Who Makes It and Who Doesn't

[Oviedo]

For this year's rookie class it may be the most fortunate in years. With the release/retirements of Hines, Smith, Hoke, Farrior, McFadden, etc. there are probably more potential roster spots open than anytime in the past decade.

Still early, but which of our rookies will make the roster? Which of our veterans are still at risk?

[phillyesq]

Too early to tell on many of these guys, but I think Scott and his $2.2 million dollar salary may be in trouble.

I believe that Beachum may be able to long snap. If he can beat out Warren, I could see him making the team as the long snapper and providing an extra game day reserve lineman.

[jerseyfresh]

Listening to Tomlin,Colbert and Haley talk it sounds almost like a given that Rainey will make the team and be getting a hat each week.

[steelblood]

DeCastro, Adams, Spence, and Ta'Amu are locks obviously (unless they do something very stupid).

Rainey may have some competition on his hands with Baron Batch coming back. But, Rainey is a such a good special teams player (ret and coverage), can play slot WR, and some RB. I think that versatility allows him to make the team as a RB or as a WR. Makes team.

Clemons has an excellent chance to make this team as we only have 4 locks at WR at this point. However, I think someone like Derek Williams might beat him out. Clemons best shot is if he shows he can be a red zone threat. Practice Squad.

Beachum could easily make the team. Even with DeCastro and Adams, we only have 9 locks on OL. We will keep 9 or 10 OL. Most years at least one OL goes down in camp or preseason. Furthermore, he could make the team as a long snapper. His position flexibility helps him. Makes the team.

Paulson is a weird pick. We have so many TEs and H-backs coming to camp already. Paulson is a finesse TE with no long speed. I just don't see where he fits unless Haley totally reinvents this offense. Cut.

Terrence Frederick. The 7th round corner from A&M has an excellent shot to make the team. We will likely keep 9 or 10 DBs. After letting McFadden go and Gay signing elsewhere, we only have 8 locks. At least one, maybe two slots are open. Makes the team.


UDFAs-
P Drew Butler-will be given a shot to win the job. He is a good punter and should have a real shot. Makes team.
S Robert Golden-undersized free safety with some injury issues. Practice Squad material
OLB Brandon Lindsey-has some pass rush ability but probably does not have NFL athleticism. Practice Squad.
CB Terry Carter- who? I guess he has a shot as we have open DB slots. But, I guess cut.
WR Marquis Maze. Maze is a shifty, very short WR with good hands. He is not fast. Cut.
K Grant Ressel. Grant Ressel is a guy. Cut.
LB Adrian Robinson. Looks like a candidate for ILB. We seem all stocked up there. Cut.
OT Desmond Stapleton-Darnell's brother! Cut.
DE Jake Stoller from Yale! Cut.
WR Connor Dixon (6'5" 222). Might make PS if he shows potential. But, I say cut.
DE Ikponmwosa Igbinosun from Souther Conecticut State. That is a fantastic name that belongs on the practice squad.

I say we will keep 8 rookies that we drafted or signed immediately after the draft. If Clemons shows he can pick up the offense and demonstrates good hands, he could be the ninth.

[Chadman]

It's all about Position Openings.

Right now, the Steelers could use upgrades at:

#3 QB- Batch, Troy Smith, Jerrod Johnson & Alex Tanney
RB Depth- After Mendy & Redman- Dwyer, Clay, Batch, Spann & Rainey
5th WR- Derrick Williams, Toney Clemons, Marquis Maze, Wes Lyons
3rd TE- Poulsen vs David Johnson vs Wesley Saunders
3rd/4th OT- Mike Adams, Jon Scott, Trai Essex
4th OG- Trai Essex, Kelvin Beachum, Doug Legursky, Chris Scott
LS- Beachum vs Warren
PK- Suisham vs Ressel
P- Kapinos vs Butler
NT- Ta'amu vs McLendon
ILB- Spence vs Sylvester vs Ivy
5th CB- ??
4th Safety- Myron Rolle vs Cromartie-Smith vs Will Allen

Would think DeCastro is safe, same with Spence. Adams is most likely safe, just a matter of not getting in trouble. Clemons will be in a battle with Derrick Williams for that #5 WR spot. Beachum might stick if his LS ability is ok- position flexibility plus the ability to LS will have him dressed from Day 1. Not sure about Paulsen- good be PS for him. Don't really know the young CB, but if the competition for that #5 CB is not too tough, he stands a chance.

