Living in Cleveland, Ohio and being a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, I expect to get some trash talk my way. I expect to get some crap. It comes with the territory, I am living with the enemy.
However, most Cleveland Browns fans seem to be complete idiots. You would think that being fans of a team that has been dominated by the Steelers since their return in 1999, they would learn to keep it fun and friendly, seeing how they really have nothing that they can say that truly makes sense.
But not only do many of them get very, very personal with their verbal attacks, many fans don't even know the history of the team they root for.
You wouldn't believe how many times that I have heard a Browns fan tell me that the six Super Bowls the Steelers have won don't mean a thing because the Browns have eight NFL Championships.
No. The Browns won four NFL Championships (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964). Those other four championships are All-American Football Conference, a defunct league that was mostly bad teams that when the NFL took them in they only kept the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns. Those four AAFC Championships don't mean a thing to anyone outside of the Cleveland Browns fanbase, and they don't count as NFL Championships because they are NOT NFL Championships. But explaining this to a fan of the Browns, is much like talking to a brick wall. It's not going to get through.
So sometimes I am nice and I give them their four NFL Championships. I tell them that they're legitimate and I'll recognize them, but that still leaves the Steelers with two more. You would think that I just assaulted their grandmother with a sock full of pennies. How dare I not recognize those AAFC Championships, you know the league the Steelers weren't in, when comparing the Browns to the Steelers? But God forbid I bring up that the Browns have never even been to a single Super Bowl, you know the game that marks the new era of professional football. Hell, many Browns fans even refer to their NFL Championships as Super Bowls.
The Browns had to buy their own trophy for the 1964 NFL Championship they won, the last major professional sports Championship that has been won by a Cleveland team.
I've had Browns fans say to me, out of nowhere, that they wish they could go back and kill my mother while she was pregnant with me to avoid another Steelers fan being born. That's not just a very horrible personal attack, it's a sign that someone has deep mental issues if they're taking a football game that serious.
I have been shopping for groceries, just minding my own business, and I have had Browns fans yell "Fuck the Steelers" (with children nearby) and then even grab stuff out of my cart and toss it on a shelf or crush whatever product they grabbed (they love to do this to potato chips). I mean seriously, is it that much of a personal slight that I live here and don't cheer for the local football team that you take to destroying the stuff that I have in my cart?
Then, there's the physical assaults. I've been punched, kicked, shoved, and spit on. I once had a Browns fan in the municipal parking lot where Clevelanders do most of their pre-game tailgating whip out his junk in front of me and tell me to suck it because that's where a Steelers fan belongs is on his knees.
And yes, I know that every team has their asshole fans. I have a good friend who went to culinary school in Pittsburgh and hates Pittsburghers because some of them told her that the Browns suck and that Cleveland sucks and made fun of Cleveland. I've told her that's nothing compared to what I have dealt with living here.
There is also the "every Steelers fan is a bandwagoner" argument I hear all season long.
Not every Browns fan is an asshole. But most of them seem to be. Am I generalizing an entire fanbase? Maybe...but is it generalizing when it's what you've actually experienced?
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Final 2015 First Round Mock
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB Florida State: The Buccaneers have the first overall pick for multiple reasons, but one of the biggest is that they didn't and don't have a quarterback on the roster who can take them to respectability, much less the playoffs. Unless the Buccaneers are completely turned off by Winston's off-the-field issues while he was at FSU, I don't see them passing on the most NFL ready quarterback in the draft.
2. Tennessee Titans - Leonard Williams, DL USC: In the end, after much mental debate over this pick, I just don't see the Titans taking Mariota unless they know they can/will trade him afterwards. Williams would be a playmaker on the defensive line for Tennessee, and with two first round picks at QB in his division (Andrew Luck and Blake Bortles), a guy who can play multiple positions in multiple fronts and make plays is someone you really need. He might be the best overall player in the draft, so I have the Titans taking him.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kevin White, WR West Virginia: The Jaguars might be fielding offers for this pick with Mariota not going second overall. But I don't predict trades in my mock drafts, so I have the Jaguars selecting the Mountaineer receiver whose draft stock has skyrocketed with this pick. They've got a QB they feel can lead this team to the playoffs and maybe even a Super Bowl, but if you don't give that guy weapons then the Bortles pick is useless. I have the Jags giving Borltes one heck of a target.
4. Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper, WR Alabama: The Oakland Raiders have a lot of holes on this team, and could go in a number of directions with this pick because of that. But Cooper is not only the best player available, he fills a big need for the Raiders. They took Derek Carr in the second round last year and he showed promise. Giving him a receiver as polished as Amari Cooper would only help him get better, and help the team get better.
5. Washington Redskins - Dante Flower, OLB Florida: The Redskins I think are going to give RG3 one more crack at being their long-term QB. Also, I don't think they want to take another QB in the same mold as RG3. Instead, I have them taking Fowler, who would line up opposite Kerrigan and get back to what the Redskins once had before injuries to Kerrigan and the now departed Brian Orakpo, an OLB tandem to terrorize quarterbacks.
6. New York Jets - Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon: The Jets have been a disaster at QB for a while now. And while Mariota doesn't have the experience you would probably want in a QB as far as reading defenses and playing under center in a top ten pick...he's extremely smart and has talent. And honestly, he can't be worse than Geno Smith has been. New head coach and a new GM, they want to put their stamp on this team, and Mariota does that. And the Jets don't even have to trade up to get him.
7. Chicago Bears - Danny Shelton, DT Washington: Now the Bears are left with some choices to make. John Fox is the new head coach, and he's transitioning into a 3-4 defense. They could go with one of the stud edge rushers available to play OLB, or they could get a true nose tackle, which would be the lynchpin of the defense. I have then going with the NT, and the best one available in Shelton. When in the base, he can take up two blockers leaving room for linebackers to make plays, and he can collapse the pocket and help stuff the run. If you're going to properly run a 3-4 defense, you need a true NT. If you don't have one and can get a guy who will anchor your defense for 10 or so years, do it.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Vic Beasley, DE Clemson: The Falcons pass rush was putrid last season, and has been bad for a while. In a division with Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and possibly Jameis Winston at QB you want to be able to harass the quarterback. Beasley has a motor that doesn't quit and can consistently get to the quarterback. With new head coach Dan Quinn coming over from the win-with-defense Seattle Seahawks, I think the Falcons go with his forte with this pick.
9. New York Giants - Brandon Scherff, OG Iowa: He is being predicted as a guard in the NFL, but can also possibly play right tackle. Either way, he's one of the top offensive linemen available and if the Giants want to get Eli Manning back to a playoff caliber QB, they'll need to protect him better so he can take advantage of the talents of Odell Beckham, Jr, and Victor Cruz. Scherff would also benefit the RB's on the Giants as he would create nice holes for them to run through.
10. St. Louis Rams - Ereeck Flowers, OT Miami: The Rams need help on the offensive line. Flowers is a great pick for them because they've let Jake Long go after his injury, leaving Greg Robinson to move over to left tackle. Flowers can play either tackle position, so if they had to move Robinson back to the right side, Flowers would just move to the left. Either way it works out, the potential is there for two bookend tackles to protect the QB they traded for, Nick Foles.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State: The Vikings could go a few different places here with offensive line, defensive end, or wide receiver. I have them going with Waynes, the best corner prospect in this draft. You face Aaron Rogers, Matthew Stafford, and even Jay Cutler can sling it and have some good games twice a year. Waynes across from Xavier Rhodes would give them two very good corners to help with the air assault of those quarterbacks. They want a starting corner and a 2nd rounder for Peterson, if they don't get that offer by the time their pick is due, Waynes could become a Viking.
12. Cleveland Browns - Devante Parker, WR Louisville: The Browns don't have a #1 receiver, Yeah, maybe they use one or both of their first round draft picks as trade to move up and get Mariota, but that would mean in three of the last four NFL drafts they used a first round pick on a QB, I don't see them moving up to do that. Instead, they see if Manziel has indeed rededicated himself to being a QB and not a guy who parties most nights. To see that, he needs weapons. Bowe and Hartline are not #1 receivers, and Josh Gordon is gone for at least the season, and the Browns may choose to part ways with the troubled receiver after his suspension. Parker gives you a #1 receiver who doesn't come with the baggage of Gordon. Not to mention a guy who could play for you this year and help you figure out if Johnny Football can become your franchise QB.
13. New Orleans Saints - Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB Kentucky: The Saints defensive unit hasn't been very good in a while, and last year the bottom fell out. Dupree would help then pass rush, something the Saints could damn sure use in a division that's likely going to have three top-three picks at QB in the division. A guy who can get to the QB and cause some bad throws is what this defense needs if it wants to get back to winning the division and in the playoffs.
14. Miami Dolphins - Andrus Peat, OT Stanford: The Dolphins have done a lot of work to this team already in the offseason. Adding Suh was huge for the defense, bringing in a guy who is going to intimidate. While they could go CB here, and probably would if Waynes makes it to them, I don't have that happening. Instead I have them taking Peat, a guy who could help bookend the offensive line that was decimated after the bullying scandal from two years ago. Andrus Peat should be able to help give Tannehill the time to take advantage of the weapons that the 'Phins acquired for him this offseason.
15. San Francisco 49ers - Arik Armstead, DE Oregon : The 49ers had a few big losses this offseason. Patrick Willis retired, followed by budding rookie Chris Borland. There was also the firing/mutual parting of ways with head coach Jim Harbaugh, I have the 49ers taking Armstead here, a guy who is perfect to play the run stuffing/take up linemen end position in the 49ers defense. Darnell Docket and Justin Smith are both getting up there in age, along with Smith being hurt more often than not lately. Armstead not only would be insurance for if either get hurt, he could help keep them both healthy by rotating in to keep everyone fresh and be the eventual replacement for Smith when he hangs up the cleats.
16. Houston Texans - Todd Gurley, RB Georgia: The Texans don't have a guy who I believe can be a franchise quarterback in this league. The Texans, if they want to win, are going to have to pound the rock. And even when they eventually do get that QB, having a top notch running game will only help that guy along. Arian Foster, when healthy, is one hell of a back. The problem is, he's not often healthy. Gurley can help not only take the load off of Foster, but eventually replace him.
17. San Diego Chargers - Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin: The Chargers lost former first round pick Ryan Matthews to Philadelphia, and I don't think the Chargers were ever all that serious about bringing the often injured RB back on a new deal. Instead, they can replace him with Gordon, a workhorse running back who can come in and take pressure off of Rivers (or whoever their QB ends up being if they trade Rivers) to help this team compete with the Broncos and the Chiefs.
18. Kansas City Chiefs - La'el Collins, OG/OT LSU: Andy Reid loves drafting linemen, and Collins has a lot of potential at both positions. The Chiefs had pass protection problems last season, and signing Ben Grubbs helps, adding Collins to help could make the offensive line a strength. Opening up holes for the speedy Jamal Charles to run through while keeping Alex Smith upright so he could possibly throw a touchdown pass to a receiver this season.
19. Cleveland Browns - Malcom Brown, DT Texas: The Browns went offensive weapon with their first pick, with this one they go defense. Brown can play the nose on this 3-4 defense, Yeah, they get Phil Taylor back, but he has missed big chunks of two out of four seasons with injuries. Brown would not only be insurance against another Taylor injury, he could also end up playing end in the defense. Brown and Taylor next to each other, they could both easily take up two linemen a piece allowing the linebackers to come through the line untouched.
20. Philadephia Eagles - Landon Collins, S Alabama: The Eagles had pass protection problems last year. Bringing in Byron Maxwell could help that a lot, adding Collins to the secondary could help even more. Collins is a hard hitting safety who can stuff the run, intimidate receivers over the middle, and nab a few picks. He's not a sit back in coverage safety, but a roamer who has the speed needed to make plays on the ball once it's in the air, The Eagles could use his talents.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Randy Gregory, DE/OLB Nebraska: The Bengals haven't taken a player with a troubled past recently, and Gregory's failed drug test for marijuana at the combine is a red flag. However, the Bengals can't get out of the first round of the playoffs, so they take the chance with the best player available. Gregory can help bolster the pass rush, and they could play him at DE or move him to OLB where the have a bit of a need with Emmanuel Lamur manning one of the OLB spots.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Marcus Peters, CB Washington: Here the Steelers do something a bit unexpected, they take a player who has some baggage. Did they not learn from the LeGarrette Blount mistake last year? Two different situations, and I think the whole issue at Washington was overblown by the coaches. If the Steelers believe Peters has grown from that experience and moved past whatever the problem was, they get a player at 22 who is a top ten talent, and without the baggage would have been considered by many the top corner in the draft. Ike Taylor has retired, and the team didn't want to re-sign him. Cortez Allen fell flat on his face last year after getting a nice contract extension based on hoped improvement. This makes Willie "Pick Six" Gay the best corner on the team, and he's worked hard to improve, and he has. But he is also now 30, and most guys don't have that breakout season at 30. Peters could start opposite Gay or Allen, or play nickel back. Either way, he would see a lot of playing time right away, and he has the talent to be a star from day one.
23. Detroit Lions - Eddie Goldman, DT Florida State: The Lions lost both Suh and Fairley in free agency, and while trading for Haloti Ngata helps with those two losses, Goldman would help keep the defensive tackle position a strength of the defense. The defense thrived on pressure up the middle, and a combo of Ngata and Goldman might not be the same as Suh and Fairley, but it would still be pretty darn good,
24. Arizona Cardinals - Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest: The Cardinals lost Antonio Cromartie in free agency, and while they have a few needs the best player to fit any of those needs is Johnson. He would play opposite Patrick Peterson and could help the Cardinals linebackers get some coverage sacks.
25. Carolina Panthers -DJ Humphries, OT Florida: The Panthers need to upgrade at tackle, and Humphries would be a major upgrade at right tackle. He could help protect Cam Newton, and would help open holes on the right side of the line for Stewart. Not to mention with the Falcons and the Saints upgrading their pass rush in this draft, Newton will probably need the line help.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Devin Smith, WR Ohio State: The Ravens lost Torrey Smith in free agency, and need to replace their deep threat. In steps another Smith, this one the deep ball target from Ohio State. Smith led all of D1 FBS football in yards per reception last year, and everyone knows how much Joe Flacco loves to chuck the ball deep and have his receiver can make a play on the ball. Smith made some catches for the Buckeyes that were eye popping, and he could do the same thing in Baltimore.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Collins, CB LSU: The Cowboys really need to fix their defense. They have needs at defensive end and cornerback, here I have them fixing the back end of their defense with no DE prosepct that stands out over Collins for me here, Claiborne has been a massive bust, Carr is overpaid, and Scandrick is the best of them but isn't a #1. Collins may be the most raw of the corners that can go in the first round, but he also has the highest ceiling.
