Draft Picks Progress

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Daniel McCullers--inactive
Shaq Richardson--practice squad
Wesley Johnson--waived, claimed by Jets
Martavis Bryant--inactive
Dri Archer--not effective in limited action
Stephon Tuitt--mostly stuck on the bench
Ryan Shazier--started, now out due to injury


On a team that is coming off of back-to-back 8-8 seasons, only one of this year's draft picks has really been what I could call a contributor (not saying that some of them won't eventually be). Not one currently is.

This is a problem.

How much of it is due to coaches being reluctant to play rookies? How much is due to the system being too difficult to learn quickly? How much is due to rookies not being talented enough to get on the field? How much is due to coaches being unable to develop players?

I see other teams getting more rookies into the action. Why can't the Steelers?

I see a stiff like Cam Thomas trying to play DE...I have to wonder, could Tuitt be any worse? He has to have more upside.

I see the O struggle in the Red Zone. I think, wouldn't it be worth putting Bryant in there to see if he could be the weapon that Ben sorely needs?

Now that Keisel is hurt, would it hurt that much to slide McLendon to end and try McCullers in the middle for a couple of plays?

What am I missing?

[Slapstick]

I dunno. I think that the coaches go with the players that they honestly believe will give them the best chance to win. With all of the injuries on the D line, I think that McCullers and Tuitt will get increased PT simply by having a pulse and two healthy legs.

[Shoe]

The losses of Shazier and Jones were HUGE in hindsight. Neither are current superstars, BUT. They both could bring a level of dynamism that this defense SORELY SORELY lacks. Jarvis isn't the next Demarcus Ware, but he does have a suddenness with the way he tackles, that can cause fumbles. And Shazier is just so fast, that he's bound to be where offensive players don't expect. Losing those two guys, meant we were left with an old Harrison, and whoever plays in Shazier's stead.

[hawaiiansteel]

Gerry Dulac @gerrydulac · Oct 12

After watching the Browns run through the defense, I think it's time we see Daniel McCullers.

[URL]https://twitter.com/gerrydulac[/URL]

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

The losses of Shazier and Jones were HUGE in hindsight. Neither are current superstars, BUT. They both could bring a level of dynamism that this defense SORELY SORELY lacks. Jarvis isn't the next Demarcus Ware, but he does have a suddenness with the way he tackles, that can cause fumbles. And Shazier is just so fast, that he's bound to be where offensive players don't expect. Losing those two guys, meant we were left with an old Harrison, and whoever plays in Shazier's stead.

I agree, along with the constantly underrated Ike Taylor. Jones was beginning to step up his game, and show some progress. Shazier just flashed here and there. Both need to play in order to improve, and neither are getting the chance.

[WindyCitySteel]

Gerry Dulac @gerrydulac · Oct 12

After watching the Browns run through the defense, I think it's time we see Daniel McCullers.

[URL]https://twitter.com/gerrydulac[/URL]

Does he know every play in seven languages yet?

Too risky - rookies might make mistakes and lose games to Tampa and Cleveland.

[WindyCitySteel]

What am I missing?

Same thing we're all missing - a competent coaching staff.

[feltdizz]

I agree, along with the constantly underrated Ike Taylor. Jones was beginning to step up his game, and show some progress. Shazier just flashed here and there. Both need to play in order to improve, and neither are getting the chance.

nice try on Ike

[fezziwig]

Daniel McCullers--inactive
Shaq Richardson--practice squad
Wesley Johnson--waived, claimed by Jets
Martavis Bryant--inactive
Dri Archer--not effective in limited action
Stephon Tuitt--mostly stuck on the bench
Ryan Shazier--started, now out due to injury


On a team that is coming off of back-to-back 8-8 seasons, only one of this year's draft picks has really been what I could call a contributor (not saying that some of them won't eventually be). Not one currently is.

This is a problem.

How much of it is due to coaches being reluctant to play rookies? How much is due to the system being too difficult to learn quickly? How much is due to rookies not being talented enough to get on the field? How much is due to coaches being unable to develop players?

I see other teams getting more rookies into the action. Why can't the Steelers?

I see a stiff like Cam Thomas trying to play DE...I have to wonder, could Tuitt be any worse? He has to have more upside.

I see the O struggle in the Red Zone. I think, wouldn't it be worth putting Bryant in there to see if he could be the weapon that Ben sorely needs?

Now that Keisel is hurt, would it hurt that much to slide McLendon to end and try McCullers in the middle for a couple of plays?

What am I missing?

Your not missing a thing. Why these coaches don't bite the bullet with some of these young players and accept possibly losing due to growing pains rather than losing because of old and players that are not improving is a shame. Comes to the point the coaches don't want the Rooneys to know they messed with having Cam Thomas or declaring Cortez was the man to give the contract to. Lets act as if it's all good choices and don't look at me Mr. Rooney, it's the yellow flags beating us.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Gerry Dulac @gerrydulac · Oct 12

After watching the Browns run through the defense, I think it's time we see Daniel McCullers.

[URL]https://twitter.com/gerrydulac[/URL]

I think it has to happen. You live with the growing pains.

[Ghost]

McLendon suffered a shoulder sprain in the Cle game. Its the same one he hurt in the Baltimore game although he did play at Carolina the next week. Doesn't the staff have to be prepared for the possibility that a twice injured shoulder could go at any time? Inactivate Heyward Bey who's not doing anything and give Baby Huey a helmet.

[sick beats]

Does he know every play in seven languages yet?

Too risky - rookies might make mistakes and lose games to Tampa and Cleveland.

LOL. Oh, we need humor now a days. This team SUCKS.

[sick beats]

The losses of Shazier and Jones were HUGE in hindsight. Neither are current superstars, BUT. They both could bring a level of dynamism that this defense SORELY SORELY lacks. Jarvis isn't the next Demarcus Ware, but he does have a suddenness with the way he tackles, that can cause fumbles. And Shazier is just so fast, that he's bound to be where offensive players don't expect. Losing those two guys, meant we were left with an old Harrison, and whoever plays in Shazier's stead.

We sucked WITH JJ and Shazier. I don't see that as what makes us BLOW so bad. We sucked with them, we suck without them. No difference.

[fezziwig]

I think it has to happen. You live with the growing pains.

Exactly. I hear his own teammates say he is the immoveable object

[papillon]

We sucked WITH JJ and Shazier. I don't see that as what makes us BLOW so bad. We sucked with them, we suck without them. No difference.

The problem is that they aren't getting reps regardless of whether the team is good or not, they are the future, at least for right now.

Pappy