DeVille Does -- Position Grades

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I realize there are already threads critiquing positions, coaches. Most of them are the knee-jerk "fire this guy" type of posts. I thought I'd throw something out there with some real assessments of them.

I've graded each position on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best. IMO, anything graded 6 or lower should be addressed during the the offseason; obviously, cuts/contracts can influence need.

OFFENSE
QB - we're still figuring out what we have with Pickett. Mitch's contract was built to be a 1-year deal if he didn't pan out, so the team technically could replace both him and Mason after the season
Position Grade: TBD, between KP's anticipated yet unknown growth AND the uncertainty around MT and MR this is hard to grade. At the moment, this is about a 5 at best

RB - Najee doesn't quite have the speed to get the edge. If WE see that, why doesn't the guy calling plays see that? Because he's more of a throwback to power runners, he needs to have plays called between the tackles. IMO, he's an Alstott who needs a Warrick Dunn to make this a complete backfield by committee. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren is a backup who is capable of filling in if Najee goes down.
Position Grade: 6, but could easily be a 9 with a complimentary speed back

WR - Pickens is going to be a problem for DBs for years to come. Diontae is pretty good (when he catches the ball; he just doesn't always do that). Claypool needs to use his body. All in all this is actually a good group, but a lot of contracts are coming up.
Position Grade: 8

TE - Muth is dang good, but I wouldn't be upset with a second TE with receiving skills; I was thinking this was the plan for the younger Heyward, but that hasn't panned out
Position Grade: 7

LT - Moore would be a good backup, but is no starter. I hope to see a real LT acquired next offseason; I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing Moore extended with backup $$
Position Grade: 4

LG - see LT assessment, above. Just replace Moore with Dotson
Position Grade: 4

OC - Cole is 'ok'. If not for the left side of the line, this is a potential upgrade spot.
Position Grade: 6.5

RG - Daniels is a capable RG, who got a +.5 in his reaction to the slide-hit on Pickett
Position Grade: 7.5

RT - Chuks has been mostly good. That was a good signing, although some of us didn't like it
Position Grade: 8

DEFENSE
NT - Neither Montravius Adams nor Alualu are getting the job done. I hope to see a priority put on this position, since it hasn't happened in recent years
Position Grade: 4

LDE - Larry O is "ok" when he plays, but his injury isn't helping. It may keep him around for an additional year as another "prove it" contract as a rotational guy. With Wormley and Loudermilk, there's "ok" depth
Position Grade: 7

RDE - Cam Heyward, backed up by Leal is a pretty good package here. That's exactly how you'd hope to see positions lined up for end of career time periods
Position Grade: 10

LOLB - TJ may well be the best pass rusher in the league.
Position Grade: 9.5. This should be a 10, but it's clear that depth is needed, and TJ seems to be following JJ's injury path

LILB - Bush has improved, but just isn't the guy. This team is desperately in need of another ILB
Position Grade: 4

RILB - Jack has been solid, but needs a running mate who is at least his equal, but preferably better.
Position Grade: 7

ROLB - Highsmith gets a bad rub because of the absolutely special stuff happening on the other side of the field from him; he's very Clark Haggans in that he does his job, but is very unspectacular; I wouldn't be opposed to an upgrade, but this isn't a priority
Position Grade: 7

CB - Sutton, Wallace, Witherspoon, Maulet is a big pile of "meh". This team needs a studly cover corner to move each of those guys down one slot in the pecking order
Position Grade: 6

FS - Minkah is in the discussion for best FS in the league. The depth here is solid as well
Position Grade: 10

SS - Edmunds shouldn't have been a 1st round pick, but is certainly a "good" player. Depth here is good as well
Position Grade: 7

There ya have it. You could knee jerk some guys to a 1, but I have a hard time doing that. If the guy is NFL talent, but just isn't getting it done, I can't bring myself to give a 1 - someone mentioned the elite of the elite in a thread and I agree with that. Besides, that's splitting hairs at this point - as stated above, the 6 and below should be addressed.

There - I opened myself up for bashing, but it's what I see on this team.

