Steelers Nation

[Melissa Stark 1]

I like the Blount pick myself. Much needed depth and should be a decent goalline and short yardage back.

[saut 7]

Blount actually isn't great in short yardage/goal line situations from what I remember from his TB days. Still like the signing, better than trotting Dwyer out there if Bell gets hurt.

[Melissa Stark 1]

Darius Heyward-Bey is now wearing the black and gold. More Wr depth. Should be decent on special teams as returner.

Busiest FA that I can recall for the Steelers.

[Law 220]

Darius Heyward-Bey is now wearing the black and gold. More Wr depth. Should be decent on special teams as returner.

Busiest FA that I can recall for the Steelers.

 

I too like the signing of DHB. He might not be a great starter, but he's a decent #3 and a good to great #4 (depending on how much Moore has). Very solid pickup!

 

REALLY surprised how well (and how much) the Steelers have done in FA! They NEVER do this well! Or do anything really. Like DHB, like Moats, like da Blount, like Mitchell. Now, the Brice McCain signing was a waste of time and effort, but the rest is great. These guys might not be stars, but they provide needed depth.

 

I still see LOT, CB, and WR as the prime needs along with DE and more depth at LB and maybe a TE.

[murf74 461]

 

I too like the signing of DHB. He might not be a great starter, but he's a decent #3 and a good to great #4 (depending on how much Moore has). Very solid pickup!

 

REALLY surprised how well (and how much) the Steelers have done in FA! They NEVER do this well! Or do anything really. Like DHB, like Moats, like da Blount, like Mitchell. Now, the Brice McCain signing was a waste of time and effort, but the rest is great. These guys might not be stars, but they provide needed depth.

 

I still see LOT, CB, and WR as the prime needs along with DE and more depth at LB and maybe a TE.

 

DHB is a taller WR who is a burner. The safeties will have to respect his speed on the outside that will open things up for the entire offense. I don't know why he sucked so bad in Indy but he was a decent WR in Oakland for the crap they trotted out at QB. Gives them another vet now too cause remember besides Moore and Brown they had nobody with worthwhile experience. Great signing and if he doesn't work out they cut him and don't have to worry about dead money.

 

Like you said the McCain signing was a waste of time assuming they draft a DB worth a damn. But I know what the Steelers do, they try to set it up so they never have to draft for absolute need. McCain is better than the worst couple CBs

 

What the Steelers finally did was realize it is perfectly fine to rent veterans on a 1 to 2 year contract to get by until your roster is revamped. I was completely sick of the next man up failure that has taken place the last couple years.

 

You forgot Cam Thomas...He will be an impact player for the Steelers.

 

All these guys they got outside of Moore are like 27 years old. They have gotten younger very quickly.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

 

 

REALLY surprised how well (and how much) the Steelers have done in FA! They NEVER do this well! Or do anything really. Like DHB, like Moats, like da Blount, like Mitchell. Now, the Brice McCain signing was a waste of time and effort, but the rest is great. These guys might not be stars, but they provide needed depth.

 

Totally agree with the comment above. I was just thinking this the other day. I can't remember the steelers landing this many free agents in an offseason. Like the upside of DHB. It's really a low risk, high reward signing.

[Melissa Stark 1]

I like DHB. Been seeing a lot of people bash him on the Steelers site on FB. Not sure what happened to his hands with the Colts. I have to agree with you Murf. Tall and fast and wasn't bad with the Raiders. See if the Steelers can re-ignite him.

McCain signing...meh Not sure what they are thinking . He isn't very good and probably could do better with a draft pick for the extra depth at CB.

It's only a 1 year deal, so not to worried about it.

[ralphster 274]

I understand hope springs eternal, but DHB is not a good signing unless the steelers were looking for a blocking WR.

 

How much slack do you think Wheaton will pick up? Can he step up and be the WR2? Word was PIT brass was going to get Ben a big WR, so who they draft will tell.

