2015 Position Previews

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

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.

I agree. I think Blake has the most potential to take over CB2. But since he's undersized it isn't necessarily ideal, but as long as he gets the job done then I'm fine with him handling the outside. I'm hoping that since the team has kept Taylor around for coaching purposes it will help Allen return to form. He needs that leadership, especially during a rebound.

Not sure that Webb is PS eligible anymore because of how long he spent on the 53. Can't remember the stipulations of it though.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Safety

Gone: Troy Polamalu.

Returning starter: Mike Mitchell. Mitchell was signed to a backend loaded contract so he still is playing for his money. The team was smart to make that deal because it keeps Mitchell from getting complacent. Mitchell still has a lot to prove, but he is the only player within the group that has been a full time starter. His experience is going to be vital to the success of the position.

Returning depth: Shamarko "Shark" Thomas, Will Allen, Robert "Little Dawk" Golden, Ross Ventrone. Solid mix of veteran & youth talent. Obviously the biggest question mark here is Shark. I'll hold those comments for the outlook. Will Allen is a great player that often goes unnoticed by the fanbase. But he has provided a lot of stability at this position over the past few years. Golden & Ventrone are ST monsters, both rating in the top 20 in PFF. Golden has logged a limited amount of snaps in nickel packages, and he has made some great splash plays over the years.

New faces: Gerod Holliman (7th Rd Pick), Alden Darby, Isaiah Lewis, Jordan Dangerfield, Ian Wild. Holliman was a ball hawk while playing at Louisville. He led the nation in interceptions. A lot of people knock his tackling, which I believe will be his biggest weakness. His tape doesn't lie. It was almost like he avoided contact. With the depth already at the position his ST ability are going to be the deciding factor whether he sticks around. Darby was a UDFA signed by the Chargers last offseason but didn't make the cut. Played at Arizona St. Lewis has some hype attached to him. He was signed as a UDFA by the Bengals but didn't make the cut. But the Bengals were stacked with talent in their secondary, so to say he couldn't hack it is not a concern. His coaches at Michigan St hold him in high regard, saying "There are certain guys I call certain things, and Isaiah is what I call a natural born killer as far as his hitting ability on the football field. He's going to come and hit you all day every day. There's not many of them in the NFL. You get him, you got a football player." Look for this kid to make some waves. Dangerfield isn't a new face since he was on the 90 last offseason. He made headlines with his hit on NYG FB Henry "The Hynocerous" Hynoski last preseason. Pretty sure Hynoski remembers that hit quite fondly. Not many safeties will stick their nose into a FB straight up on the 1 yard line and win the battle. Especially when the FB has 60+lbs of weight over him lol. Wild was a UDFA back in '12 by the Bills, but went into the CFL for the past 2 years. This is his 2nd attempt to get back into the NFL.

On the bubble: Golden, Ventrone, Holliman, Darby, Lewis, Dangerfield, Wild. All 7 of these guys are competing for 1-2 roster position. The team rosters 4-5 safeties and only 3 of those guys are likely guaranteed positions (Mitchell, Shark, Allen).

Outlook: With the departure of (eventual) HOFer Troy Polamalu, the door swings wide open for a massive shakeup within this group. There have been rumors of Mike Mitchell making the transition to SS. Mitchell had a somewhat underwhelming first season with the team, but I think he'll rebound nicely. He doesn't have Poly hanging him out to dry anymore so he can focus on splash plays and perfecting his craft. Obviously the biggest question is whether Shamarko Thomas is the guy to step up into either S position. The team traded up in the 4th round of the '14 draft for him. So it is easy to have bigger expectations for the kid, even though he has yet to log many meaningful snaps in the back end. He has flashed great potential in the preseasons, but for whatever reason the team has kept him on the shelf, even when Poly was dealing with injuries last season they gave Will Allen the nod over him. Hard to get too excited when it seems like there are too many question marks. This group needs to find some cohesiveness or the back end will suffer. A lot of youth and talent has been injected into the secondary, so it will be interesting to see how the groups develop.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

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

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I agree. I think Blake has the most potential to take over CB2. But since he's undersized it isn't necessarily ideal, but as long as he gets the job done then I'm fine with him handling the outside. I'm hoping that since the team has kept Taylor around for coaching purposes it will help Allen return to form. He needs that leadership, especially during a rebound.

Not sure that Webb is PS eligible anymore because of how long he spent on the 53. Can't remember the stipulations of it though.

I've heard player quotes of Blake moving outside and Gay to slot in nickle, but we'll have to see how that unfolds in camp.

I'm still sized biased when it comes to CBs...I prefer that 6'+ guy outside...that said, Brent Grimes really made me a believer that under 6' CBs still have a place in this league. Came back from an achilles and was almost better.

I'm thinking out loud again, but I'm curious to see if Grant develops quick enough to take a top 4 position next year.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Position Preview: Safety

Gone: Troy Polamalu.

Returning starter: Mike Mitchell. Mitchell was signed to a backend loaded contract so he still is playing for his money. The team was smart to make that deal because it keeps Mitchell from getting complacent. Mitchell still has a lot to prove, but he is the only player within the group that has been a full time starter. His experience is going to be vital to the success of the position.

