Interesting thoughts from a couple months off

[Stryker]

So a bunch has happened in the past 2 months. And I'm not sure how it will play out, but I have some opinions I'd like to share.

Going into the offseason, we were set with Miller and Bryant rounding out our top tier offense. A cagy vet and a playmaking freak (when he catches the ball). These two cogs of the offensive machine are replaced by 2 question marks. Miller was Ben's security blanket. He was always ready to make a play and usually did. He is now replaced by a more athletic player. I hope his hands are as good, because I don't want to burn downs on drops. Miller caught a ton of balls he shouldn't have, but that's the type of player he was.

As for Bryant. **** him. I was ripping him last year for failing 4 ******* drug tests in a year. It's why Gregory was not on my draft board at any round last year, and he's following in Bryant's footsteps by already failing 4 drug tests and being suspended for 4 games. This is one is on the team though. Sure his talent was worth the 4th rd pick, but if he fails 4 tests in a year, shouldn't the Steelers assign someone to this kid. Especially to make sure he is making it to his scheduled drug tests. There is no doubt in my mind that he would have failed those tests he missed (which is probably why he was too depressed to go, since he knew he would fail). So now he redshirts a year, doesn't use up that year of eligibility, and if he decides to smoke again, he's no better than Josh Gordon. Personally Bryant had to show me he was a team player by not ******* up after getting a 4 game suspension. He's not. He drops catchable balls too much for my taste, and he'd rather be selfish and smoke, than be a team player and give it the **** up for a couple years. What do we get after he's suspended for a year? The same ******* speech we got last year when he was suspended for 4 games. Personally, I want one productive year from that kid so I can trade him. If I can get anything higher than a 4th, then it's a bonus. No way does he ever earn a second contract if I'm a GM.

So who steps in for Bryant? Does Wheaton step up? I hope so. He has the potential. Can Coats step in? I hope so there as well. It looks like a thicker Bolden on the field, when that man among boys is running through the secondary. If he can utilize his size and play with a desire to attack the football, he'll make us all forget about Bryant. DHB is another interesting factor. I also think he drops a bit too much for my taste, but I do like the way he works hard every play. Something I wouldn't expect from a former first rounder being relegated to this team's 4th or 5th receiver. And he excels at special teams! DHB is showing what proper coaching can do to keep a player motivated at the end of his career.

I read a lot of articles how our defense (who was poor last year) has done nothing to improve it. I disagree. The best moves to improve that defense was to jettison Blake and Allen. Done and done. We are instantly better. The D did improve as the season progressed. I feel our front 7 is successful and improving. Can the young CBs show they can play? I hope so. Golson and Grant will get long looks this preseason. Will Cortez get his head out of his bum? I'd hope so. There were good parts to his game before he became Mr. Glass. Then we have Shamarko. I don't know what's wrong with that kid. On paper, the kid should be our starter, but for some reason, he can't get the defense down. This year is his last chance to prove he can play in the NFL. And if he's not contributing this year, he won't be playing football next year. I am very happy Gay and Golden have been resigned. Amazing we got our #1 corner and possibly starting SS for next to nothing money wise. I've always liked Golden, and I'm looking forward to see how he does in a larger role on D.

Here's something to chew on. The Steelers are showing a lot of interest in this year's QB prospects. Could this be the year they throw smoke to create a possible trade down in the first round? First you have to suspend the disbelief that the Steelers will take longer than 30sec to log their first round pick. If you do, this interest in looking at QBs will create a need for trading partners at the end of the first or beginning of the second, to move up and give a lot for that pick. If the Steelers can get a 1st (or early 2nd), paired with a late 2nd (or early 3rd) AND next year's first, you take that trade. The trade may sound lopsided in the Steelers favor, but if a QB drops that another team is in love with, there is a chance to bank picks and really improve the team while doing it!