 

It goes Brown, Miller, Wheaton, Moore, couple dbs, reserve te and then DHB hands wise.

[murf74 461]

I understand hope springs eternal, but DHB is not a good signing unless the steelers were looking for a blocking WR. How much slack do you think Wheaton will pick up? Can he step up and be the WR2? Word was PIT brass was going to get Ben a big WR, so who they draft will tell. It goes Brown, Miller, Wheaton, Moore, couple dbs, reserve te and then DHB hands wise.

 

Besides last year with the Colts, he was a productive WR. I can tell your knowledge of the Steeler Wr roster is lacking or you would never call DHB a bad signing for a team that outside of Brown and Moore didn't have a guy who had more than 6 catches on the roster. DHB got knock on his hands, last year was bad, but almost double his average % of drops he has had outside his rookie year. I think it's just a case of a WR just not gelling with the QB.

 

How could you call a guys signed for minimum a bad signing? If he doesn't make the team, so be it, no loss they cut him. But right now he is the 3rd best WR on the team with Wheaton a complete unknown as 4th. Huge upside with no investment. What is bad about that?

[ralphster 274]

Ya I don't know the Steelers cause they're not my team, but you guys were circle jerking over the unusual moves PIT has made this year. Letting Crotchety walk and signing Moore and DHB is not a net gain. But that's just my opinion Murf. Your collective opinion of Wheaton is something I'm interested in because I have him in a couple dynasty leagues.

[murf74 461]

Ya I don't know the Steelers cause they're not my team, but you guys were circle jerking over the unusual moves PIT has made this year. Letting Crotchety walk and signing Moore and DHB is not a net gain. But that's just my opinion Murf. Your collective opinion of Wheaton is something I'm interested in because I have him in a couple dynasty leagues.

Wheaton looked great last camp then broke his fingers and never really contributed. Ike said he was better as a rookie than Wallace was for what it's worth.

[Law 220]

Ya I don't know the Steelers cause they're not my team, but you guys were circle jerking over the unusual moves PIT has made this year. Letting Crotchety walk and signing Moore and DHB is not a net gain. But that's just my opinion Murf. Your collective opinion of Wheaton is something I'm interested in because I have him in a couple dynasty leagues.

 

I've never been all that excited about Cotchery. He's a nice receiver and did well for the Jets and produced last year for the Steelers. I'm thankful he did produce for the Steelers because they needed him to step up and he did. BIG! But, he didn't do anything the 2 years before that and is now going into his 11th year (32 for next season). He's never been fast and that isn't going to get better. Carolina is expecting him to be a 2 or even a 1 and they will be sadly dissapointed.

 

As for DHB, he was electric in college. He came into the 2009 draft as a big, fast, atheletic WR. That hasn't changed much in 5 yrs in the league. He hasn't had great production, but he hasn't been a dissapointment either. And he isn't that much behind Cotchery in that respect.

 

But, he is bigger, faster, more atheletic as well as much younger and cheaper. He still has upside whereas Cotchery doesn't.

 

I think Moore is more of a product of the system and the QB, but he can still be a good slot guy.

 

Wheaton has decent size and great speed. Compares very favorably to Wallace. (not so sure that's a good thing) Wheaton got hurt last year and never fully recovered or caught up.

 

For 2014, A Brown is/will be the clear #1. No doubt. Wheaton will be afforded every opportunity to be the #2. But, if he's not up to it, DHB will be/can be a good co-#2. Moore is a #3 slot guy only. That's 4 good to decent WRs. Maybe someone else (like Moye) steps up to be the #5, but I think the Steelers will look for a big WR in the draft. Someone who can be a #2 or even a #1. As I've said, look for these guys: Evans in the 1st, Robinson, Mattews, Moncreig, or Bryant in the 2nd or the 3rd.

[TECH67 0]

I expect the Steelers to moniter LaRod Stephens-Howling progress closely. If healthy he will be the change of pace back.

