Roster Guess - June 10th

[deljzc]

I know there are a lot of reports about some surprises from OTA's and minicamps, but I still think our roster is pretty set and will all shake out as follows:

QB (3): Roethlisberger, Gradkowski, Jones
RB (4): Bell, Williams, Archer, Harris
FB (1): Johnson
WR (5): Brown, Wheaton, Bryant, Coates (R), Heyward-Bey
TE (3): Miller, Spaeth, James (R)
OL (8): Pouncey, Decastro, Foster, Beachum, Gilbert, Adams, Wallace, ***

Offense: 24

DL (7): Heyward, Tuitt, Thomas, Geathers, McLendon, McCullers, Walton (R)
LB (9): Jones, Dupree (R), Harrison, Moats, Timmons, Shazier, Williams, Spence, Garvin
DB (10): Mitchell, W. Allen, Thomas, Golden, C. Allen, Gay, Golson (R), Blake, Grant (R), ***

Defense: 26

ST (3): Suisham, Warren, Wing


When you really break it down, I don't think there's a lot to worry about with our roster this year. I think almost everyone I listed is making the team.

We have TWO spots that are really "up for grabs": the #8 offensive lineman (should be a tackle, but who knows) and the #10 DB (could be Holliman but I wouldn't put it past Webb or Dangerfield or Ventrone to push hard).

I can't imagine we keep 9 offensive lineman with the group we have but maybe they fall in love with the potential of a Finney, Dismukes or Dieffenbach and make a space for him. It would surprise me if any of those 3 kick Wallace off the team just because of experience in the system. The 4th OT is a conundrum. I guess it's Villanueva but he is so raw. The other tackles aren't that good in my opinion (Whimpey, Van Dyk or Hatchie).

I've heard some rumors about the #4 RB spot and maybe Harris doesn't have it locked up but we'll see. And we do get an extra roster spot while Bell is suspended (maybe Cameron Stingily?).

Not sure I like how the team has set up it's depth and fight for positions at offensive tackle and running back. I think we could use some better talent (personally I don't think Whimpey, Van Dyk, Hatchie, Stingily or Scheuermann are NFL "prospects" at all and just a waste of space, but we will see).

Only the top 5 rookies make the roster in my opinion (but likely the #8 O-lineman would make 6).

 

[Hines57]

I would have Lemon out there for LBs. Maybe he takes Garvin's spot.

 

[xjx]

I really don't like Archer in there. I know they plan on keeping him. But a guy as tiny as he is can only be effective if he gets the ball and runs untouched. Not likely to happen..

 

[Superman]

QB - Ben, Gradkowski, Boyd
RB - Bell, DeAngelo, Archer
FB - Johnson
WR - Brown, Bryant, Wheaton, Coates, Heyward-Bey
TE - Heath, Spaeth, James
OT - Beachum, Gilbert, Adams, Villanueva
OG - Foster, DeCastro, Wallace
C- Pouncey, Finney

offense - 24

DE - Heyward, Tuitt, Kruger, Hemer
NT - McLendon, McCullers
OLB - Deebo, Moats, Dupree, Jarvis, Howard Jones
ILB - Timmons, Shazier, Spence, Williams
CB - Allen, Blake, Gay, Golson, Grant, Webb
S - Mitchell, Shamarko, Allen, Golden, Holliman

defense - 26

P - Wing
PK - Suisham
LS - Warren

ST - 3

 

[Wingman]

I know there are a lot of reports about some surprises from OTA's and minicamps, but I still think our roster is pretty set and will all shake out as follows:

QB (3): Roethlisberger, Gradkowski, Jones
RB (4): Bell, Williams, Archer, Harris
FB (1): Johnson
WR (5): Brown, Wheaton, Bryant, Coates (R), Heyward-Bey
TE (3): Miller, Spaeth, James (R)
OL (8): Pouncey, Decastro, Foster, Beachum, Gilbert, Adams, Wallace, ***

Offense: 24

DL (7): Heyward, Tuitt, Thomas, Geathers, McLendon, McCullers, Walton (R)
LB (9): Jones, Dupree (R), Harrison, Moats, Timmons, Shazier, Williams, Spence, Garvin
DB (10): Mitchell, W. Allen, Thomas, Golden, C. Allen, Gay, Golson (R), Blake, Grant (R), ***

Defense: 26

ST (3): Suisham, Warren, Wing


When you really break it down, I don't think there's a lot to worry about with our roster this year. I think almost everyone I listed is making the team.

We have TWO spots that are really "up for grabs": the #8 offensive lineman (should be a tackle, but who knows) and the #10 DB (could be Holliman but I wouldn't put it past Webb or Dangerfield or Ventrone to push hard).

