Here we go, the last three picks of the draft analyzed for all to enjoy. There has been some great discussion on my posts and I love that. I like to create platforms for conversation. Special Thanks to Fifty-Eight who is keeping me on my toes in Part 2. By the way, if you go onto steelers.com this afternoon they posted an interview with Ta’amu and looks like he and I think alike. His goal playing weight – 340 lbs. I said 335 but knew it wasn’t up from his current 346 lbs. He does not want it to go up, and I guarantee the Steelers Coaches and FO don’t either. Well enough said there, let’s move on to picks 7-9. After that, I have an in depth breakdown on Terrence Frederick, hope you all enjoy.

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So this is turning into a 3 Part Analysis now, so here is two and three should be up tomorrow.

Let me start by addressing something that I was asked on part one. Is Sean Spence our future safety replacement for Troy Polamalu. First let me address everyone who ever says the phrase "Replacement for Troy." That is never going to happen. Troy is a special player. Spence may play faster than his 4.71 40 yard dash, but Troy plays faster than his 4.37 40 yard dash. He is gifted in ways that other players envy. Every generation has one or two safeties that are special, guys you have to game plan against. Troy and Ed Reed are this generations. Darren Sharper before them. In the 80’s when I started watching football it was Ronnie Lott, Kenny Easley, and Derron Cherry. Steelers fans are spoiled at the safety position: Donnie Shell (should be in the HOF), Carnell Lake (Even Rod Woodson and Lebeau think he belongs in the HOF), and now Polamalu (future HOFer). That’s flat out ridiculous. If I said Cornell Gowdy, Tim Everett, Lee Flowers, and Brent Alexander does the thought "Gotta avoid throwing their direction" pop into your head. No, but those were our interim guys at safety between our stars.

Now, for Spence, if anyone can convert a Linebacker to Safety its Coach Carnell Lake, who did exactly that when he was drafted out of UCLA. However, let me say I don’t see it. Spence isn’t quite the athlete Carnell Lake was. He is very good in coverage, for a LB. He can cover TE and RB, but is better up close. He is also 30 lbs heavier than Shell, Lake, and Polamalu who all played around 205. Besides, I think he can either play the Buck based on his read and react speed, or put Timmons there who is bigger and he could play Mack. Gonna be a year or two developing I think, but man, wouldn’t a rookie season like Kendrell Bell’s be a pleasant surprise. This kid is a baller, so I am not counting it out. Oh, and once again to debunk the myth of him being too small to play Mack, go to steelers.com, click on the roster, sort by weight. There are two guys listed at 231, 5’11" Spence, and 6’2" Stevenson Sylvester, the front runner for MACK. Like I have said, they drafted him to compete with Sly, best man wins the job for a few years (that is after Foote plays a bunch this year).

But back to the main idea of this introduction. I will never say no, but I don’t see it. A major conversion like a switch to safety is something the Front Office tends to say right after the draft.

Well now for what you all really came here for, analysis of picks 4-6.

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It has been a long time since I have had the time to do an in depth analysis for BTSC, but I am gladly returning post-draft. This will be a two part series, Round 1-3 and then the rest of the draft. As a coach, I looked at these guys as unbiased as possible, not reading other analysis until I had watch the film myself. I obviously didn’t watch every game, but tried to watch two per player. For some, I had much more observation time. It is a bit of a read but hope you all enjoy.

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Since Cowher, Grimm, and Whiz departed, the Steelers coaching staff have struggled identifying and developing quality offensive linemen.  The question is should we be concerned?  I think the answer must be yes.  Here is the first of many reasons I believe this, these two are reasons just from this season:

According to many sources, the Max Starks resigning was pushed by the front office and Starks was not a coaching favorite.  However, since his return, the line has played much better.  Starks is not my idea of a LT, but is a far cry better than Jonathan Scott.

 

Kraig Urbik, former 3rd rounder of the Steelers, was lambasted by the Steelers and never really got going in the Steelers Office, being cast off last season as a bust.  Signed by Buffalo, he started some games at center for them last season before going on the IR.  This year he is at RG next to Eric Wood and Andy Levitre (all the same draft class and considered by the Bills the number 1, 2, and 3 interior linemen that year).  The Buffalo Bills Offensive line that was supposed to be horrible has allowed the fewest sacks in the league this year with only 4.

 

Now lets analyze the OL draft picks since 2007 (Tomlin's 1st year) and current OL roster.

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Woodley has not been playing well this season.  We all expected a lot from him after the second half of last season.  In the first 6 games of last season he had just 3.5 sacks, but had 6.5 after that and an additional 1 per post season game.  With this season, he is off to a slow start.  What do this season and the first 6 games of last season have in common, Aaron Smith.  I love Aaron Smith, IMO the best 3-4 DE to play in the 2000’s, but his play the past couple of season is no up to par.  I am seeing the same blind loyalty to veterans that many Steelers fans complained about during the Cowher years.  Ziggy is more explosive and therefore, frees up the OLB on his side to do his job.  Aaron Smith injured his foot this game and may be out a few weeks.  Keisel will be back and we will see a lot of Ziggy and Cameron Heywood next to Lamarr.  I am interested in seeing how his play improves during Smith’s absence. 

 

All that being said, time to get Farrior and Foote out of there as well.  I love what they have done for this organization, but they are not getting it done.  And the young corners are starting to get it done, I think Keenan Lewis’ play has earned him more time.  He is no worse than McFadden and Gay and at least gives us the opportunity for a corner to improve

How many and who we keep at CB is anyone's guess right now.  My question is this, many fans say keep Donovan Warren over Cortez Allen or Willie Gay.  I understand their arguments and agree with pieces of them, but the same logic can be applied to McFadden with different stronger reasons.  McFadden is a good tackler, but is not good in coverage and has been abused the last two years (one in Arizona).  If we are going to accept marginal talent opposite Ike, why use McFadden, at $2.5 mil when he realistically has peaked in his development.  Start Keenan Lewis with Ike, and see if the extra playing time assists in development.  Wilie Gay is a decent nickel back until Curtis Brown or someone else can beat him.  Now, I do not see this happening, but Willie Gay is the much cheaper veteran option and would allow the Steelers to keep Lewis, Warren, Brown and Allen. 

