Early offseason break down

[Shawn]

I refuse to sulk. The Steelers had a great run and they proved they are not the same team without a running game. Injuries happen…we lost when we were without 40% of our offense. So with that in mind…time to start breaking down offseason moves…and draft needs.

QB-IMO, Ben is a first ballot HoF QB but he isn't getting any younger. As good as he is, he seems to have lost some of that late game magic that made him special. He had a record setting year but proved he needs a running game to do what he does. More on that later. Landry Jones is not the future. He has all the tools except for the head. I am not advocating for a 1-2 round QB but the Steelers need to start yearly looks at QBs in a serious way. When I do my mocks and research, finding a QB gem in the rough will be a priority. It would be great to have a guy develop under Ben for 3-4 years.

RB-Bell is the greatest RB in the game. But, he isn't superman and injuries happen. Taking some of the load off of Bell should be a priority for the Steelers. We see what happens when you have to start a Ben Tate. I truly believe the Steelers could draft a RB as high as in the second round. The draft is thick with late first, second round RB talent. I know this will get boo'd by nearly everyone except the FO. Trust me, they are going to look for their 1/2 punch to prolong Bell's career and as an insurance policy against injury.

WR- Some might believe we are set at WR. I would disagree. I know I gave Bryant a hard time, but the guy is for real. You can see his growth. He is going to be a great one. But, Wheaton…not so much. He is an average slot at best. We could use a real upgrade in the slot…a chain mover. I would love to see the Steelers find one of those scrappy, nasty over the middle guys with some quick twitch to play the slot. We don't need a home run hitter. Bryant and Brown will keep a D honest. But, Ben needs that safe guy that can catch tough balls…who can find soft spots in zones. I say this because Heath was that guy…but honestly isn't anymore. Ben needs a safety net in the form of either a TE or a slot. While I don't see the Steelers drafting a WR before the 3rd…I wouldn't be shocked in the slighted in the 3-7 range.

TE-This is a bad year to need a TE. Some might boo me or site Heaths stats this year but he isn't the same player….not even close. He is hearing footsteps, dropping balls he never dropped. His blocking is less than it was in his prime. He is getting too old for the game. We may be able to squeak one more decent year out of him. Unfortunately, TE's in this draft are not very good. Either their blocker or receivers. Have only seen one who is both…Heuerman from tOSU. And while Heuerman doesn't excel in any one particular area, he has tools and much potential. He can block but needs a good coach to work on some of his fundamentals. He has solid hands, knowledge for the game and his a good citizen. He has enough speed and size to create mismatches. He runs good routes. I suspect he will be the TE the Steelers will target.

OL-Beachum might be the most underrated LT in the league. Foster one of most underrated OGs in the league. We are good with Pouncey and DeCastro. Gilbert could be upgraded. If a crazy OT talent falls in the first or second, I wouldn't totally rule it out.

DL-Some might argue that we are "set" at DL. Some might say we need a "traditional NT". I would say both are nonsense. We now play a one gap 3-4, so traditional NT is out. But, when the DL gets winded (and they do) you need a rotation. Personally, I don't want to see Cam Thomas in a Steeler uniform ever again. He is still getting PT. DE/DT will be a priority for the Steelers to create depth in the rotation. I don't think the Steelers go with DL high (1-2) in this draft but it wouldn't shock me. If a guy like Michael Bennett-tOSU falls to the Steelers in the first they will take a hard look at him much to the chagrin of Steeler fans. He would thrive in our system as he is a true penetrating, pocket collapsing DE.

LBr-We are set in the middle. I do not see the Steelers drafting another ILB early. But, the Steelers are always in the market for OLBs. Never rule it out. This one depends highly on the Steelers desire and ability to sign Worilds.

CB-Do I really need to say anything here? I mean the Steelers need one and possibly two CBs in this draft. The problem is that I don't see much first round talent that is "special". I do see some guys in rounds 2-4 that could be solid NFL CBs.

Safety-My goodness do we need an upgrade here. The Steelers know by now if "The Shark" is the future at SS. If not, they will be looking early and often. Mitchell is one of the worst FS in the league…they will look there as well. Both DB and safety could be rounds 1,2 and 3 and no one would fault the Steelers.