28. Denver Broncos - Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State: Erving could play any of the three positions on the offensive line. He would serve as an upgrade at C, G, and RT. Wherever they feel he would be the biggest upgrade would work just fine for the Broncos, not to mention his ability to change positions if need be due to injury or upgrading a position in future free agency or drafts.
29. Indianapolis Colts - TJ Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh: The Colts have some holes on the defensive side of the ball, but they have a franchise QB who often has shown to be very capable of going toe-to-toe scoring points. Clemmings could provide protection for Andrew Luck, and help new running back Frank Gore take some of that pressure off of Luck.
30. Green Bay Packers - Byron Jones, CB UConn: The Packers offense is not the problem, they lost the NFC Championship Game because their defense failed to hold a big lead, and then let the Seahawks throw a long touchdown pass in overtime to take the win. I have the Packers taking Jones, a corner who's draft stock has jumped and he sneaks into the end of the first round. The Packers can fix their defensive tackle and/or inside linebacker hole in the second round. Here they get a guy who can become a shutdown corner in a division with Stafford and Bridgewater.
31. New Orleans Saints - Phillip Dorsett, WR Miami: Sean Payton has reportedly gushed over the receiver from The U and loves how he would fit in the offense. With the trade of Jimmy Graham that got them this pick, the Saints get another weapon for Drew Brees to throw the ball to. Dorsett could be a nightmare for defenses in the slot while Cooks and Colston work the outside.
32. New England Patriots - :Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State: The Patriots offense isn’t anywhere near bad, but adding a receiver like Strong would be a big upgrade for Tom Brady in the receiving corps. Strong is a big, physical receiver who doesn’t have elite speed but is fast enough to get separation. His size (6’3”, 212 lbs.) also makes him a nice red zone scoring threat. Edleman and LaFell, neither are #1 receivers.
2. Tennessee Titans - Leonard Williams, DL USC: In the end, after much mental debate over this pick, I just don't see the Titans taking Mariota unless they know they can/will trade him afterwards. Williams would be a playmaker on the defensive line for Tennessee, and with two first round picks at QB in his division (Andrew Luck and Blake Bortles), a guy who can play multiple positions in multiple fronts and make plays is someone you really need. He might be the best overall player in the draft, so I have the Titans taking him.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kevin White, WR West Virginia: The Jaguars might be fielding offers for this pick with Mariota not going second overall. But I don't predict trades in my mock drafts, so I have the Jaguars selecting the Mountaineer receiver whose draft stock has skyrocketed with this pick. They've got a QB they feel can lead this team to the playoffs and maybe even a Super Bowl, but if you don't give that guy weapons then the Bortles pick is useless. I have the Jags giving Borltes one heck of a target.
4. Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper, WR Alabama: The Oakland Raiders have a lot of holes on this team, and could go in a number of directions with this pick because of that. But Cooper is not only the best player available, he fills a big need for the Raiders. They took Derek Carr in the second round last year and he showed promise. Giving him a receiver as polished as Amari Cooper would only help him get better, and help the team get better.
5. Washington Redskins - Dante Flower, OLB Florida: The Redskins I think are going to give RG3 one more crack at being their long-term QB. Also, I don't think they want to take another QB in the same mold as RG3. Instead, I have them taking Fowler, who would line up opposite Kerrigan and get back to what the Redskins once had before injuries to Kerrigan and the now departed Brian Orakpo, an OLB tandem to terrorize quarterbacks.
6. New York Jets - Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon: The Jets have been a disaster at QB for a while now. And while Mariota doesn't have the experience you would probably want in a QB as far as reading defenses and playing under center in a top ten pick...he's extremely smart and has talent. And honestly, he can't be worse than Geno Smith has been. New head coach and a new GM, they want to put their stamp on this team, and Mariota does that. And the Jets don't even have to trade up to get him.
7. Chicago Bears - Danny Shelton, DT Washington: Now the Bears are left with some choices to make. John Fox is the new head coach, and he's transitioning into a 3-4 defense. They could go with one of the stud edge rushers available to play OLB, or they could get a true nose tackle, which would be the lynchpin of the defense. I have then going with the NT, and the best one available in Shelton. When in the base, he can take up two blockers leaving room for linebackers to make plays, and he can collapse the pocket and help stuff the run. If you're going to properly run a 3-4 defense, you need a true NT. If you don't have one and can get a guy who will anchor your defense for 10 or so years, do it.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Vic Beasley, DE Clemson: The Falcons pass rush was putrid last season, and has been bad for a while. In a division with Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and possibly Jameis Winston at QB you want to be able to harass the quarterback. Beasley has a motor that doesn't quit and can consistently get to the quarterback. With new head coach Dan Quinn coming over from the win-with-defense Seattle Seahawks, I think the Falcons go with his forte with this pick.
9. New York Giants - Brandon Scherff, OG Iowa: He is being predicted as a guard in the NFL, but can also possibly play right tackle. Either way, he's one of the top offensive linemen available and if the Giants want to get Eli Manning back to a playoff caliber QB, they'll need to protect him better so he can take advantage of the talents of Odell Beckham, Jr, and Victor Cruz. Scherff would also benefit the RB's on the Giants as he would create nice holes for them to run through.
10. St. Louis Rams - Ereeck Flowers, OT Miami: The Rams need help on the offensive line. Flowers is a great pick for them because they've let Jake Long go after his injury, leaving Greg Robinson to move over to left tackle. Flowers can play either tackle position, so if they had to move Robinson back to the right side, Flowers would just move to the left. Either way it works out, the potential is there for two bookend tackles to protect the QB they traded for, Nick Foles.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State: The Vikings could go a few different places here with offensive line, defensive end, or wide receiver. I have them going with Waynes, the best corner prospect in this draft. You face Aaron Rogers, Matthew Stafford, and even Jay Cutler can sling it and have some good games twice a year. Waynes across from Xavier Rhodes would give them two very good corners to help with the air assault of those quarterbacks. They want a starting corner and a 2nd rounder for Peterson, if they don't get that offer by the time their pick is due, Waynes could become a Viking.
12. Cleveland Browns - Devante Parker, WR Louisville: The Browns don't have a #1 receiver, Yeah, maybe they use one or both of their first round draft picks as trade to move up and get Mariota, but that would mean in three of the last four NFL drafts they used a first round pick on a QB, I don't see them moving up to do that. Instead, they see if Manziel has indeed rededicated himself to being a QB and not a guy who parties most nights. To see that, he needs weapons. Bowe and Hartline are not #1 receivers, and Josh Gordon is gone for at least the season, and the Browns may choose to part ways with the troubled receiver after his suspension. Parker gives you a #1 receiver who doesn't come with the baggage of Gordon. Not to mention a guy who could play for you this year and help you figure out if Johnny Football can become your franchise QB.
13. New Orleans Saints - Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB Kentucky: The Saints defensive unit hasn't been very good in a while, and last year the bottom fell out. Dupree would help then pass rush, something the Saints could damn sure use in a division that's likely going to have three top-three picks at QB in the division. A guy who can get to the QB and cause some bad throws is what this defense needs if it wants to get back to winning the division and in the playoffs.
14. Miami Dolphins - Andrus Peat, OT Stanford: The Dolphins have done a lot of work to this team already in the offseason. Adding Suh was huge for the defense, bringing in a guy who is going to intimidate. While they could go CB here, and probably would if Waynes makes it to them, I don't have that happening. Instead I have them taking Peat, a guy who could help bookend the offensive line that was decimated after the bullying scandal from two years ago. Andrus Peat should be able to help give Tannehill the time to take advantage of the weapons that the 'Phins acquired for him this offseason.
15. San Francisco 49ers - Arik Armstead, DE Oregon : The 49ers had a few big losses this offseason. Patrick Willis retired, followed by budding rookie Chris Borland. There was also the firing/mutual parting of ways with head coach Jim Harbaugh, I have the 49ers taking Armstead here, a guy who is perfect to play the run stuffing/take up linemen end position in the 49ers defense. Darnell Docket and Justin Smith are both getting up there in age, along with Smith being hurt more often than not lately. Armstead not only would be insurance for if either get hurt, he could help keep them both healthy by rotating in to keep everyone fresh and be the eventual replacement for Smith when he hangs up the cleats.
16. Houston Texans - Todd Gurley, RB Georgia: The Texans don't have a guy who I believe can be a franchise quarterback in this league. The Texans, if they want to win, are going to have to pound the rock. And even when they eventually do get that QB, having a top notch running game will only help that guy along. Arian Foster, when healthy, is one hell of a back. The problem is, he's not often healthy. Gurley can help not only take the load off of Foster, but eventually replace him.
17. San Diego Chargers - Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin: The Chargers lost former first round pick Ryan Matthews to Philadelphia, and I don't think the Chargers were ever all that serious about bringing the often injured RB back on a new deal. Instead, they can replace him with Gordon, a workhorse running back who can come in and take pressure off of Rivers (or whoever their QB ends up being if they trade Rivers) to help this team compete with the Broncos and the Chiefs.
18. Kansas City Chiefs - La'el Collins, OG/OT LSU: Andy Reid loves drafting linemen, and Collins has a lot of potential at both positions. The Chiefs had pass protection problems last season, and signing Ben Grubbs helps, adding Collins to help could make the offensive line a strength. Opening up holes for the speedy Jamal Charles to run through while keeping Alex Smith upright so he could possibly throw a touchdown pass to a receiver this season.
19. Cleveland Browns - Malcom Brown, DT Texas: The Browns went offensive weapon with their first pick, with this one they go defense. Brown can play the nose on this 3-4 defense, Yeah, they get Phil Taylor back, but he has missed big chunks of two out of four seasons with injuries. Brown would not only be insurance against another Taylor injury, he could also end up playing end in the defense. Brown and Taylor next to each other, they could both easily take up two linemen a piece allowing the linebackers to come through the line untouched.
20. Philadephia Eagles - Landon Collins, S Alabama: The Eagles had pass protection problems last year. Bringing in Byron Maxwell could help that a lot, adding Collins to the secondary could help even more. Collins is a hard hitting safety who can stuff the run, intimidate receivers over the middle, and nab a few picks. He's not a sit back in coverage safety, but a roamer who has the speed needed to make plays on the ball once it's in the air, The Eagles could use his talents.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Randy Gregory, DE/OLB Nebraska: The Bengals haven't taken a player with a troubled past recently, and Gregory's failed drug test for marijuana at the combine is a red flag. However, the Bengals can't get out of the first round of the playoffs, so they take the chance with the best player available. Gregory can help bolster the pass rush, and they could play him at DE or move him to OLB where the have a bit of a need with Emmanuel Lamur manning one of the OLB spots.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Marcus Peters, CB Washington: Here the Steelers do something a bit unexpected, they take a player who has some baggage. Did they not learn from the LeGarrette Blount mistake last year? Two different situations, and I think the whole issue at Washington was overblown by the coaches. If the Steelers believe Peters has grown from that experience and moved past whatever the problem was, they get a player at 22 who is a top ten talent, and without the baggage would have been considered by many the top corner in the draft. Ike Taylor has retired, and the team didn't want to re-sign him. Cortez Allen fell flat on his face last year after getting a nice contract extension based on hoped improvement. This makes Willie "Pick Six" Gay the best corner on the team, and he's worked hard to improve, and he has. But he is also now 30, and most guys don't have that breakout season at 30. Peters could start opposite Gay or Allen, or play nickel back. Either way, he would see a lot of playing time right away, and he has the talent to be a star from day one.
23. Detroit Lions - Eddie Goldman, DT Florida State: The Lions lost both Suh and Fairley in free agency, and while trading for Haloti Ngata helps with those two losses, Goldman would help keep the defensive tackle position a strength of the defense. The defense thrived on pressure up the middle, and a combo of Ngata and Goldman might not be the same as Suh and Fairley, but it would still be pretty darn good,
24. Arizona Cardinals - Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest: The Cardinals lost Antonio Cromartie in free agency, and while they have a few needs the best player to fit any of those needs is Johnson. He would play opposite Patrick Peterson and could help the Cardinals linebackers get some coverage sacks.
25. Carolina Panthers -DJ Humphries, OT Florida: The Panthers need to upgrade at tackle, and Humphries would be a major upgrade at right tackle. He could help protect Cam Newton, and would help open holes on the right side of the line for Stewart. Not to mention with the Falcons and the Saints upgrading their pass rush in this draft, Newton will probably need the line help.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Devin Smith, WR Ohio State: The Ravens lost Torrey Smith in free agency, and need to replace their deep threat. In steps another Smith, this one the deep ball target from Ohio State. Smith led all of D1 FBS football in yards per reception last year, and everyone knows how much Joe Flacco loves to chuck the ball deep and have his receiver can make a play on the ball. Smith made some catches for the Buckeyes that were eye popping, and he could do the same thing in Baltimore.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Collins, CB LSU: The Cowboys really need to fix their defense. They have needs at defensive end and cornerback, here I have them fixing the back end of their defense with no DE prosepct that stands out over Collins for me here, Claiborne has been a massive bust, Carr is overpaid, and Scandrick is the best of them but isn't a #1. Collins may be the most raw of the corners that can go in the first round, but he also has the highest ceiling.
28. Denver Broncos - Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State: Erving could play any of the three positions on the offensive line. He would serve as an upgrade at C, G, and RT. Wherever they feel he would be the biggest upgrade would work just fine for the Broncos, not to mention his ability to change positions if need be due to injury or upgrading a position in future free agency or drafts.
29. Indianapolis Colts - TJ Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh: The Colts have some holes on the defensive side of the ball, but they have a franchise QB who often has shown to be very capable of going toe-to-toe scoring points. Clemmings could provide protection for Andrew Luck, and help new running back Frank Gore take some of that pressure off of Luck.
30. Green Bay Packers - Byron Jones, CB UConn: The Packers offense is not the problem, they lost the NFC Championship Game because their defense failed to hold a big lead, and then let the Seahawks throw a long touchdown pass in overtime to take the win. I have the Packers taking Jones, a corner who's draft stock has jumped and he sneaks into the end of the first round. The Packers can fix their defensive tackle and/or inside linebacker hole in the second round. Here they get a guy who can become a shutdown corner in a division with Stafford and Bridgewater.
31. New Orleans Saints - Phillip Dorsett, WR Miami: Sean Payton has reportedly gushed over the receiver from The U and loves how he would fit in the offense. With the trade of Jimmy Graham that got them this pick, the Saints get another weapon for Drew Brees to throw the ball to. Dorsett could be a nightmare for defenses in the slot while Cooks and Colston work the outside.