[NorthCoast]

I realize there are already threads critiquing positions, coaches. Most of them are the knee-jerk "fire this guy" type of posts. I thought I'd throw something out there with some real assessments of them.

I've graded each position on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best. IMO, anything graded 6 or lower should be addressed during the the offseason; obviously, cuts/contracts can influence need.

OFFENSE
QB - we're still figuring out what we have with Pickett. Mitch's contract was built to be a 1-year deal if he didn't pan out, so the team technically could replace both him and Mason after the season
Position Grade: TBD, between KP's anticipated yet unknown growth AND the uncertainty around MT and MR this is hard to grade. At the moment, this is about a 5 at best Right there with ya. Average at best so far. One factor that could bump this in either direction is the OC and playcalling.

RB - Najee doesn't quite have the speed to get the edge. If WE see that, why doesn't the guy calling plays see that? Because he's more of a throwback to power runners, he needs to have plays called between the tackles. IMO, he's an Alstott who needs a Warrick Dunn to make this a complete backfield by committee. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren is a backup who is capable of filling in if Najee goes down.
Position Grade: 6, but could easily be a 9 with a complimentary speed back Heard today Najee was trying to focus on his outside running. Why? No clue. As you say he's a between the tackles guy. He is clearly hurt right now. A 6 might only be based on an average of last and this season cause right now he looks more like a 5 or 4. Warren looks OK.

WR - Pickens is going to be a problem for DBs for years to come. Diontae is pretty good (when he catches the ball; he just doesn't always do that). Claypool needs to use his body. All in all this is actually a good group, but a lot of contracts are coming up.
Position Grade: 8 There's Pickens, then everyone else. DJ and Claypool lack the consistency you want in top WRs. They are paying DJ like a second tier guy so OK. CC probably won't get a second contract from the Steelers at his current performance.

TE - Muth is dang good, but I wouldn't be upset with a second TE with receiving skills; I was thinking this was the plan for the younger Heyward, but that hasn't panned out
Position Grade: Muth is good and one of the few receiving threats that can get YAC. Worried he might not make it to a second contract with those concussions. Gentry is OK but not in Muths level.

LT - Moore would be a good backup, but is no starter. I hope to see a real LT acquired next offseason; I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing Moore extended with backup $$
Position Grade: 4 Ditto

LG - see LT assessment, above. Just replace Moore with Dotson
Position Grade: 4 Dotson has too many lapses for a starter.

OC - Cole is 'ok'. If not for the left side of the line, this is a potential upgrade spot.
Position Grade: 6.5 I would actually say Cole is only average (5).

RG - Daniels is a capable RG, who got a +.5 in his reaction to the slide-hit on Pickett
Position Grade: 7.5 DITTO

RT - Chuks has been mostly good. That was a good signing, although some of us didn't like it
Position Grade: 8 Only down side to Chuks is weaker run blocking. But I'll take the good pass blocking any day.

DEFENSE
NT - Neither Montravius Adams nor Alualu are getting the job done. I hope to see a priority put on this position, since it hasn't happened in recent years
Position Grade: 4 Please draft a traditional 2 down NT next year.

LDE - Larry O is "ok" when he plays, but his injury isn't helping. It may keep him around for an additional year as another "prove it" contract as a rotational guy. With Wormley and Loudermilk, there's "ok" depth
Position Grade: 7 Yea, spotty play. Was hoping we would see shades of Hargraves but that isn't happening. He may still be recovering.

RDE - Cam Heyward, backed up by Leal is a pretty good package here. That's exactly how you'd hope to see positions lined up for end of career time periods
Position Grade: 10 Leal has great potential. He's gotten himself noticed in the last two games and deserves a few more snaps. Cam, we are seeing the beginnings of age this season especially towards the ends of games. It happens.

LOLB - TJ may well be the best pass rusher in the league.
Position Grade: 9.5. This should be a 10, but it's clear that depth is needed, and TJ seems to be following JJ's injury path When he plays no question what he is to the defense. Sometime when I get some time I want to compare his injury history to his bro.

LILB - Bush has improved, but just isn't the guy. This team is desperately in need of another ILB
Position Grade: 4 No second contract tells it all.

