Aging Steeler hero Willie Parker, 30, wants to come back to the Black and Gold. He's held interviews and launched a Twitter campaign apparently to "Resign 39." The Post-Gazette and a brief survey of other sports blogs seem to agree this will never happen. Parker's strength and moniker, Fast, just isn't what it once was, they argue. The Post-Gazette article called it sad how he's begging to return.

Before last season, Parker declined an offer from the Steelers to go into free agency, where he was finally taken in by the Redskins. In a recent CBS interview, Parker tells how awful the Skins organization was to him. The starting position he said he was promised never came to fruition, and he found out that the grass was most definitely not greener -- no duh.

Parker wants playing time. Do you all think we have a space for him? Do we even want him?

If M. Moore leaves, we could likely sign Parker for league minimum. He knows the playbook, seldom fumbles and blocks well. He doesn't have great receiver's hands, but can certainly catch a dump pass. But is it past his time?

The backfield for the upcoming season is already getting crowded, but we have too many hosses, and not enough lean. Dwyer and Redman seem to have similar skill sets, but perform in different ways. The new guy, Batch, doesn't have Parker's speed, but has great hands for receiving.

The Steelers could use a speed back to spell Mendy so his wheels don't fall off (or give the ball to Redman, dammit!). Also, Parker could test out the edges of opposing defenses, something Redman doesn't do unless he carries a couple defenders with him.

Naturally, there's probably an undrafted speedback somewhere as hungry for a chance as Parker was when he was first signed, and maybe that's where the team will turn. But isn't it tempting during the lockout year that hinders the development of rookies, to go with a veteran?

I'm concerned about our cornerback situation on Sunday. Should Ike guard Tone or Edwards?

During the last go-round with the Jets, Ike Taylor covered Santonio Holmes and Bmac drew Braylon Edwards. Those match-ups, in part, resulted with Edwards getting 100 yards receiving on 8 receptions and Tone collecting 40 yards on 6 receptions. Yep, Ike's the man.

This time, Bmac may not play due to an abdominal strain, possibly leaving Gay as our #2. So I suppose the real question becomes, Gay on Tone or Edwards?

Hm.

I'd hate to see Gay covering Braylon Edwards, who measures in at 6'3" and 213 lbs. I think Gay, at 5'10" and 190, is a decent CB, but if he matches against Edwards, he will be victimized. I see our CB getting bruised in coverage and....

Remember Gay getting steam-rolled by Tomlinson last year or so? God. Do we want to see Tomlinson running toward Gay with Edwards blocking? Gay will be destroyed by game's end I expect.

If it were my call, I would rather Gay guard Santonio, maybe with the FS shading his way, and let Ike take on Edwards. Please realize that I don't think Gay can shut down Santonio, who as we all know can be incredibly shifty. But I think this is the best we can do.

I'm sure Ike will make like a veterinarian and put down Edwards like a rabid puppy.

So. If Bmac can't play, how do you call coverage?

I was looking for just such a list for a while now, and here we go: a list of NFL prospects to look out for in the coming college games.

The story includes a lot of possible late rounders. NFL prospects

If there are any particular players you all are waiting to see, post it here. Especially, does a prospect have to prove something before you will vouch for them as a potential Steeler? Say, a good CB that will match up against a talented QB/WR?

Somebody hand Harrison another team's jersey. It's been on my mind but today's unflagged helmet-to-helmet hit that sidelined Miller and the reverse knifehand strike on Ben made  it clear -- If Harrison wore a different jersey, his hits would be legal and roughing Steelers players might draw a flag now and then. Honestly, you would never know the NFL gave two shits about player safety when the black and gold hits the ground.

The NFL refs are proving that by making Harrison the posterboy for illegal hits, the NFL has implicitly given other defenses the green light to do as they will against the Steelers. Late or illegal hits go unnoticed.

I'm not faulting the Ravens, exactly, they played a hell of a game.

So. Trade Harrison. He's playing so good the NFL has to change the game by allowing holds against him and making ONLY his hits illegal.

Do we really have to get rid of the best linebacker in the NFL to get the bullshit refs to make fair calls? If not, then how come no refs are calling any late or flagrant hits on anyone that plays the Steelers?

