2017 Offseason

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Grats Artie!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Grats J-Berry!

 

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[ATL96Steeler]

@FaCe-LeE-uS... I think with a RB release today the Steelers are down to the required 90...I don't remember if they kept 9 or 10 last yr, but I was having a debate with a guy about the projected 53. Breaking it down in sections.

Safety

Williams, Trey RB 5-7 200 24 2 Texas A&M
Dangerfield, Jordan S 5-11 199 26 2 Towson
Davis, Sean S 6-1 202 23 2 Maryland
Golden, Robert S 5-11 202 26 6 Arizona
Hagen, Jacob S 6-3 205 25 1 Liberty
Mitchell, Mike S 6-1 221 29 9 Ohio
Webb, Terrish S 5-10 190 21 R Pittsburgh

Mine looked like this for the backend.

Locks...Mitchell, Davis

Likely...Dangerfield, Golden

I don't see a darkhorse making the 53.

CBs

Allen, Brian CB 6-3 215 23 R Utah
Burns, Artie CB 6-0 197 22 2 Miami (FL)
Cockrell, Ross CB 6-0 191 25 4 Duke
Dixon, Brandon CB 5-11 203 27 2 Northwest Missouri State
Ducre, Greg CB 5-10 183 25 3 Washington
Gay, William CB 5-10 187 32 11 Louisville
Golson, Senquez CB 5-9 176 23 3 Mississippi
Hilton, Mike CB 5-9 184 23 1 Mississippi
Johnson, Devonte CB 5-10 180 24 1 Weber State
Sensabaugh, Coty CB 5-11 187 28 6 Clemson
Sutton, Cameron CB 5-11 188 22 R Tennessee

Locks...Burns, Cockrell, Sutton

Likely...Gay, Allen

Need to show well in camp for the 6th spot...Sensabaugh, Golson

I got some push back on Sutton being a lock which I think is nonsense...he's a lock imo, and major pushback on Allen being likely. Now I know Allen has a long way to go to make the team so likely is probably strong but I look at it like this.

Burns and Cockrell most likely will be the starters outside.

Sutton...I've seen enough of this kid to think he will play on DEF this season. He can play man, he's got the burst to make plays in zone...I think he's best suited for slot, but he's played outside and will likely get looks outside. Hestarted 45+ games in CFB...if he picks up the DEF quickly, I feel pretty comfortable saying he will get some time on the field on DEF, especially if they go to some man looks on 3rd down...they are not deep enough to squander a 3rd rd pick.

Gay...as long as he comes into camp in shape and ready to go Tomlin is going to want his experience to help Sutton and Allen. I expect him to the opening day starter at slot...maybe he gets subbed out on 3rd down if man is a big part of the DEF scheme.

Allen...We know Tomlin is not afraid to put a < 6' CB outside, but they clearly have been looking at length for the outside CBs. Since they let Shabazz go, Allen is the only other CB on the roster 6' or taller aside from Burns and Cockrell. If he shows any real potential in camp and he can play ST, I think they will have a hard time slipping his size and athletic ability thru the PS...somebody is going to claim a 6'3" 215 lb CB running a 4.4. He's said himself he needs to become a better tackler...if that shows up in camp it will be tough for them to look at him as a S this yr.

Golson...was projected as a ball hawking, zone fit CB. We know the injury history so I'm not going to spend time on that. I think if he comes into camp healthy and remains so thru the preseason, they're going to give him a spot.

Sensabaugh...imo he was brought in as competition and veteran insurance. My buddy thinks he makes it over Allen or Golson. Based on Tomlin's MO with FA CBs lately, if he makes plays in camp/preseason, if he's just a guy, I don't think he will make the 53.

Your thoughts.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

@FaCe-LeE-uS... I think with a RB release today the Steelers are down to the required 90...I don't remember if they kept 9 or 10 last yr, but I was having a debate with a guy about the projected 53. Breaking it down in sections.

Safety

Dangerfield, Jordan S 5-11 199 26 2 Towson
Davis, Sean S 6-1 202 23 2 Maryland
Golden, Robert S 5-11 202 26 6 Arizona
Hagen, Jacob S 6-3 205 25 1 Liberty
Mitchell, Mike S 6-1 221 29 9 Ohio
Webb, Terrish S 5-10 190 21 R Pittsburgh

Mine looked like this for the backend.