 

[madinsomniac]

The steelers dont believe in trading out of the first round... That was a Dan rooney staple and im not sure its changed with Art.. It will be bpa in the first even if its a low value pick for them

 

[POP]

The steelers dont believe in trading out of the first round... That was a Dan rooney staple and im not sure its changed with Art.. It will be bpa in the first even if its a low value pick for them

I think Brian Billick put it best a few weeks ago: "Everyone will tell you they are going with BPA....and it always just so happens that who they have at BPA just also happens to fit their needs at the time. It happens every time."

They damn well better draft with winning a ring NOW. It's too early to worry about Ben's future replacement.

As far as losing Miller and MB, I think we can live without them. Green is taller and faster than HM, giving Ben a bigger target, who can get separation. HM got NO separation last year. He had to make grabs by overpowering the defender for the ball. He could do it, but it's always better to actually get open than relying on hand strength for every catch.

I have a feeling Coates will do just fine. AB will be amazing as always. Wheaton will be solid. We will have Bell back and catching 70-80 balls again.

I feel O will be about the same; the difference will be in an improved D, especially an improved pass D.

 

[slashsteel]

I think Brian Billick put it best a few weeks ago: "Everyone will tell you they are going with BPA....and it always just so happens that who they have at BPA just also happens to fit their needs at the time. It happens every time."

They damn well better draft with winning a ring NOW. It's too early to worry about Ben's future replacement.

As far as losing Miller and MB, I think we can live without them. Green is taller and faster than HM, giving Ben a bigger target, who can get separation. HM got NO separation last year. He had to make grabs by overpowering the defender for the ball. He could do it, but it's always better to actually get open than relying on hand strength for every catch.

I have a feeling Coates will do just fine. AB will be amazing as always. Wheaton will be solid. We will have Bell back and catching 70-80 balls again.

I feel O will be about the same; the difference will be in an improved D, especially an improved pass D.

Every since the rookie's stopped getting those hefty paydays, more teams actually have been drafting earlier for need. Not having to tie up as much money as in years past.

Steelers still try to stay BPA within reason.

 

[slashsteel]

So a bunch has happened in the past 2 months. And I'm not sure how it will play out, but I have some opinions I'd like to share.

Going into the offseason, we were set with Miller and Bryant rounding out our top tier offense. A cagy vet and a playmaking freak (when he catches the ball). These two cogs of the offensive machine are replaced by 2 question marks. Miller was Ben's security blanket. He was always ready to make a play and usually did. He is now replaced by a more athletic player. I hope his hands are as good, because I don't want to burn downs on drops. Miller caught a ton of balls he shouldn't have, but that's the type of player he was.

As for Bryant. **** him. I was ripping him last year for failing 4 ******* drug tests in a year. It's why Gregory was not on my draft board at any round last year, and he's following in Bryant's footsteps by already failing 4 drug tests and being suspended for 4 games. This is one is on the team though. Sure his talent was worth the 4th rd pick, but if he fails 4 tests in a year, shouldn't the Steelers assign someone to this kid. Especially to make sure he is making it to his scheduled drug tests. There is no doubt in my mind that he would have failed those tests he missed (which is probably why he was too depressed to go, since he knew he would fail). So now he redshirts a year, doesn't use up that year of eligibility, and if he decides to smoke again, he's no better than Josh Gordon. Personally Bryant had to show me he was a team player by not ******* up after getting a 4 game suspension. He's not. He drops catchable balls too much for my taste, and he'd rather be selfish and smoke, than be a team player and give it the **** up for a couple years. What do we get after he's suspended for a year? The same ******* speech we got last year when he was suspended for 4 games. Personally, I want one productive year from that kid so I can trade him. If I can get anything higher than a 4th, then it's a bonus. No way does he ever earn a second contract if I'm a GM.

So who steps in for Bryant? Does Wheaton step up? I hope so. He has the potential. Can Coats step in? I hope so there as well. It looks like a thicker Bolden on the field, when that man among boys is running through the secondary. If he can utilize his size and play with a desire to attack the football, he'll make us all forget about Bryant. DHB is another interesting factor. I also think he drops a bit too much for my taste, but I do like the way he works hard every play. Something I wouldn't expect from a former first rounder being relegated to this team's 4th or 5th receiver. And he excels at special teams! DHB is showing what proper coaching can do to keep a player motivated at the end of his career.