RILB - Jack has been solid, but needs a running mate who is at least his equal, but preferably better.
Position Grade: 7 Might say Jack is only a 5 here. He's been ok only.

ROLB - Highsmith gets a bad rub because of the absolutely special stuff happening on the other side of the field from him; he's very Clark Haggans in that he does his job, but is very unspectacular; I wouldn't be opposed to an upgrade, but this isn't a priority
Position Grade: 7 DITTO

CB - Sutton, Wallace, Witherspoon, Maulet is a big pile of "meh". This team needs a studly cover corner to move each of those guys down one slot in the pecking order
Position Grade: 6 Yea, disappointed with the group in general. Witherspoon not close to how he ended last season. I guess covering the #1 is a whole lot different than the #2. I think Sutton is solid but suited more to the slot.

FS - Minkah is in the discussion for best FS in the league. The depth here is solid as well
Position Grade: 10 DITTO

SS - Edmunds shouldn't have been a 1st round pick, but is certainly a "good" player. Depth here is good as well
Position Grade: 7 I'm tempted to give Edmunds an 8. He's worked himself up from a 4 his first few seasons.

There ya have it. You could knee jerk some guys to a 1, but I have a hard time doing that. If the guy is NFL talent, but just isn't getting it done, I can't bring myself to give a 1 - someone mentioned the elite of the elite in a thread and I agree with that. Besides, that's splitting hairs at this point - as stated above, the 6 and below should be addressed.

There - I opened myself up for bashing, but it's what I see on this team.

Nice work Deville. Well thought out and good insights. My comments inserted.

[Prowler]

I realize there are already threads critiquing positions, coaches. Most of them are the knee-jerk "fire this guy" type of posts. I thought I'd throw something out there with some real assessments of them.

I've graded each position on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best. IMO, anything graded 6 or lower should be addressed during the the offseason; obviously, cuts/contracts can influence need.

OFFENSE
QB - we're still figuring out what we have with Pickett. Mitch's contract was built to be a 1-year deal if he didn't pan out, so the team technically could replace both him and Mason after the season
Position Grade: TBD, between KP's anticipated yet unknown growth AND the uncertainty around MT and MR this is hard to grade. At the moment, this is about a 5 at best

RB - Najee doesn't quite have the speed to get the edge. If WE see that, why doesn't the guy calling plays see that? Because he's more of a throwback to power runners, he needs to have plays called between the tackles. IMO, he's an Alstott who needs a Warrick Dunn to make this a complete backfield by committee. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren is a backup who is capable of filling in if Najee goes down.
Position Grade: 6, but could easily be a 9 with a complimentary speed back

WR - Pickens is going to be a problem for DBs for years to come. Diontae is pretty good (when he catches the ball; he just doesn't always do that). Claypool needs to use his body. All in all this is actually a good group, but a lot of contracts are coming up.
Position Grade: 8

TE - Muth is dang good, but I wouldn't be upset with a second TE with receiving skills; I was thinking this was the plan for the younger Heyward, but that hasn't panned out
Position Grade: 7

LT - Moore would be a good backup, but is no starter. I hope to see a real LT acquired next offseason; I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing Moore extended with backup $$
Position Grade: 4

LG - see LT assessment, above. Just replace Moore with Dotson
Position Grade: 4

OC - Cole is 'ok'. If not for the left side of the line, this is a potential upgrade spot.
Position Grade: 6.5

RG - Daniels is a capable RG, who got a +.5 in his reaction to the slide-hit on Pickett
Position Grade: 7.5

RT - Chuks has been mostly good. That was a good signing, although some of us didn't like it
Position Grade: 8

DEFENSE
NT - Neither Montravius Adams nor Alualu are getting the job done. I hope to see a priority put on this position, since it hasn't happened in recent years
Position Grade: 4

LDE - Larry O is "ok" when he plays, but his injury isn't helping. It may keep him around for an additional year as another "prove it" contract as a rotational guy. With Wormley and Loudermilk, there's "ok" depth
Position Grade: 7

RDE - Cam Heyward, backed up by Leal is a pretty good package here. That's exactly how you'd hope to see positions lined up for end of career time periods
Position Grade: 10

