Monday, October 8, 2012

Cowher to the Browns?

Living in Cleveland, if I am going to listen to sports radio, I am going to hear a lot about the Cleveland Browns.

While at work today, I happened to hear discussion about the next Browns head coach being Bill Cowher. Yes, the former Super Bowl winning head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Matter-of-fact, I had some coworkers even discussing it this morning.

Here are the ways Browns fans are trying to link Cowher to the Browns job:


  1. Cowher bought a house in Strongsville, OH. There were reports back in 2008 that the former Steelers head coach had bought a house just outside of Cleveland. I have researched this and cannot find one iota of proof that Bill Cowher ever purchased a house in the Cleveland area in 2008 or since then. At the time, Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage were still employed by the Browns and while it was evident that both would be fired at the end of the season, Randy Lerner had not contacted anybody on the prospects of replacing either of those two men. It was nothing more than a rumor started by someone hoping that it would get back to Cowher that the Cleveland fans wanted him to coach their team. If he bought the house in 2008, then why did he turn down the job when he was asked if he was interested in it by Randy Lerner? Some fans are saying that he didn't want to deal with that mess....but why would he want to take the job five years later and clean up a different mess and change the defense back to a 3-4? If he didn't want it then, he more than likely doesn't want it now.
  2. Cowher is good friends with the soon-to-be Browns owner Jimmy Haslam III. This is using the "six degrees of seperation" theory at best, in my opinion. Bill Cowher is the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jimmy Haslam III is about to be, if he isn't already, a former minority owner of the Pittsurgh Steelers. Makes perfect sense, right? Not quite. Bill Cowher resigned as the Steelers head coach following the 2006 season. Jimmy Haslam III became a minority owner of the Steelers in 2008. At minimum, that's one year between their time with the Steelers. Once Cowher stepped down, he moved to North Carolina to spend time with his wife and children. As far as I know, he didn't spend much time afterwards in Pittsburgh, especially at Steelers headquarters where he would likely be stepping on toes with Mike Tomlin entrenched as the new Steelers head coach. Do they know each other? It's possible, but not all that likely. 
  3. Cowher played and coached in Cleveland. Yes, Cowher was signed as afree agent by the Browns  (he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles) and then later coached there under Marty Schottenheimer. He followed Schottenheimer to Kansas City before being hired as Chuck Noll's replacement in Pittsburgh. He was a finalist for the Browns job in 1991 where Bill Bellichick was hired instead. Just because he at one point played and coached in Cleveland doesn't automatically mean that he wants to become the head coach in Cleveland. It's a part of his history, but that doesn't mean it's a part of his future. 
Here are the common sense reasons that he won't be coaching the Cleveland Browns anytime soon:

  1. He has no desire to get back into coaching. Bill Cowher has stated that he currently has no desire to return to the sidelines, and I don't blame him if that's true. NFL head coaches put in extreme hours, during the season they often sleep in their office and see their families very little. It's a grind, and I believe that after winning the Super Bowl following the 2005 season he lost that fire and the grind of being a head coach since 1992 and an assistant coach since 1985. He played from 1979 until 1984. That's a lot of time spending your life focused on football. Right now he works basically one day a week, being payed handsomely for it. He gets to spend time with his family. He gets to live life. If he lost the fire to coach, I doubt he's ever going to get it back.
  2. If he wants to coach again, he wants it to be the right situation. If he does come back, he doesn't want to work to rebuild a team. I think he'd rather step into a pretty nice situation. I can see him going to San Diego if Norv Turner gets canned. They already run his preferred 3-4 defense, have a talented young QB in Phillip Rivers, and have a good running back in Ryan Matthews. Cleveland is currently the only team without a win in the NFL. While they have an excellent running back in Trent Richardson, there are questions everywhere else. Brandon Weeden could be a good NFL QB or another Browns first round bust. The offensive line has weaknesses. The defense just gave up 200 yards rushing last Sunday. Cowher would have to change the defense back to a 3-4 if that's the defense that he's married to (and I think he is). Another team I can see him taking over is the New York Giants if Tom Coughlin decides to retire. That's the right situation, not Cleveland.
  3. He has too much respect for the Rooney Family and the Pittsburgh Steelers to coach within the AFC North. Cowher grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, PA as a Steelers fan. Yeah, he played for Cleveland and was an assistant coach there. As a player, you go where you're wanted. If you want to get into coaching, you go where you're offered a job. If the Browns offered me a job as a coach or scout tomorrow, I would take it. It was former Browns and Ravens owner that chose not to higher Cowher back in 1991. It was Dan Rooney that chose to hire Cowher as the head coach in 1992. It was Dan Rooney that stuck by Cowher through some losing seasons and questionable personnel decisions. Cowher then rewarded himself and Dan Rooney for that faith by winning his first and the team's fifth Super Bowl Championship after the 2005 season. I don't think he would want to ruin his Steelers legacy by coaching another team in the AFC North, facing Pittsburgh twice a season and possibly keeping the Steelers out of the playoffs by doing so. He wouldn't do that to the organization  the Rooney family, or Steeler Nation. He will always be a Steeler in his heart, as long as he doesn't coach the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, or Baltimore Ravens.
  4. He has already accomplished a Hall of Fame coaching career. From 1992 through the 2006 seasons, Bill Cowher built up a head coaching resume very worthy of the National Football League Hall of Fame. He won one Super Bowl (XL), two AFC Championships (six AFC Championship Game appearances), Eight AFC Central/North Division Championships, Ten Playoff Appearances, 1992 AP NFL Coach of the Year, Two Time Sporting News Coach of the Year (1992, 2004), 149-90-1 regular season record (.623 winning percentage), 12-9 Playoff Record, 161-99-1 overall record. Would he still end up in the Hall of Fame if he took the reigns in Cleveland and failed? I think so. But why take the chance when right now you'll be wearing that yellow jacked in the very near future? Not to mention if he does coach again, he would have to wait another five years after retirement to become eligible for the Hall of Fame.
The Browns fans want Bill Cowher. They want a head coach with a winning resume who they believe can bring a Super Bowl Championship to Cleveland. I don't blame them, no Cleveland team has won a World Championship since 1964. 

They are sick of head coaches who have failed elsewhere or guys that have never been a head coach before. They also want stability, something this team has not had since before the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens. 

However, I don't see Bill Cowher taking the Browns job, or any job for that matter. He's got plenty of money, he doesn't need to coach for the money. I think he's happy doing television work and has no desire to coach again. When he says this, I believe him. Will he talk to NFL owners when they call? Of course he will, he doesn't want to create enemies in case he does one day decide he wants to coach again. But if he hasn't gotten that fire back, if his batteries haven't recharged yet, then I doubt they ever will. 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Where Is The Defense?

Normally after a game I would do a The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. However this week, I am not doing one. Instead, I am wondering just one thing....where is the defense?

This is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Defense is what this team has been built on since way back in 1933. Even when the team was one of the absolute worst in the league, you didn't want to face Pittsburgh because you came out of the game bloody and bruised, worse for wear.

The Steelers defense has been made the poster child for "illegal hits" by Roger Goodell. How did they respond? They didn't change a damn thing. They would still hit you with all they had and then some. They would force turnovers. They would sack quarterbacks.

I remember back when running backs never ran for 100 or more yards on the Steelers defense. Yesterday we let our first 100 yard rusher in Darren McFadden. Last year we let a lot more backs run for triple digits on us than I would have liked.

I know yesterday we were without Troy Polamalu and James Harrison. But if this defense collapses due to missing one or two players, that says a lot about how substandard the rest of the defense is. I mean...we are relying on a 34 year old linebacker who's having chronic knee and back issues...and a 31 year old safety who has suffered multiple knee and ankle injuries the past few years.

These two players aren't going to be playing for much longer. Both are former Defensive Player of the Year winners, both have been big time contributors on Super Bowl Championship teams. Polamalu is a future Hall of Famer. James Harrison is one of the better players in Steelers history.

If this is how our defense looks without them for a short amount of time, I am afraid to see what our defense will look like once these two retire. I know there is never going to be another Troy Polamalu, but we need a better backup. We have yet to find someone that can spell Harrison much less replace him.

I blame our loss to the Raiders on two things: Antonio Brown's fumble and bad defensive play. If our defense holds the Raiders to one field goal instead of a touchdown...they walk away with a win.

If this is how the defense is going to play for the majority of this season, it will be a long season. The Steelers better make some adjustments, because nobody is exactly sure when Harrison or Polamalu will be coming back, or just how effective either will be when they do return to the field.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Steelers @ Broncos - The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Well, the Pittsburgh Steelers opened their season last night in Denver against Peyton Manning and the Broncos with a loss. I absolutely hate playing in Denver, because that means the team has to hold FS Ryan Clark out of the game because he has sickle cell trait. The last time he played a game in Denver, he had to have his spleen and gall bladder removed, therefore he doesn't play there as a precaution.

Also missing from the game was Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison due to a knee injury.

So here we go with it...The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

The Good


  1. The offense wasn't horrible. This was a fear that many fans had going into this game, that the offense would be completely inept. The Steelers changed offensive coordinators during the offseason with Bruce Arians either retiring or being fired (whichever you believe) and Todd Haley being brought in to make the offense more efficient. Well, the efficiency wasn't where they would want it to be, but I saw an offense that once they get in sync should be nearly unstoppable.
  2. The no huddle is going to be used in Pittsburgh. With Arians, there was a lot of talk of using the no huddle offense more often, but normally it was just used when the Steelers were trailing or when it was the end of the half. The offense seems to be better in the no huddle, so I like the fact that it's being used in situations that do not absolutely call for it. 
  3. I am optimistic about the Steelers receivers after this week. It looks like Heath Miller is finally going to be used as a red zone weapon instead of an extra blocker. It's going to take Mike Wallace a week or so to get into "game shape," but he caught a touchdown last night and I think once he gets into sync with Big Ben, he'll have a typical Wallace season. Antonio Brown is going to have a really big season and might possibly become Ben's favorite target. He's going to be making big plays all season long. 
The Bad

  1. The offensive line suffered another injury last night when RT Marcus Gilbert went down with a knee injury. It has not been announced what the injury is or might be, and according to ESPN  he is currently listed as questionable. In the preseason we lost our first round pick, OG David Decastro, to a devastating knee injury. Last season and the season before we lost Pro Bowl Center Maurkice Pouncey to ankle injuries. If the Steelers are going to go anywhere this season, the line has to stay relatively healthy. Luckily, second round pick Mike Adams stepped in for Gilbert and played well. 
  2. Ben Roethlisberger made a bad decision on the pick-six that he threw towards the end of the game that sealed it for the Broncos. This has been a problem for Big Ben his entire career, sometimes he just gets a brain fart and makes a dumb throw. Hopefully there are less of them this season because Todd Haley will be holding Ben responsible for his mistakes, something people feel Bruce Arians did not do.
The Ugly

  1. The defense just simply looked bad last night. They had trouble stopping the run, and they damn sure couldn't stop Peyton Manning once he knocked the rust off. I know the defense was without Ryan Clark and James Harrison, but I still expected a better showing from our defense. I mean, Demaryius Thomas scored a long touchdown on a screen pass! Manning ended up just toying with us, he even ran for a first down. 
  2. The offensive line as a whole couldn't open holes for our running backs and gave up five sacks last night. This has been a problem for years that we hoped would be fixed with the drafting of David Decastro who is out for the season, and Mike Adams who lost the starting left tackle job and might be playing right tackle if Marcus Gilbert's injury causes him to miss some time. If any other quarterback played behind this line, he would be on IR or retired before being killed during a football game. It looks like this season the offensive line will be as ugly as it's ever been...and will find itself in this section of my blog on a weekly basis.
Next week, the Steelers open their home schedule at Heinz Field against the New York Jets. Let's hope that they end next week at an even 1-1.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

The Mike Wallace Holdout - Who's Hurt More?

