Buy or sell ? ? pre-Latrobe edition -12 roster predictions.

[slashsteel]

*Chukwuma Okorafor will win the starting right tackle job. Although Matt Feiler has some starting notches under his belt, when they drafted Chucks they harped on his talent level. Hawkings it is reported still isn't 100%. Not sure what that does to his roster standing, But I would think that would lessen the chance that he wins the job outright.

*Olasunkanmi Adeniyi will overtake Chickillo on the depth chart as the next man up. Ola flashed last year, and while Chickillo is a decent effort player, I wonder if Ola will take that second year leap we often see from players.

*Mason Rudolph beats out Joshua Dobbs for the honor of being this years clipboard holder. Rudolph I can tell is the type that is biting at the bit to make that leap. Dobbs has the scramble ability to help move the chains, but will his completion percentage rise enough to hold down Mason? These two QBs put on quite a show last year in preseason, and I expect this year to be no different.

*Justin Layne will win some playing time on the field, this year. He has a lot of players with playing experience in front of him. But with his outside skillset/capability I think he can see some spot duty in certain defensive packages.

*Donte Moncrief will not only win a starting job but will finish with at least a thousand yard, 5 TD season. I look at his height/speed combination mixed with his NFL experience. Topped with not playing with a top QB since his first few years in the league.

*Diontae Spencer will force his way onto the roster. With AB now out of the picture, we look at 6 WRs with a realistic chance on being rostered come final cut downs. But Spencer can throw a wrench into that way of thinking in preseason if he shines. I think the club will be looking for any skilled position player that might be able to spark the team with a drop off in production exited. So if there is any year one WR surprises, why not this one.

*Matthew Wright beats out killer Boz for the kickers gig. Bos-well helped kill the clubs playoff chances with a nosedive of a season. Can he recapture probowl form or will Mathew -be the-Wright choice to handle field goal duties this season? I tellya too many close games in the NFL for your kicker to be shaky. This might be one of the quieter battles, but perhaps one of the more important battles entering training camp.

*Sutton Smith and Ulysees Gilbert III will make the roster helped along by their special teams play in camp. We have special teams spots open with DHB gone and the missle not brought back. I think both players have qualities that can be utilized on special teams. It is just a matter of if both show enough to stick.

*Devin Bush is a game 1 starter. There is an interesting shuffling scenario with Barron and Williams in the mix at ILBer. How their roles shake out early and later in the year will be an interesting watch.

*Isaiah Buggs not only makes the roster but earns playing time over Tyson Alualu Perhaps a bold prediction, but I think Buggs surprises some.I am intrigued by his quick first step ability mixed in with his college production. I think Tyson is ok, but probably doesn't bring enough splash plays desired.I think there is some wiggle room here for potential playing time.

*Diontae Johnson will handle the return duties, as a kickoff and punt returner. One element on the team that has been sure of hands but less in splash plays. Diontae has the skill set you would think would really shine here. Not only does he have quick feet, he has shown he can score in both scenarios in college.

* At least one undrafted makes the final 53. Spencer has been mentioned. You have Fred Johnson, P.J. Locke, Kevin Rader,and Dravon Askew-Henry this year throwing their names into the hat.

 

[Hoot]

*Chukwuma Okorafor will win the starting right tackle job. Although Matt Feiler has some starting notches under his belt, when they drafted Chucks they harped on his talent level. Hawkings it is reported still isn't 100%. Not sure what that does to his roster standing, But I would think that would lessen the chance that he wins the job outright.

While defense is going to get a lot of talk in camp, this will be an intriguing matchup. I wish I was going to camp this year; If I were, I promise I would be following this group. That said, what are you hearing on Hawkings being hurt? I haven't heard anything. This is such a tough prediction to make. The team likes consistency on the OL so they will want to sort this out fairly quickly. Feiler likely has the early edge as the incumbent starter, but we have no idea what Chuks is looking like through OTA's, etc.

Anyone going to camp, I think eyes on practice reports would be very interesting to hear.

Sorry for re-ordering some things on you, but wanted to put the LB's together....

*Olasunkanmi Adeniyi will overtake Chickillo on the depth chart as the next man up. Ola flashed last year, and while Chickillo is a decent effort player, I wonder if Ola will take that second year leap we often see from players.

*Sutton Smith and Ulysees Gilbert III will make the roster helped along by their special teams play in camp. We have special teams spots open with DHB gone and the missle not brought back. I think both players have qualities that can be utilized on special teams. It is just a matter of if both show enough to stick.

