Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

Ugh...tough position the Steelers are in. Smith played well. He looks better. Problem...he is not a young man, bad backs even with surgery tend to go bad again especially in the NFL, and he will want a ton of $$$. I believe Essex could be ready. Starks when motivated is an ok LT. I say the Steelers will break tradition and continue negotiations with Smith...but they won't break the bank on him. If he signs it will be a win win situation...giving him long term money...but with do-able cap hits.

While I agree that it would have been nice to grab a capable LT in this draft...I wouldn't have passed on Mendenhall for a overdrafted LT. Could we have passed on Sweed? Possibly...but in college when healthy was a game changer....top 10 talent with round 6 health. I'm not sure where we should go...the only thing I would caution...We can't throw top 5 LT money at Smith.

[SteelHoss]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

I believe that once again we will see a run on O lineman in the '09 draft. TBS, I feel the Steelers will find themselves in the same type of situation as the '08 draft...no top prospects available when it gets time for our 1st selection which will hopefully be at least somewhere in the twenties or much later. In '09 we won't have the luxury of selecting a BPA or skill position player (unless its a stud DB). We need to get the deals done at least with Smith toward mid-season (because of the ??? with his back) and Kemo and Colon asap.

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

I believe that once again we will see a run on O lineman in the '09 draft. TBS, I feel the Steelers will find themselves in the same type of situation as the '08 draft...no top prospects available when it gets time for our 1st selection which will hopefully be at least somewhere in the twenties or much later. In '09 we won't have the luxury of selecting a BPA or skill position player (unless its a stud DB). We need to get the deals done at least with Smith toward mid-season (because of the ??? with his back) and Kemo and Colon asap.

With McFadden and Ike why would we need a stud DB in round 1?

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

I believe that once again we will see a run on O lineman in the '09 draft. TBS, I feel the Steelers will find themselves in the same type of situation as the '08 draft...no top prospects available when it gets time for our 1st selection which will hopefully be at least somewhere in the twenties or much later. In '09 we won't have the luxury of selecting a BPA or skill position player (unless its a stud DB). We need to get the deals done at least with Smith toward mid-season (because of the ??? with his back) and Kemo and Colon asap.

Trading up really wasn't an option this year because we had only 6 picks and a lot of needs to fill. Next year, though, we will likely have 10 picks (our regular 7 plus perhaps 2 comp picks and the pick we got for Mahan). Although we can't trade the comp picks, '09 may be a year when we move up to get a guy we really like (i.e. Troy or Santonio).

[SteelHoss]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

I believe that once again we will see a run on O lineman in the '09 draft. TBS, I feel the Steelers will find themselves in the same type of situation as the '08 draft...no top prospects available when it gets time for our 1st selection which will hopefully be at least somewhere in the twenties or much later. In '09 we won't have the luxury of selecting a BPA or skill position player (unless its a stud DB). We need to get the deals done at least with Smith toward mid-season (because of the ??? with his back) and Kemo and Colon asap.

With McFadden and Ike why would we need a stud DB in round 1?

I have always liked BMac and still do, but I believe he won't be around. All indications are he is looking for $$$$. If the Steelers go deep into the POs or a SB, Bryant will be gone. I also like UDFA, Roy Lewis. I think he has much potential...Travis Williams showed a little to although he was cut. I believe Coach T still wants that potential shut down corner ala Darrel Reavis. Reavis was at the pinnacle of Tomlins radar in '07 as I recall. Also keep in mind that DeShea, God Bless him, will have a longer tooth next year.

[BigBen2112]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

Ugh...tough position the Steelers are in. Smith played well. He looks better. Problem...he is not a young man, bad backs even with surgery tend to go bad again especially in the NFL, and he will want a ton of $$$. I believe Essex could be ready. Starks when motivated is an ok LT. I say the Steelers will break tradition and continue negotiations with Smith...but they won't break the bank on him. If he signs it will be a win win situation...giving him long term money...but with do-able cap hits.

