2015 Offseason

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

BPA...I think in most years, especially when times were really good and you're only drafting for depth...that has been the approach...but recently when you have as many holes that needed to be patched up with youth...it's pretty easy to say...yeah that was a BPA draft.

DeCastro, JJ, Dupree were all need picks imo...were they truly the BPA?...idk...I do think that was the case with Shazier...they really wanted Gilbert or Fuller and they were gone.

'16...agree...this and the next few years, they're probably not looking for an immediate starter so they could go any number of places.

OL...You can bank on DeCastro getting a long term deal...just couldn't do it this year. I have to think Beach get's done next year as well if nothing breaks before the season starts. That said, Foster has to be fairly cheap...they can't commit $25 mil in cap space to the OL (or can they?) I think they have to go young @ LG so I can see that position being a high target.

LT...if they let Beach reach FA, my only thought is they really don't know what is true market value is, and they're willing to risk losing him to find out, or they think that Villaneuva can handle the position going forward.

SS...Shark, that's not good to hear, but I can't say I'm shocked...I've never lost the uncomfortable feeling I had about his height covering TEs that are a 7" to foot taller in the RZ.

Yea I guess you're right. Especially when reports surface that they were interested in prospects but they were taken before them. Always going to assume BPA in that case. But even this last draft they attempted to land Waynes via trade up, but they were asking too much. Dupree was another position of need so it wasn't really BPA.

I really hope they can keep the O-line intact. But one thing to think about now is, what if Boykin seals the deal and demands a contract? Does that mean we have to let someone walk like Beachum or DeCastro. Money is, and has been very tight. Especially after Heyward's & Ben's extensions. I don't know what kind of market Boykin would demand but he's a viable starter. And at that position, its a strong premium in this league. I think since Tomlin has always been a "Tomlin's guys" type of coach, he will go with his drafted players over a FA. Even if Boykin does amazing things.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Yea I guess you're right. Especially when reports surface that they were interested in prospects but they were taken before them. Always going to assume BPA in that case. But even this last draft they attempted to land Waynes via trade up, but they were asking too much. Dupree was another position of need so it wasn't really BPA.

I really hope they can keep the O-line intact. But one thing to think about now is, what if Boykin seals the deal and demands a contract? Does that mean we have to let someone walk like Beachum or DeCastro. Money is, and has been very tight. Especially after Heyward's & Ben's extensions. I don't know what kind of market Boykin would demand but he's a viable starter. And at that position, its a strong premium in this league. I think since Tomlin has always been a "Tomlin's guys" type of coach, he will go with his drafted players over a FA. Even if Boykin does amazing things.

BPA...I think they can afford to take that approach again in earnest now which theoretically should get the best talent on the roster.

Gilbert...idk if he's just a late bloomer, but he's making 8th overall look silly in CLE...he's gonna get a chance in nickle or dime, but it does not look as if he's going to be any higher than CB3 this yr...dodged a bullet there.

Boykin...he could make it interesting...his play and the development of Grant and Golson will dictate how Tomlin goes about his '16 status...The Steelers website is showing him as RCB2 behind C Allen. Blake LCB2...which is CB3 overall? Does he unseat Allen? So far I'm hearing Allen has been solid. Gay? probably best suited for slot, but imo so is Blake. I think Boykin will eventually move Gay to slot and Blake will be the dime guy.

If he balls out AND Allen plays well...they will try to sign Boykin long term and maybe let Gay go to allow Golson or slightly more expensive Blake play slot. If Allen doesn't live up to the CB1 spot, they could release him and give that spot to Boykin...if Grant and or Golson look like he's ready to start, they may rent Boykin for a yr.

OL...I think the ball is in Beachum's court so to speak...if he wants top 10 LT money...Steelers may just say no thanks...I have been in debates as to whether Beach is a legit top LT...idk if he is or not...AFCN really only has one great edge rusher lining up over him the last few years...Suggs in BAL...what he definitely is imo...an overachiever...I just hope he doesn't price himself out of town.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Steelers make roster moves

Zman's time appears to have come and gone as a Steeler. Chick is going to make this squad.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Steelers make roster moves

Zman's time appears to have come and gone as a Steeler. Chick is going to make this squad.