*Devin Bush is a game 1 starter. There is an interesting shuffling scenario with Barron and Williams in the mix at ILBer. How their roles shake out early and later in the year will be an interesting watch.

Stars certainly seem to be lining up for Bush to be starting out of the gate. I'd bet Barron gets lots of snaps in a rotation as well as some sub packages. That he reportedly dropped to 210 is interesting if true. That suggest more S-LB Hybrid in his future. Still, I assume we will list him as one of three ILB slots taken on the team. On the outside, Watt and Dupree are locks and I don't think Chick is going anywhere just yet. The guy has done well despite likely having a lower ceiling. The point is, that is six LB's probably inked in. How many are they going to keep? 4 inside and 4 outside at least. I'd bet at least one more and possibly two (one inside and one outside). That leaves some potential for the other guys you mention.

Ola was good enough to get a PS spot last year but a lot of folks thought he would get a hat on the 53. Even when it was clear our ILB core was a mess, they did not bring him up. They plugged with Forte and TM. What was it they saw lacking? Was it just experience? I dunno, but I sure liked what I saw in him last year and hope he continues to grow. Guy looked like he had the potential to be the real deal. EDIT: I just looked it up before anyone calls me out (as they surely will). He was hurt, not PS. **** my brains. I guess I drank too much last night.

Maybe I read too much into it, but having Smith go to RB in OTA's suggests they wanted to see what they have in the kid. Specifically, I think they are curious if the guy could be an emergency FB in the event Nix got hurt. If he can, that certainly helps him along with any ST ability like you said.

I admit, I know little about Gilbert. NFL Draft site lists him at 224 but the Steelers list him at 230. Not sure if they see him at ILB or OLB and maybe that won't be determined until camp opens.

*Mason Rudolph beats out Joshua Dobbs for the honor of being this years clipboard holder. Rudolph I can tell is the type that is biting at the bit to make that leap. Dobbs has the scramble ability to help move the chains, but will his completion percentage rise enough to hold down Mason? These two QBs put on quite a show last year in preseason, and I expect this year to be no different.

The results of this battle won't have an immediate impact (as you said, winner holds the clipboard), but it will give us good insight as to what the team has or doesn't have in MR. If he doesn't beat out Dobbs, then I think we can say he isn't the future replacement for Ben (and we will be looking in the next couple of drafts). For the record, I think MR is going to beat Dobbs out. And I really like Dobbs; I just don't see him rising above backup in the NFL.

*Justin Layne will win some playing time on the field, this year. He has a lot of players with playing experience in front of him. But with his outside skillset/capability I think he can see some spot duty in certain defensive packages.

I think they will try to bring him along in nickle or dime sets so, yea, I think he will see the field some this year. Dale pointed out in an article he posted on DK today that Layne's pre-draft grades were much higher.

*Donte Moncrief will not only win a starting job but will finish with at least a thousand yard, 5 TD season. I look at his height/speed combination mixed with his NFL experience. Topped with not playing with a top QB since his first few years in the league.

Bold prediction and I like it although your TD number is too low. 16 seems more appropriate
Seriously. I am guardedly hopeful he will have a really good year. He was pretty good with a healthy Luck (and healthy himself). Fans look at his time with the Jags as being unspectacular but his QB was ****. If he builds any sort of rapport with Ben, he is going to be pretty darn good.

*Diontae Spencer will force his way onto the roster. With AB now out of the picture, we look at 6 WRs with a realistic chance on being rostered come final cut downs. But Spencer can throw a wrench into that way of thinking in preseason if he shines. I think the club will be looking for any skilled position player that might be able to spark the team with a drop off in production exited. So if there is any year one WR surprises, why not this one.

I heard Pat Kirwin on NFL radio the other day talking about how many roster spots are truly up for grabs in camp - around 8 to 10. I'd bet that number is actually a little lower on better teams (such as ours) and perhaps a little higher on cellar dweller teams. But, that in mind, I think WR is where we can see a surprise keeper this year. As discussed in other threads, the first 5 are probably set assuming the 5th spot is Switz or Rogers. But the loser of that battle may not be around as the 6th if another guy shows he can play gunner or return man or carve out some other niche.

*Matthew Wright beats out killer Boz for the kickers gig. Bos-well helped kill the clubs playoff chances with a nosedive of a season. Can he recapture probowl form or will Mathew -be the-Wright choice to handle field goal duties this season? I tellya too many close games in the NFL for your kicker to be shaky. This might be one of the quieter battles, but perhaps one of the more important battles entering training camp.

