2016 Offseason

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

2mile pool run @8mph

 

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[FaCe-LeE-uS]

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Everything I got , I Worked Hard for it ! That's why I believe in it#GUSTO

 

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[FaCe-LeE-uS]

 

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[ATL96Steeler]

We are there!

ATL's Keys to a GREAT season.

• Obviously avoid the big injuries...especially on the DL/OL, goes without saying Ben, but I'm saying it....Adams was finally released, they did bring in vet FA Harris...he will push AVill for the LT job, but I don't expect AVill will lose his spot...LY imo was Tomlin's most effective yr when you consider how many starters lost games to injury.

• Improved depth on the DL...two studs at DE, but we all know they logged too many snaps LY. McCullers, Matthews, and Hargrave have to factor...If Walton can deliver something, it's a plus.

McCullers...the knock ly was he needed to be in better condition...yr 3 for the big fella, the run stopping base NT is his job to lose. If he can be the anchor in the middle on 1st down consistently...I think this DEF will be better.​

Hargrave... 1st thing to understand...he's not Big Snack 2.0...not that kind of DT. I would not be surprised to see him playing around 290-295. The early reports from coach Mitch are mixed...mentally he feels he's pretty far along...physically (conditioning and finishing plays) he feels he has some work to do. He's had 6 weeks to get himself into better shape...known as a penetrating DT in the mold of Gerald McCoy or I feel he will get snaps early a nickel DT, and don't be surprised to see him taking snaps at DE in relief.​

Matthew...played mostly DT in SD...coach Mitch likes the tape he's seen...wants to get a good look up close, but they feel he will be able to rotate out the DE...hopefully they finally hit on a FA vet DL.​

LT Walton...played a few snaps LY...big kid, I have not heard much, but will do some digging...maybe @FaCe-LeE-uS as some updates on him, but a player to keep our eye on.​

• WR2...we all know Bryant smoked his way off the team this yr. He is suspended for the season. Wish him well, but the team has to move on.

Wheaton...this is his contract yr. Many feel he will be moving on. Had moved into the slot mostly last year, but has played outside...he will get enough targets to be a 1,000 yd WR...I hope he does it.

Coates...has the ideal size and speed to be the outside guy. Has shown potential...his time his now.

DHB...surprised me a little LY. He gives Ben that veteran presence he likes...still has the jets to get deep...look for him to be more of a factor if Wheaton and Coates are not clicking early.​

• TE...Miller retires, Spaeth released injured, signed Ladarius Green, re-signed David Johnson. Jesse James is now a two yr player...hearing stuff about Grimble...I'm not as concerned about this position, but Green is being looked as a big RZ threat and downfield threat...that will help offset Bryant being gone is that can come to fruition. Green may not be 100% ready for camp, but word is he's a lot closer to be being ready...he needs reps with Ben.

• CB...finally, the spot most outsiders would point to as the Steelers biggest weakness. Well, there's no denying the pass coverage was weak and downright bad at times LY. This position group has to get better...no question about it, and I think they got better by subtraction by ridding Antown Blake. The top 3 CB I expect to be Gay and Cockrell outside and Golson in the slot, or maybe Gay in the slot.

Golson...2nd yr player that lost the entire '15 season to injure is back healthy. The staff raved about this kid LY and we never got to see him. I think he's a natural slot, but they say he can play outside as well...he has to factor imo.

Cockrell...3rd yr player, but LY was really his rookie season in terms of snapcount. Steeler Nation is kind of divided on this player. I thought he came into a tough situation and handled it well...good size, physical, not the best coverage guy, but hopefully he has learned something from LY and will be better...he will certainly be pushed in camp for his starting outside LCB job.

Burns...1st round pick, prototypical outside CB size, has the speed to defend a WR1....Being a rookie, I'm taking a wait and see approach here. I expect him to get some snaps, maybe in nickel, most likely CB4.
​

I know some might question why I left off RB. We know DWill is proven, and Toussaint is a capable RB...if there is a silver lining to Bell maybe (most likely imo) missing the 1st four games...assuming he makes the 53 and I think he will, Toussaint gets to get stink off the fumble last year....two big RB rookies...one will probably stick...at least for 4 games...and maybe go to the PS.

