a backup apprentice at outside linebacker, and turning them into Pro Bowlers.
Some of the Steelers' best outside linebackers were undersized college defensive ends: Clark Haggans (fifth round, 2000), Joey Porter (third, 1999), Mike Vrabel (third, 1997), Carlos Emmons (seventh, 1996), Jason Gildon (third, 1994) and Jerroll Williams (fourth, 1989).
Not only will they continue to look for those types of players, they also will keep an open mind on those who better fit a 4-3 as well. It's possible the Steelers could stay a 3-4 defense, move to a 4-3 or play both, which is what the Baltimore Ravens do.
"The elite players defy scheme," Tomlin said. "Troy Polamalu's going to be an excellent safety regardless of what defensive scheme he's in. Casey Hampton's going to be a dominant interior defensive lineman, regardless of what scheme he's in. So the elite players defy scheme.
"We're not going to get enamored with that. What we're going to do is we're going to continue to shape our package to do what our players do and do well. It'll be a constant evolution."
The Steelers have players who could start in either scheme. Brett Keisel is quick enough to play end in either, and end Aaron Smith is big enough to play tackle next to Hampton in a 4-3 and quick enough to play end in either.
"We're a 3-4 team right now, obviously," Colbert said, "I think -- as coach has explained -- with the possibility of maybe some day evolving and doing different things within a 4-3 or a combination. I don't think anybody knows at this point.
It should make for a more intriguing Combine for the Steelers, followed in order by a more interesting free agency period that begins March 2, and then the draft in April.
"When coach talked about his plan for the defense," Colbert said, "it was always, 'I know what you have, we'll go from there and see where our players take us, basically.' I think that's the feeling we all have."
Sunday, February 18, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Three hundred and 26 prospects were invited to this week's NFL Scouting Combine workouts in Indianapolis, and for the first time in more than 20 years, the Steelers won't routinely scratch many of them off their list before they see them.
The Steelers hired more than a new coach when they signed Mike Tomlin; they bought into a new philosophy on defense. No longer will they dismiss a player because he's a "4-3" tackle or end or outside linebacker.
The Steelers have played a 3-4 defense since Chuck Noll switched to it in the early 1980s. They will stick with it next season, but Tomlin has coached 4-3 defenses throughout his NFL career and wants everyone to keep an open mind toward possibly moving to that defense in the future.
That means Steelers scouts will look at those tackles who aren't built to play the nose but are more suited to play inside than at end. They can look at undersized ends and not necessarily see them as outside linebackers two years from now. They can look at smaller outside linebackers who play more like Jack Ham than Kevin Greene.
"It's actually encouraging because it opens up another avenue of players that maybe previously didn't quite fit," said Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' football operations director. "If we're going to get to a 4-3 defense, you can take a smaller defense tackle now and consider him, because there might be a crossover. We don't really know until this thing comes together."
Had Ham come along in the past 20 years, the Steelers probably would have ignored him. Ham thrived as an outside linebacker in the 4-3 Steel Curtain of the 1970s and made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He would not be an ideal outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in which he would be asked to rush the quarterback most of the time.
Consequently, the Steelers made a habit of drafting undersized defensive ends, having them serve a year or two as a backup apprentice at outside linebacker, and turning them into Pro Bowlers.
Some of the Steelers' best outside linebackers were undersized college defensive ends: Clark Haggans (fifth round, 2000), Joey Porter (third, 1999), Mike Vrabel (third, 1997), Carlos Emmons (seventh, 1996), Jason Gildon (third, 1994) and Jerroll Williams (fourth, 1989).
Not only will they continue to look for those types of players, they also will keep an open mind on those who better fit a 4-3 as well. It's possible the Steelers could stay a 3-4 defense, move to a 4-3 or play both, which is what the Baltimore Ravens do.
"The elite players defy scheme," Tomlin said. "Troy Polamalu's going to be an excellent safety regardless of what defensive scheme he's in. Casey Hampton's going to be a dominant interior defensive lineman, regardless of what scheme he's in. So the elite players defy scheme.