I think we all want Boz to shake the yips and return to his former self. His rope gotta be short though.

*Isaiah Buggs not only makes the roster but earns playing time over Tyson Alualu Perhaps a bold prediction, but I think Buggs surprises some.I am intrigued by his quick first step ability mixed in with his college production. I think Tyson is ok, but probably doesn't bring enough splash plays desired.I think there is some wiggle room here for potential playing time.

I think Alualu gives pretty good depth and is better than he gets credit for. He has given solid reps in the DL rotation. I don't think Buggs takes Alualu's spot as much as I think Buggs takes Big Dan's spot.

*Diontae Johnson will handle the return duties, as a kickoff and punt returner. One element on the team that has been sure of hands but less in splash plays. Diontae has the skill set you would think would really shine here. Not only does he have quick feet, he has shown he can score in both scenarios in college.

Time will tell. He seems to have the skills, but early reports I have seen (DK's site) are that they are trying not to feed him too much too early. Seems Smith wants to get him there, but isn't going to be allowed to just yet. Lets see what happens in camp, but you may be right. I tell you, I would like to have a guy back there that strikes fear into teams again.

* At least one undrafted makes the final 53. Spencer has been mentioned. You have Fred Johnson, P.J. Locke, Kevin Rader,and Dravon Askew-Henry this year throwing their names into the hat.

Perhaps. Already mentioned numbers at LB and WR. The place with bigger potential for a guy to shine is TE.

 

[CoolieMan]

you must have forgotten Alexander Myers forcing his way on as an UDFA....

 

[ZonaBurgh]

I think we're all pulling for Boz.

If he's healthy physically, which I think was an issue last year, hoping he can get 2018 out of his head.

But agree, short rope, one FG wins a lot of games.

Do you think Ayers has a chance for the final 53? Asking for a friend.

 

[slashsteel]

While defense is going to get a lot of talk in camp, this will be an intriguing matchup. I wish I was going to camp this year; If I were, I promise I would be following this group. That said, what are you hearing on Hawkings being hurt? I haven't heard anything. This is such a tough prediction to make. The team likes consistency on the OL so they will want to sort this out fairly quickly. Feiler likely has the early edge as the incumbent starter, but we have no idea what Chuks is looking like through OTA's, etc.

Anyone going to camp, I think eyes on practice reports would be very interesting to hear.

Sorry for re-ordering some things on you, but wanted to put the LB's together....





Stars certainly seem to be lining up for Bush to be starting out of the gate. I'd bet Barron gets lots of snaps in a rotation as well as some sub packages. That he reportedly dropped to 210 is interesting if true. That suggest more S-LB Hybrid in his future. Still, I assume we will list him as one of three ILB slots taken on the team. On the outside, Watt and Dupree are locks and I don't think Chick is going anywhere just yet. The guy has done well despite likely having a lower ceiling. The point is, that is six LB's probably inked in. How many are they going to keep? 4 inside and 4 outside at least. I'd bet at least one more and possibly two (one inside and one outside). That leaves some potential for the other guys you mention.

Ola was good enough to get a PS spot last year but a lot of folks thought he would get a hat on the 53. Even when it was clear our ILB core was a mess, they did not bring him up. They plugged with Forte and TM. What was it they saw lacking? Was it just experience? I dunno, but I sure liked what I saw in him last year and hope he continues to grow. Guy looked like he had the potential to be the real deal. EDIT: I just looked it up before anyone calls me out (as they surely will). He was hurt, not PS. **** my brains. I guess I drank too much last night.

Maybe I read too much into it, but having Smith go to RB in OTA's suggests they wanted to see what they have in the kid. Specifically, I think they are curious if the guy could be an emergency FB in the event Nix got hurt. If he can, that certainly helps him along with any ST ability like you said.

I admit, I know little about Gilbert. NFL Draft site lists him at 224 but the Steelers list him at 230. Not sure if they see him at ILB or OLB and maybe that won't be determined until camp opens.




The results of this battle won't have an immediate impact (as you said, winner holds the clipboard), but it will give us good insight as to what the team has or doesn't have in MR. If he doesn't beat out Dobbs, then I think we can say he isn't the future replacement for Ben (and we will be looking in the next couple of drafts). For the record, I think MR is going to beat Dobbs out. And I really like Dobbs; I just don't see him rising above backup in the NFL.



I think they will try to bring him along in nickle or dime sets so, yea, I think he will see the field some this year. Dale pointed out in an article he posted on DK today that Layne's pre-draft grades were much higher.



