Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

[frankthetank1]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I would be disappointed to see Bruce Davis get the ax. He has NFL bloodlines, and he was productive at the major D1 level. Problems is, he was a project coming out (collegiate D-lineman too small to play there), and we knew that. I hope they don't give up on him yet.

The other obvious area of interest to me is Redman/Logan. I want to keep both of these guys. I think Redman serves a definite role (as a short-yardage guy), and Logan obviously does as a kick return man.

I hate the fact of contracts and that kind of thing... cuz, as crazy as it sounds, Mendenhall is the most useless back right now. He serves no purpose (e.g. depth--that's Mewelde, short-yardage--that's Redman IMO, 3rd down--that's Mewelde).

i agree they should keep both logan and redman. redman is a beast, i love how hard he runs. i really think carey davis should be the odd man out.

[Oviedo]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

Another view by Scott Brown from the Trib. I think he is totally wrong that Burnett does not make this team. He has shown he can do many thing, i.e. blocked kick on Saturday, that they would be foolish to let him go. No way he clears waivers.

Picture at 53-man roster coming into focus
Posted August 30, 2009 9 :10 PM

Players fighting for a roster spot -- and the Steelers didn't have a whole lot of open ones when they convened for training camp at the end of July -- get to make one final argument Thursday.

That is when the Steelers visit the Carolina Panthers in the final preseason game for each team. Has 5-6 Stefan Logan played his way onto the team with the dynamic return ability he had flashed in the last two games? Which rookies in an impressive rookie class will make the cut -- and which ones will end up on the practice squad?

With these questions still yet to be answered here is one guess at how the 53-man roster will look after the Steelers finalize it Saturday.

Quarterback (3)

Ben Roethlisberger -- So much for concerns about his right foot.

Charlie Batch -- Solid preseason has only strengthened his grip on No. 2 job.

Dennis Dixon -- Made significant strides before a shoulder injury halted his progress.

Running back (5)

Willie Parker -- Should open season fresh after getting limited work during the preseason.

Rashard Mendenhall -- Will he emerge as a legitimate complement at or will he simply spell Parker from time to time?

Mewelde Moore -- Third-down back is also injury insurance for Parker and Mendenhall.

Carey Davis -- Does the little things that don't show up in a box score and is a superb special teams player.

Stefan Logan -- The Steelers have to find a spot on the roster for the 5-6 mighty mite given what he has shown as a return man.

Wide receiver (5)

Hines Ward -- Ageless wonder still one of the better all-around wideouts in the NFL.

Santonio Holmes -- Is this the year he supplants Ward as Roethlisberger's go-to guy?

Limas Sweed -- One of the most improved players on the team should have inside track to No. 3 wide receiver spot.

Mike Wallace -- Rookie gives the Steelers a deep threat and supplants Sweed at No. 3 wide receiver if Sweed falters.

Shaun McDonald -- Consummate professional catches everything thrown his way.

Tight end (3)

Heath Miller -- One of the top all-around tight ends in the NFL.

Matt Spaeth -- At least two solid blocking tight ends are required in Bruce Arians' offense.

David Johnson -- Knee injury sustained by Sean McHugh opens the door for the rookie seventh-round draft pick.

Offensive line (nine)

Max Starks -- Will be at left tackle for his first full season since entering the NFL in 2004.

Chris Kemoeatu -- Should improve in his second season as starter at left guard.

Justin Hartwig — The Steelers could do a lot worse as far as a starting center.

Trai Essex -- Takes advantage of Darnell Stapleton's knee injury to win the job at right guard.

Willie Colon -- Has started 38 consecutive games at right tackle.

Stapleton -- Could re-gain his starting job at right guard once he is healthy.

Tony Hills -- Beats out Jason Capizzi and Jeremy Parquet for the spot at backup tackle.

Kraig Urbik -- Rookie still has a ways to go but status as a third-round draft pick buys him some time.

Doug Legursky -- Ability to play both center and guard gives him the edge over A.Q. Shipley.

Defensive line (seven)

Aaron Smith -- One of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL

Casey Hampton -- Vital plug in the middle of the Steelers' defense.

Brett Keisel -- Get overshadowed on Steelers' star-studded defense.

Chris Hoke -- Defensive tackle is as valuable a reserve as the Steelers have.