"We're not going to get enamored with that. What we're going to do is we're going to continue to shape our package to do what our players do and do well. It'll be a constant evolution."
The Steelers have players who could start in either scheme. Brett Keisel is quick enough to play end in either, and end Aaron Smith is big enough to play tackle next to Hampton in a 4-3 and quick enough to play end in either.
"We're a 3-4 team right now, obviously," Colbert said, "I think -- as coach has explained -- with the possibility of maybe some day evolving and doing different things within a 4-3 or a combination. I don't think anybody knows at this point.
It should make for a more intriguing Combine for the Steelers, followed in order by a more interesting free agency period that begins March 2, and then the draft in April.
"When coach talked about his plan for the defense," Colbert said, "it was always, 'I know what you have, we'll go from there and see where our players take us, basically.' I think that's the feeling we all have."
Irish
Footballguy
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Joey Porter is a player who elicits varying emotions from Steelers fans. He has a big mouth, plus he had a bad year, the argument goes. He loves to talk, but he usually backs it up.
A so-called bad year still resulted in Porter racking up a team-high seven sacks. Playing in two fewer games than the previous season because of a hamstring injury -- he also was coming off offseason knee surgery -- Porter had three more tackles but 3 1/2 fewer sacks in 2006.
Love him or hate him, Porter remains a defensive presence and is the Steelers' best outside linebacker.
Of course, with new coach Mike Tomlin, the roster is subject to change. But getting rid of Porter for change's sake is not the solution.
There aren't too many linebackers who can play the run, rush the passer and sprint stride for stride with a running back or tight end. Porter can. He's also great in the locker room and has a firm understanding of his role in the defense. However, it's a defense that could undergo major changes in personnel as well as in terms of scheme.
Porter's sacks were down in 2006. That's not a good sign for a linebacker who relies on his speed and quickness.
Porter also isn't getting any younger. He turns 30 on March 22, 16 days after he's due to receive a $1 million roster bonus.
NFL teams are more likely to pay for a player approaching his upside than one who could be nearing his downside. That could be why the Steelers haven't given Porter the new deal he asked for last season after they won Super Bowl XL.
Normally, the Steelers like to re-sign their core players one year early. That was the case last season with cornerback Ike Taylor, and it will likely be the case this offseason with safety Troy Polamalu and guard Alan Faneca.
Porter, who is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him $4 million in 2007, can make a valid argument. He's an all-around linebacker whose game shouldn't be based solely on sacks.
In addition to leading the team in sacks, Porter was third in quarterback hurries (12), seventh in passes defensed (five) and had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
"In our system, you're going to be asked to do everything," Porter said in November. "You're going to have to cover. You're going to have to play man-to-man with the tight end. You're going to have to know how to do a vertical drop. You're going to have to know how to do zone schemes. When I'm doing all that stuff, you can't be asking for sacks. I'm playing the scheme.
"If I don't get too many sacks, (critics) are going to say I had a bad year. I don't look at it that way."
The Steelers might. So don't be surprised if Porter is released if it's believed his skills are in decline, and he's no longer deserving of the big bucks.
If the Steelers do pay Porter's roster bonus next month, it means management is committed to him for at least one more season at a salary cap hit of $6.1 million. That's a lot of cash and a reassuring commitment to Porter.
Porter badly wants an extension, but the Steelers could be dangling a carrot in the form of a new contract if he delivers in 2007. A lot of players have a productive year during the season in which their contract ends.
The Steelers as currently constructed have one or two more seasons to make a serious championship run before making some major changes. Unless the Steelers sign an accomplished veteran linebacker in free agency, Porter deserves to remain a big part of that nucleus.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Joey Porter is a player who elicits varying emotions from Steelers fans. He has a big mouth, plus he had a bad year, the argument goes. He loves to talk, but he usually backs it up.
A so-called bad year still resulted in Porter racking up a team-high seven sacks. Playing in two fewer games than the previous season because of a hamstring injury -- he also was coming off offseason knee surgery -- Porter had three more tackles but 3 1/2 fewer sacks in 2006.
