Behind the Steel Curtain

Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Offseason Positional Review - Offensive Tackles

2010-02-09T15:23:18Z

Onward with our breakdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as the 2010 offseason gets underway.

Other positional reviews: Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, Running Backs and Quarterbacks

Age and 2009 Stats: 28 years old (1/10/82) - 16 games started, seven penalties and eight sacks allowed

Contract Status: Signed through 2012

2009 Analysis: For the first time since 2005, Starks started every game this season but that doesn't necessarily mean that he had a great season. Playing offensive tackle with Ben Roethlisberger is certainly no easy task but by all accounts Starks had an inconsistent season. After a spectacular first half of the season, that included very good games against the Vikings' Jared Allen and Broncos' Elvis Dumervil, Starks faded down the stretch, as did the Steelers team as a whole. He can still struggle with speed rushers at times but inconsistency seems to be the biggest problem and he's still never developed into the mauling in-line blocker that his size (6-8,345) would suggest.

2010 Outlook: Make no mistake about it, Max Starks will be the starting left tackle in 2010. Any hopes or wishes that he'll be cut are pipe dreams at best. He's still owed quite a bit of money and with uncertain contract situations across the rest of the offensive line, Starks isn't going anywhere. Maybe a new offensive line coach will help shore up some of the flaws or maybe a slight change in offensive philosophy will help but either way, sink or swim, Starks will be the starting left tackle as long as he's healthy.

Willie Colon

Age and 2009 Stats: 26 years old (4/9/82) - 16 games started, six penalties and eight sacks allowed

Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent (Unless a new CBA is reached, in which case he'll be a UFA)

2009 Analysis: For the third straight season, Willie Colon started every game at right tackle and I think it's fair to say that this was his best season yet. While that's not necessarily a ringing endorsement, at least the uproar over whether he's even playing the right position has lowered to a dull roar. Colon was playing well enough early in the season to earn BTSC's Most Improved Player award and perhaps Colon's biggest improvement was in the running game. He at times looked like a very competent and complete right tackle, despite a new guy taking his first snaps at right guard. He's still not an upper tier right tackle and he can still struggle with speed rushers as well as defensive line stunts but 2009 was a step in the right direction.

2010 Outlook: Colon's future is pretty unclear but it's pretty safe to say that unless lightening strikes (aka a new CBA is signed) he'll be back as the starting right tackle for at least one more season. I would imagine that Colon's long term future with the Steelers is dependent upon how highly he views himself. Right now he's a somewhat young, highly experienced yet relatively inexpensive starter, but it'll be interesting to see what kind of contract he's looking for once he's an unrestricted free agent. If we can ignore the long term aspect for now though, Colon is the type of tackle that should benefit from an increased commitment to the running game and perhaps some continuity with his right guard will benefit both players in the future.

Tony Hills

Age and 2009 Stats: 25 years old (11/4/85)

Contract Status: Under contract through 2010

2009 Analysis: For the second consecutive season Hills didn't appear in a single game.

2010 Outlook: Considering that Starks and Colon were healthy for each and every game you'd expect that Hills wouldn't have played a down, but the fact that he was inactive for every game might also be a tell-tale sign. His status as strictly an 'offensive tackle' makes his future somewhat limited and most likely tied to the future of Willie Colon or the drafting of another offensive tackle, but youth is still on his side for a year or so. It's probably to early to say that Hills is on the hot seat in 2010 but this year's training camp will be very important to his future with the team.

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Judging the play of Max Starks and Willie Colon in 2009 is about as difficult as it gets. Both tackles dealt with new guards and a quarterback that loves to hold onto the ball until the last possible second, or a full thirty seconds after the last possible second. In total both tackles had their highlights and low lights of the season but their future is more concerning right now. Should we expect better play from this pair in the future? Will a new OL coach help or maybe some consistency at guard or is the biggest problem simply their caliber of play?

Congratulations To Coach LeBeau On The Well Deserved And Overdue Hall of Fame Honors

2010-02-08T22:39:53Z

More photos » Robert Walsh - AP

Browse more photos »

"We love coach LeBeau. I don't think there's anything we wouldn't do for him."

- safety Troy Polamalu on NBC Sports in January, 2009.

As you probably heard by now, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has been included in this year's class of Hall of Fame inductees! It's quite an honor for the 72 year old. Here's an overview of some of his accomplishments in the league as both a player and a coach.

Playing Career:

1959-1972: Detroit Lions (defensive back)

3x Pro Bowl selection ('65, '66, '67)
62 career interceptions (still 8th best in NFL history despite the drastically increased opportunities for DBs to accumulate INTs since LeBeau's playing days).
Played in 171 straight games during one stretch for the Lions. I believe that is still an NFL record for the position.

Coaching Career:

1973-1975: Philadelphia Eagles (special teams coach

1976-1979: Green Bay Packers (defensive backs coach)

1980-1983: Cincinnati Bengals (defensive backs coach)

1984-1991: Cincinnati Bengals (defensive coordinator)

1992-1994: Pittsburgh Steelers (defensive backs coach)

1995-1996: Pittsburgh Steelers (defensive coordinator)

1997-2000: Cincinnati Bengals (defensive coordinator/asst. head coach)

2000-2002: Cincinnati Bengals (head coach)

2003: Buffalo Bills (assistant head coach)

2004-???: Pittsburgh Steelers (defensive coordinator)

LeBeau will be enshrined in Canton next summer partially because of his defensive innovations - most notably the 'zone blitz' which he began tinkering with in the early 1980s.
It was not really until his tenure in Pittsburgh though that the idea really came to life. Before being named defensive coordinator in 1995, LeBeau helped stabilize the Steelers secondary in the first years of the post-Chuck Noll era in Pittsburgh. Those were nervous times and LeBeau more than did his part to give the organization and its fans that they were more than heading in the right direction.
In those three years coaching the Steelers DBs, LeBeau's secondary never finished outside the top 10 in passing touchdowns allowed.
In 1995, LeBeau's first year as DC, Gregg Lloyd set career highs in interceptions (6) and forced fumbles (3)
Levon Kirland benefited from LeBeau's zone blitz scheme, notching a career high 4 interceptions in 1996, while terrorizing quarterbacks with blitzes up the shoot when not dropping in to coverage.
Chad Greene recorded 13 sacks in 1996, the year Kevin Greene departed for Carolina. Greene was a beast in his prime, but he also was made to look a lot better than he really was by the system he was playing in.
Then there's James Harrison more recently...I could go on, but the point is, Dick LeBeau has turned great athletes in to great football players. And he's done it for a long, long period of time.

"Everything I do is because of (LeBeau)," Harrison said. "If he doesn't call that defense that puts me in a position to make plays, I wouldn't be talking to you now."

I could list all of the accolades LeBeau's defenses have collected over the years; all the individual honors his players have won. But that's not really the point. It's the entire body of work that makes Coach Dad such a living legend and so deserving of the ultimate honor - enshrinement in Canton, Ohio in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It's an overdue honor for LeBeau, but as they say, better late than never.

Key 2010 NFL Offseason Dates

2010-02-08T09:26:58Z

More commentary to come about the tremendous news from this weekend - Dick LeBeau's induction in to the Hall of Fame. For now, a quick run down of the key offseason dates in the 2010 NFL offseason now that the 2009 season is officially in the books. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV. After falling down 10-0 early, the Saints raced past the Colts for a 31-17 victory. The win marked New Orleans' first ever SB title. I was of course thrilled to see Drew Brees play so well. I knew he had it in him to be one of the best in the game when he left Purdue. He sure validated his status as one of the game's best this evening. Now that New Orleans has one, let's get back to accumulating more Lombardis back in Pittsburgh!

To the dates.

February 8th: Waiver system begins for 2010 season

February 11th: First day clubs can designate franchise or transition players

February 24th - March 2nd: NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)

February 25th: Deadline for clubs to designate franchise or transition players

March 5th: Start of Free Agency

March 15th - Offseason workouts can commence

March 21st-24th: NFL Annual Meeting

April 22nd-24th: 2010 NFL Draft (ridiculous that it's 3 days!)

May 24th-26th: NFL Spring Meeting

Late July: Steelers Training Camp.

Congratulations, Dick LeBeau, 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee

2010-02-06T22:46:24Z

No one has contributed more to the game in your induction class than you, coach. Congratulations!

Discuss below

Skip The Pre-Game Yawn Fest, Watch Hines and LaMarr Bowl Instead!

2010-02-05T23:06:02Z

Hey it's Super Bowl week - last year I got totally inundated with email from companies and marketers. This year not as bad being that the Steelers are at home watching this year rather than playing in the Big Game. Nevertheless, I got a heads up about Hines Ward and LaMarr Woodley participating in NBA star Chris Paul's celebrity bowling tournament. The preview of the event can be found below - looked like a fun time for a good cause, and if there's ever a time I were to watch bowling, it just might be the few hours before the Super Bowl and an event featuring two Steelers players.

Steelers Legend "Bullet" Bill Dudley, Rest in Peace

2010-02-04T21:44:13Z

The history of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the Immaculate Reception was a well-documented series of painful memories. Sometimes the woes of the team were self-inflicted, sometimes it seemed like the football gods were just not going to let them succeed and sometimes they just couldn't find the right chemistry. In the case of Bullet Bill Dudley, one of the greatest players ever to wear a Steelers uniform, it was a combination of all three. Dudley passed away in his home state of Virginia after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 88.

After nine years of failing to field a winning ballclub, the Steelers found themselves with the first pick in the 1942 NFL Draft, coming off a one-win season in which three different head coaches took turns losing football games. With that first pick, the Steelers took a running back out of Virginia, Bullet Bill. Dudley came into the NFL and proceeded to lead the league in rushing when that was basically all the league did. His 696 yards were alot back then. The Steelers finished 7-4, a substantial upgrade from their 1-9-1 mark of 1941.

As fate would have it, when the Steelers finally had the crown jewel of the NFL, World War II gutted NFL rosters for more important matters. Dudley became a fighter pilot in the Pacific for the next two and a half years. Dudley came back to play for the Steelers in 1945. The next season, 1946, he might have had the finest season any player has ever had in the NFL. On offense he led the league in rushing with 604 yards, on defense he led the league with 10 interceptions, and on special teams he led the league in punt returns. No one before or since has ever come close to that trifecta. He led the league in 12 categories in all three phases and was obviously the NFL's Most Valuable Player.

Dudley never left the field. Over the course of his illustrious career interrupted by war, he scored 18 touchdowns as a receiver, 44 as a runner, threw six touchdowns as a quarterback and scored four as a return man. On defense, he intercepted 23 passes and scored on two of them. He successfully kicked 33 field goals and 121 extra points.

As the Pre-Immaculate Reception Curse would have it, Dudley and his new head coach in 1946, Jock Sutherland, could never get along. Dudley's strong suits as a great athlete were instincts and creativity. Sutherland insisted upon precision and standardized repetition. The oil and water were just never going to mix. I had a chance to visit with Bullet Bill in New York City in late 1997 and told him what a huge Steelers' fan I was. He was adamant about the Steelers being a championship team in the late 1940s if only he and Sutherland could get on the same page. "All the elements were in place and we were a hungry bunch who was primed to win it all," he lamented.