 

With that said, I see Warren being cut over the rookies.  I thought Cortez Allen's body control and ball skills were impressive for an inexperience rookie, and that saves him.  Brown is a 2nd rounder and a look to make the team, and Keenan Lewis is the closest to game ready we have for our younger corners.

Just saw on ESPN that Plax is picking between his two former teams.  Folks, this makes a TON of sense for us if he can come in for a low price.  I will explain more later when I am not on vacation with my family, but our WR corps is strong but precarious.  Without Wallace to take the top off the defense, it is average and inexperienced.  This would also mean ARE and Battle are out, and could be a way of saving Sweed's career if Burris can teach him how to be an NFL big receiver.  Just saying.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6809115/plaxico-burress-likely-new-york-giants-pittsburgh-steelers

 

Ed Bouchette is now reporting (and other reporters as well) that Max Starks was/will be released for ballooning up to nearly 400 lbs while recovering from neck surgery.  They could bring him back, but having a immobile LT at 400 lbs is not a good thing.  This does save some money (5.45 mil) but what does it do to our team.  Will we try Marcus Gilbert the rookie at LT, move Flozell over, or clear cap room and shoot for Matt Light, Tyson Clabo, etc to fill a hole.  If we have to clear, it doesn't bode well IMO for ultimate Steeler Aaron Smith.  Think about it, he is due 4.5 mil and with Ziggy waiting in the wings and Heyward as the new guy, it might be a move that is necessary.  I still say if they cut him, they would immediately resign him for a cap friendly number, but it could be.  Right now, I think that is a last resort, cut Larry Foote, ARE, Battle, and Flozell, sign Colon and resign a guy like Jonathan Scott (or tony Hills who they put a RFA tender on) and a Recovered Chris Scott (last years draftee) and next year will be no worse with a line of:

J. Scott/Hills/Gilbert (LT), Kemo, Pouncey, Foster/Colon/Williams (rookie from Nebraska) (RG), and Colon/Gilbert/C. Scott (RT)

 

I would love

 

Gilbert, Kemo, Pouncey, Colon, C. Scott and have it be improvement at LT, RG, and RT but that is wishful thinking

Legursky as inside backup.  Not great per se, but if Gilbert can play LT we could actually see improvement without a big name signing.

 

 

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Lets talk draft as usual.  Lets try this again.

 

Cortez Allen – Citadel, 6’1”, 197 lbs, CB

 

A tall player with really good feet.  Played at Citadel because he only played one year of high school ball, but was all-state in Florida, no small feat.  Similar to DRC, but not quite as physical.

 

My mock for rounds 4-7:

 

4.  Cortez Allen, CB – Citadel

5.  Jarriel King, OG/OT – South Carolina

6.  Mana Silva, FS/SS – Hawaii

7.  Stephen Burton, WR – West Texas A&M

via cache.daylife.com

Curtis Brown, Cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers

6’0”, 180 lbs

22 years old

4.51 40 yard Dash, 39 inch vertical

  

Scouting Report by SteelCage:  After the pick, I began watching a lot of film on Curtis Brown.  Currently, Curtis Brown (initials are CB, fitting, no?) is a better athlete than a player.  As an Aggie, I couldn’t bring myself to put the college he attended, but I will say, I like him much better than his teammate, Aaron Williams.  He has very good change of direction.  Is very smooth, with good hips, however, is a little less smooth turning to his left than to his right.  Also has the tendency to get a little high in his backpedal and leans a little too far back, causing his turn to be a little slower than it would be if he kept his butt low and his chest over his feet.  Natural, soft hands and sufficient ball skills.  Uses exceptional leaping ability to high point the ball.  Didn’t have a lot of picks, but the Big 12 passing game is the spread, so lots of short passes.  Also, still needs work identifying patterns prior to the snap.  As a prior WR, does a good job not getting fooled on double moves.  Is very good in press coverage, keeping his feet moving to eliminate the inside routes.  Not much experience in zone coverage.  Tries to be physical, but his frame needs 7-15 lbs to better protect him from injury playing that way in the NFL.  Was a pretty good PR as well averaging a little over 14 yards on about 14 returns.

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It has been a long year, and I haven’t had time to write, but I am feeling rather sage.  Last year in this article (http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/12/21/1211171/a-view-from-the-steelcage-if),  I said Carnell needed to be our DB Coach. (I am also proud to admit I called Worilds, Dixon, Dwyer and Worthington, although I only got Worilds and Dixon in the right round).  So here is to hoping I am right again a few times here this year.  Before my mock I am going to talk about why I am not a fan of Harris in round 1 (or 2 or 3 for that matter).  I am a DB Coach and have been for a decade.  Harris is a nickel cornerback with the potential if the stars align correctly to develop into a serviceable #2.  I know this is blunt and harsh, and if we pick him I hope I am very wrong.  Let me compare a past draftee’s college numbers to Harris’ numbers and then I will talk technically about what needs to change if we do pick him.

 

Previous Draftee’s Numbers    5’10 1/8", 187 lbs, 4.48 40, 38 ½ vert, played in 33 games, making 23 starts, 7 int, 134 tackles, 28 PBU, 3 FF, 3 sacks

 

Brandon Harris’ Numbers        5’10", 191 lbs, 4.53 40, 35.5 vert, 39 games and started 32, 4 int, 129 tackles, 3 FF, 28 PBU, 2 sacks

 

Who is the previous Draftee?  Doesn’t he look better than Harris on production, and measurables?  Answers after the break.

