McFadden

[Bandito]

Re: McFadden

If to get a KR/PR with the 3rd pick, I was hoping maybe get Brandon Tate. He's out till April with an ACL but he was making big plays before the injury. His coach thinks he can has the same potential as Michael Irvin and Reggie Wayne when their draft stock was hurt due to an injury leading up to the draft. Problem is he is projected in the 2d round and Joe Burnett is projected in the 5-6th round. Burnett was projected in the 3rd round a month ago in some boards. Not sure why he dropped so much.

12/23/08 - Pro teams are cautious with guaranteed money in the higher rounds but typically are more willing to take a chance in the fourth or fifth round. Lesser players would be knocked down to free-agent status by an injury such as Tate's. However, if he can convince scouts he has regained lateral movement – and if he shows flashes of the athleticism that set him apart – then he could shore up his draft prospects. Right now, Tate, who's 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, is in the midst of strengthening the muscles around the knee and said he expects to be back to 100percent by March or April; he will graduate in May. In the meantime, North Carolina coach Butch Davis said, Tate is trying to hit certain timetables in rehab so NFL teams can judge his recuperation. “It's very critical to him how teams will perceive his draft eligibility as to whether 2009 is a viable, reasonable expectation that he can legitimately contribute to a team – maybe not as early as minicamps or training camp, but could he possibly start the season on (physically unable to perform list) and maybe play in the season,” said Davis, who previously coached in the NFL. “Or will he maybe be healthy enough to actually start the season on the regular roster? He's got a huge investment to make sure when he comes back second semester, he's working really, really hard.” Davis told Tate early on that two of the best receivers he has ever coached – Michael Irvin at the University of Miami and with the Dallas Cowboys, and Reggie Wayne, at Miami – suffered the same injury. They both went on to star in the NFL. - The Charlotte Observer

12/02/08 - 2008 ALL-ACC CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION (MEDIA): Brandon Tate, spec., North Carolina (33), has been selected All-ACC Conference Honorable Mention for the 2008 college football season by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association. Tate earned honorable-mention honors as a specialist. He was one of the most electrifying players in the country through the first six games of the season and was considered a leading contender for conference player of the year honors until he tore his ACL on a punt return vs. Notre Dame. A senior from Burlington, N.C., Tate finished his career as the NCAA leader in combined kick return yards and is the ACC's all-time leader in kickoff yards. He also set the school record with 397 all-purpose yards in the season opener vs. McNeese State. - North Carolina football

10/16/08 - North Carolina already has had to overcome the loss of its starting quarterback to injury. Now the Tar Heels (5-1, 1-1 ACC) must contend with the loss of another key big-play threat to a season-ending injury. But it likely will take more than one player to make up for the loss of Brandon Tate, who not only was the team's second-leading receiver but also was a major weapon on special teams. Tate was third in the ACC in kickoff returns (nearly a 28-yard average with a long of 56) and was averaging nearly 23 yards on seven punt returns with a long of 82 before going out with a knee injury early in the victory over Notre Dame. Davis was successful in finding a replacement when QB T.J. Yates went down with an ankle injury against Virginia Tech in the third game of the season. Junior Cam Sexton has picked up the slack at quarterback and has led the Tar Heels to three consecutive victories. Replacing Tate, however, could take two or three players because of the various roles he played. "We won't come to any final solution in the course of one week," said coach Butch Davis. No doubt, senior Brooks Foster will assume a bigger load at receiver with senior Cooter Arnold, who has been shifted to spots on both sides of the ball during his career, and junior Kenton Thornton also taking on more of the work at wideout.

10/16/08 - QUOTE TO NOTE: "The good news is that he will be back, and he will recover from this. I shared with him that two of the best receivers that I ever had the opportunity to be around as a coach both had equally significantly damaging injuries." -- coach Butch Davis, on the injury to WR Brandon Tate, referring to his experiences with former Miami stars Michael Irvin and Reggie Wayne.

10/15/08 - North Carolina receiver Brandon Tate had surgery on his right knee and is expected to make a full recovery. School officials said Wednesday that Dr. Tim Taft repaired the torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his knee. Tate, a senior, suffered a season-ending injury last week while returning a punt in the first quarter against Notre Dame. He finished his career with an NCAA-record 3,523 career combined kick-return yards. - AP Sports

[Oviedo]

Re: McFadden

Joe Burnett fills a role as both a good CB and a returner: See below.

