Camp six weeks away. Random state of the team thoughts.

[Iron City Inc.]

So to say we have had a major turnover of personnel is an understatement. Add in coaching changes and we are far different then only a year ago.

Here are 10 just random thoughts I have on where we are today. Be good to hear from everyone on their positives and their concerns heading into training camp.

1. Does anyone not like Cam Heyward? However he is a bit of an unknown coming off the injury n being 35. Pat's theory was always to let a guy leave a year early then hold them a year to long. Cam gets his 16 large this year but it's likely his last in B & G.

2. Cam Sutton should help us at slot. However he likely gets suspended for part of 24 and probably a good part. We'll need someone else to step in and contribute here. Jackson could move inside or Bishop could surprise. It's a question mark for sure heading into Latrobe.

3. QB's are all new. That hasn't happened in a long time. Veterans but frankly we need to see these guys compete and let it play out. I know Wilson has a "No Trade" clause but if Fields matches Wilson in performance or betters him nothing is off the table. Get your popcorn this should be good.

4. OL overhaul. Well a lot comes down to the performance of this group. We needed to make changes and I believe the guys we drafted will be good however how fast they develop is the unknown. Lets face it good OL play usually needs time to jell. Times not on our side here but we need this group to come together quickly. Should be a fun watch from OTA's through the pre-season.

5. Harris doesn't get extended. If he was a 3rd round pick everyone other than Joel would like the guy. He can play but he's just not a superstar. I believe he'll have another solid season and he may be resigned in the off season after finding out his worth on the open market.

6. We added some new young linebackers. As a group adding Queen and Wilson gives us a group with a load of upside. We have some quality depth here as well. And depth was needed here. Should be one of our strengths for sure.

7. Wr room got a major transformation. DJ is gone and Wilson is a rookie who has some of the same skills and perhaps better skills. Wilson has better speed and at Michigan has displayed really good hands. DJ's battled some drops so I'm not sure Wilson will be better than DJ at first but I do believe he'll develop and could be a better version of our former #2. DJ had quick cut ability Wilson's skill set there may be better.

8. Porter and everyone else at corner. Well everyone else has some players who are question marks but have big upsides. Rush and Trice are cut in the same mold as Porter. Tall n physical. Rush was someone a few of us talked about during and prior to last years draft. Add in Watts and Jackson and we have a secondary with potential. Sort of like some of our other positions we have I believe some good players in place but how quick they get up to par is the question.

9. Players that could be ready to breakout are a few 2nd year guys from our 23 draft. We spoke of Porter already but Benton and Washington could take that next step. Herbig won't replace a starter but if he can pressure off the edge in a limited roll and give TJ n Highsmith some plays off that will go a long way to keeping the D in a position to give a solid performance. You can't rush the qb in this league you're going to loose.

10. Arthur Smith performance is one key to the 24 season. His heavy use of multiple TE sets will be a bit of a change but 12 personnel is really nothing new. It just may be more of that then the 11 personnel we've been running in bulk. Coaches coach n players have to play and execute. We're fortunate to have Muth n Washington. They will get plenty of work. Power O will give plenty of touches to all the backs. I'm all in on smash mouth.

One last thing concerning Khan. If and its a big if we are showing we have some depth it may be possible to move a player say Daniels just for example for some extra draft capital. Then unlike the past where we were often giving up a 5th or 6th rounder in the next draft to fill a hole we now may have the ability to have an extra selection. We have two 5th rounders for next year right now. How nice if we could go into next year's draft with three 5th rounders. And yes we owe Chicago a day three pick for Fields that's based on his play time.
Looking forward to camp. I'm only able to get there for a few days this year but always enjoy it.

[Oviedo]

My thoughts:

1. Love Cam, but Cam has to be realistic. If he thinks he is getting $20 per year then he is the problem

2. Cam won't get more than 4 games and possibly less. It was reduced to a misdemeanor and he has been doing all the right counseling stuff.

3. Wilson will start but he must perform. Personally, I think he will excel in Smith's offense.

4. We will have one of the better (Top 10) OLs in the NFL. IMO the person who will struggle the most initially will be Frazier but he'll be fine.

5. Najee will have his best season and I hope we extend him for three years. Warren is fool's gold. He has never had to carry the burden.

6. I think we have a great season from our LBs. Best since Shazier got hurt. Wilson will be stud...provided his health holds up. He is the closest thing we have had to Shazier since Shazier

7. WR scares me. I understand the Smith like TEs line of thought (me too), but if Pickens is always getting shut down with double teams, it makes the offense much harder to run.