Overall, I believe the first rounder will be a surprise…a guy will fall that the Steelers covet and it might not be in a position of need. I don't see any Champ Baileys or Troy P's in this draft. I don't believe the Steelers will reach for secondary. It wouldn't shock me in the slightest if the Steelers draft a OLB who falls in the first. I would put a 90% certainty on the Steelers drafting D in the first round unless a crazy OT falls in this draft.

[B&GinNC]

Defensive talent in the 3 - 4 has become harder to come by in recent years as more teams are playing the system. Guys who used to be available later in the draft (Aaron Smith as a 4, Brett Keisel as a 7, J Peezy a 3, Clark Haggans a 5) are long gone now because half the league is scouting them instead of a handful of teams. Makes drafting D high a necessity if we're going to improve. I think it became obvious in the Baltimore game that the front 7 we have just isn't going to be adequate if the defense is going to get back where we want it to be. We watched what happens when a good front 7 takes over a game. Unfortunately, it wasn't ours.

One guy I see as a potential 3rd day pickup who could really help with one of your stated needs here is Karlos Williams from Florida State. Several things recommend. He's a big, fast back like Bell at 6 foot, 230. He comes out of a system in which he's asked to pass block and catch passes in the screen game. And he'll drop due to "character concerns" regarding some domestic issues this year, but has a ready made support system in place in Pittsburgh with his brother already here playing ILB. Plus, he's got significant experience as a kick returner and could be a valuable ST'er as a former safety. LOVE it if we could get him in the 5th round or so.

[Shawn]

I agree BnG as you will see in my mock I am about to post. To find a true playmaker on D we will need to look early. Great catch on Karlos Williams. I will check him out. I was certainly looking for that later round back.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Agree with most of what you say here... but, to throw a curveball at ya - Do you think there's any chance Shaz goes to OLB as some have suggested?

Between Harrison's age (will he be back?), Worilds possible departure (no contract) and Jarvis still -- eehh, has his moments -- the status of the OLB position could change drastically rather quickly.

I think we're all expecting a high end DB, but, I wouldn't be completely shocked if an either ILB or OLB was the pick if the plan was to move Shaz. Easier to find a solid ILB in middle rounds.

Totally agree that 90% going defense - Amari Cooper would change my mind; as would an elite OT...

GOD NO, on Gerod Holliman... Rather have Kurtis Drummond (MSU) or Anthony Harris (Syr) in the 3rd.

[Shawn]

Agree with most of what you say here... but, to throw a curveball at ya - Do you think there's any chance Shaz goes to OLB as some have suggested?

Between Harrison's age (will he be back?), Worilds possible departure (no contract) and Jarvis still -- eehh, has his moments -- the status of the OLB position could change drastically rather quickly.

I think we're all expecting a high end DB, but, I wouldn't be completely shocked if an either ILB or OLB was the pick if the plan was to move Shaz. Easier to find a solid ILB in middle rounds.

Totally agree that 90% going defense - Amari Cooper would change my mind; as would an elite OT...

GOD NO, on Gerod Holliman... Rather have Kurtis Drummond (MSU) or Anthony Harris (Syr) in the 3rd.

Not a curve ball at all. I have been saying Shazier is better suited for OLB. He could looking at a move next season. If not, I believe the Steelers grab an OLB in the first. No value at DB or safety in the first. Unless an elite OT drops no first round offense. That means it's DE/DT/or OLB. If they do feel they can move Shazier outside I still don't see a great need at ILB. Williams and Spence both played really well. Timmons made the Pro Bowl.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Not a curve ball at all. I have been saying Shazier is better suited for OLB. He could looking at a move next season. If not, I believe the Steelers grab an OLB in the first. No value at DB or safety in the first. Unless an elite OT drops no first round offense. That means it's DE/DT/or OLB. If they do feel they can move Shazier outside I still don't see a great need at ILB. Williams and Spence both played really well. Timmons made the Pro Bowl.

agree on spence and vince playing well... time to extend one if not both, on the cheap. as for DB, there are a couple of CB's i like. Not a fan of FSU's guys, but, like Trae Waynes and Kevin Johnson. Would also take a gamble on Marcus Peters on day 2

[pfelix73]

Here's one of my predictions in the off season. A FA signing in Brandon Graham out of Philly. I think the Steelers were looking at this guy out of college anyway, and now that he's potentially gonna be a FA, he'll replace Worilds at OLB.