[Melissa Stark 1]

Larod Stephens-Howling is coming off an ACL injury. See how that comes along. The Vikes actually inquired about him.

According to our friends at Behind the Steel Curtain, the Minnesota Vikings have reached out to the agent for running back LaRod Stephens-Howling, who spent last season with the Steelers after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

 

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2014/3/23/5539482/vikings-have-inquired-about-larod-stephens-howling

[Law 220]

Here is my mock draft for the Steelers and their 9 picks:

 

1 - CB D Dennard, MSU

2 - WR D Moncrief, Miss

3 - DL K Quarles, SCaro

4 - LB C Jones, FSU

5 - RB T Gaffney, Stan

5 - DL B Urban, UVA

6 - WR J Janis, Sag

6 - OT J Britt, Misso

7 - CB W Aikens, Lib

 

2 CB, 2 WR, 2 DL, 1 LB, 1 RB, and 1 OT.

 

I'd prefer a higher OT myself, but the Steelers seem "content" with their OL as is. I just hope it stays healthy, for once.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

Here is my mock draft for the Steelers and their 9 picks:

 

1 - CB D Dennard, MSU

2 - WR D Moncrief, Miss

3 - DL K Quarles, SCaro

4 - LB C Jones, FSU

5 - RB T Gaffney, Stan

5 - DL B Urban, UVA

6 - WR J Janis, Sag

6 - OT J Britt, Misso

7 - CB W Aikens, Lib

 

2 CB, 2 WR, 2 DL, 1 LB, 1 RB, and 1 OT.

 

I'd prefer a higher OT myself, but the Steelers seem "content" with their OL as is. I just hope it stays healthy, for once.

I would be happy with this draft.

[TECH67 0]

Larod Stephens-Howling is coming off an ACL injury. See how that comes along. The Vikes actually inquired about him.

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2014/3/23/5539482/vikings-have-inquired-about-larod-stephens-howling

i'm sure teams will reach out to him, he is a talent to be had.

[Law 220]

VERY disappointed!

 

LB Shazier is a workout freak with good size and GREAT speed, but the Steelers NEED CBs and WRs, not another LB. They need at CB and WR is far too great to NOT take a player like Dennard.

 

With Timmons inside, and Worilds and Jones outside, with Moats as a swing, where does Shazier play? Inside? Spence may be coming back and you have V Williams. IF Shazier can play inside, ok. If not, this is a total luxory pick when they need starters.

 

Shazier has the size and speed of Timmons so maybe he does go inside. That's the only thing that makes some since.

 

Love the kid's speed, but the need at LB was much smaller than at CB and WR.

 

Drafting Shazier and signing Moats with maybe Spence coming back, the chances of bringing back Harrison just dropped like Johnny Football!

[Melissa Stark 1]

I can't believe they didn't take Dennard..wow Would have liked Fuller-Cb but Bears grabbed him right before us.

Tomlin also stated other day that bringing back Keisel is still an option and from Keisel's posts on facebook, seems likely to happen.

[Law 220]

Yeah, I'm still pissed on passing up on Dennard (and it's even worse the Bungles took him) or even Roby, but with the added beef up front and 4 really good LBs, I feel really good about the front 7. With Troy and Mitchell, you have to like the safties. But the CBs are a REAL problem!

 

Now there are 13 picks before the Steelers get another shot.

 

The problem at CB is the drop off after the top 5 is pretty big. Maybe a guy like Jean-Baptiste. The dude is huge, but I don't know. In the 2nd, the value is going to be far better at WR than is is CB. That means the Steelers might be looking at CB in the 4th and there you might be lucky to get guys like McGill from Utah or Gaines from Rice.

 

For the 2nd, I'm think they have to go WR. No way should M Lee still be available, but he is right now. Latimer would be a dream. Then A Robinson, Moncreif, or even M Bryant from Clemson.

 

If they go DL, there are some great possibilities there too. NT Nix or DEs Hageman and Tuitt.