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Similar to yesterday, I preview a few guys who have been linked to us and then list some targets.  If you only want to see who I would take vs who I think the Steelers will take, just scroll to the bottom.

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So, rounds two and three are tonight.  We all have our own opinions as to who the Steelers will or should pick.  There have been a few posts about it already, but I hope to make mine a little different by giving a little more selection and analysis.  Also, as the second and third round grades are fluid from team to team, I will rate guys who are considered 2-4 fourth rounders.  To avoid getting too into the weeds (I don’t plan on evaluating 100 guys) I will only analyze guys commonly linked to the Steelers, that I think they will target, or who I think they SHOULD target (basically my wish list).

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          It has been a long time since I last wrote anything so I decided to do it a little different than usual, I will give an overview of what this article is about in haiku.

 

Work has been crazy

And so much to talk about-

This one will be long.

 

The draft is coming-

With free agents this season

Who’s ours come draft day

 

Iupati’s good

But does anyone like me

Wish he played center?

 

Some analysis

On a few big positions

With big surprises.

 

So that’s the intro

Much more info to follow

After a quick jump.

 

First a quick promise

Nothing in here about Ben

Enough is enough

 

Suspended or not

Trading him is only good

If Bruce goes with him!

 

When you have read this

Comments are more than welcome

Just not on Big Ben

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http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=NFL

KDKA-TV Sports in Pittsburgh reports the Steelers have agreed to terms with NT Casey Hampton on a three-year, $21 million contract.

The contract calls for $11 million in guarantees. Hampton would have received $7 million in 2009 alone if he had been franchised. The three-year deal makes sense for both sides, giving the 32-year-old security while allowing the Steelers to retain their run-stuffer for more than one season.
I was really close on this one, I thought they would have to franchise him first adn then sign him to a three year deal.  This is a great deal for both player and team.  Casey has his fair deal at a good price and one of the best run stuffers in the game is still ours.  Even better, I think the show of faith by him and the Steelers to get the deal done means he will be motivated this year.  I see a career year at age 32, yes I said that.  He wanted respect for what he is worth, and teh organization showed it, so he will prove them right.  Very different deal than Farrior for those that are thinking it will end up the same.  NT can play very effectively into the mid-thirties or higher.  What doesn this mean for the draft, nothing except the more we shore up things, the more unpredictable the Steelers can be through BPA.  Dan Williams seems less likely now, but I will address that more in my next A View from the SteelCage hopefully out this weekend.

Part two, like I said it ran a little long.  Enjoy.

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...Sorry this started as one idea and blossomed so I had to split it into two posts...

 

     This has been quite the tumultuous offseason so far and the Super Bowl hasn’t even been played yet.  Who’s going, who’s not?  Arians stays, Anderson retires.  Ligashesky, the most obvious firing in history occurs, but he is replaced by Al Everett, who didn’t exactly lead a stellar special teams group in San Francisco.  We couldn’t get Bobby April, who has history with the Steelers.  Art Rooney II does something very un-Rooney in airing dirty laundry publically, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement looks like we are heading for my personal nightmare, 2011 with no football.   It looks like this is going to be quite the year.  All this and more after the jump.

 

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          When Mike Tomlin was hired to replace Cowher in 2007, the Steelers saw a firesale in the coaching staff.  Tired of waiting for the answer, Ken Whisenhunt, the Offensive Coordinator, left the team to become Head Coach of the Arizona Cardinals.  Russ Grimm, the Asst Head Coach and Oline Coach was the heir apparent, the Pittsburgh Tribune even printed a front page report saying he would be named head coach the following week.  When it was announced that relative unknown Mike Tomlin was hired vice Grimm, a spurned Grimm followed Whiz to Arizona.  Also departing Pittsburgh for Steelers West was Special Teams Coach Kevin Spencer.  However, these weren’t the only coaches hightailing it out of Heinz Field, D-Backs Coach Darren Perry went to Oakland for two years and is now the Safeties Coach for this week’s opponents (Green Bay Packers).  Perry’s contributions to the Steelers cannot be undervalued as he helped develop Polamalu, Taylor, and Chris Hope, who departed the Steelers to become a Pro-Bowler himself with the Titans.  For those that don’t’ remember Perry’s playing days, he led the Steelers his rookie season with 6 interceptions and is 7th on the Steelers all-time list with 32.  Also, QB Coach Mark Whipple, departed for the Eagles and is now the OC for University of Miami.  While those losses certainly hurt, the final loss was also painful, as Dick Hoak finally hung up the cleats for good, retiring as the Runningbacks Coach after almost as many years with the Steelers as the Rooney family.  Tomlin was an up-and-comer, but certainly not a known entity, was forced to fill those vacant positions.  As the Steelers were one of the last teams to hire their new head coach, most of the other new Head Coaches had already filled their staffs.  Tomlin being a new guy didn’t have a huge following of former colleagues to choose from, was short on time with the late hiring, and had to win over a team that was disappointed and in some cases (Faneca) quite upset that Grimm or Whiz were not hired.  Under those circumstances, Tomlin and Colbert had to make hirings and internal promotions I don’t believe they would have otherwise.  Here is a list of the former coaches and their replacements:

 

OC – Whisenhunt replaced internally by WR Coach Bruce Arians.  This, in my opinion, was to limit offensive turnover and appease the offensive guys who would have all been angry if they also had to deal with an outsider at OC.

ST – Kevin Spencer replaced by Bob Ligashesky.  What can I say folks, he was available.

OL – Russ Grimm (Also Asst Head Coach) replaced by Larry Zierlein.  As a Marine, I have to respect Zeirlein for serving during Vietnam.  A known entity in the NFL and a good technique teacher, but otherwise, there is a reason he has bounced around more than a super ball in a hotel staircase.  (Note:  The Asst Head Coach Position went rightfully to DL Coach Jon Mitchell.)