Locks...Mitchell, Davis

Likely...Dangerfield, Golden

I don't see a darkhorse making the 53.

CBs

Allen, Brian CB 6-3 215 23 R Utah
Burns, Artie CB 6-0 197 22 2 Miami (FL)
Cockrell, Ross CB 6-0 191 25 4 Duke
Dixon, Brandon CB 5-11 203 27 2 Northwest Missouri State
Ducre, Greg CB 5-10 183 25 3 Washington
Gay, William CB 5-10 187 32 11 Louisville
Golson, Senquez CB 5-9 176 23 3 Mississippi
Hilton, Mike CB 5-9 184 23 1 Mississippi
Johnson, Devonte CB 5-10 180 24 1 Weber State
Sensabaugh, Coty CB 5-11 187 28 6 Clemson
Sutton, Cameron CB 5-11 188 22 R Tennessee

Locks...Burns, Cockrell, Sutton

Likely...Gay, Allen

Need to show well in camp for the 6th spot...Sensabaugh, Golson

I got some push back on Sutton being a lock which I think is nonsense...he's a lock imo, and major pushback on Allen being likely. Now I know Allen has a long way to go to make the team so likely is probably strong but I look at it like this.

Burns and Cockrell most likely will be the starters outside.

Sutton...I've seen enough of this kid to think he will play on DEF this season. He can play man, he's got the burst to make plays in zone...I think he's best suited for slot, but he's played outside and will likely get looks outside. Hestarted 45+ games in CFB...if he picks up the DEF quickly, I feel pretty comfortable saying he will get some time on the field on DEF, especially if they go to some man looks on 3rd down...they are not deep enough to squander a 3rd rd pick.

Gay...as long as he comes into camp in shape and ready to go Tomlin is going to want his experience to help Sutton and Allen. I expect him to the opening day starter at slot...maybe he gets subbed out on 3rd down if man is a big part of the DEF scheme.

Allen...We know Tomlin is not afraid to put a < 6' CB outside, but they clearly have been looking at length for the outside CBs. Since they let Shabazz go, Allen is the only other CB on the roster 6' or taller aside from Burns and Cockrell. If he shows any real potential in camp and he can play ST, I think they will have a hard time slipping his size and athletic ability thru the PS...somebody is going to claim a 6'3" 215 lb CB running a 4.4. He's said himself he needs to become a better tackler...if that shows up in camp it will be tough for them to look at him as a S this yr.

Golson...was projected as a ball hawking, zone fit CB. We know the injury history so I'm not going to spend time on that. I think if he comes into camp healthy and remains so thru the preseason, they're going to give him a spot.

Sensabaugh...imo he was brought in as competition and veteran insurance. My buddy thinks he makes it over Allen or Golson. Based on Tomlin's MO with FA CBs lately, if he makes plays in camp/preseason, if he's just a guy, I don't think he will make the 53.

Your thoughts.

Hit the nail on the head brother!

Safety... I don't see much change at this position. The only player I can see challenging anyone like Dangerfield or Golden is if Brian Allen makes himself position-flexible. But that won't be a necessity unless someone gets injured. That's probably the only way Allen gets pushed into this position. Hagen has been lingering around for a few years now, and could be the next Dangerfield to rise up from the PS. But I don't think its very likely this year. Still someone to keep an eye on.

CB... I do like your top 5. It makes a lot of sense to keep Allen on the 53 given the amount of slot-type CBs they have. My original prediction was somethin like: Burns, Cockrell, Gay, Sutton, Golson & Sensabaugh... But I had since realized what you already did, and that was that group wouldn't have much size. I think its a head 2 head battle between Golson & Sensabaugh. The Sensabaugh signing screamed "placeholder" at the time, and I still think that holds true. Like you said, he's insurance. If Golson falters yet again, then Coty gets the spot if he himself can stay healthy. Same could be said for Greg Ducre. Ducre has some NFL experience, but at 5'10" he's of the same slot mold. I like Allen's chances of making the 53. I know the coaches haven't shied away from playing smaller guys outside so we shouldn't be surprised if Allen goes onto the PS. He's a very raw talent so anythings possible.

