2015 Position Previews

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Its time to start up my "Position Preview" portion of the offseason. I started this in my offseason thread, but after getting a request for its own thread (@SteelersPride), I decided to separate it. Like last year I will be going through every position to give updates & outlooks. Its my "Training Camp Preparation" of sorts for those that haven't been paying close attention to the offseason.

Here is my progression list:
QB
RB
WR
TE
OT
G
C
DE
NT
ILB
OLB
CB
S
ST

Feel free to chime in with any thoughts, ideas, & concerns! Thanks to all that have participated thus far!!

GO STILLERS!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Quarterback

Gone: Brendon Kay (cut during last preseason)

Returning starter: Ben Roethlisberger. Nothing new to report here. Ben looks primed to have another successful season with one of the most talented offenses in the NFL.

Returning depth: Bruce Gradkowski & Landry Jones.

New faces: Tajh Boyd, Brandon Gardner (QB/WR), Tyler Murphy (QB/WR). The Jets cut Boyd at the end of 2014 preseason and he played for two FXFL teams before signing with the Steelers this past March. Gardner (Michigan) & Murphy (Boston College) are budding UDFAs that are looking to carve out a "Slash"-like role within the organization.

On the bubble: Jones, Gardner, Boyd, Murphy. Looks to be an all out battle for the QB3 since Landry has yet to impress anyone at all for the past 2 seasons. Hopefully this year will mark the end of the Landry Jones experiment.

Outlook: Gradkowski is locked in as a serviceable QB2 backup. Knock on wood, Ben is going to have another full 16-game season due in large to his O-line continuing to progress. I was wrong about the offense returning to the ground game LY. This offense is ridiculously well rounded with so many threats at every position. Look for Ben to have another stellar year atop the yardage leaders.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Running Back

Gone: Legerrette Blount (Pats), Brandon Tate (FA)... 2014 Offseason cuts: Alvester Alexander, Migeul Maysonet, Tauren Poole and Jordan Hall.

Returning starter: Le'Veon Bell. Bell is entrenched as the unquestioned #1 back, not to mention a premier and arguably the NFL's best RB in the game today. He is a true 3-down back since he is a lethal threat in both the ground & air game. Capable of getting the tough yards when necessary, or taking it outside or through the tackles to the house.

Returning depth: Josh Harris, Dri Archer, and Will Johnson (FB/TE/RB). If any of you follow me closely then you know how much I favor Josh Harris. IMO he can easily handle the job in Bell's absence. Archer has yet to find his niche, but Haley needs to deploy him better. His speed is still ridiculous, but he's timid & hesitates too much. He didn't develop into the return man that everyone had hoped for, but that isn't to say they won't try again. Will Johnson is a "break in case of emergency" type since he is a FB/TE hybrid where he has shown to be the most effective. But he has proved that he can handle 3rd down duties to grind out short yardage.

New faces: DeAngelo Williams (FA), Ross Scheuerman (UDFA-Lafayette), Cameron Stingily (UDFA-N. Illinois). Williams is 33 years old and played in Carolina for 9 years. He is a great veteran back with good field awareness. He should be a great filler for situational duties or relief. Even though I think Harris should be that guy. Scheuerman was a beast at Lafayette, but it was a smaller school division so his outlook is pretty small. Still, a great 1-cut runner. Stingily has been called a freight train of a man. He runs with a very hard nose and is very physical. I think he could provide competition for FB.

On the bubble: Archer, Scheuerman, Stingily. Its hard to imagine Archer being in jeopardy due to his positional flexibility (RB/WR/STR), but since he has yet to develop into difference maker in any capacity, its hard to justify keeping him on the 53 when others may be just as effective (say Devin Gardner who is a QB/WR with ST ability). Scheuerman & Stingily are camp bodies.