 

Those 5 WRs and 3 DLs, the second pick has to be one of them.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

I'm going to take a wait and see approach with Shazier. The Steelers obviously wanted to draft best available versus needs or they would've gone CB or WR. I was really hoping they would draft Dennard. I hated the pick at the time but have done some research on Shazier and the dude is a stud. Just seems like we already have a crap ton of linebackers. We'll see I guess.

[murf74 461]

The more I look at it I think steeler nation completely overlooked the lack of star table LBers on the team

 

Who is the starting ILB before this pick? Vince Willliams? Who is the backup at OLB? Garbage

 

I wanted a CB but Fuller was taken right before them. Bad teams draft for need and good teams draft for quality players

 

Drafting dennard would have been like drafting Troy Edwards the one year in that you would just be picking position of need regardless of value

[shovelheadt 61]

Sickens me to watch the Steelers continue to raid Ohio players. Nothing like instantly hating your favorite players. Insult to injury that Steelers fans didn't like the pick.

[murf74 461]

Sickens me to watch the Steelers continue to raid Ohio players. Nothing like instantly hating your favorite players. Insult to injury that Steelers fans didn't like the pick.

So what's your pre steeler opinion of him?

[shovelheadt 61]

So what's your pre steeler opinion of him?

 

While he was a very good player for OSU, all the hype caught me by surprise. With that much hype, you would have expected him to carry the OSU defense a bit more..which didn't happen. I realize he's a speed demon, but I worry about his size. I personally thought he was small for the Big 10. Same thing with Bradley Roby. The way everyone was talking about him post combine, you would have thought he was the next coming of Revis, even though I personally watched him get toasted time and again last year. Guess I just don't understand how these guys get rated sometimes.

 

If it's possible for Shazier to excell without the Steelers doing so , I wish him nothing but the best. Seems like a great person. I'm guessing you won't see any Head and Shoulders commercials from him.

[Law 220]

His size is almost identical to Timmons so if he plays inside, I'm ok with it. In a 3-4, your ILBs don't have to be 250+, you're OLBs do. I don't see him holding up well on the outside. He can be a 3rd rush specialist there, but it's not likely he can be an early down player on the outside. On the inside, with the 3 DLs doing their role of tying up blockers, his lack of size isn't as much an issue.

 

Shazier's speed will be very welcome. And he has more upside than Williams or even Moats on the inside (with no promise of Spence, who is even smaller, being able to come back).

 

Shazier will be usefull, maybe even needed, but I just think Dennard and/or Roby were equal fits at a position of greater need.

[Law 220]

Steelers up next at 2.14, 46 overall. Of the players on the board, this is how I rank them for the Steelers:

1. WR M Lee

2. WR C Latimer

3. WR A Robinson

4. WR D Moncreif

5. DL R Hageman

6. DL S Tuitt

7. NT L Nix

8. WR J Matthews

9. WR M Bryant

 

Of course, this all means they'll draft a QB.

[Law 220]

Just disappointing.

 

Shazier and Tuitt may very well end up being great players, but there were other options for other great players that fit a clear need. Then to "waste" a 3rd round pick on Rainey 2.0? Ridiculous! Yeah, speed is great, but it hasn't done much for Oakland! This guy isn't even 5-8 and is maxed out at 173, if he even weighs that. Great speed, but if it only takes a touch to knock down...

 

This draft could have been:

1. CB Dennard 5-11, 199, 4.41

2. WR Latimer 6-3,215, 4.44

3. DE Quarles 6-4, 297, 4.95

 

 

Just disappointing.

[Melissa Stark 1]

I don't mind the Tuitt pick... Keisel is ready to retire,even if they bring him back for a year.

I agree with you Law. Supposed to be the fastest kid in the draft and they are hyping him to be like Sproles.

Hopefully get a Cb next.. See how these guys pan out.

[Franknbeans 46]

From the post gazette

They intended to draft Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert, thinking he could still be available with the 15th overall pick. Gilbert would provide a need at a position where longtime starter Ike Taylor is in his final season with the Steelers and there is little depth.