Today the Steelers begin their preseason football schedule against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Mike Wallace is still not in camp. He has yet to sign his Restricted Free Agent tender, and the Steelers do not do contract negotiations with players who do not report to camp.

Mike Wallace is one of the better receivers in the NFL, and he is a really big part of the Steelers offense. The team also recently signed Antonio Brown, the Steelers other Pro Bowler at the position, to a contract extension. I would think that this bothered Wallace, seeing his teammate being taken care of and himself still not receiving a new contract.

Mike Wallace doesn't have a whole lot of leverage here. He has no other team that he can possibly play for, nobody showed any interest in him during free agency. The only way that he can play for another team is if the Steelers were to trade him, and they are not going to be doing that. All he can do is hold out for the first ten weeks of the season and then come in and be on the roster for six weeks to gain an accrued season and reach unrestricted free agency after this season. However, even if he does that, the Steelers can still hit him with the Franchise Tag and keep his rights for at least one more season if they choose to.

So the question must be asked, who is being hurt more by this holdout, Mike Wallace or the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Steelers still have what should be an upgraded offensive line...Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback...Antonio Brown, Emmannuel Sanders, and Jerricho Cotchery at wide receiver...Heath Miller at tight end...and Issac Redman at running back.

Is Wallace one hell of a deep threat, able to blow the top off of almost any defense? Yeah. But Brown and Sanders are both pretty fast, and Cotchery can be that underneath guy like Hines Ward once was. Miller should be able to go out to receive passes more than last season if the offensive line is impoved too.

The team is learning a new offense with Todd Haley coming in as the offensive coordinator. Brown, Sanders, and Cotchery are learning the intracacies of the offense while all Wallace can do is study the playbook. He cannot ask questions, be shown coaches film of the plays from other teams Haley has coached, or get the timing down with Roethlisberger due to practicing with the team.

The Steelers offense will work without Mike Wallace, that's a fact. The chains will move, touchdowns will be scored.

However, Mike Wallace needs the Steelers. He needs to showcase his skills so his market price will be as high as possible when free agency arrives at the end of this season. It's not a good idea for him to hold out for the majority of a season because he is unhappy with his restricted free agent tender. The Steelers could have cut that offer to just over $500k this season, but they chose not to. That's them showing faith that they believed he would sign the tender and come to camp.

So I end this blog post with a message to Mike Wallace, though I doubt he will ever see it:

Mike Wallace, you know how the Steelers do business. You know that they take care of their own as long as their own players aren't being unreasonable. You know they won't negotiate with a player who is not practicing. Sign your tender, get into camp. The Steelers will then reopen negotiations and maybe you'll get the long term deal you desire. If you don't, you showcase your skills for an entire season to get that deal as a free agent be it with Pittsburgh or without. But in the end, and you know it, you need the Pittsburgh Steelers more than they need you.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Looking at Steelers Training Camp

Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers started their 2012 Training Camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.

In the past week, the Steelers resigned left tackle Max Starks (which I will touch more on later in this article) and first round draft pick David DeCastro.

And there was also one big omission today, Mike Wallace failed to report, and until he reports to camp the Steelers will not negotiate on the long-term deal that he covets.

This week, Mike Tomlin signed a three year extension to remain the Head Coach in the Steel City.

Things are looking good going into training camp for the Steelers, so lets look at some of the battles that are going to be happening in camp this year.

Mike Adams vs Max Starks, Left Tackle: Mike Adams, the rookie second round draft pick, is currently penciled in as the starter at left tackle. However, in a slightly surprising move this past week, the team resigned Max Starks who started at that position last season but was injured in the playoff loss to the Denver Broncos.

So why did the Steelers resign Starks? Well it could be for one or more reasons -- a backup who can play both tackle positions so if there is an injury to either starting tackle the entire line doesn't have to be reshuffled, they aren't sure if Adams can start at left tackle this season so if they don't like what they see in camp Starks can step in, or they have already changed their mind on Adams starting and will place Starks in that spot quickly in camp.

Whatever the reason is, Mike Adams now has some competition at left tackle in camp. Mike Tomlin will put his best five linemen out there, be it Starks or Adams.

Keenan Lewis vs Cortez Allen vs Curtis Brown, Cornerback: William Gay, last season's starter across from Ike Taylor, left in free agency for Pittsburgh Wes......err, the Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers didn't trade for a starter or pick anyone up in free agency, therefore they must believe that one of these three can start at that position.

I think that it's going to be Keenan Lewis that come out of this as the starter, and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. That will leave Allen and Brown competing for the nickel corner spot.

However, while I feel Lewis will be starting this season, I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the other two possibly snagging the spot in preseason games if they do look better.

Jonathon Dwyer vs Barron Batch vs John Clay, Backup RB: It's basically known that Issac Redman is going to be the starter at the beginning of this season while Rashard Mendenhall recovers from a torn ACL. Depending on how Redman plays, Mendenhall may not get the starting job back.

So in camp, it's the battle to back up Redman. All three of these backs bring something different to the table. I think in the end, it will be Dwyer who is the backup to Redman, at least until Mendenhall returns from his injury.

Larry Foote vs Stevenson Sylvester vs Sean Spence, ILB: During the offseason, the Steelers released veteran inside linebacker James Farrior who had started in Pittsburgh since the 2002 season. Last year, it looked like he had lost a step. He just wasn't the same. So the Steelers released him because of that and to get under this season's salary cap.

His replacement will either be Larry Foote, who won a Super Bowl starting next to Farrior in 2005, or Stevenson Sylvester.

Foote has the experience, but he is considered a liability in pass coverage. He is also 32 years old, an age when many feel players outside of kickers, punters, and quarterbacks begin to decline on the field.

Sylvester is young and could turn out to be a good linebacker. He's shown a lot playing special teams and playing in limited rotation on defense.

Then you have the rookie, Sean Spence, who there have been reports during mini camps that he was wowing the coaches. He, in my opinion, was drafted as the eventual starter in the middle of the Steelers 3-4 defense next to Lawrence Timmons.

I think that Foote will be the starter at the beginning of the season, but that either youngster can end up unseating him if he doesn't play as well as the coaches are expecting him to this season.

Emmanuel Sanders vs Jerricho Cotchery, Wide Receiver: Yes, Mike Wallace did not report to training camp because he doesn't want to play under his restricted free agent tender. However, he's going to eventually show up and he will be starting. Across from him will be Antonio Brown.

So what's with this Sanders vs Cotchery thing you may be asking yourself? Well, the third receiver is very important in today's pass happy NFL. And while I expect new offensive coordinator to help fix the problems with the running game that the Steelers had last season, the nickel will still be used quite a bit.

Sanders has speed and a ton of talent. People were saying he'd be the starter across from Wallace. However, injuries have derailed him and he hasn't played an entire 16 game season yet in his career. If he can stay healthy, the sky is really the limit for this kid.

Cotchery is a veteran of eight seasons and has had only one 1000 yard season in his career. However, he reminds me a lot of Hines Ward where he isn't afraid to go across the middle and make the tough catches. He's going to do what's asked of him. Of his 16 receptions last season, 13 of them went for first downs. He's reliable when you need to move the chains.

In the end, I think Sanders wins the third receiver job as long as he stays healthy. He's got the talent, and the kid is fast. Trying to cover Wallace, Brown, and Sanders? Yeah, I don't think many teams have three corners that can do that.

It is now time to focus on climbing that stairway to our seventh Lombardi Trophy. Preparation for the 2012 NFL Season has now commenced. All I have to say now, is one phrase:

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Who's the most indispensable Steeler?

Earlier this week, NFL.com had an article asking who was the most indispensable player in the NFL. Most of the people who contributed to the article went with either the Saints' signal caller Drew Brees; or the new quarterback in Denver, Peyton Manning.

This got me to thinking, what player in the Steelers is the most indispensable?

The players that came to mind for me were:

QB Ben Roethlisberger - The Steelers won zero Super Bowls between the Bradshaw and Roethlisberger eras. Since Roethlisberger has become the Steelers' starting quarterback, the team has won two Super Bowls and been to a third.

C Maurkice Pouncey - Most people wouldn't consider an interior offensive lineman indispensable. However, Pouncey is one of the top two centers in the AFC, if not the entire NFL. He makes a lot of the line calls and is the anchor of the offensive line.

OLB James Harrison - The attitude of the defense comes from Harrison. He plays mean, angry. He doesn't want to injure anyone, but he's not opposed to hurting somebody (his words, not mine). When he missed those games with a broken orbital bone (that's his eye socket), the Steelers defense had trouble getting to the quarterback.

OLB LaMarr Woodley - Woodley is another sackmeister, and it was obvious that the pass rush was hurt by him missing games and then being limited by a hamstring injury. When Woodley and Harrison are both on the field together, they are one of the best pass rushing duos in the league and big plays often happen. He has also won a Defensive Player of the Year award.

FS Ryan Clark - Ryan Clark is a hard hitting safety. He plays within the scheme and allows Troy Polamalu to be Troy Polamalu. He missed the playoff game against the Denver Broncos last season and Tim freaking Tebow (TEBOW OF ALL PEOPLE!!!!!) had his best game as a QB. If Clark is there, I think the Steelers probably win that game.

That's a pretty good list of candidates. They are all excellent players. They have all been to a Pro Bowl, they all have Super Bowl rings. However, none of them are the most indispensable player on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That indication goes to Troy Polamalu.



He is the only player on the defense that's allowed to play outside of the scheme. He's allowed to play completely on instinct. He causes big plays. He's the one player on the defense in which the other team's quarterback has to know exactly where he is when the QB snaps the ball, not that it matters much because that spot is likely not where he will be when the ball is thrown.

Troy Polamalu is the ONLY player that I have ever seen dive over the offensive line and sack the quarterback. And he's done it twice.

If he's lined up at the line of scrimmage like a pass rusher, he's likely going to end up somewhere in the defensive backfield breaking up as pass or coming up with an absolutely stunning interception. If he's way back at his spot at safety, next thing you know he's in the offensive backfield chasing down the quarterback or stuffing the running back for a loss.

