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Re: The Casey Hampton question
Replacing Casey?
By Harvey “Mr. Steeler” Aronson
Have you given any thought to what might happen if Casey Hampton is not given the franchise tag and allowed to walk? That could happen if the Steelers don’t give our starting nose tackle a long-term contract or place that ill-fated tag on him.
On the bench we have Chris Hoke and Scott Paxon. Hardly qualified replacements for the big man. So could there be an answer in the NFL draft? It’s highly unlikely the team could draft ANYONE and expect them to step in to the nose tackle slot in their rookie season and perform like a Hampton. Another alternative might be finding another free agent veteran. The best solution might just be inking the Case to a long-term deal or give him the tag he defiantly does not want. With that said, ESPN’s division expert got hit with a related question in his column this morning.
James Walker, ESPN.com, Walker's weekend mailbag
Let's see what's in our weekend mailbag.
Chad from Lewistown, Pa., writes: Do you think the Pittsburgh Steelers should take a defensive lineman in this year's draft that could replace Casey Hampton in a few years?
James Walker: At this point it's almost a must, Chad. It appears more likely that Hampton will get a one-year franchise tag. That would give Pittsburgh one more season to find and groom Hampton’s eventual replacement. This year’s draft has several possibilities. For instance, Dan Williams of Tennessee is a player that I like for Pittsburgh. He should be a good fit as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. Terrence "Mount" Cody from Alabama is another interior lineman with ability but is fighting weight issues, which could be a red flag. But if he falls to the second round or lower, Cody could be a risk worth taking for the Steelers.
Allen from York, Pa., writes: Do you think there is a possibility of the Steelers drafting Clemson RB C.J. Spiller?
Walker: Enlighten me, Steeler Nation, because every week I get questioned about the Steelers taking a running back with the No. 18 overall pick. Where is this coming from? Did Rashard Mendenhall not rush for 1,000 yards last year? The Steelers do not need to draft another tailback in the first round. They need someone who can contribute elsewhere and possibly start next season.
Replacing Casey?
By Harvey “Mr. Steeler” Aronson
Have you given any thought to what might happen if Casey Hampton is not given the franchise tag and allowed to walk? That could happen if the Steelers don’t give our starting nose tackle a long-term contract or place that ill-fated tag on him.
On the bench we have Chris Hoke and Scott Paxon. Hardly qualified replacements for the big man. So could there be an answer in the NFL draft? It’s highly unlikely the team could draft ANYONE and expect them to step in to the nose tackle slot in their rookie season and perform like a Hampton. Another alternative might be finding another free agent veteran. The best solution might just be inking the Case to a long-term deal or give him the tag he defiantly does not want. With that said, ESPN’s division expert got hit with a related question in his column this morning.
James Walker, ESPN.com, Walker's weekend mailbag
Let's see what's in our weekend mailbag.
Chad from Lewistown, Pa., writes: Do you think the Pittsburgh Steelers should take a defensive lineman in this year's draft that could replace Casey Hampton in a few years?
James Walker: At this point it's almost a must, Chad. It appears more likely that Hampton will get a one-year franchise tag. That would give Pittsburgh one more season to find and groom Hampton’s eventual replacement. This year’s draft has several possibilities. For instance, Dan Williams of Tennessee is a player that I like for Pittsburgh. He should be a good fit as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. Terrence "Mount" Cody from Alabama is another interior lineman with ability but is fighting weight issues, which could be a red flag. But if he falls to the second round or lower, Cody could be a risk worth taking for the Steelers.
Allen from York, Pa., writes: Do you think there is a possibility of the Steelers drafting Clemson RB C.J. Spiller?
Walker: Enlighten me, Steeler Nation, because every week I get questioned about the Steelers taking a running back with the No. 18 overall pick. Where is this coming from? Did Rashard Mendenhall not rush for 1,000 yards last year? The Steelers do not need to draft another tailback in the first round. They need someone who can contribute elsewhere and possibly start next season.
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