Furthermore, what was that attack on Harrison during the Xtra point attempt? That was clearly the Ravens working to get Harrison into a fight and thrown out of the game. I'm not blaming the Ravens, as they're playing along with the bias that the NFL allows. It will be a fracking miracle if the Steelers get to the playoffs this year with the "hit" placed on its players by the NFL's Mr. Anderson.

Fuck Mr. Anderson. Better yet, send Redman after his ass.

So, while it's easier to suggest nicknames for new Ravens rookies ( I was thinking Mount Doughboy), I wonder what nicknames will stick to the new Steelers players. Will they earn the pseudonyms from fans, coaches, or other players?

Some will bring nicknames with them. A little Googling  turned up some possible nicknames that may hang on. Time will tell.

Emmanuel Sanders, our speedy WR drafted in round 3, has a great one: Go Go. Nice story about him on Post Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10116/1053408-66.stm

Jason Worilds, our second rounder to play OLB, said this in an interview: "Oh man, they call me so many things... "Aggy-Daddy," "All Worilds," "King Kong," "Optima" and that's about it. I didn't have any nicknames as a kid." (source: http://www.beamerball.com/free/travelinside.htm)

Thaddeus Gibson sounds like Deebo 2.0, and not just because of team, position of play (soon), and physicality. Check this out from a Buckeye blog in 2009:

"... our DTs dont exactly keep me awake at night wondering if they are watching me. thaddeus gibson, however, does. he has a few nicknames that i like to use - thad, thad the impaler, DESTROY EVERYTHING MOVING, and BEAST MODE. dude is a freak. dude is always angry. dude probably killed a live animal with a knife today and he didnt know why. i dont know why, and i dont care why. #90 is for real." source: (http://www.teamsecretfalcon.com/2009/08/ohio-state-football-preview-2009.html)

Wow. Thad the Impaler has my vote, but I have lots of geek love for Beast Mode.

Stevenson Sylvester's is simply "Sly," according to source (http://prod.www.steelers.clubs.nfl.com/news/article-1/Steelers-select-Stevenson-Sylvester/3a367674-fda5-4771-96e4-08ea14e3b1cf)

Jonathan Dwyer: Diesel according to Steeler Depot (http://www.steelersdepot.com/2010/04/steelers-draft-recap-class-of-2010/)

Anybody know about the other guys? Pouncey was gifted with an interesting last name, so maybe he misses the boat on this one.

Couldn't find names for Chris Scott, Crezdon Butler, Antonio Brown.

Here's the link to reactions from Dolphins fans about the Steelers signing WR Brandon London on SB Nation's Dolphins site, The Phinsider. If you choose to remain in a black and gold Web sub-domain, then I can sum up quickly: The guy has loads of potential that may never turn into anything. He's big and fast like Sweed but I've heard no complaints about his hands. Head case,  perhaps?

Phinsiders debate London loss

Post Gazette has next year's opponents listed at the following link. Outside of our own conference games, the toughest games appear to be New England, Carolina and Jets (all home games) and New Orleans, Tennessee and Miami (away).

Obviously, 2009's cheesecake schedule barely made for a winning season, but here's hoping the team turns it around following the three-game run and off season.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10003/1025570-66.stm

It's a good signing for them. Cincy may as well keep a strong running game going with Benson injured. I'm sure Benson will be their choice RB down the road, or at least until he flakes out again or Cincy sucks again... whichever comes first. Anyone think Cincy can become a force on the ground? Not a bad idea with Henry out on IR. 

Sorry I didn't get the details of the deal. My browser's being a slow-grinding pain in the tuchus (sp?).

He's fast and a considered a great threat whenever he gets the ball. Unfortunately, according to fans at SBN Buffalo Rumblings, he has poor hands and poor route running skills. That doesn't mean he wouldn't make a decent #4, but we could pick up a mid-rounder for that if we choose to aim so low.

