SB Nation - Jason Capizzi

Vying For A Seat On The Bus, Six Players That Will Surprise At Latrobe This Year

datruth4life — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:21:11 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

Now that the rings have been put away and old stories from this past year have been re-told and put on the backburner, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin now officially has his team where he wants it -- with all eyes forward on training camp and the 2009 season. Each year at Latrobe, there are at least 2 or 3 unsuspecting players who were afterthoughts when signed in the offseason but end up beating the odds to make the team and contribute.

We all know the Willie Parker and James Harrison stories, but other players who impressed this past year at training camp and contributed to the team's Super Bowl run included rookie free agent LBs Patrick Bailey & Donovan Woods, C/G Darnell Stapleton and RB Gary Russell (who has since been released). Two other players who impressed in last year's camp that didn't make the team but did make the practice squad were S Ryan Mundy and CB/S Roy Lewis. The saving grace for Kevin Colbert during his tenure as the Steelers' Director of Football Operations is that he has usually hit homeruns with his first round picks in the draft and that the Steelers scouting department has helped make up for his less than stellar second-day draft picks through rookie and street free agent signings.

Here are six players that people aren't talking about right now but I think they very well could be by the end of Training Camp:

6. Jordan Reffett, DE, 6'5, 295 -- The Steelers signed Reffett as a rookie free agent after the 2008 draft but released him before the final cut this past year. He was signed to the practice squad for a few weeks during the season but was later released. He was resigned to the squad in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: Reffett has the size the Steelers like in their 3-4 ends, is athletic and comes with a good motor. He flashed during a couple of preseason games, but didn't show enough ultimately to beat out Travis Kirschke or Nick Eason as a backup. With this being his second lap around the track, sort to speak, Reffett should better know what is expected of him in LeBeau's D as well as what he needs to show to make this team. In other words, he should be able to not think too much and just go out and play.

What's working against him: To make this squad, Reffett will have to beat out Nick Eason and 6^th round pick R. Harris, and that would only happen if the Steelers keep 7 DL (which I believe that they will). There has been a lot of talk about Big Snack and B. Keisel being in the last year of their deals, but so are Eason and Kirschke. If you are the Steelers, do you begin to prepare for the future by putting Ziggy Hood and Reffett in the rotation now?

Outcome: Reffett has his work cut out him, but he only has to show more than Nick Eason to stick. I also believe that he would be a little more ready to play this year than R. Harris, who I believe will be put on the practice squad.

*****

5. Martin Nance, WR, 6'3'', 215 lbs -- Nance is most known for being Big Ben's big play man at Miami of Ohio during Ben's junior year. After being injured most of his junior year, Nance came back as a senior to put up good numbers but went undrafted and signed as a rookie free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 2006. After being cut in August of that year, he was picked up by the Vikings. He had 4 receptions for 33 yards during his rookie season and was released at the end of training camp by the Vikings in 2008. He was signed to the Steelers practice squad in September 2008 and stayed there the rest of the year. He was signed to the regular squad in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: The Steelers have an open competition for its 3, 4, & 5 WR spots and those spots won't be settled until after training camp and the preseason. Nance is a big WR that has good hands, can run the route tree and sneaky speed deep. He can also highpoint the ball, meaning he can go up and get it when in traffic. If he can show that he can play in the slot, get deep on occasion, and play special teams like a young Hines Ward, he has a chance. Also, Bruce Arians has been high on Nance since last season.

What's working against him: Nance will have to either beat out Sweed or McDonald to make this team and be active on game days. I believe that Mike Wallace will be active on game days because he is the team's top KR and could be in Nate Washington's designated role of stretching the field. Sweed is the 2^nd round pick that everyone wants to see win the job and McDonald is the vet who has started in an NFL game that the coaches might feel more comfortable with if Ward or Holmes goes down.

Outcome: It's not looking good for Nance but no one has been hit yet. When the pads go on, he will have a chance to impress. Having played with Ben before shouldn't hurt his chances. If he can prove that he can do more for the Steelers on game day than Sweed or McDonald, he'll have a chance. However, he appears to be a long-shot at best.

*****

4. Roy Lewis, Safety, 5'10'', 190 lbs -- Lewis was signed as a rookie free agent by the Steelers this past year and made a favorable impression on Coach Tomlin & LeBeau with his hitting and his ability to play corner and safety. However it wasn't enough to make the regular squad. He spent most of the season on the practice squad.

What's working in his favor: The Steelers are in need of younger blood on the roster at safety. Tyrone Carter is hanging on and needs to be replaced on the roster. With Ryan Clark's injury history and the way that Troy P. plays football, the troops need to be ready to fill in at a moment's notice. The ability to play both safety positions as well as CB in a pinch will help his cause.