Love him or hate him, Porter remains a defensive presence and is the Steelers' best outside linebacker.
Of course, with new coach Mike Tomlin, the roster is subject to change. But getting rid of Porter for change's sake is not the solution.
There aren't too many linebackers who can play the run, rush the passer and sprint stride for stride with a running back or tight end. Porter can. He's also great in the locker room and has a firm understanding of his role in the defense. However, it's a defense that could undergo major changes in personnel as well as in terms of scheme.
Porter's sacks were down in 2006. That's not a good sign for a linebacker who relies on his speed and quickness.
Porter also isn't getting any younger. He turns 30 on March 22, 16 days after he's due to receive a $1 million roster bonus.
NFL teams are more likely to pay for a player approaching his upside than one who could be nearing his downside. That could be why the Steelers haven't given Porter the new deal he asked for last season after they won Super Bowl XL.
Normally, the Steelers like to re-sign their core players one year early. That was the case last season with cornerback Ike Taylor, and it will likely be the case this offseason with safety Troy Polamalu and guard Alan Faneca.
Porter, who is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him $4 million in 2007, can make a valid argument. He's an all-around linebacker whose game shouldn't be based solely on sacks.
In addition to leading the team in sacks, Porter was third in quarterback hurries (12), seventh in passes defensed (five) and had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
"In our system, you're going to be asked to do everything," Porter said in November. "You're going to have to cover. You're going to have to play man-to-man with the tight end. You're going to have to know how to do a vertical drop. You're going to have to know how to do zone schemes. When I'm doing all that stuff, you can't be asking for sacks. I'm playing the scheme.
"If I don't get too many sacks, (critics) are going to say I had a bad year. I don't look at it that way."
The Steelers might. So don't be surprised if Porter is released if it's believed his skills are in decline, and he's no longer deserving of the big bucks.
If the Steelers do pay Porter's roster bonus next month, it means management is committed to him for at least one more season at a salary cap hit of $6.1 million. That's a lot of cash and a reassuring commitment to Porter.
Porter badly wants an extension, but the Steelers could be dangling a carrot in the form of a new contract if he delivers in 2007. A lot of players have a productive year during the season in which their contract ends.
The Steelers as currently constructed have one or two more seasons to make a serious championship run before making some major changes. Unless the Steelers sign an accomplished veteran linebacker in free agency, Porter deserves to remain a big part of that nucleus.
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
Some of the Steelers' best outside linebackers were undersized college defensive ends: Clark Haggans (fifth round, 2000), Joey Porter (third, 1999), Mike Vrabel (third, 1997), Carlos Emmons (seventh, 1996), Jason Gildon (third, 1994) and Jerroll Williams (fourth, 1989)...
Vrabel was not even a good steeler LB he spent most of his time riding pine or getting in Cowhers way on the sideline, just because played the past 6 years as a cog in NE's wheel doesnt mean hes really any good....and as a Steeler he certainly wasnt.
Vrabel was not even a good steeler LB he spent most of his time riding pine or getting in Cowhers way on the sideline, just because played the past 6 years as a cog in NE's wheel doesnt mean hes really any good....and as a Steeler he certainly wasnt.
HellToupee
Footballguy
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Some of the Steelers' best outside linebackers were undersized college defensive ends: Clark Haggans (fifth round, 2000), Joey Porter (third, 1999), Mike Vrabel (third, 1997), Carlos Emmons (seventh, 1996), Jason Gildon (third, 1994) and Jerroll Williams (fourth, 1989)...
Vrabel was not even a good steeler LB he spent most of his time riding pine or getting in Cowhers way on the sideline, just because played the past 6 years as a cog in NE's wheel doesnt mean hes really any good....and as a Steeler he certainly wasnt.
Pittsburgh United
Footballguy
I was wondering the same thing. I seem to recall Vrabel being a pretty damn major contributor on D.