Travis Kirschke -- Not getting any younger but played well last season when filling in for the injured Keisel.

Nick Eason -- Made significant improvement last season, his second one with the Steelers, and is one of the younger defensive linemen on the team.

Ziggy Hood -- First-round pick has done so well as a rookie that he could be in the rotation at defensive end.

Linebacker (eight)

James Harrison -- Hard to believe that the outside linebacker once had to sweat out final cuts on an annual basis.

James Farrior -- Like Ward, he is an ageless wonder as well as the heart and soul of the defense.

Lawrence Timmons -- All-around skills could him an upgrade over the steady Larry Foote at right inside linebacker.

LaMarr Woodley -- Doesn't allow teams to pay too much attention to Harrison.

Keyaron Fox -- Special teams ace is more than capable of filling role as top reserve at inside linebacker.

Andre Frazier -- Top reserve at outside linebacker is also a special-teams stalwart.

Donovon Woods -- Provides depth at inside linebacker and is a regular on special teams.

Patrick Bailey -- His special-teams play gives him the nod for the final spot at outside linebacker over Bruce Davis and Arnold Harrison.

Cornerbacks (six)

Ike Taylor -- Has his sights set on making his first Pro Bowl.

William Gay -- New starter at right cornerback but was rotating with Bryant McFadden by the end of last season.

Deshea Townsend -- Nickel back isn't the biggest or fastest guy but he is rarely out of position.

Keiwan Ratliff -- Veteran provides injury insurance at both corner and nickel back.

Keenan Lewis -- Depth allows Steelers to bring rookie third-round pick along slowly.

Anthony Madison -- He is that valuable of a gunner on the punt coverage team that he grabs perhaps the last remaining spot on roster.

Safety (four)

Troy Polamalu -- All the strong safety does is make plays all over the field.

Ryan Clark -- Remember when Anthony Smith was going to push him out of the starting spot at free safety?

Tyrone Carter -- Steady veteran is the top backup at both safety positions.

Ryan Mundy -- Gets nod over Roy Lewis because he is more of a natural safety.

Specialists (three)

Jeff Reed -- One of the more reliable kickers in the NFL.

Daniel Sepulveda -- Is a significant upgrade at punter over Mitch Berger.

Greg Warren -- Long snapper is coming back from a serious knee injury.

[papillon]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I don't like keeping Logan on the 53 man roster. He'll never take a snap as a running back, unless, of course the other 4 get injured in one game. And, if that happened the Steelers would be looking on the practice squads of other teams for running backs for the next game, Logan wouldn't be their guy.

The Steelers won a super bowl with less than effective punt and kickoff returns last year. Keeping a player for 4 or 5 plays per game over a position player that may be needed due to the frequency that running backs get dinged up in the NFL is a risk, IMO.

Pappy

[Oviedo]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I don't like keeping Logan on the 53 man roster. He'll never take a snap as a running back, unless, of course the other 4 get injured in one game. And, if that happened the Steelers would be looking on the practice squads of other teams for running backs for the next game, Logan wouldn't be their guy.

The Steelers won a super bowl with less than effective punt and kickoff returns last year. Keeping a player for 4 or 5 plays per game over a position player that may be needed due to the frequency that running backs get dinged up in the NFL is a risk, IMO.

Pappy

I think Logan will make it based on what he has shown thus far but Burnett and Wallace need to keep practicing returns because at 5'6" and 180lbs Logan is one hit away from an injury.

Logan is too much of a potential impact player to keep either Redman or Summers over him. Neither Summers or Redman would likely to be active on gameday unless they cut Carey Davis which isn't going to happen. That is why they are destined for the PS.

[ramblinjim]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I have to agree that Logan should make the team. One of the things you could count on from the Steelers over the years that we would not take the punt or the kick off to the house (and until recently, our coverage units would stink up the joint). I think if you have a guy that is shifty enough to get 8-12 yards on average on the punt returns and can consistently get the ball to the 30 - 35 on kickoff returns, you need to make room on the team.

I'm not sure about Joe Burnett, he's made some good plays and he's made some bad plays. It depends on how big of an impact losing say Madison would be from the Special Teams. From what I have seen and from what I have read, Keenan Lewis and Craig Urbik are only going to make this team b/c they were 3rd round draft choices.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I'm not sure Hills or Davis are eligible for the PS. Doesn't the rule state that if you're on the active gameday roster for more than 6 weeks for any team, you lose the ability to be placed on anyones's PS?

