UDFA Thread

[SteelBucks]

Re: Steelers sign UDFAs

I'd guess you can add as many w/o exceeding the roster limit, CK.

And if my calculations are correct...between guys already on the roster and draftees and UDFAs...that total now stands at 79. They could add one more.

Here's a suggestion for that 80th spot...

Nader Abdallah, DT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Finished with five TFL, three passes broken up and a sack.

11/23/08: Nader Abdallah has 28 tackles, one sack, four TFL and three passes broken up through 11 games as a senior.

5/9/08: Nader Abdallah recorded 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a junior. Abdallah, who started nine games last year, should be able to have a solid combine (4.96 40, 32-inch vertical, 30 bench reps).

He might be worth the flier, even though he played in a 4-3. Hell, if they can draft a 4-3 DT in the first round, why not look at this guy?

I've been mentioning him as a possible good FA pickup.

Well, so much for that. Abdallah signed with Jacksonville.

[buckeyehoppy]

Re: Steelers sign UDFAs

I'd guess you can add as many w/o exceeding the roster limit, CK.

And if my calculations are correct...between guys already on the roster and draftees and UDFAs...that total now stands at 79. They could add one more.

Here's a suggestion for that 80th spot...

Nader Abdallah, DT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Finished with five TFL, three passes broken up and a sack.

11/23/08: Nader Abdallah has 28 tackles, one sack, four TFL and three passes broken up through 11 games as a senior.

5/9/08: Nader Abdallah recorded 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a junior. Abdallah, who started nine games last year, should be able to have a solid combine (4.96 40, 32-inch vertical, 30 bench reps).

He might be worth the flier, even though he played in a 4-3. Hell, if they can draft a 4-3 DT in the first round, why not look at this guy?

I've been mentioning him as a possible good FA pickup.

Well, so much for that. Abdallah signed with Jacksonville.

JAX must have had 80 zillion roster spots because didn't they bring in like 20 UDFAs? Glad to see that he's getting a chance, although I didn't see his name this morning...they must have just added him.

[SteelBucks]

Re: Steelers sign UDFAs

I'd guess you can add as many w/o exceeding the roster limit, CK.

And if my calculations are correct...between guys already on the roster and draftees and UDFAs...that total now stands at 79. They could add one more.

Here's a suggestion for that 80th spot...

Nader Abdallah, DT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Finished with five TFL, three passes broken up and a sack.

11/23/08: Nader Abdallah has 28 tackles, one sack, four TFL and three passes broken up through 11 games as a senior.

5/9/08: Nader Abdallah recorded 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a junior. Abdallah, who started nine games last year, should be able to have a solid combine (4.96 40, 32-inch vertical, 30 bench reps).

He might be worth the flier, even though he played in a 4-3. Hell, if they can draft a 4-3 DT in the first round, why not look at this guy?

I've been mentioning him as a possible good FA pickup.

Well, so much for that. Abdallah signed with Jacksonville.

JAX must have had 80 zillion roster spots because didn't they bring in like 20 UDFAs? Glad to see that he's getting a chance, although I didn't see his name this morning...they must have just added him.

The updated info says he didn't actually sign. Jacksonville is bringing him in for a workout. I guess if he does well they'll bring him into camp.

[buckeyehoppy]

Re: Steelers sign UDFAs

The updated info says he didn't actually sign. Jacksonville is bringing him in for a workout. I guess if he does well they'll bring him into camp.

Shiite!!! The Steelers have a spot open. They should just sign Abdallah and if he doesn't cut it in mini camp, then dump him. I'd find it hard to believe, tho, that he wouldn't come out of mini camp warranting a much closer look.

[SteelBucks]

Re: Steelers sign UDFAs

The updated info says he didn't actually sign. Jacksonville is bringing him in for a workout. I guess if he does well they'll bring him into camp.

Shiite!!! The Steelers have a spot open. They should just sign Abdallah and if he doesn't cut it in mini camp, then dump him. I'd find it hard to believe, tho, that he wouldn't come out of mini camp warranting a much closer look.

I agree. Nadar must have received zero offers if JAX is bringing him in for a workout...I thought the guy had a solid senior season.

[AkronSteel]

Re: UDFA Thread

They may actually be done with the UDFA's......there is one roster spot open and if I'm looking at my depth chart right we still need to sign a WR. I think it will probably be a vet to compete with Sweed and Wallace, at least I hope so. They may roll with 79 for a minute until they find the free agent bargain they are looking for but I really wanna see a vet WR come in here and compete for the 3-5 spots. Just a personal wish I guess but I don't feel there is enough quality depth at WR.

