2015 Position Previews

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Defensive End

Gone: Brett Keisel, Josh Mauro (PS)

Returning starters: Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt. Heyward is one of the Steelers’ best defensive players (now paid like one), and he gives them a strong inside rusher when they go to their nickel defense. Tuitt showed a lot of promise after waiting in the wings behind Thomas & Keisel for 3-4 weeks LY. He is a prime candidate for a breakout season.

Returning depth: Cam Thomas (DE/NT), Clifton Geathers, Ethan Hemer (PS), Joe Kruger (PS). Cam Thomas is about as worthless as a utility lineman can be. It still baffles me how the FO decided to keep him around. He was awful at the point of attack, constantly getting pushed off the LOS. But since he was a position flexible guy with experience, he got to stick around. Hemer is a promising prospect who now has a full season and almost 2 full offseasons under his belt. He could make an impact now that Keisel is gone. Same can be said for Kruger. Both will have the opportunity to prove their worth.

New faces: L.T. Walton (6th Rd Pick), Dominique "Niko" Davis (UDFA), Matt Conrath (FA). Walton is a big man who flashes talent to penetrate and can win with explosive get-off. Good athlete for a big, inside player. Possesses quick hands, but needs to stack on more upper body mass & work on leverage technique (pad level). Davis played at a small school (Liberty) but has been highly touted by a former LBer coach of the 49ers saying "he possesses all of the same tools that made people like Navarro Bowman & Patrick Willis great". High praise for a UDFA! Conrath played for the Rams the past 3 years.

On the bubble: Thomas, Walton, Geathers, Hemer, Kruger, Davis, Conrath. All 7 of these guys are fighting for 2 spots on the roster, as well as 2 more PS spots. So at least 3 of these guys will be gone by the start of the season.

Outlook: If the DE positions continue to solidify and progress by one way or another, look for the LBs to bring some noise this season. Dominating in the trenches will open up all kinds of attacks that Butler will want to deploy since he has one of the fastest LBer corps in the league. I predict that Walton & Geathers are going to make the 53, while Hemer & Davis make the PS. I think Walton & Geathers have the ability to be more position flexible which makes their spots on the roster all the more valuable. I've been hearing whispers of yet another Keisel return. Like last season they have left his locker vacant. They might be taking another "wait & see" approach as TC draws nearer. I would have included McCullers in here since he could easily play DE, but the team seems content leaving him on the inside. Especially now that we may see more of the 4-3. That defensive scheme transition will make it all the more important to be position flexible for these guys fighting for roster spots.

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Defensive Tackle / Nose Tackle

Gone: TC cut - Al Lapuaho, Hebron Fangupo

Returning starters: Steve McLendon, Dan McCullers. McLendon has received a lot of undeserved heat over the poor defensive line performance over the last few seasons. But for those that care about stats, the defense averaged less rushing yards per game (and less YPC) while McLendon was healthy. It is hard for him to live up to the expectations that were set by Hampton, but that will be something he will have to forever live with. McLendon is a great NT that is good at penetrating and holding the point of attack. He may not command the double team like Hampton, but he does a great job of shedding blocks and moving the pile. McCullers played well in a few starts for the oft-injured McLendon. He showed a lot of promise. It has been reported that he has lost nearly 20lbs this offseason but don't be worried, he is still a VERY big man. The weight loss should make him much more agile along the LOS.

Returning depth: Cam Thomas (DE/DT), Clifton Geathers (DE/DT). See DE preview above for my thoughts on Thomas. Didn't talk about Geathers though. John Mitchell is probably going to push Geathers to be more position flexible. It will make him more valuable to the team. He is another big strong man with good talent, not to mention a nasty demeanor (just ask Pouncey or Foster who have both gotten in fist fights with him).

New faces: Leterrius "L.T." Walton (6th Rd Pick). See DE preview above.

On the bubble: Thomas, Walton, Geathers. All 3 are fighting for 2 backup D-lineman positions with all of the DE on the bubble as well.

