Three rookies could start on defense this season for Steelers

[SteelCrazy]

Never in modern history have the Steelers poured so much of their draft talent into the defense the way they have the past two years. All that’s left is for them to show it was worth it.

“You never know. If these guys help us win a championship, then it worked out,” general manager Kevin Colbert said. “This is the only way we evaluate any class.”

For the second consecutive year, the Steelers poured an unprecedented percentage of their draft picks on their defense —– five to two on offense. It comes one year after six of their eight draft choices were defensive players.

That 11-4 draft ratio in favor of their defense is unprecedented over two years and includes three defensive players in the first three rounds for the first time in modern history.

But their offense has been carrying them the past few years, and they know it as they watched their great defenses from the first part of the 21st century fade into retirements. Joey Porter played on some of those teams as a Pro Bowl outside linebacker, and now he coaches that position and knows what must be done.

“It’s been awhile since the offense carried us,” Porter said. “This is Pittsburgh, but they did last year. They were a strong part of our team. That’s always a good thing, but in Steeler Nation we still have pride in our defense. We always want to have pride in our defense.”

That defense has been in transition for a few years and generally performed better last season than was expected. They were third in the league with 48 sacks and raised their turnovers to 24. Yet they also ranked just 21st in yards allowed, 30th against the pass. The construction job is not done.

“We were happy where we finished last year, but it wasn’t enough,” Porter said. “If we get our defense back to where it used to be, I think we’ll have the pieces to do something special.”

Indeed, combined with an offense that ranked first in average yards per play in the NFL and fourth in points, the Steelers could be dynamic if their defense can catch up a little more. If it does, some of those rookies they drafted over the past three days could have an impact on it.

On a defense that had little room for rookies for many years, it is possible that their first three draft picks could start this season.

There are openings for cornerback Artie Burns, safety Sean Davis and nose tackle Javon Hargrave all to start even as soon as the opening game in Washington.

“I believe it’s realistic,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “That’s why we chose them where we chose them. But they have to earn it, and we’ll give them the opportunity to do that.”

The Steelers started four rookies over the past three seasons with various results — linebackers Jarvis Jones (2013), Ryan Shazier (2014) and Bud Dupree (2015), and end Stephon Tuitt (2014).

There have not been three rookie starters on defense in quite some time, but the openings and the need for upgrades are there.

That also does not count cornerback Senquez Golson, their second-round pick last year who missed his entire rookie season after shoulder surgery. He could compete with Burns to start on the left with both of them playing when they use the nickel, which was 70 percent of the time last season.

Their depth chart right now shows as starters Ross Cockrell at left cornerback, Robert Golden at strong safety and Daniel McCullers at nose tackle.

“Competition is always going to be the key that drives them,” Porter said, from experience. “We’re going to have some guys in positions at home looking at the draft now. It’s going to make it competitive


http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/05/01/On-the-Steelers-Three-rookies-could-start-on-defense-this-season/stories/201605010196

[SteelerOfDeVille]

That defense has been in transition for a few years and generally performed better last season than was expected. They were third in the league with 48 sacks and raised their turnovers to 24. Yet they also ranked just 21st in yards allowed, 30th against the pass. The construction job is not done.
I think that's partly a function of the type of player they're selection. I said this a couple of times, but, their current MO is selecting "athletes with upside" instead of "football players". In other words, they'd pass on Hines and select Mike Wallace.

[Oviedo]

Three rookies potentially starting on defense. What a refreshing change. Wouldn't have happened before Butler. Get best talent on the field.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Steelers prepared to start three rookies on defense
Posted by Darin Gantt on May 2, 2016, 9:41 AM EDT


The Steelers have poured more resources than ever into defense the last two years, and it’s time for all those choices to get to work.

Five of their seven picks came on that side of the ball, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged that starting jobs are there for cornerback Artie Burns, safety Sean Davis and nose tackle Javon Hargrave, their first three picks in the draft.

“I believe it’s realistic,” Tomlin said, via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “That’s why we chose them where we chose them. But they have to earn it, and we’ll give them the opportunity to do that.”

Coupled with last year’s draft, the Steelers have used 11 of their last 15 choices to try to fix their defense, and they know they need to catch up soon, if only to restore the franchise to its natural personality.

“It’s been awhile since the offense carried us,” outside linebackers coach Joey Porter said. “This is Pittsburgh, but they did last year. They were a strong part of our team. That’s always a good thing, but in Steeler Nation we still have pride in our defense. We always want to have pride in our defense.”