This is the guy that makes the Steelers defense so good. He allows Dick LeBeau to call a lot of those exotic schemes and blitzes. When Polamalu isn't players, it's a watered down version of the defense.


Sunday, May 13, 2012

AFC North Camp Battles

This weekend the NFL has 20 rookie mini-camps going. The Pittsburgh Steelers held theirs a couple of weeks ago.

Rookie mini-camps are held for multiple reasons. They are for drafted players, undrafted free agents, and first year players with that team that are trying to gain  a training camp invite. There are no team veterans there, so this allows the rookies and first year players to actually get practice reps and coaching focused on them.

In the coming two months there are going to be full team mini-camps and organized team activities. A lot of these are going to be "voluntary," but it will be nearly full team participation. These are why the rookie camps are so important, once the team vets come in a lot of the rookies fall to the wayside. First and second round picks, the ones expected to start or make major contributions will get individual coaching. However the guys that have to make the team by showing that can be special teams monsters, they won't get that type of tutoring.

So with most teams' rookie camps coming to a close today, here is a list of what I feel the most compelling camp battles involving rookies will be in the AFC North.

Pittsburgh Steelers


Offensive Line Battles: David DeCastro, the Steelers first round pick, is projected to start the season at one of the two offensive guard spots. However, which one the Steelers are going to plug him in at, nobody is sure of yet. At Stanford, he played right guard but the Steelers could easily plug him in at left guard. The two incumbents at the guard spots are Ramon Foster and Doug Legursky. One of them would be losing their starting jobs, so I am sure both are going to do their best to not let that happen. However it will, that's a fact.

The other, and to me more interesting battle on the offensive line, will play out at the tackle positions. Right now, it looks like it's going to be Marcus Gilbert on the left side and Willie Colon on the right side. The monkey wrench thrown into this plan is that in the second round, the Steelers took Ohio State's Mike Adams who most teams gave a first round grade. It will be these three players competing for two positions.

Throw in there that last year Gilbert started at right tackle due to Colon going down for the season with an injury and was told over the offseason that he would be the left tackle, and then the team drafted Adams who exclusively played left tackle in college. Many believe that Adams is the left tackle of the future which would put Gilbert back on the right side in the near future.

As long as Colon can stay healthy, which hasn't happened in the past two seasons, I expect him to start t right tackle with Gilbert starting at left. However I think Adams will be starting on the line by the end of the season either due to a Colon injury or just by being the better player overall eventually.

Baltimore Ravens


Outside Linebacker/Offensive Guard: The Baltimore Ravens, for the most part, have their roster set.

However, there will be a battle at outside linebacker. With last year's Defensive Player of the Year  Terrell Suggs currently out with a "small" tear in his ACL, it's almost guaranteed that second round pick Courtney Upshaw out of Alabama is going to start at outside linebacker this season. However, if Suggs comes back, will he still be starting? And if Suggs can start the season, will Upshaw be able to lock down the outside linebacker spot on the other side? His competition is going to be Paul Kruger, who has been a backup for most of his career.

The Ravens lost Ben Grubbs to the Saints and failed to find a suitable replacement in free agent. With their other second round pick, they selected Kelechi Osemele and he's going to challenge Jah Reid for that starting left guard spot. I truly think that Osemele can win that battle, but it should be a fun one to watch.

Cincinnati Bengals


Starting Cornerback: The Bengals drafted Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round of last month's NFL Draft, and part of that is because of the issue at corner.

Assuming that Kirkpatrick isn't penciled in as a starter, the two starters would be Nate Clements and Adam "Pacman" Jones. Leon Hall is currently recovering from an injury which might keep him from being ready to start the season.

So at the moment, Kirkpatrick needs to only unseat one of the two aforementioned players to start at the beginning of the season, and that's a real possibility. The problem will be when Hall will be ready to come back, does Kirkpatrick start across from Leon Hall or does he move to the nickel role because either Clements or Jones will be one of the starting two.

This is going to be a pretty interesting battle because Clements has tons of experience but is getting up there in age for a starting corner, and Jones has regressed over the past couple of seasons. Last season, Jones only played in eight games and didn't record an interception.

The wild card in this battle is Terrance Newman, signed as a free agent this past offseason after being cut by the Dallas Cowboys. Often thought of as old and lost a step, he could wrestle away a starting job from Kirkpatrick.

Cleveland Browns


Quarterback Competition: In last month's draft, the Browns drafted 28 year old quarterback Brandon Weeden out of Oklahoma State late in the first round. He wasn't drafted in the first round at his age to sit for a season or two, he was drafted to play soon.

However, the Browns refuse to just flat-out say that Weeden is the guy they want to start the season like the Colts and Redskins have already said about their first round quarterbacks. But from the sounds of it, the starting quarterback job is Weeden's to lose.

His competition is former third round pick and last season's starter Colt McCoy, and career backup Seneca Wallace.

While I expect Weeden to end up with the job, I think McCoy does however have a chance to keep his grasp on the starting spot because he already has experience in the West Coast Offense and has seen a lot of NFL defenses in his two seasons.

But you know what they say about thinking you have two quarterbacks, if you think that, you really have none. In the end, a QB competition throughout camp could hurt the Browns more than helping them by not allowing a QB to get into a rhythm with his receivers and get as many first team practice snaps as possible. But Weeden's cannon of an arm should hopefully wrap this competition up quickly, allowing the Browns to settle on a QB sooner rather than later.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Steelers Draft Grade: A

I know that you cannot truly grade a draft until after three years, but just going off of potential, I give this year's Steelers' draft an A-. So from here, let's look at each player that the Pittsburgh Steelers took in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Needs: Offensive Guard, Inside Linebacker, Offensive Tackle, Nose Tackle, Cornerback

First Round, 24th Overall: David DeCastro, OG/Stanford - I still cannot believe that the best guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson in 2001 fell all the way down to us. He was the one player that I felt would have been worth trading up to select in the first round if he fell, but the Steelers didn't have to. Now he helps solidify the offensive line, putting an All-Pro caliber guard next to our All-Pro center.

Second Round, 56th Overall: Mike Adams, OT/Ohio State - When the Steelers made this selection on Friday, it became obvious that the team's goal in this draft was to build a legitimate offensive line to protect franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. While the Steelers normally don't take players with character concerns, Adams requested that the Steelers bring him in for a pre-draft visit and he explained himself and told them that he wanted to be a Steeler and would do anything to make things right. He did everything they asked him to do, before the draft, including counseling. So they put him back on their board with a first round grade and got him at their pick in the second round. Best chance scenario is that he becomes the franchise left tackle, and I truly feel that at worst he will be an excellent bookend right tackle with our 2011 second round pick Marcus Gilbert at left tackle.

Third Round, 86th Overall: Sean Spence, LB/Miami - It's been said that he will be playing inside linebacker for the Steelers in their 3-4 defense. I think he fits great in the Steelers defense because the job of the defensive line is to tie up blockers allowing the linebackers to fly around and make the plays. Spence is a very athletic linebacker who can deliver the blow to the running back and has fluid hips to be out in pass coverage. He may have to sit a large part if not the entire season and learn the defense, but he should be a future starting linebacker for the Steelers. He reminds me a lot of Lawrence Timmons, the guy who will be lining up next to him when Spence finally gets on the field.

Fourth Round, 109th Overall: Alameda Ta'amu, DT/Washington - At 6'3" and 348 lbs., the Steelers found the man who will be the linchpin of the team's 3-4 defense for the next decade or so. The nose tackle spot on the defensive line is so important, and the Steelers got a steal in the fourth round when they were able to trade up and take the mammoth Washington defensive tackle. He may even see playing time this season. Casey Hampton tore his ACL in the playoff loss to Denver and probably won't be ready for training camp and could miss the start of the season. Ta'amu might be able win the starting job of Hampton cannot start the season, which could relegate Hampton to a backup role in what is likely his final season.

Round Five, 159th Overall: Chris Rainey, RB/Florida - One thing the Steelers really didn't have was a speedy change-of-pace back. The pick of Florida's Rainey changed that. He cannot block a linebacker and he goes down on contact running between the tackles, but in open space he's dangerous and his track star speed translates to the football field. He can also work the slot, and he has good hands for a running back so I can see him being used a bit like Percy Harvin has been used by the Minensota Vikings. There is a chance that he could also be moved to receiver later in his career, in my honest opinion. Also, he can return kicks and punts, saving the mileage that would be put on wide receiver Antonio Brown in that role.

Round Seven, 231st Overall: Toney Clemons, WR/Colorado - The Steelers have recently had some luck drafting wide receiver later in the draft (Mike Wallace - Third Round, Emmanuel Sanders - Third Round, Antonio Brown - Sixth Round) so I like the chances of this pick working out to be at least a solid fourth receiver in a season or two. He's a bigger target who can go over the middle, strong enough to break arm tackles, and has deceptive deep speed. However, he has had a problem with drops and struggles to catch the ball with his hands and bring it into his body. He is a physical blocker, but can sometimes be too aggressive. He's going to have to make the team as a special teams player, otherwise he is likely going to end up on the practice squad.

Round Seven, 240th Overall: David Paulson, TE/Oregon - An underrated pass catcher, he is going to struggle to get open in the NFL. He's a decent blocker also. He's nothing more than a backup player for his NFL career and could possibly be cut in training camp with all of the depth ahead of him. Probably destined for the practice squad.

Round Seven, 246th Overall: Terrance Frederick, CB/Texas A&M - Frederick is an undersized corner who isn't a man-to-man cornerback, but is a good zone corner. So he fits the Steelers' scheme that likes to play zone. He also likes to throw his body around, which isn't something you often see from smaller corners. He will have to show that he can contribute on special teams to make the squad out of training camp because the Steelers are already pretty deep at the position.

Round Seven, 248th Overall: Kelvin Beachum, OT/SMU - Beachum is undersized for the position in the NFL but has good athletic ability, body control, and footwork. He's going to have to show a lot in training camp to make the final roster, but has a shot as a developmental player if he doesn't get eaten up be defensive lineman and linebackers in one-on-one drills. Is likely never going to win a starting job in the NFL, but could be a good depth player. Could be a practice squad candidate.

So out of this draft the Steelers have likely four future starters in David DeCastro (Guard), Mike Adams (Tackle), Sean Spence (Linebacker), and Alameda Ta'amu (Defensive Tackle). That's an extremely good draft, with possibly three of those players starting at some point this season. After those first four picks (the likely future starters) it was all about depth, which is how the draft normally works.