Draft safety or CB round 1.

[B&GinNC]

Watched FSU's CB's all year, and I'm not a fan either. Beaten way too often for allegedly elite corners. Granted, the D only had 11 sacks all year, but how would this be any different from playing on the Steelers as presently constituted? The only real difference on of those guys would bring is 6', 200# size at the position, making them better tacklers in the run/bubble screen game, but that's not enough to create real value in a first round pick. I have to believe a day 2 pick gets used on a DB, but nothing day 1 based on the fact that anybody who watched the Eagles' season unfold knows that there's not a snowball's chance in .... that Waynes gets past them at 20.

[Slapstick]

What exactly is wrong with Wheaton? After being injured his rookie season, he comes out with 50+ catches and 600+ yards...this is an offense where, after Brown, the ball is spread around quite a bit...

[Shawn]

What exactly is wrong with Wheaton? After being injured his rookie season, he comes out with 50+ catches and 600+ yards...this is an offense where, after Brown, the ball is spread around quite a bit...

Wheaton scares no one. I'm not saying the guy is terrible just not an impact player either from the outside or the slot. He had 2 TD catches on the year. Bryant needs to start on the outside. The slot should be a competition between Wheaton and a rookie.

[Oviedo]

Wheaton scares no one. I'm not saying the guy is terrible just not an impact player either from the outside or the slot. He had 2 TD catches on the year. Bryant needs to start on the outside. The slot should be a competition between Wheaton and a rookie.

Sorry Shawn, but it would be dumb as dirt to cut ties with Wheaton. The guy is solid 2/3 receiver. He gets open and gets yards after the catch. No way would I give up a "bird in hand for two in the bush" and risk getting less at WR. Let's also not anoint Bryant as the next Stallworth quite yet. He is young and he could get an attitude and regress. Let's not even talk about injuries and the effects like we saw with Bell. With Brown, Wheaton and Bryant I think we have as good a group of 3 WRs as there is. I want to keep them all.

[Slapstick]

In AB's second year, he had two TDs. While I can understand your PoV, unless the WR is crazy deep again this year, I don't know if we'll find a 3rd day pick that could unseat him. It's possible that the Steelers could use a premium draft pick on a WR, I just don't think it's likely.

[feltdizz]

Sorry Shawn, but it would be dumb as dirt to cut ties with Wheaton. The guy is solid 2/3 receiver. He gets open and gets yards after the catch. No way would I give up a "bird in hand for two in the bush" and risk getting less at WR. Let's also not anoint Bryant as the next Stallworth quite yet. He is young and he could get an attitude and regress. Let's not even talk about injuries and the effects like we saw with Bell. With Brown, Wheaton and Bryant I think we have as good a group of 3 WRs as there is. I want to keep them all.

There is no reason to get rid of Wheaton or worry about his production in this offense... we have for more pressing needs like TE and DB'S.

[Shawn]

Sorry Shawn, but it would be dumb as dirt to cut ties with Wheaton. The guy is solid 2/3 receiver. He gets open and gets yards after the catch. No way would I give up a "bird in hand for two in the bush" and risk getting less at WR. Let's also not anoint Bryant as the next Stallworth quite yet. He is young and he could get an attitude and regress. Let's not even talk about injuries and the effects like we saw with Bell. With Brown, Wheaton and Bryant I think we have as good a group of 3 WRs as there is. I want to keep them all.

Why do people read things that are not there? I didn't say anything about cutting ties with Wheaton. I said bring in some competition for the slot.

[Shawn]

In AB's second year, he had two TDs. While I can understand your PoV, unless the WR is crazy deep again this year, I don't know if we'll find a 3rd day pick that could unseat him. It's possible that the Steelers could use a premium draft pick on a WR, I just don't think it's likely.

The Steelers will go after a WR/KR…would bet on it. Bryant is our #2, Wheaton will have competition for the slot. May the best man win.