Art Rooney reluctantly sided with the coach in agreeing to trade Dudley to the Detroit Lions. The Steelers, under duress, received peanuts in return. Dudley continued his Hall of Fame career elsewhere. Adding insult to injury, Dudley had some of his best games against the Steelers after he left them.

"I really don't know why," said Dudley. "Jock was gone and I loved Art Rooney, so there was no animosity or hard feelings. Somehow I had my best games against the Steelers, touchdowns, interceptions, everything." Go figure.

After football, Dudley was elected to serve four terms in the Virginia House of Delegates. Dudley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966. Rest in peace, Bullet Bill.

BTSC Daily Six Pack - Big Snack Fires First 'Bullet'

2010-02-03T10:11:01Z

IX- I had no idea. Tom Moore, the longtime maestro of the Indianapolis Colts, was once the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yup, the only offensive coordinator Peyton Manning has ever worked with in the NFL orchestrated the Steelers offense in the 1980s. Moore was the receivers coach from '77-'82 before being handed the reins of the offense in 1983. He would be fired after the 1989 season following nearly a decade of unimaginative and stagnant offense. As Ed Bouchette astutely noted:

Chuck Noll hired Moore in 1977 to coach his wide receivers in an era in which Noll served as his own offensive coordinator. Moore helped develop the new passing attack they used in '78 when the rules changed and suddenly Terry Bradshaw's offense turned into one of the best in the league at throwing the ball.

"We went to the Super Bowl in '78 and '79 and we got more involved in passing and we still had the good running game, we were two-back because that's what our personnel dictated," Moore said.

Anyway, time's change, people change...and it helps having Peyton Manning making you look good. It's hard to deny though that Tom Moore has been one of the most accomplished offensive minds in football this past quarter century.

X - I hate to go here, but some somewhat entertaining speculation on the Bill Cowher front. Courtesy of? None other than Jerome Bettis. Bettis has speculated recently that Cowher is holding out for the New York Giants job. It does actually make some sense. Coughlin might be on somewhat thin ice heading in to next season considering how they've played since the midway point of the 2008 season. Cowher would then potentially be teaming up with one of the other few family run organizations in sports - the Giants. He'd have a veteran quarterback in his prime years, an organizational commitment to doing things the right way, and a history of playing a brand of football that's familiar with Cowher. Who knows though what will happen. The Giants could very well make another run next year, which in turn would probably grandfather Coughlin in to his job there for quite some time.

And, as Cowher is quick to point out:

"That’s Jerome," Cowher said. "It’s like us (the CBS analysts) up here. We say things to throw it out there and who knows? I haven’t talked to Jerome in two years."

XIII - Congratulations Troy Polamalu! #43 was named to the NFL's All Decade Team. He's the only current Steeler to make the team, though former Steelers Alan Faneca and Joey Porter were named to the squad as well. Solid honor for the likely Hall of Famer. I really can't wait to see the gold standard of highlight compilations someone puts together when Polamalu's career is over.

XIV - I'm bad. I admit it. But I just couldn't help it. Want to read a mediocre article about Tim Tebow and how the Steelers should draft him if he were available in the 3rd or 4th round (a ridiculous premise in and of itself)? Check it out here (shocking, Bleacher Report!). Okay, I wasn't actually going to be unnecessarily snarky until I got to the comments and read this gem:

Good characterization of Tebow's traditional Steelers mentality, a real throwback to the Chuck Nolan era. That said, you're probably right that we won't see him as a starting quarterback.

.God Bless the collective rationality and intelligence of you all here. I'll just say that...

XL- Well that didn't last too long. The love affair between Joey Porter and the Miami Dolphins might not last more than three years. Listen to Porter sound like a victim here; or if you're sans audio, read a quick overview about his 'plight' here. I recommend the audio interview though when/if you get a chance. For the record, I don't entirely blame Porter for his frustration - he feels he was underutilized coming off a monster year in '08. Still, look at your payday my man. Then realize it's probably best to keep your mouth shut.

XLIII - We've gotten our first taste of what the negotiations between the Steelers and Casey Hampton might look like. I wrote about the subject late last week, Hampton went on the record recently to say that having the Franchise Tag slapped on him would be a 'slap in the face.' Stay tuned.

The Chief

2010-02-02T18:49:04Z

The question posted under the "get to know you" thread about favorite Steelers moment got me thinking. Many younger fans probably never saw this. Many older fans probably had tears in their eyes and alcohol running through their veins and don't remember 1/12/75. Hope you enjoy. This is a GREAT moment in Steelers history. Probably one of the first outside the Immaculate Reception. It starts about 38 seconds into the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YROIZmet1_Q

Having Fun With Super Bowl Props

2010-02-02T07:56:20Z

Hey, we have no horse in this race...actually, yes, yes I do. I heart Drew Brees almost (not really actually, but still) as much as the Steelers, so I'm unquestionably rooting for the New Orleans Saints to beat the Indianapolis Colts on Super Bowl Sunday. Plus, I may respect the hell out of Peyton Manning and without doubt think of him as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game - that still doesn't mean I want him equaling Ben Roethlisberger's two Lombardi Trophies.

Still, I'm hoping for a great, clean game that comes down to the wire.

And, after taking a look at some of the absurdly ridiculous yet equal parts awesome proposition bets being offered out there for this year's Big Game, I think I may just have to have a little fun and throw down a few dollars for shits and giggles.

Here's a few that caught my eye, all courtesy of Bodog.

First though, some general SB betting stats that may interest you:

Career Super Bowl Stat Notes

Favorites are 24-17-2 against the spread in the Super Bowl

The game has gone under 21 times, over 21 times, and there was no total set for Super Bowl I

The Dog has won outright 11 times

In the last decade, the favorite was 6-3-1 ATS, and the game went over/under 4-6.

In the 9 Super Bowls in Miami, favorite is 6-3 ATS and the game has gone over/under 5-4

Now, to the fun Prop Bets, which bring in thousands of casual bettors for an evening of fun each year.

How long will it take Carrie Underwood to sing the National Anthem?

Over/Under 1 minute 42 seconds

My take: Okay, I'm leading with one of my favorites here. Get this, no national anthem before a Super Bowl has lasted under 1 minute 44 or 1 minute 45 seconds as far as I can tell. Checked You Tube and even downloaded a number of Super Bowls and watched the telecast in their entirety. I might be missing something but if so, it was way back when before the pomp and circumstance of today's Super Bowl Sunday festivities. LOVE the over here as Underwood holds some line of Francis Scott Key's masterpiece (which one, who knows?) way too long and in some (most likely) tacky fashion. She'll do just fine though and get us all excited for the final game of the football season, but I highly doubt Ms. Underwood is going to buck this historical trend and roar through the National Anthem more quickly than her predecessors. By the way, if you love the site and make money off this bet, you know where to find me :) Just sayin..

Which Super Bowl commercial will have a higher rating on USA Today's annual Ad Meter?

Anheuser-Busch / Budweiser 2/3

Doritos 9/4

Coca-Cola 13/2

Go Daddy.com 8/1

Career Builder 8/1

Family First 12/1

Other 5/2

My take: No opinion, but remember, it's not which will garner the most views and controversy (that'd be the Tebow ad), it's which will rate highest on the USA Today Ad Meter. Beer or coke seem like good choices, though Coke might be a better play considering the female demographic that may be voting the next day.

How many current NFL Players will be arrested during Super Bowl Week?

Over/Under 0.5

My take: Never say never, but something tells me both teams will be on a mission all week in Miami and will avoid some of the pitfalls that have plagued players in year's past. I like the Under.

What Color will the Gatorade be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?

Yellow 1/1

Clear/Water 7/5

Orange 4/1

Lime Green 5/1

Red 12/1

Blue 12/1

My take: Go look back and see what color gatorade these two teams prefer? Or is their a color that's ended up on the winning coach most years? Who knows. Apparently yellow's the safe play here! Stay away, I'd say :)

What side of the ball will the Players that perform the Gatorade Shower be from?

Offensive +140

Defensive -170

My take: Those pesky, rowdy defensive dudes. Definitely love that play. They're always the ones doing that kind of thing, but don't count out someone like Jeremy Shockey ruining your bet. Heh.

How Many Times will CBS show Archie Manning on TV during the Game?

Over/Under 2.5

(Wager is on the number of times Archie Manning will appear on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live pictures only, Any Taped Pictures or Past Video does not count towards wager.)

My take: It's gotta be over, no? I mean, Archie Manning, his allegiances torn between the team he played with, the city he's raised his family in and the team his son is quarterbacking? Sounds like a Jim Nantz special! Over. Over. Over.

How Many Times will CBS show Kim Kardashian on TV during the Game?

Over/Under 2.5

(Wager is on the number of times Kim Kardashian will appear on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live pictures only, Any Taped Pictures or Past Video does not count towards wager. Person must be in attendance for wager to have action.)

For this one, we turn to my gf, who has this to say about the prop. Btw, bless her, she said to me last Saturday night before we went to bed: 'we don't have to watch the Pro Bowl tomorrow, do we?' I laughed my ass off to that one.'No, no we do not. I've never watched in in my life, and I don't plan on starting this year,' I responded.

Anyway, her take: Thankfully for us, Kim Kardashian can't buy her way onto the Superbowl screen as she can the cover of US Weekly. Despite the lack of token women to show in the stands during this year's National Football League Championship (think Brenda Warner everyone), I'm gonna go with Under 2.5. Why? Well, the Saints are going to need to be winning the game handily thanks to Reggie Bush's play for her to get more than one or two cameos. Plus, the media gods wouldn't have it: Keeping Up With The Kardashians is owned by Comcast, who owns half of NBC ... and the Superbowl is on CBS. Follow the money!

How Many Times will CBS show Bourbon Street on TV during the Game?

Over/Under 2

(Wager is on the number of times Bourbon Street will appear on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle).

My take: Uh, can I please take a mortgage out on my house (if I owned one, that is) for this one? Don't get any ideas out there, but come on? How could this not be more than 2? And if not more than 2, there has to be at least 2 showings of Bourbon Street. First touchdown for sure, then either late in the game ahead or behind. Seems safe to me.

What color top will Kim Kardashian be wearing at the Super Bowl?

Black 6/5

White 7/4

Any Other Color 7/5

Back to the gf for her take on this one: Who dat? Ah, it's Kim Kardashian pretending to pretending to be skinny most recently, what with endorsing a multitude of diet schemes and fitness workouts here, there and seemingly just about everywhere (vapid people congregate). Saint's colors? Black and gold. Black? A 'trimming' color. Black is a no brainer. An even safer bet may be what large object Kim will be holding in front of her abdomen to hide her ~~hard earned six pack~~ gut -- pillow? purse? Your guess is as good as mine there.

How Many Times will CBS announcers fully mention Hurricane Katrina during the game?

Over/Under 3

(Wager is on the number of times announcers specifically say "Hurricane Katrina" during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live pictures only.