WR –Bruce Arians promotion left opening.  Replaced by Randy Fichtner.

RB – Dick Hoak replaced by Kirby Wilson, who Tomlin knew from his time in Tampa Bay.  Hired because he was known to Mike Tomlin, something he needed as a first time head coach with a staff comprised half of Cowher holdovers and half fillers.  Only other coach on the staff to truly know Mike Tomlin was LB Coach Kevin Butler who coached with him at both Memphis and Arkansas State.

QB – Mark Whipple replaced by Ken Anderson.  Ken Anderson is a good hiring.  His development of Roethlisberger is only being hindered by the style of the offense (throw the ball away sometimes).  A good look at the benefits of a good QB is that our 3rd string QB almost pulled off a win against the Ravens if not for the brilliant overtime playcalling.  Dixon’s development into a real number 2, maybe future NFL starter can be attributed to Ken.

 DB – Darren Perry replaced internally by Asst DB coach Ray Horton.  With the offense seeing nearly complete turnover, the defense needed continuity, to they kept Horton around hoping Perry had rubbed off on him.

 

Another hiring was Harold Goodwin, Quality Control – Offense and Asst O-Line coach.  I can’t find who he replaced and can’t fault him for our struggles so this will be the last you hear me talk about his position in this post.  If you look at our problems this year, it is those positions that have been replaced.  So, I will start with the coaches I think could be on the chopping block possibly, with least likely going first.  The following coaches could be or are definitely on the block:  WR, RB, DB, OL, ST, OC.  We will look at some candidates after the jump.  It is a little lengthy but hopefully that will lead to some good discussions.

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          I started this one a while ago, but haven’t had a chance to finish it up.  We all know our defense is struggling to get interceptions and has dropped nearly as many picks as our WRs have dropped catchable passes.  Being in position is not always difficult, it is making the play that is difficult, ask Ike Taylor.  When you think of ball hawk style DB, we all know the usual suspects.  Ed Reed, Darren Sharper, Charles Woodson.  All these guys follow what I call the 7/13 rule.  The 7/15 rule is as such, during a player’s college career, if he has at least 15 interceptions with one year of 7 or more, he will be a pick machine.  Darren Sharper went to Tomlin U (William and Mary) where he finished his career with 24 picks, with 10 in his senior season.  Charles Woodson (Michigan), the only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman.  Only played three years, 5/5/8 (Jr year).  Total is 18.  Ed Reed (Miami) played 4 years and his picks per year 2/2/8/9 (21 total). 

           Now for the exceptions (Rod Woodson) it is more a crapshoot, but a player that does returns or also plays offense seems to help.  Once again, Reed, Sharper and Charles Woodson all did just that.  Rod Woodson was the only real player on Purdue and did everything, so he is not surprising.  So what does that mean for Buffalo’s Jarius Byrd, who has 8 picks so far this season.  Well, 5/7/5 total of 17, expect to see him up top yearly.  Do we have anyone like that, well close but not quite on the 7/15.  Joe Burnett had 16 total but 6 was his single season high.  He was an All-American return man, there is hope.  He gets a pass for the dropped pick, he was just trying to fit in (that was sarcasm).  With rumors he and Lewis could end up starting this weekend we may yet see.  Let them take their bruises now right?  "Big Play" Willie Gay had 6 in his final season but only 7 total, and his most memorable moment is when he singlehandedly blew Louisville’s BCS Championship hopes in his final year by jumping offside on a field goal attempt against Rutgers.  Look at the video.  Willie is the gunner on the left that jumps offsides.  Field Goal misses, is reattempted, and Rutgers handed Louisville their only loss of that season.  Ike Taylor, 8 passes deflected no picks, much like his career.  Troy, 6 total, 3 high.  Keenan Lewis, our other rookie had 3/4 in his final two years for 7 total.  We need some hands in our defensive backfield, and I think we can find these guys in this year’s draft which I will talk about following the jump.

 

 

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via cache.daylife.com

 

A couple things about everyones comments and my own assessments on Special Teams:

 

1.  Reed - To tackle or not to tackle.  I am all for the kicker not tackling a guy because the 10 guys in front of him did, but he is still the last resort.  HOWEVER...pause for dramatic effect...saying we wouldn't want him to get hurt is a crock.  Teams win and lose as a team not as individuals.  Jerome Bettis fumbles it against the Colts in the playoffs and Big Ben makes "The Tackle".  Should he have avoided doing that because he can't be replaced, no!  Big Ben is much more important than Jeff Reed, who not only can be replaced, but WILL be next season anyways.  And for those of you who will site his accuracy, he is 13 for 16 and ranked 15th in the league with 81.3 % accuracy. I know, I know.  He is the only man who can kick at Heinz Field, wrong.   If you watched the game you would have seen the stat that said the longest field goals ever at Heinz Field are 50 yarders and it has only been done twice (actually Pat MacAfee of WVU kicked a 51 yarder there, and Mason Crosby of GB kicked a 52 yarder during the Preseason).  The myth about Heinz Field being impossible to kick on is false until the 40 yard line (50 yard field goals if I confused anyone).  (ADMIN NOTE:  I am talking about the spot of the ball, so the LOS is the 33)  Let’s look at kicking at Heinz Field:  Reed vs. Opponents after the jump. 

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I tried to make this and my An "F" in Steelers History all one post but it wouldn't allow me to.  I will do a post a week or so provided it is well received.  I am just looking to add to the already great dialogue here at Behind the Steel Curtain.  So here goes.

Two more quick thoughts:

A Tale of two Willies.