LOLB - TJ may well be the best pass rusher in the league.
Position Grade: 9.5. This should be a 10, but it's clear that depth is needed, and TJ seems to be following JJ's injury path

LILB - Bush has improved, but just isn't the guy. This team is desperately in need of another ILB
Position Grade: 4

RILB - Jack has been solid, but needs a running mate who is at least his equal, but preferably better.
Position Grade: 7

ROLB - Highsmith gets a bad rub because of the absolutely special stuff happening on the other side of the field from him; he's very Clark Haggans in that he does his job, but is very unspectacular; I wouldn't be opposed to an upgrade, but this isn't a priority
Position Grade: 7

CB - Sutton, Wallace, Witherspoon, Maulet is a big pile of "meh". This team needs a studly cover corner to move each of those guys down one slot in the pecking order
Position Grade: 6

FS - Minkah is in the discussion for best FS in the league. The depth here is solid as well
Position Grade: 10

SS - Edmunds shouldn't have been a 1st round pick, but is certainly a "good" player. Depth here is good as well
Position Grade: 7

There ya have it. You could knee jerk some guys to a 1, but I have a hard time doing that. If the guy is NFL talent, but just isn't getting it done, I can't bring myself to give a 1 - someone mentioned the elite of the elite in a thread and I agree with that. Besides, that's splitting hairs at this point - as stated above, the 6 and below should be addressed.

There - I opened myself up for bashing, but it's what I see on this team.

For the most part, I agree with your grades except for the WR group. This group might be average at best, but I thank you for sharing your thoughts. Well done!

[LPMAN]

Highsmith was an animal game 1 when all the attention was on Watt....hasn't done a damn thing since. For a big guy he should have a better bull rush...but all he does is the "Jason Gildon" let me run in a huge circle & almost always get there but never do move...He has that down pat....i'd give him a 4

A BIG part of the reason we are 1-4 & give up 10 point leads in the 4th quarter like the Jets is our pass rush has totally blown without TJ. Highsmith is a big big part of this meltdown.

Agree with most of your grades...i as well think wides are too high...they underperform.

[Bawb the Revelator]

Nice work Deville. Well thought out and good insights. My comments inserted.

Brilliant, DeVille. But the Steelers are Artie's toy not yours.

[papillon]

I realize there are already threads critiquing positions, coaches. Most of them are the knee-jerk "fire this guy" type of posts. I thought I'd throw something out there with some real assessments of them.

I've graded each position on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best. IMO, anything graded 6 or lower should be addressed during the the offseason; obviously, cuts/contracts can influence need.

OFFENSE
QB - we're still figuring out what we have with Pickett. Mitch's contract was built to be a 1-year deal if he didn't pan out, so the team technically could replace both him and Mason after the season
Position Grade: TBD, between KP's anticipated yet unknown growth AND the uncertainty around MT and MR this is hard to grade. At the moment, this is about a 5 at best

RB - Najee doesn't quite have the speed to get the edge. If WE see that, why doesn't the guy calling plays see that? Because he's more of a throwback to power runners, he needs to have plays called between the tackles. IMO, he's an Alstott who needs a Warrick Dunn to make this a complete backfield by committee. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren is a backup who is capable of filling in if Najee goes down.
Position Grade: 6, but could easily be a 9 with a complimentary speed back

WR - Pickens is going to be a problem for DBs for years to come. Diontae is pretty good (when he catches the ball; he just doesn't always do that). Claypool needs to use his body. All in all this is actually a good group, but a lot of contracts are coming up.
Position Grade: 8

TE - Muth is dang good, but I wouldn't be upset with a second TE with receiving skills; I was thinking this was the plan for the younger Heyward, but that hasn't panned out
Position Grade: 7

LT - Moore would be a good backup, but is no starter. I hope to see a real LT acquired next offseason; I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing Moore extended with backup $$
Position Grade: 4

LG - see LT assessment, above. Just replace Moore with Dotson
Position Grade: 4

OC - Cole is 'ok'. If not for the left side of the line, this is a potential upgrade spot.
Position Grade: 6.5