My take: Okay, never mind about my throwing wind to the caution on this one. How does this not go over? Hell, if we were talking Dan Dierdorf or John Madden or someone else who was too busy exalting the minutiae of the game, I might say under, but folks...FOLKS...we're talking 'A Tradition Like No Other...The Masters on CBS...' Or for you hoops fans out there...'Simon Says Championship.' We're talking Jim Nantz, the king of emotional cheese. Not that there's anything phony about Hurricane Katrina and what it's meant to the city of New Orleans, but sheesh, this story line is pure gold for the network producers at CBS and you better believe Nantz will have a full array of gushing metaphors and other poetic references handy regardless of the game's score.

Will either team score three unanswered times in the game?

Yes -200

No +160

My take: No data here, but I have a hard time believing either one of these offenses has allowed an opposing team to strike three times before putting up some points of their own. Tremendously great value here in my opinion.

And to conclude...

Player Odds

Odds to win 2010 Super Bowl XLIV MVP

Peyton Manning (IND) 2/3

Drew Brees (NO) 9/4

Pierre Thomas (NO) 10/1

Reggie Bush (NO) 10/1

Joseph Addai (IND) 10/1

Reggie Wayne (IND) 10/1

Dallas Clark (IND) 12/1

Marques Colston (NO) 12/1

Pierre Garcon (IND) 14/1

Mike Bell (NO) 20/1

Devery Henderson (NO) 20/1

Jeremy Shockey (NO) 20/1

Austin Collie (IND) 20/1

Donald Brown (IND) 25/1

Robert Meachem (NO) 25/1

Darren Sharper (NO) 28/1

Dwight Freeney (IND) 30/1

Robert Mathis (IND) 40/1

Jonathan Vilma (NO) 40/1

Will Smith (NO) 50/1

Lance Moore (NO) 50/1

David Thomas (NO) 50/1

Antoine Bethea (IND) 50/1

Gary Brackett (IND) 50/1

Clint Session (IND) 50/1

Garrett Hartley (NO) 75/1

Matt Stover (IND) 75/1

Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Offseason Positional Review - The Quarterbacks

2010-02-01T07:46:22Z

More photos » Gail Burton - AP

Browse more photos »

Onward with our breakdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as the 2010 offseason gets underway.

Other positional reviews: Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, Running Backs

Ben Roethlisberger

Age and 2009 Stats: 27 years old; 337 passing attempts, 506 completions (66.6%), 4,328 yards, 26 TDs, 12 INTs, 100.5 passer rating

Contract Status: Signed through 2016

2009 Analysis: In many respects, Roethlisberger had his finest professional season in 2009. His interception numbers were down, his TDs up, and in the first half of the season at least, he looked more in command of the offense and more in tune mentally with what was unfolding in front of him than ever before. Big Ben's 4,328 passing yards dusted his previous best of 3,513 back in '06. His 26 TDs were the second most of his career, while his interception % of 2.4 marked a personal best.

For the fourth time in as many years, Roethlisberger was battered and bruised by opposing defenses. He was sacked 50 times in '09, tied for the most of any quarterback in the league with Aaron Rodgers. Those 50 sacks resulted in 348 lost yards - also the most in the NFL. Of course, the debate raged on all year about just how many of Big Ben's sacks were the result of him holding on to the ball too long. I'm in the process of downloading all of this year's games and plan to take another look myself, but I think it's fair to say that Ben's tendency to hold on to the ball cost the Steelers on several occasions. I know, you have to take the good with the bad, but the bottom line is, in my opinion: it's nice to know that Big Ben can make huge plays in the passing game by making would-be tacklers miss in the backfield while his receivers break free down field, but it's not something he can count on pulling off so frequently. Look at the two quarterbacks still playing this season - the two best in the league right now - they make their living by getting the ball out extraordinarily quickly. Manning was sacked just 10 times in '09; Brees 20. And no, their offensive lines aren't that much better than the Steelers'.

Anyway, I'd imagine that Roethlisberger wouldn't consider his 2009 season to be a success merely because the team didn't play up to their potential in the win column. Maybe so, but it's easy to forget just how special he was for large parts of the season. His performances against San Diego, Denver, Green Bay and even Miami were all outstanding. He was very, very good in several other games that the defense couldn't close, but it's only fair to mention that he was guilty of turning the ball over at inopportune times in several of those defeats.

2010 Outlook: I'm particularly interested to see what kind of evolution, if any, we'll see to the Steelers offense in 2010. Gone is quarterbacks coach Ken Anderson; same with Larry Zeirlein. As for Bruce Arians, he retains his job for 2010, but I wonder if he'll have the same control next season. We've already heard the Rooney clan mention the Steelers will be getting back to their old smash-mouthed ways. We'll see if Arians is able to pull that off. As for Ben, he has a nice track record of bouncing back from disappointing years. He set career highs in 2007 following the '06 fiasco. Though I'd hardly consider '09 a fiasco, I do think he'll go in to next year with a similar chip on his shoulder.

Dennis Dixon

Age and 2009 Stats: 25 years old; 12 passing attempts, 26 completions (46.2%), 145 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 60.6 passer rating.

Contract Status:

2009 Analysis: Dixon almost cemented his name in to Steelers lore by leading the team to victory on the road against the rival Ravens. It wasn't meant to be though, as the Steelers lost in overtime after Dixon was picked off on a pass that he telegraphed. Still, Dixon was a pleasure to watch that night. His long TD scamper in the 4th quarter had me out of my seat going crazy. Same with his TD strike to Santonio Holmes in the 1st. Both were great plays by him and both had me thinking 'oh my, we may actually pull this one out!'

It's too bad Dixon cost the Steelers with his pick. You could see just how badly he wanted to win and just how awful he felt after the game. I was impressed by the competitive spirit he showed that night that's for sure and feel much, much better about the team's chances if he were forced in to action in 2010.

2010 Outlook: What can you say? Hopefully Dennis DIxon won't play in 2010. That's not to say I don't want to watch him guide our beloved Steelers. Quite the contrary actually. I'd find it enormously gratifying I think to watch the underdog potentially lead the Steelers to success. I'd just prefer our 2-time Super Bowl champion quarterback to stay healthy and hopefully bring home Lombardi number seven. We'll see what happens with Dixon's future in Pittsburgh beyond 2010. He's set to become a free agent that year and could very well land elsewhere if he were thrust in to action next year and performs well. I do think it's perfectly safe to assume that Dixon will be the team's #2 QB in 2010, even if the organization were to bring Charlie Batch back for one more year.

Charlie Batch

I'm going to skip the details and get right to the point with regards to Batch. He's not currently under contract with the Steelers. He's coming off a 1-year deal in which he took a fairly significant pay-cut from his previous contract. I'd imagine the Steelers will bring him back if Batch wants to return and retire a Steeler - which I believe he does. I think it'd be understood that Batch would be the #3 option on gameday, but that doesn't mean the team couldn't get some value from his presence in the meeting rooms each week. I know Batch is a competitor, but I have to believe he knows he's a shell of himself physically. I'd be surprised if he really wants to prove he can still play by signing as a backup with some team that has a shaky QB situation. My guess instead is that he'll stay in Pittsburgh where his family is settled and where he's made quite a connection and difference in the community.

Steelers America's Game episodes available on Hulu

2010-01-31T23:06:41Z

Steelers America's Game episodes available on Hulu

Here's a little fix for those of us that have gone into football withdrawal.

BTSC 2010 NFL Mock Drafts : Updated 01/30 (4 round edition)

2010-01-31T00:37:56Z

So here is my post Senior Bowl mock draft. I'm sure to make some people happy with my new pick for the Steelers. As always I look forward to your questions, comments, and conversations.

1. St. Louis Rams: Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame
This pick is not going to change from a QB unless the Rams find one in free agency like Jason Campbell or trade for one. Their number one priority has to be to find a new Quarterback. In the last two years they have passed on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez. GM’s don’t think to themselves, “We’ll be bad enough to get the top QB next year” and neither do head coaches who only have a very limited time to prove their worth. For a great example of this you only have to look to last year’s draft. Many said that Aaron Curry was much more of a sure thing than Matt Stafford. New Lions coach Jim Schwartz, with a defensive coordinators back ground, still took the QB instead of a top D prospect because he knows that a team starts with a QB. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is a great player but he’s not going to single-handedly wins games for them. Even if Suh did win them 3 more games than they would’ve, then they wouldn’t be drafting high enough to get next years top QB Jake Locker. Clausen had a great junior season and has the added bonus of having played in a pro-style offense under center. Heading into an uncapped year means the Rams can dump Marc Bulger’s salary without any future consequences.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
What the Lions need most is an impact player. This team needs playmakers everywhere other than QB and TE. They need a cornerstone LT to protect their 40 million dollar man in Matt Stafford but Suh is too great a player to pass on. After watching Suh absolutely dominate Texas’ lineman in the Big12 championship to the tune of 4 & ½ sacks and being the first defensive player since 1997 to be invited to the Heisman ceremony, he looks to be the best defensive lineman prospect since Warren Sapp. At this pick, the only other options I can see them going with are Russell Okung or Eric Berry. But if Suh is available they would be crazy to pass on him.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs messed themselves up winning just enough games to take them out of the Suh sweepstakes. Unfortunately he is no longer available but getting McCoy is not a bad option. Many consider him to be the most technically sound DT in this draft, even more so than Suh. Not having a need for a QB or LT means that this pick would pretty much only be Eric Berry or perhaps even Derrick Morgan if they decide to not go with McCoy. Trading back with a pick this high isn’t really much of an option as other teams will not want to pay the amount of guaranteed money expected to a top 3 pick. It’s also not out of the realm of possibility that they trade up with the Rams to get Suh, as the Rams would still be able to get Clausen here.

4. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
Regardless of whether or not you’re a Jason Campbell fan the fact remains that this team is not winning with him. I know a lot of the problems are because of the injuries to the offensive line but Snyder is going to go with a flashy, big name like Bradford, especially now that Mike Shanahan has been hired as the new head coach. As ESPN has reported, Bradford is having his shoulder operated on by the renowned Dr. James Andrews, who also just happens to be the Redskins team doctor. So Snyder will definitely have the inside track on whether Bradford’s shoulder is going to hold up. If Snyder doesn’t think Bradford’s shoulder will hold up they will target Russell Okung, Bruce Campbell, or Anthony Davis since no other QB is worthy of a pick this high.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung OT, Oklahoma State
Matt Cassell needs a LT that will give him enough time to throw the ball down field. KC spent a lot of money on Cassell and it would be nice if they got a return on their investment. It would also allow them to move 2008 1st round pick Brandon Albert to LG, his natural position, since it doesn't seem like he can make it playing on the outside. Okung is the top OT in the draft and would be a great addition to the Chiefs O-line. He's athletic, uses his hands very well, and has quick feet to get out in front of speed rushers. If they are somehow still confident that Albert can play LT then this pick could change to Eric Berry or even Rolando McClain.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Eric Berry S, Tennessee
I’ve changed this pick to Berry because with two early first round picks, there is plenty of OT talent but Berry is too good to pass on. If Okung were available they would probably go for him, but given Bruce Campbell’s injury history they will elect to go with Berry would many consider an Ed Reed clone. Not only myself but every draft pundit you hear, including Mel Kiper and Todd McShay of ESPN, have said that Berry is an absolute stud and top player of this draft. Berry is a nightmare for opposing QB's. College teams don't even throw in his direction. He's got a nose for the ball and is a serious threat to take a pick back to the house every time. I will give new Head Coach Pete Carroll enough credit to go with talent over the familiarity he has with Taylor Mays.