Oh well. Here's what Bills fans say:

#11 Roscoe Parrish
   5'9", 171 pounds
   Age: 27 in July 2009
   Contract status: 3 years remaining (UFA in 2012); owed $3.05 million in base salaries, $1.5 million in signing bonuses and $1.5 million in roster bonuses
- No one denies that Parrish can be electrifying with the ball in his hands.  What can be questioned, however, is whether or not Parrish - a gadget player and elite punt returner and little more - is too luxury for a team like the Bills.  Considering the amount of money he's due to be paid and the amount of playing time that's no longer open to him, don't be shocked if the team looks to trade him.  As many of you have astutely pointed out, keep an eye on Kansas City as a possible landing spot.

--Brian Galliford

ide get rid of Reed, hes been a career underachiever who has been givin more than enough oppertunities. Parrish has so much more value, not only as a punt returner, but as a receiver, we just need to get him the ball more. Hes a threat to take it to the house everytime he touches the ball. With Evans and Owens now on the outside things are really going to open up underneath for Parrish. Who do you think defenses game plan for more, Parrish or Reed??

by Baggz on Mar 8, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

considering reed catches the ball while roscoe doesn’t, reed.

Roscoe is fast, no one is doubting that. But he doesn’t have good hands and he can’t run a pass route. He’s not a good 3rd receiver. Reed is. Reed is a good route runner, has decent hands, and is fairly adept at YAC (he is, after all a former running back) despite not having great speed.

doesn't buy posluzny.

by JPH on Mar 8, 2009

NO WAY!

the reason Reed is an “underachiever” is that he’s a slot receiver forced to play #2. And Reed showed infinatly more value than Parrish in the passing game last year. Parrish may be a great punt returner, but in the passing game his hand as VERY suspect, as well is his ability to get open. Parrish showed promiss as a receiver, but that never devellopped, even when he had the chance to show what he could do before he had his injury last year. If we trade anyone, it’s Parrish.

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 9, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply

Bears were popularly forecasted to select a WR or OT in the 1st round. Denver, on the other hand, is favored to select DT and LB. Some mocks suggest more pick trading.

Chances are improving that Mack and/or Britton will be available in the 1st.

Failing those two or a suprise, I really hope we can trade down from the 1st round. I'm really optimistic about several mid-late second round picks that happen to be in our area of need: Loadholt, Wood and Luigs, Robiske and D. Williams, Hood. . . .

Mock drafts tend to indicate that the best value we'll see in the 1st round is at CB. I'm not interested in overpaying for a CB we won't hold onto. According to analysis on Steeler Insider, a zone CB that we're looking for could be found in the 3rd or 4th round. One who visited the Steelers last week, Burnett, is a great kick returner.

Just read on Post Gazette that we will not get that 3rd round compensatory pick, we'll get it in the 5th round instead. Pick #169. That's in the middle of the 5th. I'm sure you all agree that's really disappointing.

So now we have to get serious on our later picks. So then, does this mean we draft a tight end in the 3rd or 4th round? On the bright side, Gay was a 5th rounder, right? Here's hoping we use that pick on a  good 'un!

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com <!-- end mod-article-title --> <!-- begin story body --> <!-- template inline -->

"Choosing the sales pitch from Bill Belichick over that of Mike Tomlin, free-agent wide receiver Joey Galloway has agreed to a one-year contract with the New England Patriots. <!--INLINE MUG-->

Financial details of the deal, confirmed by sources close to the player, were not yet available.

Despite being 37 years old and coming off an injury-shortened 2008 season, Galloway was seen by the Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers as still having the ability to stretch a secondary deep. Both franchises recruited Galloway on the premise that they will be Super Bowl contenders in 2009 and that he will play a key role in the offense as the No. 3 wide receiver"

Well, there goes Carr and Galloway. I'm not too concerned, but I think this is putting extra strain on our draft day. I think Galloway would have been a nice add for a couple years. My bet is he'll do well this year for the Pats at vet minimum, and get a better paycheck the following year.

Okay, we should take C Mack if we can, right? But lets see who we could get in round 2 at center since we like to go with the Best Player Available, and who would squawk over a windfall WR, CB, DE, DT or LB? (I suggest LB because we haven't signed Harrison yet, but that's another story.)