From the "scout team" entry on wikipedia: A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons, or if he has accrued a year of NFL experience (six or more games on a club's 53-man active roster or official Injured Reserve list.) If the player was on the active list for fewer that 9 games during their "only Accrued Season(s)", they maintain their eligibility for the practice squad.

Although both Hills and Davis were both on the 53 man roster for their entire rookie seasons, Davis was only active on game day 5 times, and Hills wasn't active on game day at all. So I suppose that they would both still be eligible for the practice squad.

[steelblood]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

Quarterback (3)

Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon.
Rationale: Easy prediction but I do expect they hope to get Reilly on PS in anticipation of batch retirement.

Running back (5)

Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, Carey Davis, Stefan Logan.
Rationale: I think coaches and FO wanted Summers but unless he is healthy soon he is detined for the PS along with Redman. Redman runs hard but his fitness looks lacking. Logan pushes both to the PS because he will be a more regular contributor every game when Summers and Redman would unlikely even dress for games.

Wide receiver (5)

Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace, Shaun McDonald.
Rationale: McDonald has done nothing wrong and is a solid security player.

Tight end (3)

Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, David Johnson.
Rationale: Johnson gets a pass because of McHugh injury but I would prefer McHugh's experience.

Offensive line (10)

Max Starks, Chris Kemoeatu, Justin Hartwig, Trai Essex, Willie Colon, Ramon Foster, Darnell Stapleton, Kraig Urbik, Tony Hills, Jason Capizzi.
Rationale: Unless Stapleton's injury warrants IR both Shipley and Legursky will be interior OL on PS.

Defensive line (7)

Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Chris Hoke, Nick Eason, Sonny Harris, Ziggy Hood.
Rationale: Toughest decision is to cut Kirschke but he has a history of a bad back and I don't think Harris will clear waivers. Need to get younger here and this is the year.

Linebacker (

James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, Donovan Woods, Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, Patrick Baily.
Rationale: Davis has missed out on his chance. Baily makes it at the expense of Anthony Madision because Baily is solid on special teams.

Cornerback (6)

Ike Taylor, William Gay, Deshea Townsend, Keenan Lewis, Joe Burnett, Keiwan Ratliff
Rationale: Anthony Madision is too one dimensional and can't play DB at all. Burnett takes his gunner role.

Safety (3)

Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Mundy
Rationale: Townsend becomes insurance at safety along with Ratliff. Mundy can play both free and strong safety. End of the line for Carter. This is our thinest area and we need to address in next year's draft early.

Specialist (3)

Jeff Reed, Dan Sepulveda, Greg Warren.

I would be surprised if they cut both Carter and Kirschke. Maybe one, but not both. Kirschke is the more likely to me. But, I think the staff prefers his game to Eason's. Carter is the top backup at FS and SS. Mundy has done little to impress so far this preseason and Carter is well versed in Lebeau's system.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I have to agree that Logan should make the team. One of the things you could count on from the Steelers over the years that we would not take the punt or the kick off to the house (and until recently, our coverage units would stink up the joint). I think if you have a guy that is shifty enough to get 8-12 yards on average on the punt returns and can consistently get the ball to the 30 - 35 on kickoff returns, you need to make room on the team.

I'm not sure about Joe Burnett, he's made some good plays and he's made some bad plays. It depends on how big of an impact losing say Madison would be from the Special Teams. From what I have seen and from what I have read, Keenan Lewis and Craig Urbik are only going to make this team b/c they were 3rd round draft choices.

Based solely on their performance thus far, Urbik, Lewis and Burnett should all miss the final 53. But I suspect you're right, that they will keep them on to try to groom them for next season.

Also--what has Tony Hills done to make the team??? I do think Legursky makes it based on his ability to handle two different positions.

Bruce Davis may have the "bloodlines" but that doesn't mean squat if he can't help the team. Time for him to prove his worth or be cut. Since 3 or 4 other linebackers are better ST contributors, he's got his work cut out for him.

I would love to see Logan and Redman make the team. I think Johnson could take over blocking roles for Carey Davis. Frank the Tank gets a year on the PS.