I can't imagine we keep 9 offensive lineman with the group we have but maybe they fall in love with the potential of a Finney, Dismukes or Dieffenbach and make a space for him. It would surprise me if any of those 3 kick Wallace off the team just because of experience in the system. The 4th OT is a conundrum. I guess it's Villanueva but he is so raw. The other tackles aren't that good in my opinion (Whimpey, Van Dyk or Hatchie).

I've heard some rumors about the #4 RB spot and maybe Harris doesn't have it locked up but we'll see. And we do get an extra roster spot while Bell is suspended (maybe Cameron Stingily?).

Not sure I like how the team has set up it's depth and fight for positions at offensive tackle and running back. I think we could use some better talent (personally I don't think Whimpey, Van Dyk, Hatchie, Stingily or Scheuermann are NFL "prospects" at all and just a waste of space, but we will see).

Only the top 5 rookies make the roster in my opinion (but likely the #8 O-lineman would make 6).

I think I see some guys that could replace some of your keepers. I'll list the guys that I think have a good chance of being replaced by a new guy and the ones that are possibles.

Landry Jones, could be replaced by the qb/wide receiver guy Devin Gardner he at least gives you the possibility of being able to play something and be your emergency qb landry seems like he can do neither.

They may only keep 3 RBs this year so Archer and Harris may fight for the last spot with who ever they have that looks promising from the draft and free agents. but one of these might be gone this year.

Johnson might not be kept as he is not a great full back or receiver, he could be replaced by an extra tight end think Clear or one of the other guys if they do not have practice squad space. Miller is getting old and might be done this year. So it might make sense to have an extra tight end if any show promise.

OL Foster, Adams and Wallace might be replaced if the young guys look like they have more upside. Villanova looks like he will replace one of them at least with Adams the most likely. If any of the other young guys look good and are position flexible Wallace or Adams could be the subject of the next upgrade.

Defense will not likely keep 7 lineman from this bunch Thomas will get cut loose.

With your linebackers Jones might not be kept and Chickillo could be added with one more. The thing Chic adds is a pass rush end in a 4-3 alignment and could be used as he works to be a better linebacker. Jarvis maybe on a short leash and if he is still banged up they might want to put him on IR till he gets ready to play.

Golden might not make it and Holliman could get his spot

 

[Coach]

I know there are a lot of reports about some surprises from OTA's and minicamps, but I still think our roster is pretty set and will all shake out as follows:

QB (3): Roethlisberger, Gradkowski, Jones
RB (4): Bell, Williams, Archer, Harris
FB (1): Johnson
WR (5): Brown, Wheaton, Bryant, Coates (R), Heyward-Bey
TE (3): Miller, Spaeth, James (R)
OL (8): Pouncey, Decastro, Foster, Beachum, Gilbert, Adams, Wallace, ***

Offense: 24

DL (7): Heyward, Tuitt, Thomas, Geathers, McLendon, McCullers, Walton (R)
LB (9): Jones, Dupree (R), Harrison, Moats, Timmons, Shazier, Williams, Spence, Garvin
DB (10): Mitchell, W. Allen, Thomas, Golden, C. Allen, Gay, Golson (R), Blake, Grant (R), G@y

Defense: 26

ST (3): Suisham, Warren, Wing

.

Pretty solid. You probably have 50 out of 53 right. I say that because injures happen.

I'm not sure who your 8th OL player is, but I think Finney has a real shot.

I do not see the Steelers keeping 7 Defensive Lineman. They usually keep 6. I think Cam Thomas will get the boot if Walton shows anything. Both will not make the team. What is Thomas value now that Tuitt has experience?

I would move Garvin out and Zumwalt in, if Zumwalt can stay healthy. Zumwalt flashed skills and passion for the game in the pre-season, then got hurt.

Ross Ventrone played very well on special teams. Tomlin loves to load up on DB's who can play special teams. Dri Archer could easily be cut. His kickoffs returns were weak, and his hands iffy. A gimick type of player who's fast, but lacks moves and has zero size. Ventrone offered more so I'd give the spot to him and find a decent practice squad RB.

 

[TDX27]

Landry Jones may not make it. Cam Thomas, I hope does not make it.

 

[Coach]

QB - Ben, Gradkowski, Boyd
RB - Bell, DeAngelo, Archer
FB - Johnson
WR - Brown, Bryant, Wheaton, Coates, Heyward-Bey
TE - Heath, Spaeth, James
OT - Beachum, Gilbert, Adams, Villanueva
OG - Foster, DeCastro, Wallace
C- Pouncey, Finney

offense - 24

DE - Heyward, Tuitt, Kruger, Hemer
NT - McLendon, McCullers
OLB - Deebo, Moats, Dupree, Jarvis, Howard Jones
ILB - Timmons, Shazier, Spence, Williams
CB - Allen, Blake, Gay, Golson, Grant, Webb
S - Mitchell, Shamarko, Allen, Golden, Holliman

defense - 26

P - Wing
PK - Suisham
LS - Warren

ST - 3

Villanueva makes the team? A long shot, but if it happens that means the Steelers have a find.

