DeVille Does the Offseason

[SteelerOfDeVille]

(been working on this a couple of days - let me know if I've got old info - blush)

Team Review (8-8):
At times, it was hard to pinpoint problems on the 2012 team. There were a few injuries, but, that happens to everyone, every year. I did have my concerns about the ILB core – I thought they made the wrong call keeping Foote instead of Farrior… turns out, it was a big problem.

This ILB move was key though, because late in games when the team needed to stop the run, they did tend to struggle, right up the middle. Foote is a UFA and rumor is Foote is considering retirement, he gets paid too much for how he performed, anyway. I don’t see him being re-upped – at least not at a starter’s salary.

Offensively, a few key injuries threw off the rhythm, but, my gut says they’ll be ok, with or without Haley, as long as Ben is healthy and works with Haley on a little give and take. EVEN MINUS WALLACE...

Key Upcoming Free Agents:
Free agency will be huge for 2013. There are quite a few players that are slated to be Free Agents (both restricted and unrestricted). I’ll list them all and highlight a few key players.


UFA: Mike Wallace, Rashard Mendenhall, Keenan Lewis, Ramon Foster, Max Starks, Larry Foote, Casey Hampton, Will Allen, Doug Legursky, Plaxico Burress, Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich, Greg Warren, Ryan Mundy, Brandon Johnson, Leonard Pope, Justin King
RFA: Emmanuel Sanders, Steve McLendon, Jonathan Dwyer, Issac Redman, Stevenson Sylvester
EFA: Baron Batch, DeMarcus Van Dyke
David Johnson and Jeremy Kapinos are listed as FAs as well, but, have been
Notes on key FAs

Mike Wallace (UFA) – will likely get a similar contract offer to what he was given last year. Not likely to re-sign with team, making WR a potential need
Rashard Mendenhall (UFA) – My guess is that he’ll think he’s worth more than the team is willing to offer – especially considering Dwyer’s solid season. Apparently contract talks are in progress.
Jonathan Dwyer (RFA), Isaac Redman (RFA) – both likely to be tendered; If deal can’t be reached with Mendenhall, these guys would ask for more in a long-term deal
Keenan Lewis (UFA) – kid was actually solid; and quite possibly won’t be resigned because he’ll up his asking price… he knows he’s good
Emmanuel Sanders (RFA) – he’ll get tendered; ideally, he’ll get a low-to-mid-priced extension
Foster and Legursky would be good resignings – both are solid replacements and should come at reasonable prices



Resulting team needs:
I expect the team to move on from Foote. I expect that Hampton’s price is likely too big to sign him to a new contract. Considering Willie Colon’s injury history, he’ll either be cut or asked to take a pay cut – he’s not worth the $7.6 million cap hit he’ll cost. With any luck, they re-sign Foster and Legursky and have a solid core, with only mid-to-late rounders needed on the o-line.

Again, based on my gut feel on the offense, most of the offseason focus should be on the defense… How does the #1 defense needs help? Mostly due to losses, both, this offseason and expected in the next 2 years. It’s time to start planning for life after Harrison. He’s aging and now very pricey. When the season starts, Harrison will be 35; I've also read rumors he may be a cap casualty. Polamalu seems to be slowed more frequently by injuries and he’s also 30+. Finding a safety isn’t as pressing, however with him having injuries coupled with the fact that he and Clark are both in their 30’s, it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye to the future if a 2-4th round quality safety was available in this upcoming draft. In the meantime, lock up Will Allen.