What's working against him: Ryan Mundy seems to be the first young safety in line to claim that 3^rd safety spot behind Troy and Ryan Clark, and Carter hasn't been put out to pasture yet. Also, this could be the year that Deshea's ability to play safety be put to use. Free agent CB Keiwan Ratliff can also play safety in a pinch.

Outcome: The Steelers have a deep secondary and Ryan Mundy seems ready to take that next step as the Steelers young safety in training. The fact that the Steelers have more experienced CBs such as Ratliff and Deshea, whom can both play safety, doesn't help his cause either. Unless Lewis is the star of the camp in the secondary, he will probably begin next season on the practice squad.

*****

3. Donovan Woods, LB, 6'2'', 230 -- Woods was the surprise rookie free agent to make the team coming out of training camp this past year. Though he played OLB at the start of camp, the coaching staff had him play ILB in its nickel and dime defenses late in preseason games and Woods flashed potential at that ILB spot. However, it is the potential that he showed on special teams that allowed him to surprisingly capture one of the last available roster spot. When he pulled his hamstring early in the season, P. Bailey was promoted from the practice squad in the preseason and never let the spot go. Bailey returned to the practice squad and was resigned in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: Woods' versatility along with his special teams ability gives him a great chance to land a spot as a backup ILB on this team. With Larry Foote leaving and Timmons moving up to man that spot, K. Fox now becomes the Steelers 3^rd LB in that rotation with a roster spot for a second backup at ILB. Woods and Timmons fit the mold of player that Tomlin wants in his ILBs, fast, physical and versatile. However, Woods main ticket to win that roster spot and see the field again this year will be special teams.

What's working against him: The coaching staff might still decide to sign another veteran ILB before or during training camp like Napoleon Harris. Tomlin has a history with Harris and he has already been brought in for a physical. Another competitor for the ILB spot could be Arnold Harrison, who can play both OLB and ILB as Woods can.

Outcome: Woods has a good opportunity to make this team and contribute as a backup ILB and special teams player. Even if the team signs Harris or another veteran backup ILB, they will be hardpressed to be a better special teams player than Woods or show the upside that he has. I expect Woods to not only win a roster spot and be one of the top special teams tacklers this year, but to also continue to grow as an ILB in this D.

*****

2. Jason Capizzi, 6'9'', 315 lbs -- Jason Capizzi has the type of story that most loyal fans to their ballclubs love to hear: a local boy that makes good by signing with the hometown professional sports team. After originally signing with the Steelers as a rookie free agent two years ago, Capizzi was cut before the season begin and has seen stints on the practice squads of the Chiefs and Buccaneers. When the Steelers needed an extra OT when M. Smith was placed on injured reserve this past year in the midst of their Super Bowl run, the Steelers signed Capizzi. Although he didn't dress for games or the Super Bowl, the team resigned him in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: The Steelers have a need for young OL with versatility. The team's decision to pick him up while in the midst of a Super Bowl run tells you a little about the comfort that they have in the player. Capizzi has good feet for such a large man, and has now added the ability to play RT as well as LT. If Trai Essex proves to be the Steelers best bet at RG over D. Stapleton and K. Urbik to start the season, then the Steelers will need a swing tackle to take Essex's spot. Capizzi might be the answer to that role.

What's working against him: With this being Capizzi's third year, it is clearly time for him to show that he belongs or the team will likely turn the page and look for other young lineman to develop. Tony Hills, a natural LT, has also been playing some RT in OTAs. Another rookie free agent this year that has seemed to garner some interest from the coaching staff and Steelers beat writers is Ramon Foster from Tennessee. Also, will the Steelers keep 9 OL this year or 10? That could impact his status as well.

Outcome: I believe this is the best opportunity for Capizzi to make the Steelers and that he will take hold of this opportunity. I further believe that if he gets time in the starting lineup at RT that he could be there for awhile. He has the tools, he knows the offense, can play more than one position and realizes it is now or never. If Capizzi can hold his own against Deebo and Woodley in training camp, then that could be a sign he's ready for bigger and better things.

*****

1. Patrick Bailey, LB, 6'4, 235 lbs -- Bailey first began to draw the attention of Steelers Nation on kick off returns. In a preseason game this past year against the Panthers, Bailey made 3 special teams tackles and was even talked about highly by the Panthers team announcers. However, it took an injury to Donovan Woods for Bailey to make the regular roster. When he did, he made the most of it and never looked back, becoming one of the team's best special teams' players.

What's working in his favor: The ability to run down the field with speed and angrily introduce himself to returners? Other than Deebo, he might be the best LB on the roster at doing so. He's definitely on this team. The only question is if Bailey is just a good special teams LB or does he have the potential for more?