Rainey is the real question mark. Chadman wanted a RB in this draft, but after Miller & Turbin were gone in Round 4- the value for the Steelers dropped. They already HAVE a Chris Rainey on the roster- Barron Batch. They needed a compliment RB to Redman for this season to cover for Mendy's injury. Rainey isn't that guy (not saying he's a bad player- just not what the Steelers 'need'). Rainey probably needs Batch to show he can split carries with Redman, making Rainey the 3rd down RB. If it were up to Chadman- sign Tim Hightower to a 1 year deal & have him split carries with Redman- then get an extension for Mendy sorted out. No RB on the roster is better than Mendy. ST might be Rainey's best hope.

[mrsheer]

Keep an eye on LB Adrian Robinson from Temple. He was a beast for several years coming off the edge at Temple. Don't be surprised if he is the one pushing for a roster spot.

[NJ-STEELER]

i think rainey makes it and get a helmet on game days just on his return abilities

[Slapstick]

Rainey is the real question mark. Chadman wanted a RB in this draft, but after Miller & Turbin were gone in Round 4- the value for the Steelers dropped. They already HAVE a Chris Rainey on the roster- Barron Batch. They needed a compliment RB to Redman for this season to cover for Mendy's injury. Rainey isn't that guy (not saying he's a bad player- just not what the Steelers 'need'). Rainey probably needs Batch to show he can split carries with Redman, making Rainey the 3rd down RB. If it were up to Chadman- sign Tim Hightower to a 1 year deal & have him split carries with Redman- then get an extension for Mendy sorted out. No RB on the roster is better than Mendy. ST might be Rainey's best hope.

I have to disagree strongly here...

Batch outweighs Rainey by around 30 lbs (210 vs 180)...Batch has the legitimate size to carry between the tackles as well as the heft to help out in pass protection...based upon the tape posted on this board, there is no reason to believe that, barring another serious injury, Batch won't be able to pick up where he left off last year...Rainey can't consistently contribute that way in the offense...Rainey is more of a WR/RB/give him the ball in space type player...he could also be the primary return man...Rainey isn't going to be a designated 3rd down back, though he will show up in those packages...

If Clemons shows anything in camp and preseason, I believe that the Steelers will keep 6 WRs once again, counting Rainey and Clemons as the #5 and #6 WRs...

After Mendenhall, the stable of RBs includes Redman, Batch, Dwyer, Clay and Spann...I think that Mendenhall will start the season on the PUP list and the first four RBs listed will be on the roster...I think that Redman and Batch will play every week while Clay and Dwyer will compete for a hat, though I think that, based upon past performance in training camp and the preseason, Dwyer will look terrible early and end up inactive for a week or two before coming around...

After week 6, the Steelers will have three weeks to decide whether or not Mendenhall will be activated or placed on injured reserve...if all goes well, he will be activated and take the roster spot of Dwyer or Clay...

[Slapstick]

Oh, and I think Paulson might be a place holder for Wesleye Saunders and signed to the PS after game 4...

[steelz09]

i think rainey makes it and get a helmet on game days just on his return abilities

I think Rainey makes the team easily unless he gets injured. The guy is a big-time weapon w/ world class speed. Batch isn't the same type of weapon.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Rainey stays on primarily as a slot receiver and ST demon; Batch is the third-down back. They both make the final cut.

[Chadman]

Well, we'll disagree on it. Weight difference between Batch & Rainey is not that important- they play similar games, fast, agile, equally adept at running & catching. The fact they weigh differently is not important- Ramon Foster outweighs David DeCastro by 20+ lbs & they both play OG..

Batch & Rainey will be competing for that change-of-pace/ 3rd down RB spot. Rainey COULD be an option at WR, but they already have that guy in Antonio Brown.

Rainey's biggest plus, at this point, is his return ability- that might weigh heavily in his favour.

Put it this way- all things being equal, why take Batch off the field to put Rainey in, or vice versa?

[Eddie Spaghetti]

admittedly having not seen much of baron batch, I have a difficult time believing he is as fast and explosive than chris rainey.

it will be interesting to see how they view raineys roster position. He could very well line up at wr as much or moreso than at rb.

should be an interesting TC discussion.

[Slapstick]

Well, we'll disagree on it. Weight difference between Batch & Rainey is not that important- they play similar games, fast, agile, equally adept at running & catching. The fact they weigh differently is not important- Ramon Foster outweighs David DeCastro by 20+ lbs & they both play OG..

Batch & Rainey will be competing for that change-of-pace/ 3rd down RB spot. Rainey COULD be an option at WR, but they already have that guy in Antonio Brown.

Rainey's biggest plus, at this point, is his return ability- that might weigh heavily in his favour.

Put it this way- all things being equal, why take Batch off the field to put Rainey in, or vice versa?