​

 

[Bridgeburner]

Nice write up as always. Couldn't agree more man.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

We are there!

ATL's Keys to a GREAT season.

• Obviously avoid the big injuries...especially on the DL/OL, goes without saying Ben, but I'm saying it....Adams was finally released, they did bring in vet FA Harris...he will push AVill for the LT job, but I don't expect AVill will lose his spot...LY imo was Tomlin's most effective yr when you consider how many starters lost games to injury.

• Improved depth on the DL...two studs at DE, but we all know they logged too many snaps LY. McCullers, Matthews, and Hargrave have to factor...If Walton can deliver something, it's a plus.

McCullers...the knock ly was he needed to be in better condition...yr 3 for the big fella, the run stopping base NT is his job to lose. If he can be the anchor in the middle on 1st down consistently...I think this DEF will be better.​

Hargrave... 1st thing to understand...he's not Big Snack 2.0...not that kind of DT. I would not be surprised to see him playing around 290-295. The early reports from coach Mitch are mixed...mentally he feels he's pretty far along...physically (conditioning and finishing plays) he feels he has some work to do. He's had 6 weeks to get himself into better shape...known as a penetrating DT in the mold of Gerald McCoy or I feel he will get snaps early a nickel DT, and don't be surprised to see him taking snaps at DE in relief.​

Matthew...played mostly DT in SD...coach Mitch likes the tape he's seen...wants to get a good look up close, but they feel he will be able to rotate out the DE...hopefully they finally hit on a FA vet DL.​

LT Walton...played a few snaps LY...big kid, I have not heard much, but will do some digging...maybe @FaCe-LeE-uS as some updates on him, but a player to keep our eye on.​

• WR2...we all know Bryant smoked his way off the team this yr. He is suspended for the season. Wish him well, but the team has to move on.

Wheaton...this is his contract yr. Many feel he will be moving on. Had moved into the slot mostly last year, but has played outside...he will get enough targets to be a 1,000 yd WR...I hope he does it.

Coates...has the ideal size and speed to be the outside guy. Has shown potential...his time his now.

DHB...surprised me a little LY. He gives Ben that veteran presence he likes...still has the jets to get deep...look for him to be more of a factor if Wheaton and Coates are not clicking early.​

• TE...Miller retires, Spaeth released injured, signed Ladarius Green, re-signed David Johnson. Jesse James is now a two yr player...hearing stuff about Grimble...I'm not as concerned about this position, but Green is being looked as a big RZ threat and downfield threat...that will help offset Bryant being gone is that can come to fruition. Green may not be 100% ready for camp, but word is he's a lot closer to be being ready...he needs reps with Ben.

• CB...finally, the spot most outsiders would point to as the Steelers biggest weakness. Well, there's no denying the pass coverage was weak and downright bad at times LY. This position group has to get better...no question about it, and I think they got better by subtraction by ridding Antown Blake. The top 3 CB I expect to be Gay and Cockrell outside and Golson in the slot, or maybe Gay in the slot.

Golson...2nd yr player that lost the entire '15 season to injure is back healthy. The staff raved about this kid LY and we never got to see him. I think he's a natural slot, but they say he can play outside as well...he has to factor imo.

Cockrell...3rd yr player, but LY was really his rookie season in terms of snapcount. Steeler Nation is kind of divided on this player. I thought he came into a tough situation and handled it well...good size, physical, not the best coverage guy, but hopefully he has learned something from LY and will be better...he will certainly be pushed in camp for his starting outside LCB job.

Burns...1st round pick, prototypical outside CB size, has the speed to defend a WR1....Being a rookie, I'm taking a wait and see approach here. I expect him to get some snaps, maybe in nickel, most likely CB4.
​

I know some might question why I left off RB. We know DWill is proven, and Toussaint is a capable RB...if there is a silver lining to Bell maybe (most likely imo) missing the 1st four games...assuming he makes the 53 and I think he will, Toussaint gets to get stink off the fumble last year....two big RB rookies...one will probably stick...at least for 4 games...and maybe go to the PS.