Bold prediction and I like it although your TD number is too low. 16 seems more appropriate
Seriously. I am guardedly hopeful he will have a really good year. He was pretty good with a healthy Luck (and healthy himself). Fans look at his time with the Jags as being unspectacular but his QB was ****. If he builds any sort of rapport with Ben, he is going to be pretty darn good.



I heard Pat Kirwin on NFL radio the other day talking about how many roster spots are truly up for grabs in camp - around 8 to 10. I'd bet that number is actually a little lower on better teams (such as ours) and perhaps a little higher on cellar dweller teams. But, that in mind, I think WR is where we can see a surprise keeper this year. As discussed in other threads, the first 5 are probably set assuming the 5th spot is Switz or Rogers. But the loser of that battle may not be around as the 6th if another guy shows he can play gunner or return man or carve out some other niche.




I think we all want Boz to shake the yips and return to his former self. His rope gotta be short though.





I think Alualu gives pretty good depth and is better than he gets credit for. He has given solid reps in the DL rotation. I don't think Buggs takes Alualu's spot as much as I think Buggs takes Big Dan's spot.



Time will tell. He seems to have the skills, but early reports I have seen (DK's site) are that they are trying not to feed him too much too early. Seems Smith wants to get him there, but isn't going to be allowed to just yet. Lets see what happens in camp, but you may be right. I tell you, I would like to have a guy back there that strikes fear into teams again.



Perhaps. Already mentioned numbers at LB and WR. The place with bigger potential for a guy to shine is TE.

I am sure Barron will get his reps no matter how it shakes out. I do think Williams is the loser of this rotation eventually.

On Buggs and Dan, With Walton opening a spot they can actually keep both if desired. Which is somewhat what I am assuming will happen.

On Diontae Johnson would return duties be too much too early? I guess it would be if he earned more reps quicker than anticipated on O.

 

[slashsteel]

you must have forgotten Alexander Myers forcing his way on as an UDFA....

Damn I am slacking how can I forget that.

 

[Stryker]

Great breakdown Slash. I agree with most. Ola will make the roster, my outside prediction is pushing Dupree to start.

My starting RT is a darkhorse - Hawkins.

I agree with your rookie assessments, and Spencer's tape is legit.

 

[slashsteel]

Great breakdown Slash. I agree with most. Ola will make the roster, my outside prediction is pushing Dupree to start.

My starting RT is a darkhorse - Hawkins.

I agree with your rookie assessments, and Spencer's tape is legit.

On Hawkins I read where he isn't 100 percent yet. Forgot where I read that nugget. But if accurate I wonder how much it will impede his progress towards the start. I will see if I can get a scoop in camp....

 

[Stryker]

On Hawkins I read where he isn't 100 percent yet. Forgot where I read that nugget. But if accurate I wonder how much it will impede his progress towards the start. I will see if I can get a scoop in camp....

Wow, that's news to me! I don't get 100% into the injury front until TC. That's when I start the spreadsheet. All this injury hype at OTAs and minicamps, I just don't bother with, unless it's season ending.

 

[slashsteel]

Wow, that's news to me! I don't get 100% into the injury front until TC. That's when I start the spreadsheet. All this injury hype at OTAs and minicamps, I just don't bother with, unless it's season ending.

I think this is the article I read.

https://triblive.com/sports/jerald-...elers-minicamp-took-reps-at-tackle-and-guard/

Hawkins estimated his quad would be “80 or 90%” by the time the Steelers reconvene at training camp July 25 at Saint Vincent. It will be in Latrobe where Hawkins is hoping to impress enough to win the starting right tackle spot.

 

[Hines57]

*Chukwuma Okorafor will win the starting right tackle job. Although Matt Feiler has some starting notches under his belt, when they drafted Chucks they harped on his talent level. Hawkings it is reported still isn't 100%. Not sure what that does to his roster standing, But I would think that would lessen the chance that he wins the job outright.

Chuks will eventually be a starter for us at T. I have a feeling Feiler wins the job early but any wiggle or injury and Chuks gets his shot.

*Olasunkanmi Adeniyi will overtake Chickillo on the depth chart as the next man up. Ola flashed last year, and while Chickillo is a decent effort player, I wonder if Ola will take that second year leap we often see from players.

If Ola can stay healthy through camp he should be a beast. Someone else said he could even push OverDurpee for time. That will be an interesting scenario to watch.