While I agree that it would have been nice to grab a capable LT in this draft...I wouldn't have passed on Mendenhall for a overdrafted LT. Could we have passed on Sweed? Possibly...but in college when healthy was a game changer....top 10 talent with round 6 health. I'm not sure where we should go...the only thing I would caution...We can't throw top 5 LT money at Smith.

I am really starting to wonder about you brother. Essex ready? The dude sucks...and has showed ZERO during his time here. I dont know what you're basing that assumption on, but I dont think he's even close to serviceable right now.

Instead of Davis+Hills+6th rounders we could have procured a serviceable OL or two.

This year we MUST get at least 4 OL/DL at minimum. It should be a LITTLE easier since I think we should have a couple extra comp. picks.

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

Ugh...tough position the Steelers are in. Smith played well. He looks better. Problem...he is not a young man, bad backs even with surgery tend to go bad again especially in the NFL, and he will want a ton of $$$. I believe Essex could be ready. Starks when motivated is an ok LT. I say the Steelers will break tradition and continue negotiations with Smith...but they won't break the bank on him. If he signs it will be a win win situation...giving him long term money...but with do-able cap hits.

While I agree that it would have been nice to grab a capable LT in this draft...I wouldn't have passed on Mendenhall for a overdrafted LT. Could we have passed on Sweed? Possibly...but in college when healthy was a game changer....top 10 talent with round 6 health. I'm not sure where we should go...the only thing I would caution...We can't throw top 5 LT money at Smith.

I am really starting to wonder about you brother. Essex ready? The dude sucks...and has showed ZERO during his time here. I dont know what you're basing that assumption on, but I dont think he's even close to serviceable right now.

Instead of Davis+Hills+6th rounders we could have procured a serviceable OL or two.

This year we MUST get at least 4 OL/DL at minimum. It should be a LITTLE easier since I think we should have a couple extra comp. picks.

The coaching staff doesn't agree with you. Essex had a blockbuster camp. Belief is...he finally "gets it". We shall see I suppose.

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

I believe that once again we will see a run on O lineman in the '09 draft. TBS, I feel the Steelers will find themselves in the same type of situation as the '08 draft...no top prospects available when it gets time for our 1st selection which will hopefully be at least somewhere in the twenties or much later. In '09 we won't have the luxury of selecting a BPA or skill position player (unless its a stud DB). We need to get the deals done at least with Smith toward mid-season (because of the ??? with his back) and Kemo and Colon asap.

With McFadden and Ike why would we need a stud DB in round 1?

I have always liked BMac and still do, but I believe he won't be around. All indications are he is looking for $$$$. If the Steelers go deep into the POs or a SB, Bryant will be gone. I also like UDFA, Roy Lewis. I think he has much potential...Travis Williams showed a little to although he was cut. I believe Coach T still wants that potential shut down corner ala Darrel Reavis. Reavis was at the pinnacle of Tomlins radar in '07 as I recall. Also keep in mind that DeShea, God Bless him, will have a longer tooth next year.

There is a reason he isn't playing above Townsend. It's not because of talent either. They are trying to squeeze out one more starting year from Townsend all while keeping BMacs price reasonable. He will sign a mid tier DB salary this offseason. No way we let him leave.

[BigBen2112]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

Ugh...tough position the Steelers are in. Smith played well. He looks better. Problem...he is not a young man, bad backs even with surgery tend to go bad again especially in the NFL, and he will want a ton of $$$. I believe Essex could be ready. Starks when motivated is an ok LT. I say the Steelers will break tradition and continue negotiations with Smith...but they won't break the bank on him. If he signs it will be a win win situation...giving him long term money...but with do-able cap hits.

While I agree that it would have been nice to grab a capable LT in this draft...I wouldn't have passed on Mendenhall for a overdrafted LT. Could we have passed on Sweed? Possibly...but in college when healthy was a game changer....top 10 talent with round 6 health. I'm not sure where we should go...the only thing I would caution...We can't throw top 5 LT money at Smith.

