Offseason, the next phase...

[SteelerMaine83]

Did we get everything we wanted in the draft? No. Did we really expect to? No.

The next phase of the offseason has begun, and I'm not ready to panic. Teams are cutting players now, and will be cutting some over the next two months. Although we don't often dip too much in this part of the offseason, I'll promote a couple moves that might not hurt (the Pats do this all the time, and they'll even keep one out of every 5 or so they invite in).

The moves: start talks with both Gerald Hodges (a still young ILB with starting experience and a strength of pass coverage) an Tre Boston, S (also young, with good size and starting experience). If either one sticks, you probably could get them cheap (and we have some cap room) and both might be more than special teams/serviceable backups.

Hodges fills a need--V Williams is not necessarily a cover guy and R. Shazier does have an injury history; we need more at ILB than 2 starters (one a running down guy) and three special teamers, and Hodges would likely provide that at less than $3M a year.

Boston--his play is somewhat erratic, but his size, age and occasional ball-hawking ability seems like he could be an upgrade from our backup S--Golden and Dangerfield. Golden was simply horrible last year after he returned from his injury. Again, 2 special teamers or another guy who can start if something happens?

Thoughts? More cuts will be coming, and guys will be available that can fill a need and be clear upgrades.

[steeler_george]

Good post, I was thinkng something on that line after the draft. We need to add depth/competion at certain positions.

As for safety, maybe he is already on the roster. There has been some chatter about Gay making the switch, which makes sense since we have 6 or more CB on current roster( Burns, Cockrell, Sutton, Allen, Sensebough, and the Ghost. If he can play safety, he can back up 2 positions.

I am all for that move in getting Hodges, I think we need depth and competition for VW.

[Ernie]

[QUOTE=SteelerMaine83;695625]Did we get everything we wanted in the draft? No. Did we really expect to? No.

The next phase of the offseason has begun, and I'm not ready to panic. Teams are cutting players now, and will be cutting some over the next two months. Although we don't often dip too much in this part of the offseason, I'll promote a couple moves that might not hurt (the Pats do this all the time, and they'll even keep one out of every 5 or so they invite in).

The moves: start talks with both Gerald Hodges (a still young ILB with starting experience and a strength of pass coverage) an Tre Boston, S (also young, with good size and starting experience). If either one sticks, you probably could get them cheap (and we have some cap room) and both might be more than special teams/serviceable backups.

Hodges fills a need

THis is a good plan... and I think Gay still has some value for this team if moved to Safety. We missed the boat on letting Zack Brown get away. Hodges would be a solid pick up.

[phillyesq]

The Steelers brought in Tre Boston, a safety that the Panthers cut. He left without a contract.

[SteelerMaine83]

The Steelers brought in Tre Boston, a safety that the Panthers cut. He left without a contract.

Yes, I saw that this morning. No free agent at this point is likely to get an offer until after May 9th (Tuesday), because signing them before that messes with the "Supplemental Picks" formula; after that date, they don't count.

He played last year with two rookie CBs in the secondary. Lots of times that makes the S cheat a step here, break a little sooner there, and leads to spotty play. He could have been a victim of that because I liked what I saw from him the year before. He's better than any of our backup S right now (sorry to say, but it's the truth). Long, young, if he's had for $2.5M or less I pick him up.

[Shawn]

I like V Williams but he is a liability in pass coverage. He isn't a 3 down ILB. I think Mitchell is average but always seems to be involved when plays break down for big scores. We could have improved that area in the draft. I have mixed feelings about Cockrell. The guy outplayed expectations but he is also average. I don't believe Sutton is anything more than a slot DB. I don't think our secondary was improved by the draft but I do expect Burns and Davis to make major leaps. Our secondary will be slightly better, possibly alot better if Golson sees the field and can still play. But, let me say this...I think the secondary will look much better this season because a healthy Heyward and Dupree will add massively to that pass rush. I think that's where we see the major leap and it will trickle down into a mildly improved secondary.

[Steel Maniac]

We also need to look at TE depth because I don't think Green is going to make it. I have less faith in him then some do about Bryant. Love JJ but we need some more help in that area.

[Captain Lemming]

I like V Williams but he is a liability in pass coverage. He isn't a 3 down ILB. I think Mitchell is average but always seems to be involved when plays break down for big scores. We could have improved that area in the draft. I have mixed feelings about Cockrell. The guy outplayed expectations but he is also average. I don't believe Sutton is anything more than a slot DB. I don't think our secondary was improved by the draft but I do expect Burns and Davis to make major leaps. Our secondary will be slightly better, possibly alot better if Golson sees the field and can still play. But, let me say this...I think the secondary will look much better this season because a healthy Heyward and Dupree will add massively to that pass rush. I think that's where we see the major leap and it will trickle down into a mildly improved secondary.

Well put......

[RuthlessBurgher]

We also need to look at TE depth because I don't think Green is going to make it. I have less faith in him then some do about Bryant. Love JJ but we need some more help in that area.

Ladarius Green, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble, David Johnson, and we added Scott Orndorff from Pitt as a UDFA. I don't see a big need to add more bodies at TE now.

[squidkid]

Ladarius Green, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble, David Johnson, and we added Scott Orndorff from Pitt as a UDFA. I don't see a big need to add more bodies at TE now.

agreed. we have a good te in james and good enough depth with the rest.

[Steel Maniac]

agreed. we have a good te in james and good enough depth with the rest.

We'll see once Green is gone for the year again. I love JJ too and he too should be better with a year under his belt. We'll see.