RG - Daniels is a capable RG, who got a +.5 in his reaction to the slide-hit on Pickett
Position Grade: 7.5

RT - Chuks has been mostly good. That was a good signing, although some of us didn't like it
Position Grade: 8

DEFENSE
NT - Neither Montravius Adams nor Alualu are getting the job done. I hope to see a priority put on this position, since it hasn't happened in recent years
Position Grade: 4

LDE - Larry O is "ok" when he plays, but his injury isn't helping. It may keep him around for an additional year as another "prove it" contract as a rotational guy. With Wormley and Loudermilk, there's "ok" depth
Position Grade: 7

RDE - Cam Heyward, backed up by Leal is a pretty good package here. That's exactly how you'd hope to see positions lined up for end of career time periods
Position Grade: 10

LOLB - TJ may well be the best pass rusher in the league.
Position Grade: 9.5. This should be a 10, but it's clear that depth is needed, and TJ seems to be following JJ's injury path

LILB - Bush has improved, but just isn't the guy. This team is desperately in need of another ILB
Position Grade: 4

RILB - Jack has been solid, but needs a running mate who is at least his equal, but preferably better.
Position Grade: 7

ROLB - Highsmith gets a bad rub because of the absolutely special stuff happening on the other side of the field from him; he's very Clark Haggans in that he does his job, but is very unspectacular; I wouldn't be opposed to an upgrade, but this isn't a priority
Position Grade: 7

CB - Sutton, Wallace, Witherspoon, Maulet is a big pile of "meh". This team needs a studly cover corner to move each of those guys down one slot in the pecking order
Position Grade: 6

FS - Minkah is in the discussion for best FS in the league. The depth here is solid as well
Position Grade: 10

SS - Edmunds shouldn't have been a 1st round pick, but is certainly a "good" player. Depth here is good as well
Position Grade: 7

There ya have it. You could knee jerk some guys to a 1, but I have a hard time doing that. If the guy is NFL talent, but just isn't getting it done, I can't bring myself to give a 1 - someone mentioned the elite of the elite in a thread and I agree with that. Besides, that's splitting hairs at this point - as stated above, the 6 and below should be addressed.

There - I opened myself up for bashing, but it's what I see on this team.

Quarterbacks need a grade, Trubisky didn't get it done, Pickett was a bit better but didn't get it done (only 1 game) and Rudolph hasn't played a snap. 4
Running backs can't be above average the Steeler running game is near the bottom of the league. 5
Veteran wide receivers aren't making plays, Pickens is making plays so he is the majority of their score. DCs aren't losing sleep over this group. 6
TJ is missing a lot of games this year and has a huge contract, while he is great when he's on the field, he isn't there enough and is paid handsomely. 7.5
Punter is a fail. 3
Boz was bad this past weekend, he gets a pass based on previous years. 8
I like the rest, maybe Moore is better than a 4, maybe a 5, he's played against some good pass rushers.

Pappy

[Joel Buchsbaum]

I realize there are already threads critiquing positions, coaches. Most of them are the knee-jerk "fire this guy" type of posts. I thought I'd throw something out there with some real assessments of them.

I've graded each position on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best. IMO, anything graded 6 or lower should be addressed during the the offseason; obviously, cuts/contracts can influence need.

OFFENSE
QB - we're still figuring out what we have with Pickett. Mitch's contract was built to be a 1-year deal if he didn't pan out, so the team technically could replace both him and Mason after the season
Position Grade: TBD, between KP's anticipated yet unknown growth AND the uncertainty around MT and MR this is hard to grade. At the moment, this is about a 5 at best

RB - Najee doesn't quite have the speed to get the edge. If WE see that, why doesn't the guy calling plays see that? Because he's more of a throwback to power runners, he needs to have plays called between the tackles. IMO, he's an Alstott who needs a Warrick Dunn to make this a complete backfield by committee. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren is a backup who is capable of filling in if Najee goes down.
Position Grade: 6, but could easily be a 9 with a complimentary speed back