 

[ZACKB]

Lemon will make it as the 5th OLB

 

[bermudasteel]

As long as Landry is not on the list - I'm happy.

 

[deljzc]

Pretty solid. You probably have 50 out of 53 right. I say that because injures happen.

I'm not sure who your 8th OL player is, but I think Finney has a real shot.

I do not see the Steelers keeping 7 Defensive Lineman. They usually keep 6. I think Cam Thomas will get the boot if Walton shows anything. Both will not make the team. What is Thomas value now that Tuitt has experience?

I would move Garvin out and Zumwalt in, if Zumwalt can stay healthy. Zumwalt flashed skills and passion for the game in the pre-season, then got hurt.

Ross Ventrone played very well on special teams. Tomlin loves to load up on DB's who can play special teams. Dri Archer could easily be cut. His kickoffs returns were weak, and his hands iffy. A gimick type of player who's fast, but lacks moves and has zero size. Ventrone offered more so I'd give the spot to him and find a decent practice squad RB.

They've kept 7 defensive lineman the last three years at least coming out of camp.

Archer isn't getting cut. I will bet my house on that. I hate the pick, but it ain't happening.

I could see Zumwaldt, Chickarillo and Garvin fighting for a spot. I agree with that but I think Gavin with his experience and better special teams play has the edge as of right now. That spot will be decided by the special teams coach. No issue with Ventrone being the 10th DB. Not that he's anything special and those liking the Holliman pick won't like it, but it makes sense based on Tomlin's history.

 

[deljzc]

I have to agree as well that I am unhappy with the way Colbert has established this D-line group.

No way Cam Thomas should make this roster, but Colbert/Tomlin haven't put much effort into finding legit competition at DE. Kruger and Dominique Davis are undersized (I'm not even 100% sure Kruger is playing DE and not OLB here) and either they have added weight or not. Either way both are projects (and Krugar has already been cut once). Hemer and Conrath are also kind of pretty obscure DE prospects. Certainly not even elite UFA's. Conrath is 3 years out of college and hasn't made a roster yet.

To me that's handing roster spots to Geathers (a career journeyman) and Cam Thomas (who is overpaid and doesn't play DE very well). That's not a good way to get your roster ready before camp.

If we get an injury to Heyward or Tuitt, we're kind of screwed. It will be the same situation Tombert has done in that past. If Tuitt or Heyward get hurt, there is no "next man up". Tombert will go out into the bad free agent market in the middle of the season and find a very bad veteran to bring in (even worse than Thomas if you can imagine it).

To me if you sit around a room and say that's your plan in the event of an injury, I would fix that problem NOW and not later when it happens. Hopefully it's not an issue but we've seen this MO before.

 

[ZACKB]

Free Agent DE's are out there to be had for cheap.

 

[Wingman]

According to the guys at otas Gethers is looking like he plans on making the roster and will be looked at as a good player. McClendon can play end if we need him to. I would not keep more than 6 that allows two at nose and supposedly gethers is bigger than McCullers at this point so there are two really big guys that can play nose and McClendon who would be great at end and can play nose, think of Von Olhoffen, who played both.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Q: How on earth could Cam Thomas make the roster?

A: Piss poor roster management by those responsible.



Salute the nation

 

[Coach]

They've kept 7 defensive lineman the last three years at least coming out of camp.

Archer isn't getting cut. I will bet my house on that. I hate the pick, but it ain't happening.

I could see Zumwaldt, Chickarillo and Garvin fighting for a spot. I agree with that but I think Gavin with his experience and better special teams play has the edge as of right now. That spot will be decided by the special teams coach. No issue with Ventrone being the 10th DB. Not that he's anything special and those liking the Holliman pick won't like it, but it makes sense based on Tomlin's history.

What is Archer's role? Wheaton is clearly better as a kickoff return man, and light years ahead as a receiver. With the addition of Williams, and the promise of Harris, Archer is #4 on the depth chart at RB.

Bottom line: He's very hard to deploy. He's small, has shaky hands, and can't block a lick. Teams yell screen or watch out for the reverse when he's in the game. He's very fast, but does not have moves or courage, and goes down easily. Defensive special teams for Archer? Nope. Last season the long snapper had more value to the Steelers. So far he has been a complete waste of a 3rd round pick.

I think Archer will be cut if there a very good 54th man with upside who will not clear waivers.

Zumwalt if he stays healthy should make the team. He can play outside or inside, and has the mentality and motor to do well on special teams.

 

[deljzc]

I don't know why people keep saying McLendon can play DE. That has been floated around here every off-season since 2011.