Dec. 10, 2008


ORLANDO, Fla. - UCF senior Joe Burnett (Eustis, Fla.) continued his unprecedented haul of annual Conference USA awards on Wednesday when he was named the league's Special Teams Player of the Year.

Yesterday, Burnett was named first-team All-C-USA as a defensive back, punt returner and kick returner, marking the first time that a player has been named to the first team at three different positions. This feat had never been accomplished anywhere in the nation prior to last week when Antonio Brown of Central Michigan was named first-team All-Mid American Conference as a wide receiver, punt returner and kickoff returner.

Burnett completes a career sweep of the first-team All-C-USA punt returner titles, winning the award for each of the past four years (2005-0. He also earned first-team recognition as a defensive back in 2005 and 2007, giving him a total of eight career first-team all-conference awards.

Burnett completed his extraordinary UCF career as the school's record holder in numerous major categories including career interceptions (16) and punt return yards (1,304). Burnett is the Conference USA career record holder for most punt return yards and ranks 19th in NCAA history in that category. He stands second in C-USA annals with his 16 career interceptions. He scored a total of five career special teams touchdowns including a UCF-record three on punt returns.

In 2008, Burnett was the only player in the nation to rank in the top 20 of both kickoff and punt returns. He led C-USA in both disciplines. He will likely become just the third player since 2000 to finish the season ranked in the top 100 nationally in all-purpose yardage despite not gaining any of those yards either rushing or receiving. This fall, Burnett, in his first season as a kickoff returner, ran two back for touchdowns, coming against in-state foes USF and Miami, both of which were ranked at various points this year.

As a note the last CB drafted in Round 4 from Central Florida was a guy named Asante Samuel. How'd that work out?

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: McFadden

I don't think we'd go after Asomugha, but after playing for a joke of a team in the Raiders, don't you think he might take a bit less to play for one of the most well-respected franchises in the league?? Still don't think there's any way he ends up here, but something to consider.

We say this every year. How often do you actually see it happen?

[Slapstick]

Re: McFadden

winfield makes more than BMac is gonna make - he signed a HUGE contract with the Vikes.

I disagree...Winfield signed what was, at the time, a huge contract...but, that was in 2004...

[Steeler Shades]

Re: McFadden

I don't think we'd go after Asomugha, but after playing for a joke of a team in the Raiders, don't you think he might take a bit less to play for one of the most well-respected franchises in the league?? Still don't think there's any way he ends up here, but something to consider.

We say this every year. How often do you actually see it happen?

I seem to remember one of these guys that went to NE and took less money.

"The brotherhood that the Steelers have, their way of doing business, their way of playing football, spans decades. Their way of building teams that do not blink and players that do not shrink, well, there is nothing come-lately about it."
[url="http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?id=09000d5d80e8844c&template=without-video&confirm=true"]http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?id=0 ... nfirm=true[/url]

[Chemsteel]

Re: McFadden

Tally Stiller had mentioned Alphonso Smith. In my opinion, this insight is correct.

Remember that Coach Tomlin has a philosophy of having depth at the skill positions and talent determines victory.

We must also realize that Coach LeBeau values certain talents in his CB's. They must be able to work in a zone scheme, be able to blitz, but most of all his CB's must be very physical. Bryant McFadden is a Steeler type CB.

Alphoso Smith had a great Senior Bowl and if he interviews well at the Combine, don't be surprised if he is our choice at 32 if available.

I am still ahving difficulty reasoning the dilemna we are presently encountering at both the OL and DL. I know the Front Office feels that you take the Big Uglies late in the draft and "coach up". Sometimes they plug in gaps with second tier FA's.

[Lebsteel]

Re: McFadden

Tally Stiller had mentioned Alphonso Smith. In my opinion, this insight is correct.

Remember that Coach Tomlin has a philosophy of having depth at the skill positions and talent determines victory.

We must also realize that Coach LeBeau values certain talents in his CB's. They must be able to work in a zone scheme, be able to blitz, but most of all his CB's must be very physical. Bryant McFadden is a Steeler type CB.

Alphoso Smith had a great Senior Bowl and if he interviews well at the Combine, don't be surprised if he is our choice at 32 if available.

I am still ahving difficulty reasoning the dilemna we are presently encountering at both the OL and DL. I know the Front Office feels that you take the Big Uglies late in the draft and "coach up". Sometimes they plug in gaps with second tier FA's.

Chem, I think we only go that way if Mack, Robinson, Jackson and maybe Britton are off the board. Smith looks like he has a lot of talent, but it seems our glaring need is OL and I can't see us passing up one of the top tier OL left.