8. I like our Corner situation

9. I like both Benton and Washington to take the next step. I could see Freiermuth and Washington be our Gronk and Hernandez...minus the killing people.

10. I love what Smith is bringing. The league's defenses are focused on fencing (the sword thing) and we are going to show up with a battle axe

[feltdizz]

1. Cam is too old to try and get an extension

2. 2 games max unless video or photos are produced

3. Wilson will play 85% of the games unless we are out of contention.

4. OL should improve.. hopefully, but I expect it to be another frustrating start to the season. Hopefully they gel in time for the back end of the schedule.

5. Love Najee, hope we extend him. The AFCN is brutal and not sure Warren can hold up as the lead back. That being said, he did frustrate me with that dancing and hoping nonsense at the second level. Someone got his head right.

6. Excited for the ILB’s. Hopefully the injury curse is over

7. Actually think the WR room is fine for this offense if Pickens stays healthy.

8. Cam should help.. rest are unknowns for the lost part.

9. yes, we need some more youth to show up and establish themselves.

10. Smith is a wildcard for sure. Will we get 2019 smashmouth or get frustrated with him not utilizing our best players in the RZ like in ATL.

I know I sound like an AFCN homer but durability and physicality are my biggest worries. I do wonder if players and new coaches are ready for this ride once December rolls around

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

So to say we have had a major turnover of personnel is an understatement. Add in coaching changes and we are far different then only a year ago.

Here are 10 just random thoughts I have on where we are today. Be good to hear from everyone on their positives and their concerns heading into training camp.

1. Does anyone not like Cam Heyward? However he is a bit of an unknown coming off the injury n being 35. Pat's theory was always to let a guy leave a year early then hold them a year to long. Cam gets his 16 large this year but it's likely his last in B & G.

2. Cam Sutton should help us at slot. However he likely gets suspended for part of 24 and probably a good part. We'll need someone else to step in and contribute here. Jackson could move inside or Bishop could surprise. It's a question mark for sure heading into Latrobe.

3. QB's are all new. That hasn't happened in a long time. Veterans but frankly we need to see these guys compete and let it play out. I know Wilson has a "No Trade" clause but if Fields matches Wilson in performance or betters him nothing is off the table. Get your popcorn this should be good.

4. OL overhaul. Well a lot comes down to the performance of this group. We needed to make changes and I believe the guys we drafted will be good however how fast they develop is the unknown. Lets face it good OL play usually needs time to jell. Times not on our side here but we need this group to come together quickly. Should be a fun watch from OTA's through the pre-season.

5. Harris doesn't get extended. If he was a 3rd round pick everyone other than Joel would like the guy. He can play but he's just not a superstar. I believe he'll have another solid season and he may be resigned in the off season after finding out his worth on the open market.

6. We added some new young linebackers. As a group adding Queen and Wilson gives us a group with a load of upside. We have some quality depth here as well. And depth was needed here. Should be one of our strengths for sure.

7. Wr room got a major transformation. DJ is gone and Wilson is a rookie who has some of the same skills and perhaps better skills. Wilson has better speed and at Michigan has displayed really good hands. DJ's battled some drops so I'm not sure Wilson will be better than DJ at first but I do believe he'll develop and could be a better version of our former #2. DJ had quick cut ability Wilson's skill set there may be better.

8. Porter and everyone else at corner. Well everyone else has some players who are question marks but have big upsides. Rush and Trice are cut in the same mold as Porter. Tall n physical. Rush was someone a few of us talked about during and prior to last years draft. Add in Watts and Jackson and we have a secondary with potential. Sort of like some of our other positions we have I believe some good players in place but how quick they get up to par is the question.

9. Players that could be ready to breakout are a few 2nd year guys from our 23 draft. We spoke of Porter already but Benton and Washington could take that next step. Herbig won't replace a starter but if he can pressure off the edge in a limited roll and give TJ n Highsmith some plays off that will go a long way to keeping the D in a position to give a solid performance. You can't rush the qb in this league you're going to loose.

10. Arthur Smith performance is one key to the 24 season. His heavy use of multiple TE sets will be a bit of a change but 12 personnel is really nothing new. It just may be more of that then the 11 personnel we've been running in bulk. Coaches coach n players have to play and execute. We're fortunate to have Muth n Washington. They will get plenty of work. Power O will give plenty of touches to all the backs. I'm all in on smash mouth.

