John Runyan anyone???

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: John Runyan anyone???

As posted many times in the past, the Steelers only see Colon as a Tackle. There would have to be a big philosophical change with the coaching staff in order for Colon to move to G.

They can bring him in for camp and see what he can do, but I don't know which roster spot he'd take. That would mean cutting a younger lineman to make room for him.

wooooaaaa- Jason Cappizzi, not on the roster!?! Doomed-

come on- seriously, if Runyan can physically play, you're telling me you wouldn't sign him at the expense of Capizzi???

Exactly, the only young OT among the backups on our roster that is worth holding onto is Hills, because he could amount to something (very promising before his injury that pushed him back to round 4). Right now, Trai Essex is our top backup at both guard and tackle. We can certainly use more experienced depth than that. Capizzi and Parquet should be nothing more than camp fodder.

If you don't sign Runyan, then Colon is your starter at RT and Essex is the primary backup. If you do sign Runyan, he could potentially be your starting RT if healthy (and an improvement over Colon in '09 as we strive to repeat as champions), while Colon would then be an experienced backup (I won't even bother mentioning any guard possibilities for him because I don't want to be subjected to endless "But the coaches view him only as a tackle" replies).

People may be worried about relying on a 35 year old guy as a starter. Well, guess what...if his body gives out on him halfway through the season, you are back to Colon as the starter at RT and Essex as the primary backup, which is exactly the same place where you would be if you had never signed Runyan at all. If he is willing to sign an incentive-laden vet minimum contract, what is the risk? As long as he passes a physical, addng a nasty vet could be an option, especially since he expressed the desire to be here.