Give it a few days...

"Arizona Cardinals Claim LB Zumwalt Off Waivers"

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Give it a few days...

"Arizona Cardinals Claim LB Zumwalt Off Waivers"

You know it! lol

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I saw the big big thread, but felt we needed some in house chatter and I did not want to start another thread about an injured player.

But Pouncey breaking a bone in his ankle has to be dealt with. IR designated to return is what has been thrown out there, but realistically we're looking at Novemberish to see him back on the field.

What is the ripple effect on the 53...We know Wallace now becomes the starting C, so his back up is probably a good place to start.

If they cut LBs back to I think Chick could be a causality here and I really hope not.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

ROSTERED:
Well they invisioned Hubbard as a C/G flexible guy when they kept him around last season. He looked shaky while playing under center though. Case point, when he snapped the ball that got Gradkowski's hand injured trying to recover the fumble. Hubbard was probably shaking the dust off, but he showed some great blocking ability at G. So hopefully that can translate to C.

BJ Finney had been solid. He should challenge Hubbard for backup C duties. I like what Finney has shown so far. Great use of hands and leverage. Could become a quality starter at some point in his career.



FA:
Chris Myers. 2x pro bowler. Used to be considered the best center in the league. Anchored the units that led Arian Foster to be the league rushing leader for multiple seasons. Now 33 years old, he's a reliable veteran with awesome pedigree. Myers can still play. He graded out on ProFootballFocus as the No. 3 run-blocking center in football last season. His pass-blocking abilities weren't nearly as strong -- he graded 33rd out of 41 qualifying players in that category.

Doug Legursky is available. He knows the team, not necessarily the new schemes. Great position flexible guy.

Scott Wells. Once was a stud. Started for the packers for 6+ years, then the Rams. But injuries (broken metatarsal in foot, knee cartilage repairs) made him a liability. He's healthy now, and looking for work.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

ROSTERED:
Well they invisioned Hubbard as a C/G flexible guy when they kept him around last season. He looked shaky while playing under center though. Case point, when he snapped the ball that got Gradkowski's hand injured trying to recover the fumble. Hubbard was probably shaking the dust off, but he showed some great blocking ability at G. So hopefully that can translate to C.

BJ Finney had been solid. He should challenge Hubbard for backup C duties. I like what Finney has shown so far. Great use of hands and leverage. Could become a quality starter at some point in his career.



FA:
Chris Myers. 2x pro bowler. Used to be considered the best center in the league. Anchored the units that led Arian Foster to be the league rushing leader for multiple seasons. Now 33 years old, he's a reliable veteran with awesome pedigree. Myers can still play. He graded out on ProFootballFocus as the No. 3 run-blocking center in football last season. His pass-blocking abilities weren't nearly as strong -- he graded 33rd out of 41 qualifying players in that category.

Doug Legursky is available. He knows the team, not necessarily the new schemes. Great position flexible guy.

Scott Wells. Once was a stud. Started for the packers for 6+ years, then the Rams. But injuries (broken metatarsal in foot, knee cartilage repairs) made him a liability. He's healthy now, and looking for work.

It will be interesting to see what they do here...I have seen much but have heard the good things about Finney as well. You know how Tomlin feels about back up (C. Thomas) vets though.

Speaking of Cam, I've heard the positive reports...better at 1 gap vs 2, etc. I hope Walton can hang in there.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

It will be interesting to see what they do here...I have seen much but have heard the good things about Finney as well. You know how Tomlin feels about back up (C. Thomas) vets though.

Speaking of Cam, I've heard the positive reports...better at 1 gap vs 2, etc. I hope Walton can hang in there.

Looks like Pouncey went under the knife hours ago...

Maurkice Pouncey Injury Update: Pro Bowl center undergoes surgery Monday 8/24

Cam is definitely looking better than he was last season. But its fair to say that he had nowhere to go but up judging by how awful he was lol.