I am ecstatic about the results of this draft and cannot wait for the season to start. It's going to be interesting to see which guard position DeCastro plays, if Mike Adams can win a starting tackle job and if he will be on the left or right side, how quickly Spence can take in what his responsibilities of his position on this defense and take away the starting job (if at all this season), and if Ta'amu can become the starter in training camp if Hampton cannot start this season.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

My Final First Round Mock Draft

The 2012 NFL Rookie Draft begins on Thursday at 8 PM EST for the first round. So here is my final first round mock draft. I don't do trades in my mock drafts, but in this one if I feel the pick might be traded I will say  that I feel it might be traded and who that trade partner is most likely to be.



  1. 1.Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB/Stanford - It was announced this week that the Colts will be selecting the Stanford signal caller with the first overall pick of the 2012 Draft, which is what everyone expected. 
  2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB/Baylor - With the Colts announcing that they will be taking Luck, the Redskins will be taking the guy they wanted when they traded a ton of picks to the St. Louis Rams, Baylor's RG3.
  3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT/USC - The Vikings took Christian Ponder last season in the first round, if they want to make sure he doesn't get the crap beat out of him for the next couple of seasons, they need to get a franchise left tackle to protect him. Kalil is that guy. The Vikings might trade this pick to move back a few spots, likely with the Buccanneers if they want to make sure they get Richardson.
  4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB/Alabama - I have had them taking Morris Claiborne, but recently I have changed my mind. The Browns need offensive play makers around McCoy. Richardson is a guy who can run the ball between the tackles, get to the edge, catch the ball out of the backfield, and stay in and block. He's the best player available and would help out McCoy the most if the Browns don't trade back.
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB/LSU - In this mock draft Richardson is off the board. So here I have them taking Claiborne. While the Buccaneers do need some offensive firepower, I can only see them taking Richardson with this pick if he falls to them. He doesn't, and they need a cornerback here with Ronde Barber being way past his prime and Aqib Talib being indicted on felony charges he might not be available for most or all of the season due to a combination of suspension, court dates, and possibly jail time.
  6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR/Oklahoma State - The Rams got a king's ransom for the second overall pick, taking a chance that Blackmon wouldn't be there when they picked at six. In this mock draft I have him still available and the Rams snatch up the guy who's expected to be Sam Bradford's go-to guy in what was a very anemic offense last season.
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR/Notre Dame - The Jaguars have plenty of needs. I have them taking Floyd here because their wide receiving corps are extremely underwhelming. Floyd has size and speed. Right now, Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert's most reliable target is his running back. That's just not acceptable. This is another pick that could be traded if Jacksonville can get someone to bite, but with the top six prospects already being gone, it might not be that easy.
  8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB/Texas A&M - I don't think Tannehill is a first round pick. He's got all the physical tools, but I don't feel he has the decision making down to be a first rounder, much less a top ten pick. But the NFL is a quarterback driven league, and the Dolphins haven't had a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season. Peyton Manning said no thanks when the 'Phins pursued him this offseason, and Matt Flynn felt that Seattle was a better fit for him even with his former offensive coordinator with the Packers getting the head coach job in Miami. Since nobody wants to go to Miami, they take Tannehill here because he doesn't have a choice of where he is drafted.
  9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT/LSU - The Panthers have a need on the interior of their defensive line, and I think they take Brockers here. I had them taking Dontari Poe before, but now I think they take Brockers because he put up the stats that Poe didn't in an inferior league. The Panthers got ran on last season. Brockers can come in and help that problem by plugging up the middle.
  10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT/Iowa - The Bills gave quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a huge raise last season and now they need to protect that investment. If Reiff falls to them they need to take him. They don't have anyone currently on the roster that I would trust to protect the blindside of the quarterback. 
  11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, OG/Stanford - The Chiefs need help on their interior offensive line, and DeCastro is the best guard prospect to come into the NFL in years. He can run block, pass block, pull, and trap. He'd help their run game and he would help protect starting quarterback Matt Cassel. If he is there, he will be their pick.
  12. Seattle Seahawks: Melvin Ingram, DE/South Carolina - Ingram is likely the top pass rusher in this draft and the Seahawks need to get better at getting after the quarterback. They got Matt Flynn as a free agent, so with this pick they will focus on their defense. Ingram can play both defensive end and outside linebacker giving the Seahawks some flexibility on how to use him in the best way possible.
  13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathon Martin, OT/Stanford - The Cardinals gave a big roster bonus to Kevin Kolb this offseason when they failed to woo Peyton Manning. Now they need to protect that large investment by taking Martin with this pick. Yes, they resigned Levi Brown but he's been average and can be moved over to right tackle where I think he's best suited in the NFL. 
  14. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB/South Carolina - The Cowboys got Brandon Carr on free agency, but that still doesn't fix their defensive backfield. Gilmore can play right away if Mike Jenkins doesn't play well to start the season and even if he does, he's likely not returning in 2013 anyhow so Gilmore would then be able to step right in with a year's NFL experience. 
  15. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT/Mississippi State - The Eagles reportedly love Cox (see what I did there?) and if he falls to them, they will be sprinting to the podium to hand in the card with his name on it. Last year the Eagles were gashed up the middle by teams and Fletcher Cox would come in and play very well on Philly's offensive scheme. 
  16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB/Alabama - The Jets have had to blitz to get pressure on the quarterback under Rex Ryan. Taking Upshaw here would likely end that trent because Upshaw would be a pass rushing beast in Ryan's scheme. 
  17. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB/Alabama - The Bengals aren't a team to worry about red flags, so they aren't going to worry about the fact that Kirkpatrick was recently in some trouble for possession of marijuana. Leon Hall suffered an Achilles injury last season and may not be ready to start the season. Even if he is, Nate Clements is getting up there in age and was average at best last season. Even if Kirkpatrick didn't start this season, he likely would step in on the other side of Hall in 2013.
  18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, OLB/Illinois - The Chargers need to find a pass rusher, something they haven't had since Sean Merriman was running on steroids collecting quarterback sacks like kids collect Hot Wheels cars. With the addition of Peyton Manning to the division with the Broncos, getting to the QB is going to be high on the list for the Chargers with former Pro Bowl quarterbacks on every other team in the division.
  19. Chicago Bears: Dontari Poe, DT/Memphis - It's widely believed that the Bears will be taking the best available defensive lineman with this pick, and Poe is there for this pick. He's an athlete in that huge body and can be a great player for the Bears for years. If Poe falls to da Bears, he will be snatched up quickly.
  20. Tennessee Titans: Janoris Jenkins, CB/North Alabama - I don't recognize a single name on the list of cornerbacks for the Titans. They lost Cortland Finnegan to the Rams, so I have them taking Jenkins who can likely come in and start right away in the Titans defensive backfield. They also could go defensive end or defensive tackle here.
  21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG/Georgia - The Bengals could go a couple of different ways here, but I think they make the safest pick and take Glenn to replace Bobby Williams on the offensive line. If they don't go Glenn, I can see them going defensive end possibly.
  22. Cleveland Browns: Kendall Wright, WR/Baylor - The Browns also need a top flight wideout to help McCoy and Wright is a speedster who can get past defenses or run shorter routes and get yards after the catch. Right now, there isn't a receiver on the Browns that would be better than third string on most other teams, so they need to find a receiver who can make plays. They might also go offensive tackle here if one is available that they like.
  23. Detroit Lions: Mark Barron, SS/Alabama - He's likely the best player available and he fills a need. The Lions defensive secondary is pretty bad, and Barron would step in right away at the strong safety position. The Lions could also go offensive tackle with this pick.
  24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB/Alabama - The Steelers cut James Farrior in a salary cap move, so they have a pretty big hole at the position. Hightower was born to play linebacker for the Steelers, and if he falls to them they will select him quickly. He might even be able to step in and start next to Lawrence Timmons to start the season. However if Cordy Glenn is available here, he would be their pick.
  25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT/Michigan State - The Broncos need to beef up the interior of their defensive line. They lost Brodrick Bunkley over the offseason, and he played very well for them last season. This is probably the highest Worthy will be selected, and he would also bring a mean streak to the defensive line of the Broncos. If Worthy isn't there for some reason, the Broncos would likely go interior offensive line.
  26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR/Georgia Tech - The days of Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter across from Andre Johnson will finally be over for Texans fans when they select Stephen Hill in the first round. He hasn't had many catches because of the type of offense Tech runs, but the one stat that does stand out is his Yard Per Reception average (25.47 for his career and 29.3 last season), which shows that he's a big play receiver. He's fast, big, and physical. Hill is also an outstanding downfield blocker, something that Arian Foster will love. Just look at the two other first round receivers that have come out of Georgia Tech, Demaryius Thomas and Calvin Johnson.
  27. New England Patriots: Shea McClellin, DE-OLB/Boise State - McClellin is shooting up draft boards, and McClellin reminds me a lot of former Patriot outside linebacker Mike Vrabel. The Patriots had a horrible defense last season and they are trying to build it back up. McClellin could play both defensive end and outside linebacker in their hybrid defense.
  28. Green Bay Packers: Harrison Smith, SS/Notre Dame - The Packers need help in the defensive secondary, and Smith can step in a play the strong safety position for them from the get-go. Charlie Peprah was torched repeatedly last season and Nick Collins career is in jeopardy. The Packers defense fell off last season after being pretty dominant the season they won the Super Bowl. It needs to be fixed if they want to stay on top of the NFC North.
  29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, OG-OC/Wisconsin - Peter King is reporting that for some reason, the Ravens don't like Konz. I personally think it's a smokescreen because they don't want anyone jumping in front of them to take him. They lost their starting Ben Grubbs to the New Orleans Saints. He could step in and play guard right away. Center Matt Birk contemplated retirement this offseason, so Konz could then replace Birk after this season if he chooses to retire next offseason.
  30. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Zeitler, OG/Wisconsin - The 49ers love to run the ball with Frank Gore. They also added Randy Moss and Mario Manningham to help with the offensive firepower to go along with tight end Vernon Davis. Zeitler can clear holes for Gore and help protect quarterback Alex Smith so he can connect with his receiving options. 
  31. New England Patriots: Devon Still, DT/Penn State - There have been rumors that the Patriots are looking to trade this pick. If so, then they obviously won't be making this selection. However, they have not traded it yet and I have them taking the Nittany Lion here to help beef up the 4-3 front of the Patriots line. He would be an excellent player next to mammoth tackle Vince Wilfork. He could also play DE when the Patriots line up in a 3-4 front.
  32. New York Giants: Luke Kuechly, MLB/Boston College - He falls all the way to the end of the first round to be snatched up by the defending Super Bowl Champions. He'd be in a great situation with an excellent pass rush up front allowing him to go sideline-to-sideline making tackles. He would start in the middle of the Giants defense from day one.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Steelers 2012 Draft

With the 2012 NFL Rookie Draft just a little bit over a week away, today I am going to look at all seven rounds of the Steelers upcoming draft.

The Needs


Inside Linebacker: In the offseason, the Steelers had to make some cuts to get under the salary cap. One of those cuts were veteran inside linebacker James Farrior. Right now the two starting inside linebackers are Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote. Timmons is an integral part of the defense, but I am not comfortable having Foote starting long-term.