Here's some honorable mentions at Center that would enable us to go elsewhere with our #1 pick. I'm not listing the stats for Mack or Unger because they would be long gone before our second pick. Wood is interesting. He sounds like a good pick, but he might not last until #64. Trading up in the 2nd, or down in the first may be key.... But I digress -- on with the stats:

(All info Copyright NFLDraftScout.com)

Eric Wood, C
  Height: 6'4"
 Weight: 310
 College: Louisville
Conference: Big East

Overview

Recognized as a first-team All-Big East selection in 2008 and 2007, second team in 2006 and Freshman All-American in 2005 redshirt season, Wood started 49 games for the Cardinals and is the epitome of durability and consistency. While other centers have earned more media recognition, NFL scouts consider Wood one of the best interior linemen available and a potential first-day pick. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Taller than most centers, but not too upright in pass protection and can still cut block. Works hard on every play, and goes through the whistle. Gets off the ball quickly and gets into the numbers of his man. Can drive back smaller tackles and sustain. Leader of the line and makes the calls. Permanent team captain in 2008. Solid anchor, using his arms and feet to keep tackles on the line. Will pancake smaller tackles when he gets the inside shoulder. Uses his hands and feet to position blockers, creating holes inside. Picks up late blitzers up the middle. Reliable snap to the quarterback.

Negatives: Not as nimble as some teams may want their pivot man. Can adequately combo to the middle linebacker and get in front of screens at the college level, but may have issues handling NFL speed in the open field. Only adequate in getting his pads low to drive block, and could improve there.

Jonathan Luigs, C
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 301
College: Arkansas
Conference: SEC

Overview

Luigs was an integral part of the Razorbacks' vaunted running game the past few seasons, and returned to school despite a coaching change after he won the 2007 Rimington Award as the nation's top center. Although his senior season was somewhat disappointing from a team perspective, Luigs managed second-team All-SEC honors despite a slew of talented pivot men in the conference and was again a finalist for the Rimington (won by Penn State's A.Q. Shipley). In a very deep center class, Luigs is still considered by many to be the top prospect. Had an arm span of 31 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Prototype size for the position. Rare athleticism. Good burst off the snap and can block on the move. Quickly moves his feet to get the appropriate angle on his man. Gets to the second level quickly as a run and pass blocker. Good initial quickness as a pass blocker. Settles well and plays with good balance. Equally effective snapping in the shotgun or traditional quarterback exchange. Cerebral player who makes the line calls and adjusts well to unexpected blitzes and defensive alignments.

Negatives: Relies on quickness and technique rather than pure strength to generate movement at the point of attack, and can be stalemated by bigger, stronger defenders. Can be tossed aside after initial hit. Struggles to remain engaged with defenders when blocking at the second level, and will miss targets altogether. Leans forward too far at times to reach his man, keeping Luigs off balance.

    
Antoine Caldwell, OG
Height: 6'3"
 Weight: 309
College: Alabama
Conference: SEC

Overview

Defines the word "stalwart" with his steady, durable play in the middle of the Tide's offensive line. In fact, the only games he has missed over the past four seasons came during a four-game suspension for being part of a textbook scandal at Alabama in 2007. An immediate standout, Caldwell earned Freshman All-American honors playing guard, SEC accolades as a sophomore and junior at center and closed out his career by earning consensus All-American praise as a senior. Caldwell lacks the footwork to fit in every NFL offense, but his size, physicality and aggression make him an intriguing fit for a drive blocking scheme. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Good height and plays with a wider base than his weight may signal. Excellent burst after the snap, getting up into his man very quickly to create a gap or pass protect. Strong enough to put tackles on the ground, but quick enough to get to the outside shoulder of either guard to help protect the quarterback. Strong, active hands to engage the defender and can drive defenders off the ball. Smart player who makes line calls. Adept at the shotgun snap. Durable. Four-year starter.

Negatives: Could be more aware and help the quarterback as plays break down. Lacks elite lateral quickness to get down the line or get to linebackers in combo or zone blocks. Lumbers a bit when trying to get downfield to block.
    