THEBUTCHER
Footballguy
I was wondering the same thing. I seem to recall Vrabel being a pretty damn major contributor on D.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Vrabel was a backup during his four year stay with the Steelers. He had one huge sack in a 1997 playoff against the Patriots but really was a bit player for the Steelers.He has had a heckuva career with the Patriots though.
crowe1130
Footballguy
Right on the money. The sack was huge, but that's about the entirety of his Steelers highlight reel.Godsbrother said:Pittsburgh United said:
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
nice to see some posters who still have a decent memory. as for the rest of you....you must have watched only the 97 playoffs or are total patriots fans. Vrabel never started as a steeler, at least with consistancy, he was a fill in/Special teams player at best for the black n gold.
Frenchy Fuqua
Footballguy
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
They have to seriously look at LBs, signing Chad Brown last season is a sign of true desparity.
Stillers Jr.
Footballguy
Personally I think they need to address the Offensive and defensive lines with their first 2 picks in the draft. We have to start the process of getting some (quality) new blood in the mix.
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
We have a good young O and D line....Hampton, Keisell and Kirscke are young and HUGE
O line is all young minus Faneca who is no geezer.....
I have no idea how you get the impression those are old men...
Meanwhile look at the LB crew Chad Bown is 37 Farrior is 32 Kriewalt is 31 Porter is 30 and those guys are going to be big cap hits (not so Brown and Kriewalt, but still)
Youth is lacking much more in the LB ranks than anywhere else...
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Godsbrother
Footballguy
The o-line could definitely use an upgrade. Ben was getting killed last season and there were games last season (Jax, SD, both BALT games) where the o-line couldn't open a hole for FWP to save their lives. They definitely need to improve.
On defense the Steelers must generate a pass rush from either DE or OLB. If they're moving towards a 4-3 then it is time to draft a pass-rushing DE. If we're sticking to the 3-4 then it should be a pass-rushing OLB.
These are the Steelers two biggest needs IMO.
On defense the Steelers must generate a pass rush from either DE or OLB. If they're moving towards a 4-3 then it is time to draft a pass-rushing DE. If we're sticking to the 3-4 then it should be a pass-rushing OLB.
These are the Steelers two biggest needs IMO.
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
True , Tomlin said they are not switching to a 4-3..but didnt rule out using it altogether (hybrid looks)To pose a new question, anyone know much of that new kicker they signed....Was not impressed with Mr.Reed last year.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
This is all I know: Connor Hughes played at Virginia and was originally signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints last May but was waived before the regular season. He is being assignd to NFL Europe.I don't think Reed has anything to worry about as far as field goal kicker. He's missed a few at Heinz last season but we all know that Heinz is a kicker's nightmare. On the road I believe Reed was darn near perfect.Now if Hughes can boom kickoffs into the endzone I am all in favor of having him handle that...True , Tomlin said they are not switching to a 4-3..but didnt rule out using it altogether (hybrid looks)To pose a new question, anyone know much of that new kicker they signed....Was not impressed with Mr.Reed last year.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Where are the TJ Duckett rumors? Isnt he an unrestricted FA? I cannot believe we havent heard anything on him yet. IT'S TRADITION!
Frenchy Fuqua
Footballguy
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
Give it time. It will come, like the rising tide and tax season......it will come.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
Some of the Steelers' best outside linebackers were undersized college defensive ends: Clark Haggans (fifth round, 2000), Joey Porter (third, 1999), Mike Vrabel (third, 1997), Carlos Emmons (seventh, 1996), Jason Gildon (third, 1994) and Jerroll Williams (fourth, 1989)...
Vrabel was not even a good steeler LB he spent most of his time riding pine or getting in Cowhers way on the sideline, just because played the past 6 years as a cog in NE's wheel doesnt mean hes really any good....and as a Steeler he certainly wasnt.
I thought you had beat me to my post. I was all set to completely agree with you because it is hard to call Vrabel one of the Steelers "best" outside linebackers when he hardly played for them. However, to say that Vrabel isnt very good is just a STUPID thing to say. Way to show off your football knowledge.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
If Tomlin is going to go hybrid, it will take time to get those type of players on the team. You need Defensive Ends than can and will (not as many sacks from the DT position) play Defensive Tackle and you dont need but it helps to have LB's that can play both inside and outside.