Kirschke is getting long in the tooth, but I don't think Harris is ready yet--Sonny goes to the PS.

[phillyesq]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I'll take a crack at this -- very similar roster to Oviedo, with a few changes.

Quarterback (3)

Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon.

- 'No question here

Running back (5)

Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, Carey Davis, Stefan Logan.

I would love to see Tank beat Carey Davis for the job, but I doubt it happens. Also, I think the McHugh injury helps Davis. McHugh saw a lot of duty as a lead blocker. With him being injured, I think that Carey Davis is a bit harder to get rid of, unless Tank demonstrates that he can be an effective lead blocker.

Wide receiver (5)

Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace, Shaun McDonald.

Keep the solid vet in McDonald. I suppose he could be a surprise cut, but Sweed and Wallace are both young. Keep the veteran for his experience on the field and mentoring off the field.

Tight end (3)

Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, David Johnson.

Johnson, originally destined for PS, makes roster.

Offensive line (10)

Max Starks, Chris Kemoeatu, Justin Hartwig, Trai Essex, Willie Colon, Ramon Foster, Darnell Stapleton, Kraig Urbik, Doug Legursky, Jason Capizzi.

No standouts, but a lot of depth. I think Capizzi and Stapelton are the active gameday backups, but Legursky has also demonstrated that he is a capable stand-in. I think they make room for him, knowing that Hartwig's deal expires and you can't resign everybody. Urbik makes team solely on draft position, but I'm willing to wait a year for a third-rounder.

Defensive line (7)

Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Chris Hoke, Travis Kirshke, Sonny Harris, Ziggy Hood.

Eason has turned into a reliable backup, which is leaps and bounds better than what he was. Tempting to cut the older and more expensive Kirshke, but he is the top backup at DE, and when healthy, is very solid.

Harris has demonstrated a lot of potential, and the Steelers can bank on Harris, Hood, Smith and Keisel at DE for the next 3 seasons.

Linebacker (

James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, Donovan Woods, Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, Patrick Bailey.

Hard to cut a third rounder after a year, but Davis hasn't done enough to earn a spot, IMO. Try to sneak him onto PS (if eligible, which I believe he is), but if not, he'll end up in Arizona.

Cornerback (6)

Ike Taylor, William Gay, Deshea Townsend, Keenan Lewis, Joe Burnett, Keiwan Ratliff

Hard to cut Madison, who is great on special teams, but Burnett has too much potential. Also, Logan is already one special teams only player on the roster -- can't have too many. Ratliff and Deshea offer flexibility.

Safety (3)

Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, Tyrone Carter

Carter is a solid backup, and he edges out Mundy, who hasn't earned a spot. Nice to add as much youth as possible, but this is a veteran team with SB aspirations, so you keep the vet here.

Specialist (3)

Jeff Reed, Dan Sepulveda, Greg Warren.


Prediction Most Likely to be Incorrect: Cutting Eason

I'm most unsure of: 10 OL. Hills might make it, but I haven't seen anything from him. Foster and Legursky could both go, making room for perhaps another LB (Arnold Harrison or Davis).

[Oviedo]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

Don't be surprised to see verterans get the axe. I think that Kiesel resigning may have something to do with that because that money has to come from somewhere and they are against the cap. They can clear cap space by cutting vets with bigger salaries like: Kirschke, Tyrone Carter, McHugh

[hellbanger]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I would be disappointed to see Bruce Davis get the ax. He has NFL bloodlines, and he was productive at the major D1 level. Problems is, he was a project coming out (collegiate D-lineman too small to play there), and we knew that. I hope they don't give up on him yet.

The other obvious area of interest to me is Redman/Logan. I want to keep both of these guys. I think Redman serves a definite role (as a short-yardage guy), and Logan obviously does as a kick return man.

I hate the fact of contracts and that kind of thing... cuz, as crazy as it sounds, Mendenhall is the most useless back right now. He serves no purpose (e.g. depth--that's Mewelde, short-yardage--that's Redman IMO, 3rd down--that's Mewelde).

i agree they should keep both logan and redman. redman is a beast, i love how hard he runs. i really think carey davis should be the odd man out.