32. New England Patriots - :Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State: The Patriots offense isn’t anywhere near bad, but adding a receiver like Strong would be a big upgrade for Tom Brady in the receiving corps. Strong is a big, physical receiver who doesn’t have elite speed but is fast enough to get separation. His size (6’3”, 212 lbs.) also makes him a nice red zone scoring threat. Edleman and LaFell, neither are #1 receivers.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
The retirement of Troy Polamalu and why you won't see his jersey number retired anytime soon
Thursday night news came down that Steelers Strong Safety, Troy Polamalu, has decided to retire after 12 seasons in the National Football League...all of those seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The first thing that I did was shed a tear, because it was one of my all-time favorite players walking away from the game.
The second thing I did was breath a sigh of relief, because it was time...and the right decision to make. The Steelers had already planned on moving away from Troy Polamalu. He could still lay bone crunching hits. He still had the instincts and the ability to read a play pre-snap and know where the ball was going before anyone else on the defense. However, he no longer had the speed or athleticism to make plays off of those instincts and reads. He was still a good defender against the run, but had become at least somewhat of a liability in pass coverage because he could no longer get to where he needed to be.
If he hadn't retired, the Steelers were going to release Polamalu according to many reports that came out when free agency began. And I believe that to be true, the team was at some point this offseason going to release him if he chose to keep playing.
However, the team did the right thing. They kept his cap hit until he made a decision that could have forced their hand. Polamalu said that he's retiring for family. Because he wants to spend more time with his wife and kids, that this was the first time he has really gotten to do that since the family has now permanently moved to Pittsburgh. Also, he retired because he realized that he had to think about if he really wanted to keep playing, and he felt that if you even have to think about it, then it's time to walk away.
Some will say he played a season or two too long. I don't think that's true, I think it would have been true if he played in 2015.
In 2013, he played all 16 games and had: 69 total tackles/2 sacks/5 forced fumbles/1 fumble recovery/2 interceptions/1 defensive touchdown/11 passes defended.
In 2014 the bottom dropped out on the play making. He also once again missed some games due to injury. He looked slower. It was the season that told most people, including the Steelers front office, that he was no longer a starter in the National Football League.
It's sad to see such a great player go. He was truly the heart of this defense, if not the entire team. He wasn't the most vocal leader, but if you wanted to learn how to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, you watched Troy Polamalu. Not only did he work hard at the football stuff...workouts, film study, practice...he worked hard in the community. And the best part about it is, you really never heard about it. He didn't promote the work he did in the community of Pittsburgh because he did it unselfishly for the community, not for the recognition.
This is how kind of a player Polamalu was:
I remember a game against the Cincinnati Bengals many years ago. I think Chad Ochocinco might have still be Chad Johnson at the time. A Steelers player layed Johnson out with a really hard hit. Johnson was know for wearing gold fronts (teeth) during games, they were removable. He was hit so hard, his gold fronts got knocked out of his mouth. Troy picked them up and ran over to Johnson to give them back to him.
They didn't go to the same school. Never played on the same team. Many players wouldn't have touched the gold fronts. But Polamalu did the sportsmanlike thing and picked them up and gave them back to him. And he did this against a division rival.
Also, there were often times where after Polamalu would lay out a player with a bone crunching hit, he would tell the guy "sorry." Why? Because Polamalu wasn't a violent person, he just happened to play a violent sport that required it. I am sure David Carr still wakes up in the middle of the night from nightmares of Troy Polamalu after his three sack game against Carr in 2005.
Polamalu was to this defense what Joe Greene was to the Steel Curtain. Yeah, there's all this talk about outside linebackers. Joey Porter, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and even Jason Worilds all had success (okay, the first three had a lot of success) at that position for the Steelers. And yes, they were a big, big part of the success of this defense for many years.
But Polamalu was the X-Factor on the defense. He was allowed to play outside of the scheme. He was the only player allowed to play outside of the scheme at all times. That's how much Dick LeBeau and Bill Cowher/Mike Tomlin trusted him. Sometimes he would lineup at a deep safety spot, the QB would read him as playing there, and then the ball is snapped and Polamalu was in the QB's face getting a sack or forcing a bad pass. Or he would line up at the line of scrimmage and the QB would read him as blitzing, he would snap the ball and Polamalu would be thirty yards downfield intercepting the pass because he wasn't accounted for as a pass defender on that play.
And the crazy thing is, on many of those plays, he did the opposite of what the defensive call had his position doing.
So for a player that meant that much to the team and community, you'd be expecting to hear an announcement before the season for Polamalu's #43 to be retired during a halftime ceremony at Heinz Field, probably during a game against the Ravens who he loved to torture in his career. I think the announcement that Polamalu retired might have been the happiest day of Joe Flacco's life.
However, for any fan that thinks that day is coming if not this season then next, don't hold your breath.
The Steelers don't just retire numbers. They've only retired two numbers officially in the history of the team: #70 (Ernie Stautner) and #75 (Joe Greene). Joe Greene is regarded as one of the best defensive players in NFL history, was the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain defense of the 1970's, and his number wasn't retired officially until last season.
Instead, at the decision of the equipment manager (yes literally, the equipment manager is the one who makes the decision), numbers are taken out of circulation. The following numbers are currently not options for players when they join the Steelers:
#1 (Gary Anderson)
#12 (Terry Bradshaw)
#31 (Donnie Shell)
#32 (Franco Harris)
#36 (Jerome Bettis)
#47 (Mel Blount)
#52 (Mike Webster)
#58 (Jack Lambert)
#59 (Jack Hamm)
#63 (Dermontti Dawson)
#86 (Hines Ward)
#88 (Lynn Swann)
Unless the Steelers start officially retiring the numbers of these guys, most of which are in the Hall of Fame, then you won't see Polamalu's number officially retired likely in your lifetime. Not that he's not deserving of such an honor, just because the Steelers don't grant that honor very often.It was 50 years between official jersey number retirements. I wouldn't be shocked if we waited 50 more years for another.
The first thing that I did was shed a tear, because it was one of my all-time favorite players walking away from the game.
The second thing I did was breath a sigh of relief, because it was time...and the right decision to make. The Steelers had already planned on moving away from Troy Polamalu. He could still lay bone crunching hits. He still had the instincts and the ability to read a play pre-snap and know where the ball was going before anyone else on the defense. However, he no longer had the speed or athleticism to make plays off of those instincts and reads. He was still a good defender against the run, but had become at least somewhat of a liability in pass coverage because he could no longer get to where he needed to be.
If he hadn't retired, the Steelers were going to release Polamalu according to many reports that came out when free agency began. And I believe that to be true, the team was at some point this offseason going to release him if he chose to keep playing.
However, the team did the right thing. They kept his cap hit until he made a decision that could have forced their hand. Polamalu said that he's retiring for family. Because he wants to spend more time with his wife and kids, that this was the first time he has really gotten to do that since the family has now permanently moved to Pittsburgh. Also, he retired because he realized that he had to think about if he really wanted to keep playing, and he felt that if you even have to think about it, then it's time to walk away.
Some will say he played a season or two too long. I don't think that's true, I think it would have been true if he played in 2015.
In 2013, he played all 16 games and had: 69 total tackles/2 sacks/5 forced fumbles/1 fumble recovery/2 interceptions/1 defensive touchdown/11 passes defended.
In 2014 the bottom dropped out on the play making. He also once again missed some games due to injury. He looked slower. It was the season that told most people, including the Steelers front office, that he was no longer a starter in the National Football League.
It's sad to see such a great player go. He was truly the heart of this defense, if not the entire team. He wasn't the most vocal leader, but if you wanted to learn how to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, you watched Troy Polamalu. Not only did he work hard at the football stuff...workouts, film study, practice...he worked hard in the community. And the best part about it is, you really never heard about it. He didn't promote the work he did in the community of Pittsburgh because he did it unselfishly for the community, not for the recognition.
This is how kind of a player Polamalu was:
I remember a game against the Cincinnati Bengals many years ago. I think Chad Ochocinco might have still be Chad Johnson at the time. A Steelers player layed Johnson out with a really hard hit. Johnson was know for wearing gold fronts (teeth) during games, they were removable. He was hit so hard, his gold fronts got knocked out of his mouth. Troy picked them up and ran over to Johnson to give them back to him.
They didn't go to the same school. Never played on the same team. Many players wouldn't have touched the gold fronts. But Polamalu did the sportsmanlike thing and picked them up and gave them back to him. And he did this against a division rival.
Also, there were often times where after Polamalu would lay out a player with a bone crunching hit, he would tell the guy "sorry." Why? Because Polamalu wasn't a violent person, he just happened to play a violent sport that required it. I am sure David Carr still wakes up in the middle of the night from nightmares of Troy Polamalu after his three sack game against Carr in 2005.
Polamalu was to this defense what Joe Greene was to the Steel Curtain. Yeah, there's all this talk about outside linebackers. Joey Porter, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and even Jason Worilds all had success (okay, the first three had a lot of success) at that position for the Steelers. And yes, they were a big, big part of the success of this defense for many years.
But Polamalu was the X-Factor on the defense. He was allowed to play outside of the scheme. He was the only player allowed to play outside of the scheme at all times. That's how much Dick LeBeau and Bill Cowher/Mike Tomlin trusted him. Sometimes he would lineup at a deep safety spot, the QB would read him as playing there, and then the ball is snapped and Polamalu was in the QB's face getting a sack or forcing a bad pass. Or he would line up at the line of scrimmage and the QB would read him as blitzing, he would snap the ball and Polamalu would be thirty yards downfield intercepting the pass because he wasn't accounted for as a pass defender on that play.
And the crazy thing is, on many of those plays, he did the opposite of what the defensive call had his position doing.
So for a player that meant that much to the team and community, you'd be expecting to hear an announcement before the season for Polamalu's #43 to be retired during a halftime ceremony at Heinz Field, probably during a game against the Ravens who he loved to torture in his career. I think the announcement that Polamalu retired might have been the happiest day of Joe Flacco's life.
However, for any fan that thinks that day is coming if not this season then next, don't hold your breath.
The Steelers don't just retire numbers. They've only retired two numbers officially in the history of the team: #70 (Ernie Stautner) and #75 (Joe Greene). Joe Greene is regarded as one of the best defensive players in NFL history, was the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain defense of the 1970's, and his number wasn't retired officially until last season.
Instead, at the decision of the equipment manager (yes literally, the equipment manager is the one who makes the decision), numbers are taken out of circulation. The following numbers are currently not options for players when they join the Steelers:
#1 (Gary Anderson)
#12 (Terry Bradshaw)
#31 (Donnie Shell)
#32 (Franco Harris)
#36 (Jerome Bettis)
#47 (Mel Blount)
#52 (Mike Webster)
#58 (Jack Lambert)
#59 (Jack Hamm)
#63 (Dermontti Dawson)
#86 (Hines Ward)
#88 (Lynn Swann)
Unless the Steelers start officially retiring the numbers of these guys, most of which are in the Hall of Fame, then you won't see Polamalu's number officially retired likely in your lifetime. Not that he's not deserving of such an honor, just because the Steelers don't grant that honor very often.It was 50 years between official jersey number retirements. I wouldn't be shocked if we waited 50 more years for another.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
2015 First Round Mock Draft - After Free Agency Edition
Free Agency went and did what it does to everyone's initial mock draft, makes you throw a good chunk of it in the trash bin. Between the Saints getting rid of Kenny Stills and Jimmy Graham and getting an extra first round pick, to teams filling needs I had them filling in the draft...it was time for a re-do.
2015 NFL Mock Draft v2.0
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston, QB Florida State –
The Buccaneers need a franchise quarterback, and there is no better place to
get one that the draft. Winston’s off-the-field problems make you wonder if he
can mentally make it in the NFL, but I think he has all the physical tools to
be at the least a pretty darn good QB in the league.
2. Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon – Normally
when you’re picking this high in the draft, your biggest need is
quarterback. Reportedly, the Titans are
all-in with Zach Mettenberger this season. The coaching staff is going to want
to back the player currently on their roster in case something happens and they
don’t draft a QB in the first round. Also, Mariota is going to be likely to sit
and learn his first year coming from Oregon’s spread scheme to a pro-style
scheme that Whisenhut runs in Tennessee.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kevin White, WR West Virginia –
White has shot up to the number one receiver available in the draft in my mind.
And while this might be a bit of a reach, the Jaguars need to give Blake
Bortles some more weapons in the passing game. They signed the talented tight
end Julius Thomas from Denver, but they don’t really have a dynamic weapon on
the outside for Bortles to take advantage of. Lee and Robinson could eventually
develop into nice receivers, but neither of them will ever be the talent that
White is currently.
4. Oakland Raiders: Leonard Williams, DE/DT USC – Williams
falls to the Raiders, which works out great for them because they have holes on
both sides of the ball. Williams can play both DE and DT, so they can move him
around the line to create mismatches. Him with Khalil Mack at linebacker looks like
a good combo of havoc wreaking defenders.
5. Wahsington Redskins: Dante Flowler, DE/OLB Florida –
Brian Orakpo hit free agency and is now a Titan. The Redskins could plug Fowler
in at OLB and go back to what they thought they would have with Orakpo and
Kerrigan before injuries happened to both players, a pass rushing duo to
terrorize quarterbacks.
6. New York Jets: Randy Gregory, DE/OLB Nebraska – The Jets
filled their hole at WR by trading for Brandon Marshall. There is no
quarterback worth taking at this pick. With Bowles being a defensive minded
head coach, I have him taking Gregory to help the pass rush of their 3-4
defense, seeing how the pass rush has been inconsistent at best the past few
years for the Jets.
7. Chicago Bears: Danny Shelton, NT Washington – The Bears
are moving away from the 4-3 “Tampa Two” defense that they’ve seemingly ran
ages and are going with a 3-4 under new coordinator Vic Fangio. The Bears don’t
have someone who can play that lynchpin nose tackle position, so they take the
best NT available in Shelton, who should clog up running lanes and collapse the
pocket for years as a Bear.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray, DE/OLB Missouri – The Falcons
offense SHOULD be good, their defense needs lots of work though. They need a
guy who can get to the quarterback in a division with Drew Brees, Cam Newton,
and most likely a new first-overall pick at quarterback in Tampa Bay. Shane Ray
is the best pass rusher on the board, and the Falcons should have no second
thoughts about making this pick.
9. New York Giants: Ereck Flowers, OT Miami – The Giants
could use some help on the offensive line, and drafting Flowers does a lot for
them. It allows Justin Pugh to move inside to guard, upgrading the interior
line. It gives them a new young right tackle, and someone who can slide over to
the blind side once William Beatty retires or is released due to how much he is
owed on his contract. If the Giants are going to compete for the division again
anytime soon, they need to keep Eli Manning’s jersey clean.