I have never seen him line up at DE in a traditional 3-4 setup. Ever.

I've seen him in there in the nickel package with 2 D-lineman slide closer to the OT but that's it.

So just stop with the McLendon at DE talk.

What will happen if Heyward or Tuitt get hurt is we're going to see a lot of Cam Thomas there (with Geathers giving him rest). We all know that's going to happen no matter how poorly Thomas plays. We'll be yelling at our TV's. If the injury is serious, we might see Cam Thomas for 3-4 games before Tombert finally realizes Thomas is no good and look for a solution.

 

[Confluence]

.....We all know that's going to happen no matter how poorly Thomas plays. We'll be yelling at our TV's. If the injury is serious, we might see Cam Thomas for 3-4 games before Tombert finally realizes Thomas is no good and look for a solution.

what if his poor performance last season was just due to his infectious STDs?

Maybe he can outperform Archer, like he clearly did last season?

 

[Wingman]

I don't know why people keep saying McLendon can play DE. That has been floated around here every off-season since 2011.

I have never seen him line up at DE in a traditional 3-4 setup. Ever.

I've seen him in there in the nickel package with 2 D-lineman slide closer to the OT but that's it.

So just stop with the McLendon at DE talk.

What will happen if Heyward or Tuitt get hurt is we're going to see a lot of Cam Thomas there (with Geathers giving him rest). We all know that's going to happen no matter how poorly Thomas plays. We'll be yelling at our TV's. If the injury is serious, we might see Cam Thomas for 3-4 games before Tombert finally realizes Thomas is no good and look for a solution.

I do not have the quote but some time ago one of the coaches mentioned he could play in that capacity, I believe it was early on in his career. One reason he has not lined up there is he was the best player for nose on the team and they had two number one picks plus Keisel to play the position of DE, there was no reason to put him there. I suspect they have been keeping seven players as they did not have 6 that were ready to play McCullers and Tuitt were not ready to start last year but they might be this year. Gethers has shown up as a man transformed and ready to fight for a starting position. Cam Thomas is expensive and ineffective look for him to be gone. Gethers, McClendon, McCullers, Heyward, Tuitt, and one of the young guys will make the team Thomas will be like the english muffins toasted. In a pinch for injuries Chickillo, or Dupree could fill in at end to provide a breather for the remaining guys if there was a loss of two or three guys due to injuries, at the very worst they would be as bad a Thomas who sucked.

 

[SteelerFan448]

No way Cam Thomas should make this roster, but Colbert/Tomlin haven't put much effort into finding legit competition at DE. Kruger and Dominique Davis are undersized (I'm not even 100% sure Kruger is playing DE and not OLB here) and either they have added weight or not. Either way both are projects (and Krugar has already been cut once). Hemer and Conrath are also kind of pretty obscure DE prospects. Certainly not even elite UFA's. Conrath is 3 years out of college and hasn't made a roster yet.

Not that either player was the answer, but it was frustrating to watch Williams and Mauro walk away for nothing last year despite showing some upside while the Steelers kept Thomas on the roster. I understand he came to the team with NFL experience and position versatility, but what good does that do if your terrible when on the field?

 

[ark steel]

I hope someone can put Thomas off of the roster. I was a surprised that Tuitt hadn't pushed him out of the starting role by mid-season, which was a little worrisome.

 

[Confluence]

I hope someone can put Thomas off of the roster. I was a surprised that Tuitt hadn't pushed him out of the starting role by mid-season, which was a little worrisome.

Coach Butler will get a round Tuitt this preseason.

 

[Wingman]

Tuitt was starting at the end of the season and is likely to be starting now he seems to have made the jump. The defensive line coach made the comment that Tuitt was the equivalent of a senior in college last year as he came out as a junior. He seemed really pleased with where this kid could be. McClendon was hurt and played through sometimes a shoulder injury, Keisel was hurt at the end of the year as well. Gethers was signed at the end of the season and has really looked like he is ready to play and so has Dan McCullers. Five guys are likely ahead of Thomas already who has not been mentioned so far in the otas as looking like anything. I suspect he will not be kept as the sixth guy but will be replaced by a young guy even if he is a project. I suspect they kept 7 because so many of them were projects but once they get some that they are comfortable with as starters they will go down to 6, and one of those is likely to be a project or spot player.

 

[ark steel]

Coach Butler will get a round Tuitt this preseason.

I hope his Tuitt isn't too round!

 

[diver]

Which team in the NFL does this wonderful job of always having first rate talent languishing on the bench ready to take over for the starters? Do they exist?

I would argue a lot of teams would have problems if a few of their frontline starters get hurt. I just get bored with constant griping about the way the roster is put together in just about every ******' position. Like there are not 31 other teams that draft and involve themselves in FA.

As to the roster, I would like to see a guy like Cameron Clear make it over Speath.