Addressing those needs
NT: If they do part with Casey, they’ll need a solid NT, either in FA (Terrence Knighton?) or early in this draft. Because there are three or four projected 1st rounders, I wouldn’t be surprised if the team jumps in on that action. If not, there’s decent talent in the mid-rounds

ILB: A solid, affordable run stuffer may be found in free agency (I could see Tomlin calling on EJ Henderson at a bargain price as a stop-gap); otherwise, this draft doesn’t have any worthy players projected where the team selects in the 1st. The kid from ND (Te’o) will likely be gone, and the next guy (Alec Ogletree) has character flaws (failed drug test) and not the type the Steelers are likely to select. Expect an ILB in rounds 1-4, excluding a key FA signing

OLB: If something can’t be worked out to lower Harrison’s cap, I worry he could be a cap casualty. Expect a good pass rusher to be drafted early to either replace him or at least compete with the young talent

WR: If Wallace is gone, they’ll look for a WR in rounds 2-5 in the draft. Still, they’ll have Cotchery and could re-sign Plaxico Burress. WR’s think highly of themselves, so, best case FA would be another Cotchery-level player

CB: Depends on what happens with Lewis. If re-signed, I’m actually ok with the core; they could wait another year to find Ike’s eventual successor.

TE: This is lower on the priority list, but, we miss Spaeth. I could see a TE selected in mid-rounds to compliment Heath

QB: Expect a flier on a younger kid to compliment Ben. I’m sure Batch and/or Leftwich will be back… but… meh.

OL: There's always opportunity to take some, however, if Foster and Legursky are locked up, they young linemen taken in the last couple of drafts are gonna have the training wheels removed.

(Early) 2013 Draft possibilities:
NT, ILB, OLB, WR, DB (In order anticipated of priority – not necessarily order to be taken)

Based on talent available, likely to take NT. There are 3 first round talents at NT...

Round 1 Possibliites (ILB, OLB, NT)
ILB – Manti Te’o, ND; some mocks have him falling out of the top 10. If he does, look out
OLB - Barkevious Mingo, LSU; if he’s there, this is the “sexy” pick;
If NT is the pick, I wouldn't mind a trade down - I'd take any of the following 3 NTs
NT – Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State; Sylvester Williams, UNC; Johnathan Jenkins, UGa
ILB – Alec Ogltree, UGa; solid player with character flaws (failed drug test)
ILB – Kevin Minter, LSU; small reach… may be best with a trade down

Round 2 Possibliites (CB, WR, OLB, ILB, TE)
CB – David Amerson, NC State; Desmond Trufant, Washington
OLB –Alex Okafor, Texas; DE, who has played in a 2-pt stance
ILB - Shayne Skov, Stanford;
TE – Zach Ertz, Stanford (may well be BPA when they draft)

Ton of WRs here in the 2nd... and it's way early in our offseason... so, i'll stop there and wait for the combine before i try to "seed" more players in rounds... happy reading

[Chadman]

4 first round NT talents- you missed Alabama's Jesse Williams..

[Oviedo]

Excellent assessment. The only area I would take exception to is making OL an afterthought. Our OL is still a mess and IMO it is a much higher priority to resign Starks more than either Foster or Legursky. We also need to take a Guard for a long term option opposite of DeCastro.

I think TE is a position we need to watch because we have no idea how long Miller may be out recovering from surgery. May have to go earlier at this position than we would like or bring in another FA. Neither Paulson or Pope can handle the starting role.

As far as OLB, Harrison is going to have to take a significant paycut. Whether his "angry man" ego allows him to or not is going to be interesting to watch. I would not touch Mingo. I think he has 1st Round bust written all over him. If we go OLB I'd rather have Jordan from Oregon or Ansah from BYU.

[D Rock]

I would take a long look at Rashad Jennings from Jacksonville. When MJD was down no one seemed too worried because Jennings looked like a capable replacement. Then he sucked. I think there's a good chance he sucked because he was in Jacksonville this year. It's hard not to suck there in that offense.

I bet he will be significantly cheaper than Mendenhall would be.

[Ghost]

It was a real shame not getting to see what they had in Spence out of Miami. He could have gotten some decent playing time this year for a good evaluation on what they had.