Offensive Line: The Steelers have spent just one first round pick on an offensive lineman over the years, and that was on center Maurkice Pouncey. I would be fine with an offensive lineman in the first round, but if they don't take one in the first I would like to see them take one in the second if available. They could use a guard and/or a tackle.

Cornerback: Over the offseason, the Steelers allowed William Gay to leave. They didn't really even show him any interest from the looks of it. Gay played very well last year and was a starter. Ike Taylor is obviously going to be one starting corner. At the moment the other starter corner looks like it will come from one of the following - Cortez Allen, Curtis Brown, Walter McFadden, Antonio Smith, or Keenan Lewis (who is a Restricted Free Agent at the moment).

Running Back: While not a huge need, I expect the Steelers to take a RB somewhere in the middle to late rounds. Rashard Mendenhall is likely going to start the season on the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) list due to tearing his ACL in the regular season finale against the Browns last season. So that makes our starting running back Isaac Redman (who is an Exclusive Right Free Agent). Behind him are a bunch of backs that have little to no NFL experience (Baron Batch, John Clay, Jonathon Dwyer, Will Johnson, Jamie McCoy, and Chad Spann). I expect most of those guys to either be cut or be placed on the practice squad. I wouldn't mind seeing the Steelers take a fast guy who would be a change-of-pace back to Redman's power running style.

Nose Tackle: It's looking like Casey Hampton might not be ready to start the season, and the NT position is the anchor of the Steelers 3-4 defensive scheme. Even if Hampton is ready for the start of the season, he's getting up there in age and won't be around much longer. The Steelers need to take a young NT who can learn from and eventually take over for Big Snack when he's gone. If Hampton can't start the season, it looks like Steve McClendon would play the NT position, but I wouldn't want him being Hampton's long-term replacement.

Possible NFL Draft Picks


Round One: Dont'a Hightower, ILB/Alabama - This would fill the immediate need for a starting ILB next to Lawrence Timmons. While he might not start right away, I think he would eventually replace Foote during the season.

Other Options: Cordy Glenn, OT-OG/Georgia; Stephon Gilmore, CB/South Carolina; Janoris Jenkins, CB/North Alabama; Kevin Zeitler, OG/Wisconsin; Peter Konz, OC-OG/Wisconsin

Round Two: Amini Silatolu, OG/Midwestern State - The Steelers need a guard with their two starting options looking like Ramon Foster and Doug Legursky at this moment. Silatolu would bring better depth to the line and compete for a starting guard spot right off the bat.

Round Three: Alameda Ta'amu, DT/Washington - I think Ta'amu would be the perfect fit here if he's available. I could also see the Steelers trading up in the round to get him. He's the big NT that is needed in the middle of the defensive line in the 3-4 that the Steelers run. The Steelers would have Hampton's successor and he would compete with McClendon to start at the beginning of the season of Hampton isn't able to.

Round Four: Leonard Johnson, CB/Iowa State - He probably wouldn't see a lot of playing time outside of special teams, but he'd be there to groom and for depth.

Round Five: B.J. Coleman, QB/UT-Chattanooga - The Steelers current backup quartervacks are Jerrod Johnson and Troy Smith. I see them taking Coleman and grooming him to become the #2 quarterback in a season or two.

Round Six: Ryan Miller, OG/Colorado - The offensive line needs help, so another interior offensive lineman for depth and to maybe one day even be a starter.

Round Seven: Frank Alexander, DE/Oklahoma - Can never have enough depth on the defensive line.

Round Seven (compensatory): Carson Wiggs, K/Purdue - Last year Shaun Suisham was a pretty iffy kicker. He misses some kicks that he damn sure should have made. Drafting Wiggs might not unseat Suisham, but he'd be given a chance to win the job in training camp.

Round Seven (compensatory): Adonis Thomas, RB/Toledo - This guy is a speed back who's shifty and a an great athlete. He's got excellent burst and can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Round Seven (compensatory): Neiko Thorpe, FS/Auburn - This guy is fast and is a very good athlete. He can tackle and he has good ball skills. Also, the last name doesn't hurt either. Can be an excellent special teamer.

Now don't hold me to these picks. The Steelers might trade a pick to move up in a round, trade a pick and move back in a round...trade a pick for a player already on a team. Maybe the guy won't be available when the Steelers pick. These are just my best guesses for the Steelers picks.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

2012 Draft - AFC North

Here I am going to focus on the current draft needs and my projected picks for the AFC North in the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft. I am going to start with the team with the highest draft pick and work my way down to the lowest.

Cleveland Browns
Needs: Wide receiver, running back, offensive guard, offensive tackle, cornerback,

The Browns offense under Pat Shurmer is pass-oriented, but they don't have a legit #1 receiver to throw the ball to. They also need a corner across from Joe Haden because Sheldon Brown isn't a reliable starter anymore. They need help at both guard positions and right tackle. I also don't trust Montario Hardesty to stay healthy and effective for 16 games.

First round pick, #4 Overall: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU - I don't think that the Browns feel that Justin Blackmon fits what they want to do on offense, and taking a running back this high also doesn't fit their offensive philosophy. Last season, the other three teams in their division made the playoffs. They get to face Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, and Andy Dalton twice a season at quarterback. Claiborne makes sense as he would bolster the pass defense and possibly give the Browns two shutdown corners. In a league so predicated on the pass, being able to stop it is a huge advantage.

First round pick, #22 overall: Kendall Wright, WR Baylor - This guy is fast. And while I personally think that Justin Blackmon would fit their offense just fine, I don't think the Browns feel the same way. Wright can blow the top off of a defense with his speed, and he can also use that speed to gain yards after the catch on shorter routes. I think the Browns plan on seeing if Colt McCoy can be the quarterback to lead the Browns to the playoffs in the near future this season, but he needs a receiver that is a #1 talent, something the Browns don't currently have on their roster. Wright would give them that caliber of a receiver, so this is a sink-or-swim year for McCoy. If he doesn't show a good amount of improvement this season with Wright at receiver, the Browns will be in the market to replace him next offseason.

Second round pick, #37 overall: Amini Silatolu, OG Midwestern State - The Browns currently have Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao slated to play their two guard positions. If they go into the season without bolstering at least one of those two positions, they might get Colt McCoy killed. Silatolu is the best guard available and would be better at one of the two guard positions.

So in the first two rounds the Browns take care of cornerback, wide receiver, and offensive guard. I think that's a pretty good first two rounds for a team with as many holes as the Browns have.

Cincinnati Bengals
Needs: Cornerback, offensive guard, running back

The Bengals stud cornerback Leon Hall might not be available to start the season with an Achilles injury and Nate Clements is getting old and inconsistent. They could use an upgrade at offensive guard to help the run game and protect quarterback Andy Dalton. They also could use another running back, BenJarvus Green-Ellis isn't a long-term answer at the position.

First round pick, #17 overall: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama - With Hall recovering from an Achilles injury, Nate Clements getting older, and Adam "Pacman" Jones just not being good...the Bengals could use Kirkpatrick to start the season on Hall's stead and then take over for Clements once Hall comes back from his injury. He does have some character concerns, but the Bengals don't care much about character if the player has talent.

First round, #21 overall: Kevin Zeitler, OG Wisconsin: The best pure guard available, the Bengals find a guy to open holes for their running backs and protect Andy Dalton. Zeitler comes from a program known for their running game, and Zeitler was a big part of that. He's a great pick for the Bengals at this point in the first round.

Second round, #53 overall: Lamar Miller, RB Miami: Miller is a real steal this deep into the second round. Yes, the Bengals signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis but he doesn't have the home run ability that Miller has. Any time that you give this guy the ball, he can take it to the house. He's could possibly even win the starting job in training camp with some long runs in the preseason. He also doesn't need 20+ carries to get going, allowing the Bengals to skew their offense more towards the passing game if they'd like to.

In the first two rounds the Bengals take care of their biggest needs, which should make them a threat for the division crown and/or a wild card spot again this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: Offensive guard, inside linebacker, defensive tackle, cornerback 


The offensive line is still not all that good. They aren't the worst offensive line in the league, but Ben Roethlisberger makes them look a whole lot better than they actually are. Ben just turned 30 years old last month, he can't constantly play with injuries like he has for most of his career. They need to protect him better. The Steelers also need an inside linebacker to replace James Farrior who was a salary cap cut. They also lost William Gay in free agency, though they didn't really seem all that interested in resigning him...a later round corner to develop for depth is needed.


First round, #24 overall: Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama - This guy was born to play linebacker for the Black & Gold. He could even possibly start this season for the Steelers, because I believe he is already that much better than Larry Foote who is currently penciled in to play the position manned by Farrior since 2002. Last season, the Steelers gave up 4.0 yards a carry and finished 8th in rushing defense which isn't bad but below the standard that the Steelers have set for themselves. They gave up just under 100 yards a game and 7 rushing touchdowns in the regular season, which is just unacceptable in my opinion. This is why Hightower has to be the Steelers first round pick.


Second round, #56 overall: Kelechi Osemele, OG Iowa State - The Steelers released Chris Kemoeatu this offseason on what was not just a salary cap cut...but getting rid of a player who wasn't mentally strong enough to be a starter in the NFL. Too many dumb penalties at the worst possible times, especially unnecessary roughness penalties because his mean streak was just too long. He was benched twice for poor play and penalties in 2011. So now the Steelers two guards are Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster. Legursky is also the backup center, so if Pouncey were to be hurt again this season, we'd be very thin at guard. Osemele would compete for a starting spot at the position and bolster the depth of the interior line. 


The Steelers would take care of their two biggest needs in the first two rounds. If the Steelers don't take a guard in the second round, I can see them taking a nose tackle (even if it's a bit of a reach). Casey Hampton is coming off of a torn ACL and could start the season on the Physically Unable to Play List (PUP List).


Baltimore Ravens
Needs: offensive guard, center, inside linebacker, outside linebacker


The Ravens were considered free agent losers as players left the team and they failed to sign players to replace them. Their biggest loss was Ben Grubbs, their offensive guard. He went to New Orleans and the Ravens failed to sign a replacement for him. They also have to get running back Ray Rice under a long-term deal, he's currently franchise tagged by the team. Quarterback Joe Flacco also wants a long-term deal. The Ravens have said it's a priority to sign both players long-term not only to keep them, but to get them more salary cap space. They also could use a backup center/center of the future with Matt Birk being on the cusp of retirement. And also, an inside linebacker for depth and possibly to become Ray Lewis' replacement because he can't keep playing forever. They could also use depth at outside linebacker and someone to push Paul Kruger for playing time.

First round, #29 overall: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin - He could play guard this season learning from one of the best in the game, Matt Birk. Then he could take over for Birk when he retires, and be the immediate backup at center in case Birk were to get injured during the season. It really fills two needs with one pick. The Ravens could use a later pick on a guard for depth.