Monday Night Football was bittersweet.  Remember in the preseason when I was chastised and called crazy for hypothetically seeing if a Fast Willie trade was worth considering so we didn’t lose him for nothing in the offseason.  Not that I could have predicted what would happen and I won’t claim to say I knew Mendy would come on this strong and Willie would be injured.  But seeing the once Fast Willie feigning a smile on the sidelines when the cameras were on him was sad for me, he knows but is doing the Bettis thing and accepting his status as the backup and mentoring a young stud.  We still love you Willie Parker.

via sportsillustrated.cnn.com  

Also during the offseason, many Steelers fans wanted Willie Colon gone, although some of us just said move him inside.  Coach Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, once again we rescind our demands and are glad you don’t read and heed our blogs.  Willie Colon is playing lights out.  I won’t harp on this when it has been said non-stop lately.  What I will say is this, I am military stationed overseas in the Middle East, and I felt the breeze from the collective sigh of relief from Steeler Nation when Willie Colon returned to the field only two plays after he was injured on the goal line play.  He has fast gone from see yah later to sign yah soon. 

      

via static.steelers.com

     In honor of Larry Foote who the other half of this two part article included, who Steeler Nation still loves and respects, here is what you almost ended up working for. 

via rpjsyndicate.files.wordpress.com

Next time from A View from the SteelCage…Some things can’t be taught. 

 

 We have this exciting LB.  Young, fast, hits like a truck.  6’1", 245 lb…a monster.  Has some weaknesses, but the sky is the limit.  His backup is Mr. Reliable.  You can just count on him, no worries at all, there’s that F word, Foote.  Don’t I mean Fox?  Nope and I don’t mean Timmons either.  Back up to 2002/2003 and I am talking about Kendrell "Ring your" Bell.  I want to point out some pretty interesting similarities between Bell/Foote and Timmons/Fox.  Statistics can be manipulated to come to the conclusions you want, but look for yourself.

 

via www.post-gazette.com

     First, take away Timmons first season as injuries and youth kept him out of the lineup.  Here are his stats for 2008 (first season really playing):

Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		G	GS	Comb	Total	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF
2008	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	2	65	43	22	5	--	3	1	89	89	89	0	1

Kendrell Bells Stats during 2001 (Rookie Campaign):

Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		G	GS	Comb	Total	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF
2001	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	16	83	70	13	9	--	1	--	--	0	--	--	1

     Bell’s weakness was of course the pass, Timmons’ is the run.  Neither is bad, but they definitely excel at the other.  Bell played on 1st and 2nd, Timmons primarily on 3rd and obvious passing situations.  Bell also rushed more often as dropping into coverage wasn’t his strong point.  That explains the higher tackle and sack totals for Bell.  Timmons came in for passing situations and is equally adept at rushing and covering, which explains the decent sack total and higher passes defended and the interception.  Otherwise, the numbers are similar in their structure (meaning they were both very promising for what they were asked to do). 

     Farrior then replaced Earl Holmes as the LILB.  Bell’s next season (2002) was hampered by a high ankle sprain during the preseason and ankle troubles lingered although he still finished with respectable numbers considering the nature of an ankle sprain:

Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		G	GS	Comb	Total	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF
2002	Pittsburgh Steelers	12	12	50	37	13	4	--	2	--	--	0	--	--	0

     Timmons’ next season is this year.  During the preseason he suffered a high-ankle sprain, and other ankle problems have limited his playtime.  He has started and played in 6 out of 8 games.  If the second half is the same that will mean he will start and play in 12 games (look at Bell’s 2002 stats again).  Here is Timmons’ stat line so far and projected year end stats for 2009:

Stats Overview	Tackles						Misc		Interceptions
SPLIT	TOT	SOLO	AST	SACK	STF	STFY	FF	BK	INT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	PD
2009	29	22	7	3	2	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
Projected	58	44	14	6	4	6	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	8

     Mind you, the games Timmons has played, he hasn’t had the ankle problems Bell suffered and stays as a linebacker on passing downs whereas 2002 is the year of the failed "Kendrell Bell as a rush end in the Nickel" experiment.  Numbers look really similar again.

     Bell was excellent in 2003 but a groin injury made him completely useless in 2004 (the same injury Timmons suffered in his rookie training camp that kept him from getting reps).

 

Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		G	GS	Comb	Total	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF
2004	Pittsburgh Steelers	3	0	8	6	2	0	--	0	--	--	0	--	--	0
2003	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	16	99	80	19	5	--	3	1	61	61	42	0	1

     Who replaced Bell in 2004 and kept Timmons on the side line for 2007/2008?  Look at Foote’s stat lines for those three years.  Mind you 2005/2006 Foote’s totals are higher, but those three years are eerily similar especially 2004 and 2008 his first and last year starting for the Steelers :

Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		G	GS	Comb	Total	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF
2008	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	16	63	34	29	1.5	--	3	--	--	0	--	--	1
2007	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	16	81	44	37	3	--	5	1	14	14	14	0	3
2006	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	16	90	61	29	4	--	2	1	11	11	11	0	2
2005	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	16	102	76	26	3	1	4	--	--	0	--	--	0
2004	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	16	69	52	17	3	--	2	1	1	1	1	0	1
2003	Pittsburgh Steelers	16	0	6	5	1	0	--	0	--	--	0	--	--	0
2002	Pittsburgh Steelers	14	3	20	13	7	0	--	0	--	--	0	--	--	0

     Now look at his 2002 stats (Bell’s ankle injury year) and that other "F" word pops his head in, Fox’s stat line and expected totals for this year (Timmons’ ankle injury year).  Fox’s stat line at end of year IMO will look more like Foote’s 2004 campaign because he rotates often with Timmons on the run downs.