OL: it's a bummer that the steelers have spent 1st or 2nd round picks on OL the last 4 drafts: 2012 - 1st (G) & 2nd (tackle); 2011 - 2nd (Tackle); 2010: 1st (Center); 2009 - 2nd (Tackle) and it's still a need. It'd be great to just write in the 4 picks from 2010 - 2012 as starters and adress other concerns.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Excellent assessment. The only area I would take exception to is making OL an afterthought. Our OL is still a mess and IMO it is a much higher priority to resign Starks more than either Foster or Legursky. We also need to take a Guard for a long term option opposite of DeCastro.
With Starks, i wonder if they young OTs will be able to get it together. I would like to see Starks retained, but, as another body "cuz the youngin's are gonna grow into good players"



4 first round NT talents- you missed Alabama's Jesse Williams..
Crap, how'd i do that? Anyway, you're right.

Crazy, i just read Rob "boomer"Rang's mock draft... Te'o going 15th... I'd sell the farm to move up 2 spots...

[flippy]

It was a real shame not getting to see what they had in Spence out of Miami. He could have gotten some decent playing time this year for a good evaluation on what they had.

OL: it's a bummer that the steelers have spent 1st or 2nd round picks on OL the last 4 drafts: 2012 - 1st (G) & 2nd (tackle); 2011 - 2nd (Tackle); 2010: 1st (Center); 2009 - 2nd (Tackle) and it's still a need. It'd be great to just write in the 4 picks from 2010 - 2012 as starters and adress other concerns.

It's a shame we've spent so many premium picks on both lines and we're still could use OLine and DLinemen early in the draft again.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

It's a shame we've spent so many premium picks on both lines and we're still could use OLine and DLinemen early in the draft again.

but, we havent' spent a premium pick on NT... that's the only one i think we need... i think injuries caught up with the team on the oline.... personally would like to see an NT and not much else in the trenches...

[flippy]

but, we havent' spent a premium pick on NT... that's the only one i think we need... i think injuries caught up with the team on the oline.... personally would like to see an NT and not much else in the trenches...

I'm with ya. I think NT is our big need and there's probably gonna be a good one available when we pick.

I have this feeling though that the BPA when we pick is gonna be Warmack. And we need another interior OLineman like we need a hole in the head. But somehow Colbert will pick him because he's BPA.

Just as important imho is Deebo's future successor. As long as we're running 3-4, OLBs should be our star player. We don't get to pick this high very often, so maybe we consider a pass rusher. I'm just not sure who I'd take and have a feeling we might reach if we do take someone.

[Oviedo]

I'm with ya. I think NT is our big need and there's probably gonna be a good one available when we pick.

I have this feeling though that the BPA when we pick is gonna be Warmack. And we need another interior OLineman like we need a hole in the head. But somehow Colbert will pick him because he's BPA.

Just as important imho is Deebo's future successor. As long as we're running 3-4, OLBs should be our star player. We don't get to pick this high very often, so maybe we consider a pass rusher. I'm just not sure who I'd take and have a feeling we might reach if we do take someone.

For OLB in Round 1, I like:

Dion Jordan
Ezekial Ansah
Corey Lemonier

In Round 2:

Sam Montgomery
Alex Okafor
Tank Carradine

I want no parts of Bar. Mingo.

[flippy]

For OLB in Round 1, I like:

Dion Jordan
Ezekial Ansah
Corey Lemonier

In Round 2:

Sam Montgomery
Alex Okafor
Tank Carradine

I want no parts of Bar. Mingo.

Mingo is the one who intrigues me. I really don't think he'll last until 17. If he does, Tomlin will be in love with him. His burst/quickness reminds me of Timmons in a weird way. And Timmons was by no means polished coming out of college and we took a gamble on him.

If we picked him and Spence recovers, could you imagine the speed of our LBs?

[D Rock]

If they take another OLB, he better be a pass rushing stud like Von Miller or Aldon Smith. This defense relies on QB pressure and can't get it anymore. Too bad you pretty much need to have a terrible season to have any chance at getting a guy like that.

[MeetJoeGreene]

First.. Welcome back SoD. Good to see you still kickin.
Second.. great post/analysis.
Third.. based on this are you and Hogefan the same person???:p

TE: This is lower on the priority list, but, we miss Spaeth. I could see a TE selected in mid-rounds to compliment Heath

[SteelerOfDeVille]

For OLB in Round 1, I like:

Dion Jordan
Ezekial Ansah
Corey Lemonier

In Round 2:

Sam Montgomery
Alex Okafor
Tank Carradine

I want no parts of Bar. Mingo.