All the attention on defense began to pay dividends last year, as they rose to third in the league with 48 sacks, and started creating turnovers again. But they were 30th in the league against the pass, which is why using their top two picks on the secondary was justified.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/05/02/steelers-prepared-to-start-three-rookies-on-defense/

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Three rookies potentially starting on defense. What a refreshing change. Wouldn't have happened before Butler. Get best talent on the field.
With that, I agree... though, my money is one 1 for opening day (Hargrave), two by week 5 when Davis moves in alongside Mike Mitchell for a vicious safety tandem... All season long, Artie, Senquez and Cockrell play musical chairs.

[flippy]

Not to be the pessimist of the board, but I doubt we have 3 rookies starting this season. In fact, I'd be shocked if we did.

All of these guys we selected need development. They're all a work in progress. The most ready physically is probably Hargrave, but he hasn't had to go against top competition at the college level week in and week out, let alone being ready for NFL level competition.

Maybe Davis can make the transition the fastest because he's such a smart kid with versatility in his game.

Burns seems like he might need at least a year imho because he's a press corner that may struggle pressing NFL sized WRs at the LOS and he doesn't seem to play well off the ball.

[feltdizz]

Not to be the pessimist of the board, but I doubt we have 3 rookies starting this season. In fact, I'd be shocked if we did.

All of these guys we selected need development. They're all a work in progress. The most ready physically is probably Hargrave, but he hasn't had to go against top competition at the college level week in and week out, let alone being ready for NFL level competition.

Maybe Davis can make the transition the fastest because he's such a smart kid with versatility in his game.

Burns seems like he might need at least a year imho because he's a press corner that may struggle pressing NFL sized WRs at the LOS and he doesn't seem to play well off the ball.

I could see it happening at some point in the season although I don't think it's that big of a deal to "start" vs playing in sub packages.

I think all 3 will see playing time and contribute.

[phillyesq]

I can see all 3 guys starting or contributing by the end of the season, but I'd be shocked if they were starting day 1. My guess is that none are day 1 "starters." I bet the secondary opens with Gay/Cockrell and Mitchell/Golden with Golson as the nickel DB. But I bet Hargrave gets rotated in, Davis is the #3 safety and Burns gets some time in a rotation.

[Oviedo]

I think that's partly a function of the type of player they're selection. I said this a couple of times, but, their current MO is selecting "athletes with upside" instead of "football players". In other words, they'd pass on Hines and select Mike Wallace.


I think it is more "athletes with the upside to succeed in the NFL" instead of "football players" who have hit their ceiling in college

[squidkid]

pleeeaaase, this all all lip service.
last year a proven veteran db was brought in thru a trade(boykins) but supposedly didnt play because he couldnt grasp the butler system.
now 3 rookies with zero nfl experience and all defined as 'raw' are suppose to come in and start?
this is nothing more than tomlin putting extra pressure on his current dbs and nt to work harder so a rookie doesnt beat them out while giving the rookies the thought that they can start if they work hard and hit the playbook

[buccoray61]

pleeeaaase, this all all lip service.
last year a proven veteran db was brought in thru a trade(boykins) but supposedly didnt play because he could grasp the butler system.
now 3 rookies with zero nfl experience and all defined as 'raw' are suppose to come in and start?
this is nothing more than tomlin putting extra pressure on his current dbs and nt to work harder so a rookie doesnt beat them out while giving the rookies the thought that they can start if they work hard and hit the playbook
When you're right you're right.

[feltdizz]

pleeeaaase, this all all lip service. last year a proven veteran db was brought in thru a trade(boykins) but supposedly didnt play because he could grasp the butler system. now 3 rookies with zero nfl experience and all defined as 'raw' are suppose to come in and start? this is nothing more than tomlin putting extra pressure on his current dbs and nt to work harder so a rookie doesnt beat them out while giving the rookies the thought that they can start if they work hard and hit the playbook was Boykin proven? From all the reports it sounds like Boykin was a good player who has issues with coaching everywhere he went.

[squidkid]

was Boykin proven? From all the reports it sounds like Boykin was a good player who has issues with coaching everywhere he went.


then why did tomlin trade for him?

[RuthlessBurgher]

then why did tomlin trade for him?

Because being a "player's coach" is the only thing Tomlin was ever good at? :stirpot

[squidkid]

Because being a "player's coach" is the only thing Tomlin was ever good at? :stirpot


go root for another team, you non real fan...........:rolleyes:

[Slapstick]

After Golson went on IR, the Steelers were desperate for CB help. That is why they traded for him. I don't know if he had issues with coaching or not. I don't really care. The Steelers were short a CB and needed a good one...