Stats Overview	Tackles						Misc		Interceptions
SPLIT	TOT	SOLO	AST	SACK	STF	STFY	FF	BK	INT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	PD
2009	33	22	11	0	1	1	0	0	1	82	82	82	1	1
Projected	66	44	22	0	2	2	0	0	2	164	0	82	2	2

     So the similarities are intriguing, but do I think Timmons’ will be a "bust" like Bell. Well, first, Bell wasn’t a bust IMO, just unlucky on the injury front.  That is like saying Greg Lloyd and Barry Foster were busts because injuries did not allow them to reach our expectations for them.  Is Timmons’ injury prone, once again no, he has just gotten a little unlucky.  He has amazing potential and is a monster.  How many other guys can stand next to Woodley’s 273 lbs and not look tiny…

 

via assets.sbnation.com

     Look at his body type and it looks like he could probably carry another 10 lbs and not lose any speed.  That is really scary.  And he is young folks.  He is only going to get better learning from Potsie and Coach Kevin Butler.  A few more injuries though and I will start looking prophetic.  But I think we can look forward to a future where Farrior and Timmons lock down the middle until Farrior moves on, and then who knows. 

via elyriact.smugmug.com

Next time from A View from the SteelCage…A Tale of Two Willies. 

 First let me provide some information on the ambiguous "turf toe".  Turf toe is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, or the point where the ball of the foot meets the big toe.  Turf toe is usually caused from either jamming the toe, or pushing off repeatedly when running or jumping causing a hyperextension of the joint and a slight tear in the MTP capsule (ligament).

via www.yogaawayoflife.net

The most common complaint is pain at the base of the toe, but patients may also have symptoms of stiffness and swelling.  More severe tears can lead to dislocation of the big toe or broken bones in the foot. 

via www.fighttimes.com

How does this hurt a guy like Fast Willie.  Well how about the fact that the MTP carries up to twice the load of each of the other four metatarsals and carries more than 3 times the body weight during propulsion.  Or how about how often a RB gets his foot stepped on or contorted during an average game.  Imagine the pain of attempting to make a quick cut on the bad foot.  Add in the fact that Willie Parker is a speed back already trying to rediscover his rhythm from a leg injury from last season and this could put the nail in the coffin for WP’s career in Pittsburgh. 

via masnsports.com

I actually chose that pic because of the cutting, look at the plant foot and tell me what that would be like with turf toe.  I am not saying he won’t get his carries for as long as he is healthy this season, but with his already amenic 3.1 ypc down from a still not so impressibe 3.8 ypc last season and the slow decline may have turned into a complete drop in production.  To give you an idea of what type of effect this injury can have, LT had turf toe last year and only averaged 3.8 ypc after a career average of 4.5 ypc on his previous 2365 carries in his first 7 seasons.  And he averages 4.7 ypc in 2007 and 5.2 in 2006, much higher that Parkers’s averages those years.

 

via www.fantasyphenoms.com

 

via assets.nydailynews.com

This week is make it or break it for Rashard Mendenhall.  I don’t see Parker being active for the game and expect Mendy to get 18-22 carries/receptions to about 8-10 for MeMo.  After last week’s debacle (you get paid how much to not take practice serious and learn your assignments, who do you think you are Allen Iverson, "We talkin’ ‘bout practice") 

 

If Mendy breaks 100 yards rushing, Willie will be "given" as much time as needed to recover fully for later in the season.  If he fails, Mendy will be done after the season unless he becomes Jim Brown during next offseason (edit clarification...I don't think the Steelers will cut him, just he will not be pushed toward the starter position without injuries to other backs), and MeMo will be forced to carry the load, something he did well in spot starts last year.  With Memo’s style, we will see much more of the No Huddle and less off-tackle, although off tackle has in the past two seasons been the RB bouncing off the tackle into the tackler anyways.   

Allen Iverson talks about PRACTICE. (via Blayvis)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frsId3goYYE

 

 

via community.post-gazette.com

Where does Isaac Redman fit in, if anywhere.  First, if Mendenhall chokes in this gift after last week, I feel even the football Gods will give up on him and the Steelers will have to immediately reevaluate how "Fast" Willie can heal.  If they don’t think he will be able to perform by the week 8 bye week, I think they will have to place him on IR and call up Redman.  This does not mean Redman will be starting, just they won’t be relying on Mendy and will want to see what the kid can do before going outside the organization.  For those of you that think he was not in football shape during the preseason and is therefore not ready, it has been over a month, if the kid isn’t in shape yet, he would already have been cut from the Practice Squad.  They can always send him back down if he fails.  If Mendy succeeds, Wilie may be in even more danger of staying on the roster until at least the bye, if they don’t think he can contribute after, he will go on the IR and they will give Redman a chance to show what he can do throughout the season in spot work and scrub time.  I think nothing will happen until at least Tuesday, but if Willie goes on IR and Redman is called up, we may see the prompt return of Ra’shon "Sonny" Harris to the PS.  Not a bad trade off in some people’s opinion, although I would rather have Willie healthy.  Here's to hoping Mendy succeeds so the 2008 Draft class doesn't mar the overall great record of Colbert and make Tomlin's second draft look like it was a Cleveland Browns draft.

 

via cdn0.sbnation.com

 

via farm4.static.flickr.com  

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09243/994451-66.stm

So Brett Keisel is close to signing a five year extension, Aaron Smith is under contract until 2011, and we have rookies Ziggy Hood and Ra’Shon Harris both showing great upside.  Does this mean we have too many ends with starting potential?!  Not necessarily.  Ziggy Hood is at least a season away from starting and Ra’shon Harris will take a couple of years to develop.  However, this could mean Casey Hampton is gone.  Big Snack is a monster of a man, much more than capable of holding his own at the point of attack.  However, the once dominant two gap NT has become much more of a one gap player in the past 3 seasons, due largely to his lack of conditioning, in my opinion.  He is still very dominant, however, normally a one gap tackle produces sacks, Casey comes out on obvious passing downs.  I don’t believe he will take the hometown discount and that paired with Tomlin’s team-first attitude and last year’s conditioning debacle, I believe he will play for a new contract elsewhere.  Here are a few possibilities for replacing him, feel free to disagree and I look forward to other ideas:

1.  After the draft, John Mitchell and Dick Lebeau talked about using Ziggy all over the line, backing up the DE and Big Snack.  With the scheme having shifted to a one gap NT anyways, Ziggy, a one-gap tackle in college with some pass rushing abilities would make perfect sense.  Also, with a year in a pro strength and conditioning program and John Mitchell teaching him the DE position, he could potentially afford us the ability to return to the two-gap NT and just do the one-gap thing on obvious passing downs.  This would give us some real potential.  Harris could take the next couple of years to develop and replace Smith with he retires in 2011.  Another DE project could be brought in the next couple of years to develop as Keisel’s eventual replacement.