Walton has been getting reps. Should see more this week. Hasn't shown a lot to date, but he was seen with the 1's during camp on numerous occasions. Could end up on the PS though.

 

[MISKO]

The Pittsburgh Steelers added some insurance at center with Maurkice Pouncey injured.

Doug Legursky returns to The Steel City, the team announced Tuesday morning.

The 29-year-old center started 17 games over four seasons in Pittsburgh from 2009-2010. Legursky started 11 games for the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and two as the third center last year for the San Diego Chargers, before ending his season on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Legursky's first NFL game at center came in Super Bowl XLV when he replaced an injured Pouncey in the Steelers' loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Legursky will provide depth behind Cody Wallace, who will step in for Pouncey. Pouncey is expected to missed an elongated time period with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's second preseason game.

Legursky returns to Pittsburgh after Pouncey injury - NFL.com

 

[Cali Steel]

Just read that they signed Legursky.
I suppose it's a good move, considering what's available.
He also ended last years season on IR......

 

[Superbelt]

Michael Vick is reportedly coming to town. Grad's finger must really be bad.

No.... Just no to Ron Mexico....

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Michael Vick is reportedly coming to town. Grad's finger must really be bad.

No.... Just no to Ron Mexico....

Really hated hearing this over the radio. Wanted to see Orton or someone other than Vick.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

LEGURSKY!!!

Loved that guy when he was here!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Regardless of Vick or whomever they sign... It won't be for very long. A dislocated finger will only keep Gradkowski out for 3-4 weeks tops. He might miss week 1 is the only concern.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The Pittsburgh Steelers added some insurance at center with Maurkice Pouncey injured.

Doug Legursky returns to The Steel City, the team announced Tuesday morning.

The 29-year-old center started 17 games over four seasons in Pittsburgh from 2009-2010. Legursky started 11 games for the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and two as the third center last year for the San Diego Chargers, before ending his season on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Legursky's first NFL game at center came in Super Bowl XLV when he replaced an injured Pouncey in the Steelers' loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Legursky will provide depth behind Cody Wallace, who will step in for Pouncey. Pouncey is expected to missed an elongated time period with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's second preseason game.

Legursky returns to Pittsburgh after Pouncey injury - NFL.com

Injury update thoughts.

C...not to discredit Pouncey, he's good when he's on the field, but we all know he's missed time before...wish him well getting back. Ben has taken plenty of snaps from other centers. This should not be a huge deal, especially getting Legursky back.

Pouncey's toughest challenge is gone to the NFCN, but B. Williams and the rookie in CLE is getting beast like raves ...Haley will have to figure something out to run against those two teams

QB2...at this point it's starting to look as if Gradk is not going to be that guy this yr. Landry has earned a shot at it...imo it makes sense to kick the tires on Vick, IF he really wants to play...imo he's not really interested in playing...collecting a check maybe? playing...you would think he would at least know the plays as QB2 in NY...my interests would be Manuel in BUF for QB3 and possibly QB2. He might get outright released, but I would offer a 5th or 6th rounder for him.

On this team I think he has a much better chance to at least hold down the fort for a few games if needed than Landry.

 

[Superbelt]

Gradkowski is on IR now. So he won't be returning this season.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Gradkowski is on IR now. So he won't be returning this season.

Probably means Gradkowski had the shoulder surgery as well. I heard rumors about his shoulder injury getting aggravated during the same play that he hurt his finger.

Maybe we can still hold out hope that the Steelers pick up someone after the first wave of cuts, and release Vick. Someone already mentioned the Bills might release Manuel. I'd much rather have a younger guy with more upside than Vick.

 

[Superbelt]

I'd prefer something like that.

Vick offers nothing. No leadership, no athleticism, no passing ability. Nothing to develop there, I wouldn't trust him to take care of the team for a short injury to Ben. There is no reason to make this hire. At least get a guy who has something you can try to develop.