Side note... I thought it was very bizarre that they released Shabazz so suddenly. You would think at his size & experience in the system that he would be viewed as more of a necessity to keep around. At least over the likes of Mike Hilton, Devonte Johnson or Brandon Dixon. That was a real head-scratcher.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Hit the nail on the head brother!

Safety... I don't see much change at this position. The only player I can see challenging anyone like Dangerfield or Golden is if Brian Allen makes himself position-flexible. But that won't be a necessity unless someone gets injured. That's probably the only way Allen gets pushed into this position. Hagen has been lingering around for a few years now, and could be the next Dangerfield to rise up from the PS. But I don't think its very likely this year. Still someone to keep an eye on.

CB... I do like your top 5. It makes a lot of sense to keep Allen on the 53 given the amount of slot-type CBs they have. My original prediction was somethin like: Burns, Cockrell, Gay, Sutton, Golson & Sensabaugh... But I had since realized what you already did, and that was that group wouldn't have much size. I think its a head 2 head battle between Golson & Sensabaugh. The Sensabaugh signing screamed "placeholder" at the time, and I still think that holds true. Like you said, he's insurance. If Golson falters yet again, then Coty gets the spot if he himself can stay healthy. Same could be said for Greg Ducre. Ducre has some NFL experience, but at 5'10" he's of the same slot mold. I like Allen's chances of making the 53. I know the coaches haven't shied away from playing smaller guys outside so we shouldn't be surprised if Allen goes onto the PS. He's a very raw talent so anythings possible.

Side note... I thought it was very bizarre that they released Shabazz so suddenly. You would think at his size & experience in the system that he would be viewed as more of a necessity to keep around. At least over the likes of Mike Hilton, Devonte Johnson or Brandon Dixon. That was a real head-scratcher.

Good point on Hagen...they have to like his size I would imagine. Dangerfield got a little run last yr...if they like his ST work, he likely will keep the spot. After kind of working his way up the ladder, Golden has quickly become an afterthought. Could he be in danger?

CBs...yep, basically two guys with length...both starters. I do get the sense that if anything happened to either one Sutton would get the call. He might be right on Allen, could be some wishful thinking on my part there. I do believe that there are so many teams that covet big CBs that I think he would get plucked off PS which is probably where he belongs.

Shabazz...agreed...basically let him go as soon as the draft was over.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I think we agree it's most likely between Allen, Sensabaugh and Golson to be the 5th and or 6th CB.

Turning my attention to LBs and how they fit the 53.

The is the lump sum.

99
Adams, Keion LB 6-2 245 21 R Western Michigan
49 Blount, Akil LB 6-2 249 22 1 Florida A&M
56 Chickillo, Anthony LB 6-3 255 24 3 Miami (FL)
48 Dupree, Bud LB 6-4 269 24 3 Kentucky
54 Fort, L.J. LB 6-0 232 27 3 Northern Iowa
92 Harrison, James LB 6-0 242 39 15 Kent State
41 Huguenin, Farrington LB 6-4 268 25 1 Kentucky
51 Johnson, Steven LB 6-1 237 29 6 Kansas
57 Kelsey, Keith LB 6-0 233 22 R Louisville
44 Matakevich, Tyler LB 6-1 235 24 2 Temple
55 Moats, Arthur LB 6-0 246 29 8 James Madison
50 Shazier, Ryan LB 6-1 230 24 4 Ohio State
90 Watt, T.J. LB 6-4 252 22 R Wisconsin
98 Williams, Vince LB 6-1 233 27 5 Florida State

OLBs...5

Locks...Harrison, Dupree, Watt

Likely...Chickillo

Needs good camp...Moats, Adams

I think it's safe to say Harrison will start and Watt will rotate with him on the ride side. Dupree is the starter on the left side and probably won't be in a rotation this this season. Chick will spell him as needed. Those are your top 4 with Moats having the edge on Adams as the 5th guy, but imo he needs to have a good camp and show well in preseason. If Adams is a beast on ST...watch out...he could make this roster, but my guess is PS.