[frankthetank1]

Re: McFadden

why would the steelers draft a cb in the first? gay is just as good if not better than bmac so they should be fine. you would be drafting for depth in the secondary. unless there are no d-line or o-lineman worthy of going that high then maybe. d-line and o-line are bigger needs than the secondary. i think wr might even be a bigger need than the secondary.

[Oviedo]

Re: McFadden

Tally Stiller had mentioned Alphonso Smith. In my opinion, this insight is correct.

Remember that Coach Tomlin has a philosophy of having depth at the skill positions and talent determines victory.

We must also realize that Coach LeBeau values certain talents in his CB's. They must be able to work in a zone scheme, be able to blitz, but most of all his CB's must be very physical. Bryant McFadden is a Steeler type CB.

Alphoso Smith had a great Senior Bowl and if he interviews well at the Combine, don't be surprised if he is our choice at 32 if available.

I am still ahving difficulty reasoning the dilemna we are presently encountering at both the OL and DL. I know the Front Office feels that you take the Big Uglies late in the draft and "coach up". Sometimes they plug in gaps with second tier FA's.

I'm not sure that Smith is the physical type of CB that the Steelers look for. He is definitely a playmaker, but at 5'9" he would not match up well against big receivers. I could see interest in bigger CBs like Darius Butler, Coye Francies and Victor Harris. Of course I'll continue to pimp Joe Burnett from Central Florida in the 3rd Round.

At #32 I think it is far more likely we see a pick from the following group depending on who is available:

Max Unger
Alex Mack
Duke Robinson
Tyson Jackson (likely long gone)
Eben Britton

[Chemsteel]

Re: McFadden

Lebsteel wrote:

Chem, I think we only go that way if Mack, Robinson, Jackson and maybe Britton are off the board. Smith looks like he has a lot of talent, but it seems our glaring need is OL and I can't see us passing up one of the top tier OL left.

The Steelers are very interested in resigning McFadden but not in the monies Drew Rosenhaus is thinking. Remember guys that agents must go for the highest value contract for their clients according to NFLPA directives. The agents can be black listed by the NFLPA if they do not. We have Max and McFadden who are UFA's and played for a Super Bowl winner. One is a LT and one is a CB in a zone, 3-4 type system. They will be in high demand.

Also consider that Coach Tomlin beleives in winning with depth at the skill positions. Those positions are QB, WR, CB, RB and CB.

Much depends on the NFL Combine. My personal preference is we need more athleticism on the OL. The only guy to loose weight during the season was Hartwig. Couple that with the fact that some basics were missing from the OL performance (ie, block the inside shoulder first, down man second and finish your blocks) and the performance was marginal. Count the number of times Ben won on scrambles. His ability to find open receivers when scrambling in any direction is not a tendency. He is a "Franchise" QB.

If we put more talent (athleticism) on the OL and give Ben more targets at WR, this team could be very scary for the rest of the NFL because we have a Coach who does not rest on laurels. He knows that all thing change and other teams have a one month start on him for the 2009 season.

Sorry for all the writing, guys. I'll be brief now. The guy I liked at the Senior workouts was Keith Urbik. He had a great knee bend and mirrored very well. Most of the scouts had him at RG but I think he could play guard and LT or RT in the NFL. He has no artificial weight and great balance. There are many other talent for the OL but Urbik would be a very good choice in the second or third if he still goes under the radar.

[Steeler Shades]

Re: McFadden

Lebsteel Also consider that Coach Tomlin beleives in winning with depth at the skill positions. Those positions are QB, WR, CB, RB and CB.

Seems as though the CB position is VERY highly rated.

[Oviedo]

Re: McFadden

Lebsteel wrote:

Chem, I think we only go that way if Mack, Robinson, Jackson and maybe Britton are off the board. Smith looks like he has a lot of talent, but it seems our glaring need is OL and I can't see us passing up one of the top tier OL left.

The Steelers are very interested in resigning McFadden but not in the monies Drew Rosenhaus is thinking. Remember guys that agents must go for the highest value contract for their clients according to NFLPA directives. The agents can be black listed by the NFLPA if they do not. We have Max and McFadden who are UFA's and played for a Super Bowl winner. One is a LT and one is a CB in a zone, 3-4 type system. They will be in high demand.

Also consider that Coach Tomlin beleives in winning with depth at the skill positions. Those positions are QB, WR, CB, RB and CB.