WR - Pickens is going to be a problem for DBs for years to come. Diontae is pretty good (when he catches the ball; he just doesn't always do that). Claypool needs to use his body. All in all this is actually a good group, but a lot of contracts are coming up.
Position Grade: 8

TE - Muth is dang good, but I wouldn't be upset with a second TE with receiving skills; I was thinking this was the plan for the younger Heyward, but that hasn't panned out
Position Grade: 7

LT - Moore would be a good backup, but is no starter. I hope to see a real LT acquired next offseason; I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing Moore extended with backup $$
Position Grade: 4

LG - see LT assessment, above. Just replace Moore with Dotson
Position Grade: 4

OC - Cole is 'ok'. If not for the left side of the line, this is a potential upgrade spot.
Position Grade: 6.5

RG - Daniels is a capable RG, who got a +.5 in his reaction to the slide-hit on Pickett
Position Grade: 7.5

RT - Chuks has been mostly good. That was a good signing, although some of us didn't like it
Position Grade: 8

DEFENSE
NT - Neither Montravius Adams nor Alualu are getting the job done. I hope to see a priority put on this position, since it hasn't happened in recent years
Position Grade: 4

LDE - Larry O is "ok" when he plays, but his injury isn't helping. It may keep him around for an additional year as another "prove it" contract as a rotational guy. With Wormley and Loudermilk, there's "ok" depth
Position Grade: 7

RDE - Cam Heyward, backed up by Leal is a pretty good package here. That's exactly how you'd hope to see positions lined up for end of career time periods
Position Grade: 10

LOLB - TJ may well be the best pass rusher in the league.
Position Grade: 9.5. This should be a 10, but it's clear that depth is needed, and TJ seems to be following JJ's injury path

LILB - Bush has improved, but just isn't the guy. This team is desperately in need of another ILB
Position Grade: 4

RILB - Jack has been solid, but needs a running mate who is at least his equal, but preferably better.
Position Grade: 7

ROLB - Highsmith gets a bad rub because of the absolutely special stuff happening on the other side of the field from him; he's very Clark Haggans in that he does his job, but is very unspectacular; I wouldn't be opposed to an upgrade, but this isn't a priority
Position Grade: 7

CB - Sutton, Wallace, Witherspoon, Maulet is a big pile of "meh". This team needs a studly cover corner to move each of those guys down one slot in the pecking order
Position Grade: 6

FS - Minkah is in the discussion for best FS in the league. The depth here is solid as well
Position Grade: 10

SS - Edmunds shouldn't have been a 1st round pick, but is certainly a "good" player. Depth here is good as well
Position Grade: 7

There ya have it. You could knee jerk some guys to a 1, but I have a hard time doing that. If the guy is NFL talent, but just isn't getting it done, I can't bring myself to give a 1 - someone mentioned the elite of the elite in a thread and I agree with that. Besides, that's splitting hairs at this point - as stated above, the 6 and below should be addressed.

There - I opened myself up for bashing, but it's what I see on this team.

Your grades are generous. Here are my own

Coaches

Tomin F Offers little but a dark stare and chews gum during the games
Canada D Pickett make him look better, bit his play calling sucks.
Austin D- Shouldn't have been hired


Offense

Pickett INC, but he has shown leadership and doesn't play like a rookie. I'd give him a B so far

Harris D Not the back you are looking for. Trending as a bust. Slowly being phased out.
Muth B , He is good, but he's hurt too much for a young player.
Wr1 Johnson C- and he will soon be or is now our Wr 2 A mis use coffee cap space re-sighing him!
Pickens A. What a player! A threat short or deep. Makes special catches. Blocks like a tackle.
Claypool D. Has been terrible this year

Moore - C- I get it he has a tough job. He's still learning as currently the only one who can play left tackle
Dotson - C- Another player who needs to be replaced in the off season
Cole B- He has been all right
Daniels B-. He has been all right
Chucks B Solid as pass blocker, still weak as a run blocker

Boswell A One of the best kickers in the NFL



Defense

Larry O. C I'm not impressed by him.
Adams C- Just a guy, should not be viewed as a starter. The next man up.
Heyward A- He plays well and hard

Watt A+ Simply stated we are 0-5 with out him starting. Get well soon, a game changing defensive player.
Jack. B He is solid, not special
Bush D Needs to be replaced. Might be the worst starting ILB in the NFL
Highsmith - B- Not part of the, or the solution. We have greater needs and he's cheap

Sutton B He can play well
Fitz A He's a difference maker.
Edmunds. B- He does nothing good or bad, in fact he has been okay
Wallace / Witherspoon C+ Can be beaten by the better QB's / WR

Harvin III D One of the worst punter in the NFL. Replace him.