10. St. Louis Rams: Brandon Schreff, OT Iowa – Jake Long has
been cut, so Greg Robinson moves over to left tackle permanently. The Rams
traded oft-injured Sam Bradford away for Nick Foles, so they better protect
Foles if they want anything close to his 27 TD/2 INT season of 2013.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Andrus Peat, OT Stanford – The
Vikings need help on the line, and even though Matt Kalil has been
disappointing I don’t think the Vikings would hold that against Peat. Peat
could take over left tackle duties allowing Kalil to kick over to right tackle,
where he wouldn’t see as many stud pass rushers. This would help create bigger
holes for Adrian Peterson (if he returns to the Vikings) and would give Teddy
Bridgewater better protection to use his arsenal of receiving weapons.
12. Cleveland Browns: Malcolm Brown, DT/DE Texas – The Browns
were horrible against the run to end the season, and with an offense that
currently doesn’t look like it’ll score many points they’ll need to be able to
stop the run in a division with Le’veon Bell and an underrated Jeremy Hill.
Brown can slide inside on sub packages too.
13. New Orleans Saints: Amari Cooper, WR Alabama – The Saints
take a first round receiver for the second straight year, but a position that
was once a strength has now become a need with Kenny Stills gone and Jimmy
Graham traded to Seattle. The Saints might not throw it quite as much as they
have in the past, Drew Brees is still going to sling it around and he will need
reliable pass catching targets.
14. Miami Dolphins: DeVante Parker, WR Louisville – The Dolphins
traded Mike Wallace away to Minnesota, and acquired Kenny Stills. They don’t
have a #1 receiver, so I have them now drafting Parker who could be that guy,
giving Ryan Tannehill some reliable pass catchers who the Dolphins hope can
help get them over the hump and into the playoffs.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State –
The 49ers have had a rough offseason losing star inside linebacker Patrick
Willis and his backup and budding rookie Chirs Borland to retirement, along
with head coach Jim Harbaugh being booted. The 49ers defense has some holes,
one of them being cornerback. Waynes can come in and help fill the hole of
having no #1 corner, essentially locking down one side of the field. The 49ers
can find inside linebacker depth in the second or third rounds.
16. Houston Texans: Todd Gurley, RB Georgia – Yeah, the Texans
have Arian Foster…but he seems to never be able to last a season. The Texans
are going to be a team that runs the ball a lot, and Gurley can split carries
with Foster to take some of the load off of the oft-injured back. I can’t see
the Texans passing on probably the most talented back in the draft, who could
be good to go by the end of training camp.
17. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordan, RB Wisconsin – Ryan
Matthews has teased Chargers fans since being drafted. When healthy, he’s a
dynamic player who adds another level of excitement to the Chargers offense,
but the problem is he’s often not healthy. That’s why I have the Chargers
taking Wisconsin’s workhorse running back with this selection, giving the
Chargers some much needed peace of mind they haven’t had at the position in a
while. He isn’t Ladanian Tomlinson in his prime, but Gordon can take pressure
off of Rivers in the passing game.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: La’el Collins, OT/G LSU – The Chiefs
signed Jeremy Maclin away from the Eagles, taking away their huge need for a
WR. They need to protect Alex Smith so he can get the ball to Maclin down the
field. Reid was known for not having a problem drafting linemen in
Philadelphia, so I have him taking one here to help improve the passing and
running game.
19. Cleveland Browns: Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson – The Browns
could use a tone setter at OLB, as they don’t currently have one on the team.
Barkevious Mingo hasn’t shown much of anything since being drafted sixth
overall, and Paul Kruger had a good season with 11 sacks last year, but that’s
the only season he has ever had double-digit sacks so I don’t think it will be
a trend. Beasley can come in and become the defensive enforcer at OLB that the
Browns defense desperately needs if they want to reach the next level.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Collins, S Alabama – The
Eagles need help in the defensive secondary, and here comes some reinforcements
with Landon Collins. Collins isn’t the greatest in coverage, but he’s not bad
and fits best as a hard hitting strong safety in the NFL, evidenced by his 103
tackles, 7 passes defensed, and 3 interceptions last season for Alabama. Collins
can hit receivers/backs/tight ends coming over the middle, break up some
passes, and get his hands on a couple for picks if he’s allowed to play some
roaming zone coverage.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: D.J. Humphries, OT Florida – The Bengals
need for a pass rushing defensive end is gone with them signing Michael Johnson
back after he was cut after only one year in Tampa Bay. This allows the Bengals
to draft Humphries who can come in and take over the left tackle position,
allowing the 33 year old Andrew Whitworth to move inside to guard, filling a
need there.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Kevin Johnson, CB Wake Forest – The Steelers FINALLY take a cornerback in the
first round of the NFL Draft! Last year’s pass defense was just horrible.
Cortez Allen was so bad against the Colts he got benched and never regained his
starting job. Johnson can come in and compete with Allen and Gay for a starting
corner job, the loser becoming the nickel corner. If Williams doesn’t become a
starter in camp/preseason, he could get the chance as the season goes on. If
Cortez Allen gets his confidence back and plays with the talent we know he has,
a Johnson/Allen duo at corner could be a very good thing for future Steelers’
defenses. Johnson has the athleticism and the length to cover big receivers
down the sideline.
23. Detroit Lions: Eddie
Goldman, DT/DE Florida State – The Lions lost both Suh and Fairley in free
agency, making the strength of their defense more of a weakness. They traded
for Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata to fill one of the two holes. Goldman can come in
and start next to Ngata and be a disruptive force up the middle for the Lions,
keeping this part of their defense a strength.
24. Arizona Cardinals: Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota – The Cardinals
could use upgrades at a couple of positions. I think in the first round, they
upgrade the tight end position with a big body tight end with natural pass
catching ability in Maxx Williams, who will be a mismatch for most linebackers
and defensive backs.
25. Carolina Panthers: T.J. Clemmings, OT Pittsburgh – The
Panthers couldn’t block for Cam Newton at all early in the season last year.
And while the offensive line gelled later in the season, they could upgrade
both tackle spots and Clemmings would be a very good pick here to help ensure
the health of their franchise quarterback.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Smith, WR Ohio State – The Ravens
lost Torrey Smith in free agency, and need to replace their deep threat. In
steps another Smith, this one the deep ball target from Ohio State. Smith led
all of D1 FBS football in yards per reception last year, and everyone knows how
much Joe Flacco loves to chuck the ball deep and he his receiver can make a
play on the ball. Smith made some catches for the Buckeyes that were eye
popping, and he could do the same thing in Baltimore.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Alvin Dupree, DE Kentucky – The Cowboys
pass rush in some of their biggest games/most embarrassing losses last year.
Enter Dupree, a fast and physical defensive end who can come in and get the
pressure the Cowboys need to defend the pass.
28. Denver Broncos: Jordan Phillips, NT Oklahoma – The Broncos
are switching to a 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, and
the NT out of Oklahoma would provide the Broncos with what a 3-4 defense needs
at that position…a big body who can collapse the pocket and take up at least
two blockers.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Cameron Erving, C Florida State –
The Colts now have a RB to help take some pressure off of superstar QB Andrew
Luck in Frank Gore. They replaced Reggie Wayne with Andre Johnson. Now they
need to protect Luck a little bit better. Erving can come in and play either
center or guard, either way he would be an upgrade on the offensive line which
is the only weakness on the Colts offense.
30. Green Bay Packers: Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami– The
Packers just cut AJ Hawk, and now have a big hole in the middle of their
starting linebacker corps. Perryman can come in and start right away for the
Packers on defense. Perryman is a thumping linebacker who can stop the run and
plays well in zone coverage against the pass. If their defense could have held
a sizeable lead against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship, the
Packers would have been in the Super Bowl. This pick could help get them back
there.
31. New Orleans Saints (from Seattle Seahawks): Markus
Golden, DE /OLB Missouri – The Saints got this pick in the Jimmy Graham trade,
and they should use it to bolster what was one of the worst defenses in the
league last season. Some of their players couldn’t tackle at all. Their pass
rush was non-existent most of the time. Golden would be a big upgrade, getting
pressure on quarterbacks in the division.
32. New England Patriots: Jaelen Strong, WR Arizona State –
The Patriots offense isn’t anywhere near bad, but adding a receiver like Strong
would be a big upgrade for Tom Brady in the receiving corps. Strong is a big,
physical receiver who doesn’t have elite speed but is fast enough to get
separation. His size (6’3”, 212 lbs.) also makes him a nice red zone scoring
threat.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
The Josh Gordon Situation
Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver, Josh Gordon, had his appeal on a year-long suspension for a third violation of the National Football League's policy against recreational drugs last Friday, August 1st.
Now I know this is a Steelers blog, but I want to talk about Josh Gordon. First, I am sure the Steelers (and the Browns) want to know if Gordon is going to be on the field for the season opener in Pittsburgh. Second, a lot of people have been talking about the "hypocrisy" of Gordon's possible one-year suspension over recreational drug use and Ray Rice's two-game suspension for cold-clocking his then fiance (now wife).
The difference is in the policies.
Ray Rice's suspension us under the Player Conduct Policy. Under this policy, either the Commissioner or a panel chosen by him dole out punishments on player behavior off of the field. Now, I am in no way condoning the actions of Ray Rice. Personally, I think he should have been suspended at least four games. However this was his first ever Conduct Policy offense, he avoided jail time, is in counseling, and I think I read that his wife requested leniency because she did speak with whoever was handling his punishment. Now if he's involved in another off-the-field incident, there won't be the leniency that he just received.
Josh Gordon's suspension us under the National Football League Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. This policy is a step policy, which means that you have to be in violation of the policy multiple times to get a certain punishment.
First violation, you enter step one. You get drug tested many more times than a player not in the policy. Your name is not released to the public. There is no suspension or fine (as these have to be put to public record.)
Second violation, you enter step two. You get a four game suspension, and you're name is released as being in the program. Last year, Gordon entered step two. He tested positive for codeine which he claimed was in his prescription cough syrup and he didn't know. The NFL says that you and you alone are responsible for what enters your body, whether you knew you were taking it or not. NFL players have easy access to the list of banned substances, and he could have asked his doctor if any were in his medication. I am also fairly certain that you can apply for a waiver when it comes to medication, which are normally granted so if you test positive for that banned substance while it's prescribed to you, you don't get knocked for it. Gordon did neither. However, the NFL did compromise with him on his punishment. Instead of a four-game suspension without pay, he was suspended two without pay and then fined two game checks but was allowed to play.
For a player like Gordon, playing was worth more than the money. He's on a rookie contract after being selected in the second round of the supplemental draft. He had a huge season, setting himself up for a big contract with another big season. That's why he was willing to play two games for free. From and NFL standpoint, they felt like he was taught a valuable lesson in this regard.
The thing is, he didn't completely learn his lesson. It came out during the NFL Draft that he failed another drug test, this time for marijuana. This time, he is facing that year-long suspension. This is a drug that Gordon has a history with. It got him kicked our of Baylor. It's the reason he never saw the field at Utah and entered the supplemental draft. It's what got him in the NFL Substance Abuse Program in the first place.
According to NFL policy, a test above 15 nano grams per milliliter is a positive drug test. Gordon tested at 16 nano grams. His defense in his appeal is second hand smoke, which the NFL has said they do not suspend for. For most workplaces, that is also the threshold for a positive drug test. Anything over that and you don't get hired for the job, or you get punished (either a suspension or fired) if you already work for the company. The NFL didn't throw a number at a dart board and say "that's the threshold!" Also, this number has been collectively bargained, it's part of the CBA, so the NFL Player's Union agreed that this threshold was reasonable.
Some people, mostly Browns fans, have said that it's up to the NFL to prove that it was not second hand smoke. This is not true. This isn't a court of law. It's up to Gordon and his lawyer to prove, or at the least convince the NFL that Gordon's test was the result of second hand smoke and not actually smoking marijuana. With Gordon's history, I think that's a hard sell. Even if it was second hand smoke, there's no way to absolutely prove it. Not to mention, knowing that another failed drug test carried not just a year's suspension but taking a lot less money on his next contract, he should have never put himself in a situation where he could have gotten enough second hand smoke to test higher than the threshold. He has a person responsibility for what enters his body. Maybe the second hand smoke argument would fly if this was his first failed drug test in the NFL and he had no history of marijuana use in college, but that isn't the case.
If the NFL dismisses this failed drug test, I feel they set a precedent. They say that their threshold isn't a line drawn. If that turns out to be the case, where do they draw the line? Twenty nano grams, 30, 40, 50? It takes a line that has been collectively bargained and blurs it, which is not good. It's going to tell not just players, but the kids playing in Pop Warner, Middle School, High School, and College that it's okay to use recreational drugs to a very fine line.
Some people have brought up his 70 consecutive passed drug tests. That's great! I commend Josh Gordon on passing all those consecutive drug tests. But guess what, those tests don't mean a thing when you do fail one. It's not about how many he passed, it's about how many he has failed. This makes three failed tests, which earns you a very long suspension.
Once you're in step three of the program, you never get out of it. You're in this stage for the remainder of your career, which means that any failed test can land you either a year-long or undetermined amount of time suspension. Jaguars Wide Receiver, Justin Blackmon, is under a indefinite suspension under the third stage of this policy. Jacksonville does not know if he will be available at all this season.
In the end, the only fair way to end this is to punish Gordon in some way. I don't think he should get away with no suspension. He tested high enough for it to register a positive test. Maybe an entire season is what he needs to get rid of the dead weight around him. Maybe a shorter suspension will do that. I don't have the answer.
What I do know is that I don't have any sympathy for Josh Gordon. He's put himself in this position by failing multiple drug tests already in his short NFL career. You and you alone are responsible for what enters your body. You'd think he had learned that after the codeine related suspension, but I guess not. He shouldn't have been around marijuana in the first place.
Now I know this is a Steelers blog, but I want to talk about Josh Gordon. First, I am sure the Steelers (and the Browns) want to know if Gordon is going to be on the field for the season opener in Pittsburgh. Second, a lot of people have been talking about the "hypocrisy" of Gordon's possible one-year suspension over recreational drug use and Ray Rice's two-game suspension for cold-clocking his then fiance (now wife).
The difference is in the policies.
Ray Rice's suspension us under the Player Conduct Policy. Under this policy, either the Commissioner or a panel chosen by him dole out punishments on player behavior off of the field. Now, I am in no way condoning the actions of Ray Rice. Personally, I think he should have been suspended at least four games. However this was his first ever Conduct Policy offense, he avoided jail time, is in counseling, and I think I read that his wife requested leniency because she did speak with whoever was handling his punishment. Now if he's involved in another off-the-field incident, there won't be the leniency that he just received.