Outlook: Bell is currently appealing his 3-game suspension, but whatever the outcome, D-Will was brought in to be the starter for those games. But don't be surprised if Josh Harris gets a very healthy cut of the carries during that opening stretch. Bell, D-Will, & Harris are a lethal group. Each capable of carrying the load. I'm excited for this group. I wouldn't call D-Will an upgrade over Blount because of the age difference, but I will say he is just as good/effective. And like I said about Archer earlier, he needs to turn it up this offseason or he is going to find himself on the chopping block.

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Wide Receiver

Gone: Lance Moore (DET), Justin Brown (BUF), TC cuts: Lanear Sampson, Danny Coale

Returning starter: Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant,

Returning depth: Darius Heyward-Bey, Dri Archer (RB/WR), CJ Goodwin (PS). DHB made a few splash plays last season, but overall he was used as a STer. He has decent vet leadership and a great locker room guy. If Goodwin continues to impress the coaches he may find his way onto the 53. He's already off to another great offseason start.

New faces: Sammie Coates (3rd Rd Pick), Shakim Phillips, Devin Gardner (QB/WR), Tyler Murphy (QB/WR), Eli Rogers. Coates is a highly touted prospect out of Auburn. Great speed, size and athleticism, but has average hands. It has been said that he would have easily gone in the 1st Rd if he had better hands. Phillips is a UDFA from Boston College. Another kid with great size (6'3") and athleticism. He will likely land himself on the PS. I spoke about Gardner & Murphy (both UDFAs) in the QB preview. I have high hopes for Gardner. Rogers is another UDFA out of Louisville. Smaller player, but has good hands and good agility. Thrived in the slot in college.

On the bubble: DHB, Archer, Goodwin, Phillips, Gardner, Murphy, Rogers. I think the only lock to add to the returning starters group would be Coates. WR5 & WR6 are purely up for grabs. The team could opt for a WR6 only because of positional flexibility. Guys like Archer, Gardner & Murphy are prime candidates. I could go out on a limb and say Goodwin beats DHB, but thats a bit premature. I'll make it a prediction though. I think they will give Archer another shot. Phillips & Rogers are going to battle for a PS spot. I think Gardner edges out Landry Jones for QB3, but will likely be inactive until he makes his mark as a WR.

Outlook: Easily one of the most talented groups in the NFL. AB & Bryant look poised for a huge season, and now that Wheaton is moving to the slot, look out NFL... This is going to be a really tough group to stop. Add in a hungry 3rd Rd pick with big size & speed... Ben is going to have a tough time deciding where to throw in the RZ since he'll have a lot of great options! This group has me foaming at the mouth over what the season will hold...

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

BTSC previews that I've touched on thus far:

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Position Preview: Quarterback - Behind the Steel Curtain
Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Position Preview: Running Back - Behind the Steel Curtain
Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Position Preview: Wide Receiver - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Tight End

Gone: Michael Palmer (FA), TC cuts: David Paulson, Eric Waters

Returning starter: Heath Miller. Ol' trust rusty is back again. Still a very capable starter and one of the most trustworthy players on the field. His catching skills may have diminished a tad, but he is still a great run blocker.

Returning depth: Matt Spaeth, Will Johnson (FB/TE/RB), Rob Blanchflower (PS). Spaeth is the unsung hero of that offense. When looking at Bell's YPC with Spaeth in the huddle, there's no question. He's one of the best blocking TE's in the game today. W-Johnson saw limited time in TE formations LY because of the success of the ground game. His FB-run blocking is at the top of the league. Blanchflower didn't make the cut last offseason but he was able to stay on the PS to practice his craft.

New faces: Jesse James (5th Rd Pick), Cameron Clear, Michael Egnew. Jesse James played at Penn State where he was in a run-first offense. In a limited role he was still able to shine with great hands and good blocking skills. He has the size & makeup of a good TE. Cameron played at Texas A&M where he was fairly average. Good size, route-running & decent hands, but inconsistent as a blocker. Also known to have "character issues". His outlook is dismal. Egnew played at Missouri where he was a converted WR to TE. He has good size, ball skills, and speed (able to separate from LBers), but struggles with blocking. Has played with JAX & MIA.