Nice... the mock i was working on had an NT first and Okafor in the 2nd... won't make the masses happy, but, that's where I'm headed....

[SteelerOfDeVille]

1. Johnathan Jenkins, NT, UGa
2. Alex Okafor, OLB, Texas
3. Kevin Riddick, ILB, UNC
4. Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (Oh)

[SteelerOfDeVille]

First.. Welcome back SoD. Good to see you still kickin.
Second.. great post/analysis.
Third.. based on this are you and Hogefan the same person???:p

TE: This is lower on the priority list, but, we miss Spaeth. I could see a TE selected in mid-rounds to compliment Heath



Hoge and I (and you, for that matter) have generally agreed on a very high percentage of posts.. I wouldn't be terribly shocked to see a TE as high as 2nd round... Standford's TE is a stud, and just might be on the board when the team drafts... So, just let me go on record in saying Zach Ertz is a distinct possibility... :-)

The one i really wanted to add to my mock is Landry Jones in the 3rd... couldn't bring myself to do it...

[supersteeler]

1. Johnathan Jenkins, NT, UGa
2. Alex Okafor, OLB, Texas
3. Kevin Riddick, ILB, UNC
4. Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (Oh)

I like your picks, especially round one, he is my pick as well.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I like your picks, especially round one, he is my pick as well.
then, you're a smart fan! :-P

[supersteeler]

then, you're a smart fan! :-P

Round two I like Eric Reid if he's there, most draft picks won't start anyway but their are exceptions like Pouncey, and DeCastro would of started if he didn't get injured. The NT from Georgia could start on the Steelers, he may not have immediate impact but I believe he would get better with playing time and be our NT for a decade.

I'm convinced we take NT round one, after that anyones guess.

[Dee Dub]

For OLB in Round 1, I like:

Dion Jordan
Ezekial Ansah
Corey Lemonier

In Round 2:

Sam Montgomery
Alex Okafor
Tank Carradine

I want no parts of Bar. Mingo.

Did you see Dion Jordan in the Fiesta Bowl? And you would use a first round pick on him? He has a ton of talent (and even more hype), but on the field, what are we really seeing from him? It's not what you would think or expect.

[Oviedo]

Did you see Dion Jordan in the Fiesta Bowl? And you would use a first round pick on him? He has a ton of talent (and even more hype), but on the field, what are we really seeing from him? It's not what you would think or expect.


Fiesta Bowl was probably the worst I've seen him play but his upside in undeniable. See the following from CBSSports hwere he was injured which likely effected his play


DE Dion Jordan (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1631835/dion-jordan), Oregon – When he was on the field, Jordan looked like his usual future-first-rounder self, but he was forced to the sidelines on several occasions, presumably because of a lingering shoulder injury that has limited him much of the season. With his lanky frame, durability will be a question mark moving to the next level and one of the few negatives against the athletic pass rusher

Besides, it's not like he wouldn't have a year or two before he played under LeBeau anyway. He'll add 10-15 pounds to his frame easy in the NFL.

[Dee Dub]

Fiesta Bowl was probably the worst I've seen him play but his upside in undeniable. See the following from CBSSports hwere he was injured which likely effected his play



Besides, it's not like he wouldn't have a year or two before he played under LeBeau anyway. He'll add 10-15 pounds to his frame easy in the NFL.

What good is upside when it doesn't translate over to the field? And again is this really what you want from the number 17 overall pick?

[Dee Dub]

Fiesta Bowl was probably the worst I've seen him play but his upside in undeniable. See the following from CBSSports hwere he was injured which likely effected his play



Besides, it's not like he wouldn't have a year or two before he played under LeBeau anyway. He'll add 10-15 pounds to his frame easy in the NFL.

Oh and this that you post from CBS Sports is exactly what I mean in regards to the hype. Dion Jordan made no plays. Not one. Zero tackles. How did he look like a first round pick when he was on the field?