2.  Ziggy is primarily learning Smith’s LDE position, could Aaron Smith shift inside to NT for a year or two to allow them to develop a new NT.  Think about it, aside from Big Snack, few people in this league hold up as well against double teams as Smith.  He could still stuff the run, and then Ziggy could replace him as LDE with Harris as the backup with a couple more years to develop behind Keisel, or eventually overtake him leaving Keisel as a back-up, although developing behind him would be more likely.

 3.  Draft a stud NT, like Alabama NT Terrence Cody, 6’5’’, 360 lbs.  He showed some dedication this offseason and lost some weight (claimed to play at 370 last year but was likely 380+).  He looks good, is a big run stuffer, and is much more athletic than his size would suggest (can supposedly dunk) although he does run in the 5.5 range, not that that is all that important for the 3-4 NT.

 

via media.scout.com

 4.  If we lose Big Snack, look to the Original Poachers of Steelers’ castoffs, the Patriots.  Vince Wilfork is in the final year of his contract, is has expressed some dissatisfaction with the lack of a new contract.  Only 27 years old, and is much better conditioned and as good as Big Snack was at that age or quite possibly ever.   If he can be had without breaking the bank (which is very unlikely with the number of teams going to 3-4) he would be a great addition.  The Pats have many other DT and just drafted Ron Brace of Texas who has looked like a potential Wilfork replacement.   

 

via cache.boston.com

5.  This is, IMHO, the most likely scenario, Next year we have Smith and Keisel at DE with Hoke at NT with Hood rotating in at all three positions and drafting a NT developmental project, say in the 5th round or so, kind of like what the Steelers would have done if Sammie Lee Hill of Stillman this year had been drafted, he would sit on PS for one year and then 53 for a year or two until the Miracle Worker (John Mitchell) molded him into a Steelers 3-4 NT.

Now, onto my WR thoughts and their effect on the final 53.  So, Devand Darling of the Chiefs is out for the season with an ACL tear.  He was starting opposite Dwayne Bowe, although he wasn’t all that hot anyways.  Amani Toomer and Mark Bradley are behind him.  We have an influx of WR and everyone keeps trying to figure a way to keep this guy or that guy, so I propose the "Behind the Steel Curtain" sin, let’s make a trade.  I joke about the BTSC sin, as I have agreed that most of the proposed trades are preposterous, FWP isn’t going anywhere contrary to the outcry during the offseason.  But, Shawn McDonald may end up the odd man out anyways, and would fit much better in the dink and dunk Chiefs system.  He could be Scott Pioli’s Wes Welker.  We are keeping our starters, Sweed as three and Wallace as four.  We could then keep Logan as the emergency 5/KR/PR and keep a WR or two on PS or keep a Martin Nance or someone else as insurance.  I think the Chiefs or one of the other WR hurting teams (Seahawks, 49ers) might give up a 3rd rounder for McDonald.  What do you all think?

 

So, there have been so many thoughts, good and bad on this site since the draft.  I think discussing our thoughts on the draft has been beaten to death so I will present some short-term and long-term ideas for the Steelers.  Please feel free to agree or disagree.  However, I will defend myself from those who post the “that idea is stupid” attack.  This is just to stir up conversation, so instead put in your ideas. 

 

1.  First, I have some concerns still about our line, same as anyone else.  I do trust our FO and know the line is young and needs to have more time to gel, no argument here from me.  However, if the line does not improve drastically, I think we need to show Larry Zierlein the black and gold door.  I already have his replacement lined up, Mike Foley, OL Coach, UCONN.  Yah, you heard me, UCONN.  He has a very impressive resume, see the link at the end of this paragraph.  If you watched William Beatty shooting up the draft boards this off season, you can understand why.  Will Beatty is a converted TE who Foley was able to coach into a very good LT on a team that had the country’s leading rusher.  The year prior, the Dolphins grabbed Donald Thomas (converted DT) in the sixth round who won the starting job at RG before injuring his foot and being placed on the IR.  The key is watch the line this year.  They could have 3 or 4 linemen in the draft this year.  Watch especially Mike Hicks and Dan Ryan, the bookends for this year.  Ryan is 6’7 312lb at LT with Mick Hicks being 6’6’’ 321 lbs and a strong backup in Mike Ryan (no relation to Dan) at 6’5’’ 321 lbs.  There progression during the season and pre-draft workouts (if they come out they are all red shirt SR so they will have 1 more year eligibility) could be a deciding factor in if he transitions.

 http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/foley_mike00.html

 

2.  Dixon as the #2 is a good thing, but what if it is just to drive up asking prices.  Dixon was a Heisman hopeful and likely would have been a first day pick had he not been injured senior year.  Could we try a Matt Cassel if Big Ben misses some time next season?  There are a lot of strong O-Linemen next year, overall I think the whole draft will be pretty well the opposite of this year and be nice and top heavy.  Let’s says we can get an extra 2nd rounder or a 2 and a 4 if he performs really well.  Think that would explain the two Camp QB’s (Reilly and the other kid).  Let one sit this season on the practice squad, pick-up the offense and be the number 3 guy behind Chucky or another veteran next year and develop as our #2 while picking up an extra couple picks to fill other holes we may see next year.  Just spit-balling here guys.