On the bubble: James, Blanchflower, Clear, Egnew. The team only rosters 3 true TE's because of Will Johnson's position flexibility. And Will isn't going anywhere. So heading into TC the TE3 spot is purely up for grabs. My early prediction is that Blanchflower wins the spot. He has a full year with the team to make the "transition" so he is a step ahead of his competition with Jesse James. Clear & Egnew look like camp bodies.

Outlook: At 32, Miller still has a couple years left in the tank. So this position is good for the time being, but its time for this team to start progressively grooming a replacement. They drafted Blanchflower in 2014 and James this year. They have the raw talent, but one of them needs to make the leap next year. Oh and don't expect Spaeth to always be there either, he is only 1 yr younger @31. As long as health permits, there is nothing to worry about in 2015.

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Position Preview: Tight End - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[Psych-Ward]

Position Preview: Tight End

Gone: Michael Palmer (FA), TC cuts: David Paulson, Eric Waters

Returning starter: Heath Miller. Ol' trust rusty is back again. Still a very capable starter and one of the most trustworthy players on the field. His catching skills may have diminished a tad, but he is still a great run blocker.

Returning depth: Matt Spaeth, Will Johnson (FB/TE/RB), Rob Blanchflower (PS). Spaeth is the unsung hero of that offense. When looking at Bell's YPC with Spaeth in the huddle, there's no question. He's one of the best blocking TE's in the game today. W-Johnson saw limited time in TE formations LY because of the success of the ground game. His FB-run blocking is at the top of the league. Blanchflower didn't make the cut last offseason but he was able to stay on the PS to practice his craft.

New faces: Jesse James (5th Rd Pick), Cameron Clear, Michael Egnew. Jesse James played at Penn State where he was in a run-first offense. In a limited role he was still able to shine with great hands and good blocking skills. He has the size & makeup of a good TE. Cameron played at Texas A&M where he was fairly average. Good size, route-running & decent hands, but inconsistent as a blocker. Also known to have "character issues". His outlook is dismal. Egnew played at Missouri where he was a converted WR to TE. He has good size, ball skills, and speed (able to separate from LBers), but struggles with blocking. Has played with JAX & MIA.

On the bubble: James, Blanchflower, Clear, Egnew. The team only rosters 3 true TE's because of Will Johnson's position flexibility. And Will isn't going anywhere. So heading into TC the TE3 spot is purely up for grabs. My early prediction is that Blanchflower wins the spot. He has a full year with the team to make the "transition" so he is a step ahead of his competition with Jesse James. Clear & Egnew look like camp bodies.

Outlook: At 32, Miller still has a couple years left in the tank. So this position is good for the time being, but its time for this team to start progressively grooming a replacement. They drafted Blanchflower in 2014 and James this year. They have the raw talent, but one of them needs to make the leap next year. Oh and don't expect Spaeth to always be there either, he is only 1 yr younger @31. As long as health permits, there is nothing to worry about in 2015.

Discuss!

Heath is da man.... I would put Heath over any TE in the NFL.... But it is time to start thinking future and I think this kid Jesse James is the future at TE. Play a year or two under Heath and just learn as much as possible.... This kid is going to be a giant!!!!

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Position Preview: Running Back

Gone: Legerrette Blount (Pats), Brandon Tate (FA)... 2014 Offseason cuts: Alvester Alexander, Migeul Maysonet, Tauren Poole and Jordan Hall.

Returning starter: Le'Veon Bell. Bell is entrenched as the unquestioned #1 back, not to mention a premier and arguably the NFL's best RB in the game today. He is a true 3-down back since he is a lethal threat in both the ground & air game. Capable of getting the tough yards when necessary, or taking it outside or through the tackles to the house.

Returning depth: Josh Harris, Dri Archer, and Will Johnson (FB/TE/RB). If any of you follow me closely then you know how much I favor Josh Harris. IMO he can easily handle the job in Bell's absence. Archer has yet to find his niche, but Haley needs to deploy him better. His speed is still ridiculous, but he's timid & hesitates too much. He didn't develop into the return man that everyone had hoped for, but that isn't to say they won't try again. Will Johnson is a "break in case of emergency" type since he is a FB/TE hybrid where he has shown to be the most effective. But he has proved that he can handle 3rd down duties to grind out short yardage.