[JAR]

Re: UDFA Thread

Yes, Pine-Richland and Cal U.

[quote=D Rock]

UPDATE: From the comments - also signed: linebacker Tom Korte of Hillsdale College +

Plus...

Tyler Grisham, WR, Clemson.
Kevin McCabe, QB, California, Pa.

Reilly and McCabe? We usually bring a 4th arm to camp, but is there room for a 5th QB?

McCabe sounds awfully familiar...did he play HS ball at Pine Richland?[/quote:13shxg90]

[buckeyehoppy]

Re: UDFA Thread

They may actually be done with the UDFA's......there is one roster spot open and if I'm looking at my depth chart right we still need to sign a WR. I think it will probably be a vet to compete with Sweed and Wallace, at least I hope so. They may roll with 79 for a minute until they find the free agent bargain they are looking for but I really wanna see a vet WR come in here and compete for the 3-5 spots. Just a personal wish I guess but I don't feel there is enough quality depth at WR.

They will only carry 5 at WR once the season starts anyway and it's like having a 5th starter in baseball: if you get any production out of him, it'll be a bonus.

Hines, Holmes, Sweed and Wallace are locks to make the final roster unless Wallace turns out to be Sybil and completely fools the FO by being one thing on draft day and another once he gets to camp. Sweed takes Nate's spot in the 3 hole and Wallace takes over for Sweed in the 4.

That leaves Nance, Baker, Brandon Williams and Tyler Grisham vying for one roster spot in the 5 hole. I think that is an adequate number of players to weed out for one spot. The first runner-up gets to go to the PS. My thinking is that Nance and Baker will be up for the roster spot with the loser being outrighted and Williams and Grisham will be going at it for the slot on the PS, since I can't imagine Nance and Baker still being eligible. Nance might have that option. Baker, I'm sure, does not.

[AkronSteel]

Re: UDFA Thread

They may actually be done with the UDFA's......there is one roster spot open and if I'm looking at my depth chart right we still need to sign a WR. I think it will probably be a vet to compete with Sweed and Wallace, at least I hope so. They may roll with 79 for a minute until they find the free agent bargain they are looking for but I really wanna see a vet WR come in here and compete for the 3-5 spots. Just a personal wish I guess but I don't feel there is enough quality depth at WR.

They will only carry 5 at WR once the season starts anyway and it's like having a 5th starter in baseball: if you get any production out of him, it'll be a bonus.

Hines, Holmes, Sweed and Wallace are locks to make the final roster unless Wallace turns out to be Sybil and completely fools the FO by being one thing on draft day and another once he gets to camp. Sweed takes Nate's spot in the 3 hole and Wallace takes over for Sweed in the 4.

That leaves Nance, Baker, Brandon Williams and Tyler Grisham vying for one roster spot in the 5 hole. I think that is an adequate number of players to weed out for one spot. The first runner-up gets to go to the PS. My thinking is that Nance and Baker will be up for the roster spot with the loser being outrighted and Williams and Grisham will be going at it for the slot on the PS, since I can't imagine Nance and Baker still being eligible. Nance might have that option. Baker, I'm sure, does not.

I agree there is plenty of depth at WR as far as numbers go.....but I want Sweed and Wallace to have to earn the 3-4 spots not just have them given to them. Wallace is a rookie and a 3rd round pick. I like him and think he will contribute but what if he turns into Willie Reid and Santonio gets hurt for an extended period of time during the season? Do we really want to roll out for weeks with Hines, Sweed, Wallace and Baker? That scares me! I would prefer having another vet in here competing and providing depth. I would like to see Hines, Holmes, Sweed, veteran, Wallace as our five going into the opener. Baker and Nance have never shown that they can be competent NFL receivers, at least in my opinion!

[grotonsteel]

Re: UDFA Thread

They may actually be done with the UDFA's......there is one roster spot open and if I'm looking at my depth chart right we still need to sign a WR. I think it will probably be a vet to compete with Sweed and Wallace, at least I hope so. They may roll with 79 for a minute until they find the free agent bargain they are looking for but I really wanna see a vet WR come in here and compete for the 3-5 spots. Just a personal wish I guess but I don't feel there is enough quality depth at WR.