Josh Gordon's suspension us under the National Football League Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. This policy is a step policy, which means that you have to be in violation of the policy multiple times to get a certain punishment.
First violation, you enter step one. You get drug tested many more times than a player not in the policy. Your name is not released to the public. There is no suspension or fine (as these have to be put to public record.)
Second violation, you enter step two. You get a four game suspension, and you're name is released as being in the program. Last year, Gordon entered step two. He tested positive for codeine which he claimed was in his prescription cough syrup and he didn't know. The NFL says that you and you alone are responsible for what enters your body, whether you knew you were taking it or not. NFL players have easy access to the list of banned substances, and he could have asked his doctor if any were in his medication. I am also fairly certain that you can apply for a waiver when it comes to medication, which are normally granted so if you test positive for that banned substance while it's prescribed to you, you don't get knocked for it. Gordon did neither. However, the NFL did compromise with him on his punishment. Instead of a four-game suspension without pay, he was suspended two without pay and then fined two game checks but was allowed to play.
For a player like Gordon, playing was worth more than the money. He's on a rookie contract after being selected in the second round of the supplemental draft. He had a huge season, setting himself up for a big contract with another big season. That's why he was willing to play two games for free. From and NFL standpoint, they felt like he was taught a valuable lesson in this regard.
The thing is, he didn't completely learn his lesson. It came out during the NFL Draft that he failed another drug test, this time for marijuana. This time, he is facing that year-long suspension. This is a drug that Gordon has a history with. It got him kicked our of Baylor. It's the reason he never saw the field at Utah and entered the supplemental draft. It's what got him in the NFL Substance Abuse Program in the first place.
According to NFL policy, a test above 15 nano grams per milliliter is a positive drug test. Gordon tested at 16 nano grams. His defense in his appeal is second hand smoke, which the NFL has said they do not suspend for. For most workplaces, that is also the threshold for a positive drug test. Anything over that and you don't get hired for the job, or you get punished (either a suspension or fired) if you already work for the company. The NFL didn't throw a number at a dart board and say "that's the threshold!" Also, this number has been collectively bargained, it's part of the CBA, so the NFL Player's Union agreed that this threshold was reasonable.
Some people, mostly Browns fans, have said that it's up to the NFL to prove that it was not second hand smoke. This is not true. This isn't a court of law. It's up to Gordon and his lawyer to prove, or at the least convince the NFL that Gordon's test was the result of second hand smoke and not actually smoking marijuana. With Gordon's history, I think that's a hard sell. Even if it was second hand smoke, there's no way to absolutely prove it. Not to mention, knowing that another failed drug test carried not just a year's suspension but taking a lot less money on his next contract, he should have never put himself in a situation where he could have gotten enough second hand smoke to test higher than the threshold. He has a person responsibility for what enters his body. Maybe the second hand smoke argument would fly if this was his first failed drug test in the NFL and he had no history of marijuana use in college, but that isn't the case.
If the NFL dismisses this failed drug test, I feel they set a precedent. They say that their threshold isn't a line drawn. If that turns out to be the case, where do they draw the line? Twenty nano grams, 30, 40, 50? It takes a line that has been collectively bargained and blurs it, which is not good. It's going to tell not just players, but the kids playing in Pop Warner, Middle School, High School, and College that it's okay to use recreational drugs to a very fine line.
Some people have brought up his 70 consecutive passed drug tests. That's great! I commend Josh Gordon on passing all those consecutive drug tests. But guess what, those tests don't mean a thing when you do fail one. It's not about how many he passed, it's about how many he has failed. This makes three failed tests, which earns you a very long suspension.
Once you're in step three of the program, you never get out of it. You're in this stage for the remainder of your career, which means that any failed test can land you either a year-long or undetermined amount of time suspension. Jaguars Wide Receiver, Justin Blackmon, is under a indefinite suspension under the third stage of this policy. Jacksonville does not know if he will be available at all this season.
In the end, the only fair way to end this is to punish Gordon in some way. I don't think he should get away with no suspension. He tested high enough for it to register a positive test. Maybe an entire season is what he needs to get rid of the dead weight around him. Maybe a shorter suspension will do that. I don't have the answer.
What I do know is that I don't have any sympathy for Josh Gordon. He's put himself in this position by failing multiple drug tests already in his short NFL career. You and you alone are responsible for what enters your body. You'd think he had learned that after the codeine related suspension, but I guess not. He shouldn't have been around marijuana in the first place.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Why I Like the Shazier pick (and my thoughts on the rest of the Steelers draft)
On Thursday night, the Steelers shocked all of Steelers Nation by taking Ohio State Linebacker Ryan Shazier, with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Most of the Nation wanted a cornerback. I feel we got the best player defensive player available, and I am not just saying that because I am a Buckeye nut.
Most Steelers fans wanted Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard, but I am glad the Steelers didn't bite. I have watched a lot of his play, and he's too physical in my opinion. The way he plays will be drawing penalty flags in the NFL. Some say you can coach it out of him, but I don't fully buy that. He's played that way all through college, probably played that way in high school. That's a long time for habits like that to sink in, and it's easier to coach someone to do something better than to stop doing something that's now natural to them. Can he be good? Yeah. But he could also turn out to be a headache due to penalties. Untimely penalties have killed the Steelers in the past, so I am glad this flag magnet isn't going to be wearing the Black & Gold.
The Steelers won their past two Super Bowls with Ike Taylor as the best corner on both teams. He was a good corner on those teams, but he wasn't anywhere close to the best in the league. If our linebackers are flying around and getting good QB pressure, our corners will be fine. Our entire defense is predicated on linebacker play.
Ryan Shazier is a tackling machine. Here is his career stat line at Ohio State:
317 total tackles (210 solo), 45.5 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks, 1 interception, 9 forced fumbles
Just last season alone he had 23.5 TFL with 7 sacks. He had 102 total tackles.
He was also the fastest linebacker in the draft. Warren Sapp has called the Steelers' defense "old and slow" multiple times, but that's not the case anymore. The defensive line has youth, the linebacker core is all young, and the secondary has some youth too. The two oldest starters for the Steelers will likely be Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu.
Speaking of Polamalu, this draft pick is going to be what extends his career to the end of his new extension. He's too old to be playing the quasi-linebacker role that we have seen in the past. The whole reason he was playing it last season was because we didn't have a second inside linebacker. At this point in his career, he should be playing more of the role Ed Reed played in Baltimore. Center field, breaking up passes and getting picks. Shazier is going to be playing inside 'backer, he's going to be making those plays against the run. He can cover backs and tight ends.
Polamalu is still going to provide run support. I am sure we will see him diving over the line of scrimmage a time or two this season. But he's not going to take the normal pounding because we won't need him to. And because of that, he should be able to play the next three seasons.
The Steelers also drafted Stephon Tuitt, the DE out of Notre Dame. He's going to be the 5-technique DE we have been looking for. He's going to bookend the defensive line with Cam Heyward...the defense is going to be so much better than it's been the past two plus seasons. It's needed this infusion of youth. Tuitt isn't only going to take up blockers allowing our linebackers to make plays, he's going to also get pressure on the QB.
Dri Archer (RB, Kent State) was the fastest player in the draft, and I expect him to be used as a RB-WR hybrid. He's going to be able to scorch defenses, I just hope he can hold up being smaller. If he can, he can be a fourth receiver and play some RB. He will also return punts and kicks, which is good because it'll save Antonio Brown some unneeded hits.
Martavis Bryant (WR, Clemson) was the less heralded receiver on the Tigers, but he should be very good for the Steelers. At 6'5" and 200 lbs., he will be the biggest receiver on the team. There's rumor that he may start at some point this season. With 800 yards and 7 TD's last season, I expect to get close to that from him once he steps into a full-time starting role.
Shaquille Richardson (CB, Arizona) had only 10 picks in his college career, but from everything I have read he has all the physical tools to play the position in the NFL. The Steelers don't often take corners high, but this kid could end up starting after a season or so of being coached up by Coach Lake. Even if the Steelers take a corner in the first round next season, Richardson could end up a good nickel back at worst.
Wesley Johnson (OL, Vanderbilt) adds depth to the offensive line. I didn't see him play much, but with all the injuries to our line last season, some added depth is always a good thing.
Jordan Zumwalt (LB, UCLA) is a pick that has me a bit confused. He was a good player for the Bruins and racked up 91 tackles last season, but he puts us crowded at linebacker. Maybe he was drafted because the Steelers want to push a couple backups and maybe release them if they can't outperform Zumwalt, or at the least get better on special teams with him.
Daniel McCullers (DL, Tennessee) has monster size at 6'8" and 351 lbs. I think the Steelers want to develop him into a starting nose tackle, and I think this guy can definitely collapse the pocket. If he can become a solid starting NT, then this is damn sure a great pick. Otherwise, it's good depth.
Rob Blanchflower (TE, UMASS) wasn't really a pass catcher. He had 27 catches for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. I would think he's being brought in for depth and help blocking, maybe to develop into a tackle at 6'4" and 350 lbs.
I would give the Steelers a solid B on this draft. Shazier and Tuitt are probably going to start as rookies. Bryant should see a lot of snaps at the least in three receiver sets. Archer is going to be electric on special teams at the least. Got some good depth at the least in the rest of the draft.
Most Steelers fans wanted Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard, but I am glad the Steelers didn't bite. I have watched a lot of his play, and he's too physical in my opinion. The way he plays will be drawing penalty flags in the NFL. Some say you can coach it out of him, but I don't fully buy that. He's played that way all through college, probably played that way in high school. That's a long time for habits like that to sink in, and it's easier to coach someone to do something better than to stop doing something that's now natural to them. Can he be good? Yeah. But he could also turn out to be a headache due to penalties. Untimely penalties have killed the Steelers in the past, so I am glad this flag magnet isn't going to be wearing the Black & Gold.
The Steelers won their past two Super Bowls with Ike Taylor as the best corner on both teams. He was a good corner on those teams, but he wasn't anywhere close to the best in the league. If our linebackers are flying around and getting good QB pressure, our corners will be fine. Our entire defense is predicated on linebacker play.
Ryan Shazier is a tackling machine. Here is his career stat line at Ohio State:
317 total tackles (210 solo), 45.5 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks, 1 interception, 9 forced fumbles
Just last season alone he had 23.5 TFL with 7 sacks. He had 102 total tackles.
He was also the fastest linebacker in the draft. Warren Sapp has called the Steelers' defense "old and slow" multiple times, but that's not the case anymore. The defensive line has youth, the linebacker core is all young, and the secondary has some youth too. The two oldest starters for the Steelers will likely be Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu.
Speaking of Polamalu, this draft pick is going to be what extends his career to the end of his new extension. He's too old to be playing the quasi-linebacker role that we have seen in the past. The whole reason he was playing it last season was because we didn't have a second inside linebacker. At this point in his career, he should be playing more of the role Ed Reed played in Baltimore. Center field, breaking up passes and getting picks. Shazier is going to be playing inside 'backer, he's going to be making those plays against the run. He can cover backs and tight ends.
Polamalu is still going to provide run support. I am sure we will see him diving over the line of scrimmage a time or two this season. But he's not going to take the normal pounding because we won't need him to. And because of that, he should be able to play the next three seasons.
The Steelers also drafted Stephon Tuitt, the DE out of Notre Dame. He's going to be the 5-technique DE we have been looking for. He's going to bookend the defensive line with Cam Heyward...the defense is going to be so much better than it's been the past two plus seasons. It's needed this infusion of youth. Tuitt isn't only going to take up blockers allowing our linebackers to make plays, he's going to also get pressure on the QB.
Dri Archer (RB, Kent State) was the fastest player in the draft, and I expect him to be used as a RB-WR hybrid. He's going to be able to scorch defenses, I just hope he can hold up being smaller. If he can, he can be a fourth receiver and play some RB. He will also return punts and kicks, which is good because it'll save Antonio Brown some unneeded hits.
Martavis Bryant (WR, Clemson) was the less heralded receiver on the Tigers, but he should be very good for the Steelers. At 6'5" and 200 lbs., he will be the biggest receiver on the team. There's rumor that he may start at some point this season. With 800 yards and 7 TD's last season, I expect to get close to that from him once he steps into a full-time starting role.
Shaquille Richardson (CB, Arizona) had only 10 picks in his college career, but from everything I have read he has all the physical tools to play the position in the NFL. The Steelers don't often take corners high, but this kid could end up starting after a season or so of being coached up by Coach Lake. Even if the Steelers take a corner in the first round next season, Richardson could end up a good nickel back at worst.
Wesley Johnson (OL, Vanderbilt) adds depth to the offensive line. I didn't see him play much, but with all the injuries to our line last season, some added depth is always a good thing.
Jordan Zumwalt (LB, UCLA) is a pick that has me a bit confused. He was a good player for the Bruins and racked up 91 tackles last season, but he puts us crowded at linebacker. Maybe he was drafted because the Steelers want to push a couple backups and maybe release them if they can't outperform Zumwalt, or at the least get better on special teams with him.
Daniel McCullers (DL, Tennessee) has monster size at 6'8" and 351 lbs. I think the Steelers want to develop him into a starting nose tackle, and I think this guy can definitely collapse the pocket. If he can become a solid starting NT, then this is damn sure a great pick. Otherwise, it's good depth.
Rob Blanchflower (TE, UMASS) wasn't really a pass catcher. He had 27 catches for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. I would think he's being brought in for depth and help blocking, maybe to develop into a tackle at 6'4" and 350 lbs.
I would give the Steelers a solid B on this draft. Shazier and Tuitt are probably going to start as rookies. Bryant should see a lot of snaps at the least in three receiver sets. Archer is going to be electric on special teams at the least. Got some good depth at the least in the rest of the draft.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
2014 First Round Mock Draft
Here is my first mock draft of the offseason. Just remember, I don't predict trades because it's rather unpredictable, so I have everyone picking at their pre-set draft positions no matter the likelihood of them trading down or up.
2014 NFL
Mock Draft
1. Houston
Texans: Jadaveon Clowney, DE South Carolina – The Texans need a quarterback,
however there isn’t a quarterback that’s a sure thing like Andrew Luck was for
the Colts in this draft. Heck, many believe there isn’t a quarterback in this
draft that should be taken in the first round. I think the Texans play it as
safe as possible here and take Clowney. Pair him with J.J. Watt and you have
the best defensive line in the league. He’s not your prototypical 3-4 DE, but
the guy is an athletic freak that can maybe even play some OLB in certain
situations. You’re in a division with Andrew Luck. Getting to the QB is going
to be a priority. With the trade of Matt Schuab and the signing of Fitzpatrick, I think the Texans feel they can find and develop a quarterback in the second round.
