I know this wont be popular but........

[Dee Dub]

Since the 70's dynasty, what is the highest the Steelers have picked in a draft? Was the 11th pick for Ben after going 6-10 the highest we have had?

I understand where you are coming from on McCarron. On one hand, we have what, 3, maybe 4 years left of Ben tops? And on the other, there is someone that could be with us for the next 10 to 12 years. I think we went so long without a good QB due to how the Steelers philosophy dictates we play. Good defense and a decent running game will get you to .500 almost every season. Especially with the Browns and Cincy in the division. And 8-8 lands you smack dab in the middle of the draft where you will hardly ever see a sure fire stud QB. We went .500 this year and we pick 17th which means that OVER half the NFL did worse then us???

I cannot comment on this until you learn your Steeler history. Here, let me educate you...

Plaxico Burress 8th overall pick 2000
Tim Worley 7th overall pick 1989
Rod Woodson 10th overall pick 1987
John Reinstra 9th overall pick 1986

[Dee Dub]

If we get a lot of compensatory picks next year like most people are predicting, then I would rather use some of those picks and maybe drop down in the first to get a high second or late first, wherever he is slated to go. I would prefer to keep all the picks we have this year to help replace this offseasons potential departures.

That wont work. The Steelers in my opinion will do better than 8-8 next year ( as long as Ben stays healthy), so they will be drafting higher than 17. It would take almost all of next years picks to move up in the 10 ten to get an elite QB.

But if they got a number one next year in a trade this year from a team who may draft any where from 5-15 next year, two first round picks will allow you to move up a lot easier. I remember Bobby Bethard use to trade away his next year's number one for a 3rd round pick...so you never know.

[williar]

No way! Ben is in the prime of his career. He'll get extended next year, I would be willing to wager... They will extend with 2 years remaining...

I would fully expect them to compete for the division title in 2013.

That is an optimistic point of view. I agree that most QBs can play into their late 30's but we're talking about Ben, here. For practically all of his career he's played recklessly. You can't continue to get knocked around like that and expect to keep hopping back up like he did in his 20's. We've heard and said this a thousand times, until Ben starts respecting the cerebral aspect of the game and learns to play from the pocket, he's going to continue to take too many sacks and with those sacks come the injuries.

[RuthlessBurgher]

If we get a lot of compensatory picks next year like most people are predicting, then I would rather use some of those picks and maybe drop down in the first to get a high second or late first, wherever he is slated to go. I would prefer to keep all the picks we have this year to help replace this offseasons potential departures.

Compensatory picks are not tradeable. I'd imagine we'll get a comp pick at the end of the 3rd round for Wallace if the Dolphins and Vikings (and perhaps another team or two) beat each other up for his services. The only other free agent we have that could fetch a hefty dollar would be Keenan Lewis, and I hope we keep him and therefore do not get a comp for him. I expect minor deals for some of our other free agents (Mendenhall, Hampton, Foster, Foote, etc.), so those would be late round comps if anything.

[RuthlessBurgher]

That is an optimistic point of view. I agree that most QBs can play into their late 30's but we're talking about Ben, here. For practically all of his career he's played recklessly. You can't continue to get knocked around like that and expect to keep hopping back up like he did in his 20's. We've heard and said this a thousand times, until Ben starts respecting the cerebral aspect of the game and learns to play from the pocket, he's going to continue to take too many sacks and with those sacks come the injuries.

He was going this last season in Haley's offense. We were off to a 6-3 start and Ben was taking WAY less sacks than he usually does. Then a fluke hit against the Chiefs that could happen to any QB happened to derail everything.

[pfelix73]

By the way...'since the 70's Dynasty'.... We're STILL in the Dynasty... It started in 1970 and still continues..... We're just on Emperor #3...At least I hope he's Emperor #3.....lol

Look up the Steeler stats for the past 40 plus years... you'll soon see that we are indeed still in the Dynasty.......

[feltdizz]

I would prefer using comp picks like someone suggested... and Im not sure AJ is that guy.

[feltdizz]

One other thing... I wonder what QBs we passed up in yhe 80s with cowher. Ive always thoight he was one of those coaches who didnt value a franchise QB and prefered half azzed QB's who did what they were told.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

One other thing... I wonder what QBs we passed up in yhe 80s with cowher. Ive always thoight he was one of those coaches who didnt value a franchise QB and prefered half azzed QB's who did what they were told.

??
Cowher wasn't coaching this team in the 80's was he?

Steelers passed up Dan Marino in the 80's...Cowher wasn't with the team than...

[feltdizz]

??
Cowher wasn't coaching this team in the 80's was he?

Steelers passed up Dan Marino in the 80's...Cowher wasn't with the team than...

You are correct.. it sucks getting older. lol...

I found this link which shows the first 4 years of Tomlin and Cowher... one thing people fail to remember is Cowher had more picks in just about every year.
[url]http://www.steeleraddicts.com/2012/03/cowher-vs-tomlin-draft-comparison-the-early-years/[/url]

[thor75]

Compensatory picks are not tradeable.

Good point, I always forget they're not tradeable.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

ur right... not popular

[Shoe]

No way! Ben is in the prime of his career. He'll get extended next year, I would be willing to wager... They will extend with 2 years remaining...

I would fully expect them to compete for the division title in 2013.

He is probably on the downside of his career. As I've said, you don't suddenly become more durable as time goes on. He has gotten injured due to his playing style, and that will only get worse. He was a dynamic player (and still is)... but to say that he is "in his prime" is wishful IMO. Add to it is lifestyle (i.e. hard-partying back in the day; I don't know about now), and you don't have a recipe for fine wine.