I heard on other MB that Steelers are bringing in Ashley Lelie

[AkronSteel]

Re: UDFA Thread

They may actually be done with the UDFA's......there is one roster spot open and if I'm looking at my depth chart right we still need to sign a WR. I think it will probably be a vet to compete with Sweed and Wallace, at least I hope so. They may roll with 79 for a minute until they find the free agent bargain they are looking for but I really wanna see a vet WR come in here and compete for the 3-5 spots. Just a personal wish I guess but I don't feel there is enough quality depth at WR.

I heard on other MB that Steelers are bringing in Ashley Lelie

I have a feeling it will be some type of vet....I don't know if Lelie is the right guy but I knew they would be looking at someone in this direction.

[WoodleyofTroy]

Re: UDFA Thread

PSU's Schantz signs deal with NFL's Steelers
by Jim Beseda, The Oregonian
Monday April 27, 2009, 10:30 AM

Former Portland State linebacker Andy Schantz signed a free-agent contract with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and is expected to report for rookie camp with the reigning Super Bowl champions later this week.

In other free-agent moves involving former Vikings players, cornerback Reggie Jones signed with the New Orleans Saints, and kicker Danny Urrego agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Schantz led the Vikings last season with 115 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, one interception, and one fumble recovery in 11 games, and was named the team's most valuable player in voting by his teammates.

PSU coach Jerry Glanville said Pittsburgh could be a good fit for the Schantz, because the Steelers' defensive scheme is similar in several ways to what the Vikings have tried to do the past two seasons.

"Pittsburgh didn't draft any linebackers and Andy knows their system," Glanville said. "There are a lot of positive things working in Andy's favor. He has tremendous passion for the game, and one thing about Steelers coach Dick LeBeau is he wants people who love football. So, I think Dick LeBeau will appreciate how important football is to Andy."

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: UDFA Thread

PSU's Schantz signs deal with NFL's Steelers
by Jim Beseda, The Oregonian
Monday April 27, 2009, 10:30 AM

Former Portland State linebacker Andy Schantz signed a free-agent contract with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and is expected to report for rookie camp with the reigning Super Bowl champions later this week.

In other free-agent moves involving former Vikings players, cornerback Reggie Jones signed with the New Orleans Saints, and kicker Danny Urrego agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Schantz led the Vikings last season with 115 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, one interception, and one fumble recovery in 11 games, and was named the team's most valuable player in voting by his teammates.

PSU coach Jerry Glanville said Pittsburgh could be a good fit for the Schantz, because the Steelers' defensive scheme is similar in several ways to what the Vikings have tried to do the past two seasons.

"Pittsburgh didn't draft any linebackers and Andy knows their system," Glanville said. "There are a lot of positive things working in Andy's favor. He has tremendous passion for the game, and one thing about Steelers coach bad word LeBeau is he wants people who love football. So, I think bad word LeBeau will appreciate how important football is to Andy."

Glanville's at Portland State?!?! I bet Chuck Noll still wouldn't shake his hand.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: UDFA Thread

They may actually be done with the UDFA's......there is one roster spot open and if I'm looking at my depth chart right we still need to sign a WR. I think it will probably be a vet to compete with Sweed and Wallace, at least I hope so. They may roll with 79 for a minute until they find the free agent bargain they are looking for but I really wanna see a vet WR come in here and compete for the 3-5 spots. Just a personal wish I guess but I don't feel there is enough quality depth at WR.

My guess is that they dump one of the 3 long snappers currently on the roster (only need 2 for training camp), then pick up an extra punter and an extra kicker to keep Sepulveda and Reed's legs fresh throughout camp.

[Oviedo]

Re: UDFA Thread

They may actually be done with the UDFA's......there is one roster spot open and if I'm looking at my depth chart right we still need to sign a WR. I think it will probably be a vet to compete with Sweed and Wallace, at least I hope so. They may roll with 79 for a minute until they find the free agent bargain they are looking for but I really wanna see a vet WR come in here and compete for the 3-5 spots. Just a personal wish I guess but I don't feel there is enough quality depth at WR.

My guess is that they dump one of the 3 long snappers currently on the roster (only need 2 for training camp), then pick up an extra punter and an extra kicker to keep Sepulveda and Reed's legs fresh throughout camp.

I hope Shipley shows that he can do long snapping and we don't have to carry a specialist. I have heard tidbits of info that he has practiced doing it before and demonstrated what he could do at the combine.