[Mr.wizard]

I feel like the Najee criticism is misplaced. The problem with Najee isnt speed, its vision. The reason he isnt hitting big plays is because he is missing the holes and the cut backs.

[Ghost]

I think you graded the WRs with your heart and not your head. Through 5 games this group has 0 TDs. 0.0!! Pickens is going to be a beast. Johnson has drop issues and has forgotten how to get 2 feet in bounds. You want to be the number 1 guy, play like it and make some plays. Claypool is an un coachable bust. Only gotten worse over time - literally no improvement. I'd make him a healthy scratch. Overall, the WR group is a 4/5 tops.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Brilliant, DeVille. But the Steelers are Artie's toy not yours.

I tried my damndest to not say "we", but you know how fans are - lol. I may have slipped a couple in

[SteelerOfDeVille]

For the most part, I agree with your grades except for the WR group. This group might be average at best, but I thank you for sharing your thoughts. Well done!

I think DJ has so much upside *when he catches the ball*. He's had stretches of looking like a #1

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Your grades are generous. Here are my own

Coaches

Tomin F Offers little but a dark stare and chews gum during the games
Canada D Pickett make him look better, bit his play calling sucks.
Austin D- Shouldn't have been hired


Offense

Pickett INC, but he has shown leadership and doesn't play like a rookie. I'd give him a B so far

Harris D Not the back you are looking for. Trending as a bust. Slowly being phased out.
Muth B , He is good, but he's hurt too much for a young player.
Wr1 Johnson C- and he will soon be or is now our Wr 2 A mis use coffee cap space re-sighing him!
Pickens A. What a player! A threat short or deep. Makes special catches. Blocks like a tackle.
Claypool D. Has been terrible this year

Moore - C- I get it he has a tough job. He's still learning as currently the only one who can play left tackle
Dotson - C- Another player who needs to be replaced in the off season
Cole B- He has been all right
Daniels B-. He has been all right
Chucks B Solid as pass blocker, still weak as a run blocker

Boswell A One of the best kickers in the NFL



Defense

Larry O. C I'm not impressed by him.
Adams C- Just a guy, should not be viewed as a starter. The next man up.
Heyward A- He plays well and hard

Watt A+ Simply stated we are 0-5 with out him starting. Get well soon, a game changing defensive player.
Jack. B He is solid, not special
Bush D Needs to be replaced. Might be the worst starting ILB in the NFL
Highsmith - B- Not part of the, or the solution. We have greater needs and he's cheap

Sutton B He can play well
Fitz A He's a difference maker.
Edmunds. B- He does nothing good or bad, in fact he has been okay
Wallace / Witherspoon C+ Can be beaten by the better QB's / WR

Harvin III D One of the worst punter in the NFL. Replace him.

I think you were more generous than I was - lol.

Best way I can align how I just graded is this: Think of those numbers as %, where 90-100 is an A and 80-90 is a B. Anything under 60% (i.e., under 6) is an F.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

I feel like the Najee criticism is misplaced. The problem with Najee isnt speed, its vision. The reason he isnt hitting big plays is because he is missing the holes and the cut backs.

He's not getting the job done / lacks the speed to hit the hole quickly our run outside. Big plays? Well he didn't have many last year, and doesn't have many this year so... I agree his vision is part of the problem but that really isn't coachable, more like its instictive. Can such a player be fixed? I say no.

[Terrapin]

Man with all this above average talent it's odd that we're a hurt long snapper away from 0-5...

[Northern_Blitz]

I realize there are already threads critiquing positions, coaches. Most of them are the knee-jerk "fire this guy" type of posts. I thought I'd throw something out there with some real assessments of them.