I dont think Carey Davis has contributed much at all to the Offense. Hes made a few plays on ST thats it, but for some reason BA loves the guy. After all didnt they let Kreider go and keep Davis as the FB? He's not going anywhere.
I think Redman is a diamond in the rough. He had NO blocking when he was in vs. the Bills yet still made yds. The guy has incredible balance and always is moving his feet. He also seems to have the ability to make people miss. That 19 yd reception he got by making a few defenders whiff. (i havnt seen Mendy do that yet and hes had several opportunities this preseason)
This is a young kid with raw talent. Im really pulling for this kid. But BA's man love for Davis is gonna make it hard for the kid to make it this year.

[Oviedo]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I would be disappointed to see Bruce Davis get the ax. He has NFL bloodlines, and he was productive at the major D1 level. Problems is, he was a project coming out (collegiate D-lineman too small to play there), and we knew that. I hope they don't give up on him yet.

The other obvious area of interest to me is Redman/Logan. I want to keep both of these guys. I think Redman serves a definite role (as a short-yardage guy), and Logan obviously does as a kick return man.

I hate the fact of contracts and that kind of thing... cuz, as crazy as it sounds, Mendenhall is the most useless back right now. He serves no purpose (e.g. depth--that's Mewelde, short-yardage--that's Redman IMO, 3rd down--that's Mewelde).

i agree they should keep both logan and redman. redman is a beast, i love how hard he runs. i really think carey davis should be the odd man out.

I dont think Carey Davis has contributed much at all to the Offense. Hes made a few plays on ST thats it, but for some reason BA loves the guy. After all didnt they let Kreider go and keep Davis as the FB? He's not going anywhere.
I think Redman is a diamond in the rough. He had NO blocking when he was in vs. the Bills yet still made yds. The guy has incredible balance and always is moving his feet. He also seems to have the ability to make people miss. That 19 yd reception he got by making a few defenders whiff. (i havnt seen Mendy do that yet and hes had several opportunities this preseason)
This is a young kid with raw talent. Im really pulling for this kid. But BA's man love for Davis is gonna make it hard for the kid to make it this year.

I know that in the minds of some all that is wrong starts and ends with Bruce Ariens. Redman's chances of making this team has little to do with that. A bigger issue is his obvious lack of NFL ready conditioning as shown Saturday night when he had 2-3 consecutive plays and was asking to come out. Could you ever see FWP doing that?

Redman has potential but he doesn't deserve to be on the roster this season. Take a year on the PS and get in shape!!!

[Flasteel]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I'm not sure Hills or Davis are eligible for the PS. Doesn't the rule state that if you're on the active gameday roster for more than 6 weeks for any team, you lose the ability to be placed on anyones's PS?

From the "scout team" entry on wikipedia: A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons, or if he has accrued a year of NFL experience (six or more games on a club's 53-man active roster or official Injured Reserve list.) If the player was on the active list for fewer that 9 games during their "only Accrued Season(s)", they maintain their eligibility for the practice squad.

Although both Hills and Davis were both on the 53 man roster for their entire rookie seasons, Davis was only active on game day 5 times, and Hills wasn't active on game day at all. So I suppose that they would both still be eligible for the practice squad.

Thanks for clearing that up RB. I didn't realize that being inactive on game day meant that it didn't count as another week on the active roster. That does give us quite a bit more flexibility.

[jj28west]

Re: Last meaningful game over--Final 53 Prediction

I'm not sure Hills or Davis are eligible for the PS. Doesn't the rule state that if you're on the active gameday roster for more than 6 weeks for any team, you lose the ability to be placed on anyones's PS?

From the "scout team" entry on wikipedia: A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons, or if he has accrued a year of NFL experience (six or more games on a club's 53-man active roster or official Injured Reserve list.) If the player was on the active list for fewer that 9 games during their "only Accrued Season(s)", they maintain their eligibility for the practice squad.

Although both Hills and Davis were both on the 53 man roster for their entire rookie seasons, Davis was only active on game day 5 times, and Hills wasn't active on game day at all. So I suppose that they would both still be eligible for the practice squad.

Thanks for clearing that up RB. I didn't realize that being inactive on game day meant that it didn't count as another week on the active roster. That does give us quite a bit more flexibility.

Does anyone know if Arnold Harrison can qualify for PS if he does not make the team? I believe he was cut last year. I guess I am rooting for this guy after what he has been through (blew out both knees) and it was horrible watching him crying when Farrior walked with him to the locker room last pre season.