New faces: DeAngelo Williams (FA), Ross Scheuerman (UDFA-Lafayette), Cameron Stingily (UDFA-N. Illinois). Williams is 33 years old and played in Carolina for 9 years. He is a great veteran back with good field awareness. He should be a great filler for situational duties or relief. Even though I think Harris should be that guy. Scheuerman was a beast at Lafayette, but it was a smaller school division so his outlook is pretty small. Still, a great 1-cut runner. Stingily has been called a freight train of a man. He runs with a very hard nose and is very physical. I think he could provide competition for FB.

On the bubble: Archer, Scheuerman, Stingily. Its hard to imagine Archer being in jeopardy due to his positional flexibility (RB/WR/STR), but since he has yet to develop into difference maker in any capacity, its hard to justify keeping him on the 53 when others may be just as effective (say Devin Gardner who is a QB/WR with ST ability). Scheuerman & Stingily are camp bodies.

Outlook: Bell is currently appealing his 3-game suspension, but whatever the outcome, D-Will was brought in to be the starter for those games. But don't be surprised if Josh Harris gets a very healthy cut of the carries during that opening stretch. Bell, D-Will, & Harris are a lethal group. Each capable of carrying the load. I'm excited for this group. I wouldn't call D-Will an upgrade over Blount because of the age difference, but I will say he is just as good/effective. And like I said about Archer earlier, he needs to turn it up this offseason or he is going to find himself on the chopping block.

Discuss!

Outlook...I agree that Harris will factor in those 3 games...I see him getting maybe 30-35% of the load. I actually think Williams is an upgrade over Blount...not the bruising type runner, but imo more effective and still has the burst to get to the edge.

It's easy for Haley/Tomlin to fall in love with his production, but I would like to see Bell's touches go down...especially carries...history shows that RBs in the 300 per season carry range tend to have shortish careers...I want Bell to get a nice 2nd contract in PIT. Maybe these 3 games is a blessing in disguise.

Archer...honestly Idk what to think yet.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Heath is da man.... I would put Heath over any TE in the NFL.... But it is time to start thinking future and I think this kid Jesse James is the future at TE. Play a year or two under Heath and just learn as much as possible.... This kid is going to be a giant!!!!

Heath in his prime was the best 2 way (blocking/receiving) TE in the league...He's not the blocker he once was, but still reliable in both areas even though his legs are probably going on 50...show the youngster James the ropes like you said...catch 40-50 balls.

That said...Haley needs to diversify a bit with Spaeth....DCs know every time he checks in the play is a run.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Offensive Tackle

Gone: Wesley Johnson, Guy Whimper

Returning starters: Marcus Gilbert, Kelvin Beachum. Both of these guys have rounded into form. Beachum is probably one of the most underrated LT's in the game today. Gilbert struggled at times last season, but had a good season overall.

Returning depth: Mike Adams, Alejandro Villanueva. Heading into his final year of his rookie contract. Should be interesting to see if he is offered a contract to stick around. He has shown flashes of solid run blocking, but his pass blocking still isn't quite where it needs to be. Villanueva has been an ongoing project. It has been reported that he stacked on some weight this offseason.

New faces: Kevin Whimpy. A freakishly strong athlete out of Utah St. Repped the 225lb bench press 39 times at his pro day. Has good size (6'5", 300lbs) and decent tangibles. Could be another good project for Munchak.

On the bubble: Adams, Villanueva. This is likely to be a head to head battle in TC. Villanueva is still raw, but he may be able to unseat Adams. He is being groomed by one of the best though (Munchak).