Again, if Ross Cockrell doesn't shake loose from Buffalo, maybe Boykin gets a chance to play sooner...like I said before, the Steelers looked at Boykin as a slot corner...the Steelers preferred Gay in the slot...over time, it was proven that their best bet was to put Cockrell and Gay outside and Boykin in the slot...I don't know why it took so long and I'm not sure it even matters anymore...

[Eddie Spaghetti]

says more about the group in front of them as much anything, imo

cockrell/mccullers/golden isn't exactly a murderers row of talent to overcome. all three are semi marginal NFL players at best, with cockrell being the best of the 3

i doubt it happens, but it doesn't hurt to sell the vision to a young guy

[feltdizz]

then why did tomlin trade for him?

Because we needed depth at CB due to Golsons injury.

[SidSmythe]

THREE ROOKIES starting on DEFENSE isn't a reflection of how great our draft was but more of a reflection on how many holes our defense has in it.
Heading into the DRAFT we didn't have a LEGIT STRONG SAFETY or NOSE TACKLE. A Case could be made that we are thin at CORNER but we do have Starting Experience at the position.
ROLB is up in the air still also.

Years past we never had holes like this and were looking to the DRAFT to fill in our STARTERS.
Will be it be exciting to see some guys get on the field?? Yes .... but it's a case of "hope for the best, prepare for the worst"

[Iron City Inc.]

pleeeaaase, this all all lip service.
last year a proven veteran db was brought in thru a trade(boykins) but supposedly didnt play because he couldnt grasp the butler system.
now 3 rookies with zero nfl experience and all defined as 'raw' are suppose to come in and start?
this is nothing more than tomlin putting extra pressure on his current dbs and nt to work harder so a rookie doesnt beat them out while giving the rookies the thought that they can start if they work hard and hit the playbook
Well I believe Squid is right in Tomlin is pressuring the vets to keep their jobs. However if the rookie is working to pick things up quickly AND is better then the vet Tomlin would have to play that cat. He is not a rookie coach who is looking over his shoulder. Wouldn't we want that anyway. A year back Moats started at lolb n it took some time but Dupree passed him and didn't look back. Lets see how it shakes out this year. I believe by 2nd half of 16 our first 3 picks have a shot to start. Now it's not like the bar is set high at lcb, ss and nt as the roster sits today.

[Steelwolf]

Meh...let's hope our offense can keep putting up the numbers then again we left alot of 7's off the board once they got into the red zone

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Not to be the pessimist of the board, but I doubt we have 3 rookies starting this season. In fact, I'd be shocked if we did.

All of these guys we selected need development. They're all a work in progress. The most ready physically is probably Hargrave, but he hasn't had to go against top competition at the college level week in and week out, let alone being ready for NFL level competition.

Maybe Davis can make the transition the fastest because he's such a smart kid with versatility in his game.

Burns seems like he might need at least a year imho because he's a press corner that may struggle pressing NFL sized WRs at the LOS and he doesn't seem to play well off the ball.
Agreed.

pleeeaaase, this all all lip service.
last year a proven veteran db was brought in thru a trade(boykins) but supposedly didnt play because he couldnt grasp the butler system.
now 3 rookies with zero nfl experience and all defined as 'raw' are suppose to come in and start?
this is nothing more than tomlin putting extra pressure on his current dbs and nt to work harder so a rookie doesnt beat them out while giving the rookies the thought that they can start if they work hard and hit the playbook
I think you're dead on.

[squidkid]

Because we needed depth at CB due to Golsons injury.

so tomlin trades a draft pick for an unproven cb that doesnt get along with coaches?
doesnt sound like a very bright move

[Slapstick]

You can say he was unproven. That's stupid, but you could say it.

[Slapstick]

Well I believe Squid is right in Tomlin is pressuring the vets to keep their jobs. However if the rookie is working to pick things up quickly AND is better then the vet Tomlin would have to play that cat. He is not a rookie coach who is looking over his shoulder. Wouldn't we want that anyway. A year back Moats started at lolb n it took some time but Dupree passed him and didn't look back. Lets see how it shakes out this year. I believe by 2nd half of 16 our first 3 picks have a shot to start. Now it's not like the bar is set high at lcb, ss and nt as the roster sits today.

You are the one who is dead on...

[skyhawk]

THREE ROOKIES starting on DEFENSE isn't a reflection of how great our draft was but more of a reflection on how many holes our defense has in it.
Heading into the DRAFT we didn't have a LEGIT STRONG SAFETY or NOSE TACKLE. A Case could be made that we are thin at CORNER but we do have Starting Experience at the position.
ROLB is up in the air still also.