Second round, #60 overall: Vinny Curry, OLB Marshall - Their starter from last season Jarret Johnson, left in free agency for the San Diego Chargers. He had only 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Paul Kruger couldn't beat him out for the starting job, so the Ravens might look for depth and someone to push Kruger. Vinny Curry could be that guy. Another pass rusher across from Terrell Suggs would make the Ravens defense that much more fierce. They drafted Sergio Kindle to do this in 2010, but they he fell down some steps and fractured his skull. In two seasons he's only played in two games and hasn't recorded a statistic.

The Ravens fix their guard/center issue with one pick and then bolster their pass rush with their second round pick. Not bad for the defending AFC North Champs.

2012 NFL Mock Draft - Free Agency Edition

Okay, for the most part, free agency is done with. All the big names have been signed, resigned, or franchised. Now, this has shook up the draft somewhat because some of these signings means a team won't be looking to fix certain areas in the first round of the draft, and instead draft for depth later in the draft. The free agent signings that happen now will mostly be for depth.


  1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford - The Colts are rebuilding, and they have the first overall pick. One again, I have them drafting Andrew Luck. He's in the mold of Peyton Manning as a pocket passer, and the Colts' owner loved Manning. Luck can also move around better than Manning could, so he's not going to be a statue in the pocket. 
  2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor - You don't give up the picks Washington did to move up to the second overall pick and take anyone other than a quarterback. With Luck going to the Colts, that means the Redskins get to select RGIII who's skills seem to fit perfectly into Shannahan's offense. And with them grabbing two receivers in free agency, though neither might end up a #1 receiver, they give him better weapons than what he would have had in Washington.
  3. Minnesota Vikings: Mat Kalil, OT USC - Last year the Vikings took Christian Ponder, a QB out of Florida State at pick number twelve. If they want him to develop into a franchise quarterback and not be a wasted pick, they need to protect him. If they take Kalil, and it's almost a lock that they do, then his blind side will be protected for the next decade.
  4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU - The Browns have a lot of needs on offense, but in the end they go defense with their first pick of the draft. I don't think they want to take Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill this high, I don't think they like WR Justin Blackmon for the offense they run, and taking a RB this high doesn't make sense for them since they don't have a run-oriented offense. Claiborne makes the most sense because they play three playoff teams from last season twice a season...and the quarterbacks they face in those games are Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, and Andy Dalton. To make the playoffs, you have to win in your division. Taking Claiborne helps shore up their pass defense by giving the Browns two potential shutdown corners to help shut down opponent's passing games.
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama - The first member of the National Champions off the board is their bell cow running back Trent Richardson, the only player to score a touchdown in the National Championship Game. Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano has said that the number one priority on offense is protecting the football. If you can't protect the ball, you won't be getting touches. LaGarrett Blount has talent as a RB, but he has butterfingers. He fumbled five times last season, losing three of them. Richardson had just one fumble in his entire college career playing in the best conference in the country. He's also more explosive, just as powerful, faster, and a much better receiver out of the backfield than Blount. With Claiborne gone, this is the only choice for the Buccaneers.
  6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State - The Rams need offensive weapons for Sam Bradford and the Rams to be successful. Blackmon is the best receiver in this draft, and can be the go to guy Bradford needs. The Rams have a new head coach in Jeff Fisher, and I don't think he's working on a five-year plan, hence the fleecing of the Redskins so they can trade up to the #2 overall pick.
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa - The Jaguars have a lot of holes, especially on offense, but if they have any chance of giving last year's first round pick, Blaine Gabbert a chance to be successful, they need to protect him. If they draft Reiff, there are two things they can do. First, they can play him at LT and move Eugene Monroe over to RT...or leave Monroe at LT and play Reiff to RT. Either way, they upgrade the tackle position and buy Gabbert better protection in the pocket. They can always go WR in the second round to get him a receiver to throw to.
  8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB Texas A&M - Do I believe that Tannehill should go this high? No, not at all. But I think he will because of the premium on quarterbacks and because of the fact that the Dolphins whiffed on Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, and Alex Smith met with them but had no actual interest in signing with them. They haven't had a "franchise quarterback" since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season. Nobody wants to come and play in Miami because if owner Stephen Ross, and there is no guarantee that they'll be picking high enough in the draft to take one of the top quarterbacks next year either. So if they want a quarterback in the first round, they have to take Tannehill.
  9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT Memphis - Poe was a workout warrior at the combine and showed that he's much more than a big body. The Panthers have needs on the defensive line and at corner, but I don't think that you can justify taking any of the other corners this high. Poe would not only stuff the run, he can help the pass rush by bringing on double teams and collapsing the pocket. There might be a corner available for them in the second round.
  10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathon Martin, OT Stanford - I have had the Bills taking a pass rusher here, but with the signing of Mario Williams, I don't see that as the pick they make here. If they do take a pass rusher in this draft, it will be later for depth. However, the Bills did give quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a big contract last season. If they don't resign Demetrius Bell, they will need to draft Martin to keep Fitzpatrick protected. Even of they do resign Bell, I can see them making this pick because Martin would be a franchise left tackle for the next ten plus years.
  11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, OG Stanford - A guard probably shouldn't go this high, but DeCastro is the best prospect at this position in years. The Chiefs have a big need at the position on their offensive line. New head coach Romeo Crennel is going to want to run the football with Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis, not to mention protect Matt Cassel. 
  12. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame - The Seahawks signed Matt Flynn to a three year contract in free agency. Sydney Rice was a disappointment last season, but pairing Floyd with his former college teammate Golden Tate could bring big play potential to the passing game to go along with the strong running of Marshawn Lynch. 
  13. Arizona Cardinals: Luke Kuechly, ILB Boston College - With DeCastro to the Chiefs and no other guard prospect really worthy of this pick, the Cardinals take Kuechly to fix their problem at inside linebacker. This would make last year's big free agent signing Stewart Bradley a cap casualty, and it's not that big of a deal since he barely played last season. Kuechly would help fix a defense that didn't play very well for most of last season.
  14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Couples, DE/OLB North Carolina - The Cowboys need to find a pass rusher opposite of DeMarcus Ware, and this pick could be that guy. Anthony Spencer did get the franchise tag, but they could rescind the tag if they draft Couples or let him sit behind Spencer for a season to learn the system in Dallas and just set him loose in all-out blitz situations. 
  15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DT LSU - With the Eagles trading for DeMeco Ryans, they are out of the market for a starting MLB. They still need help on the defensive line though, so I see them taking Brockers to help sure up the inside of the line and take on blockers so Ryans can make tackles sideline-to-sideline. 
  16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB Alabama - Rex Ryan has to call way too many blitzes to get pressure on the other team's quarterback, this is why I see Upshaw as the only pick the Jets can make here. There isn't an RB worth taking for Ryan'x ground-and-pound offense, and that's really not their biggest need either. If Ryan can get a guy who can get after the QB on a consistent basis, his defense would be loads better against the pass.
  17. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama - Leon Hall won't be ready to start the season due to an Achillies injury and Nate Clements is past thirty (he's 32 in December) and was an inconsistent player last season. Kirkpatrick can start for Hall until he comes back from injury and then he can start over Clements, who will be a free agent after this season anyhow. And while there are character concerns, the Bengals don't care about character.
  18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB Illinois - What was once a strength of the Chargers defense has become a weakness. No Chargers defensive player had more than four sacks last season. The Chargers finished 23rd overall in the NFL last season in the quarterback sacks category with 32. Now with Peyton Manning in the division, pass defense is ever more important and if they can disrupt Manning, it will help their chances tremendously with winning the division.
  19. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, OG Georgia - Wide receiver is no longer nearly as big of a need for the Bears since they traded two third rounders for play making receiver Brandon Marshall, who was Cutler's go to receiver in Denver when they both had some of their best seasons. Now to make sure that the connection can be there again, they must protect Cutler better...and this pick would open up the running lanes more for Matt Forte and the newly acquired Michael Bush. They can take a receiver in the second round if one is available to eventually be the #2 receiver.
  20. Tennessee Titans: Fletcher Cox, DT Mississippi State - The Titans signed Kamerion Wimbley to be a pass rushing defensive end/linebacker for them, but they still need more help on the offensive line. Fletcher Cox would be an excellent fit on the interior of the Titans line. 
  21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kevin Zeitler, OG Wisconsin - The Bengals need help at guard, and Zeitler is the best offensive guard available. The Bengals signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis to replace Cedric Benson at running back, and bringing Zeitler in would be a great move to help open holes for Green-Ellis to run through. He would also help protect Andy Dalton so he can hook up for long bombs with A.J. Green.
  22. Cleveland Browns: Kendall Wright, WR Baylor - They failed to trade up to take the quarterback from Baylor, but the wide receiver from the school falls to them here. It looks like the Browns are sticking with Colt McCoy this season, and if they want to see if he indeed can be a franchise quarterback, they need to get him a legit receiver to throw the ball to. Wright can open up the top of a defense with his speed, and he can also run the shorter routes and then use his speed to gain yards after the catch in the West Coast Offense. If McCoy doesn't show that he's a franchise quarterback with a legit receiver this season, the Browns will be in the market for a quarterback next offseason.
  23. Detroit Lions: Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama - After being kicked out of Florida, he had nowhere to turn but North Alabama to rehab his image and show that he can still play. It looks like the problems that plagued him at Florida are behind him, and the Lions need a corner to help shut down one side of the field. Their offense is up and running just fine, but the defense needs help...especially in a division with Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler at quarterback.
  24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama - The Steelers recently cut ILB James Farrior in a salary cap move and don't really have anyone reliable behind him to take over. Right now the starter pegged in his place is Larry Foote, who wasn't very impressive in a reserve role last season. Hightower played in the 3-4 defense at Alabama and would be an excellent pick. He could possibly start at the ILB position as early as game one this season.
  25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT Penn State - The Broncos have some options at wide receiver already and Peyton Manning at quarterback will make most receivers look better than they actually are. They could always take a receiver in a later round to develop. However, they needed another defensive tackle before Brodrick Bunkley signed with the Saints. Now they are really in the market for an interior defensive lineman, and Devon Still is the best available. 
  26. Houston Texans: Zach Brown, OLB North Carolina - The Texans made the playoffs on the strength of their defense last season after Matt Schuab went down with an injury followed immediately by backup QB Matt Leinart. They did it without Mario Williams who was injured after just a handful of games. Williams left as a free agent to the Buffalo Bills, and the Texans can upgrade Brooks Reed at outside linebacker. Zach Brown would upgrade their pass rush...and the rest of their division has first round picks that have been used on quarterbacks in 2012 or 2011.
  27. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State - The Patriots had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. A couple seasons ago they spent a second round pick on Ron Brace, but he's been a disappointment. Last season they started with Albert Haynesworth next to Vince Wilfork, but he showed to be the same guy he was with the Redskins and was released. Worthy has a nasty streak that would bring an attitude to the offensive line, and he could also play DE in 3-4 looks because the Patriots do sometimes switch to that look in a hybrid defense.
  28. Green Bay Packers: Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina - The Packers currently have Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams as their starting corners. Woodson is going to turn 36 during the 2012 season, and I don't see him playing at a high level too much longer. Eventually, age catches up to everyone. Gilmore fits Green Bay's defensive system very well and could sit and learn behind Woodson (a future Hall of Famer in my opinion). Playing in a division with the Lions and the Bears who both have very, very good quarterbacks...you can never have too many good corners.
  29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin - The Ravens lost Ben Grubbs at guard and couldn't sign his replacement in free agency. Drafting Konz would be a great move because he could start at guard this season and then move to center after Matt Birk retires, which is something he considered doing after last season. It would immediately fill a hole this season and fill a hole in the future.
  30. San Francisco 49ers: Alfonzo Denard, CB Nebraska- The 49ers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, but if they do have a weakness it's at corner. Carlos Rogers is a good corner, but Tarell Brown doesn't really impress me. I can see the 49ers taking Denard here to help bolster their defensive secondary, especially with the upgrades I have the Seahawks and Rams making at receiver in this draft.  
  31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, SS Alabama - The Patiots upgraded their front seven earlier when they took Jerel Worthy...now they upgrade their defensive backfield with strong safety Mark Barron. Right now their starter at the position is Steve Gregory. Who? They need to fix their defense if they want to actually win another Super Bowl, they are losers in the last two that they have played in.
  32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE Stanford - Jake Ballard tore his ACL in the Super Bowl, and while he played well last season he's a better fit as a second tight end in two tight end sets. He's got the size to be a great redzone target for Eli Manning, and he can also block in the run game. The Giants could use a lot of two tight end sets utilizing Fleener and either Martellius Bennet or Ballard. 