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Quick revision - Adding RB to the mid-tier needs... Between Mendenhall and now Rainey, needs have changed...

Mock 2.0 (Jan 20)


Manti Te’o, ILB, ND – it may take years to determine whether this is a blessing or a curse, but, the scandal ensures this guy is available for the Steelers.(other possibilities, Alec Ogletree, one of the NT’s)
Jessie Williams, Sylvester Williams – with 4-5 first round NT talents, at least one will fall out – not everyone needs an NT.
Landry Jones, QB, Alabama – I just have a hunch on this guy. Good coaching and a couple of seasons to learn a system and he could be a really good QB
Joseph Randle, RB, OSU – decent speed, studly in passing game. A little slim, but, will put his shoulder down, has “wiggle” and is A+ in the passing game(other possibilities, Stepfan Taylor, RB Stanford – underrated runner)

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Hate to keep re-bumping my post (really, I don't)... however, as the offseason goes on, I've had one realization... I further strengthen my opinion that this team needs at least 1, if not 2 LBs who are ready to contribute NOW... One needs to be a studly run-stuffer. Keeping hope alive on Spence, however, he's a little light in the pants and that scares me. Moreover, even if he starts, who's gonna be the backup? Anybody you trust?

And at OLB, the other needs to be a can't miss OLB, not an Alonzo Jackson. There are some cool names coming up - freakish athletes with one move, no technique, but, ran track. Guys with busted up necks... and fake girlefriends. Trust me, I'm not saying yea or nay to anyone. I'll trust the team to do their homework..

Truth is, I'd love to see another Timmons-Woodley type draft, but, one Timmons (a guy who could play either) would make me happy. Assuming Foote's gone, this team needs an ILB, whether by draft or Free Agency. There's also the threat of losing Harrison. Think of that... LBs are the heart and soul of a 34 and that could be gone.

I know the other needs - WR, RB, NT, DB are there, but, I would truly take best LB available in the 1st. There are several 1st round LB talents... Not so with WR, RB... that's unusual... don't get me wrong, I'd consider NT if the LBs were gone... but, that's my only deviation from the plan this year... 2 positions of need have 1st round gold mines out there - I'd cash in.

[Chadman]

Truth is, I'd love to see another Timmons-Woodley type draft, but, one Timmons (a guy who could play either) would make me happy

Check out Stanford's Chase Thomas if you are after that sort of player..

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Check out Stanford's Chase Thomas if you are after that sort of player..
The ILB (Ogltree) at UGa is also like that... The video i've seen of him is less than impressive, though...

[BigRob]

The ILB (Ogltree) at UGa is also like that... The video i've seen of him is less than impressive, though...


I like Ogletree, but he is more of a run and chase Lb'er. I see him as a better fit in the 4-3. However Kevin Minter fits the bill nicely at 3-4 ILB.

The guy is a game 1 starter at ILB next to Timmons. Unfortunately I think the Ravens snatch him up at pick 32.

[supersteeler]

Out of our seven picks I hope they address TE,RB,WR and throw in a safety,ILB,OLb and a QB then I'll be happy.
.

1. If we lose JH, we have Worlids ready to go.


2. Hampton, we have Hood, mclendon, ta'amu,Fangupo, take your pick


3. We lose Colon, we have Beachum in his place, with malecki and Legursky as backups if Legs is signed.


4. If we can't sign Lewis, we still have Ike and Cortez, but I prefer to sign Keenan.


5. With Wallace most likely gone, replacing him won't be easy but we replaced Plax, and Holmes so it can be done.


6. My concern is TE, especially in Haley's offense. We need a TE and a good one, It's a guess how long before Heath returns and we'll need a TE anyway for the near future.


7. RB for sure, one that can carry the load as a feature back with the combo of speed and power.


This offense needs addressed now, if we want to compete. I'm not implying we neglect our defensive needs but I'm tired of seeing this offense pussy-foot down the field and come away with three.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I like Ogletree, but he is more of a run and chase Lb'er. I see him as a better fit in the 4-3. However Kevin Minter fits the bill nicely at 3-4 ILB.