I read a lot of articles how our defense (who was poor last year) has done nothing to improve it. I disagree. The best moves to improve that defense was to jettison Blake and Allen. Done and done. We are instantly better. The D did improve as the season progressed. I feel our front 7 is successful and improving. Can the young CBs show they can play? I hope so. Golson and Grant will get long looks this preseason. Will Cortez get his head out of his bum? I'd hope so. There were good parts to his game before he became Mr. Glass. Then we have Shamarko. I don't know what's wrong with that kid. On paper, the kid should be our starter, but for some reason, he can't get the defense down. This year is his last chance to prove he can play in the NFL. And if he's not contributing this year, he won't be playing football next year. I am very happy Gay and Golden have been resigned. Amazing we got our #1 corner and possibly starting SS for next to nothing money wise. I've always liked Golden, and I'm looking forward to see how he does in a larger role on D.

Here's something to chew on. The Steelers are showing a lot of interest in this year's QB prospects. Could this be the year they throw smoke to create a possible trade down in the first round? First you have to suspend the disbelief that the Steelers will take longer than 30sec to log their first round pick. If you do, this interest in looking at QBs will create a need for trading partners at the end of the first or beginning of the second, to move up and give a lot for that pick. If the Steelers can get a 1st (or early 2nd), paired with a late 2nd (or early 3rd) AND next year's first, you take that trade. The trade may sound lopsided in the Steelers favor, but if a QB drops that another team is in love with, there is a chance to bank picks and really improve the team while doing it!

I am pretty sure that isn't allowed, and it is not on the team. They tell you what is expected, it is up to you on and off the field to be a man. A responsible adult. The Steelers can only point him in the right direction, it is up to Bryant to follow the path they outline. Nobody is going to babysit someone, this isn't elementary school.

 

[POP]

Every since the rookie's stopped getting those hefty paydays, more teams actually have been drafting earlier for need. Not having to tie up as much money as in years past.

Steelers still try to stay BPA within reason.

That is the key phrase.

When you have a realistic SB hope, you got to keep need in mind.

Looking at who we have signed so far, CB, S and edge rusher will be high priorities. We seemed to address OT, TE and ILB depth. Desperately need CB/S upgrades.

 

[slashsteel]

That is the key phrase.

When you have a realistic SB hope, you got to keep need in mind.

Looking at who we have signed so far, CB, S and edge rusher will be high priorities. We seemed to address OT, TE and ILB depth. Desperately need CB/S upgrades.

I think they bracket off needs and go with that.

Like they took care of T and TE in free agency and depth at ILBer.

With K and P and QB out of the question in 1 they will go OLBer/DE/S/CB/ and pick the BPA between that.

Now say a top ten talent falls (highly doubtful) perhaps they add a position outside of the bracket.

Then after they pick that round 1 pick, I think they will dig back into the bracket. Again as long as say there isn't solid 1 talent sitting there in 2, they stay true to the bracket /bpa.

Not sure when that bracket gets expanded. 3? 4?

but I think that is the way of thinking at least within the first two rounds.

 

[Stryker]

The steelers dont believe in trading out of the first round... That was a Dan rooney staple and im not sure its changed with Art.. It will be bpa in the first even if its a low value pick for them

I understand that, and I honestly think Denver will be chomping at the bit to move up ahead of the Cardinals, or they both may be jockeying for a sliding QB. That would keep us in the first round.

If the package is early 2nd, I trade out to the Browns in a heartbeat if they package a future first. It means you are getting a top 5 pick next year. With that O line, they aren't doing anything next year. I don't trade with the Cowboys though. I think that division is terrible enough for anyone to win next year.

 

[Stryker]

I am pretty sure that isn't allowed, and it is not on the team. They tell you what is expected, it is up to you on and off the field to be a man. A responsible adult. The Steelers can only point him in the right direction, it is up to Bryant to follow the path they outline. Nobody is going to babysit someone, this isn't elementary school.

If it isn't allowed, nothing is stopping Mr Rooney from putting in a phone call the morning of a test to make sure they are doing their duty. Bryant NEEDS this type of intervention to have any success in the league.