 

But when the Browns took Gilbert at No. 8, the Steelers shifted their target to wide receiver Odell Beckham of LSU. But, when the Giants drafted Beckham with the 12th overall pick, the Steelers made the move to take Shazier, even though they have three young players who they think can play next to Lawrence Timmons on the inside — Vince Williams, Sean Spence and Terence Garvin. Williams, the incumbent starter, and Garvin were rookies in 2013.

 

The Steelers had Shazier rated so much higher than anyone else on the board they felt they couldn’t pass on him.

[Law 220]

FINALLY!! A pick I am ALL on board with!

 

WR Martavis Bryant is one of those new-age physical freaks. 6-4, 211 with 4.4 speed. He has elite talent, but very limited production and some other issues. Hence he falls to the 4th. That's ok with me! After ALL of the WRs the Steelers passed on, this guy could be a good one. Fits a need perfectly.

 

Now, if they would JUST take a corner or two or three. Heck, at this point, I wouldn't mind if the last 5 picks were corners, hoping a couple pan out. j/k

[Franknbeans 46]

Plaxico 2.0

[Law 220]

Plaxico 2.0

 

The inconsistent hands and lack of effort are fair comparisons, but Plex was bigger at 6-6, 230+ and only had 4.6 speed.

[Franknbeans 46]

More speed

[Law 220]

Overall, the Steelers' draft was good. I would've done it differently, giving more weight to great players and positions of need, but they did get great players.

 

Shazier will be an ILB. He has beyond elite speed and the same size of Timmons. He will be great in coverage and on inside stunts as well as sideline to sideline. His area of weakness might be head on, power attacks.

 

Tuitt is an exceptional pick. He's the perfect type of DL for the Steelers 3-4. Had a first round grade. Should pair with Heyward to form an excellent pair. Considering the other DEs on the team (Cam Thomas) are more NT-types, he could start day one.

 

Archer is a reach, luxory pick. He really can't be a RB as he can only run sweeps, nothing inside. He's too small to play outside. This leaves him the slot. Ok. He does have that speed and running ability. As long as he can stay away from contact (sarcasm), he'll do well. That said, if Tavon Austin can be a top 10 pick, Archer is ok in the 3rd, I guess.

 

Bryant has his flaws (limited experience, production, and inconsistent efforts and hands), but you can't teach 6-4 and 4.4. His limited route tree will slow him at first, but he adds an exciting element to the WR group. Brown is the star and now they just need something from Wheaton, DHB, Moore, and Bryant. The four offer potential.

 

Shaq Richardson is pretty dissapointing considering the extreme need at CB. I think his pick in the 5th with a 6-7 grade shows the desperation at that point. I fear another year of very dangerous play at the CB position. It's a darn good thing the front 7 has been so revitalized. Maybe they can cover for the CBs.

 

Johnson is a bit if reach, in my opinion. He's small and lacks strength. He has some ability, but, as they say, "he tries hard." That should tell you something right there. He's really a player without a position.

 

Know who I think of when I see Zumwalt play? Kevin Greene! This guy has good size and speed and plays nasty! He has some athletic limitations, but he's a player! He played inside at UCLA, and can fill in there, but I see him as an outside rusher. He might need to bulk up a little to do it, but this guy is a keeper.

 

McCullers is a freakin' mountain! He had a very high grade (2-3) to go in the 6th. He doesn't have much experience and needs to show more effort, but 6-7, 352??? Holy crap! With him, McClendon, and Cam Thomas, the Steelers have some REAL beef up front!

 

Blanchflower is a limited athlete who has good size and can block. Ho hum. Like Spaeth, like Paulsen. C'mon Steelers! It's been 10 yrs. If you want a TE who can threaten a defense like Miller, you have to draft one. Not these blocker guys. If you want an extra blocker, trot an extra OL out there or just forget it.