Returning depth: Shamarko "Shark" Thomas, Will Allen, Robert "Little Dawk" Golden, Ross Ventrone. Solid mix of veteran & youth talent. Obviously the biggest question mark here is Shark. I'll hold those comments for the outlook. Will Allen is a great player that often goes unnoticed by the fanbase. But he has provided a lot of stability at this position over the past few years. Golden & Ventrone are ST monsters, both rating in the top 20 in PFF. Golden has logged a limited amount of snaps in nickel packages, and he has made some great splash plays over the years.

New faces: Gerod Holliman (7th Rd Pick), Alden Darby, Isaiah Lewis, Jordan Dangerfield, Ian Wild. Holliman was a ball hawk while playing at Louisville. He led the nation in interceptions. A lot of people knock his tackling, which I believe will be his biggest weakness. His tape doesn't lie. It was almost like he avoided contact. With the depth already at the position his ST ability are going to be the deciding factor whether he sticks around. Darby was a UDFA signed by the Chargers last offseason but didn't make the cut. Played at Arizona St. Lewis has some hype attached to him. He was signed as a UDFA by the Bengals but didn't make the cut. But the Bengals were stacked with talent in their secondary, so to say he couldn't hack it is not a concern. His coaches at Michigan St hold him in high regard, saying "There are certain guys I call certain things, and Isaiah is what I call a natural born killer as far as his hitting ability on the football field. He's going to come and hit you all day every day. There's not many of them in the NFL. You get him, you got a football player." Look for this kid to make some waves. Dangerfield isn't a new face since he was on the 90 last offseason. He made headlines with his hit on NYG FB Henry "The Hynocerous" Hynoski last preseason. Pretty sure Hynoski remembers that hit quite fondly. Not many safeties will stick their nose into a FB straight up on the 1 yard line and win the battle. Especially when the FB has 60+lbs of weight over him lol. Wild was a UDFA back in '12 by the Bills, but went into the CFL for the past 2 years. This is his 2nd attempt to get back into the NFL.

On the bubble: Golden, Ventrone, Holliman, Darby, Lewis, Dangerfield, Wild. All 7 of these guys are competing for 1-2 roster position. The team rosters 4-5 safeties and only 3 of those guys are likely guaranteed positions (Mitchell, Shark, Allen).

Outlook: With the departure of (eventual) HOFer Troy Polamalu, the door swings wide open for a massive shakeup within this group. There have been rumors of Mike Mitchell making the transition to SS. Mitchell had a somewhat underwhelming first season with the team, but I think he'll rebound nicely. He doesn't have Poly hanging him out to dry anymore so he can focus on splash plays and perfecting his craft. Obviously the biggest question is whether Shamarko Thomas is the guy to step up into either S position. The team traded up in the 4th round of the '14 draft for him. So it is easy to have bigger expectations for the kid, even though he has yet to log many meaningful snaps in the back end. He has flashed great potential in the preseasons, but for whatever reason the team has kept him on the shelf, even when Poly was dealing with injuries last season they gave Will Allen the nod over him. Hard to get too excited when it seems like there are too many question marks. This group needs to find some cohesiveness or the back end will suffer. A lot of youth and talent has been injected into the secondary, so it will be interesting to see how the groups develop.

Excellent write up.

Thomas...What we know...he can hit, will be a physical presence. What we don't know...if he can cover taller players in space.

I think he's going to be fine, but I'm concerned about him in RZ coverage on TEs. I think we need to wipe the slate clean in terms how the SS will play under Butler...I don't expect to see him up on the LOS that much.

Mitchell...yes, I think he can take over the leadership role now and he'll play better as a result.

Outlook...If he flashes early with a pick or two, I think Holliman has a good chance to make the team if they keep 5. They knew he wasn't a bruiser S when they took him. The Steelers have been near the bottom 3rd of the league the last 2-3 years intercepting the ball...I think that stat was on their minds when they made these back 4 draft picks.

I think with Allen there are a safety net, the backend will be okay, but imo we need Thomas to work out in order to keep the faster players on the field.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Position Preview: Special Teams

Gone: None.

Returning starters: Shaun Suisham (K), Brad Wing (P), Greg Warren (LS).

Returning depth: None

New faces: Jordan Berry (P). Another Aussie style kicker. His instagram videos are impressive. He has great leg strength.

On the bubble: Wing, Berry. The only specialist position being contested this year is punter.

Outlook: Suisham is worth his weight in gold since he has proven himself time and time again. But this will certainly be a big test for him this year now that the extra point kick is moved back. I think Tomlin will have a lot of trust in him though. Wing had a mediocre year posting a 43.7 yard average per punt on the season. Hence the reason he is the only specialist facing competition. Warren is back for another season. A lot of people don't really appreciate the importance of his position. He has been a trusted specialist since 2005.

 

[SteelersPride]

Warren is back for another season. A lot of people don't really appreciate the importance of his position. He has been a trusted specialist since 2005.

hell yes

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

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

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The unspoken group...until somebody screws up.

There was a bit of grumbling from Marvin Lewis about the XPA being longer...outdoor venues, weather making it tougher on AFCN teams...Still what...a 30 yd FG?

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

The unspoken group...until somebody screws up.

There was a bit of grumbling from Marvin Lewis about the XPA being longer...outdoor venues, weather making it tougher on AFCN teams...Still what...a 30 yd FG?

I believe so... Suisham's career percentages in the 20-29yds range is 95.9% and 84.5% from 30-39yds. But that includes his years on the Cowboys & Redskins... He has a 92.3% percentage in the 30-39yd range during his career at Pittsburgh. He was a perfect 100% last season in that range. Only 6 attempts, but still! He was 13/15 in 2013.