ILBs...4

Locks...Shazier, V. Williams

Likely...Matakevich, S. Johnson

There might be more of a battle for Johnson's spot than I am thinking. I think Fort might have a leg up on the rest only because he's been in the system. It would be nice to see another young guy break thru and at least add a body to the PS. One note to add...maybe Adams makes his presence inside, but what got him drafted I think we his edge production.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

DL

The lump sum.

61

Adams, Nelson DE 6-3 287 23 R Mississippi State
94 Alualu, Tyson DE 6-3 304 30 8 California
64 Brown, Christian DE 6-3 295 23 R West Virginia
97 Heyward, Cameron DE 6-5 295 28 7 Ohio State
65 Hooks, Lavon DE 6-3 312 25 1 Mississippi
62 Kallon, Francis DE 6-5 295 23 R Georgia Tech
95 Maxey, Johnny DE 6-5 283 23 1 Mars Hill
91 Tuitt, Stephon DE 6-6 303 23 4 Notre Dame
96 Walton, L.T. DE 6-5 305 25 3 Central Michigan
79 Hargrave, Javon DT 6-2 305 24 2 South Carolina State
93 McCullers, Daniel DT 6-7 352 24 4 Tennessee
69 Philon, Roy DT 6-3 291 26 1 Louisville

I think 6 was the number LY and I think it will be the same this yr.

DE - 4

Locks...Heyward, Tuitt, Tyson, most people think Tyson is an upgrade for the vet depth guy this yr...can slide inside if needed in a pinch.

Likely...Walton, but they brought in a some competition...LT has to have a good camp imo....it will be interesting to see if a fresh name sneaks in that spot.

DT - 2

Locks...Hargrave...he had a productive rookie season, I expect him to build on that.

Likely...McCullers...I thought they might look at a run stopping/goal guy as competition for McCullers in the draft. Given that they did not, you could almost call him a lock.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

I think we agree it's most likely between Allen, Sensabaugh and Golson to be the 5th and or 6th CB.

Turning my attention to LBs and how they fit the 53.

The is the lump sum.

99
Adams, Keion LB 6-2 245 21 R Western Michigan
49 Blount, Akil LB 6-2 249 22 1 Florida A&M
56 Chickillo, Anthony LB 6-3 255 24 3 Miami (FL)
48 Dupree, Bud LB 6-4 269 24 3 Kentucky
54 Fort, L.J. LB 6-0 232 27 3 Northern Iowa
92 Harrison, James LB 6-0 242 39 15 Kent State
41 Huguenin, Farrington LB 6-4 268 25 1 Kentucky
51 Johnson, Steven LB 6-1 237 29 6 Kansas
57 Kelsey, Keith LB 6-0 233 22 R Louisville
44 Matakevich, Tyler LB 6-1 235 24 2 Temple
55 Moats, Arthur LB 6-0 246 29 8 James Madison
50 Shazier, Ryan LB 6-1 230 24 4 Ohio State
90 Watt, T.J. LB 6-4 252 22 R Wisconsin
98 Williams, Vince LB 6-1 233 27 5 Florida State

OLBs...5

Locks...Harrison, Dupree, Watt

Likely...Chickillo

Needs good camp...Moats, Adams

I think it's safe to say Harrison will start and Watt will rotate with him on the ride side. Dupree is the starter on the left side and probably won't be in a rotation this this season. Chick will spell him as needed. Those are your top 4 with Moats having the edge on Adams as the 5th guy, but imo he needs to have a good camp and show well in preseason. If Adams is a beast on ST...watch out...he could make this roster, but my guess is PS.

ILBs...4

Locks...Shazier, V. Williams

Likely...Matakevich, S. Johnson

There might be more of a battle for Johnson's spot than I am thinking. I think Fort might have a leg up on the rest only because he's been in the system. It would be nice to see another young guy break thru and at least add a body to the PS. One note to add...maybe Adams makes his presence inside, but what got him drafted I think we his edge production.

Great work per usual ATL!