What's not working in his favor: Bailey will be active on game days, but if he wants to see anytime in the rush packages, he has to prove that he can rush the QB and play the run. In other words, he has to prove that he is a complete OLB. With Woodley and Deebo ahead of him, there is no rush for him to play this year. He will be competing against A. Frazier, A. Harrison and Bruce Davis for time on the outside.

Outcome: Bailey will win a roster spot and his arrow is pointing up with this team. He doesn't have to win a starting spot in the D to win a spot in the hearts of Steelers coaches and fans everywhere. He just has to continue busting heads on special teams. While Cowher never seemed to get this young, hungry type of player for special teams during his tenure, Tomlin made it a priority for improving his coverage units this past year. This year's special teams, coverage and returns, could be the best the Steelers have had in a decade.

*****

I know you guys have several players that you believe can make this list, but I only stuck to those who I have seen play and were either rookie free agents this past year or street free agents. I would love to hear your feedback as well as some of your choices. It's shaping up to be a very entertaining and competitive training camp in Latrobe. Holla back and Be Blessed.

"The line allows the linebackers to rush, the rush makes the coverage better. Together we all eat," Mike Tomlin.

BTSC Checks In With Jim Wexell

Blitzburgh — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:41:58 -0000

If you've been around the site long enough, you know how much I like Jim Wexell's reporting and writing. I honestly don't get to as much as his stuff as I'd like to. As the publisher of SSteelCityInsider.com, there's always good stuff from either him or his well-respected and regarded roster. He's also, as you know since I've mentioned it at least 6 times, the author of Steeler Nation: A Pittsburgh Team, An American Phenomenon. I know we all love Dick LeBeau, so it's worth mentioning that the paperback re-release will have new material in it, including a lengthy candid talk with Coach Dad. If you've waited this long to read it, don't wait any longer once the paperback comes out. Anyway, Mr. Wexell was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer some questions I had as we enter the doldrums of the offseason leading up to the draft.

BTSC: So the latest news of course is the signing of CB Bryant McFadden out in Arizona. Could the Steelers really not afford to match a 2-year deal with just a paltry $5 million in guarantees? I have a hard time figuring out the logic of drafting a guy like McFadden in the 2nd round, letting him get some seasoning on two Super Bowl runs, then letting him walk at age 27. Seems like chasing one's tail, but as we usually say around the site, 'hard to second guess the organization's track record in this regard.'

Wexell: Let me just give you two quick reasons:

1.) Cap number. That may only have been a $10M contract, but at 2 years that's an immediate cap hit of $5M per. The Cardinals knew what they were doing. It acted as a poison pill for the Steelers, who are having cash flow problems and who want to get a deal done with James Harrison Superstar. And, 2.) We in the media have been expecting Bryant McFadden to ascend to the starting role ever since he was drafted, and just haven't been able to understand what's holding him back. Any time we go fishing (is it phishing?) with an assistant coach, and mention McFadden, we never hear what we expect: "Oh, he's on the verge. He just needs to ..." or "The guy in front of him does x better."

Someone mentioned to Mike Tomlin in a quiet moment that he liked the way McFadden plays the ball when it's in the air. Tomlin replied, "You'd rather have a cornerback who doesn't have to play the ball at all," meaning QBs throw on him. Sure, you'd rather have that, but that was a funny answer, and really one of the only telling ones to a media that's been phishing and never really getting any inside info. Hope that kind of helps answer your question.

BTSC: On a related note, any thoughts about whether or not the organization will be looking at a CB in either Round 1 or 2 in this year's draft? Or might they look for another William Gay type of talent in the 4th or 5th round to play some special teams, perhaps return kicks and eventually get phased in as Deshea Townsend winds down his career in the coming years?

Wexell: Kevin Colbert likes the depth at the position and has scheduled a visit with Joe Burnett and had a formal interview with Sherrod Martin. It looks like they're aiming for the middle rounds, but then again, if a guy like Darius Butler (UConn) falls to them in the first, I'd be stunned if they pass.

BTSC: I wrote quite a bit about Tony Hills just a few weeks ago, and how his development, or lack there of, might be one of the more important yet ignored topics of this offseason. I'll spare the gist of my argument, though it wasn't much of an argument for Hills so much as an attempt to argue that maybe the organization has some sort of plan/perspective on Hills and his development that we as fans are not at all privy to. We did all agree on this though - there's no way to know until we see him in pads going up against Deebo and Woodley this summer. Anything else you maybe have on him?