I am really starting to wonder about you brother. Essex ready? The dude sucks...and has showed ZERO during his time here. I dont know what you're basing that assumption on, but I dont think he's even close to serviceable right now.

Instead of Davis+Hills+6th rounders we could have procured a serviceable OL or two.

This year we MUST get at least 4 OL/DL at minimum. It should be a LITTLE easier since I think we should have a couple extra comp. picks.

The coaching staff doesn't agree with you. Essex had a blockbuster camp. Belief is...he finally "gets it". We shall see I suppose.

Wait, the coaching staff doesn't agree with me? He's not good enough to knock Colon out at RT, but somehow he's going to better than Smith--who is 100% better than Colon at tackle--at the LT position?

That doesn't align for me for some reason.

[Shawn]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

Ugh...tough position the Steelers are in. Smith played well. He looks better. Problem...he is not a young man, bad backs even with surgery tend to go bad again especially in the NFL, and he will want a ton of $$$. I believe Essex could be ready. Starks when motivated is an ok LT. I say the Steelers will break tradition and continue negotiations with Smith...but they won't break the bank on him. If he signs it will be a win win situation...giving him long term money...but with do-able cap hits.

While I agree that it would have been nice to grab a capable LT in this draft...I wouldn't have passed on Mendenhall for a overdrafted LT. Could we have passed on Sweed? Possibly...but in college when healthy was a game changer....top 10 talent with round 6 health. I'm not sure where we should go...the only thing I would caution...We can't throw top 5 LT money at Smith.

I am really starting to wonder about you brother. Essex ready? The dude sucks...and has showed ZERO during his time here. I dont know what you're basing that assumption on, but I dont think he's even close to serviceable right now.

Instead of Davis+Hills+6th rounders we could have procured a serviceable OL or two.

This year we MUST get at least 4 OL/DL at minimum. It should be a LITTLE easier since I think we should have a couple extra comp. picks.

The coaching staff doesn't agree with you. Essex had a blockbuster camp. Belief is...he finally "gets it". We shall see I suppose.

Wait, the coaching staff doesn't agree with me? He's not good enough to knock Colon out at RT, but somehow he's going to better than Smith--who is 100% better than Colon at tackle--at the LT position?

That doesn't align for me for some reason.

Don't shoot the messanger...just reporting what I read.

[BigBen2112]

Re: Steelers need to open up wallet for offensive linemen

Ugh...tough position the Steelers are in. Smith played well. He looks better. Problem...he is not a young man, bad backs even with surgery tend to go bad again especially in the NFL, and he will want a ton of $$$. I believe Essex could be ready. Starks when motivated is an ok LT. I say the Steelers will break tradition and continue negotiations with Smith...but they won't break the bank on him. If he signs it will be a win win situation...giving him long term money...but with do-able cap hits.

While I agree that it would have been nice to grab a capable LT in this draft...I wouldn't have passed on Mendenhall for a overdrafted LT. Could we have passed on Sweed? Possibly...but in college when healthy was a game changer....top 10 talent with round 6 health. I'm not sure where we should go...the only thing I would caution...We can't throw top 5 LT money at Smith.

I am really starting to wonder about you brother. Essex ready? The dude sucks...and has showed ZERO during his time here. I dont know what you're basing that assumption on, but I dont think he's even close to serviceable right now.

Instead of Davis+Hills+6th rounders we could have procured a serviceable OL or two.

This year we MUST get at least 4 OL/DL at minimum. It should be a LITTLE easier since I think we should have a couple extra comp. picks.

The coaching staff doesn't agree with you. Essex had a blockbuster camp. Belief is...he finally "gets it". We shall see I suppose.

Wait, the coaching staff doesn't agree with me? He's not good enough to knock Colon out at RT, but somehow he's going to better than Smith--who is 100% better than Colon at tackle--at the LT position?

That doesn't align for me for some reason.

Don't shoot the messanger...just reporting what I read.

I thought you read x-rays?