2. St. Louis
Rams: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson - I originally thought they were going to take
an offensive tackle. But with Rodger Saffold coming back to the Rams, I have a
hard time having them pick a tackle here, maybe in the second round. Instead, I
have them taking Watkins, giving former first overall pick Sam Bradford another
weapon on offense.
3. Jacksonville
Jaguars: Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M – Johnny Football is a boom or bust
pick. But the Jaguars need to turn this ship around fast, and that’s what
Manziel did for Texas A&M. They left the Big 12 for the SEC, and with
Manziel at quarterback they shocked everyone by becoming a top team in the
conference. The Jaguars need a spark, and Manziel may be the guy that is that
spark. He’ll darn sure put butts in seats, and that’s another thing
Jacksonville needs.
4. Cleveland
Browns: Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville – The Browns have had zero luck at
quarterback since coming back into the league in 1999. They’ve had 20 different
quarterbacks start a game for them since then, Bridgewater would make number
21. The Browns released two of those former starters, leaving plenty of room on
the depth chart for the next “franchise” quarterback for the Browns. He makes
sense at this pick for the Browns.
5. Oakland
Raiders: Greg Robinson, OT Auburn –The Raiders lost their LT, then Rodger
Saffold failed his physical and is now resigning with the Rams. The Raiders
literally have nobody of note on their roster. The good free agents they had
fled like rats on a sinking ship. Nobody wants to stay in Oakland, and they
only way they can sign a free agent is to overpay. They could go any direction
here, it’s really hard to say. I think the take Robinson, and then maybe they
take a QB in the second round. Because in the end, it doesn’t matter who’s
playing quarterback if he can’t get any protection.
6. Atlanta
Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M – The Falcons can go a few ways here.
They need a pass rush, they could use a pass catching tight end to replace Tony
Gonzalez, or they could take a tackle. I think the Falcons take Matthews
because protecting Matty Ice has to be the top priority. They can find a
quality defensive end in the second round, take a franchise left tackle is the
best thing they could do with this pick.
7. Tampa Bay
Buccaneers: Anthony Barr, OLB UCLA – While OLB isn’t the top need on the
Buccaneers, Lovie Smith built his Bears Super Bowl run on the back of a strong
defense, and that’s how the Bucs won their only Super Bowl. While in Chicago,
Smith always had great linebacker play. Barr would become the next great
Buccaneers LB, and would be a force coming off of the edge on blitz packages. Anthony
Barr could become a cornerstone player for Tampa’s defense.
8. Minnesota
Vikings: Stephon Tuitt, DE Notre Dame – Even if the Vikings re-sign Jared
Allen, they don’t have a pass rusher on the other side of him. The Vikings gave
Matt Cassel a new two year deal, so I doubt they go QB with this pick. If Jared
Allen leaves or retires, Tuitt takes over his position. In a division with
three first round picks at quarterback, the ability to rush the passer is a
must.
9. Buffalo
Bills: Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M – The Bills took E.J. Manuel with their
first round pick last year. Stevie Johnson can’t do it alone, so drafting Evans
would give Manuel another target and would take some pressure off of Johnson. I
really can’t see the Bills going any other direction if Evans is still on the
board.
10. Detroit
Lions: Justin Gilbert, CB Oklahoma State – The Lions have a glaring need at
cornerback, especially in a division with Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers. Gilbert
turned heads at the combine, and that made his stock skyrocket. With the Lions
signing Golden Tate in free agency, I don’t think they take a receiver in the
first round.
11.
Tennessee Titans: C.J. Mosley, ILB Alabama – With the Titans moving to a 3-4
defense, they’re going to need some linebackers. Inside linebacker is a need
for the Titans, and I don’t think they have a stud on the inside on the roster.
Mosley comes from a 3-4 ran under Nick Saban, and he would be an instant
plug-and-play pick for Tennessee. Ken Whisenhut might be an offensive minded
coach, but spending those years in Pittsburgh, you know he learned a thing or
two about defense.
12. New York
Giants: Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan – The Giants did a poor job of protecting Eli
Manning, and that was a big reason why he threw so many interceptions last
season. The Giants have a couple of needs, but a left tackle that can protect
Manning’s blind side is paramount to the Giants getting back into the playoffs.
13. St.
Louis Rams: Hasean Clinton-Dix, S Alabama – The Rams helped their offense with
the second overall pick of the draft. With this one, they go after a need on
defense by shoring up their secondary with a player that goes by the nickname
“HaHa.” There’s nothing funny about his play, he’s athletic enough to make plays
in coverage and physical enough to support the run or take out a receiver who
caught a short pass.
14. Chicago
Bears: Calvin Pryor, S Louisville – The Bears have some need in their
secondary. They currently don’t have anyone that can be a successful starter at
strong safety. The Bears couldn’t stop the Packers from driving down the field
and winning the NFC North in the season finale. They’ve also got to face the
Lion’s Matthew Stafford twice a season, and the Vikings could take a QB in the
second round to groom for the future. If they want to win the division in 2014,
they’ll have to stop two of the better quarterbacks in the league.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelvin
Benjamin, WR Florida State – The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up a safety in free
agency, and that’s good because in this mock I have both top safeties already
off of the board. Kevin Colbert has said they’re going to draft a receiver, and
I think they take the tall playmaker from the National Champions who made the
biggest offensive play of the game. Ben Roethlisberger has been asking for a
tall receiver since the Steelers let Plaxico Burress walk after
Roethlisberger’s rookie season. I think this is the year they
finally acquiesce
their franchise quarterback with this request.
16. Dallas
Cowboys: Aaron Donald, DT Pittsburgh – The Cowboys are in need of a stud
defensive tackle as they move from a 3-4 defensive alignment to a 4-3 which
employees two defensive tackles. Donald is the smartest choice here for the
Cowboys, who need to get better on that side of the ball in a division with Eli
Manning (who had an off year), Chip Kelly’s Eagles, and Robert Griffin III.
Donald can stuff the run and rush the passer from the DT position, making him a
great choice for the Cowboys.
17.
Baltimore Ravens: Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina – The Ravens traded away Anquan
Boldin before last season. They paid Joe Flacco huge money, and left him with
very little to work with, especially since TE Dennis Pitta injured his hip
before the season started and missed most of it. In their Super Bowl season,
many of Joe Flacco’s big players was throwing up prayers. Last season Flacco
looked like the typical Joe Flacco, not the guy the Ravens thought they paid
all that money to. Eric Ebron is a stud pass catching TE who could start right
away, and also allow the Ravens to run two tight end sets which I think would
be a big help to Joe Flacco.
18. New York
Jets: Marqise Lee, WR USC – The Jets need to surround either QB that starts for
them, Geno Smith or Mike Vick, with some better talent than what Geno had a
season ago. They added Eric Decker, but this offense needs more than just
Decker if they want to get into the playoffs, much less win a game in the
playoffs. Lee is fast, will force defenses to keep a safety up top, and can
blow the lid off of defenses.
19. Miami
Dolphins: Zach Martin, OT/G, Notre Dame – The Dolphins are in trouble on the
offensive line after the bullying scandal that rocked the club last season.
Gone are Richie Incognito and Jonathon Martin. They signed Branden Albert
formerly of the Chiefs, but they have two positions on the right side currently
open for starters because the two players that I said were gone were listed as
starters on that side of the line a year ago. Zach Martin would fill one of the
two holes, as he could play either tackle or guard.
20. Arizona
Cardinals: Darqueze Dennnard, CB Michigan State – The Cardinals want another
top-flight corner across from Patrick Peterson, and Dennard seems to fit well
here. The Cardinals also want to go best player available, something their head
coach learned from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dennard falls
into that category as well. If he is gone, they may go offensive line with this
pick.
21. Green
Bay Packers: Ra’Shede Hageman, DE/DT Minesota – The Packers need more help on
defense, and they want to get tough and quicker on the offensive line. Hageman
could play DE in the base package and DT in the sub packages. He would be an
instant starter for the Packers, who would be able to help the OLB’s get to the
quarterback by taking up blocks.
22.
Philadelphia Eagles: Ryan Shazier, OLB Ohio State – The Packers had problems on
defense last season, hell they had problems in their playoff loss. I don’t
think there is a safety worth taking here, so I think they take Shazier who is
a tackling machine and will turn the corner on the blitz. He could replace
Connor Barwin at LOLB immediately.
23. Kansas
City Chiefs: Brandin Cooks, WR Oregon State – The Chiefs might be a candidate
to trade up ahead of Miami to take Martin of Notre Dame since they lost Albert
in FA. Since I don’t predict trades, I have them taking the speedy WR from
Oregon State because Alex Smith needs a speedy downfield receiver to be his
best in this offense. Cooks will cause matchup problems and now allow defenses
to stack the box against Jamaal Charles.
24.
Cincinnati Bengals: Dee Ford, DE Auburn – The Bengals lost Michael Johnson in
free agency and they need another pass rusher. Ford can come in and help with
that immediately. In the division you have three Super Bowl rings between Ben
Roethlisberger (2) and Joe Flacco (1). The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game
since 1990 either, getting to the quarterback can help break that skid.
25. San
Diego Chargers: Louis Nix, DT Notre Dame – He falls to the Chargers, who need a
nose tackle to anchor their 3-4 defense. He can play right away, taking up two
blockers most of the time to help free up a linebacker to make a big splash
play. The Chargers can then go linebacker or wide receiver in the second round,
but there’s no way they pass up Nix if he falls to them. Their guy in New York
should sprint that card up front.
26.
Cleveland Browns: Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG Notre Dame – The Cleveland Browns have a
glaring hole at right guard, and they have nobody who is currently ready to
step in and play. It’s not going to matter who plays quarterback for the Browns
if they can’t protect their signal caller. This guy’s name is a mouth full, but
he will provide protection for the quarterback and help open holes for new
starting running back Ben Tate.
27. New
Orleans Saints: Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech – The Saints need a CB who can
start across from Keenan Lewis, so they draft Fuller to give them two young
studs at the starting cornerback positions. Defense has never been the
strongest side of the ball for the Saints, but they knew they need some
playmakers in the secondary if they want to compete for and in the playoffs
every year.
28. Carolina
Panthers: Odell Beckham, WR LSU – The Panthers WR corps has turned into a joke.
They signed Jericho Cotchery, but his ten touchdown season with the Steelers
last year (a career high) is probably more of a fluke than a projection for
future production. However, he is a heck of a possession receiver and should
help. But outside of a guy who was a third receiver a year ago, they have
nothing. That’s why I have them taking Beckham, or whoever is best available at
this position. If they want to get the most out of Cam Newton, he needs
weapons.
29. New
England Patriots: Jace Amaro, TE Texas Tech – The Patriots like big tight ends
who can catch, and Amaro falls into exactly the mold they like. Gronk finished
the season on IR once again, and they don’t really have anyone behind the
oft-injured tight end. Enter Amaro, who will allow the Patriots to go back to
the two tight end sets they used before Aaron Hernandez went to jail. Amaro
will bring new wrinkles to the Patriots offense, making them that much harder
to defend. Teams can’t defend Gronk, and Amaro would prove to be a challenge
himself.
30. San
Francisco 49ers: Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State – The 49ers not only got some
surprisingly poor QB play towards the end of the NFC Championship Game, they
also allowed the Seahawks to make plays at will. I am not impressed at all by
their secondary, and while Roby had an up-and-down season at Ohio State, he’s a
first round talent who the 49ers could use immediately.
31. Denver
Broncos : David Yankey, OG Stanford – The Broncos could use some more beef up
front, not just to protect Peyton Manning but to help bust open holes for the
running attack so they can balance the offense. At 6’6” and 315 pounds, he’s a
guy who could help where there’s a need on offense.
32. Seattle
Seahawks: Kony Ealy, DE Missouri – Free agency hasn’t been good to the
defending Super Bowl Champs, and it normally never is. The Seahawks lost Chris
Clemmons, and they could lose Chris Avril after this season. Ealy can step
right in and rush the passer on the defensive line for this team that plays a
rough and mean defense, which is what won them the Super Bowl.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Steelers Offseason Outlook
I have had a few weeks to think back on the Steelers season, and now it's time to look at what the offseason shall bring.
Here is a list of the 21 Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) that the Steelers have this year:
Wide Receiver (3): Plaxico Burress, Jerricho Cotchery, Emmanuel Sanders
Running Backs (3): Jonathon Dwyer, Felix Jones, LaRod Stephens-Howling
Tight Ends (2): David Johnson, Michael Palmer
Offensive Linemen (3): Fernando Velasco, Cody Wallace, Guy Whimper
Defensive Linemen (3): Ziggy Hood, Brett Keisel, Al Woods
Linebackers (3): Stevenson Sylvester, Jamaal Westerman, Jason Worilds
Defensive Backs (2): Will Allen, Ryan Clark
Specialists (2): Matt McBriar, Greg Warren
The Steelers also have one Exclusive Rights Free Agent in offensive lineman Eric Olsen.
I would say their number one priority in free agency is resigning Jason Worilds who led the team in sacks last season with 8 sacks. The Steelers also spent a first round pick on Jarvis Jones, and I don't think they want him to sit on the sidelines for much longer. However, this leaves the Steelers in a pickle with another outside linebacker on the roster, LaMarr Woodley. They gave him a big contract a couple years ago, so I think it's a bit of a cap hit to cut him. But he's been hurt the last few years and hasn't had double digit sacks since 2010. So if the Steelers resign Worilds, they may be cutting bait with Woodley.
Other free agents I would like to see them keep:
Jerricho Cotchery, WR - He's Hines Ward Lite...he makes a lot of catches, including the tough ones. If you hit him, he gets back up and makes a big catch. He's great out of the slot. He may not be fast, but he runs precise routes and catches the ball when it's thrown his way. He's reliable, and that's what you need in a receiver more than anything.
Jonathon Dwyer, RB - He's not going to start unless Le'Veon Bell is hurt. However he'll get you some tough yards and is a great change-of-pace backup for Bell. The Steelers cut him in training camp last year and then resigned him when they couldn't muster a running game while Bell was hurt to start the season. I think the Steelers would like to bring him back in the role he played behind Bell this year.
Fernando Velasco, OL - He played very well at center with Maurkice Pouncey getting put on IR in the first game of the year. He's be a great backup to the oft-injured Pouncey and could probably start at guard over Foster. He also played under our new offensive line coach Mike Munchack, so he would help the offensive line adjust to what Munchack wants them to do.
Guy Whimper, OL - The guy isn't the best tackle in the NFL, but he played pretty damn well last season when called upon. Even if he's just there for depth, I like him and would like to see the Steelers bring him back.