Wexell: I just see him down there working out. At the end of the season you could tell he had much more muscle definition in his body. Right now, no one wants to say anything about him, and they shouldn't. He's just another cog in the competition machine. You won't see much preseason probing of Jason Capizzi for that matter either. It's time to just let these guys compete.

BTSC: Do you think the Steelers flirtation with Joey Galloway was more a luxury they'd enjoy at the right price, or do they feel Limas Sweed isn't ready yet to be the team's No. 3 WR?Is getting a veteran WR still a priority?

Wexell: How can they feel Limas Sweed is ready? I mean, the Steelers are a bottom-line organization and they saw what we all saw. Yeah, we're all happy he gets off the line and can run and is big and strong, but the one drop, the one with the eyes wide open, left me feeling that he's scared and might never make it. Again, as with Hills, the guy has to prove it first. The Steelers will say all the right things if they don't come out of this draft with a WR, but it's a prove-it-to-me organization. Look how long it took Nate Washington to secure faith, and he showed a lot more as a rookie than Sweed did. Oh, to answer your question, they'll try to get a veteran No. 3 WR, but, again, with Mike Thomas coming in March 30-31, it appears they're targeting a WR for the upper middle rounds.

BTSC: Do you like WR Hakeem Nicks, and is he an option for Pittsburgh at No. 32?

Wexell: I would love to think so. He's my favorite. He's a guy who explains why later-round draftors have so much success. They don't have to answer to themselves about combine times and that nonsense. Sometimes they just get stuck with really good players, and Nicks is one of them. The problem will be -- and the reason I like guys like Thomas and Mike Wallace -- is that Nicks isn't a kick returner. But I'd be willing to take the chance. Make it real funny and use Darnell Stapleton to return kicks this year. What would be the difference at this point?

BTSC: Have you had much contact or at least seen much of Coach Tomlin in action since the beginning of the offseason? If so, any impressions about how he's handling things.

Wexell: Yes, I've said hello to him. I really enjoy running into him. He lifts your spirits just by remembering your name and asking about your kids. I loved his interview today (March 24) with Ed Bouchette in which he said he understands the need to make himself known to the public, but that after a certain point they don't need to know any more and that he'll begin withdrawing from the public eye. It made me remember Chuck Noll and how much I admired his lack of commercialism and need to be loved. I always thought Noll was a genius and see the same qualities in Tomlin. Before the combine, he was overheard telling his PR guy "But I don't want to get to know the national guys," meaning the national media. Local guys love hearing that stuff after a Super Bowl.

BTSC: So rumor has it James Harrison was back in the weight room just a few days after the SB win. To me, this tells me this guy needs football (physically and mentally) to be 'right'. I couldn't ever see him holding out for a few extra dollars if it meant not getting to scratch that necessary itch. I'm of course projecting bigtime from afar here, but how much does a player's personality and what the organization knows about how and what makes them tick - how much of that stuff might you say factors in to these negotiation processes?

Wexell: Yes, I reported that. He was actually in the weight room complaining that the rest of the team wasn't in there with him. I spoke with Lawrence Timmons during Super Bowl week and asked him about James's legendary regimen. Timmons, who's in great shape himself, said he tried to keep up with James but couldn't, said the guy just keeps coming back to the room all day long, said he puts in 10 hours a day. Yes, that's all James wants to do: Football and preparing for football. He will watch cartoons with his son the other couple of hours during the day. To answer your question, that means a lot to the Steelers, whose biggest draft-day measurement is a prospect's passion for the game. That work ethic got James Farrior a nice contract for his old age last year. It means a lot to them in their negotiations with Harrison this year.

BTSC: Willie Parker will be in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform past the expiration of his current contract in 2010. True or False.

Wexell: I have to say false, just based on last year. RBs have a short shelf life and Parker's body has been breaking down. Then again, FWP has a superior work ethic as well. Prove me wrong, Fast One, prove me wrong.

BTSC: If you filled out an NCAA bracket, who you got cutting down the nets?

Wexell: I don't watch basketball at all anymore, only my daughter's games. I used to watch everything that moved, but only football now, and during the spring only college tape. In fact, I watched Brian Orakpo get killed at the point against Ohio State last night. The Browns would be making a big mistake in drafting him. I'd compare him, as a prospect, to Harrison, who wasn't even drafted, but surprised with his startling strength at the point. It would be foolish to perceive that kind of strength in Orakpo and draft him sixth. Nice pass rusher, but he didn't show he could drop and showed he won't be able to play the run in the league for a couple of years, if ever. Back to your question, I filled out Louisville just to steer clear of the mob picking Pitt. I'm in the middle of a 60-person soccer-fundraiser NCAA pool, which is led by my wife. She always wins this stuff.