I know some of you Steeler haters don't care, but that's why there is a NHR board.
Anways, i was thinking about the Steelers division rivals this year, and I really believe they have a great chance of reclaiming the division title.
consider that Cincy will probably be without Carson Palmer for part of the season. Also Cincy has to play NE and Indy this year. Plus they just lost Jon Kitna to the Lions http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368184.
Baltimore is still pretty much the same team. As long as they don't get Caulpepper they won't have the offense.
The most improved team will be the Browns, but i think it will take more than some FA signings for them to compete.
So as long as the Steelers' FA losses don't hurt them to bad and Big Ben and the O-line stays healthy it looks like it will be another division title year.
Location: Source, Destination, Protocol, Port, size, sequence number, check sum... Yep, that about covers it.
Postby ExPatriatePen »
I don't frequent any Steelers boards, so this idea may have been floated on one of them, but, The biggest thing the Steelers lost with Randle-El was the punt returning aspect.
I'm sitting here watching some NCAA track and field and it seems to me you could really replace him with a Bob Hayes / Cowboys style athelete.
if Steelers want to replace EL's kick return skills, Eddie Drummond is a free agent. Or they could go the draft route and reach for Texas A&M QB/WR Reggie McNeal.
if Steelers want to replace EL's kick return skills, Eddie Drummond is a free agent. Or they could go the draft route and reach for Texas A&M QB/WR Reggie McNeal.
McNeal rates as well if not better than EL.
Jeremy Bloom and Devin Hester (obviously The Steel have no shot at Reggie Bush) are the best return prospects out there from major schools.
I liked Bloom in college but being away for a few years, he would have to be really good in personal workouts to draft him higher than the 5th round.
I haven't looked so I assume you would say the Steelers draft Hester in the 1st Round since he would be a 2nd round talent?
I think Bloom will run much faster in his individual workout than he did at the combine. He was doing whatever he did at the Olympics instead of running/football training for months if not years, so his 4.5 was actually impressive IMO. I think his time away from CFB will make him a value pick for the team that gets him a few rounds lower than he would have been slotted if he stayed at Colorado.
I can't see drafting Hester in the 1st round. The guy doesn't have a position. I could see making him a late 2nd round pick at the earliest.
I like Reggie McNeal to take over the EL position as punt returner, WR, and gimmick QB for the 2nd Round.
In the first round, I think the Steelers have to look at their defense.
Defensive Line - could be hit if both Kimo and Kiesel leave via fa
Linebackers - Porter/Farrior on decline, not sold on Wallace or Frazier
Safety - Hope is a free agent and not sure if they'll ever pay him big $$
I like Reggie McNeal to take over the EL position as punt returner, WR, and gimmick QB for the 2nd Round.
In the first round, I think the Steelers have to look at their defense.
Defensive Line - could be hit if both Kimo and Kiesel leave via fa
Linebackers - Porter/Farrior on decline, not sold on Wallace or Frazier
Safety - Hope is a free agent and not sure if they'll ever pay him big $$
McNeal is going to test the waters as a QB. I think he is more of a Kordell clone. He won't be a fulltime WR ala El, so that kind of takes the trickeration aspect out of his game because every time he enters the game it will set off alarms. I can't see spending a 2nd round pick in the developmental QB when BRoeth will be here for the next 10 seasons.
I think the Steel will resign Kiessel. I think they will draft Carpenter or Lawson as OLBs and situational pass rushers.
I like Reggie McNeal to take over the EL position as punt returner, WR, and gimmick QB for the 2nd Round.
In the first round, I think the Steelers have to look at their defense.
Defensive Line - could be hit if both Kimo and Kiesel leave via fa
Linebackers - Porter/Farrior on decline, not sold on Wallace or Frazier
Safety - Hope is a free agent and not sure if they'll ever pay him big $$
Well, they signed Keisel and Ryan Clark from the Redskins (FS). Doubtful they'll go for a LB in the first round, so I guess it depends on what is there. I could see them go after a CB or WR, again, depending on what is there (Antonio Cromartie? Not sure they'd take a chance on Sinorice Moss).
i posted in the other thread that Yahoo is reporting that Kimo signed with the Jets. I guess they think Kiesel is ready to start. I'm not happy about losing Kimo's leadership but you had to figure after they won guys would seek money elsewhere.
i posted in the other thread that Yahoo is reporting that Kimo signed with the Jets. I guess they think Kiesel is ready to start. I'm not happy about losing Kimo's leadership but you had to figure after they won guys would seek money elsewhere.
They weren't going to pay Kimo with Keisel waiting in the wings. Kimo's 35 years old.
I think they will take a linebacker in the first round. But things are shifting quickly as people fill needs from the offensive end of the draft. A solid running back could slide to them.
Steelers resign Tuman and Barrett Brooks. Also got two fullbacks one off waivers. The other as a FA.
Looks like Verron Haynes isn't resigning.
I sincerely hope that they re-sign Haynes and Quincy Morgan. They can then still draft the "best athlete" without reaching to fill glaring needs.
With Morgan, Washington, Wilson and Ward - they could use WR help in the draft, but it can be a "prospect" type.
With Haynes, Staley and Parker - same thing at RB.
They can use help on either line, a nickel corner, a depth LB, etc. - they would go into the draft without an absolute "need" position in my mind.
Take either Haynes or Morgan out of that equation, and I think that position becomes seriously thin and would need to be address near the top of the draft. Let's not forget that Staley is almost guaranteed to be injured at some point, and you need a third receiver with at least some NFL track record.
I know Parker had a nice season but I would not be comfortable going into the season with Staley as his backup and Haynes gone. If this happens, they could go RB in the 2nd Round unless someone falls to them at 32.
Steelers will need to look for a fullback in this draft, I think Krieder's days will be numbered with Bettis gone and the offense shifting into a more passing happy system with Big Ben developing.