Outlook: Depending on the scheme they deploy, McLendon is the true starter in all 3-4 fronts. McCullers will see a heavy workload if Butler decides to deploy the 4-3 more often. But you can also guarantee that McCullers will be in all goal line packages. Like the DE's... The battles in the trenches need to be won more if this defense is going to return to its dominant form. I have a lot of faith in McLendon and I've been a big fan of "Big Dan" so I think this position will be very solid this season.

Discuss!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

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

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

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

I hope so. But then again... If the O-line with Spaeth & W-Johnson can continue to block as well as they have been it won't matter. Take the last 2 games against Cincy. We ran the ball down their throats and there was nothing they could do to stop it. I read somewhere that they ran the same play 2, even 3 times in a row.

Doubt they will be able to pull that off against their opponents this year. They will see some more dominant fronts which will force Haley to earn his paycheck.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Position Preview: Defensive Tackle / Nose Tackle

Gone: TC cut - Al Lapuaho, Hebron Fangupo

Returning starters: Steve McLendon, Dan McCullers. McLendon has received a lot of undeserved heat over the poor defensive line performance over the last few seasons. But for those that care about stats, the defense averaged less rushing yards per game (and less YPC) while McLendon was healthy. It is hard for him to live up to the expectations that were set by Hampton, but that will be something he will have to forever live with. McLendon is a great NT that is good at penetrating and holding the point of attack. He may not command the double team like Hampton, but he does a great job of shedding blocks and moving the pile. McCullers played well in a few starts for the oft-injured McLendon. He showed a lot of promise. It has been reported that he has lost nearly 20lbs this offseason but don't be worried, he is still a VERY big man. The weight loss should make him much more agile along the LOS.

Returning depth: Cam Thomas (DE/DT), Clifton Geathers (DE/DT). See DE preview above for my thoughts on Thomas. Didn't talk about Geathers though. John Mitchell is probably going to push Geathers to be more position flexible. It will make him more valuable to the team. He is another big strong man with good talent, not to mention a nasty demeanor (just ask Pouncey or Foster who have both gotten in fist fights with him).

New faces: Leterrius "L.T." Walton (6th Rd Pick). See DE preview above.

On the bubble: Thomas, Walton, Geathers. All 3 are fighting for 2 backup D-lineman positions with all of the DE on the bubble as well.

Outlook: Depending on the scheme they deploy, McLendon is the true starter in all 3-4 fronts. McCullers will see a heavy workload if Butler decides to deploy the 4-3 more often. But you can also guarantee that McCullers will be in all goal line packages. Like the DE's... The battles in the trenches need to be won more if this defense is going to return to its dominant form. I have a lot of faith in McLendon and I've been a big fan of "Big Dan" so I think this position will be very solid this season.

Discuss!

The DL imo is the strength of the DEF...still relatively young...The bigs inside...they're most likely only keeping 2 and I agree the 3-4 base will probably feature McLendon in the middle with McCuller getting a few snaps backing him up.

As we've talked about for months...I think this DEF is better vs the run with a 4 man DL front...we've heard Butler say we might see some of that...I think Butler will be more flexible and we'll see multiple DL fronts to get the most out of his bigs.

 

[Ewa PGH Fan]

If Kiesel is brought back it should only be at the expense of Cam Thomas and not one of the younger players. In other words, I don't want to see Keisel and Thomas both on the team at the expense of the younger players. I am hoping one of the young guys beats out Cam and makes bringing back Kiesel unnecessary, unless there is gawd forbid a serious injury.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Inside Linebacker

Gone: TC cuts - Kion Wilson, Dan Molls

Returning starters: Lawrence "Law Dog" Timmons, Ryan Shazier. The Law Dog finally got his recognition last year by being voted into the probowl. He continues to be an unquestioned leader of this defense, and one of, if not THE best ILB in the game today. Shazier flashed some greatness last season, but he struggled to stay healthy. He is another prime candidate for a breakout season.