7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden CB, Florida
Cleveland needs help everywhere except for LT where they have Joe Thomas. A lot of draft lovers think they will target a QB, but I’m not sure the franchise is quite ready to give up on Brady Quinn, especially when there is no more 1st round talents QB’s left, although they may target one in the later rounds. Haden is the only elite corner in this draft class and landing him would be a decent consolation prize after missing out on Berry. If they elect to keep the 3-4 defense this pick may turn to Rolando McClain.

8. Oakland Raiders: Carlos Dunlap DE, Florida
With Taylor Mays completely lost during Senior Bowl practices, I will give the Crypt Keeper(Al Davis) enough credit to know how much of a gamble he would be with a top 10 pick, although I’m sure that will come back to haunt me. Unfortunately with Clausen and Bradford gone Oakland won’t get a replacement for the failed JaMarcus Russell experiment. When the combine rolls around Davis will absolutely fall in love with Dunlap’s freakish measureables. In my opinion Dunlap is this year’s Vernon Gholston. If Joe Haden can run a sub 4.4 at the combine he would immediately jump to the top of Davis’ list if he’s available.

9. Buffalo Bills: Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers
The Bills will look to fill their biggest need which is gaping hole left by the Jason Peters trade to Philly. Davis is an absolute mauler who has continued to rise up draft boards everywhere. They may also consider Rolando McClain to help shore up that horrendous run defense. There’s also an outside chance they may pick Derrick Morgan but it’s unlikely since they selected pass rusher Aaron Maybin in the first round of last years draft.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
The Jags young receiving corps has come on this year and as such seems to be no longer a dire position of need. This team needs a DE as the Jags make the transition back to after a woeful attempt at using a 3-4. Morgan has distinguished himself as the top DE for a 4-3 as he is an excellent pass rusher. Florida QB Tim Tebow may become are real option for them, especially since team owner Wayne Weaver had said previously that he would draft him given the opportunity. They could really use a big name to lure fans to the game so they don’t eventually become the L.A. Jaguars. I know he isn’t a first round talent but picking him wouldn’t be about talent, it would be about selecting a local hero who will bring fans to the game.

11. Denver Broncos(via Chicago Bears): Rolando McClain ILB, Alabama
Look for the Broncos to take the best defensive player available. McClain is a natural leader, is continuing to rise up draft boards, and would be a perfect fit considering he already plays in a 3-4 defense at Alabama. The Broncos have very few holes to fill as they have plenty of young talent that will develop over time. But after going 6-0 they have been exposed for their lack of the deep ball. If given the opportunity they may look to go QB with this pick as they really need a strong armed QB that can sling it downfield, especially with a receiving core of Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, and Brandon Marshall, but only if Bradford manages to slip this far. If they finally manage to trade Marshall this offseason they may look at Dez Bryant with this pick as well.

12. Miami Dolphins: Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State
I know team Architect Bill Parcells typically doesn’t draft WR’s in the first round but none of the talent available that fills a position of need is worthy of this pick. They could trade back to the end of the first round and target Jerry Hughes which would fill their greatest position of need. They may also consider Tenn. NT Dan Williams. The suspension of Bryant for lying about conversations with Deion Sanders will not hurt is draft stock. He’s got all the intangibles you look for in a receiver and looks a lot like Andre Johnson did when he came out of Miami. He’s the type of receiver who would be perfect for the progression of young QB Chad Henne considering their patience has worn thin with supposed no.1 WR Ted Ginn. If McClain slips past Denver I would expect him to be the pick here.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
The 49ers biggest need is for a RT and they find a great one in Bulaga. He really showed his worth with a great performance against top 10 pick Derrick Morgan in the Orange Bowl. They may also consider taking a NT like Dan Williams considering current nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin will be a free agent. The 49ers also need help in the secondary so Earl Thomas may be an option for them as well if Bulaga is off the board.

14. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland
Neither Walter Jones nor Sean Locklear can seem to stay healthy, with Jones retirement seeming like a certainty at the end of the season. Campbell has managed to slip this far due to a pretty long injury history but if he passes his physical at the combine he may go higher than this. The Hawks may also look for a RB, especially since the electrifying Spiller is still on the board, but they should be able to grab either Cal’s Jahvid Best or Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer in the second round at a greater value.

15. New York Giants: Brian Price DT, UCLA
Price has probably seen his stock soar more than any other prospect since the end of the college season and would be a great addition as the Giants continue to stockpile D linemen. They could also use a replacement for Kareem McKenzie who is over 30 and starting to show his age but this need can be addressed in the later rounds. MLB Antonio Pierce’s play has dropped of considerably this year but with McClain already off the board they will have to wait as this is too high for Brandon Spikes.

16. Tennessee Titans: Dan Williams NT, Tennessee
Who would have thought that after a 0-6 start that Vince Young would salvage their season? They have multiple needs but Young’s play means they won’t be looking for a QB. Cornerback is their biggest need but without one worthy of this pick they’ll address their D-line which has been exposed by the loss of Albert Haynesworth to free agency. Dan Williams is a big run-stuffing, space-eating mammoth much like Haynesworth is and taking a homer is always a fan favorite. The word out of SB (Senior Bowl) practices was that he proved his worth as the top DT against the run and then backed it up in the game.

17. San Francisco 49ers(via Carolina Panthers): C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson
After having taken care of their need for a RT with their first pick in the round, they get the luxury of bolstering their RB corps. What they need is secondary help and rush linebackers, so Earl Thomas would become a real option, but they will target Spiller who would be an immediate change of pace, impact player to compliment Frank Gore.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati OG, Idaho
Without question the Steelers greatest need is on the defensive side of the ball, especially at safety and nose tackle. Current NT Casey Hampton is 32 years old, a free agent, and with two Super Bowl rings already on his chubby fingers he may seek a big pay day somewhere else. Ryan Clark is a free agent and he’s over 30 years old as is Tyrone Carter who played horribly week in and week out in Troy Polamalu’s absence. They also need to find an eventual replacement for James Farrior. His play declined dramatically this past year, he’s 34 years old, and since it takes a couple years for linebackers to learn the system anyway it would be nice to find his replacement now. Keyarn Fox has filled in admirably at ILB for Lawrence Timmons but is not a permanent solution. Besides, Fox is too valuable as a special teamer. Unfortunately the probable top targets of Eric Berry, Rolando McClain, and Dan Williams are all already off the board. Iupati was outstanding in his SB practices and has solidified himself as a 1st round pick. During the game he dominated him opponents except for one time when he got beat by UGA’s Jeff Owens. He would fill the one weak point at RG where Darnell Stapleton and Trai Essex are lacking and rookie Craig Urbik didn’t show much during the off season. They may give Texas FS Earl Thomas a hard look here, but I think the Steelers will ultimately pass on him given that he’s more of a finesse player. Fortunately there’s still going to be some talent in the 2nd round such as South Florida’s Nate Allen and Georgia Tech’s Morgan Burnett, and in the 3rd with Georgia’s Reshad Jones. Cornerback could also be another option considering none of the rookies from last year have seemed to distinguish themselves, although the only option in the 1st would be to trade up for Joe Haden. If he’s available we should definitely take Rolando McClain or even try to trade up for him. A lot of people are high on Florida ILB Brandon Spikes, who may be great against the run but is somewhat of a liability in zone coverage. An option in the third round would be TCU ILB Daryl Washington. A player I really like in the later rounds would be Baylor’s ILB Joe Pawelek although I suspect the Steelers would rather target a homer like PSU’s Sean Lee. After watching him in the Orange Bowl, I really like Iowa’s Pat Angerer in the later rounds as well. Clemson RB C.J. Spiller would be a slightly long-shot option if he were available. Willie Parker is most likely not going to be resigned in the off season and Spiller would be a great speedy compliment to Mendenhall’s power for a lot less cost than Parker.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Earl Thomas S, Texas
The Falcons will take the best defensive player available, particularly an OLB or DE. Previously I had them taking Ole’ Miss. DE Greg Hardy but he has some injury issues the last two years and wasn’t even able to finish out this season. They manage to luck out with Thomas who has the versatility to play both safety spots as well as cornerback.

20. Houston Texans: Damian Williams WR, USC
The Texans need help in multiple areas, specifically on defense if they let the unhappy Dunta Robinson leave via free agency, but without any of the top safeties or Joe Haden available look for them to add to an already potent offense. They also have needs in the interior defensive line after sending former 1st round pick Travis Johnson to the Chargers earlier in the year. Damian Williams would pair nicely with Andre Johnson, and fill a position of need if Kevin Walter isn’t resigned. He’s considered the most polished receiver in the draft and would give an immediate boost in the return game.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Brandon LaFell WR, LSU
The Bengals only real needs are for WR’s and safeties and with the talent currently available they will opt for LaFell to help make their offense more explosive. Outside of Chad OchoCinco, none of their WR’s has had much of an impact this year. If LaFell is off the board at this point they would certainly consider Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham.

22. New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle DE/OLB, Texas
The Patriots need more youth and depth in their linebacking corps. Kindle lines up all over the field for Texas and is the sort of versatile player Belichick loves. He had a great showing in the Championship game and solidified himself as a first round pick. It wouldn’t shock me to see them draft Tim Tebow if he slips past Jacksonville. He could be their QB for life after Brady. And yes I know this is high for a QB who could be a back-up for a few years, but he can also serve as an H-back and be put in for trick plays such as the Wildcat. He also has that air of smugness that reminds me of Brady that I hate so much. Given how much the Patriots like to trade back, it would actually surprise me if they keep this pick, especially considering how deep the talent pool is in this draft.

23. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown OT, USC
Fortunately because of such a deep draft class the Packers are lucky enough to get Brown here. They have had to compensate for the lack of talent at OT by adjusting their scheme to keep TE’s in to block. Adding some OT depth would really help open up that potent offense. They may look to add an OLB to replace Aaron Kampman who’s in the final year of his contact and clearly not comfortable after making the switch from DE to OLB. Green Bay also needs to start looking at replacements for their aging secondary but will find better value for the in the next 2 rounds.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Hardy DE, Ole’ Miss.
Without any tackle prospects left to replace the often injured Shawn Andrews, look for the Eagles to take the top DE or Linebacker prospect available. They need to fill the DE spot opposite of Trent Cole. Hardy has some injury issues but is adept at playing both the run and the pass. They would also consider OLB Sean Weatherspoon.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
This is a toss-up between a WR and Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham. Todd Heap has been surprisingly healthy this year which is the first time in a long time. They could really use a WR to replace the aging Derrick Mason who is giving serious consideration to retirement again. Even though Gresham has been out with a knee injury for the year, he will have plenty of time to rehab before the NFL combine. A lot of people will think that the Ravens will draft a CB, especially considering how badly they have been torched through the air, but the Ravens draft on value and there won’t be any other first round CB’s left which is why they won’t consider a safety here to possibly replace Ed Reed. They may consider Golden Tate or Arrelious Benn here.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Jerry Hughes OLB, TCU
Arizona’s biggest need is for a LT. They drafted Levi Brown a couple years ago to be a RT when they thought Matt Leinart, a lefty, would be the QB of the future. Well he hasn't been so far and Warner is suffering because of it. If Charles Brown managed to slip I would expect the Card’s to pounce. Outsider linebackers Haggans, Okeafor, and Berry are all 33 years old or older so they will definitely be upgrading with Hughes.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays S, USC
The Cowboys would be making a big mistake by taking Mays, who’s a mirror image of former Cowboys SS Roy Williams. But he’s just the sort of big name prospect that Jerry Jones loves. They really need a left tackle to replace to declining Flozell Adams but the only option left is Oklahoma’s Trent Williams who struggled all year playing on the left side.