 

[MTC]

Every since the rookie's stopped getting those hefty paydays, more teams actually have been drafting earlier for need. Not having to tie up as much money as in years past.

Steelers still try to stay BPA within reason.

The rookie pay scale changed a lot of the draft somewhat. I agree with this

 

[MTC]

If it isn't allowed, nothing is stopping Mr Rooney from putting in a phone call the morning of a test to make sure they are doing their duty. Bryant NEEDS this type of intervention to have any success in the league.

I'd have to agree with Slash in that Bryant is an adult and is in charge of his own decisions

 

[slashsteel]

The rookie pay scale changed a lot of the draft somewhat. I agree with this

Sure as they view it as less of a money risk, as before if someone busts out, you could lose your right nut.

All fun and games until one of yinz nuts goes missing.

 

[madinsomniac]

I am pretty sure that isn't allowed, and it is not on the team. They tell you what is expected, it is up to you on and off the field to be a man. A responsible adult. The Steelers can only point him in the right direction, it is up to Bryant to follow the path they outline. Nobody is going to babysit someone, this isn't elementary school.

There are several players such as dez bryan and,in the past, pacman jones, who have been assigned permanent chapperones and special rules by their team... Its rare but it happens when the talent is worth the hassle.

 

[MTC]

Sure as they view it as less of a money risk, as before if someone busts out, you could lose your right nut.

All fun and games until one of yinz nuts goes missing.

Ever since the rookie pay scale has changed. Which was what? 2011? Havent you noticed teams try to draft an RGIII/Kaepernick/Luck type QB? Run first throw second type guy. You have teams like say the Steelers/Patriots/Broncos who take a proven traditional approach. Old school systems. But the rest of the league tries to follow a trend. Idk just my thought

 

[Stryker]

There are several players such as dez bryan and,in the past, pacman jones, who have been assigned permanent chapperones and special rules by their team... Its rare but it happens when the talent is worth the hassle.

I understand that line of reasoning as well. Bryant is a high risk investment. If you invest the draft pick, you have to work harder to get your return. If the team can't directly put a guy on him, they can indirectly have him hire a life coach. He is only going to change his ways if he changes his daily routine. Hanging out with AB would sure as ****, change his routine. He has enough rooms at his new house. Save one for Bryant...

 

[SteelerSask2]

It's never been BPA. If the best player available is a guard and you have a pro bowl guard and a very solid guard you are not taking a guard. The Steelers could conceivably take safety, Corner, Dline or Oline Tackle. They don't need a RB, wr, guard/ Centre, TE, and it is extremely unlikely they will take a linebacker, or QB. So in that swath of needs someone fits the need and is reasonably the BPA.

 

[Spike]

Coates better step up or we're screwed

Sammie Coates said conditioning was his "downfall" as a rookie.

"I wasn’t in the greatest shape I wanted to be," Coates said. "I can’t come in slow. I have to come in fast and ready to go." Coates struggled in training camp as a rookie in part due to his weight, which was as high as 227 pounds during the season.


http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/10285/sammie-coates

 

[Litos]

It's never been BPA. If the best player available is a guard and you have a pro bowl guard and a very solid guard you are not taking a guard. The Steelers could conceivably take safety, Corner, Dline or Oline Tackle. They don't need a RB, wr, guard/ Centre, TE, and it is extremely unlikely they will take a linebacker, or QB. So in that swath of needs someone fits the need and is reasonably the BPA.

obviously is not that Square, it is BPA in a range of positions of need OT,OLB,CB,S and P (just kidding)

 

[Superman]

IMO, if Lynch is on the board, there's going to be a discussion on taking him or not.

Taking him would give us the flexibility the Packers had with Favre and Rodgers. I don't think any of us want to go back to the days of Cant Graham, Maddox, etc.

However, if a team such as Denver offers multiple draft picks (maybe their own 1st and a 2nd) to move up [25th pick is worth 720 points while Denver's 1st (590) and 2nd (116) would come close in value], that would be something to consider as well. Which may be why we're "interested" in QBs. The key to getting Denver to trade is if KC or Arizona shows interest in Lynch.