Returning depth: Vince Williams, Sean Spence, Terrence Garvin, Jordan "Z-man" Zumwalt (ILB/OLB). V-Will & Spence both have the opportunity to unseat Shazier for the buck linebacker position. V-Will is a fiery competitor and a great warrior. He is strong vs the run. Spence is a true comeback story from last season after he returned from a 1-yr hiatus for a full knee recovery. It is amazing that he was able to recover from such a horrific injury. Garvin continues to be one of the best ST players on the roster. He has Butler's full support (quoted Keith saying Terrence could start on any team in this league). Z-man is a curious prospect. We haven't seen much except for a few preseason flashes last season. He struggled with health and was placed on the PS because of it. He has that same fire that drives V-Will, and I expect him to make waves during this preseason.

New faces: None!

On the bubble: Garvin & Zumwalt. The team is likely to keep 5 ILB's rostered again and these 2 will be fighting for that last position.

Outlook: Once again this is a true "embarrassment of riches" position or as Keith put it, "ILB's out the butt". They have 5-6 capable starters for 2 positions. Which is absolutely insane! Not to mention Arthur Moats who can also play ILB but is only being used as an OLB. Like the past few seasons, this position is likely to be the strength of the LBer corps. Nothing to worry about here, even if a few injuries occur they are still in safe hands.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Position Preview: Inside Linebackers - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[SteelersPride]

I have never heard law dog, where I been?

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

I have never heard law dog, where I been?

Tomlin coined the nickname. You hear him refer to Lawrence as Law Dog pretty often on the field.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Outside Linebacker

Gone: Jason Worilds, TC cuts - Chris Carter, Vic So'oto. Jason Worilds shocked the league by announcing an early retirement.

Returning starter: Jarvis Jones. JJ is entering what could be considered a "make or break" season for him. After 2 years of play we have barely seen much from the kid due to injuries and inconsistent play. And since he is turning 26 years old this season, his window of opportunity is closing. He showed a lot of promise LY before injuring his wrist, so hopefully he continues to progress and make an impact. The defense sorely needs that edge presence.

Returning depth: Arthur Moats, James "Deebo" Harrison, Jordan "Z-man" Zumwalt (ILB/OLB), Howard Jones (PS). Moats is penciled in as the starter at LOLB, for now. Harrison is still a freak of nature. Porter told him that he won't be a starter anymore and that he will only get limited snaps, but that only fueled Harrison more this offseason. If you have been watching my offseason thread then you know what I'm talking about. I wouldn't be surprised to see Harrison starting multiple games this season. Howard Jones is a fan favorite from last preseason. He is a very raw talent, but extremely athletic and has a great knack for finding the ball (2 TDs last preseason). Would love to see him finally make the 53.

New faces: Bud Dupree (1st Rd Pick), Shawn Lemon (CFL), Anthony Chickillo (6th Rd Pick), Roosevelt Nix, Shayon Green. Dupree is a monster. @ 6'4" 269lbs he ran a 4.56s 40, hit a 42" vertical, and a 138" broad jump.... To say he is explosive is a huge understatement. Those sort of numbers at 269lbs are unheard of. Lemon bounced around the CFL for a few years but when he finally got his chance he excelled, racking up 13 sacks in one season. Should be an interesting prospect to watch. Chickillo played at Miami and is a very talented edge rusher. He has a good motor and great work ethic. Green played at University of Miami. He has struggled with injuries throughout his college career but now is finally healthy and is given his first shot. Nix played with the Falcons last season. I've read that he is a freight train of a man. Was used as a FB in ATL.

On the bubble: Lemon, Chickillo, Nix, Green, Zumwalt, Jones. The team only rostered 4 OLBs last season, but could opt for 5. Its hard to say whether this group is fighting for a roster position or PS spot. Harrison is old enough to be unseated, but I just don't see that happening. If the team opts to carry 5 OLBs then that last spot is up for grabs. Someone from this group will need to impress this offseason!