OLBs... I don't see Moats sticking around after his "demotion" last season. He was pretty god awful in run coverage which led to his decreased snap count. At his age, 29, I don't see him improving that skill set. If the young kid Adams can show up in shape, which judging by his social media accounts he looks to be, then I don't think he'll have a very hard time making the 53. Chickillo is a lock IMO. He has shown a lot of improvements and he is always a camp favorite. One of the hardest working athletes in the bunch, aside from Harrison of course. Coaches love him.

ILBs... The backup positions will boil down to ST efforts. Johnson, Matakevich & Fort have all made a good impact in that regard. They carried 5 last season (Timmons, Shazier, V-Will, Matakevich, Fort), with all 3 backups working ST. I could see that happening again.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

DL

The lump sum.

61

Adams, Nelson DE 6-3 287 23 R Mississippi State
94 Alualu, Tyson DE 6-3 304 30 8 California
64 Brown, Christian DE 6-3 295 23 R West Virginia
97 Heyward, Cameron DE 6-5 295 28 7 Ohio State
65 Hooks, Lavon DE 6-3 312 25 1 Mississippi
62 Kallon, Francis DE 6-5 295 23 R Georgia Tech
95 Maxey, Johnny DE 6-5 283 23 1 Mars Hill
91 Tuitt, Stephon DE 6-6 303 23 4 Notre Dame
96 Walton, L.T. DE 6-5 305 25 3 Central Michigan
79 Hargrave, Javon DT 6-2 305 24 2 South Carolina State
93 McCullers, Daniel DT 6-7 352 24 4 Tennessee
69 Philon, Roy DT 6-3 291 26 1 Louisville

I think 6 was the number LY and I think it will be the same this yr.

DE - 4

Locks...Heyward, Tuitt, Tyson, most people think Tyson is an upgrade for the vet depth guy this yr...can slide inside if needed in a pinch.

Likely...Walton, but they brought in a some competition...LT has to have a good camp imo....it will be interesting to see if a fresh name sneaks in that spot.

DT - 2

Locks...Hargrave...he had a productive rookie season, I expect him to build on that.

Likely...McCullers...I thought they might look at a run stopping/goal guy as competition for McCullers in the draft. Given that they did not, you could almost call him a lock.

DE... Love the thought of having those 3 locks all at the same time. Fingers crossed they can stay healthy. Alualu is a brute of a man, along the same lines as Heyward. Should be interesting to see the impact he can have. We've been begging for them to get someone out there to spell Heyward & Tuitt more. Now they have them in the form of Alualu & Walton. There's no reason to have Cam & Stephon out there 95% of snaps anymore. When the game is on the line in the 4th qtr, we need those 2 to have gas left in the tank. Walton's main competition will be Maxey. I don't think Walton will have much trouble edging him out. Keep an eye on Kallon to make the PS. Read somewhere that he ran 4.8s 40-time at nearly 300lbs... That's crazy. None of the DE's on the roster ran faster than 4.9's. Typically 5s flat.

DT... Heard that McCullers changed up his offseason regimen in an effort to push for more playing time. Somethin about him dropping weight & improving his explosiveness. Would love to see that mammoth of a man make more of an impact.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Great work per usual ATL!

OLBs... I don't see Moats sticking around after his "demotion" last season. He was pretty god awful in run coverage which led to his decreased snap count. At his age, 29, I don't see him improving that skill set. If the young kid Adams can show up in shape, which judging by his social media accounts he looks to be, then I don't think he'll have a very hard time making the 53. Chickillo is a lock IMO. He has shown a lot of improvements and he is always a camp favorite. One of the hardest working athletes in the bunch, aside from Harrison of course. Coaches love him.

ILBs... The backup positions will boil down to ST efforts. Johnson, Matakevich & Fort have all made a good impact in that regard. They carried 5 last season (Timmons, Shazier, V-Will, Matakevich, Fort), with all 3 backups working ST. I could see that happening again.

As really the best depth option on the left side, I agree Chick is a lock...I guess we'll know more once camp starts about Adams being inside or outside, but if the overall is 9 and they keep 5 ILBs again, I also agree that Moats has probably seen his last days as a Steeler....I'm thinking maybe they keep 10 with Adams being the 10th, but he could be safe on PS.