For the Patriots, who are probably the team that has the biggest rep for switching between the 3-4 and 4-3, having Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green on the line and Mike Vrabel as a LB, helps a lot.
For the Patriots, who are probably the team that has the biggest rep for switching between the 3-4 and 4-3, having Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green on the line and Mike Vrabel as a LB, helps a lot.
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
Yo PP get out of here.
Vrabel was one of the guys to jump on a tackled player to make it look like he made a good play. Hes done and over just like the rest of the Pats. I hate your guts and the patriots.
Vrabel was one of the guys to jump on a tackled player to make it look like he made a good play. Hes done and over just like the rest of the Pats. I hate your guts and the patriots.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
You make a foolish statement and your reaction is to lash out when not 1 but 5 people call you on it?Of course you hate the Patriots, if I were a Steelers fan, 2001 and 2004 would be awfully tough to get over.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
It would have been much worse if not for '05. that pretty much wiped away the years of frustration in one fell swoop.
You make a foolish statement and your reaction is to lash out when not 1 but 5 people call you on it?Of course you hate the Patriots, if I were a Steelers fan, 2001 and 2004 would be awfully tough to get over.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
It looks like some cant get over the bitterness even with the '05 victory. I have already given you my congratulations for that one. Hold on to that feeling, it could be your last for awhile.I'm not high on the Steeler prospects for next year and beyond. Rothliesberger is a question mark and the Steelers defense isnt nearly as fearsome as it has been in recent memory. Maybe Tomlin can turn that around, maybe not.Evilgrin 72 said:It would have been much worse if not for '05. that pretty much wiped away the years of frustration in one fell swoop.Pat Patriot said:Iron Mike Tomczak said:
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
Hmmm. I believe historically your team cant stack up as many Lombadi Trophies...Vrabel is the Patriots Mean Joe Greene, and thats just sad. Oh yeah and we'll see whos more promising in 2007 #####.
Frenchy Fuqua
Footballguy
Hmmm. . . Davenport or Duckett. . .
Fiddles
Footballguy
can you guys take this squabble to another thread? tiaHmmm. I believe historically your team cant stack up as many Lombadi Trophies...Vrabel is the Patriots Mean Joe Greene, and thats just sad. Oh yeah and we'll see whos more promising in 2007 #####.You make a foolish statement and your reaction is to lash out when not 1 but 5 people call you on it?Of course you hate the Patriots, if I were a Steelers fan, 2001 and 2004 would be awfully tough to get over.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I don't think the Steelers are going to be throwing a lot of money around so my guess is on Davenport. Arians is familar with him, he plays specials teams, and he'll be cheaper than Duckett.I am expecting the Steelers to draft a big RB in the third or fourth round.Hmmm. . . Davenport or Duckett. . .
Idiot Boxer
Footballguy
WHEN has Duckett ever justified the hype around him as the next Jerome Bettis? He never lived up to potential in Atlanta and did squat in Washington. For some reason people seem to think that if they guy comes to Pittsburgh he'll somehow become a much better back. JB worked in the Steelers system not because he was big, but because he was a f'n STUD RB. Yes, it was great that he pounded the defense and wore them down. But you need more than just a big body to do that. Duckett hasn't proven he's anywhere near capable. Let it go already.Why would we want this guy. I think Davenport did a nice job last year for the Steelers and we'd be far better off retaining him.I really don't think we should spend a pick or a FA move on a RB unless we're talking uber-stud (Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch...MAYBE). Even then, we've got so many other bigger needs.I don't think the Steelers are going to be throwing a lot of money around so my guess is on Davenport. Arians is familar with him, he plays specials teams, and he'll be cheaper than Duckett.I am expecting the Steelers to draft a big RB in the third or fourth round.Hmmm. . . Davenport or Duckett. . .