Outlook: Lots of talent at this position, but not a lot of substance (excluding Harrison lol). Jarvis needs to make the leap and give the team a reason to keep him around, which I think he will. He made a pretty solid impact in his first 4 games last season before getting injured. Dupree will likely be the starter at LOLB, but not sure if that will be the case at the start of the season. He will have to show a lot of progress before then if he wants to unseat Moats. Moats will be a solid starter but I worry about his ability to set the edge. He's better at rushing the passer than run coverage.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Position Preview: Outside Linebackers - Behind the Steel Curtain

 

[Ewa PGH Fan]

The unexpected retirement of Worilds caused this position which looked to be fairly solid to be thrown into termoil. I don't want to get into 'What if's" cause Worilds is gone and only he can change that which I just don't see happening. This isn't "could be", It Is no doubt JJ's make or break season. He has to step up or Dupree will replace him instead of Moats. I wonder if it would work to switch JJ to the left side and start Harrison at his old right side position until Dupree is ready. Or maybe start Harrison in place of Moats and bring Moats in for passing downs. Keeping both fresh???

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Position Preview: Outside Linebacker

Gone: Jason Worilds, TC cuts - Chris Carter, Vic So'oto. Jason Worilds shocked the league by announcing an early retirement.

Returning starter: Jarvis Jones. JJ is entering what could be considered a "make or break" season for him. After 2 years of play we have barely seen much from the kid due to injuries and inconsistent play. And since he is turning 26 years old this season, his window of opportunity is closing. He showed a lot of promise LY before injuring his wrist, so hopefully he continues to progress and make an impact. The defense sorely needs that edge presence.

Returning depth: Arthur Moats, James "Deebo" Harrison, Jordan "Z-man" Zumwalt (ILB/OLB), Howard Jones (PS). Moats is penciled in as the starter at LOLB, for now. Harrison is still a freak of nature. Porter told him that he won't be a starter anymore and that he will only get limited snaps, but that only fueled Harrison more this offseason. If you have been watching my offseason thread then you know what I'm talking about. I wouldn't be surprised to see Harrison starting multiple games this season. Howard Jones is a fan favorite from last preseason. He is a very raw talent, but extremely athletic and has a great knack for finding the ball (2 TDs last preseason). Would love to see him finally make the 53.

New faces: Bud Dupree (1st Rd Pick), Shawn Lemon (CFL), Anthony Chickillo (6th Rd Pick), Roosevelt Nix, Shayon Green. Dupree is a monster. @ 6'4" 269lbs he ran a 4.56s 40, hit a 42" vertical, and a 138" broad jump.... To say he is explosive is a huge understatement. Those sort of numbers at 269lbs are unheard of. Lemon bounced around the CFL for a few years but when he finally got his chance he excelled, racking up 13 sacks in one season. Should be an interesting prospect to watch. Chickillo played at Miami and is a very talented edge rusher. He has a good motor and great work ethic. Green played at University of Miami. He has struggled with injuries throughout his college career but now is finally healthy and is given his first shot. Nix played with the Falcons last season. I've read that he is a freight train of a man. Was used as a FB in ATL.

On the bubble: Lemon, Chickillo, Nix, Green, Zumwalt, Jones. The team only rostered 4 OLBs last season, but could opt for 5. Its hard to say whether this group is fighting for a roster position or PS spot. Harrison is old enough to be unseated, but I just don't see that happening. If the team opts to carry 5 OLBs then that last spot is up for grabs. Someone from this group will need to impress this offseason!

Outlook: Lots of talent at this position, but not a lot of substance (excluding Harrison lol). Jarvis needs to make the leap and give the team a reason to keep him around, which I think he will. He made a pretty solid impact in his first 4 games last season before getting injured. Dupree will likely be the starter at LOLB, but not sure if that will be the case at the start of the season. He will have to show a lot of progress before then if he wants to unseat Moats. Moats will be a solid starter but I worry about his ability to set the edge. He's better at rushing the passer than run coverage.

Good write up.