Brett Keisel, DL - I would love for them to bring The Beard back for at least one more year. He's like a coach on the field, and even if he's not a starter anymore he's still a damn good player who can help keep legs fresh in the trenches. He should never wear another uniform.
I think those are the guys the Steelers need to bring back most of all.
Now you may be wondering about first round pick Ziggy Hood. He hasn't been all that impressive. With the Steelers always being up against the cap, and Hood losing his starting job to Heyward who is a stud at DE for us, I think the Steelers let Hood test free agency. They want to see what he's offered before making an offer. I think they have a number in mind that they're willing to pay him, but they want to see if they could either get him for less...or if a team wants to overpay for him, and then get the comp pick for him instead.
The Steelers don't make splash signings in free agency. However, they need to fill some holes on defense. They haven't had a pocket collapsing, run stopping NT since Casey Hampton wasn't resigned. The NT is the lynchpin of the Steeler's 3-4 defense. We need a guy who other teams have to often double team. This way the offensive line is dealing with our three defensive linemen allowing our linebackers to make the "splash plays."
I think the Steelers might look at B.J. Raji of the Packers, Paul Soliai of the Dolphins, and maybe another guy or two. Soliai probably will be too expensive, and might end up back with the 'Phins. I think the Packers are going to let Raji test free agency. If he isn't signed in that first wave, or if he's not getting super big offers (which I don't think he will), the Steelers may kick the tires on him. He's shown that he could be that kind of NT, and maybe he just needs that change of scenery. But the Steelers aren't going to overpay for the guy.
If they don't get a NT who can start in free agenct, and they likely won't, look at the draft.
I have seen mock drafts where they take a nose tackle, wide receiver, corner, and safety at this pick.
Ike Taylor is getting old and didn't play so great last season, if he doesn't take a pay cut this year he may find himself cut. Even if they keep him, they need a corner for the future. The Steelers let Keenan Lewis walk and become a Saint, which might have happened no matter what because that's his hometown team.
It's likely the Steelers will go into the season with Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen as the starting corners. William Gay is a fourth corner at best, in my opinion. I don't think they have a future starter on the roster after Cortez, so the Steelers will be looking to upgrade this position. The Steelers have had luck developing later round corners into starters such as Taylor, Lewis, and Allen. So there's no guarantee the Steelers go this rout in the first two rounds.
I have also seen the Steelers tied to a wide receiver in some mock drafts. GM Kevin Colbert said that the Steelers need to build around Ben Roethlisberger...and it's about time they see that! Ben has wanted a tall receiver since Plaxico Burress left after his rookie season. Plax did return, but didn't play much and then got hurt. He won't be back this season.
I've seen the Steelers linked to players such as the former USC playmaker Marqise Lee, and Florida State National Championship game hero Kelvin Benjamin. Either player I think would be welcomed by Roethlisberger as a play maker in the passing game. If they don't go WR in the first round, they'll likely go there in the second.
Safety is another need. Troy Polamalu plans to play out his contract and then retire, which means he wants to play this year. He played well last season for the first time in a while because of injuries. But even if he plays and plays well all season, who's playing across from him? I don't think the Steelers want to bring back Ryan Clark who played poorly last season. I don't think they want to start Shamarko Thomas across from Polamalu because he was drafted to be the eventual replacement. They've been linked to a few safeties with some ball skills. Calvin Pryor of Louisville is one of those safeties, and not only can he hold his own in coverage the guy hits like a sledgehammer, something the Steelers covet in their defensive backfield. Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is another guy who the Steelers would love if he's there.
And like I said before, the Steelers could go and get that lynchpin of the defense in nose tackle. I have seen them linked to Louis Nix of Notre Dame if he's there.
What will be the hardest thing for me to do in the coming days is work on my next blog, a full first round mock draft. I like all these players for the Steelers, and more than one should be available at 15th overall.
Well that's my offseason outlook for the Steelers! Keep an eye out for my first full first round mock draft!
Now you may be wondering about first round pick Ziggy Hood. He hasn't been all that impressive. With the Steelers always being up against the cap, and Hood losing his starting job to Heyward who is a stud at DE for us, I think the Steelers let Hood test free agency. They want to see what he's offered before making an offer. I think they have a number in mind that they're willing to pay him, but they want to see if they could either get him for less...or if a team wants to overpay for him, and then get the comp pick for him instead.
The Steelers don't make splash signings in free agency. However, they need to fill some holes on defense. They haven't had a pocket collapsing, run stopping NT since Casey Hampton wasn't resigned. The NT is the lynchpin of the Steeler's 3-4 defense. We need a guy who other teams have to often double team. This way the offensive line is dealing with our three defensive linemen allowing our linebackers to make the "splash plays."
I think the Steelers might look at B.J. Raji of the Packers, Paul Soliai of the Dolphins, and maybe another guy or two. Soliai probably will be too expensive, and might end up back with the 'Phins. I think the Packers are going to let Raji test free agency. If he isn't signed in that first wave, or if he's not getting super big offers (which I don't think he will), the Steelers may kick the tires on him. He's shown that he could be that kind of NT, and maybe he just needs that change of scenery. But the Steelers aren't going to overpay for the guy.
If they don't get a NT who can start in free agenct, and they likely won't, look at the draft.
I have seen mock drafts where they take a nose tackle, wide receiver, corner, and safety at this pick.
Ike Taylor is getting old and didn't play so great last season, if he doesn't take a pay cut this year he may find himself cut. Even if they keep him, they need a corner for the future. The Steelers let Keenan Lewis walk and become a Saint, which might have happened no matter what because that's his hometown team.
It's likely the Steelers will go into the season with Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen as the starting corners. William Gay is a fourth corner at best, in my opinion. I don't think they have a future starter on the roster after Cortez, so the Steelers will be looking to upgrade this position. The Steelers have had luck developing later round corners into starters such as Taylor, Lewis, and Allen. So there's no guarantee the Steelers go this rout in the first two rounds.
I have also seen the Steelers tied to a wide receiver in some mock drafts. GM Kevin Colbert said that the Steelers need to build around Ben Roethlisberger...and it's about time they see that! Ben has wanted a tall receiver since Plaxico Burress left after his rookie season. Plax did return, but didn't play much and then got hurt. He won't be back this season.
I've seen the Steelers linked to players such as the former USC playmaker Marqise Lee, and Florida State National Championship game hero Kelvin Benjamin. Either player I think would be welcomed by Roethlisberger as a play maker in the passing game. If they don't go WR in the first round, they'll likely go there in the second.
Safety is another need. Troy Polamalu plans to play out his contract and then retire, which means he wants to play this year. He played well last season for the first time in a while because of injuries. But even if he plays and plays well all season, who's playing across from him? I don't think the Steelers want to bring back Ryan Clark who played poorly last season. I don't think they want to start Shamarko Thomas across from Polamalu because he was drafted to be the eventual replacement. They've been linked to a few safeties with some ball skills. Calvin Pryor of Louisville is one of those safeties, and not only can he hold his own in coverage the guy hits like a sledgehammer, something the Steelers covet in their defensive backfield. Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is another guy who the Steelers would love if he's there.
And like I said before, the Steelers could go and get that lynchpin of the defense in nose tackle. I have seen them linked to Louis Nix of Notre Dame if he's there.
What will be the hardest thing for me to do in the coming days is work on my next blog, a full first round mock draft. I like all these players for the Steelers, and more than one should be available at 15th overall.
Well that's my offseason outlook for the Steelers! Keep an eye out for my first full first round mock draft!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Week 1: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly vs. Titans
Week one came, and for most of the members of Steeler Nation, we wish it hadn't.
Yeah, the Steelers got two points at the very beginning of the game when Tennessee's kick returner left the endzone and then re-entered the endzone to down the ball giving the Steelers a safety, but then until the final two minutes of the game the Steelers didn't score again.
So here we go with the first edition of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly for the 2013 season.
The Good
Honestly, there is very little good coming from this game. It was brutal. I had the Browns game on my television (I live in Cleveland, so that's the game that was on) and I was streaming the Steelers game on my laptop. If it wasn't for uniforms, I would have been confused on which game I was watching at any time because the most popular play of both offenses was the punt.
So the good is the fact that the defense played well. They gave up 16 points, and that damn sure isn't bad at all seeing how much time they spent on the field. Tennessee's offense was on the field for 34:01. If the offense could have sustained drives and allowed the defense to catch their breath, they would have won this game.
Also, on the good part, the rest of the division lost. The entire division goes into week two with a record of 0-1. So we are tied for first, or last depending on how you look at it.
The Bad
What the hell was the offense doing? We couldn't run, and the passing game was inept until the end of the game when Ben drove them down the field for a touchdown. Redman fumbled on the three yard line, the ball was recovered in the endzone by the Titans for a touch back. No running back gained even 20 yards yesterday, and three of them got carries!
Normally I am not "blame the offensive coordinator" guy, but Haley's play calling was putrid. This is his second season running the offense. All I read leading up to the season was that he was more comfortable with the players and they were more comfortable with him. I didn't see any of that yesterday. I saw a team with no identity. At least with Whisenhut the players knew the offense would be run based and with Arians the players knew the team would be pass based. I don't think even Haley knows what he wants to do on offense. When it was obvious that we couldn't run the ball, he should have adjusted to more of a pass based offense. Instead, he kept trying to beat a dead horse.
The offensive line is horrible. Again. I thought maybe this was fixed seeing how second round picks had been used at the tackle positions and two first round picks had been used on a center and a guard. But this offensive line looks no better than ones of the past made up mostly of mid-round picks. If the Steelers are going to even reach the 8-8 record they had last year, this offensive line is going to have to shape up and give Big Ben some time and our running backs some type of hole to run through. I'm not asking for the HOGS of Redskins fame, but I've seen better offensive line play in high school football games. Hell, a local high school might have done a better job on Sunday than the guys wearing Black & Gold. The offensive line play was that brutal.
The Steelers resigned Jonathon Dwyer, a running back that they cut just nine days ago. He was last year's leading rusher with 623 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was brought back because of the lack of a run game, and because of a season ending injury to LaRod Stephens-Howling. I know the coaches want Le'Veon Bell, their second round pick, to be the starter however he's currently out with a foot injury. So this is Dwyer's chance to seize the starting running back position. If he doesn't impress, Bell will be inserted when healthy.
The Ugly
Injuries, injuries, and more injuries. The Steelers are looking more and more like a MASH unit than a football team, and we are just a week into the season.
Pro Bowl starting center Maurkice Pouncey is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his knee, after fellow offensive lineman David DeCastro dove or fell (depending on your point of view) and crashed into the back of Pouncey's knee. Pouncey was our best offensive lineman, considered by many to be the second best center in the AFC. Now he's gone for the year. The Steelers signed former Titans center/guard Fernando Velasco. Seeing how he wasn't on a roster in week one, I don't know if he's going to replace Pouncey in the middle of the line or is just a depth signing because they're going to reshuffle the line.
Starting veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote sustained a ruptured tendon in his bicep, and is also out for the season. I have no idea who is going to replace him. On the two-deep the backup ILB's are Vince Williams (rookie) and Kion Wilson. I have a feeling they might move Chris Carter inside seeing how he has the most experience of the three in our defense. I really wish Sean Spence had never gotten that freak injury, because he would have been able to step in here, and I felt he was going to be a future star LB for this team. Now I am really hoping he can make a full enough recovery to play again, because Foote's career is likely over now.
LaRod Stephens-Howling tore his ACL in Sunday's game, which is a big reason why Dwyer was resigned today. He was expected to be a third down back and be fresh legs in the backfield this season with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He was also probably the fastest RB on the roster.
Those are just the season ending injuries sustained yesterday.
Shaun Suisham is having hamstring issues, so the Steelers signed Shane Graham, who was recently cut by the Cleveland Browns a little over a week ago, after spending all of training camp and preseason with the team competing for the then vacant kicker position. Matter-of-fact, the Browns cut BOTH kickers on final cut day and opted to try out two guys that were free agents and hadn't been in camps and use one of them. So we now have a kicker who wasn't even good enough for the Cleveland freaking Browns! And we currently have two kickers on the roster, meaning we would have to cut from another position (or place on IR) to bring in a LB for depth until Suisham is healthy.
Folks, it doesn't get much uglier than that!
Yeah, the Steelers got two points at the very beginning of the game when Tennessee's kick returner left the endzone and then re-entered the endzone to down the ball giving the Steelers a safety, but then until the final two minutes of the game the Steelers didn't score again.
So here we go with the first edition of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly for the 2013 season.
The Good
Honestly, there is very little good coming from this game. It was brutal. I had the Browns game on my television (I live in Cleveland, so that's the game that was on) and I was streaming the Steelers game on my laptop. If it wasn't for uniforms, I would have been confused on which game I was watching at any time because the most popular play of both offenses was the punt.
So the good is the fact that the defense played well. They gave up 16 points, and that damn sure isn't bad at all seeing how much time they spent on the field. Tennessee's offense was on the field for 34:01. If the offense could have sustained drives and allowed the defense to catch their breath, they would have won this game.
Also, on the good part, the rest of the division lost. The entire division goes into week two with a record of 0-1. So we are tied for first, or last depending on how you look at it.
The Bad
What the hell was the offense doing? We couldn't run, and the passing game was inept until the end of the game when Ben drove them down the field for a touchdown. Redman fumbled on the three yard line, the ball was recovered in the endzone by the Titans for a touch back. No running back gained even 20 yards yesterday, and three of them got carries!
Normally I am not "blame the offensive coordinator" guy, but Haley's play calling was putrid. This is his second season running the offense. All I read leading up to the season was that he was more comfortable with the players and they were more comfortable with him. I didn't see any of that yesterday. I saw a team with no identity. At least with Whisenhut the players knew the offense would be run based and with Arians the players knew the team would be pass based. I don't think even Haley knows what he wants to do on offense. When it was obvious that we couldn't run the ball, he should have adjusted to more of a pass based offense. Instead, he kept trying to beat a dead horse.
The offensive line is horrible. Again. I thought maybe this was fixed seeing how second round picks had been used at the tackle positions and two first round picks had been used on a center and a guard. But this offensive line looks no better than ones of the past made up mostly of mid-round picks. If the Steelers are going to even reach the 8-8 record they had last year, this offensive line is going to have to shape up and give Big Ben some time and our running backs some type of hole to run through. I'm not asking for the HOGS of Redskins fame, but I've seen better offensive line play in high school football games. Hell, a local high school might have done a better job on Sunday than the guys wearing Black & Gold. The offensive line play was that brutal.