If you think that Rainey will be able to pick up blitzing LBs on 3rd down as effectively as Batch, I'd think that you should think again...

A 20 pound difference at 300+ is a lot smaller gap than a 30 pound difference at 180 lbs...

[Slapstick]

Also, Haley found a way for Jamall Charles and Dexter McCluster to coexist in the KC offense...I believe that the Steelers will keep both...

[Chadman]

If you think that Rainey will be able to pick up blitzing LBs on 3rd down as effectively as Batch, I'd think that you should think again...

A 20 pound difference at 300+ is a lot smaller gap than a 30 pound difference at 180 lbs...

Chadman doesn't think Rainey can pick up blitzing LB's. This is why the pick is a little confusing for Chadman- Rainey, while obviously an explosive player, doesn't really fit. Rainey as a slot WR- that Chadman can understand.

Not saying Rainey is a bad player at all. Just that there were other RB's that might have been better compliments to Redman, leaving Batch to be the 3rd down guy. Now we have 2 3rd down guys.

[winwithd]

I was thinking the backfield will be pretty full, esp when Mendy comes back, if the Steelers use Rainey at RB. So I figured they would use him at receiver. If he has world-class speed, as someone said on one of these threads, does that mean he has Mike Wallace ability to take the top of the opposing defense? If so we dont have to worry about coming up with the money to keep Wallace.

Batch was the talk of TC last year before he got hurt. He was doing it all and taking runs the distance. Rainey played at Florida for 3 or 4 years and just seems to be known as a guy that is fast.

[Slapstick]

I think that Haley has an opportunity with the Steelers to take what worked well in Arizona with Warner, Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston and combine that with what worked well in KC with Charles, McCluster, Moeaki and Battle...the Steelers have the QB and the offensive personnel to do just that and excel...

Damn, I can't wait for the season...

[AkronSteel]

Chadman doesn't think Rainey can pick up blitzing LB's. This is why the pick is a little confusing for Chadman- Rainey, while obviously an explosive player, doesn't really fit. Rainey as a slot WR- that Chadman can understand.

Not saying Rainey is a bad player at all. Just that there were other RB's that might have been better compliments to Redman, leaving Batch to be the 3rd down guy. Now we have 2 3rd down guys.

I don't think we can truly say what we have with Rainey or Batch!! Batch looked solid last summer for a couple of weeks but he blew his knee before the first preseason game. He was looking good in practice but that isn't any indication whether or not he is going to be any good when the lights come on. I don't see any reason why drafting Rainey is a bad thing. If nothing else he breeds competition and he brings a lot of speed with him. I'm not saying that Batch is a bad guy or won't make the team but let's not act like the guy has even secured his own spot on the 53. He's gonna have to earn his spot to beat out Rainey. I hope for the best for Batch and I'm cheering him on but I don't see why drafting Rainey was a bad thing. We don't know if Batch is even going to be able to make it through a full preseason!!!

[flippy]

I think Rainey makes the team easily unless he gets injured. The guy is a big-time weapon w/ world class speed. Batch isn't the same type of weapon.

And don't forget he wants to set the NFL punt block record.

And he's not just a RB. He's played WR too. Turning into an athletic version of Wes Welker isn't out of the realm of possibility. He could be competing for a WR position.

[BigRob]

Everyone is forgetting that Roster's are now 90 players not 85. That changes things alot.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Everyone is forgetting that Roster's are now 90 players not 85. That changes things alot.

You can bring 90 players to training camp, but by the end of camp, you still have to whittle that down to 53 guys on your final roster, plus an 8 man practice squad (and only 45 of those guys are active on game days).

[focosteeler]

Rainey stays on primarily as a slot receiver and ST demon; Batch is the third-down back. They both make the final cut.

I wouldnt mind seeing them both in the backfield on 3rd down sometimes. On either side of the QB in shotgun....mix it up constantly... I think they both make it, Batch will take Moore's spot and Rainey might take a ST guy like Battles spot. Rainey is a weapon in so many facets of the game I think its crazy talk to say he wont get a spot

[BigRob]

You can bring 90 players to training camp, but by the end of camp, you still have to whittle that down to 53 guys on your final roster, plus an 8 man practice squad (and only 45 of those guys are active on game days).

Yes you are correct, but it gives the Steelers a chance to eye 5 more players than normal throughout the off season and training camp. Greater chance to find a gem.

[Slapstick]

46 are active on game day now...

[Sugar]

46 are active on game day now...
Gotta make room for that long snapper! ;)

[RuthlessBurgher]

46 are active on game day now...

Good call...no more designated 3rd QB rule.