 

3.  Was not targeting an OT at all in the draft or FA (only took one rookie tackle) speak to the confidence of the organization in Starks and Colon or Starks and Hills?  I am leaning towards Hills.  Played well for a major college protecting two pretty mobile QBs (Young and McCoy) on the Left side.  Here is why Starks doesn’t have a contract yet, in my opinion, he wants a LT deal and the Steelers want to give him RT money.  I believe they should give him sufficient up front money to placate him into signing, but have his contracts incentive based for a LEFT Tackle.  I know I just said give him RT money.  Right, but this year, he is going to be our LT.  If Hills proves he can handle the spot next year or they can get a stud next year for LT, move Starks to the Right and move Colon to guard where I think he would make a powerhouse run blocker, or sign him as a backup.  If Starks contract stipulates he gets paid a certain amount if he starts 60 percent of O-Line snaps at LT versus playing at RT, we can keep his cap and salary manageable on a 5 or 6 year deal. 

 

4.  Back to coaching.  So no coaching changes this year, and I have already stated the Zierlein Factor, but what about that unfortunate day when Dick Lebeau hangs up his headset and whistle for good.  I am not talking about who will replace him, most of us are pretty sure Keith Butler (LB Coach) thinking about interviewing and then turning down the interview for the DC job in Arizona with Whiz and Grimm, likely a sure thing, was a sign that he is the successor to Coach Lebeau.  It makes more sense when you see that he and Tomlin coached together at Arkansas State and Memphis so there is a great history.  But who will replace him.  This is in my opinion an easy assignment, just look around at who is NOT at camp this year.  Again, what???  For the past few years, the LBs have had a volunteer coach, Kevin Greene, number 3 on the NFL all time sacks list (number 1 among all LB).  He has come in every year.  Well this year, he was hired as Green Bays LB Coach so he is not around.  He would ould be a great addition provided he is available.  Another option would be to hope that the same year Lebeau retires, so does Farrior, and just move his locker to the office.

 

Your thoughts, I can take it.

 

  

     Wow, what a first day!!!  Say what you will but I loved it.  Ziggy was a great pick.  I have seen him compared to Aaron Smith, which is a great comparison.  With John Mitchell coaching up our D-Line, he will be good.  Reminds me of Ray Seals, a DE who can push 7-9 sacks a year.  Put him next to Deebo and think about the numbers.  And trading out of round to in order to potentially pick up three contributors at a cheaper price (we are hurting against the cap).  So here are some thoughts on day two in the 30 minutes prior to the start of day two action.

Three picks in round three here are some guys I see as possibilities:

3a.  Jarron Gilbert (DE), Antoine Caldwell (C/G) , Duke Robinson (G), Jason Watkins (T),  Chip Vaughan (S)

I hope they can get Caldwell, I love this guy and think he would be a great value.  Guard as a Rookie and take over as center (ala Dawson) when Hartwig leaves.  The strongest base in my opinion of the centers, he can do the job and after a year of NFL level weight training won’t be pushed around by big NT.  I believe he will be the best Center draft this year.

3b/3c.  All the above if available, Mike Thomas (WR), Mike Wallace (WR), Greg Isdaner (G),  Kraig Urbik (G), Mike Mickens (CB), Jasper Brinkley (ILB), Ladarius Webb (S),

3b.  I want Brinkley or Urbik.  Urbik reminds me of Faneca and has the ability to slide to tackle if necessary like Faneca did when we had all those injuries a couple years ago.  Tomlin kind of guy, position flexibility.

3c.  This is my wild card.  Ladarius Webb is actually my player for 3c.  I think the guy has the speed and ability to play some nickel, thus mitigating the need for a CB until later in the draft.  Also, is a huge returner so we wouldn’t have to say we gave up on Sweed who has huge potential.   We take care of two needs while also reloading for next year if we can’t resign Clark.  Webb in center field could be a 10 pick guy in my opinion.

5a/b.  Back to back picks so I will just say Sammie Lee Hill (DT) if available, AJ Shipley (C) if we don’t get Caldwell, Franz Joseph (ILB), Donald Washington (CB). 

I would love to see Sammie Lee Hill and Donald Washington (provided we got Brinkley and Caldwell).  Washington has huge potential and Tomlin can teach up DB’s like very few.  Sammie Hill provides another opportunity for Mitchell to prove why he is the best DL Coach in the league.  He and Ziggy would be a nasty duo in a couple of years.

6.  Xavier Fulton (T)  This guy has the second quickest 10 yrd dash (pulling requires initial quickness) of any line prospect but slipped for numerous reasons.  Played LT for Illini (in front of Mendy) after converting from DT.  One more transfer guy (I see him as a guard/emergency tackle) with the most potential of any guard in the draft (although he is listed as a tackle).  FYI last year I wanted the Steelers to pick Donald Brown out of UCONN in 5/6 when he would be available.  Miami picked him in the beginning of the sixth and he won the starting job until getting injured.  Just saying, I was raised by a line coach, DON’T COUNT FULTON OUT!!

7a/b.  Khalif Mitchell (DT), Quinn Johnson (FB), Zach Potter (DE), Andrew Gardner (OT)

Obviously anyone previously mentioned takes priority, but Mitchell is 6’5’’, 317 and could be Aaron Smith in the future (completely revamping out DL)  and Gardner gives us a practice squad Tackle to develop.  A full back would also be nice.  So in summary, my wish list

Round 3

Caldwell, Brinkley, Webb

Round 5

Sammie Lee Hill, Donald Washington

Round 6

Xavier Fulton

Round 7

Khalif Mitchell and Gardner or Johnson and try for Gardner as FA