My thoughts in general...in terms of headcount and optimism the position had made a big leap from just a year ago. In terms of production on the field...obviously this group has as many questions as the CB position does.

LOLB...I think Butler will go with Moats early, and spoon feed Dupree some snaps and that will dictate the % as the season goes along with Dupree taking over at some point. Clearly Dupree will be the LOLB in '16.

ROLB...Jones is probably going to win the job and play in base if he handles the run in camp...Harrison I expect will be more of the sub pkg player on passing downs.

I'm not sure who takes that 5th OLB spot, but they will have to earn it.

Just thinking out loud...again circling back to the DL...if Butler does employ some 2 DT and 2 DE fronts...I can see Dupree, Timmons and Shazier on the field behind them in some type of pkg...overload Heyward's side with Shazier's speed and other times Deebo's presence.

This is supposed to be the year of the OFC and it should be, but I'm most curious to learn the stamp that Butler is going to put on this DEF.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The unexpected retirement of Worilds caused this position which looked to be fairly solid to be thrown into termoil. I don't want to get into 'What if's" cause Worilds is gone and only he can change that which I just don't see happening. This isn't "could be", It Is no doubt JJ's make or break season. He has to step up or Dupree will replace him instead of Moats. I wonder if it would work to switch JJ to the left side and start Harrison at his old right side position until Dupree is ready. Or maybe start Harrison in place of Moats and bring Moats in for passing downs. Keeping both fresh???

Worilds was avg talent imo...but I agree that his production was at least somewhat trust worthy. JJ is probably not going to play much on the strong side...I think he will split mins with Harrison on the right JJ probably in base and 2nd down...Harrison on 3rd down and maybe a series or two per side and Moats/Dupree on the left and lionshare of mins will probably shift to Dupree as the year goes along.

I'm expecting more sacks this year, but not a ton more and probably no one with dbl digits.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Position Preview: Inside Linebacker

Gone: TC cuts - Kion Wilson, Dan Molls

Returning starters: Lawrence "Law Dog" Timmons, Ryan Shazier. The Law Dog finally got his recognition last year by being voted into the probowl. He continues to be an unquestioned leader of this defense, and one of, if not THE best ILB in the game today. Shazier flashed some greatness last season, but he struggled to stay healthy. He is another prime candidate for a breakout season.

Returning depth: Vince Williams, Sean Spence, Terrence Garvin, Jordan "Z-man" Zumwalt (ILB/OLB). V-Will & Spence both have the opportunity to unseat Shazier for the buck linebacker position. V-Will is a fiery competitor and a great warrior. He is strong vs the run. Spence is a true comeback story from last season after he returned from a 1-yr hiatus for a full knee recovery. It is amazing that he was able to recover from such a horrific injury. Garvin continues to be one of the best ST players on the roster. He has Butler's full support (quoted Keith saying Terrence could start on any team in this league). Z-man is a curious prospect. We haven't seen much except for a few preseason flashes last season. He struggled with health and was placed on the PS because of it. He has that same fire that drives V-Will, and I expect him to make waves during this preseason.

New faces: None!

On the bubble: Garvin & Zumwalt. The team is likely to keep 5 ILB's rostered again and these 2 will be fighting for that last position.

Outlook: Once again this is a true "embarrassment of riches" position or as Keith put it, "ILB's out the butt". They have 5-6 capable starters for 2 positions. Which is absolutely insane! Not to mention Arthur Moats who can also play ILB but is only being used as an OLB. Like the past few seasons, this position is likely to be the strength of the LBer corps. Nothing to worry about here, even if a few injuries occur they are still in safe hands.

Quietly the deepest group on the team...WRs might have something to say about that, but since these are LBs...we're going to crown them.

Zman has his work cut out for him now because with addition of Chick...his spot is most likely ILB or ILB...Garvin gets the edge b/c of ST.

