2014 Offseason Thread

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Minicamp interviews:
Stephon Tuitt: Rookie Minicamp: Stephon Tuitt
Dri Archer: Rookie Minicamp: Dri Archer
Martavis Bryant: Rookie Minicamp: Martavis Bryant
Shaquille Richardson: Rookie Minicamp: Shaquille Richardson
Mike Tomlin: Rookie Minicamp: Coach Tomlin

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Listened to Bryant's...Good stuff!

Heard he tweaked something.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Listened to Bryant's...Good stuff!

Heard he tweaked something.

Yea so far I've only read that he landed awkwardly after a jump ball down the sidelines. Leg related as far as I know. But probably just a precaution and shouldn't raise any alarms... For me it's definitely worrisome to hear of an "injury" ALREADY when they haven't even started OTA's.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Yea so far I've only read that he landed awkwardly after a jump ball down the sidelines. Leg related as far as I know. But probably just a precaution and shouldn't raise any alarms... For me it's definitely worrisome to hear of an "injury" ALREADY when they haven't even started OTA's.

I'll get to hear the others later.

For now we can assume the starting 5 will be Beechum, Foster, Pouncey, DeCastro, Gilbert

After LY we can also assume they keep 8...currently on the roster are Adams, Wallace, Whimper, Ebernate, Valesco, Rookie Johnson

Who stays? If Wesley Johnson looks good @ C, I think Wallace goes, certainly Valesco...very crowded.

This probably will be one of the toughest competitions in camp...the last 3 OL spots.

Your thoughts on the OL.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Velasco is a FA and isn't likely to be resigned barring any significant injuries in the following weeks of OTA's. I just read an article per BTSC today that said he is 100% healthy and is looking for a starting job (something he won't find in PIT). He'll likely find a contract in the next few weeks, and someone could probably get him at a great deal since he is coming off of injury.

Agreed... Starting 5 will be Beachum, Foster, Pouncey, DeCastro, Gilbert. Only change I could possibly see happening is Adams showing vast improvements and beating out either Beachum or Gilbert. Not likely though, but maybe he'll start in 2015 after a solid year under Munchak.

I think Adams & Wallace are a lock. And the last position will come down to a 3-way battle between Whimper, Ebernate & Johnson. Whimper is under contract but can easily be cut with little dead money. IMO I think they need the depth/flexibility of a player that can play OT since Gilbert's contract is nearing it's end and everyone knows that Beachum is a better fit on the inside. Wallace & Beachum are the perfect swing players for the C & G positions. So my bet is on the rookie Johnson to beat out Whimper. I hate to say it, but Embernate has a very steep climb in front of him if he is going to beat out Wallace.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Interesting development:

Dri Archer has changed his number to #13. Both confirmed by Steelers.com & Archer himself. Which by league rules declares him a WR since those numbers are not allowed to be worn by RBs. Does this mean the RB3 position has been opened back up? He appeared to be the perfect "scatback"/change of pace type of RB3 that they needed, so what gives?

To me, wearing that number is specifically declaring him a ST specialist because the WR corps is already crowded. But if so, who would he compete against (Lance Moore? Not after he signed a $3mil deal). Wheaton to possibly take the WR2 spot!? Very likely… So as far as I know he is going to primarily be used in the return game.

As for the RB3 position… Maybe this opens the door for LSH? I'm sure having Will Johnson still in the fold won't make them feel that this is a pressing need.

Food for thought…

 

[ATL96Steeler]

OL...LT...it's the one position still not locked down...something keeps telling me that Adams is turning the corner and will be the LT...not sure about '14, but maybe '15...unless Gilbert is cheap idk that he comes back so I agree about W. Johnson being one of the 8 and potentially being the '15 RT. Vandy kid...apparently somewhat comfortable with the blocking scheme already.

Archer...I think more than anything it means they will keep at least 5 WRs now. He'll still get a few handoffs, reverses...

 

[ATL96Steeler]

WRs

I think there will be strong competition for the #2 WR...I've heard it from many people, that Wheaton is solid and will produce...but he hasn't yet...Moore is established, I can see him getting the 3rd WR role Cotchery had...Bryant is hungry and talented...at worst he's going to be the 4th guy, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him get a lot of snaps this year if he produces early in camp and be the #2 WR with Wheaton in the slot...the wildcard is Archer.

Throw in 2 reliable TEs, 2 solid RBs, Ben doesn't have the anchor @ LT, but he's never had this much talent around him imo.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Definitely the most talent that Ben has had around him since maybe back in '04-05.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

More on Archer:
Dri Archer can't turn into Chris Rainey 2.0 - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I don't mind the change of pace RB at all...I do agree Haley is the key to his success...because he can play the slot, it will be harder to isolate on him in certain personnel groupings....get him the ball in space 5 or 6 times a game and something good will happen.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

OTA's Begin Tuesday...

Reminder:
Phase 4 (Optional): Organized Team Activities - May 27-29th, June 3-5th, 9-12th (10 day duration)
*No live contact permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.