*Mason Rudolph beats out Joshua Dobbs for the honor of being this years clipboard holder. Rudolph I can tell is the type that is biting at the bit to make that leap. Dobbs has the scramble ability to help move the chains, but will his completion percentage rise enough to hold down Mason? These two QBs put on quite a show last year in preseason, and I expect this year to be no different.

Dobbs showed a little when he got the chance last season. He's not the future by no means. Rudolph needs to show a big improvement in camp and preseason. This is his year to make that leap.

*Justin Layne will win some playing time on the field, this year. He has a lot of players with playing experience in front of him. But with his outside skillset/capability I think he can see some spot duty in certain defensive packages.

Layne will absolutely get playing time this year. Secondary is by far our most suspect position but it will be improved with new players and hopefully they will stop from EVER putting a LB on a WR.

*Donte Moncrief will not only win a starting job but will finish with at least a thousand yard, 5 TD season. I look at his height/speed combination mixed with his NFL experience. Topped with not playing with a top QB since his first few years in the league.

If the man can stay on the field, McDonald is going to be a TD monster in the red zone. Big target, good hands and I fully expect Juju to get AB like attention at that end of the field. That could open up space for Moncrief to do work. The hypothesis that he did not perform because he didn't have an elite QB throwing him the ball will be tested early in the year.

*Diontae Spencer will force his way onto the roster. With AB now out of the picture, we look at 6 WRs with a realistic chance on being rostered come final cut downs. But Spencer can throw a wrench into that way of thinking in preseason if he shines. I think the club will be looking for any skilled position player that might be able to spark the team with a drop off in production exited. So if there is any year one WR surprises, why not this one.

The kid was drafted high for a reason. The hype machine better equal results. Lots of pressure for him to perform.

*Matthew Wright beats out killer Boz for the kickers gig. Bos-well helped kill the clubs playoff chances with a nosedive of a season. Can he recapture probowl form or will Mathew -be the-Wright choice to handle field goal duties this season? I tellya too many close games in the NFL for your kicker to be shaky. This might be one of the quieter battles, but perhaps one of the more important battles entering training camp.

I am down on Boz after his performance last year. Kickers are a word group mentally and it seems like once they get the yips they can't get rid of them. I have a feeling he will be cut prior to the season starting.

*Sutton Smith and Ulysees Gilbert III will make the roster helped along by their special teams play in camp. We have special teams spots open with DHB gone and the missle not brought back. I think both players have qualities that can be utilized on special teams. It is just a matter of if both show enough to stick.

We are super tight with our cap number currently. That means we could see a couple of veterans or maybe one veteran cut to gain more cap space and one of these lower round draft picks on the roster. If they can rework the Haden deal to create space that need goes away and we are going to see some practice squad up and down activity.

*Devin Bush is a game 1 starter. There is an interesting shuffling scenario with Barron and Williams in the mix at ILBer. How their roles shake out early and later in the year will be an interesting watch.

We traded up 10 spots and gave up a 2nd for him and our 3rd next year. We need Bush to hit the ground running. Does Barron play ILB or with his weight down is he going to see some action at S? Bush is going to be on the field. I would say as with most rookies slotted to earn PT, he will earn more PT as the season evolves and be a starter earlier than later.

*Isaiah Buggs not only makes the roster but earns playing time over Tyson Alualu Perhaps a bold prediction, but I think Buggs surprises some.I am intrigued by his quick first step ability mixed in with his college production. I think Tyson is ok, but probably doesn't bring enough splash plays desired.I think there is some wiggle room here for potential playing time.

I have high hopes for Buggs. We have missed a dominant presence at NT for a long while now. I don't think anyone has been worth a **** since Hampton retired. Clogging up the middle if he can get on the field eats up the interior and allows guys like Watt, Heyward and Tuitt to get to the QB.

*Diontae Johnson will handle the return duties, as a kickoff and punt returner. One element on the team that has been sure of hands but less in splash plays. Diontae has the skill set you would think would really shine here. Not only does he have quick feet, he has shown he can score in both scenarios in college.

If this means Switz isn't on the field, then I am 100% for it. I would not rule out Cam Sutton as a returner considering his returns in college.

* At least one undrafted makes the final 53. Spencer has been mentioned. You have Fred Johnson, P.J. Locke, Kevin Rader,and Dravon Askew-Henry this year throwing their names into the hat.

I haven't paid attention to who we have on the roster as an undrafted this year but considering our starting LG was undrafted, this is a fairly safe bet.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

What's wrong with Switzer?