Shazier got a taste of big boy football and he should've learned a few things in terms of keeping himself on the field...Butler has two charges with this group imo...use the depth to give Timmons a few plays off to keep him fresh, and more splash plays from Shazier.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Position Preview: Defensive End

Gone: Brett Keisel, Josh Mauro (PS)

Returning starters: Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt. Heyward is one of the Steelers’ best defensive players (now paid like one), and he gives them a strong inside rusher when they go to their nickel defense. Tuitt showed a lot of promise after waiting in the wings behind Thomas & Keisel for 3-4 weeks LY. He is a prime candidate for a breakout season.

Returning depth: Cam Thomas (DE/NT), Clifton Geathers, Ethan Hemer (PS), Joe Kruger (PS). Cam Thomas is about as worthless as a utility lineman can be. It still baffles me how the FO decided to keep him around. He was awful at the point of attack, constantly getting pushed off the LOS. But since he was a position flexible guy with experience, he got to stick around. Hemer is a promising prospect who now has a full season and almost 2 full offseasons under his belt. He could make an impact now that Keisel is gone. Same can be said for Kruger. Both will have the opportunity to prove their worth.

New faces: L.T. Walton (6th Rd Pick), Dominique "Niko" Davis (UDFA), Matt Conrath (FA). Walton is a big man who flashes talent to penetrate and can win with explosive get-off. Good athlete for a big, inside player. Possesses quick hands, but needs to stack on more upper body mass & work on leverage technique (pad level). Davis played at a small school (Liberty) but has been highly touted by a former LBer coach of the 49ers saying "he possesses all of the same tools that made people like Navarro Bowman & Patrick Willis great". High praise for a UDFA! Conrath played for the Rams the past 3 years.

On the bubble: Thomas, Walton, Geathers, Hemer, Kruger, Davis, Conrath. All 7 of these guys are fighting for 2 spots on the roster, as well as 2 more PS spots. So at least 3 of these guys will be gone by the start of the season.

Outlook: If the DE positions continue to solidify and progress by one way or another, look for the LBs to bring some noise this season. Dominating in the trenches will open up all kinds of attacks that Butler will want to deploy since he has one of the fastest LBer corps in the league. I predict that Walton & Geathers are going to make the 53, while Hemer & Davis make the PS. I think Walton & Geathers have the ability to be more position flexible which makes their spots on the roster all the more valuable. I've been hearing whispers of yet another Keisel return. Like last season they have left his locker vacant. They might be taking another "wait & see" approach as TC draws nearer. I would have included McCullers in here since he could easily play DE, but the team seems content leaving him on the inside. Especially now that we may see more of the 4-3. That defensive scheme transition will make it all the more important to be position flexible for these guys fighting for roster spots.

Discuss!

Keisel...Wow...really?

I'm starting to get the sense we are going to see 4 DL on the field some aside from GL situations.

C. Thomas...I think the only reason he's being kept around is depth now...if the plan is 6 DL, 4DEs/2DT...I don't see any way Thomas makes it again.

Heyward...set for life financially now...just keep growing, working hard. Maybe not JJ Watt good, but he's top 3 in his trade.

Tuitt...large athletic kid...much like McCullers...the sky is the limit...if he appraches Heyward's level...this DEF will be championship caliber again sooner vs later.

The rest...I tend to agree...some people like Walton a lot...they keep bringing Geathers back for a reason...these two guys could round out the 6 on the 53, but Hemer and company will have their shot.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Cornerback

Gone: Ike Taylor, Brice McCain, Shaquille Richardson (PS). TC cuts - Isaiah Green, Devin Smith

Returning starter: William Gay. The only true starter on the roster. William went from city outcast to hero after his return from Arizona. He is the best CB on the roster and has proven to be a dependable asset.

Returning depth: Cortez Allen, Antwon Blake, BW Webb, Kevin Fogg. Cortez had a massive fall from grace last season. He went from starter to benchwarmer to IR just to clear room on the 53 for someone more capable. His ego took a sizeable hit, but its now on him to return to form after being signed to a $20+ mil deal. Antwon Blake is a rising project. He is a smaller sized DB, but he is incredibly fast and has a great work ethic. Webb played in Dallas before last season. He is a skilled CB but is somewhat undersized as well. Fogg is a raw project but possesses all of the intangibles of a great CB. I've been hearing that he could surprise a lot of people and nab himself a spot on the 53.