28. San Diego Chargers: Jared Odrick DE, PSU
Assuming they resign or tag LT Marcus McNeill, what they need most is a NT to replace the aging Jamal Williams who was put on IR at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately the only NT with a 1st round grade is already taken. I think that General Manager A.J. Smith is too smart to gamble on “Mount” Cody with a 1st round pick given that it’s become highly probably that he’ll eat himself out of the league in a couple years. Their second need is for DE’s that can play in a 3-4. Odrick would be a perfect fit and slips to the end of the first due to a few minor off the field issues.

29. New York Jets: Arthur Jones DE/DT, Syracuse
Unfortunately the Jets biggest needs, particularly a corner to play opposite Darrell Revis and at DT where Kris Jenkins had the second season-ending injury of his career, do not match up with the talent that is currently available. Their 3rd biggest need gets filled with Jones. They may also consider a WR if Williams or LaFell manage to slip.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Sean Weatherspoon OLB, Missouri
The Vikings will look to shore up the few weak points on a very strong defense. Weatherspoon is the top OLB suited to play in a 4-3 defense. He’s managed to impress everyone in the SB practices with his vocal leadership and enthusiasm. During the game he didn’t disappoint, playing sideline to sideline and showing very good man-coverage skills.

31. New Orleans Saints: Everson Griffen DE, USC
With an already potent offense the Saints will look to upgrade a defense that has been hot and very cold all season long. Their biggest need is probably a DE to replace Charles Grant, although they also have needs for OLB’s and DB’s as well.

32. Indianapolis Colts: Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
As much as I think the Colts need to address their defense with this pick, they will probably keep with the status quo and continue to surround Manning with talent. What they really need, a LT given that former 1st round pick Tony Ugoh has struggled and current starter Charles Johnson is a FA, won’t get filled but will give them the opportunity to shore up the line. By drafting Williams, who’s a mauler, will allow them to move current RT Ryan Diem to the left side. They would also consider a cornerback such as Wake Forest’s Brandon Ghee or Michigan’s Donovan Warren. I gave serious consideration to giving them Brandon Graham who would be a perfect fit in their defense.

Round 2:

33. St. Louis Rams: Donovan Warren CB, Michigan
Now that the Rams have their QB of the future in Clausen, it’s time to turn their attentions to Spagnuolo’s specialty, the defense. Warren is a good all-around corner and would’ve probably gone in the 1st round in any other year.

34. Detroit Lions: Maurkice Pouncey OG/OC, Florida
The Lions are getting a great interior lineman in Pouncey who’s versatile enough to play Center, Guard, or possibly even Right Tackle.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Arrelious Benn WR, Illinois
The Bucs need WR’s to help the progression of young QB Josh Freeman. Michael Clayton has been underwhelming so far in his career and Antonio Bryant is well past his prime.

36. Kansas City Chiefs: Terrence Cody DT, Alabama
Even though he may eat himself out of the league in a couple years, which is why he’s slipped out of the 1st round to begin with, the Chiefs are not going to pass up the chance to solidify their defensive front with someone who is going to be a dominant 2-down NT.

37. Washington Redskins: Mike Johnson OG, Alabama
With a new QB in hand, it’s time to rebuild that ancient O line. Instead of reaching for an OT they will opt for Johnson who would go great in Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme.

38. Seattle Seahawks: Jahvid Best RB, Cal
They need better RB’s than Justin Forsett and Julius Jones. Best has slipped to the second round due to injury issues but would be a good value pick here.

39. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Spikes ILB, Florida
This is a pick of value over need. Spikes has a lot of potential even though the Brownies have a greater need at safety and running back.

40. Oakland Raiders: Jon Asamoah OG, Illinois
He will probably run the fastest 40 time of any O lineman at the combine and that’s all that matters to Al Davis. This is actually a good pick for them as he holds up very well against the pass rush.

41. Buffalo Bills: Tony Pike QB, Cincinnati.
The Bills need someone to come in and challenge Trent Edwards. Pike will take some time to develop and add bulk, but he has the potential to be a quality starter in the pros.

42. New England Patriots (via Jacksonville Jaguars): Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State
The Pats continue to improve on a defense that got old and thin in a hurry. Wilson is holding up well in SB practices.

43. Miami Dolphins: Rickey Sapp DE/OLB, Clemson
Given Porter and Taylor’s age, this pick should be a no-brainer. The Dolphins need rush linebackers.

44. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Chicago Bears): Brandon Graham, DE Michigan
With Graham they continue to rebuild the D-line and give some outside help to 1st round pick Gerald McCoy. He had a phenomenal showing at the Senior Bowl and may have even gotten himself into the latter half of the 1st round.

45. Denver Broncos: Corey Wootton DE, Northwestern
They fill their need with a 5-technique DE.

46. New York Giants: Chad Jones SS, LSU
They need someone to play with Kenny Phillips, or possibly even replace him if he’s not ready to play by next season.

47. Carolina Panthers: Golden Tate WR, Notre Dame
Regardless of whether Delhomme or Moore is the staring QB next season, they need someone to throw to besides Steve Smith.

48. New England Patriots (via Tennessee Titans): Aaron Hernandez TE, Florida
He would be a suitable replacement for current TE Ben Watson.

49. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Robinson CB, FSU
Known for playing soft in his final season but played a great game at the Senior Bowl.

50. Kansas City Chiefs (via Atlanta Falcons): Dexter McCluster RB/WR Ole’ Miss.
McCluster has probably had the best showing in SB practices, showing off his amazing speed and cutback ability. Personally I think this is a little high for him, but some team is going to view him as the next Percy Harvin.

51. Houston Texans: Brandon Ghee CB, Wake Forest
They need DB help, especially if they let Dunta Robinson go.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Daryl Washington ILB, TCU
This is where they get their heir-apparent to James Farrior. Washington is another player whose stock is soaring due to great showing at during the SB practices and game.

53. New England Patriots: Tim Tebow QB, Florida
Yes I’m sure I’ll hear a lot about this pick. Keep in mind that Belichick loves versatility. And how many years does Brady have left, probably 3? That's how many years it’s going to take for Tebow to acclimate to the Pros. Plus he would fit in well with the type of spread offense the Patriots run.

54. Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Allen FS, USF
With their second pick, they fill their second biggest need with a good ball-hawking safety.

55. Philadelphia Eagles: Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
Ellis Hobbs is a free agent.

56. Green Bay Packers: Jerome Murphy CB, USF
Does this pick really need an explanation? They need youth in the secondary and grab a solid corner who reminds me a lot of the Cardinals Bryant McFadden.

57. Baltimore Ravens: Jeremy Williams WR, Tulane
They fill their biggest need, especially since Derrick Mason will probably retire.

58. Arizona Cardinals: Kyle Calloway OT Iowa
The Cards pick up a tackle prospect that played just as good as top-15 pick Bryan Bulaga in the Orange Bowl.

59. Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Shipley WR, Texas
This a bit of a reach but a smart move for Jerry Jones as Shipley is a local favorite and will help sell more tickets. But he’s also a Wes Welker type that could only help Tony Romo.

60. San Diego Chargers: Torrell Troup DT, Central Florida
Troup really wowed people at the East-West shrine game and probably solidified himself as the 3rd best NT in this class. If Jamaal Williams retires they will need some NT depth.

61. New York Jets: Devin McCourty CB, Rutgers
They need someone stable opposite of Darrell Revis.

62. Minnesota Vikings: Jason Pierre-Paul DE, USF
JPP is a one-year wonder who may be a bit of a reach here in my opinion, but he has a lot of upside and would provide an upgrade over Ray Edwards.

63. New Orleans Saints: Navarro Bowman OLB, PSU
Bowman is a steal at this point. He’s slipped due to some off the field issues but would be a great replacement for 30 year old Scott Fujita.

64. Indianapolis Colts: Jermaine Cunningham OLB, Florida
Cunningham is a versatile player who can play OLB or DE.

Round 3:

65. St. Louis Rams: LaMarr Houston DT, Texas
Passing on Suh means they need to start upgrading the D line here.

66. Detroit Lions: Jonathan Dwyer RB, Georgia Tech
Kevin Smith suffered a serious injury during the year, and they had no depth behind him.

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Dixon RB, MSU
Cadillac is a FA and injury prone, and Derrick Ward never lived up to his expectations.

68. Kansas City Chiefs: Dominique Franks CB, Oklahoma
A great addition to a secondary of relative no-names with a good size/speed combo.

69. Oakland Raiders: D’Anthony Smith DT, Louisiana Tech
Fastest 300lbs. tackle in the draft aside from Gerald McCoy.

70. Philadelphia Eagles (via Seattle Seahawks): Morgan Burnett FS, Georgia Tech
Sean Jones was a huge disappointment last year.

71. Cleveland Browns: Mike Neal DT/DE, Purdue
They need youth and depth.

72. Buffalo Bills: Vince Oghobaase DT, Duke
Help that awful run defense.

73. Miami Dolphins: Cam Thomas, NT, UNC
Parcells will continue to focus on the defense. They need depth behind 34 year old Jason Ferguson.

74. Chicago Bears: Jeremy Beal DE, Oklahoma
Ogunleye and Anderson are both free agents.

75. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kareem Jackson CB, Alabama
Their secondary seemed to be lacking this past year.

76. New York Giants: Pat Angerer ILB, Iowa
Good replacement for the declining Antonio Pierce.

77. Carolina Panthers: Selvish Capers OT, West Virginia
They need tackle depth. Capers is extremely raw but has the size to develop into a dominant run blocker.

78. Tennessee Titans: Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB, IUP
Nick Harper can’t handle the number 2 corner duties anymore.

79. San Francisco 49ers: Dekota Watson OLB, FSU
They need an upgrade over the disappointing Manny Lawson.

80. Denver Broncos: J.D. Walton OC, Baylor
Casey Wiegmann is 36 years old.

81. Houston Texans: Toby Gerhart RB, Stanford
This pick should be a given. They desperately need a short-yardage power back.

82. Pittsburgh Steelers: Reshad Jones SS, Georgia
The Steelers need someone to replace an aging Ryan Clark whose skills are declining. Jones is a faster version of Clark.

83. Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Edds OLB, Iowa
Edds is a solid strong side linebacker.

84. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyson Alualu DT, Cal
He’s a versatile D lineman that would provide depth to a thin Bengals front.

85. Oakland Raiders (via New England Patriots): LeRoy Vann CB/KR Florida A&M
This is incredibly high for him as he is graded as a very late round prospect, but he’ll probably run a 4.3 40 at the combine and he’s returned 11 kicks back for TD’s in the last 2 years.

86. Green Bay Packers: Javier Arenas CB, Alabama
Green Bay continues the youth movement in the secondary.

87. Philadelphia Eagles: Koa Misi OLB, Utah
Misi has been one of the most athletic OLB’s at the SB practices.

88. Baltimore Ravens: Marshawn Gilyard WR, Cincinnati
They need to add to their cornerback depth but this is a value pick. They continue to bolster their WR corps with my MVP of the Senior Bowl.

89. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Tennant OC, Boston College
They could use an upgrade at center.

90. Dallas Cowboys: Jason Fox OT, Miami
. This may be a bit of a gamble given Fox’s knee injury, but the Cowboys need to start a youth movement on the O line. If not for the injury Fox would be an early 2nd round selection.

91. San Diego Chargers: Joe McKnight RB, USC
They will probably cut ties with Tomlinson this offseason. McKnight has the kind of skill-set that the Chargers covet.

92. Cleveland Browns (via New York Jets): Vladimir Ducasse OG, UMass
He’s a road-grading small school prospect that can also play tackle. His draft stock has taken a bit of a dive at the SB practices and will probably play RG in the pros.

93. Minnesota Vikings: Darrell Stuckey SS, Kansas
He would be an upgrade over Madieu Williams.

94. New Orleans Saints: Robert Johnson FS, Utah
The Saints continue to upgrade on defense with a very underrated safety prospect.

95. Indianapolis Colts: George Selvie DE, USF
Selvie was double-teamed all year which caused his stats to drop from the year before. He’s undersized for a 4-3 defensive end but will fit in perfectly for the Colts cover-2 system. DE isn’t a huge need for them just yet, but it will be next year when Mathis and Brock are both FA’s.

Round 4:

96. St. Louis Rams: Eric Decker WR, Minnesota
The Rams need weapons for 1st round pick Jimmy Clausen.

97. Detroit Lions: Willie Young DE, N.C. State
They need to put some talent around Suh.

98. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andre Roberts WR, Citadel
Another weapon for their young QB, Roberts put himself on the map with a great week at the Senior Bowl.

99. Kansas City Chiefs: Micah Johnson ILB, Kentucky
Derrick Johnson was not on Coach Haley’s good side all year. Even if he is retained they still need ILB depth.

100. Washington Redskins: Ryan Mathews RB, Fresno State
They need depth behind an aging Clinton Portis.

101. Seattle Seahawks: Danario Alexander WR, Missouri
Outside of T.J., they really don’t have any other WR to throw the ball to.

102. Cleveland Browns: Myron Rolle SS, FSU
The Brownies need safeties and Rolle has proved to everyone that he is football-ready at the SB practices.

103. Oakland Raiders: Jacoby Ford WR, Clemson
Ford will be one of the fastest WR at the combine, enough said.

104. Buffalo Bills: Sean Lee ILB, PSU
Why not grab another Penn State LB with injury problems? If he can stay healthy, Lee could be the steal of the draft at this point.

105. Chicago Bears: Eric Olsen OC, Notre Dame
How long can Olin Kreutz play?

106. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ciron Black OG/OT, LSU
The Jags could use some interior line depth. Black played OT in college but is better suited to play OG in the pros. Showed good pulling speed and agility during the Senior Bowl.

107. Miami Dolphins: Montario Hardesty RB, Tennessee
Ronnie Brown is a free agent this year, and Ricky Williams is a 32 year old who’ll be a FA next year.

108. Carolina Panthers: Austin Lane DE, Murray State
Even with Everette Brown, if they let Julius Peppers walk they will need some depth.

109. Tennessee Titans: Roddrick Muckelroy OLB, Texas
They need LB depth as they continue to rebuild their defense.

110. San Francisco 49ers: Larry Asante SS, Nebraska
They need depth in the secondary.

111. Denver Broncos: Jevan Snead QB, Ole’ Miss.
Even if they resign Kyle Orton they will need depth behind him. Snead had an awful season and should have stayed for his senior year but he has a lot of potential.

112. New York Giants: Trevard Lindley CB, Kentucky
They need some quality corners. Lindley had a disappointing SB but maybe he can redeem himself at the combine.

113. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony McCoy TE, USC
This is a value pick. McCoy has had a good SB practice and is the best overall TE. Current back-up Matt Spaeth is a FA and has been a disappointment.

114. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Lang DE, Troy
The Falcons fill their second biggest need.

115. Houston Texans: John Jerry, Ole’ Miss.
They need large interior linemen to help an anemic running game. Jerry is 6’6”, 335lbs. and can certainly help with that.

116. New England Patriots: Zane Beadles OT, Utah
Tackle depth behind 31 year old Matt Light.

117. Cincinnati Bengals: Sergio Render OG, Virginia Tech.
They need interior O-line depth.

118. Philadelphia Eagles: Jared Veldheer OT, Hillsdale
Andy Reid loves big linemen and they don’t get any bigger than the 6’9”, 325lbs. small school prospect.

119. Green Bay Packers: Eric Norwood OLB, South Carolina
They need someone to play opposite of Clay Matthews.

120. Baltimore Ravens: Myron Lewis FS, Vanderbilt
If Ed Reed retires they’ll need some safety depth.

121. Arizona Cardinals: Jamar Chaney ILB, Miss. State
They need to continue to a youth movement in the linebacking corps.

122. Dallas Cowboys: Linval Joseph DT, East Carolina
They could use some depth on the defensive front.

123. San Diego Chargers: Van Eskridge FS, East Carolina
Eskridge was named defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Bowl and would replace a disappointing Clinton Hart.

124. Philadelphia Eagles (via New York Jets): Dan LaFevour QB, Central Mich.
Vick will probably not be back, and they may decide to part ways with McNabb so Kevin Kolb would be the only QB on the roster.

125. Minnesota Vikings: Jay Ross, DT East Carolina
Pat Williams is 37 years old and may retire this offseason.

126. New Orleans Saints: Trindon Holliday WR/RB, LSU
They will probably cut Reggie Bush to save the 8 million he’s due. Holliday is a RB/WR tweener as well as a homer that would work much the same way Reggie did.

127. Indianapolis Colts: Rennie Curran OLB, Georgia
If Curran were just a little bit bigger he would be a 1st round pick, as it stands now he’s a perfect fit for the Colts cover-2.

Rambling Thoughts On Casey 'Big Snack' Hampton's Future In Pittsburgh

2010-01-29T01:16:39Z

More photos » Keith Srakocic - AP

Bring Snack Back!

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A few thoughts from me about Casey Hampton and what may or may not happen with his future in Pittsburgh. Firstly, as always, this is conjecture purely from me. I'm just a fan trying to think things through as logically as I can, with no real substantive information whatsoever to speak of guiding me.

Anyway, the common consensus seems to be that the Steelers will slap the franchise tag on nose tackle Casey Hampton this offseason. If so, the Steelers would be the beneficiaries of Hampton's services for one more year before he would become an unrestricted free agent once more at about this time in 2011. The Steelers would have to pay a premium to do so, namely pay him as one of the highest paid defensive tackles in football in what looks more and more likely to be an uncapped year.

So be it. Without Hampton in the fold next year, I don't think the Steelers would have a chance at winning a Super Bowl. He's certainly not the most important factor on the roster - that'd be Big Ben or Troy Polamalu. But still, I think the Steelers have a really nice two to three year window coming up when they should have a legitimate shot at capturing Lombardi Trophy number seven. Hines Ward will be winding down his career, Aaron Smith (should) still be playing at a high level, same with Polamalu and James Harrison. Meanwhile, Big Ben should really be hitting his prime, same with Woodley, Santonio, Timmons, Mendenhall and Heath Miller. And finally, young guys like Ziggy Hood and perhaps even W. Gay, J. Burnett and Keenan Lewis will be better equipped to make important contributions. To me, the time is now to keep the nucleus in tact for this next year at least and hopefully make a run at another championship before a number of stalwart pieces of the roster have to be replaced.

Finally, I'd argue that keeping Hampton around in 2010 with the 'franchise tag' would improve the chances of him signing a more reasonable 2-3 year deal the following offseason. Now, this may be a pipe dream because after all, at the end of the day, money talks and B.S. walks. But I just think that at 33 years of age next spring, Hampton might just say 'forget about starting fresh somewhere else at this stage of my career.' He would be getting a huge windfall in 2010 - not as much as he'd get by signing a longer term deal somewhere else with boatloads of guaranteed money. But I still think he could earn close to $22-$25 million in Pittsburgh this next three to four years. The question then might be, would that be enough in his mind. Who knows, but I do think the Steelers would have a better chance of him passing up a bit more money elsewhere if that decision was made next year rather than in the upcoming months.

I don't think Hampton is the out-of-shape over-the-hill player that some of you do. What I saw this year was a still very, very good rush defense despite A) Aaron Smith being out for much of the year...B) James Farrior not playing at nearly the same level as he has in years past...C) a suspect pass defense that softened up the Steelers commitment to stopping the run...and D) no Troy Polamalu cutting down backs like Ray Rice for 3-4 yard gains rather than big chunks of yardage.

To me, Casey Hampton was a huge part of that relative success. Throw in the fact that the Steelers might get more value out of him next year if they show more of a commitment to running the football on offense. Remember, the defense was out there much more than they've been in recent years because of A) their inability to get off the field on 3rd downs..but also because of B) the offense's feast or famine tendencies that resulted in either quick scores or quick punts. That took its toll on guys like Hampton.

Just some thoughts from me. We know that the Steelers have historically opted not to use the franchise tag on their free agents. It tends to upset guys, particularly those who have been a loyal, hard working part of the team for many years. Reports out of New England are already coming fast and furious about how Vincent Wilfork would be furious if he was franchised. I imagine Hampton might take similar offense. It's a business though and Hampton hasn't exactly had a 100% squeaky clean track record of exerting maximum effort 100% of the year to keep in shape. Anyway, the Steelers did use the transition and franchise tags on Max Stars this past two years, so I wouldn't rule it out as a possibility.

We'll find out what the organization is thinking on the subject soon enough, I suppose.

Inside a moment in time: James Deebo Harrison's 100yd to the house

2010-01-27T19:14:47Z

Inside a moment in time: James Deebo Harrison's 100yd to the house

I'm guessing this is some kind of series, but ESPN basically took a picture from Deebo's SB pick-6, and interviewed people in the picture for their thoughts.

Most of is banal stuff. but Harrison's quotes are pretty cool.

"If he (Fitzgerald) actually hit the ball, he would have knocked it out."

"[During the play] I hear breathing and I see people. That's it."

"It seemed like I was running slow as I don't know what, and it was like 1,000 people just started showing up out of nowhere. All I saw was a bunch of red jerseys. It felt like some of them might have been coming from the sideline."

