Chadman's Offseason Prognosis Thread...

[Chadman]

Hey All.

Haven't done this for a while but with time staring to slow, I plan on being a little more involved.

I might do this a little different than in the past & focus on individual positions first.

Best place to start is at the top...

[Chadman]

QB.

The Steelers have no UFA or RFA QB's to attend to this off season.

As it stands we have Ben, Gradkowski & Landry Jones on the roster with no Practice Squad or Future Contract QB's.

Ben is due, and lets face it-will get- an extension on his contract, and the Steelers will not be looking to replace or challenge Ben this next season. Outside of the size & length of the new contract, there is very little to discuss in ways of where to go with Ben.

The back-up QB position has the potential to be upgraded, depending on the team's happiness with what Gradkowski provides. I'd be surprised if the Steelers actively look to upgrade this role through FA.

This leaves the 3rd QB role, or Ben's future replacement. Currently Landry Jones holds the job, but hasn't exactly secured the role. Either a young QB in FA or a draft pick could be used to challenge Jones for this roster spot.

The only challenge to Gradkowski as the back-up QB would come directly from the quality of the "young QB".

A couple of FA names that might be worth keeping an eye on include Blaine Gabbert (25) & Ryan Mallett (26), both young enough to still develop their talent in the right environment. Jake Locker (26) also might be worth considering.

[pfelix73]

I think what will transpire through this summer and at camp and into 2016 is whether or not the Steelers will be comfortable with Landry being the backup. Then they could cut Grad, at some point, maybe in 2016 or depending on when his contract is due, and then at that point draft or sign another young QB. But not in 2015.

[pittpete]

I concur PFelix....Wait til 2016 to draft a QB.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I think what will transpire through this summer and at camp and into 2016 is whether or not the Steelers will be comfortable with Landry being the backup. Then they could cut Grad, at some point, maybe in 2016 or depending on when his contract is due, and then at that point draft or sign another young QB. But not in 2015.

Grad is entering the last year of his deal. His salary is $1.55M with a cap hit just over $1.8M. Jones has one more year after 2015, and his hit is under $700K this year.

[7 UP]

The only move I could see the Steelers making is dropping Landry Jones and only rostering 2 QBs. They could add a 3rd QB to the practice squad and save a roster spot for a position player.

[Shawn]

The Steelers will add a camp body QB but I suspect Jones' job is safe for another year. I did see some growth albeit not much. With that said, the QB crop IMO isn't that deep. I would wait on Cardele Jones and make a real play at him next year if somehow he makes it to the second. Let him learn behind Ben for a few seasons.

[pfelix73]

Put me down as a PASS on Cardele Jones whether it be 2016, or whenever. I think with a little bit more time, Landry will make for a good #2 backup QB in 2016.

[squidkid]

qb has been a wasted draft pick after we drafted Ben and it will be wasted if we draft any more in the next 3-4 years.

[Chadman]

Moving on to RB..

The Steelers live (& perhaps die to some degree) on the success of LeVeon Bell who is possibly the #1 RB in the NFL as far as being 'complete' goes. Behind him are last year's 3rd round Draft pick Dri Archer & UDFA Josh Harris. Late season pick-up Ben Tate is a FA.

While there is no doubting Bell's ability, the back-up RB position is up in the air. Harris didn't necessarily do anything wrong, but looks far from spectacular. Archer just isn't an 'every down RB' and can't be relied upon to carry the load if Bell goes down. Tate, if you use his career as a guide, might be the best back-up RB option if the team chooses to re-sign him. He's an interesting mix of runner & receiver, and might be a good option if Bell were to go down as his 'style' isn't that different to Bell, if not anywhere near as effective either.

One thing I can almost guarantee is that the Steelers won't go to Camp with only Bell, Harris & Archer.

If Ben Tate isn't re-signed, other interesting RB options might include Roy Helu (Washington), Ronnie Brown (San Diego), Joe McKnight (Chiefs), DuJuan Harris (Green Bay) & Jacquizz Rodgers (Atlanta). All offer an interesting mix of running back & receiver that could slot in to spell Bell, or replace him if Bell were to go down, without breaking the bank.

A mid to late round draft pick could also be used, or at least be an option if no suitable RB's emerge in FA.

Last thing- Dri Archer. If a Jacquizz Rodgers type RB is added to the roster, I could see Archer being used as a multi-tool type player, occasionally a RB, a slot WR, a return guy. I think this is his type of role at this stage. It could negate the need for a 5th WR, opening up a spot for an extra DB, DL or LB.

There is definately a 'need' for a back-up RB on this team, and I expect there to be some priority given to finding the right player. My picks would be re-signing Ben Tate as the top option, followed by Rodgers or Harris in FA.

[pfelix73]

IF they sign a FA RB of Rodgers caliber, I don't know where Archer fits in. Wonder if he can play on defense? lol. Maybe along the DL. lool

[grotonsteel]

2015 NFL Draft is good for RB. Steelers can spend late round pick for Backup RB. I would also like Steelers to sign Roy Helu from Redskins.

[Chadman]

Interesting side-note: Archer is listed as a WR/RB on the Steelers official team list...

[Slapstick]

Maybe if he's listed as a WR, Ben will actually look his way when he is open...

[Shawn]

Put me down as a PASS on Cardele Jones whether it be 2016, or whenever. I think with a little bit more time, Landry will make for a good #2 backup QB in 2016.

The Steelers don't need a #2, they need a #2 who can be a #1. Landry doesn't have it. The Steelers will need to invest in a guy they can groom for a few seasons. Trust me on this, Ben is 32 going on 40. He has taken so many hits. He will be missing more and more time. I think he is done by 36. The Steelers need to take a look at real options. Well that is unless they want to field a team with Tomzak and Grahams at the QB position.