​

Excellent writeup ATL! Sorry I haven't been very involved this offseason. Still in the thick of my home remodel, and a kid on the way. Life has me in a full-nelson at the moment. I didn't get around to posting my position previews this offseason. Hopefully I can get that done soon!

O-line... I'm with you on AVill. Hard to imagine him taking a step back after such an impressive '15 performance. He has nowhere to go but up considering that was his first full year of action. Essentially a rookie season. I'm really hoping to see Pouncey stay on the field this year. He has made a big push this offseason over his knee health. After watching multiple interviews, you can see how hungry he is and how upset he has been over the injuries that keep occurring. Not that they have been his fault. But someone to keep your eyes on this camp is BJ Finney. I'd like to see that kid take Hubbard's spot. But it may be difficult if Pouncey is healthy. That would push Cody Wallace into depth and he has position versatility that the coaches love.

D-Line... Haven't heard much on Walton. But as you said, if they can get Hargrave & Matthews involved, then any snaps that Walton can get will be icing on the cake. I don't expect Hargrave to unseat McCullers, but I woudn't be surprised to see a rotation. Just remember that Butler seemed to only deploy the NT less than 30% of snaps. That makes the more agile & quick d-lineman a hot commodity. If Hargrave can grasp the schemes early, then watch out.

WR2... I've been having this debate with a few of my buddies for a while now. But my eyes are on DHB. I know a lot of people are hoping for Coates to rise to the occasion, but I don't think that will happen until DHB proves to be ineffective. And nothing that we have seen so far eludes to that happening. DHB is the fastest WR in this unit, even at his age, and arguably if Marty B was still in the fold. Coates will see plenty of work, but DHB will get most of Bryant's snaps early on. He is a veteran leader, and we know how much Tomlin loves his vets. Wheaton has proven capable, but is still more ideally fit into the slot. Haley has figured out a way to get him more involved and he has earned Ben's trust. I'd love nothing more than to see Wheaton cash in this year.

TE... I'm a little worried about this position considering the camp injury history. And seeing as how Green is starting camp on PUP has me even more worried. It should open the door for guys like Xavier Grimble & Mandel Dixon. But I have heard a lot of good things about the young kid out of MSU, Paul Lang. He is cut from the same cloth, size-wise, as Heath Miller. Good route running ability & a great set of hands. Didn't get to watch his college career, but I'm hopeful that he can make a good impact. Grimble & Dixon may have the athletic edge, but they have to prove they can block before they can make a lasting impact on this offense. Jesse James has big shoes to fill this year. But I don't doubt that he isn't up to the task. He proved more than capable to catch & block last season. I have big hopes for him. Green will be a intriguing guy to watch. He is a hybrid type TE/WR that can stretch the seams. I bet Ben & Haley are watering at the mouth to get him on the field.

CB... I echo your statements good sir! Not much to add as I agree on all accounts. Cockrell & Gay are going to start. Golson has to prove early & often if he is going to take the slot duties, but he has first shot at the job. Grant & Burns will fight for rotation duties. I see Burns getting some work early on, but I doubt he will be thrown into the fire just yet.

S... Another position worth talking about. It will be a head to head battle between Golden & Davis. Too early to tell which player will come out on top, but Golden holds the reins for now. Davis will have to learn the schemes fast. Luckily both Butler & Tomlin have been working hard to simplify the coverage schemes.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Z-man, Hawkins, Gilbert, Pouncey, Tomlin, Shazier, Chickillo, Dupree


Burns


Coach T


Heyward & Tomlin




DHB


Mike Reilly


Jesse James


AB


Ben rockin The HEATH!

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Coates



JJ


Bell


Brown-Dukes


Daryl Richardson


D-Will


Nix


Grimble & Hawkins?


Moats