I had a Dream I was Kevin Colbert's Assistant!

2010-01-27T02:49:12Z

It was neat. It was one of those dreams you don't want to wake up from. Anyhow, you all know how dreams are. Things can be really silly and way off base. Anyhow, thought you'd be interested in how mine went, even if it was off base. Kevin and I were in the office alone, and he trusted me unconditionally. He was grooming me for a GM job down the road.

MR: Kevin, can you explain the philosophy of the draft to me? Need vs. Best Player Available?

KC: (laughing) That's like nature vs. nurture. It gets argued with no clear answer.

MR: But you always come out every year at this time pounding your fist ensuring the media that we draft purely on BPA?

KC: That's standard procedure. It keeps the media off my back. If I indicate the inclusion of need, I'll get pounded as to what those needs are. Keep it as simple and as ambiguous as possible. Drafting is a very, very tight-lipped procedure around here, around everywhere really. Besides, why would I tip off our competitors by narrowing our focus? Let them think the universe is our availability. Don't give them any information whatsoever.

MR: But you said that we would draft BPA, except for a quarterback.

KC: I like to throw the media a small bone when I can, as long as it's harmless. Pollian tells the folks in Indiana that he'll draft BPA, except for quarterback and tight end. That's not tipping your hand, when it's that obvious.

MR: OK, so what's the deal? Need or BPA?

KC: Both. They're ranked in hierarchy then measured against each other. In essence, it is done on a sliding scale. The talent is measured against the need.

MR: Excuse me?

KC: Well, we start by ranking each of 12 positions in order of need, from 1 to 12. This year it is OT, CB, G/C, ILB, S, DT, DE, RB, WR, OLB, TE, QB. Of course, that assumes we sign every one of our current players. That hierarchy changes if we lose folks. Then we rate every available player and assign an efficiency number. The numbers go from around 60 to 100. Then we construct our draft board. Our draft board is a ranking system of players we would take if it was our turn to pick. In other words, the first guy on our draft board is the guy we would take if we had the number one pick, etc.

MR: So how does the player efficiency numbers relate to the need hierarchy to form the draft board?

KC: We look at the highest rated player, the best talent, and then look to see how that fits need. If the highest player matches our highest need, that's a no-brainer. But let's say the best player available is a 94 at outside linebacker. If there's a guy who ranks 93 at offensive tackle, that guy will be higher on our board because the need gap would be much greater than the efficiency gap. The board has to take into account both gaps. Sometimes, the difference in efficiency is razor thin, while the difference in need is wide. Other times, the BPA must be taken because his superior talent trumps need.

MR: Can you give me an example?

KC: Yeah, Rashard Mendenhall. He was high on our board. Willie was coming off surgery and these days you need a second running back if the first guy is aging or has any injury issues. Actually you'd like two regardless. Mendy was also a great talent with good size, so we ranked him high. When he fell, we had other needs, but his talent level warranted us to grab him. BPA trumped need in that case.

MR: Can you give me an example of the opposite?

KC: Heath in 05. He wasn't the best football player when we took him. He was one of the best remaining, but not the best. Our need at that position was so high, the difference in talent was a sliver. It was a no brainer. Logan Mankins and Michael Roos were still were still available, and they were actually a bit higher BPA-wise, but again, we felt a huge void at tight end.

MR: Have you ever had a situation where the highest need happened to be the BPA?

KC: That only happens under two conditions. First, if you have a very high pick, you'll get both, but we don't have many of those, fortunately. Second, if your highest need/BPA falls in a draft, you might trade up just to hit the jackpot. Actually we did that twice recently, once for Troy and once for Tone. It's got to be the perfect situation, since you pay a high price for moving up.

MR: So, once you construct your board, which takes into account both BPA and need, you stick to that board no matter what?

KC: Absolutely, just like Mendenhall, Heath, Ben, everyone. But, after you make your first pick, the board immediately gets adjusted.

MR: Why is that?

KC: Because once you add a player, the need immediately lessens for that position. After we got Ben first in 2004, all quarterbacks immediately dropped, regardless of BPA. The next year, after we grabbed Heath, the tight ends dropped. When we picked second, Alex Smith was actually the BPA, but after Heath we went in other directions.

MR: So the need drops once that position is added to the team.

KC: Often but not always. In 2007 we got Timmons and then followed up in the second round with Woodley. First, they play two different positions within the linebacker position and second, there are four linebacker positions to begin with. The fewer "spots" there are, the more need drops after acquisition. After a quarterback, the need drops off the map, but with positions that make up three or four players, the need not might drop much at all.

MR: Boy, this discussion would shock the "BPA purists" out there. They think BPA is absolute.

KC: Let them think that, and besides, BPA is critical in the equation. You're always looking at BPA, but it's certainly not exclusive or absolute. And remember, we'll never get hounded if we keep the company line, and keep the public message simple.

Here's To Hoping The Steelers Don't Draft A Cornerback Early On In 2010 Draft

2010-01-26T05:45:29Z

More photos » Dave Martin - AP

Give to me, please. Or if not Mr. McClain, someone other than a cornerback in Round 1.

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Last week, we posted a roundup of what some of the early mock drafts have the Pittsburgh Steelers doing with the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. Yes, there was some variability in what the 'draft gurus' believed the Steelers would and should do with their 1st Round pick this year. For instance, one site had the Steelers taking Clemson running back C.J. Spiller. Most though believed Pittsburgh would bolster their defense in round one, and amongst those who did, most identified the secondary as the area Pittsburgh would likely target. More specifically, the Steelers ought to draft a cornerback in the 1st Round if you go by the early consensus of draft niks.

I totally disagree. Here's several reasons why.

1) Last time I checked, the Steelers drafted two cornerbacks last year - Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett. Granted, Lewis was a 3rd rounder and Burnett a 5th, but Lewis in particular has the physical tools to one day be a starter in this league. He just needs some time to learn the game at this level, much like the Steelers incumbent #1 CB Ike Taylor did earlier in his career. By drafting a cornerback in 2010 to play immediately, the Steelers would essentially be giving up on one of those two picks. How so? Well, Taylor's not going anywhere anytime soon. He'll turn 30 in May, but regardless of your opinion of him as an instinctive natural at the position, it's impossible to deny that Taylor is one of the most freakishly fit and durable specimens on the roster. So if it were Taylor and a 2010 1st rounder locking down the CB positions for the foreseeable future, that makes it difficult to work in Lewis and Burnett...not too mention....

2) William Gay. There was no tougher critic of William Gay than me all year. I definitely was disappointed to be 'right' about this one, but I worried 'on the record' here during last year's offseason that I thought the defense would suffer fairly dramatically by inserting him in to the slot once manned by Bryant McFadden. Nevertheless, Gay's struggles this year will pay dividends for the team next year. I'm positive he'll work harder than he has before in his life this offseason to improve his body and game for next year. Even though 'we're the Steelers' and have enjoyed frequent success for quite some time now, it's impossible to stay at the top year in and year out in this league due to the salary cap, and the demands it places on teams to continually work in less expensive, young talent. That means some down years from time to time, even for the best franchises. It would be foolish, I believe, to give up on Gay and not reap some dividends in future years for the losses the team incurred while working him in to the fold in 2010.

3) It's impossible to really say just how much of a difference Troy Polamalu makes when he's out there and healthy. On the one hand, it's easy to argue that there are 11 guys out there and that no single player can or should be that much of a difference maker. On the other hand, the proof may just be in the pudding. When #43 plays, the Steelers win and make life awfully tough on opposing offenses. With Polamalu doing his thing, our cornerbacks have looked significantly better in years past than they have when he's shelved with an injury.

***********

Now, it might be argued that the Steelers should consider finding another top shelf safety to play alongside Polamalu given his propensity for getting injured. I'd be amenable to that for sure, though I haven't yet scoured the draft boards closely enough to know who might be a good fit.

Getting a cornerback this year though in the 1st Round doesn't make sense to me. I'd instead look for a homerun pick at ILB or at nose tackle. James Farrior's replacement needs to be secured sooner rather than later. So does Casey Hampton's. I don't see that same immediate need at the cornerback position, particularly when you consider the fact that Pittsburgh plays in the AFC North where a high premium is placed on winning the battle at the line of scrimmage and fielding a physical team in the trenches. We know Baltimore's offensive line and running game is in good shape for the future; same with Cincinnati, and to a lesser degree, even Cleveland.

So, I'd like to hear your thoughts and I'm sure I'll be expounding on some of these thoughts in the future weeks and months, but for now, this is my story and I'm sticking to it - let's see what the Steelers can do next year defensively if Polamalu's back healthy and our young DBs have had that much more time to develop. If we see the same problems rear their ugly head next year - namely, if #43 can't stay healthy again, and if guys like Gay, Lewis and Burnett struggle - then maybe it'd be time to invest heavily in getting a lockdown corner early on in the Draft. For now though, I believe Pittsburgh would be better served packaging a number of their mid round picks to move up in Round 1 and get a slam dunk pick like Rolando McClain, Gerald McCoy or even one of the prized offensive tackles of this year's Draft.

Miller going to Pro Bowl with Colts win

2010-01-24T23:40:15Z

Miller going to Pro Bowl with Colts win

With Colt's Dallas Clark headed to the Super Bowl, 1st alternate Heath Miller replaces Clark at tight end for the Pro Bowl.

The Steelers Other Maginot Line

2010-01-24T20:09:05Z

Thanks to Swissvale for posting an outstanding Maginot Line reference about the defense in 2009. He was spot on. The Steelers have another Maginot Line going on these days, literally a line. The defensive backfield is similar to the offensive line.

I have seen too many times now the notion that "the offensive problems were schematic and the defensive problems were personnel." While such is a handy license for those who wish to bash the offense and exonerate the defense, this perfect little alibi is a gross miscalculation. There are no personnel problems with the skill people on offense, but major personnel problems with the offensive line. To lump the two together is erroneous.

Over the last seven NFL Drafts, every single aspect of the football team, except for the offensive line, has been gifted with at least one first-round draft choice. The quarterback position (Big Ben) was given #11 overall (2004), the running back position (Mendy) was given #25 (2008), the wide receiver was given a middle first in 2006 (Tone) and middle second in 2008 (Limas). Even the tight end (Heath) was granted a first rounder (2005). On defense, the line was bolstered at the last draft with a number one (Ziggy), a guy who helped significantly to minimize the loss of Aaron Smith. The linebackers were given both one and two in 2007 (Timmons and Woodley) and given a two in 2003 (Alonzo Jackson). The defensive backfield was graced with a high number one (Troy in 2003), moving up in the draft to get him, plus two number two picks (Colclough in 2004 and McFadden in 2005). Granted, not all of them panned out, but at least we tried.

While every phase was being bolstered by first-round franchise cornerstones, plus an extra smattering of number two picks for good measure, the offensive line has been given neither a one nor a two. I am one who believes the offensive line is the most important part of a football team, right up there with the quarterback, and yet it has been given the least since 2002. From 1998 to 2002, the Steelers drafted three offensive linemen in the one and two spots (Alan Faneca, Marvel Smith and Kendall Simmons). When all three were in their final year with Pittsburgh, Bruce Arians ran the ball more than any team in the NFL except two. People conveniently forget that the Steelers, under Pass Happy Arians, were a running football team in 2007, third in the league in rushing attempts.