I agree on Duckett/Davenport -- "the devil you know" sort of thing also applies. But I would love to see us grab a banger in the draft.I don't think the Steelers are going to be throwing a lot of money around so my guess is on Davenport. Arians is familar with him, he plays specials teams, and he'll be cheaper than Duckett.I am expecting the Steelers to draft a big RB in the third or fourth round.Hmmm. . . Davenport or Duckett. . .
The Hank
Footballguy
I think the Steelers have far more pressing needs than a RB.
Im thinking that...
Round 1: DE - We have to be looking here first if we are eventually going to go back to the 4-3. This someone needs to come from a system similar to a Cover-2 and needs to be ferocious and take over a game, almost like a Peppers or Freeney. I've been hearing Jarvis Moss from Florida and that sounds groovy.
Round 2: RG (POSSIBLY LT) - After watching this season 2 things need to either get better and be changed, and that is the play of LT Marvel Smith and RG Kendall Simmons. I dont know if its me, but Marvel looked exceptionally sluggish after the snap this season and not following through with his blocking assignments off of the RDE, allowing Ben to be hit too many times blindsided. He looks humongous and hopefully comes back a little slimmer in game shape. However Kendall Simmons, while he was hurt for a little bit last season, was great at times, and absolutely horrible at times. They were even substituting Chris Kemoateu in there for him a little bit when he was underachieving.
Round 3: CB - Ricardo Colcolugh has been a bust so far, and after watching the Deshea Townshend make STUPID penalties and not covering correctly almost exclusively, I think that a CB needs to be explored here, possibly earlier.
Im thinking that...
Round 1: DE - We have to be looking here first if we are eventually going to go back to the 4-3. This someone needs to come from a system similar to a Cover-2 and needs to be ferocious and take over a game, almost like a Peppers or Freeney. I've been hearing Jarvis Moss from Florida and that sounds groovy.
Round 2: RG (POSSIBLY LT) - After watching this season 2 things need to either get better and be changed, and that is the play of LT Marvel Smith and RG Kendall Simmons. I dont know if its me, but Marvel looked exceptionally sluggish after the snap this season and not following through with his blocking assignments off of the RDE, allowing Ben to be hit too many times blindsided. He looks humongous and hopefully comes back a little slimmer in game shape. However Kendall Simmons, while he was hurt for a little bit last season, was great at times, and absolutely horrible at times. They were even substituting Chris Kemoateu in there for him a little bit when he was underachieving.
Round 3: CB - Ricardo Colcolugh has been a bust so far, and after watching the Deshea Townshend make STUPID penalties and not covering correctly almost exclusively, I think that a CB needs to be explored here, possibly earlier.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
My post wasnt to say the Steelers should sign Duckett. Just that I was surprised that we hadnt heard those rumors yet being that last season there were some major trade rumors and this year he is an UFA.That being said, I think Duckett is better than Davenport and I dont think Duckett will be overly expensive.WHEN has Duckett ever justified the hype around him as the next Jerome Bettis? He never lived up to potential in Atlanta and did squat in Washington. For some reason people seem to think that if they guy comes to Pittsburgh he'll somehow become a much better back. JB worked in the Steelers system not because he was big, but because he was a f'n STUD RB. Yes, it was great that he pounded the defense and wore them down. But you need more than just a big body to do that. Duckett hasn't proven he's anywhere near capable. Let it go already.Why would we want this guy. I think Davenport did a nice job last year for the Steelers and we'd be far better off retaining him.I really don't think we should spend a pick or a FA move on a RB unless we're talking uber-stud (Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch...MAYBE). Even then, we've got so many other bigger needs.I don't think the Steelers are going to be throwing a lot of money around so my guess is on Davenport. Arians is familar with him, he plays specials teams, and he'll be cheaper than Duckett.I am expecting the Steelers to draft a big RB in the third or fourth round.Hmmm. . . Davenport or Duckett. . .
Irish
Footballguy
Barlow was just released by the Jets. Barlow?I don't think the Steelers are going to be throwing a lot of money around so my guess is on Davenport. Arians is familar with him, he plays specials teams, and he'll be cheaper than Duckett.I am expecting the Steelers to draft a big RB in the third or fourth round.Hmmm. . . Davenport or Duckett. . .