New faces: Senquez Golson (2nd Rd Pick), Doran Grant (4th Rd Pick). Golson was an under the radar pick from Ole Miss on draft day, but both Colbert & Lake seem very ecstatic to have this kid on the roster. He may be small, but he doesn't play like it. He was an interception machine in college. Grant played at Ohio St and is a true blue collar type guy. He is talented, and a hard working guy.

On the bubble: Allen, Blake, Webb, Fogg, Golson, Grant. The team usually sticks with 5 CBs on the roster. And seeing that there is only 1 true keeper, I think the other 4 spots are purely up for grabs.

Outlook: This group has a lot to prove, and nothing is certain right now. Everything is up for grabs so anyone within the group could rise up the ranks. The entire organization & it's fanbase are going to be watching this group intensively since this is the most scrutinized position on the team. One thing is for sure, there is more talent injected into the position. If Cortez can rise up from the ashes, then this is going to be a solid group. I think Gay, Allen, Blake, Golson, and Grant are the 5 (and in that order). Fogg will likely stick around for the PS.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

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

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Position Preview: Cornerback

Gone: Ike Taylor, Brice McCain, Shaquille Richardson (PS). TC cuts - Isaiah Green, Devin Smith

Returning starter: William Gay. The only true starter on the roster. William went from city outcast to hero after his return from Arizona. He is the best CB on the roster and has proven to be a dependable asset.

Returning depth: Cortez Allen, Antwon Blake, BW Webb, Kevin Fogg. Cortez had a massive fall from grace last season. He went from starter to benchwarmer to IR just to clear room on the 53 for someone more capable. His ego took a sizeable hit, but its now on him to return to form after being signed to a $20+ mil deal. Antwon Blake is a rising project. He is a smaller sized DB, but he is incredibly fast and has a great work ethic. Webb played in Dallas before last season. He is a skilled CB but is somewhat undersized as well. Fogg is a raw project but possesses all of the intangibles of a great CB. I've been hearing that he could surprise a lot of people and nab himself a spot on the 53.

New faces: Senquez Golson (2nd Rd Pick), Doran Grant (4th Rd Pick). Golson was an under the radar pick from Ole Miss on draft day, but both Colbert & Lake seem very ecstatic to have this kid on the roster. He may be small, but he doesn't play like it. He was an interception machine in college. Grant played at Ohio St and is a true blue collar type guy. He is talented, and a hard working guy.

On the bubble: Allen, Blake, Webb, Fogg, Golson, Grant. The team usually sticks with 5 CBs on the roster. And seeing that there is only 1 true keeper, I think the other 4 spots are purely up for grabs.

Outlook: This group has a lot to prove, and nothing is certain right now. Everything is up for grabs so anyone within the group could rise up the ranks. The entire organization & it's fanbase are going to be watching this group intensively since this is the most scrutinized position on the team. One thing is for sure, there is more talent injected into the position. If Cortez can rise up from the ashes, then this is going to be a solid group. I think Gay, Allen, Blake, Golson, and Grant are the 5 (and in that order). Fogg will likely stick around for the PS.

The backend of the DEF is obviously in the most state of flux because of Allen's play LY and Troy P. no longer patrolling the LB/SS role that he played so well for most of the last decade.

Clearly with the schedule ahead, this is the group that has to come together for this team to continue on the uptick and go further into the playoffs this year.

Outlook...I think it's simple...if Allen is back...he, Gay and Blake will handle the top 3 CB spots and if the reports are true about Golson...he will find time as the 4th CB and Grant will be the 5th guy...Webb and Fogg have their work cut out to make the 53...maybe one of them will make a big move, but I expect them to be on the PS.