So we either come out of the 1st with Lynch or another pick.

 

[Slaine]

IMO, if Lynch is on the board, there's going to be a discussion on taking him or not.

Taking him would give us the flexibility the Packers had with Favre and Rodgers. I don't think any of us want to go back to the days of Cant Graham, Maddox, etc.

However, if a team such as Denver offers multiple draft picks (maybe their own 1st and a 2nd) to move up [25th pick is worth 720 points while Denver's 1st (590) and 2nd (116) would come close in value], that would be something to consider as well. Which may be why we're "interested" in QBs. The key to getting Denver to trade is if KC or Arizona shows interest in Lynch.

So we either come out of the 1st with Lynch or another pick.

Agreed. It'll be interesting what happens if Lynch is sitting there. When's the Gruden QB camp show this year?

 

[Coach]

So a bunch has happened in the past 2 months. And I'm not sure how it will play out, but I have some opinions I'd like to share.

Going into the offseason, we were set with Miller and Bryant rounding out our top tier offense. A cagy vet and a playmaking freak (when he catches the ball). These two cogs of the offensive machine are replaced by 2 question marks. Miller was Ben's security blanket. He was always ready to make a play and usually did. He is now replaced by a more athletic player. I hope his hands are as good, because I don't want to burn downs on drops. Miller caught a ton of balls he shouldn't have, but that's the type of player he was.

As for Bryant. **** him. I was ripping him last year for failing 4 ******* drug tests in a year. It's why Gregory was not on my draft board at any round last year, and he's following in Bryant's footsteps by already failing 4 drug tests and being suspended for 4 games. This is one is on the team though. Sure his talent was worth the 4th rd pick, but if he fails 4 tests in a year, shouldn't the Steelers assign someone to this kid. Especially to make sure he is making it to his scheduled drug tests. There is no doubt in my mind that he would have failed those tests he missed (which is probably why he was too depressed to go, since he knew he would fail). So now he redshirts a year, doesn't use up that year of eligibility, and if he decides to smoke again, he's no better than Josh Gordon. Personally Bryant had to show me he was a team player by not ******* up after getting a 4 game suspension. He's not. He drops catchable balls too much for my taste, and he'd rather be selfish and smoke, than be a team player and give it the **** up for a couple years. What do we get after he's suspended for a year? The same ******* speech we got last year when he was suspended for 4 games. Personally, I want one productive year from that kid so I can trade him. If I can get anything higher than a 4th, then it's a bonus. No way does he ever earn a second contract if I'm a GM.

So who steps in for Bryant? Does Wheaton step up? I hope so. He has the potential. Can Coats step in? I hope so there as well. It looks like a thicker Bolden on the field, when that man among boys is running through the secondary. If he can utilize his size and play with a desire to attack the football, he'll make us all forget about Bryant. DHB is another interesting factor. I also think he drops a bit too much for my taste, but I do like the way he works hard every play. Something I wouldn't expect from a former first rounder being relegated to this team's 4th or 5th receiver. And he excels at special teams! DHB is showing what proper coaching can do to keep a player motivated at the end of his career.

I read a lot of articles how our defense (who was poor last year) has done nothing to improve it. I disagree. The best moves to improve that defense was to jettison Blake and Allen. Done and done. We are instantly better. The D did improve as the season progressed. I feel our front 7 is successful and improving. Can the young CBs show they can play? I hope so. Golson and Grant will get long looks this preseason. Will Cortez get his head out of his bum? I'd hope so. There were good parts to his game before he became Mr. Glass. Then we have Shamarko. I don't know what's wrong with that kid. On paper, the kid should be our starter, but for some reason, he can't get the defense down. This year is his last chance to prove he can play in the NFL. And if he's not contributing this year, he won't be playing football next year. I am very happy Gay and Golden have been resigned. Amazing we got our #1 corner and possibly starting SS for next to nothing money wise. I've always liked Golden, and I'm looking forward to see how he does in a larger role on D.