 

[Drink IRON City]

*Chukwuma Okorafor will win the starting right tackle job. Although Matt Feiler has some starting notches under his belt, when they drafted Chucks they harped on his talent level. Hawkings it is reported still isn't 100%. Not sure what that does to his roster standing, But I would think that would lessen the chance that he wins the job outright.

Buy, Feiler will make the team but it will be for his versatiltiy, Hawkings is prove you're healthy deal sort of thingy.


*Olasunkanmi Adeniyi will overtake Chickillo on the depth chart as the next man up. Ola flashed last year, and while Chickillo is a decent effort player, I wonder if Ola will take that second year leap we often see from players.

BUY, Chickillo is insurance to se what / how Ola has progressed in the off season. Chick may still make the team as insurance / depth.

*Mason Rudolph beats out Joshua Dobbs for the honor of being this years clipboard holder. Rudolph I can tell is the type that is biting at the bit to make that leap. Dobbs has the scramble ability to help move the chains, but will his completion percentage rise enough to hold down Mason? These two QBs put on quite a show last year in preseason, and I expect this year to be no different.

Buy with Rudolph showing the greater potential. Dobbs will need to supress the take off running desire. TC will determine outcome

*Justin Layne will win some playing time on the field, this year. He has a lot of players with playing experience in front of him. But with his outside skillset/capability I think he can see some spot duty in certain defensive packages.

Easy BUY, he will get some playing time / snaps / looks and it's what he does with them as to how much more "field" time he gets.

*Donte Moncrief will not only win a starting job but will finish with at least a thousand yard, 5 TD season. I look at his height/speed combination mixed with his NFL experience. Topped with not playing with a top QB since his first few years in the league.

On hold. So much of me wants to see this kid excell but I think he gets 800+ yards and the 5+ TDs. Cracking the thousand might be a little high (not Bryant high either)

*Diontae Spencer will force his way onto the roster. With AB now out of the picture, we look at 6 WRs with a realistic chance on being rostered come final cut downs. But Spencer can throw a wrench into that way of thinking in preseason if he shines. I think the club will be looking for any skilled position player that might be able to spark the team with a drop off in production exited. So if there is any year one WR surprises, why not this one.

Sell, I don't know if he is practice squad elgible and if is, try to sneakl him there. If he does shine and makes the team, nothing wrong with that. I see him / Army knife / & Eli in the end battle for two spots.

*Matthew Wright beats out killer Boz for the kickers gig. Bos-well helped kill the clubs playoff chances with a nosedive of a season. Can he recapture probowl form or will Mathew -be the-Wright choice to handle field goal duties this season? I tellya too many close games in the NFL for your kicker to be shaky. This might be one of the quieter battles, but perhaps one of the more important battles entering training camp.

SELL, the BOZ will come through, healthy both physically and mentally. As fans we think we see more than we see........... BOZ is stable and ready.

*Sutton Smith and Ulysees Gilbert III will make the roster helped along by their special teams play in camp. We have special teams spots open with DHB gone and the missle not brought back. I think both players have qualities that can be utilized on special teams. It is just a matter of if both show enough to stick.

1/2 Buy as one of the two definitely make it combined with ST play. The other has a definite fighting chance.

*Devin Bush is a game 1 starter. There is an interesting shuffling scenario with Barron and Williams in the mix at ILBer. How their roles shake out early and later in the year will be an interesting watch.

BUY, you don't invest that much in stock just to skip a couple of shows. DAY ONE all the way. Bince best bring his A-game.


*Isaiah Buggs not only makes the roster but earns playing time over Tyson Alualu Perhaps a bold prediction, but I think Buggs surprises some.I am intrigued by his quick first step ability mixed in with his college production. I think Tyson is ok, but probably doesn't bring enough splash plays desired.I think there is some wiggle room here for potential playing time.

HARD CALL here. I'll have to "HOLD" the money incase of a late sell. Rooting for both and trusting coaches to make right choice.


*Diontae Johnson will handle the return duties, as a kickoff and punt returner. One element on the team that has been sure of hands but less in splash plays. Diontae has the skill set you would think would really shine here. Not only does he have quick feet, he has shown he can score in both scenarios in college.

BUY Nothing against witz Army Knife but we need ST to be a asset and keeping bubbles isn't going to get that. SO we need a splash play maker to get us there and add to team play.



* At least one undrafted makes the final 53. Spencer has been mentioned. You have Fred Johnson, P.J. Locke, Kevin Rader,and Dravon Askew-Henry this year throwing their names into the hat.