Since 2007, actually during 2007, the wheels began falling off the offensive line, one by one. The best of the bunch, Alan Faneca, took off for New York and joined three other first-round linemen. Now let's see, that's four first-round offensive linemen for the Jets and how far did they go this year with a rookie quarterback? Kendall and Marvel both suffered career-ending injuries. Max Starks, in bizarre fashion, went from starting right tackle, to getting benched, to getting franchised, to starting left tackle. Say what? Sean Mahan was brought in to succeed Jeff Hartings, and succeed he did not. That little experiment was dispatched for Justin Hartwig, whose current mediocrity improves the Mahan situation, but clearly ended the Steelers great lineage of superior NFL centers.

Meanwhile, our right tackle is a guy who everyone in the Nation, from Jim Wexell to my own little Maryrose, insists is a right guard. Another guy out of position, Darnell Stapleton, a center who was called upon to play guard since no one else can do it, suffered a season-ending injury before the season began. His replacement was a career back-up (Trai Essex), meaning that we are now relying on back-ups to back-ups. And let's not forget that Chris Kemo went down, paving the way for an undrafted free agent to fill in that spot. So while everyone is blaming the 2009 Defensive Stock Market Crash on the loss of Troy, the entire offensive line is going to hell in a handbasket. Those injuries don't count? On offense it's all schematic (Arians) problems?

In truth, the 2009 Steelers' defensive backfield was on par with the 2009 Steelers' offensive line, awful. Losing Troy was like the line losing Faneca. Trying to patch William Gay and Tyrone Carter and trying to keep Deshea young was painfully similar to the musical chairs and patchwork that the offensive line has been going through since 2006. Making matters worse for the offensive line, they haven't had a decent coach since Russ Grimm. Not only has the offensive line had major personnel problems, the guy leading them was a personnel problem himself.

The result is that the defensive backfield and offensive line cost the Steelers the 2009 season and is costing the Steelers a chance at dynasty. The good news is that hopefully both of those entities have hit rock bottom and have already begun their ascent. Troy will be coming back and Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett will be (hopefully) in that year-two surge. One of those two young guys, or a 2010 draft pick, has got to step up and avoid the calamity of 2009. On offense, the new line coach can assess what we have and beg for an injection of new talent. Maybe we'll throw the new guy a bone and give him, finally ending the seven-year drought, a first-round and/or second-round lineman.

Teams Since 2003 Drafting O-Line in First and Second Rounds:

Five Players: 1 Team (SF)

Four Players: 2 Teams, including AFC North Baltimore who understands the importance of running in the Division

Three Players: 6 teams, including Cincy and Cleve, ditto like Baltimore

Two Players: 13 teams

One Player: 8 teams

Zero Players: 2 teams, Pittsburgh and Washington (great company)

Keep in mind, the above numbers do not include great players taken before 2003 who stayed healthy and on the team. Guys like Matt Light, Jeff Saturday, and many others add to the quality of their lines in addition to high draft choices since 2003. The Steelers high choices in that grouping, Alan Faneca, Marvel Smith and Kendall Simmons, have all left the team due to free agency or career-injuries. The above numbers would look even worse if you added all those guys. That creates more urgency for the Steelers to re-commit to drafting high-choice linemen.

If Art Rooney II is sincere about running the football, and I believe he is, he needs to put his money where his mouth is. We've already seen evidence by dispatching Larry Zierlein and bringing in Sean Kugler. Now let's see more evidence on April 22. There will be no excuse this year that "all the good ones are gone and we don't want to reach." That won't hold water this year. The Steelers pick 18^th and there are at least seven offensive lineman who are worthy of that spot. Every aspect of the team, except one, has been given love since 2003. Let's end that lone exception, and leave Washington behind as the only remaining team not to draft a first or second round offensive lineman since 2003.

Big ben turns down pro bowl

2010-01-21T05:32:10Z

Big ben turns down pro bowl

BB's shoulder injury will prevent him from going to the pro bowl. He was the first alternate for the AFC and was in line to make the trip when Tom Brady backed out. Not a huge story, but anything Steeler related is good.

Steelers News: Mocking the Mock Drafts

2010-01-20T14:51:03Z

More photos » Richard Shiro - AP

Would the Steelers really use their first round pick on a running back? (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

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For the next two months just about everyone with the ability to punch keys on a keyboard will become draft experts and publish their very own mock draft. The Steelers enter the 2010 draft season with more question marks than normal and certainly their needs will be more clearly defined once the status of players like Casey Hampton, Ryan Clark and Willie Parker are resolved, but for now here's what the mockers are mocking.....

Draft Countdown: CJ Spiller (RB-Clemson) - One of the benefits of being a strong organization and consistent winner is that you can always have one eye on the future. Sure the Steelers have a need or two but for the most part their roster is in great shape and their rookies aren't forced to step into the starting lineup from day one. Lawrence Timmons, who is finally getting a chance to start this season after serving a two year apprenticeship, is a perfect example. A couple of years ago Pittsburgh used their first round pick on Rashard Mendenhall and it wouldn't hurt to bring in someone like Clemson's C.J. Spiller to replace the aging and injury-prone Willie Parker as the "Lightning" to Mendenhall's "Thunder". A versatile player with blazing speed who is capable of making an impact as a runner, receiver and return man, Spiller isn't an every down workhorse but he is an explosive playmaker that defenses must account for at all times. It's not an exaggeration to say that Spiller is a threat to take it the distance at any time from anywhere on the field and the success that fellow speed demon Chris Johnson is having in the NFL will surely work in Spiller's favor on Draft Day. Free safety might also be a need if Ryan Clark bolts as a free agent and don't be shocked if the Steelers follow their recent M.O. and just throw everyone another curve ball in the first round.

Scout (2 Rounds): Bryan Bulaga (OT-Iowa) - The Steelers had a down year and it's obvious they need help on the offensive line. Bulaga's athleticism will help and he'll start from day one.

Round 2: Dominique Franks (CB-Oklahoma) - The Steelers secondary was woeful in '09 and it's evident that they need an upgrade. Franks has great size and cover skills and will add relief in '10.

NFL.com (Brooks): Patrick Robinson (CB-FSU) - The Steelers' suspect secondary repeatedly cost them down the stretch, so Mike Tomlin shores up one side of the field.

Walter Football (3 rounds): Earl Thomas (FS-Texas) - Safety will be a big need for the Steelers this offseason. Both Ryan Clark (30) and Tyrone Carter (34) will be free agents in March, so Pittsburgh will need a new starter across from Troy Polamalu and some depth as well.

Round 2: Trevard Lindley (CB-Kentucky) - The Steelers continue to upgrade a secondary that couldn't stop Bruce Gradkowski in a must-win December game. I'll be shocked if they don't really try to repair their defensive backfield this offseason.
Round 3: Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB-Texas) - The Steelers have two great pass-rushing linebackers, but they don't exactly have the best depth at the position. Also, don't forget that James Harrison turns 32 in May. Sergio Kindle slips a bit here, so Pittsburgh is getting great value.

Draft Tek (5 Round Simulator): Patrick Robinson (CB-Florida State) - Robinson is a potent combination of size, instincts, and athleticism. The Steelers will heavily consider top corner talent. They'll also look for reassurances that Robinson's head is on straight after involvement in the cheating scandal at FSU. -Patrick (Drafttek Steelers Analyst)

Round 2: Darrell Stuckey (SS-Kansas State) - This is a great pick of a top player at a position of need. The Steelers desperately need an upgrade over Tyrone Carter with Polamalu missing so many games. FS Ryan Clark is also an UFA doubling the need in the defensive backfield.-Patrick (Drafttek Steelers Analyst)
Round 3: Kam Chancellor (FS-Virginia Tech)
Round 4: Mike Neal (DE-Purdue)
Round 5: Cliff Matthews (OLB34-South Carolina)

Draft Daddy: Perrish Cox (CB-Oklahoma State) - The Steelers may be targeting CBs, Cox is a strong man-to-man player with ball skills.

New Sport Draft: Terrence Cody (DT-Alabama) - Cody is a monster in the middle. He would fit perfect in the Steelers defense. I know they already have a great D-line but they get much younger and get a run-stopper to help their D-line.

Round 2: Anthony McCoy (TE-USC) - McCoy is one of the top rated TEs in my 2010 NFL mock draft. At 6'5, 250 pounds, McCoy should be able to help an NFL team in the passing game.
Round 3: Anderson Russell (FS-Ohio State)
Round 4: Ryan D'Imperio (ILB-Rutgers)
Round 5: Aaron Webster (S-Cincinnati)

NFL Draft King: Earl Thomas (FS-Texas) - The Troy Polamolu loss crushed the defending Super Bowl champs any chance of a repeat. The Steelers gave up a league most 5 leads in the 4th quarter this past season which was the main reason they were on the outside looking in on the post season tournament. With the possibility of Ryan Clark leaving via free agency, look for Pitt to select this ballhawk out of Texas who has the ability to stop the run, with the ability to capitalize on the oppositions mistakes through the air with the ability to take it back to the house. The Steelers could also go with C.J. Spiller here to work with Mendenhall, or possibly a Receiver as Hines Ward is on his last legs.

Football Expert: Mike Iupati (G-Idaho) - The Steelers build their team on the offensive line and defensive front seven. They also think long term meaning just because their front five is a weakness does not necessarily make them rush out and draft a player in the first round to "solve" that problem. Championship rosters are not built on plugging rookies in immediately all the time. In this case it appears the tackle class is deep enough for them to take a shot, but I'm looking for them to get back to their roots. The Steelers I know run the football and the guard position drives it. Roethlisberger can't keep throwing the ball 500 times per season and expect to have a long career. It's not the nearly 3 sacks per game he absorbs, it's the countless hits. Iupati is showing signs of being an elite interior blocker. If he shows up big at every step of the draft process it is likely for him to sneak into the middle of the first round. A lot of the early interior linemen taken in recent seasons have been successful which makes this choice less outrageous than it seems.

Draft Matters: Donovan Warren (CB-Michigan) - Troy Polamalu's injury has really exposed the secondary of the Steelers. His return will be a big help, but the Steelers need another defensive back to shoulder some of the load. Ike Taylor hasn't been playing at a very high level and is being targeted too often. Donovan Warren is the third best corner in this draft and fits nicely at 18.

NFL Draft Dog: Terrence Cody (NT-Alabama) - Cody (6' 5" 365 lbs) is a monster on the inside and can dunk a basketball at his current weight. Yes I know Cody is a little one dimensional, but as a two-down run stuffing nose tackle he is incredible.

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Clearly there doesn't seem to be a consensus choice out there for the Steelers just yet. If we can come to one conclusion based on these eleven mocks it's that the biggest need on this team appears to be on the defensive side of the ball. Four mocks have the Steelers taking a cornerback, while free safety and nose tackle are the only other positions that appear more than once.