One last thing concerning Khan. If and its a big if we are showing we have some depth it may be possible to move a player say Daniels just for example for some extra draft capital. Then unlike the past where we were often giving up a 5th or 6th rounder in the next draft to fill a hole we now may have the ability to have an extra selection. We have two 5th rounders for next year right now. How nice if we could go into next year's draft with three 5th rounders. And yes we owe Chicago a day three pick for Fields that's based on his play time.
Looking forward to camp. I'm only able to get there for a few days this year but always enjoy it.

Some great topics here IC, and a very exciting year to be a Steelers fan. Some of my thoughts:

1. Yes, everyone loves Cam but I was ready to cut him loose prior to the season. I'm not upset he's back but the $16M savings could have gone a long way to ready the line for the future. Right now we are hoping that he is back healthy without a drop off from the player he once was - that is how he is being paid. That's a big hope IMO.

2. I read something that suggested the Steelers don't make this move without knowing what the NFL is planning to do with discipline, and determined that it is worth it. On the field I love the move. Getting a known commodity to fill the biggest question mark in the secondary, with the ability and track record to help out elsewhere as well. Off the field I'm not as certain. Without knowing the full story and how bad the incident was, without knowing if he is a good guy who made a mistake, or a bad guy who is a ticking time bomb and should be locked up, I can't really say. But I do know that the people who do know him have welcomed him back, so I'm hoping that this ends up as more of a feel good story than not.

3. QB play has been awful for the past three years. Whether it is because of an awful system, bad line, or terrible QBs, it seems like all 3 have been addressed. That is what excites me most about the new QB room. Not just the new players themselves, but I think that whoever plays QB is in a much better situation than in anytime before Ben got injured.

4. Finally, for many of us we will see the results of us screaming until we got hoarse. If this FO did a good job in finding the right guys, then everyone benefits, not even just the O. How many games after the last 5 years has the D started off shutting down the O, but kept getting put back on the field (often a short field) without rest and slowly wore down? A good line will benefit the D as much as the O.

5. I wouldn't say goodbye to Harris yet, but I think he might have a good season and his price tag will go up. The improved line makes Najee and Warren better RBs. They may even want to keep him but he gets priced out.

6. Going from a LB room with Roberts and a bunch of guys who weren't in the league to a legit stud, a highly skilled rook, Roberts, and still Robinson, one of the areas to continuously keep an eye on.

7. This is the biggest nail biter at the moment. The WR room has been downgraded. I think it was necessary, but DJ is a good receiver, despite the "he runs backwards and didn't score a TD two years ago" criticism. I'd say Wilson is the ideal replacement (without making a big move) as the ceilings on Jefferson and Watkins are more known, if Wilson can do some of the things that DJ could do, but with more enthusiasm, and less attitude, then that is an upgrade is it rubs off on others.

8. I'm very high on the CBs. Aside from Porter continuing to make steps forward, I think that Jackson will show he is a legit starter across from him. He has the tools and will not be forced into the same situation as in Carolina - shadowing WR1 with a D with no pass rush or other stars to help carry the load. If not, as you mentioned, Trice and Rush are both candidates - one a very late pick who looked good before getting hurt, and the other a mid rounder in a stacked CB draft, who was fairly well regarded coming out. I think that before long we will be regarding CB as a strength.

9. Will be fun to watch, with the close eye on Benton since we really need him to be the guy to step it up. Playing with an aging former star, and another not as aging player, the line is the biggest question mark on D IMO and Benton goes a long way towards answering those questions.

10. The best part about the Smith hiring is that he has had success with an offense that suits the personnel here. He took advantage of a solid line and ran the ball, all while hiding the deficiencies of Ryan Tannehill. Obviously there is not a back in Pittsburgh who is anything like Henry, but there are other strengths the Steelers have as a team, and a coach who should know how to play to those strengths.

Can't wait for camp. Thanks for the thread.

[Oviedo]

I know I sound like an AFCN homer but durability and physicality are my biggest worries. I do wonder if players and new coaches are ready for this ride once December rolls around

Everyone has the attitude "oh my gosh, we have to play those teams at the end of the schedule." Well, you know what they have to play us too! Their likelihood for injuries is just as high as our if not higher.

Is it if or when Burrow gets hurt?

Will Lamar not get hurt? Will Derrick Henry find a fountain of youth or will he continue to fade?