Here's something to chew on. The Steelers are showing a lot of interest in this year's QB prospects. Could this be the year they throw smoke to create a possible trade down in the first round? First you have to suspend the disbelief that the Steelers will take longer than 30sec to log their first round pick. If you do, this interest in looking at QBs will create a need for trading partners at the end of the first or beginning of the second, to move up and give a lot for that pick. If the Steelers can get a 1st (or early 2nd), paired with a late 2nd (or early 3rd) AND next year's first, you take that trade. The trade may sound lopsided in the Steelers favor, but if a QB drops that another team is in love with, there is a chance to bank picks and really improve the team while doing it!

The chances of the Steelers picking a QB in round one in 2016 are about even with me getting a date with Christy Brinkley, which the wife once joked that I have permission for.

When it comes to character, fans know very little. The NFL teams have an FBI like background test, A psychological test, and testimonials plus a Wonderlic score. The Steelers should know better.

I do think the Steelers should pick a QB this year. Landry Jones is terrible as the backup. I like Hogan in rounds 4-6. He's smart, ran a pro style offense, can move around a bit, and is pretty accurate.

 

[SteelerAl]

Coates better step up or we're screwed

Sammie Coates said conditioning was his "downfall" as a rookie.

"I wasn’t in the greatest shape I wanted to be," Coates said. "I can’t come in slow. I have to come in fast and ready to go." Coates struggled in training camp as a rookie in part due to his weight, which was as high as 227 pounds during the season.


http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/10285/sammie-coates

I feel like this news story is being misinterpreted by some. Sammie Coates looks like Terrell Owens with his shirt off --- he is not lazy about conditioning. He is a physical specimen. It's just that he didn't understand (and very few rookies do) what it means to be in "NFL WR condition" (i.e. being able to keep up a little bit with Antonio Brown's fanatical workouts). Hopefully he makes that big leap that can happen between year 1 and year 2.

 

[SteelerAl]

IMO, if Lynch is on the board, there's going to be a discussion on taking him or not.

Taking him would give us the flexibility the Packers had with Favre and Rodgers. I don't think any of us want to go back to the days of Cant Graham, Maddox, etc.

However, if a team such as Denver offers multiple draft picks (maybe their own 1st and a 2nd) to move up [25th pick is worth 720 points while Denver's 1st (590) and 2nd (116) would come close in value], that would be something to consider as well. Which may be why we're "interested" in QBs. The key to getting Denver to trade is if KC or Arizona shows interest in Lynch.

So we either come out of the 1st with Lynch or another pick.

I'm no message board / internet / Twitter scout, but what I've seen from Lynch --- I'd have no interest in him whatsoever for the Steelers. Give me a developmental guy in the 3rd/4th round (if Tombert decides we really must add a QB), the chances that Lynch will be a bust aren't too much lower than the 3rd/4th rounder IMO.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I'm no message board / internet / Twitter scout, but what I've seen from Lynch --- I'd have no interest in him whatsoever for the Steelers. Give me a developmental guy in the 3rd/4th round (if Tombert decides we really must add a QB), the chances that Lynch will be a bust aren't too much lower than the 3rd/4th rounder IMO.

I don't think developmental guys work out enough to justify a 3rd/4th. Just pass out a QB and get the guys who can help you win a title in the next two or three years while we have the team (quarterback) in place.

 

[SteelerAl]

I don't think developmental guys work out enough to justify a 3rd/4th. Just pass out a QB and get the guys who can help you win a title in the next two or three years while we have the team (quarterback) in place.

I'd be just fine if we don't end up taking a QB at all, but I also don't buy the logic that says you should never take a developmental QB in the 3rd or 4th. The odds of a developmental QB turning into a franchise QB are incredibly low, but 1) any 3rd / 4th round pick faces much lower odds of becoming a solid starter or impact player than the average draftnik really recognizes and 2) the reward of hitting on a QB from the lower rounds or undrafted (Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, Romo etc.) is incredible.

Forget finding a franchise QB, just finding a solid backup QB in the 3rd or 4th can save your season...the odds of a 3rd or 4th rounder at another position having that much impact are incredibly low.