The guy is a game 1 starter at ILB next to Timmons. Unfortunately I think the Ravens snatch him up at pick 32.
After looking extensively at LBs, that's the guy I want, hands down... I honestly take Minter in the first and it's easy... just updated my mock with that, in fact...
Speaking of that mock, I actually believe Robert Woods starts, too. Hard worker, good everything (size, speed, hands)...
And I underrated Montee Ball... His vision is sick. Can't believe he's projected in the 4th in a lot of mocks with his production. He'd beat out all our runners by mid-season... Of the runners, I'm also a fan of Stephan Taylor, Stanford.
In recap, yup, I just got excited about my mock!!!

[Chadman]

If he passes fit, what about Mauti from Penn St as an option at ILB?

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Early guesses on 53 man roster...

QB (3) - Ben, B.Gradkowski, L.Jones
RB (4) - L.Bell, I.Redman, J.Dwyer, L.Stephens-Howling
FB (1) - W.Johnson
WR (6)- A.Brown, E.Sanders, M.Wheaton, P.Burress, J.Cotchery, R.Dunn (WR/KR)
TE (4)- H.Miller, M.Spaeth, D.Paulson, D.Johnson
OT (4) - M.Gilbert, M.Adams, K.Beachum(G/T), M.Farrell
OG (3)- D.DeCastro, R.Foster, J.Malecki
OC (2)- M.Pouncey, J.Madsden(G/C)

NT (2)- S.McLendon, A.Ta'amu
DE (4)- B.Keisel, C.Heyward, Z.Hood, H.Fangupo (**revised)
OLB (4)- L.Woodley, J.Worilds, J.Jones, C.Carter
ILB (4)- L.Timmons, L.Foote, V.Williams, S.Sylvester
CB (5)- I.Taylor, C.Allen, W.Gay, T.Hawthorne, C.Brown
S (4)- T.Polamalu, R.Clark, S.Thomas, R.Golden
LS (1) - G.Warren
K (1) - S.Suisham
P (1) - D.Butler

PS - N.Williams(DE), I.Wade(OG), J.Brown(WR), J.Victorian(CB), C.McNeal(RB/KR)
IR - Sean Spence
*NOTES

Best camp battle: backup O-line with five undrafted rooks M.Farrell, J.Madsden, I.Wade and M.Golic Jr, C.Hubbard, fighting for 2 spots. This battle may well come down to better ability to play multiple positions, and all of them have played more than one position...
Assuming no injuries on the OL, expect the team to finally cut ties with Max
Expect Curtis McNeal to replace Stephens-Howling next year if the team is able to hold on to him throughout the season.
Expect another Day 2 WR to be drafted in 2014, whether Sanders is resigned or not. While Sanders has said he would like to retire a Steeler, he also understands it's a business. He also said Mike Wallace LOVES the Steelers organization (I caught 5/1 interviews on ESPN2)
If Spence cannot return in 2014, expect another early-to-mid-round ILB in 2014 as Foote will be in his last year, as will Sylvester

[SteelSpain]

Great job man. I still think someone has to come after June 1st cuts. But this would be a good roster at the beginning of the season for take #7 :Clap

[BigRob]

Early guesses on 53 man roster...

QB (3) - Ben, B.Gradkowski, L.Jones
RB (4) - L.Bell, I.Redman, J.Dwyer, L.Stephens-Howling
FB (1) - W.Johnson
WR (6)- A.Brown, E.Sanders, M.Wheaton, P.Burress, J.Cotchery, R.Dunn (WR/KR)
TE (4)- H.Miller, M.Spaeth, D.Paulson, D.Johnson
OT (4) - M.Gilbert, M.Adams, K.Beachum(G/T), M.Farrell
OG (3)- D.DeCastro, R.Foster, J.Malecki
OC (2)- M.Pouncey, J.Madsden(G/C)