Does Cleveland have a QB? A RB?

I like our chances as much as anyone in the division. Can't struggle early.

[Flasteel]

1. Cam H. is one of those players who should be afforded every benefit of the doubt, based on his play and what he has meant to this franchise. I'm not sure if he gets extended before the season or not, but if he wants to play three more years, then I see both he and the team finding a way to make it work. Personally, I'd like to see how he rebounds from his injury-plagued 2023 before committing any future cap space to him.

2. Cam Sutton will no doubt be suspended - probably somewhere between 2 and 4 games. Because of the importance in winning some of these early games, the coaching staff needs to find someone (like Bishop) who they feel confident in subbing for him. I'm curious to see who separates themselves in camp.

3. I think Wilson is going to have a very solid year in Smith's offense. Regardless, it is almost a guarantee that we'll see better QB play than at any point in the past couple of seasons. I'm curious and excited to watch how both he and Fields look and am not worried about the position at all. At least this year.

4. The O-line may need a little time to gel, but the infusion of talent up front makes me think they will be a dominant group at some point this year. I'm waiting to see exactly when Jones becomes the starting LT and Fautanu the RT. The sooner, the better.

5. I love Harris and think that he can be a superstar-type of back behind this line and in this offense. I think the team declining his 5th year option was something that was mutual and the Steelers have every intention of keeping him around.

6. On paper, this is the best ILB room the Steelers have had in a very long time. Brining in Queen was huge and getting Wilson at the end of the 3rd might prove to be even bigger, if he stays healthy. I love what Roberts did last year and am still curious to see what Robinson can do. Holcomb is a real wild card, but the addition of Wilson should diminish any need to rush him back. This could be a very deep group once that tough back half of the season cranks up.

7. Although I like the potential with several of the receivers on the roster (particularly Wilson), I'm very okay with chasing down a more established number 2 guy because of the cap space the team has. Not a huge concern for me, but perhaps the best investment of remaining cap space.

8. I'm very excited to see if Porter continues to ascend and like the Jackson trade. Like the receiver room, this group is long on potential but a little short on production. But I probably like the potential of this group more because of Trice and Rush. Getting Sutton back eliminates any real concern at corner for me and I like the Elliott signing to go with Kazee and Minkah at safety.

9. Even though Herbig isn't going to be one of our starters from last year's draft, he is going to have a huge role as the 3rd pass rusher. From everything I've seen and read, I think he'll be an impact player and see more snaps than Golden did last year. Porter and Benton also look to be impact guys from last year's draft. It's kind of hard to imagine that we'll see three top-notch starters and two other "dudes" out of one draft, but if those players all hit, then watch out! I could maybe throw Freiermuth, Harris, and Pickens in there as potential breakout players too, but they are more of a known commodity.

10. All I can say is that any established OC is going to be a massive upgrade over what this team and fanbase has been subjected to over the past three years. Behind this line and with the backs on the roster, I am also fully embracing a smash-mouth philosophy.

No way I support moving Daniels for trade capital. He has played very well and we don't need to be throwing three rookies into the starting lineup. If McCormick does look good, then let Daniels walk after the season and get a comp pick for him.

[Oviedo]

1. Cam H. is one of those players who should be afforded every benefit of the doubt, based on his play and what he has meant to this franchise. I'm not sure if he gets extended before the season or not, but if he wants to play three more years, then I see both he and the team finding a way to make it work. Personally, I'd like to see how he rebounds from his injury-plagued 2023 before committing any future cap space to him.

2. Cam Sutton will no doubt be suspended - probably somewhere between 2 and 4 games. Because of the importance in winning some of these early games, the coaching staff needs to find someone (like Bishop) who they feel confident in subbing for him. I'm curious to see who separates themselves in camp.

3. I think Wilson is going to have a very solid year in Smith's offense. Regardless, it is almost a guarantee that we'll see better QB play than at any point in the past couple of seasons. I'm curious and excited to watch how both he and Fields look and am not worried about the position at all. At least this year.

4. The O-line may need a little time to gel, but the infusion of talent up front makes me think they will be a dominant group at some point this year. I'm waiting to see exactly when Jones becomes the starting LT and Fautanu the RT. The sooner, the better.

5. I love Harris and think that he can be a superstar-type of back behind this line and in this offense. I think the team declining his 5th year option was something that was mutual and the Steelers have every intention of keeping him around.