Steelers OTAs: Phase Three begins Tuesday - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Phase 4 - Day 1 (OTA's)

PHOTOS: 2014 OTAs - Day 1

Good to see Pouncey back on the saddle:
Pouncey: 'I am out here, full-go'

Shazier is already turning heads:
1. On Day 1, No. 1 lines up with the 1s
2. http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014-steelers-otas/2014/5/27/5755898/Steelers-otas-practice-2014-news-report-updates

Spence:
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014-steelers-otas/2014/5/27/5755462/steelers-sean-spence-status-injury-report-linebackers-depth-chart-2014

Inked Zumwalt & Johnson to 4-year deals:
Steelers Sign Two Draft Picks

Taylor & Polamalu miss 1st day:
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014-steelers-otas/2014/5/27/5755004/steelers-otas-attendance-troy-polamalu-ike-taylor

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Phase 4 - Day 1 (OTA's)

PHOTOS: 2014 OTAs - Day 1

Good to see Pouncey back on the saddle:
Pouncey: 'I am out here, full-go'

Shazier is already turning heads:
1. On Day 1, No. 1 lines up with the 1s
2. Steelers OTAs: Ryan Shazier knocked Maurkice Pouncey to ground - Behind the Steel Curtain

Spence:
Sean Spence practices Tuesday, the uphill climb for him to make it back isn't over - Behind the Steel Curtain

Inked Zumwalt & Johnson to 4-year deals:
Steelers Sign Two Draft Picks

Taylor & Polamalu miss 1st day:
Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu not at Steelers OTAs - Behind the Steel Curtain

I think Zumwalt & Johnson are going to make the 53...one of the older guys Wallace or Whimper are on thin ice and Ebernate being still on the mend probably kills his chance...Can't help but think Chris Carter's time is up.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Phase 4 - Day 2 (OTA's)

HIGHLIGHTS: OTAs Day 2

PHOTOS: 2014 OTAs - Day 2

7 observations in late May

Moves already being made… Cut OT and add CB depth:
Steelers waive OT Kaycee Ike, sign CB Deion Belue - Behind the Steel Curtain

Jarvis:
Jarvis Jones says he has been getting stronger this off-season, but he hasn't put on any weight. - Behind the Steel Curtain

Timmons on being a leader:
Steelers OTAs: Lawrence Timmons prepared to lead young defense - Behind the Steel Curtain

Wheaton's finger update lol:
Markus Wheaton's pinkie 'looks horrible but feels really good' - Behind the Steel Curtain

Thoughts on Ben's contract:
Ben Roethlisberger should be exception to regular season "no negotiation" policy - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Ben's undercontract thru the '15 season right? Even if it's next offseason it's not a big deal, the Steelers have been operating under the $100 mil QB burden for years.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Ben's undercontract thru the '15 season right? Even if it's next offseason it's not a big deal, the Steelers have been operating under the $100 mil QB burden for years.

Yes… But the main issue right now is that Ben is being paid under what top tier QB's are. And he damn well deserves more. Ben is a team guy so of course he won't gripe about it. But right now the media is playing it up like its going to be an issue if not resolved. I think it will be resolved during this season, if not first thing next January/February depending on post-season status. If Ben takes them to the 'Bowl this season then expect a hefty paycheck coming his way.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Phase 4 - Day 3 (OTA's)

PHOTOS: 2014 OTAs - Day 3

LIVE: First Week of OTAs

Inked Richardson to a 4-yr deal:
Steelers sign Shaquille Richardson

More roster moves:
Steelers Make Roster Moves

More on the release of "Embernasty":
Steelers roster moves: Team announces release of OG Nik Embernate Thursday - Behind the Steel Curtain
-Maybe come training camp he will be back on the roster. But for now I wish him luck and a fast recovery. It's a bummer that he's not quite up to speed yet due to his injury last season. Tough break, but I hope nobody else has eyes on him.

Lance Moore:
Moore: 'I feel like the new kid at school'

AB is still fielding punts:
Antonio Brown can't get off punts - Behind the Steel Curtain
-I hope that Tomlin & Danny Smith finally put an end to AB fielding punts. It's just not worth risking injury to our best WR. I would only put AB in there in crucial situations like PIT used to do with Santonio Holmes. Archer missed practice to attend a seminar, so a lot can be said about that as well. He will likely field a lot of punts in practice over the course of the summer. Wheaton & Bryant also were in the mix for punt return practice.

Worilds' injury:
Jason Worilds injury: Steelers OLB left Tuesday practice early with ice on thigh - Behind the Steel Curtain
-Didn't catch this on the radio yesterday. But sounds like it's just minor cramps. A dangerous reminder though about how thin the Steelers are at OLB. Moats is still there, but if he is made a starter due to Jones/Worilds being injured, then that leaves Chris Carter as the only experienced depth they have. I could see PIT exploring the option of signing Harrison, or at least the thought is already crossing their minds.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

I think Zumwalt & Johnson are going to make the 53...one of the older guys Wallace or Whimper are on thin ice and Ebernate being still on the mend probably kills his chance...Can't help but think Chris Carter's time is up.

You were right about Embernate… He was cut. Sad day for camp enthusiasts! I hope he continues his rehab and PIT picks him back up before the start of training camp. That's to say that nobody has their eyes on him already. But this probably makes Wallace feel more secure. Whimper is definitely the only guy on thin ice in my mind.

The Chris Carter experiment is likely reaching its end, if not this offseason then definitely the next. They have found some decent talent for their next experiment in Howard Jones. I think since the OLB position is fairly thin they will keep Carter around one more season as a security blanket. He has been in the system for a few years now and can at least understand it better than most. Howard Jones is likely destined for the practice squad. I was bummed that the Colts plucked Baxter off of the PS last season because he probably would have taken the roster spot from Carter this season. He showed a lot of promise, something that Carter has yet to consistently show.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Worilds...this is why they haven't rushed into a multi-yr deal...hopefully it's just a tweak and not a lingering issue...I think Lebeau is going to give young players some snaps, but this spot is thin and probably the reason Carter sticks as you said.

For the right amount of money I wouldn't mind seeing JH as a situational player.