 

Shazier, Tuitt, Zumwalt, and McCullers will add to and change this defense.

Bryant and Archer add exceptional speed to the offense.

 

But I fear the lack of any real addition at CB will severely limit this team. In today's NFL, you need multiple CBs and the Steelers barely have one. If any.

It's scary.

[Connorsdad 38]

Nice draft breakdown Law !

 

Yeah the lack of attention in this draft to the cornerback position is a head scratcher.

 

After missing out on Justin Gilbert and Kyle Fuller in the 1st round. It seemed they weren't as high on Darqueze Dennard as most everybody else was. Although I do like the Ryan Shazier pick. I love his skill set he brings to this old and slow defense but the lack of legitimate starters in the Steelers secondary is scary and in hindsight they should have grabbed Dennard.

 

It's also a shame that they missed Stanley Jean-Baptiste (58) and Phillip Gaines (87) when they picked Dri Archer (97). I guess maybe reaching for small school Pierre Desir (127) instead of Archer would have made a lot of Steeler fans feel better about this secondary.

 

Hopefully the front 7 the Steelers are trying to build will help the secondary and cause all kind of problems for opposing qb's and rb's.

 

Maybe Steeler fans will love Dri Archer if he can give the offense a Darren Sproles like boost on offense and in the return game.

[smashmouths@blf 33]

Nice draft breakdown Law !

 

Yeah the lack of attention in this draft to the cornerback position is a head scratcher.

 

After missing out on Justin Gilbert and Kyle Fuller in the 1st round. It seemed they weren't as high on Darqueze Dennard as most everybody else was. Although I do like the Ryan Shazier pick. I love his skill set he brings to this old and slow defense but the lack of legitimate starters in the Steelers secondary is scary and in hindsight they should have grabbed Dennard.

 

It's also a shame that they missed Stanley Jean-Baptiste (58) and Phillip Gaines (87) when they picked Dri Archer (97). I guess maybe reaching for small school Pierre Desir (127) instead of Archer would have made a lot of Steeler fans feel better about this secondary.

 

Hopefully the front 7 the Steelers are trying to build will help the secondary and cause all kind of problems for opposing qb's and rb's.

 

Maybe Steeler fans will love Dri Archer if he can give the offense a Darren Sproles like boost on offense and in the return game.

I agree. Good stuff Law. I really can't figure out why they passed on Dennard though. Seemed like a no brainer. Then the guy doesn't get drafted for another 8/9 picks. Have to wonder if they saw some character flaws. Anyway, we drafted some athletic freaks.

[Connorsdad 38]

It would be nice if they tried to get UDFA Rashaad Reynolds CB Oregon St. Or Marcus Roberson CB Florida. OR BOTH !!!

[Melissa Stark 1]

Good break down Law...not much else to add. Hopefully the front 7 make the secondary effective enough.

[lambert58 56]

Law - Great draft breakdown. I was excited to see the Steelers stress defense in this draft even if corner wasn't at the top of the list. I hope the additional pressure up front will create enough havoc that the Secondary isn't as exploited as recent years have shown. I don't recall a great pass rush the last 2-3 years and that really puts pressure on the secondary. Hoping the quickness in the front 7 will help pressure the qb into hurrying some throws instead of sitting in the pocket waiting for someone to come open. Just my .02.

 

Really have no problems with the first 2 rounds but the 3rd and 4th concern me. I really don't see Archer fitting into the Steelers scheme with Bell and Blount as the 1-2 backs. What is the intent to use him? Bell can play all 3 downs so I don't know what offensive intent there is in less they plan on using him for some bubble screens.

 

As for Bryant, someone mentioned Plax 2.0. I would take that over Limas Sweed 2.0. Unfortunately Sweed is the first player that popped into my head. Hoping for better luck with Bryant. I believe a few key Free Agent signings might still happen. Would love to see some veteran depth on the OL to help create some competition along with the depth.

 

Hoping for the best out of this class.