Outlook: Gilbert received a sizable contract but hasn't really shown a great return on their investment yet. He's still somewhat young, and has room to grow. Hopefully the young kid stays hungry. Mark my words... Beachum is going to get paid. Not sure when, but he is too valuable to let go. They would be smart to work out something soon before his market develops and prices him out of the Steel City. He will be someone to keep a close eye on. Aside from them, I predict that Adams wins the 3rd OT spot and Villanueva will spend another season on the PS. But next season, I highly doubt Adams will be around. They might keep Whimpy around for the PS as well depending on his camp.

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Guard

Gone: Wesley Johnson (T/G), TC Cuts: Will Simmons, Bryant Browning and Chris Elkins

Returning starters: David DeCastro and Ramon Foster. Not a whole lot to say here. These 2 are entrenched with almost zero possibility of competition. Should be hitting the primes of their careers.

Returning depth: Chris Hubbard, Cody Wallace (C/G). Wallace has provided some great spot starts over the past 2 seasons. He is a reliable guy to have in the fold.

New faces: Collin Rahrig (C/G), Reese Dismukes (C/G), BJ Finney (C/G), Miles Dieffenbach. All UDFAs from this offseason. I've been reading that Dismukes & Finney have a lot of promise. Rahrig played at Indiana. He's undersized, but showed good ability in pass protection. Dismukes played at Auburn. Shows good quickness and awareness in pass protection. Has a good punch but needs to work on his technique (leverage). Finney is a former walk-on at Kansas St but became a 4-yr starter & 3x team captain. 3x First-team All-Big 12 (Jr, Soph, Sr). In 2014, named Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year. Pretty shocked he wasn't drafted. Scouts knocked his talent, and said he has short arms. Dieffenbach played at Penn St. He tore his ACL before the '14 season so he was passed up in the draft. Has good tangibles to translate to the next level.

On the bubble: Hubbard, & all the new faces. All 4 UDFA's will have a shot at Hubbard's spot on the 53.

Outlook: DeCastro is on the cusp of greatness and is only 25 yrs old. I think he is in for a probowl season this year. Foster is a trustworthy guy and is entering his final year of his contract. I believe the team was motivated to find Foster's replacement when they brought in so many talented UDFAs this offseason. Foster will play out his final year of his contract and at least 2 of the UDFAs will stick around on the PS. I think 1 will unseat Hubbard, of which I think has either Finney or Dismukes' name written all over it. But the team could still offer Foster a small contract to extend him a few more seasons. He is the oldest of the entire O-line group @ 29 going on 30.

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Center

Gone: TC cut - David Snow

Returning starters: Maurkice Pouncey. Solid rebound season coming off his ACL tear 2 seasons ago. Returned to the probowl. There's no quantifying the impact this guy has when he's on the field, both in the locker-room and on the field. He's the captain and unquestioned leader of the O-line group.

Returning depth: Cody Wallace (C/G). A very reliable position-flexible guy. Proved himself more than a few times over the years.

New faces: Collin Rahrig (C/G), Reese Dismukes (C/G), BJ Finney (C/G). See notes above in the Guard preview.

On the bubble: I seriously doubt Wallace is in any sort of jeopardy of losing his spot. But all the new faces are battling for Hubbard & Wallace's spots.

Outlook: This group has found great cohesion and as long as health permits, I expect big things from the O-line this season. The ground game & the passing game are going to be in great shape.

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Position Preview: Offensive Line - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[SteelersPride]

Position Preview: Running Back

Gone: Legerrette Blount (Pats), Brandon Tate (FA)... 2014 Offseason cuts: Alvester Alexander, Migeul Maysonet, Tauren Poole and Jordan Hall.

Returning starter: Le'Veon Bell. Bell is entrenched as the unquestioned #1 back, not to mention a premier and arguably the NFL's best RB in the game today. He is a true 3-down back since he is a lethal threat in both the ground & air game. Capable of getting the tough yards when necessary, or taking it outside or through the tackles to the house.

Returning depth: Josh Harris, Dri Archer, and Will Johnson (FB/TE/RB). If any of you follow me closely then you know how much I favor Josh Harris. IMO he can easily handle the job in Bell's absence. Archer has yet to find his niche, but Haley needs to deploy him better. His speed is still ridiculous, but he's timid & hesitates too much. He didn't develop into the return man that everyone had hoped for, but that isn't to say they won't try again. Will Johnson is a "break in case of emergency" type since he is a FB/TE hybrid where he has shown to be the most effective. But he has proved that he can handle 3rd down duties to grind out short yardage.