Years past we never had holes like this and were looking to the DRAFT to fill in our STARTERS.
Will be it be exciting to see some guys get on the field?? Yes .... but it's a case of "hope for the best, prepare for the worst"

This. :Agree:Agree:Agree

[Captain Lemming]

Three rookies potentially starting on defense. What a refreshing change. Wouldn't have happened before Butler. Get best talent on the field.

So ridiculous OV. How many times must I shoot this ridiculous assertion down?

2013 We started a rookie day one and eventually two rookies became starters a third got significant playing time
2014 We started a rookie day one and eventually two rookies became starters

Before that? When we had some of the best defenses in the league? You don't start rookies on a loaded defense. Does Haley hate rookies, cause you know he ain't starting a rookie on a this dominant offense.

Butler? Really? I like the guy (thankfully Lebeaus GENIUS rubbed of on him :)) but nothing leads one to believe he is especially rookie friendly.

2015 Butler started ZERO rookies day one and ONLY ONE became a starter ON A BAD DEFENSE. And Dupree (who had to wait behind very average Moats of all people) is WAY better than Jones who started day one under Lebeau.

[RuthlessBurgher]

So ridiculous OV. How many times must I shoot this ridiculous assertion down?

2013 We started a rookie day one and eventually two rookies became starters a third got significant playing time
2014 We started a rookie day one and eventually two rookies became starters
Before that? When we had some of the best defenses in the league? You don't start rookies on a loaded defense.

2015 Butler started ZERO rookies day one and ONLY ONE became a starter ON A BAD DEFENSE. And Dupree (who had to wait behind very average Moats of all people) is WAY better than Jones who started day one under Lebeau.

Don't let facts get in the way of a good ol' LeBeau bash...

[feltdizz]

so tomlin trades a draft pick for an unproven cb that doesnt get along with coaches?
doesnt sound like a very bright move

in hindsight it wasn't a smart move.

but neither was starting Blake last year.

sometimes we get it wrong.

[phillyesq]

So ridiculous OV. How many times must I shoot this ridiculous assertion down?

2013 We started a rookie day one and eventually two rookies became starters a third got significant playing time
2014 We started a rookie day one and eventually two rookies became starters

Before that? When we had some of the best defenses in the league? You don't start rookies on a loaded defense. Does Haley hate rookies, cause you know he ain't starting a rookie on a this dominant offense.

Butler? Really? I like the guy (thankfully Lebeaus GENIUS rubbed of on him :)) but nothing leads one to believe he is especially rookie friendly.

2015 Butler started ZERO rookies day one and ONLY ONE became a starter ON A BAD DEFENSE. And Dupree (who had to wait behind very average Moats of all people) is WAY better than Jones who started day one under Lebeau.

:Clap:Clap:Clap:Clap:Clap:Clap

The only defenses that start 3 rookies are bad defenses. I don't want a bad defense.

I'd love to see contributions from all three guys by the end of the year, but if Hargrave, Burns and Davis are all starting week 1, the defense is not likely to be very good.

[SS Laser]

Dicky L has a few draft picks to work with this year over at steelers south. So I wonder how many rookie's start there? There D was not good last year from what I heard. Lol Don't watch any of there games but maybe some highlights. Let's see if Ovi's thought that rookies don't start for Dicky's defense is true. I agree with Cap. Rookies don't start on good defense's with many pro bowl top players. Even if fans don't like certain players or schemes.
All the draft prospects over grading by fans show the same disconnect from fan and coaches evaluation of current players.

[birtikidis]

Dicky L has a few draft picks to work with this year over at steelers south. So I wonder how many rookie's start there? There D was not good last year from what I heard. Lol Don't watch any of there games but maybe some highlights. Let's see if Ovi's thought that rookies don't start for Dicky's defense is true. I agree with Cap. Rookies don't start on good defense's with many pro bowl top players. Even if fans don't like certain players or schemes.
All the draft prospects over grading by fans show the same disconnect from fan and coaches evaluation of current players.
My wife is from Nashville and my brother in law is a huge titans fan. We were talking about this not long ago. He doesn't expect any changes because of how much their defense improved from the year before. Dodd may get some playing time as a rookie, but other than that, neither of us see anyone really making an impact.

[RuthlessBurgher]

My wife is from Nashville and my brother in law is a huge titans fan. We were talking about this not long ago. He doesn't expect any changes because of how much their defense improved from the year before. Dodd may get some playing time as a rookie, but other than that, neither of us see anyone really making an impact.

I think Penn State's Austin Johnson would be an upgrade on Al Woods as their starting NT. Kevin Dodd will likely be a situation pass rusher for them, since they already have Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan as their starters. On offense, Conklin should start at RT and Derrick Henry will split carries with DeMarco Murray.