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Hines Ward - Forever a Steeler

Today is March, 20 2012. Today is also the day that Hines Ward called it a career

“Today I came back to Pittsburgh to grant Steelers Nation its one last request. Today, I am officially retiring as a Pittsburgh Steeler.” - Hines Ward
Just a few short weeks ago, Hines Ward was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He said that he got some interest from other teams, but never seriously spoke with any because it just would not be the same as playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And I agree, it wouldn't be the same to see him wearing #86 in different colors that the Steelers' Black & Gold.

In the back of the room were former teammates James Harrison, Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, and Jerome Bettis. In 2005, after the Steelers lost the AFC Championship Game, a teary eyed Ward spoke to the media expressing his hopes that Jerome Bettis would not retire but come back for one final go-around for a chance to win that elusive Super Bowl ring. Bettis indeed came back, and the Steelers won Super Bowl XL. Hines Ward won Super Bowl MVP.

Hines Ward was the 14th wide receiver taken in the 1998 NFL Rookie Draft. The Steelers chose Georgia's jack-of-all-trades wide receiver in the third round, the 98th overall pick. He ended his career as the Steelers leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083), and receiving touchdowns (85). Not bad for a third round pick that played quarterback, running back, and wide receiver in college.

He was also a vicious blocker he laid out other team's players if given the chance. The NFL instituted a rule on blindside blocks that was nicknamed the "Hines Ward Rule" because of a blindside block he laid on Bengal's linebacker Keith Rivers that left him with a broken jaw. In a 2008 game against the Ravens, there was supposedly a bounty on his head by Baltimore players to take him out of the game. This was due to the blocks Ward had laid on their players in the past. It's safe to say that if you're head wasn't on a swivel, Ward would make sure to try to knock your head off.

He also wasn't what has become your typical diva wide receiver. He came to work every day to play hard and tough. He played with the mentality of a linebacker. I don't ever remember him complaining about not getting enough touches like some other receivers. Ward also played most of his career in a run-oriented offense.

In the end, Hines Ward was the epitome of what it meant to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. And now, he can say he will always be remembered as one. It can be said that he played for just one team his entire career, and that's something that is rarely said about players these days. Steelers Nation loves Hines Ward, and he loves us back. It's a unique bond that Steelers players have with the fans. And now we can say that the relationship was never broken.

I can't wait to be sitting on the field in Canton, OH in a few years as Hines Ward is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, wearing my black #86 jersey and waving my yellow Terrible Towel.

Hines Ward, forever a Steeler.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

With the receiver signings in FA, what about Mike Wallace?

There has been a lot of movement with contracts for wide receivers the past couple of days since the league year opened.


  • Desean Jackson, Eagles: 5-years, $48.5M
  • Pierre Garcon, Redskins: 5 years, $42.5M
  • Josh Morgan, Redskins: 2-years, $12M approx.
  • Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers: 5-years, $56M ($26M guaranteed)
  • Calvin Johnson, Lions: 8-years, $130.5M ($53M guaranteed)


That is a lot of money for players that don't touch the football every single play. Calvin Johnson received franchise quarterback money, but in my opinion, he has earned it with his play and professionalism.

So this is going to set the market for biggest Steelers' Restricted Free Agent, Mike Wallace.

Wallace is better than Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Josh Morgan. He's not quite at Vincent Jackson's level and the only other receiver in the league near Calvin Johnson's level would be Larry Fitzgerald. He is much better than Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Josh Morgan.

So I would say that he's going to want more money than what Desean Jackson received, but he's going to get less than Vincent Jackson. I would say he's looking for a contract in the range of 5-years and $52-54M.

Right now, the only offer Mike Wallace has received is the Steelers' first round tender. Any team can offer him a contract tender, and the Steelers would have five days to match it. If they do, he stays a Steeler. If the Steelers choose to not match the offer, they would receive the first round pick of the team that signs him as compensation because they gave him the highest tender possible. Also, he is only on the market for two weeks and if nobody offers him a tender in those two weeks he goes back to the Steelers on the one-year tender he received from them.

For another team's tender to mean anything, Wallace must sign it. If he doesn't, the Steelers don't have to match it. He could take the numbers to the Steelers and they could use those numbers to work out a long-term deal with Wallace. This is one thing I feel the Steelers have asked him to do before signing any tender from another team, this way they can load the money in a way that cap friendly to them instead of possibly letting him walk on a front-loaded deal that they can't match due to the salary cap.

At the moment, no news is good news on the Wallace front. With all this action, the price might be too high for other team's to give up. A big money contract and giving up their first round draft pick? That's a lot to give up for one player, especially a guy that was a third round draft pick a few years ago. Why give up the boatload of cash and first rounder when we can find our own Mike Wallace in the draft? Or possibly even better, our own Antonio Brown even later?

The longer teams wait to give him a tendered offer, the longer the Steelers can negotiate with him and sign him long-term without another team being in the mix. But the second another team does offer him something, if anyone does, all bets are off.

Either way, the Steelers are in a win-win situation. They either keep Mike Wallace for at least one more season with exclusive negotiation rights to keep him long-term....or they lose Wallace and get a first round pick in this year's draft to use for any player they want, upgrade anywhere that they want.

Here we go Steelers, here we go!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

New Mock Draft- Trade Up Edition

The Washington Redskins gave up a king's ransom to trade up to the #2 overall pick to select whichever quarterback the Indianapolis Colts do not take. So with this move, it shakes up the draft a whole lot. Not to mention teams have been making cuts to get under the salary cap and player rankings have changed since the combine. So here is my latest prediction on the 2012 NFL Rookie Draft.