NT (2)- S.McLendon, A.Ta'amu
DE (4)- B.Keisel, C.Heyward, Z.Hood, Brian Arnfelt
OLB (4)- L.Woodley, J.Worilds, J.Jones, C.Carter
ILB (4)- L.Timmons, L.Foote, V.Williams, S.Sylvester
CB (5)- I.Taylor, C.Allen, W.Gay, T.Hawthorne, C.Brown
S (4)- T.Polamalu, R.Clark, S.Thomas, R.Golden
LS (1) - G.Warren
K (1) - S.Suisham
P (1) - D.Butler

PS - N.Williams(DE), I.Wade(OG), J.Brown(WR), J.Victorian(CB), C.McNeal(RB/KR)
IR - Sean Spence
*NOTES

Best camp battle: backup O-line with five undrafted rooks M.Farrell, J.Madsden, I.Wade and M.Golic Jr, C.Hubbard, fighting for 2 spots. This battle may well come down to better ability to play multiple positions, and all of them have played more than one position...
Assuming no injuries on the OL, expect the team to finally cut ties with Max
Expect Curtis McNeal to replace Stephens-Howling next year if the team is able to hold on to him throughout the season.
Expect another Day 2 WR to be drafted in 2014, whether Sanders is resigned or not. While Sanders has said he would like to retire a Steeler, he also understands it's a business. He also said Mike Wallace LOVES the Steelers organization (I caught 5/1 interviews on ESPN2)
If Spence cannot return in 2014, expect another early-to-mid-round ILB in 2014 as Foote will be in his last year, as will Sylvester



I find it interesting you don't have Hebron Fangupo making the team, but have Arnfelt making it. I've heard Colbert say that Fangupo can play DE and NT in our 3/4.

I see them keeping Ta'amu, Fangupo, and Mclendon.

[SS Laser]

Early guesses on 53 man roster...

QB (3) - Ben, B.Gradkowski, L.Jones
RB (4) - L.Bell, I.Redman, J.Dwyer, L.Stephens-Howling
FB (1) - W.Johnson
WR (6)- A.Brown, E.Sanders, M.Wheaton, P.Burress, J.Cotchery, R.Dunn (WR/KR)
TE (4)- H.Miller, M.Spaeth, D.Paulson, D.Johnson
OT (4) - M.Gilbert, M.Adams, K.Beachum(G/T), M.Farrell
OG (3)- D.DeCastro, R.Foster, J.Malecki
OC (2)- M.Pouncey, J.Madsden(G/C)

NT (2)- S.McLendon, A.Ta'amu Just change this to Ta'amu,Fangupo.
DE (4)- B.Keisel, C.Heyward, Z.Hood, Brian Arnfelt Change Arnfelt to McLendon.
OLB (4)- L.Woodley, J.Worilds, J.Jones, C.Carter
ILB (4)- L.Timmons, L.Foote, V.Williams, S.Sylvester
CB (5)- I.Taylor, C.Allen, W.Gay, T.Hawthorne, C.Brown
S (4)- T.Polamalu, R.Clark, S.Thomas, R.Golden
LS (1) - G.Warren
K (1) - S.Suisham
P (1) - D.Butler

PS - N.Williams(DE), I.Wade(OG), J.Brown(WR), J.Victorian(CB), C.McNeal(RB/KR)
IR - Sean Spence
*NOTES

Best camp battle: backup O-line with five undrafted rooks M.Farrell, J.Madsden, I.Wade and M.Golic Jr, C.Hubbard, fighting for 2 spots. This battle may well come down to better ability to play multiple positions, and all of them have played more than one position...
Assuming no injuries on the OL, expect the team to finally cut ties with Max
Expect Curtis McNeal to replace Stephens-Howling next year if the team is able to hold on to him throughout the season.
Expect another Day 2 WR to be drafted in 2014, whether Sanders is resigned or not. While Sanders has said he would like to retire a Steeler, he also understands it's a business. He also said Mike Wallace LOVES the Steelers organization (I caught 5/1 interviews on ESPN2)
If Spence cannot return in 2014, expect another early-to-mid-round ILB in 2014 as Foote will be in his last year, as will Sylvester



NT (2)- S.McLendon, A.Ta'amu Just change this to Ta'amu,Fangupo.
DE (4)- B.Keisel, C.Heyward, Z.Hood, Brian Arnfelt Change Arnfelt to McLendon.