[hawaiiansteel]

Rolle a unique study for Steelers

June 24, 2012
Teresa Varley - Steelers.com

It’s not often a football player wants to spend an afternoon with a neurosurgeon, as it usually implies having baseline concussion tests or something similarly uncomfortable.

But Myron Rolle isn’t your average football player. So when he spent a recent afternoon shadowing Steelers neurosurgeon Joseph Maroon, it came as no surprise.

“We saw about 20 patients,” said Rolle. “I have shadowed doctors before, but he is a very special doctor.”

Rolle is pretty special himself. The saying, a ‘gentleman and a scholar’ applies for the Steelers safety who was signed this offseason.

When football is over, he wants to pursue a career as a philanthropic neurosurgeon, travelling around the world to help those who need it the most, particularly in underdeveloped nations.

“When I was in sixth grade I read a book called ‘Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,’” said Rolle. “That inspired me to go into that field.”

He graduated from Florida State in a mere two and a half years, managing to balance school and football, without allowing either to suffer.

“It was about prioritizing and making sure I knew what was important,” said Rolle. “My parents always stressed the importance of academics and I did that since I was younger so that was routine for me. When I got to Florida State I knew I went there to earn my degree, set myself up as a future draft pick and make an impact in the community. Once I had that mindset and conceptualized that, it made putting the different items I had to do every day in order really easy.”

And if something was difficult, he still found a way to master it and turn it into something positive.

“The toughest class I had at Florida State was human biochemistry,” said Rolle. “It was so difficult I ended up doing research with the professor. We studied human mesenchymal stem cells and some cancer cells. I got a $6,000 grant to study those in the summer.

“The difficulty of the class attracted me to it. I had to go see a teacher for office hours to help. We developed a relationship and he brought the idea about doing the research and we picked it up from there.”

It was that ability to challenge and push himself to the limit and succeed that earned Rolle a Rhodes Scholarship, something awarded only to the best and the brightest.

Rolle had an interview for the Rhodes Scholarship on November, 22, 2008, the same day Florida State played at Maryland. Most people would choose one or the other. It’s no surprise Rolle not only choose both, but mastered both.

“It was remarkable, probably one of the best days of my life,” said Rolle, who used the Rhodes Scholarship to earn his master’s degree in medical anthropology from Oxford University. “I had a lot of support from Florida State, from the athletic department, making sure all I had to do was focus on the interview and show myself as a worthy candidate. Fortunately the result was in my favor as a Rhodes Scholar elect.

“After the interview I got on a private plane to head to Maryland for the game. And we won the game. It was two victories not only for me, but our university improving our academic image.”

While studying at Oxford was the perfect decision for Rolle for his medical future, it did delay his football future. He spent 2009 at Oxford not participating in athletics, missing football but having no regrets.

“Looking back at it, if I have any regrets it’s very short-lived and very transient,” said Rolle. “If you look at the big picture, I think I made the right decision for myself and my family, and for those that look at me as a role model for scholastics and athletics.”

Despite his accomplishments in the classroom, there is something Rolle still desires – to play in the NFL. Rolle was the Tennessee Titans sixth-round draft pick in 2010, spending a year on the practice squad, but was released by them prior to the 2011 season.

He signed a futures contact with the Steelers in January, and is now on the roster, just finishing up OTAs and mini-camp and preparing for training camp.

“I still have a love for the game,” said Rolle. “I still have athleticism in my corporal body to be able to contribute to a team. I am excited about this opportunity. Everything here is high tempo, high intensity. The coaches love the game. You get the feel that everybody loves it here. When I signed with Pittsburgh I had fans welcome me on Facebook and Twitter. It was overwhelming. To have that love and to give it back is something I want to do on the field, showing it every snap, 100 percent, doing everything I can.”

Rolle, 25, will be fighting to provide depth behind Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Will Allen and Ryan Mundy.

“Every time I step on the field it’s an opportunity,” said Rolle. “Every time I take a snap it’s my chance to show the coaches and organization that I can contribute here and earn a spot. There is a level I want to reach. There is a level every man needs to reach here to be a Steeler and a part of this team and I am just looking forward to grinding it out every day to get here.

“Hands down this is the best I have felt. I am learning a new system and around some inspired and enthusiastic coaches who want to see the best out of all of us. I feel like I am in a good position right now. I think the Lord has placed challenges in my football career that have helped me be a better player. I think there is an old adage that says, ‘Rough seas make a better sailor.’ I think I have gone through some rough seas in my athletic career and I am primed and ready to make an impact and hopefully earn a spot on this team.”

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Rolle-a-unique-study-for-Steelers/a4931b70-eddf-4b40-9126-5efbc5ed7797