Much depends on the NFL Combine. My personal preference is we need more athleticism on the OL. The only guy to loose weight during the season was Hartwig. Couple that with the fact that some basics were missing from the OL performance (ie, block the inside shoulder first, down man second and finish your blocks) and the performance was marginal. Count the number of times Ben won on scrambles. His ability to find open receivers when scrambling in any direction is not a tendency. He is a "Franchise" QB.

If we put more talent (athleticism) on the OL and give Ben more targets at WR, this team could be very scary for the rest of the NFL because we have a Coach who does not rest on laurels. He knows that all thing change and other teams have a one month start on him for the 2009 season.

Sorry for all the writing, guys. I'll be brief now. The guy I liked at the Senior workouts was Keith Urbik. He had a great knee bend and mirrored very well. Most of the scouts had him at RG but I think he could play guard and LT or RT in the NFL. He has no artificial weight and great balance. There are many other talent for the OL but Urbik would be a very good choice in the second or third if he still goes under the radar.

KRAIG Urbik did well at the Senior Bowl. His positional flexibility makes him the type of player I could see our coaches targeting. He would be a solid pick in Round 2.

I agree that Tomlin will not rest on his laurels and be satisfied with what they just achieved. The last Cowher year should be a huge flashing red light about how a team can fail. I expect that Tomlin will shake this roster up and I expect to see at least 8-9 "new" faces on the 53 man roster. "New" could include players on the practice squad and coming back from IR plus 4-5 draft choices.

[steelz09]

Re: McFadden

Maybe I'm a bit optimistic but I think the Steelers will make a serious effort to resign McFadden.

It's just a matter of what other teams are going to offer. I'm not that critical of Drew Rosenhaus. I think he can be a jerk about things but I think he gets a very bad "rap" because of his high-profile clients. He uses that "high profile" to get the player the money they think they deserve. Sometimes that means holding out or whatever else...

Rosenhaus is very good about using 'comps'. For example, this play did this, and he's getting paid this, so my client whom has similar stats should make this...Of course this is the simplistic approach but its the general idea.

I don't think McFadden has that much bargaining power to tell you the truth and I think Rosenhaus knows that. I think the Steelers will offer him "fair value". But as you know, its a matter if the PLAYER (not Rosenhhau) wants to accept the fair value that a SB team is offering or accept a better offer playing for a loser team. It will be interesting to see hoe this situations plays out.

Personally, I would like us to bring McFadden back. If we could lock him up, that would allow us to focus more exclusively on DL and OL which is what we want. In this league you see AT LEAST 3-4 good corners and we'll have Ike, McFadden, Gay, and Towsend... McFadden is a good #2, he's aggresive, and plays well against the run.

[Lebsteel]

Re: McFadden

Maybe I'm a bit optimistic but I think the Steelers will make a serious effort to resign McFadden.

It's just a matter of what other teams are going to offer. I'm not that critical of Drew Rosenhaus. I think he can be a jerk about things but I think he gets a very bad "rap" because of his high-profile clients. He uses that "high profile" to get the player the money they think they deserve. Sometimes that means holding out or whatever else...

Rosenhaus is very good about using 'comps'. For example, this play did this, and he's getting paid this, so my client whom has similar stats should make this...Of course this is the simplistic approach but its the general idea.

I don't think McFadden has that much bargaining power to tell you the truth and I think Rosenhaus knows that. I think the Steelers will offer him "fair value". But as you know, its a matter if the PLAYER (not Rosenhhau) wants to accept the fair value that a SB team is offering or accept a better offer playing for a loser team. It will be interesting to see hoe this situations plays out.

Personally, I would like us to bring McFadden back. If we could lock him up, that would allow us to focus more exclusively on DL and OL which is what we want. In this league you see AT LEAST 3-4 good corners and we'll have Ike, McFadden, Gay, and Towsend... McFadden is a good #2, he's aggresive, and plays well against the run.

I agree that may be the most realistic scenario, but I do like the thought of picking up Gross as our LT. But, realistically, I seriously doubt that would happen. Next best would be to sign McFadden and then go OL and DL in at least 3 of the first 4 picks.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: McFadden

Remember guys that agents must go for the highest value contract for their clients according to NFLPA directives. The agents can be black listed by the NFLPA if they do not.

It is ultimately up the player to decide where to sign, though, not the agent. McFadden could realize that a fair market deal to stay in Pittsburgh is worth more to him than getting a few million more dollars and be miserable in Oakland, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnatti, etc.