Then I am Happy Happy! Of course Mclendon & Hood can and will see time at NT. With so many UDFA it will be interesting offseason/camp.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I find it interesting you don't have Hebron Fangupo making the team, but have Arnfelt making it. I've heard Colbert say that Fangupo can play DE and NT in our 3/4.

I see them keeping Ta'amu, Fangupo, and Mclendon.

TOTALLY forgot him... I had a big fat "?????" at the other DE for the longest time...Arnfelt was kind of a "gotta have somebody so he makes it by default" pick... THAT was the missing peice to the puzzle. Nice catch!

[BigRob]

TOTALLY forgot him... I had a big fat "?????" at the other DE for the longest time...Arnfelt was kind of a "gotta have somebody so he makes it by default" pick... THAT was the missing peice to the puzzle. Nice catch!

Gotta admit, you had me scratching my head there for a minute.

[thor75]

ILB (4)- L.Timmons, L.Foote, V.Williams, S.Sylvester

I wonder if Brian Rolle will beat out Sylvester? Don't know much about him, but they signed him towards the end of last year.

[flippy]

Am I the only one that chuckles every time I read this thread title?

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Am I the only one that chuckles every time I read this thread title?
happens to me... Glad yer right there in the gutter with me!

[blacknblue80s]

I would throw Nik Embernasty into the competition for back-up o-line.

He's likely to make the final 53 IMO.

[hawaiiansteel]

Don't overlook AFC North

Mailbag: Ravens, Steelers, Bengals all had productive offseasons

Originally Published: May 6, 2013
By John Clayton | ESPN.com

The Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals didn't draw the headlines for what they did during the offseason, but their work has been solid.

First-round pick Matt Elam made a strong first impression at the Ravens' rookie minicamp.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome faced the bigger challenge. Even though the Ravens won a Super Bowl, they recognized problems. Ray Lewis told them early enough last season that he was going to retire.

That started the front office working. As they do every year, Newsome and his staff started planning for the the offseason by November. They recognized the aging problem at safety. They knew the team was declining as a run-stopping unit.

Six defensive starters and pass-rushing specialist Paul Kruger were going to be potential targets for replacement. The Ravens also didn't know then if they had the cap room to retain wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Kruger became too expensive, and the Ravens accepted that. What they didn't know is that linebacker Dannell Ellerbe would become a $7 million player, but the Miami Dolphins made it impossible for the Ravens to re-sign him. They also couldn't afford cornerback Cary Williams and safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard.

Newsome and company did an amazing job replacing lost parts. Defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears will help the run-stopping problems. They lucked into the signing of linebacker Elvis Dumervil. Michael Huff adds athleticism at safety. Rolando McClain was only a $700,000 gamble at linebacker, but the Ravens drafted linebacker Arthur Brown in the second round, too. The team also feels good about first-round pick Matt Elam at safety.

"Matt really picked up things quickly. The same for Arthur Brown," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after rookie minicamp Sunday. "Matt really did a nice job of communicating in the back end, which is not usual for a rookie. Most rookie defensive backs, even all defensive players, have a tough time with the communication part of it because they aren't confident enough to make the calls. He's smart. He picked it up quickly."

The Steelers held their rookie minicamp and liked what they saw of outside linebacker Jarvis Jones and halfback Le'Veon Bell. Third-round choice Markus Wheaton adds speed at wide receiver.

The Pittsburgh front office felt as though the team's 8-8 last year was indicative of the talent. Now, the Steelers feel as though the offseason helped to reload them for a playoff run.

As for the Bengals, who have their rookie minicamp next week, they concentrated on keeping their own. They re-signed 10 of their 19 unrestricted free agents. They had a nice draft. With back-to-back trips to the playoffs, the Bengals are ready to make the next step to see if they can win the division.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9245148/nfl-mailbag-overlook-afc-north