BUY, one will make it but WHO is yet to be determined.

GREAT write up slash and I'm no expert but I do hope whoever they keep is by far the best choice and productive long term for the team answer.




Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

Wow, that's news to me! I don't get 100% into the injury front until TC. That's when I start the spreadsheet. All this injury hype at OTAs and minicamps, I just don't bother with, unless it's season ending.

A-N-D I might add that many here appreciate your spreadsheet production.

Thank You





Salute the nation

 

[SteelerSask2]

I think Ola is a microcosm of what is wrong with this team. There simply is no creativity in how they use players. From what I saw of the guy last year he simply possesses better pass rush skills and traits then Bud Dupree. Is he as good an all around player as Dupree, I cannot say. But why does he have to sit behind him ALL THE TIME. There are not in game situations that were better suited to Ola's skills over Dupree? I certainly don't agree with the manner in which James Harrison secured his release from this team, but the I cannot deny that he was correct in his frustration. For whatever reason, this team follows the course of the most highly drafted and richest contracts play the most until it becomes so painfully obvious like the cases of Jarvis Jones and Artie Burns that action must be taken. If Tomlin makes any statement like I don't care if you are a first round pick or a UFA we are all equal here at camp, it is laughable.

 

[slashsteel]

I think Ola is a microcosm of what is wrong with this team. There simply is no creativity in how they use players. From what I saw of the guy last year he simply possesses better pass rush skills and traits then Bud Dupree. Is he as good an all around player as Dupree, I cannot say. But why does he have to sit behind him ALL THE TIME. There are not in game situations that were better suited to Ola's skills over Dupree? I certainly don't agree with the manner in which James Harrison secured his release from this team, but the I cannot deny that he was correct in his frustration. For whatever reason, this team follows the course of the most highly drafted and richest contracts play the most until it becomes so painfully obvious like the cases of Jarvis Jones and Artie Burns that action must be taken. If Tomlin makes any statement like I don't care if you are a first round pick or a UFA we are all equal here at camp, it is laughable.

I would think if he shows better pass rush capabilities you could put him in some pass rush situations. And Bill Cowher-Lloyd tell him to "rush the QB".

 

[slashsteel]

Chuks will eventually be a starter for us at T. I have a feeling Feiler wins the job early but any wiggle or injury and Chuks gets his shot.


If Ola can stay healthy through camp he should be a beast. Someone else said he could even push OverDurpee for time. That will be an interesting scenario to watch.



Dobbs showed a little when he got the chance last season. He's not the future by no means. Rudolph needs to show a big improvement in camp and preseason. This is his year to make that leap.




Layne will absolutely get playing time this year. Secondary is by far our most suspect position but it will be improved with new players and hopefully they will stop from EVER putting a LB on a WR.




If the man can stay on the field, McDonald is going to be a TD monster in the red zone. Big target, good hands and I fully expect Juju to get AB like attention at that end of the field. That could open up space for Moncrief to do work. The hypothesis that he did not perform because he didn't have an elite QB throwing him the ball will be tested early in the year.




The kid was drafted high for a reason. The hype machine better equal results. Lots of pressure for him to perform.




I am down on Boz after his performance last year. Kickers are a word group mentally and it seems like once they get the yips they can't get rid of them. I have a feeling he will be cut prior to the season starting.




We are super tight with our cap number currently. That means we could see a couple of veterans or maybe one veteran cut to gain more cap space and one of these lower round draft picks on the roster. If they can rework the Haden deal to create space that need goes away and we are going to see some practice squad up and down activity.




We traded up 10 spots and gave up a 2nd for him and our 3rd next year. We need Bush to hit the ground running. Does Barron play ILB or with his weight down is he going to see some action at S? Bush is going to be on the field. I would say as with most rookies slotted to earn PT, he will earn more PT as the season evolves and be a starter earlier than later.




I have high hopes for Buggs. We have missed a dominant presence at NT for a long while now. I don't think anyone has been worth a **** since Hampton retired. Clogging up the middle if he can get on the field eats up the interior and allows guys like Watt, Heyward and Tuitt to get to the QB.




If this means Switz isn't on the field, then I am 100% for it. I would not rule out Cam Sutton as a returner considering his returns in college.



I haven't paid attention to who we have on the roster as an undrafted this year but considering our starting LG was undrafted, this is a fairly safe bet.

The kid was drafted high for a reason. The hype machine better equal results. Lots of pressure for him to perform.