The Steelers resigned Jonathon Dwyer, a running back that they cut just nine days ago. He was last year's leading rusher with 623 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was brought back because of the lack of a run game, and because of a season ending injury to LaRod Stephens-Howling. I know the coaches want Le'Veon Bell, their second round pick, to be the starter however he's currently out with a foot injury. So this is Dwyer's chance to seize the starting running back position. If he doesn't impress, Bell will be inserted when healthy.
The Ugly
Injuries, injuries, and more injuries. The Steelers are looking more and more like a MASH unit than a football team, and we are just a week into the season.
Pro Bowl starting center Maurkice Pouncey is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his knee, after fellow offensive lineman David DeCastro dove or fell (depending on your point of view) and crashed into the back of Pouncey's knee. Pouncey was our best offensive lineman, considered by many to be the second best center in the AFC. Now he's gone for the year. The Steelers signed former Titans center/guard Fernando Velasco. Seeing how he wasn't on a roster in week one, I don't know if he's going to replace Pouncey in the middle of the line or is just a depth signing because they're going to reshuffle the line.
Starting veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote sustained a ruptured tendon in his bicep, and is also out for the season. I have no idea who is going to replace him. On the two-deep the backup ILB's are Vince Williams (rookie) and Kion Wilson. I have a feeling they might move Chris Carter inside seeing how he has the most experience of the three in our defense. I really wish Sean Spence had never gotten that freak injury, because he would have been able to step in here, and I felt he was going to be a future star LB for this team. Now I am really hoping he can make a full enough recovery to play again, because Foote's career is likely over now.
LaRod Stephens-Howling tore his ACL in Sunday's game, which is a big reason why Dwyer was resigned today. He was expected to be a third down back and be fresh legs in the backfield this season with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He was also probably the fastest RB on the roster.
Those are just the season ending injuries sustained yesterday.
Shaun Suisham is having hamstring issues, so the Steelers signed Shane Graham, who was recently cut by the Cleveland Browns a little over a week ago, after spending all of training camp and preseason with the team competing for the then vacant kicker position. Matter-of-fact, the Browns cut BOTH kickers on final cut day and opted to try out two guys that were free agents and hadn't been in camps and use one of them. So we now have a kicker who wasn't even good enough for the Cleveland freaking Browns! And we currently have two kickers on the roster, meaning we would have to cut from another position (or place on IR) to bring in a LB for depth until Suisham is healthy.
Folks, it doesn't get much uglier than that!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Steelers Draft Review
Yesterday evening wrapped up the 2013 NFL Draft, and the Steelers did a pretty damn good job, in my opinion. I would give them an A because they got some good players that can contribute right away, even if just on special teams, and guys that can start down the road.
First Round, 17th Overall
Jarvis Jones - OLB/Georgia
Jarvis Jones was drafted as the replacement for the released (and recently signed by the Cincinnati Bengals) James Harrison. Jones should compete immediately with Jason Worilds to start at the right outside linebacker spot for the Steelers aggressive 3-4 defense.
Now following the pick, there was a lot of negative reaction on Twitter about the pick. People are saying that by taking Jones here, it wastes the second rounder that was used a few years ago on Worilds. That he never got a fair shake and now Jones is going to be pushed into the spot sooner rather than later to justify the first round pick.
Here's the thing: Worilds has not impressed the Steelers coaching staff or front office with his play since being drafted. In three years he has a total of 42 games played, 81 tackles, and 10 sacks. Yes he had 5 sacks last year, but they were against the following teams: Denver (1), Philadelphia (1), Tennessee (1), Cleveland (2). Four of the five were against teams that didn't make the playoffs, and those three teams all picked in the top 10 in the draft. And a sack against Peyton Manning doesn't mean much these days because he normally folds like a piece of paper to avoid a big hit. They've seen him in practice, in games, and watched all the video from both. They know what they have in Jason Worilds.
Worilds will get the chance to compete for a starting job in training camp. We had a bit of the same situation in 2007 when the Steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons. People didn't like the pick and felt that James Harrison wouldn't get a fair shot to win the OLB job. Harrison went on to become one of the best linebackers the Steelers have had, and Timmons moved to the inside where he has excelled. If Worilds looks like the better player in minicamps, OTA's, and training camp...then he will win the job. Rookies don't often start for the Steelers, they have to be special players to do so.
But if Jones shows to be the better option at OLB, he will start. If Worilds wins the job in training camp but isn't getting the job done in regular season games, Jones will get playing time. This team went 8-8 last year when the team expected to be in the playoffs. They will play the best players at their positions, regardless of draft status or time in the league.
This also serves as a heads up to LaMarr Woodley who had a down year last year. If Worilds proves he can play well, Woodley could become a cap casualty in a season or two if he doesn't regain his form. Some believe that part of the reason he was so good is because so much attention was paid to Harrison over the years, and once his play declined teams focused on Woodley. I think that's true, but only a little bit. I think injuries had more to do with Woodley's decline in play than anything. However, if we get a stud pass rusher across from him again, that should be a big help.
Second Round, 48th Overall
Le'Veon Bell, RB/Michigan State
Last season, the Steelers didn't have a feature back. They had a stable of backs who all had good qualities, but none had the complete package looked for in a feature back. Bell however, can step in from day one and be the feature back. Last season he ran 382 times for 1,793 yards averaging 4.7 YPC, and 12 touchdowns. In his Spartans career he totaled 671 yards for 3,308 yards averaging 5.1 YPC, and 33 touchdowns. He also caught 78 passes 542 yards and 1 TD in his college career.
Bell is 6'2" and 244 Lbs., so he has the size to take the beating that NFL defenses hand out. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and he's athletic. I don't expect him to go down easily and he's going to hit the holes hard, unlike a former Steelers first round pick at the same position.
Third Round, 79th Overall
Markus Wheaton, WR/Oregon State
Wheaton is a smallish receiver with some good speed delivering a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Combine. The Steelers lost speedster Mike Wallace in free agency, and they drafted Wheaton to help blow the top off of defenses. The Oregon State product was used on sweeps quite a few times in his college career. His production only went up every year, peaking last season with 91 receptions, 1,244 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
He won't win a starting job in his rookie season, but he's an insurance policy if Emmanuel Sanders leaves in free agency. Look for him to be the third or fourth receiver on this team, taking advantage of his speed in the slot.
Fourth Round, 111th Overall
Shamarko Thomas, S/Syracuse
Thomas is a heavy hitting safety who will probably play special teams mostly as a rookie, but could start if there's an injury to either Troy Polamalu or Ryan Clark, but he will probably be listed as the main backup the Polamalu on the depth chart. He may be a starter as soon as next year if Ryan Clark is not re-signed with his contract expires. Sitting behind two Pro Bowl safeties, one a future Hall of Famer, should do nothing but help him get better as he prepares for what should be mostly a career as a starter in the NFL.
Fourth Round, 115th Overall
Landry Jones, QB/Oklahoma
Landry Jones took over for first overall pick Sam Bradford in 2008 when he got injured, and had a good career for the Sooners throwing 30+ touchdowns twice. This is a pick for the future, as the Steelers need to get younger at quarterback and find a player they can groom as a solid #2 quarterback at worst, and at best the eventual successor to Ben Roethlisberger. Jones can be groomed to be that successor, but I will be happy with a solid immediate backup out of a fourth round pick.
Fifth Round, 150th Overall
Terry Hawthorne, CB/Illinois
Terry Hawthorne is a physical corner who can support the run, and has the speed to match up with the other team's top receiver. However, the injury bug got him a few times in college, so his durability is in question.
Maybe the heir to Ike Taylor? He reminds me of Ike Taylor somewhat, and being a fifth round pick he should play a lot on special teams. He'll be behind a few guys on the depth chart, but could become a very solid starter down the like like Ike Taylor himself was.
Sixth Round, 186th Overall
Justin Brown, WR/Oklahoma
I can't find much info on Brown, to be honest. I don't know much about him. However, at 6'3" and 213 Lbs. he's a bigger receiver who could become an asset in the redzone with his size. Look for the Steelers to develop him, as he could eventually become a third receiver.
Sixth Round, 206th Overall
Vince Williams, LB/Florida State
Williams looks to be an inside linebacker prospect for the Steelers, who have some need there with Sean Spence recovering from a bad knee injury in last year's preseason. Williams will add depth to the inside linebacker corps where there isn't a lot of experience behind Foote and fellow Florida State prospect Timmons. If Williams makes the team, I expect him to be almost strictly a special teams player.
Seventh Round, 223rd Overall
Nicholas Williams, DT/Samford
Williams is coming out of small Samford, where at his size I expect him to be a backup NT in the Steelers 3-4 defense. There isn't much behind Steve McLendon and nobody knows if Casey Hampton will eventually be resigned, especially after the contract just given to McLendon.
First Round, 17th Overall
Jarvis Jones - OLB/Georgia
Jarvis Jones was drafted as the replacement for the released (and recently signed by the Cincinnati Bengals) James Harrison. Jones should compete immediately with Jason Worilds to start at the right outside linebacker spot for the Steelers aggressive 3-4 defense.
Now following the pick, there was a lot of negative reaction on Twitter about the pick. People are saying that by taking Jones here, it wastes the second rounder that was used a few years ago on Worilds. That he never got a fair shake and now Jones is going to be pushed into the spot sooner rather than later to justify the first round pick.
Here's the thing: Worilds has not impressed the Steelers coaching staff or front office with his play since being drafted. In three years he has a total of 42 games played, 81 tackles, and 10 sacks. Yes he had 5 sacks last year, but they were against the following teams: Denver (1), Philadelphia (1), Tennessee (1), Cleveland (2). Four of the five were against teams that didn't make the playoffs, and those three teams all picked in the top 10 in the draft. And a sack against Peyton Manning doesn't mean much these days because he normally folds like a piece of paper to avoid a big hit. They've seen him in practice, in games, and watched all the video from both. They know what they have in Jason Worilds.
Worilds will get the chance to compete for a starting job in training camp. We had a bit of the same situation in 2007 when the Steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons. People didn't like the pick and felt that James Harrison wouldn't get a fair shot to win the OLB job. Harrison went on to become one of the best linebackers the Steelers have had, and Timmons moved to the inside where he has excelled. If Worilds looks like the better player in minicamps, OTA's, and training camp...then he will win the job. Rookies don't often start for the Steelers, they have to be special players to do so.
But if Jones shows to be the better option at OLB, he will start. If Worilds wins the job in training camp but isn't getting the job done in regular season games, Jones will get playing time. This team went 8-8 last year when the team expected to be in the playoffs. They will play the best players at their positions, regardless of draft status or time in the league.
This also serves as a heads up to LaMarr Woodley who had a down year last year. If Worilds proves he can play well, Woodley could become a cap casualty in a season or two if he doesn't regain his form. Some believe that part of the reason he was so good is because so much attention was paid to Harrison over the years, and once his play declined teams focused on Woodley. I think that's true, but only a little bit. I think injuries had more to do with Woodley's decline in play than anything. However, if we get a stud pass rusher across from him again, that should be a big help.
Second Round, 48th Overall
Le'Veon Bell, RB/Michigan State
Last season, the Steelers didn't have a feature back. They had a stable of backs who all had good qualities, but none had the complete package looked for in a feature back. Bell however, can step in from day one and be the feature back. Last season he ran 382 times for 1,793 yards averaging 4.7 YPC, and 12 touchdowns. In his Spartans career he totaled 671 yards for 3,308 yards averaging 5.1 YPC, and 33 touchdowns. He also caught 78 passes 542 yards and 1 TD in his college career.
Bell is 6'2" and 244 Lbs., so he has the size to take the beating that NFL defenses hand out. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and he's athletic. I don't expect him to go down easily and he's going to hit the holes hard, unlike a former Steelers first round pick at the same position.
Third Round, 79th Overall
Markus Wheaton, WR/Oregon State
Wheaton is a smallish receiver with some good speed delivering a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Combine. The Steelers lost speedster Mike Wallace in free agency, and they drafted Wheaton to help blow the top off of defenses. The Oregon State product was used on sweeps quite a few times in his college career. His production only went up every year, peaking last season with 91 receptions, 1,244 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
He won't win a starting job in his rookie season, but he's an insurance policy if Emmanuel Sanders leaves in free agency. Look for him to be the third or fourth receiver on this team, taking advantage of his speed in the slot.
Fourth Round, 111th Overall
Shamarko Thomas, S/Syracuse
Thomas is a heavy hitting safety who will probably play special teams mostly as a rookie, but could start if there's an injury to either Troy Polamalu or Ryan Clark, but he will probably be listed as the main backup the Polamalu on the depth chart. He may be a starter as soon as next year if Ryan Clark is not re-signed with his contract expires. Sitting behind two Pro Bowl safeties, one a future Hall of Famer, should do nothing but help him get better as he prepares for what should be mostly a career as a starter in the NFL.
Fourth Round, 115th Overall
Landry Jones, QB/Oklahoma
Landry Jones took over for first overall pick Sam Bradford in 2008 when he got injured, and had a good career for the Sooners throwing 30+ touchdowns twice. This is a pick for the future, as the Steelers need to get younger at quarterback and find a player they can groom as a solid #2 quarterback at worst, and at best the eventual successor to Ben Roethlisberger. Jones can be groomed to be that successor, but I will be happy with a solid immediate backup out of a fourth round pick.
Fifth Round, 150th Overall
Terry Hawthorne, CB/Illinois
Terry Hawthorne is a physical corner who can support the run, and has the speed to match up with the other team's top receiver. However, the injury bug got him a few times in college, so his durability is in question.
Maybe the heir to Ike Taylor? He reminds me of Ike Taylor somewhat, and being a fifth round pick he should play a lot on special teams. He'll be behind a few guys on the depth chart, but could become a very solid starter down the like like Ike Taylor himself was.
Sixth Round, 186th Overall
Justin Brown, WR/Oklahoma
I can't find much info on Brown, to be honest. I don't know much about him. However, at 6'3" and 213 Lbs. he's a bigger receiver who could become an asset in the redzone with his size. Look for the Steelers to develop him, as he could eventually become a third receiver.
Sixth Round, 206th Overall
Vince Williams, LB/Florida State
Williams looks to be an inside linebacker prospect for the Steelers, who have some need there with Sean Spence recovering from a bad knee injury in last year's preseason. Williams will add depth to the inside linebacker corps where there isn't a lot of experience behind Foote and fellow Florida State prospect Timmons. If Williams makes the team, I expect him to be almost strictly a special teams player.
Seventh Round, 223rd Overall
Nicholas Williams, DT/Samford
Williams is coming out of small Samford, where at his size I expect him to be a backup NT in the Steelers 3-4 defense. There isn't much behind Steve McLendon and nobody knows if Casey Hampton will eventually be resigned, especially after the contract just given to McLendon.
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