I've graded each position on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best. IMO, anything graded 6 or lower should be addressed during the the offseason; obviously, cuts/contracts can influence need.

OFFENSE
QB - we're still figuring out what we have with Pickett. Mitch's contract was built to be a 1-year deal if he didn't pan out, so the team technically could replace both him and Mason after the season
Position Grade: TBD, between KP's anticipated yet unknown growth AND the uncertainty around MT and MR this is hard to grade. At the moment, this is about a 5 at best

RB - Najee doesn't quite have the speed to get the edge. If WE see that, why doesn't the guy calling plays see that? Because he's more of a throwback to power runners, he needs to have plays called between the tackles. IMO, he's an Alstott who needs a Warrick Dunn to make this a complete backfield by committee. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren is a backup who is capable of filling in if Najee goes down.
Position Grade: 6, but could easily be a 9 with a complimentary speed back

WR - Pickens is going to be a problem for DBs for years to come. Diontae is pretty good (when he catches the ball; he just doesn't always do that). Claypool needs to use his body. All in all this is actually a good group, but a lot of contracts are coming up.
Position Grade: 8

TE - Muth is dang good, but I wouldn't be upset with a second TE with receiving skills; I was thinking this was the plan for the younger Heyward, but that hasn't panned out
Position Grade: 7

LT - Moore would be a good backup, but is no starter. I hope to see a real LT acquired next offseason; I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing Moore extended with backup $$
Position Grade: 4

LG - see LT assessment, above. Just replace Moore with Dotson
Position Grade: 4

OC - Cole is 'ok'. If not for the left side of the line, this is a potential upgrade spot.
Position Grade: 6.5

RG - Daniels is a capable RG, who got a +.5 in his reaction to the slide-hit on Pickett
Position Grade: 7.5

RT - Chuks has been mostly good. That was a good signing, although some of us didn't like it
Position Grade: 8

DEFENSE
NT - Neither Montravius Adams nor Alualu are getting the job done. I hope to see a priority put on this position, since it hasn't happened in recent years
Position Grade: 4

LDE - Larry O is "ok" when he plays, but his injury isn't helping. It may keep him around for an additional year as another "prove it" contract as a rotational guy. With Wormley and Loudermilk, there's "ok" depth
Position Grade: 7

RDE - Cam Heyward, backed up by Leal is a pretty good package here. That's exactly how you'd hope to see positions lined up for end of career time periods
Position Grade: 10

LOLB - TJ may well be the best pass rusher in the league.
Position Grade: 9.5. This should be a 10, but it's clear that depth is needed, and TJ seems to be following JJ's injury path

LILB - Bush has improved, but just isn't the guy. This team is desperately in need of another ILB
Position Grade: 4

RILB - Jack has been solid, but needs a running mate who is at least his equal, but preferably better.
Position Grade: 7

ROLB - Highsmith gets a bad rub because of the absolutely special stuff happening on the other side of the field from him; he's very Clark Haggans in that he does his job, but is very unspectacular; I wouldn't be opposed to an upgrade, but this isn't a priority
Position Grade: 7

CB - Sutton, Wallace, Witherspoon, Maulet is a big pile of "meh". This team needs a studly cover corner to move each of those guys down one slot in the pecking order
Position Grade: 6

FS - Minkah is in the discussion for best FS in the league. The depth here is solid as well
Position Grade: 10

SS - Edmunds shouldn't have been a 1st round pick, but is certainly a "good" player. Depth here is good as well
Position Grade: 7

There ya have it. You could knee jerk some guys to a 1, but I have a hard time doing that. If the guy is NFL talent, but just isn't getting it done, I can't bring myself to give a 1 - someone mentioned the elite of the elite in a thread and I agree with that. Besides, that's splitting hairs at this point - as stated above, the 6 and below should be addressed.

There - I opened myself up for bashing, but it's what I see on this team.

Thanks DeVille

Was it you that was high on Leal before / after the draft?

I remember someone was really big on the draft pick, but can't remember who.

Good call if it was you. It's nice to see a young mid-rounder making some plays on the D.