Idiot Boxer
Footballguy
Najeh DavenportRushing StatsYEAR TEAM G ATT YDS AVG LNG TD 2002 GNB 8 39 184 4.7 43 1 2003 GNB 15 77 420 5.5 76 2 2004 GNB 11 71 359 5.1 40 2 2005 GNB 5 30 105 3.5 24 2 2006 PIT 13 60 221 3.7 48 1 Career 52 277 1289 4.7 76 8 60 Receiving StatsYEAR TEAM G REC YDS AVG LNG TD 2002 GNB 8 5 33 6.6 13 0 2003 GNB 15 6 38 6.3 12 0 2004 GNB 11 4 33 8.3 12 0 2005 GNB 5 2 3 1.5 2 0 2006 PIT 13 15 193 12.9 32 1 Career 52 32 300 9.4 32 1 14 Return StatsYEAR TEAM G PR YDS TD FC LNG KR YDS 2002 GNB 4 0 0 0 0 0 6 130 2003 GNB 8 0 0 0 0 0 16 505 2004 GNB 9 0 0 0 0 0 14 286 2005 GNB 4 0 0 0 0 0 10 189 2006 PIT 10 0 0 0 0 0 20 430 Career 35 0 0 0 0 0 66 1540 0 Rushing StatsYEAR TEAM G ATT YDS AVG LNG TD FD FUM 2002 ATL 12 130 507 3.9 33 4 28 0 2003 ATL 16 197 779 4.0 55 11 39 3 2005 ATL 14 121 380 3.1 25 8 24 2 2006 WAS 10 38 132 3.5 19 2 9 1 Career 65 590 2307 3.9 55 33 130 8 6 Receiving StatsYEAR TEAM G REC YDS AVG LNG TD FD FUM 2002 ATL 12 9 61 6.8 20 0 3 0 2003 ATL 16 11 94 8.5 21 0 2 0 2004 ATL 13 3 15 5.0 11 0 1 0 2005 ATL 14 6 63 10.5 19 0 3 0 2006 WAS 10 2 16 8.0 19 0 1 0 Career 65 31 249 8.0 21 0 10 0 0 Return StatsYEAR TEAM G PR YDS TD FC LNG KR YDS 2002 ATL 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2005 ATL 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 36 Career 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 40 0Najeh has a better YPC, more receptions and more help in the return game.I daresay Duckett's been given greater opportunity and still failed to outperform Davenport.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
I think Jarvis Moss is more of a DE convert to OLB. The Steelers could still take Moss because he fits their current defense rather than to start the transition to the 4-3. The Patriots are actually projected to be looking at Moss as a 3-4 pass rushing OLB. It might be a little early for Moss at the Steelers spot.The Hank said:
Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
Has anyone heard anything from Troy Polamalu?
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
He just called a couple hours ago. You need something?Edit: Ok Seriously..... I recall reading something somewhere ( I don't recall the source, sorry....I'd guess either Jim Wexell or Lenny Pastabelly) that it was likely that they would work on getting him a new contract in late spring / early summer.
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Iron Mike Tomczak
Footballguy
Most of Davenport's yardage occurs in garbage time. To me , when hes called upon in 3rd and 1 situations I cringe...not impressive whatsoever. Duckett is a horse by comparison. Davenport was decent at returning, but thats about it.Idiot Boxer said:
Steeler
Footballguy
I don't think these guys have comparable styles at all. Davenport is way too soft and often goes down on first contact so he can't fill the "Bettis role". He's a decent backup with plenty of experience and contributes on special teams, so I don't mind having him on the team. Duckett could fill the Bettis role much better, but wouldn't contribute in any other way. I could see the Steelers going either way depending on what they want out of that roster spot.
Disagree. Greenbay played a between the 40's running game. Ahman was used from the goal line to the 40 and then rested while Davenport and Fisher got it across the 50 and into opponent territory. Davenport was not a garbage time back and played very regularly in most games. The only reason they let him go in Greenbay was price tag and injuries.
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