6. On paper, this is the best ILB room the Steelers have had in a very long time. Brining in Queen was huge and getting Wilson at the end of the 3rd might prove to be even bigger, if he stays healthy. I love what Roberts did last year and am still curious to see what Robinson can do. Holcomb is a real wild card, but the addition of Wilson should diminish any need to rush him back. This could be a very deep group once that tough back half of the season cranks up.

7. Although I like the potential with several of the receivers on the roster (particularly Wilson), I'm very okay with chasing down a more established number 2 guy because of the cap space the team has. Not a huge concern for me, but perhaps the best investment of remaining cap space.

8. I'm very excited to see if Porter continues to ascend and like the Jackson trade. Like the receiver room, this group is long on potential but a little short on production. But I probably like the potential of this group more because of Trice and Rush. Getting Sutton back eliminates any real concern at corner for me and I like the Elliott signing to go with Kazee and Minkah at safety.

9. Even though Herbig isn't going to be one of our starters from last year's draft, he is going to have a huge role as the 3rd pass rusher. From everything I've seen and read, I think he'll be an impact player and see more snaps than Golden did last year. Porter and Benton also look to be impact guys from last year's draft. It's kind of hard to imagine that we'll see three top-notch starters and two other "dudes" out of one draft, but if those players all hit, then watch out! I could maybe throw Freiermuth, Harris, and Pickens in there as potential breakout players too, but they are more of a known commodity.

10. All I can say is that any established OC is going to be a massive upgrade over what this team and fanbase has been subjected to over the past three years. Behind this line and with the backs on the roster, I am also fully embracing a smash-mouth philosophy.

No way I support moving Daniels for trade capital. He has played very well and we don't need to be throwing three rookies into the starting lineup. If McCormick does look good, then let Daniels walk after the season and get a comp pick for him.

I agree with you on most points, BUT PLEASE lets just stop with Mark Robinson...he is the Issac Redman of Linebackers. Lots of fan obsession, but a bum.

[Flasteel]

I agree with you on most points, BUT PLEASE lets just stop with Mark Robinson...he is the Issac Redman of Linebackers. Lots of fan obsession, but a bum.

LOL...just curious as a backup player. Robinson plays fast and strong and has only three seasons of ever playing the position. If we were relying on him for anything more than fourth or fifth ILB, then I would be worried. Dude is a serious liability in the passing game.

[Ernie]

I like where we are in terms of D-Line/Depth.
Cam, Larry O, Benton, Lowry, Adams...
Loudermilk and Leal are fighting for a roster spot IMO.

[WindyCitySteel]

I love the D, the O has a lot of new pieces, though. Hoping they start the season not trying to do too much -- find the things you're good at in camp and build on that, expand the plan as the new guys get their footing. Early schedule gives them a shot to do just that.

Good thing about the O is if things break down, I like our QBs this year better than any since 2020 Ben.

Wildcard: Patterson with the new kickoff rule. This is a low-key boss move signing him.

[NorthCoast]

Fitz only played in ten games last season. That hurts a secondary that relies on his playmaking. He has to stay in his natural position and stay healthy. I like the CB room. A lot. We'll see if it can rise to the challenge against the AFC QBs.

The defense is different (in a bad way) without Cam on the DL. But his age is starting to become more obvious with his snap count declining. Can he put in one more above average season?

A remade ILB unit... again. This one has serious potential. I know it's overused but Wilson could, in fact, be the steal of the draft. The Steelers finally have guys that can cover in the passing game. Last season it took the ILB until about Wk6 to work out the kinks in communication. Unfortunately with this schedule they will have to get to speed a lot sooner.

On offense, I love the excitement of the 'unknown' and there is quite a bit of it this season. From QBs to OL to OC. I don't see a lot of fireworks happening, but the games will be fun for us old school guys with the ground and pound. OL could look messy to start but hopefully will settle in quickly. The CBA is doing the rookies no favors. But the loudest voices during voting tend to be the guys that have been around the league for a while. I get that nobody likes preseason games but when you have a young team like the Steelers it can really help to get the reps in.

The roster, as constructed right now, looks good enough for a post season visit. What this team looks like in January, after a month and a half of crucial games, will pretty much decide whether they get a post season win this year.

EDIT: one other one I forgot to mention but it will be a huge welcome this season, new punter! No more shanks at the worst times. We may finally have a punter that could be an actual weapon. And the rest of the league can't laugh about the 'fat guy kicking'.