  1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford - With all that's been talked about Robert Griffin III, some people have forgotten about the Stanford quarterback. I still think the Colts are going to go with Luck because most thing he is the most impressive quarterback prospect since another Stanford signal caller, John Elway. The Colts just let go of future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, I think they are going to take Luck who's game is a lot like Manning's. He's the traditional pocket quarterback, but he can move around too and pick up a first down with his feet if he needs to. 
  2. Washington Redskins (from Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor - The Redskins gave up their 2012 first and second round picks, 2013 first round pick, and 2014 first round pick to the Rams to obtain the second overall pick in this draft. You don't give up a haul like that to select a running back or wide receiver. With Luck off the board, the only option here for the Redskins is RGIII. He can run, he's very accurate (in the pocket and on the run), and he has a rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder instead of an arm. He is the player Mike Shannahan needs the most to turn the Redskins around from NFC East cellar dweller into a playoff and hopefully Super Bowl team.
  3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT Southern California - The Vikings took Christian Ponder in the first round last year. He needs to be protected, and the only smart pick for them to make is the offensive tackle out of Southern Cal. He will not only protect Ponder's blind side, he will be a good run blocker for Adrian Peterson (when he returns from his knee injury) and Toby Gerhart.
  4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU - Yes, I had the Browns taking Trent Richardson in my last mock draft, but I have since changed my mind on that. The Browns defense is further along than their offense, but it seems that the Pat Shurmer version of the West Coast Offense isn't big on running the football more than 14 times a game very often, so taking a RB here doesn't fit. Yes they could take Justin Blackmon, but I don't think he fits the version of wideout that they want. Claiborne is the best pick here, giving the Browns potentially two shut down cornerbacks if Claiborne works out. With the NFL becoming more and more of a passing league, the need for top defensive backs is going to be high. 
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama - I had the Redskins taking Morris Claiborne with this pick in my first mock draft, but in this version he's gone to the Browns. If the Browns end up not taking him, then I still have the Pewter Pirates taking him. However, for this mock draft I have them taking Richardson. Yes, LeGarrete Blount is a very powerful runner...but he doesn't understand blocking schemes and he has a high fumble rate. Richardson is a weapon that can be used in run and pass situations because he understands blocking schemes and can catch the ball out of the backfield. While running back isn't their biggest need, there really isn't a player here that fits at this pick for the Buccaneers.
  6. St. Louis Rams (from the Redskins): Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State - The Rams got a ton from the Redskins to move back and likely still get the player that they covet the most. Blackmon is by far the best receiving prospect in the draft, but wasn't worthy of the #2 overall pick and the Rams didn't need a quarterback. Now their big money franchise quarterback finally has a real weapon at wide receiver. A guy that can go up and fight for the football, a guy who can get open underneath and then take the ball to the house. Sam Bradford to Justin Blackmon is going to be just about as exciting for Rams fans as Kurt Warner to Torry Holt was. Plus all the extra picks from the Redskins...as long as they draft right the Rams should be a playoff team in a season or two.
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa - Last year the Jaguars took Blaine Gabbert in the first round, but very little protection in front of him. Right tackle Guy Whimper (horrible name for a football player, perfect for a male synchronized swimmer) played much like his namesake....he just wasn't good. He is a free agent and his current immediate backup is a guy who was an undrafted free agent last year, Cameron Bradfield. If they want Gabbert to be a success, they need to protect him. Reiff should be the only option as long as he is still on the board. 
  8. Miami Dolphins: Michael Brockers, DT LSU - I still have the Dolphins taking Brockers. Their new head coach wants to take the Dolphins to a 4-3 defense and he needs more bodies along the defensive line. Him and Paul Soliai should be a formidable DT tandem to help stuff the run. If they don't take Brockers, they may opt for Stanford's Jonathon Martin to bookend the line at RT and protect whoever ends up being the Miami quarterback. A lot of people are mocking Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill here in case the 'Phins don't get Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn. Even if they don't get either of those quarterbacks, I don't think they take Tannehill out of desperation/
  9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT Memphis - I have him as the second best defensive tackle in the draft, and the Panthers need a defensive tackle. They took two in the third round last year, Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. Fua played well for a rookie, but McClain was horrible against the run. With Poe dominating his blocker, you can rotate the two players they took in the third round beside him depending on the situation. Another choice here could be the player I put here in my first mock draft, Penn State DT Devon Still if they feel he is a better fit for what they want to do on defense. They do need a CB, but I don't think they take Janoris Jenkins this high, but could trade back and target him if they get a good offer.
  10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina - Some sites have him pegged as an outside linebacker, but I think he can play defensive end in a 4-3 defense. The Bills have telegraphed their picks in the past with this current staff, and they have been complaining about the lack of a pass rush. They play in a division with former NFL MVP Tom Brady of the Patriots, former first round pick Mark Sanchez of the Jets, and they might possibly be getting Peyton Manning in the division if the Dolphins can convince him to bring his talents to South Beach. They need to get to the quarterback. If they don't take Ingram or another DE prospect with this pick, I think they go with a wide receiver to help out Ryan Fitzpatrick who they gave a big contract to last season.
  11. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathon Martin, OT Stanford - Todd Hailey waived Jared Gaither last season and now the Chiefs don't have a right tackle. They also need protection in case they are unable to resign LT Brandon Albert. If the Chiefs are going to come anywhere close to winning the AFC West in 2012, they need to protect Matt Cassel and open holes for Jamaal Charles. I really don't see another option for the Chiefs if Martin falls to them. If he is not there, then I see them taking his college teammate David DeCastro to play guard. 
  12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Couples, DE North Carolina - Another team that had a very weak pass rush last season, the Seahawks need to get to the quarterback. They play two first overall picks in Sam Bradford (Rams) and Alex Smith (49ers) twice a season each, and then could meet them again in the playoffs if the 'Hawks get there. This is the best available option for the Seahawks if they are looking for a pass rush defensive end. Another option would be Boston College middle linebacker Luke Keuechly because their middle linebacker is a free agent who was nothing special and Keuechly would be a run stopper at MLB, and the defending NFC West Champions San Francisco 49ers like to run the ball with Frank Gore.
  13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG Stanford - The Cardinals are in the running for Peyton Manning, and even if they don't get him they still need to upgrade their offensive line. They have a good run game with Beanie Wells pounding the rock, and DeCastro would help him out along with protecting either Manning or Kevin Kolb. If he's on the board, there is no question in my mind that DeCastro is their pick.
  14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama- Jenkins has seemed to clean up his act, but he was still kicked out of school by Florida. Jerry Jones doesn't care about character concerns and if it wasn't for the character concerns involved with Jenkins, he would likely be a top ten pick. The Cowboys have a bad defensive secondary and Jenkins would help sure that up some. Another option is Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama.
  15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Keuechly, MLB Boston College - One big problem the Eagles defense had last season was at linebacker, specifically middle linebacker. Teams ran at will on them. I know that Andy Reid doesn't like drafting linebackers high, but after last season he doesn't have much choice but to do so. If the Eagles want to become a playoff team again, they need to fix the middle of their defense.
  16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB Alabama - The Jets have to blitz if they want to get a pass rush, and that leaves them vulnerable. Upshaw can help the situation by being for the Jets what James Harrison is to the Steelers. Also, Upshaw is also strong against the run so he can play all downs, he won't just be a pass rush specialist. I think he will be their pick since Rex Ryan is a defensive coach and will urge the Jets to make him their selection. Other options are Like Keuechly if he's there since they will likely be without Bart Scott next season if they can unload him in a trade (and if they can't trade him, they'll likely just cut him). They could also take a wide receiver here since they Plaxico Burress is going to be playing elsewhere and they don't have anyone across from Santonio Holmes. Also they can go with Alabama's SS Mark Barron with Jim Leonhard a free agent and coming off of a season ending injury.
  17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Raiders) - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama - The Bengals do not care very much about character concerns, if at all. Kirkpatrick's marijuana possession charges have been dropped and if anything that would be what scares off the Bengals. Nate Clements is 32 years old and while he played okay last season, is in decline. The Bengals know they made a mistake when they let Johnathon Joseph walk away last offseason to the Texans. Top corner Leon Hall is coming off of an Achillies tendon injury and may not be ready to start the season on time. They need a corner if they want to stay a playoff contender, especially in the rough and tumble AFC North.
  18. San Diego Chargers - Mark Barron, SS Alabama - The Chargers have a few needs including the offensive line. However they need a safety too. They signed Bob Sanders last offseason and to nobody's surprise he ended up on injured reserve and is now a free agent. I think they go defense, but it also wouldn't shock me if they took Georgia's guard/tackle Cordy Glenn to help the line.
  19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame - The Bears have been trying to find a legitimate wide receiver for Jay Cutler. They have yet to find him, with last year's attempt being Roy Williams. Floyd is a big body much like Brandon Marshall was for Cutler in Denver. Getting Cutler a true #1 receiver would open up their offense a lot, which is needed if the Bears want to compete with the Packers and Lions for the NFC North. 
  20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE Illinois - The Titans need to upgrade their pass rush. Derrick Morgan tore his ACL ending his rookie season in early October 2010 and then just looked bad last season. Their division is going to have Andrew Luck on the Colts, Matt Schaub on the Texans, and first round pick last year Blaine Gabbert at quarterback in the division, getting to the quarterback is important to win games. 
  21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT Georgia - I hate making this pick for the Bengals because I want him to fall to the Steelers. However, I think the Bengals snatch him up at this pick to help fortify the inside of their offensive line as they let their current LG, Nate Livings, walk away in free agency. Not only do they get younger on the line with Glenn, they also upgrade the talent at that position. Another option here for the Bengals would be Miami RB Lamar Miller, who I have them taking in my first mock draft. 
  22. Cleveland Browns (from Falcons): Kendall Wright, WR Baylor - They didn't get the quarterback they wanted to possibly pair with his college teammate if they could have kept this pick in a trade with the Rams....but they still fix this huge hole on the offense. Now Colt McCoy (or Matt Flynn if they sign him, or Kevin Kolb if they make a trade for him) will have a true #1 receiver to throw to. Getting him would help with making the Browns receivers better as a whole with Greg Little having a legit guy across from him so he can be a #2 receiver and then Josh Cribbs in the slot.
  23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina - Offense is not the problem for the Lions, they have an explosive offense. If they needed anything on offense, it's possibly a running back due to the fact that Jahvid Best is very injury prone, specifically with concussions. But they need help on defense, the side of the ball head coach Jim Schwartz coordinated in Tennessee with the Titans. Gilmore plays with very good awareness which make him dangerous to challenge. The offensive line is built to get after the quarterback in a division with Aaron Rogers and Jay Cutler...now they need defensive backs that can cover the wide receivers and take advantage of balls thrown under distress.
  24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama - With the Steelers cutting James Farrior, they have a big hole next to Lawrence Timmons and Hightower looks like a guy who's destiny is to be a Pittsburgh Steelers. Hightower would likely start as a rookie in Pittsburgh's complex 3-4 defense, and he would likely excel. He played the same position in Alabama's 3-4 defense which finished as the top defense in every category last season. He would be another in  along lineage of linebackers, a strong Pittsburgh tradition.
  25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT Mississippi State - Brodrick Bunkley was good as a run stuffer last season, but he is a free agent. Even if the Broncos resign him, they need another tackle alongside him. Cox would be that guy, giving the Broncos a side interior defensive line to help stop the run in a division with Jamaal Charles (Chiefs), Darren McFadden (Raiders), and Ryan Matthews (Chargers). 
  26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech - The Texans might resign linebacker Mario Williams since they have signed RB Arian Foster to a long term deal. If they do this, then I think they'll want to get a receiver to team with Andre Johnson. When Johnson got hurt, they were left with Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter as their two starting wide receivers. Drafting Hill brings some insurance if Andre Johnson goes down with another injury, and brings a second big receiver to the starting offense for Schaub to target in the passing game.
  27. New England Patriots (from Saints): Devon Still, DT Penn State - The New England Patriots offense isn't the problem, it's the defense that was the worst ranked in the AFC last season. The Patriots transitioned to a 4-3 base defense last season and had lined Albert Haynesworth up next to Vince Wilfork. Haynesworth was released by New England in November and claimed off of waivers by the Buccaneers who then released him after the season, he is currently a free agent. If the Patriots draft Still, they get another piece to fixing their defense and he can also move to DE when the Patriots use 3-4 fronts as the sometimes do.
  28. Green Bay Packers: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin - The Packers starting center, Scott Wells, is a free agent and in his early thirties and is also a free agent. They may want to draft Konz and just let Wells walk in free agency, replacing him with a player that's going to be there for another decade plus, instead of having to worry about when  age catches up to Wells and having to find a replacement for him then. Even if they resign Wells, Konz can play guard and then take over at center when the times comes later on. 
  29. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Adams, OT Ohio State - The Ravens signed Bryant McKinnie last offseason after he was cut by the Vikings. While McKinnie played very well for Baltimore, he's on the wrong side of thirty and has had problems maintaining his weight. Drafting Adams gives the Ravens insurance if McKinnie gets hurt or comes into camp out of shape, or if his play just falls off due to age. Adams would also be able to learn behind one of the best tackles of the past decade.
  30. San Francisco 49ers- Rueben Randle, WR LSU - The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game based a lot on their defense and running game. However, the divisional round game against the Saints ended up being his coming out party. Many people think he needs one more target in the passing game, and then the 49ers will be ready for a Super Bowl, seeing how they lost the NFC Championship Game by a field goal. Randle is a big body who had an eye popping average of 18.1 yards per reception last season. This would put him opposite of former first round pick Michael Crabtree, who has been rather disappointing after being the tenth overall pick of the 2009 draft.
  31. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE Southern California - The Patriots, as mentioned before, was one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. Perry would improve their pass rush, which will be needed if Peyton Manning ends up playing in Miami. Not only can he rush with his hand in the dirt at defensive end, he could also play some outside linebacker when they Patriots transition into a 3-4 look at times during games. 
  32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE Clemson - He is likely the best player available, which fits the Giants drafting philosophy. Jake Ballard tore his ACL in the Super Bowl and nobody knows when he will be available to play this year. Allen is an upgrade over Ballard who is a fine second tight end and a serviceable starter. Allen is also a good blocker. The Giants are likely to lose Mario Manningham in free agenct and Dwayne Allen would bring a dimension to the offense that they haven't had since Jeremy Shockey was lining up at the position. Allen can also move out to the slot if needed.