New faces: DeAngelo Williams (FA), Ross Scheuerman (UDFA-Lafayette), Cameron Stingily (UDFA-N. Illinois). Williams is 33 years old and played in Carolina for 9 years. He is a great veteran back with good field awareness. He should be a great filler for situational duties or relief. Even though I think Harris should be that guy. Scheuerman was a beast at Lafayette, but it was a smaller school division so his outlook is pretty small. Still, a great 1-cut runner. Stingily has been called a freight train of a man. He runs with a very hard nose and is very physical. I think he could provide competition for FB.

On the bubble: Archer, Scheuerman, Stingily. Its hard to imagine Archer being in jeopardy due to his positional flexibility (RB/WR/STR), but since he has yet to develop into difference maker in any capacity, its hard to justify keeping him on the 53 when others may be just as effective (say Devin Gardner who is a QB/WR with ST ability). Scheuerman & Stingily are camp bodies.

Outlook: Bell is currently appealing his 3-game suspension, but whatever the outcome, D-Will was brought in to be the starter for those games. But don't be surprised if Josh Harris gets a very healthy cut of the carries during that opening stretch. Bell, D-Will, & Harris are a lethal group. Each capable of carrying the load. I'm excited for this group. I wouldn't call D-Will an upgrade over Blount because of the age difference, but I will say he is just as good/effective. And like I said about Archer earlier, he needs to turn it up this offseason or he is going to find himself on the chopping block.

Discuss!

i think after seeing harris in that playoff game, they went and signed dwill so they dont have to use harris, he just didnt hack it......dwill will carry the torch as much as possible those games

 

[SteelersPride]

Position Preview: Center

Gone: TC cut - David Snow

Returning starters: Maurkice Pouncey. Solid rebound season coming off his ACL tear 2 seasons ago. Returned to the probowl. There's no quantifying the impact this guy has when he's on the field, both in the locker-room and on the field. He's the captain and unquestioned leader of the O-line group.

Returning depth: Cody Wallace (C/G). A very reliable position-flexible guy. Proved himself more than a few times over the years.

New faces: Collin Rahrig (C/G), Reese Dismukes (C/G), BJ Finney (C/G). See notes above in the Guard preview.

On the bubble: I seriously doubt Wallace is in any sort of jeopardy of losing his spot. But all the new faces are battling for Hubbard & Wallace's spots.

Outlook: This group has found great cohesion and as long as health permits, I expect big things from the O-line this season. The ground game & the passing game are going to be in great shape.

Discuss!

keep an eye on beechum, unhappy with contract talks, and pouncey i want to see more of, he was good, but not his great self

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

i think after seeing harris in that playoff game, they went and signed dwill so they dont have to use harris, he just didnt hack it......dwill will carry the torch as much as possible those games

They only rushed the ball 15 times if I recall correctly? Might have been a few more. But that's hardly enough to establish any sort of ground game. So to say he "didn't hack it" is a stretch. Haley went pass heavy and Ben had 45 attempts.

 

[SteelersPride]

They only rushed the ball 15 times if I recall correctly? Might have been a few more. But that's hardly enough to establish any sort of ground game. So to say he "didn't hack it" is a stretch. Haley went pass heavy and Ben had 45 attempts.

i just thin if they thought harris could hack it why go get dwill

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

i just thin if they thought harris could hack it why go get dwill

True. I just look at it as more about insurance for Bell's suspension. D-Will was on the market for the right price. He's on the downhill side of his career, and is in the right mindset to sit behind a younger guy and finish out his career but capable of carrying the load for a small stretch. Bell is still very young and could use a good mentor within the group and I think the coaches were thinking that as well.

 

[SteelersPride]

agreed on all points, we'll see, whoever runs the rock, they wont be bell thats for sure