Easy mistake but you are thinking of Johnson,

 

[SteelerSask2]

I would think if he shows better pass rush capabilities you could put him in some pass rush situations. And Bill Cowher-Lloyd tell him to "rush the QB".

My opinion is they want to disguise everything for scheme purpose. But sometimes I think you have to say we know you know he is rushing the passer but we dont care.

 

[slashsteel]

My opinion is they want to disguise everything for scheme purpose. But sometimes I think you have to say we know you know he is rushing the passer but we dont care.

That and Watt is a very capable pass rusher. So when you have two capable pass rushers it just might make some QBs ansy. I think that is why they mix up the blitz with Vince, etc. Keep them guessing. With Bush's sideline to sideline ability you can cheat him over to Ola's side to handle a pass catcher if they try the sneak behind Ola, scheming with that way of thinking. Barron has coverage capability too. If the D can shave a little time off the QBs throwing window, the improved secondary will get it's opportunities.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[SteelerSask2]

That and Watt is a very capable pass rusher. So when you have two capable pass rushers it just might make some QBs ansy. I think that is why they mix up the blitz with Vince, etc. Keep them guessing. With Bush's sideline to sideline ability you can cheat him over to Ola's side to handle a pass catcher if they try the sneak behind Ola, scheming with that way of thinking. Barron has coverage capability too. If the D can shave a little time off the QBs throwing window, the improved secondary will get it's opportunities.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Steeler Nation mobile app

Solid analysis.

 

[Coryea]

Chick played most of last year with some pretty bad heel spurs, he had them removed this offseason. Ive never had heel spurs, but Tunch and Wolf said it is pretty painful to run with, so maybe that will help him this year.

 

[slashsteel]

Chick played most of last year with some pretty bad heel spurs, he had them removed this offseason. Ive never had heel spurs, but Tunch and Wolf said it is pretty painful to run with, so maybe that will help him this year.

Didn't know that, thanks for the info.

 

[Hines57]

The kid was drafted high for a reason. The hype machine better equal results. Lots of pressure for him to perform.

Easy mistake but you are thinking of Johnson,

Correct. Missed that one. For Spencer to make the roster he's going to have to bump an incumbent, easier said than done given the tendencies of Tomlin and Colbert to hang onto incumbent players. I'd say practice squad at best for this kid but highly likely he gets cut after Preseason Week 3 if he can't earn a spot.

 

[slashsteel]

Correct. Missed that one. For Spencer to make the roster he's going to have to bump an incumbent, easier said than done given the tendencies of Tomlin and Colbert to hang onto incumbent players. I'd say practice squad at best for this kid but highly likely he gets cut after Preseason Week 3 if he can't earn a spot.

I dunno lot of good reports out on him shining. And it isn't like the CFL hasn't produced some good players. The kid improved each year there, and I am taking a wait and see approach to him breaking onto the roster.

Let us be honest Eli and Ryan are good role players but hardly irreplaceable.

 

[jitter77]

*Chukwuma Okorafor will win the starting right tackle job.

going to sell on this one.....

*Olasunkanmi Adeniyi will overtake Chickillo on the depth chart as the next man up.
I am going with a buy or at least hoping its a buy....

*Mason Rudolph beats out Joshua Dobbs for the honor of being this years clipboard holder.

This is a tough one. Dobbs definitely earned the spot last year. I think the team feels Mason is more the future than Dobbs so if they perform pretty evenly I think Mason gets the nod. I am going to go with a buy on this one

*Justin Layne will win some playing time on the field, this year.

I think this is a definite buy

*Donte Moncrief will not only win a starting job but will finish with at least a thousand yard, 5 TD season.

He should definitely start and Ill go with the 5 TDS, but I feel 1000 yards maybe a bit much.

*Diontae Spencer will force his way onto the roster.

Going to sell on this one. JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, and Diontae Johnson are locks to make the team. I also think Switzer is a near lock so that only leaves one spot which will probably goto someone else like Rogers.

*Matthew Wright beats out killer Boz for the kickers gig.

Sell I think Boz will rebound and be back in form

*Sutton Smith and Ulysees Gilbert III will make the roster helped along by their special teams play in camp.

No idea on this one

*Devin Bush is a game 1 starter.
Hopefully a buy

*Isaiah Buggs not only makes the roster but earns playing time over Tyson Alualu

I think he will make the roster, but not get playing time for a while

*Diontae Johnson will handle the return duties, as a kickoff and punt returner.
I think Switzer has this locked down at least for a while.

* At least one undrafted makes the final 53.

Sell .

Wow that was a lot......