A.Q. Shipley, C (projected round 4)
Height:  6'1"
Weight: 304
College: Penn State
Conference: Big 10

Overview

After playing on both lines as a redshirt freshman, recording two sacks in limited playing time at defensive tackle, Shipley manned the pivot for the Nittany Lions for every game the past three years. He earned the 2008 Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center after garnering first-team All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons. His leadership off the field and toughness on the field makes him the type of character player NFL teams look for. Had an arm span of 29 3/4 inches and a hand span of 8 1/2 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Stout, tough and physical at the point, plays like the former nose guard he is. Strong anchor in pass protection, and does not get bull-rushed as he uses his wide base to maintain leverage. Battles everyone and anyone on the field, playing through the whistle. Good enough feet to combo (in either direction) then get to the linebacker or safety and angle him while engaged. Adept at shotgun. Gets hands up quickly after the snap. Gets off his man to pick up late blitzers using his feet and hands. Only adequate moving laterally on pulls, but is still able to wall off linebackers inside. Team leader. Makes accurate line adjustments.

Negatives: Lacks height, bulk and arm length. Projects to center only, probably in a zone-blocking system. Short arms prevent him from maintaining contact with tackles on the move, which lets his man shed or get past him. Initial punch is only adequate. Does not consistently sustain his blocks, especially against stronger tackles.

And back to Betelgeuse....

Shipley is not as good as the others it seems, but with our 2 3rd round picks, we can have our pick of the mid rounders. Hey HighSchoolSteeler, who do you like in the 3rd?

Continue reading this post »

Here we are in the superbowl, and not a single rookie made a lick of difference all season. Mendenhall, Sweed, Bruce whatshisname, Hills, Mundy, etc...

We are that solid. Sure we had a couple free agency pickups, but there is no question the Steelers are setting themselves up for victory on Sunday and victory on future Superbowl Sundays to come.

Provided we don't lose Ben for a season, we could still lose on Sunday and still feel secure in our chances for next year WITHOUT fretting the draft. Sure we could improve on the O-line, but attention elsewhere has already got us to the Superbowl Yee-Haa!

If Cowher quit the Steelers during the emergence of a its first real quarterback era since the 70s, I doubt if he'll go to the Eagles, who will no doubt rehire McNabb. He'd fit the Browns so well, but gee,  I'd hate to see him cry over losing to us. Someone mentioned the Chiefs. I have to say that fits perfectly. The Chiefs are an old-school team that hasn't won respect in a long while but has always been tough ... until lately.

I'd love to see the Chiefs return to power with or without Gonzalez. They need so much, they should probably trade him.

Incidently, if anyone knows how I can get a hold of a video of the Chiefs first superbowl win, it was III or IV, I'm interested. My grandpa knew coach Hank Stram from way back and I'd love to get the video of that superbowl. Any ideas?

The storm that brewed in Foxboro last weekend has inexplicably swung southeast, bringing Hurricane Harrison, Tornado Timmons and, uh, High Dew Point Woodley! Woo-haa!

Seriously, this could be good for the home team. For Sunday, it looks like a low of 21, a high of 30, with wind and a 40 percent chance of snow/rain showers

We got used to frigid, wet conditions last week. Any word on the field conditions? They were supposed to lay some new sod down, last I heard.

Welcome to the north-side boys.

Wow. Dallas Baker was waived today to make room for CB Roy Lewis who was promoted from the practice squad.  Baker may not be an offensive dynamo, but I thought he was a fine backup. I guess this shows how much the coaches think of him.

At any rate, I learned that Lewis is a 5'9" 190 CB who is a good tackler. He also has experience as a KO return man from his freshman and sophomore years at Washington.

Here's some more from the U of W website/ stats are at the bottom:

2007: Named a team captain ... started all 13 games at one cornerback spot ... posted five tackles in season opener at Syracuse ... 11 tackles, one tackle for loss, three breakups and an interception in the win over Boise State ... named Pac-10 defensive player of the week and the team's defensive MVP after the win over the Broncos ... four tackles vs. Ohio State ... posted 11 tackles at UCLA ... six tackles and a blocked punt vs. USC, when he earned the team's MVP for special teams ... seven tackles at Arizona State ... six stops vs. Oregon ... 11 tackles and a forced fumble vs. Arizona ... five stops at Stanford ... four tackles and 37-yard fumble return at Oregon State ... eight tackles, two pass breakups vs. Washington State ... season-high 12 tackles, plus a forced fumble, in season finale at Hawaii.

2006: Started all 12 games at cornerback ... also returned kicks ... finished the season ranked 10th in the Pac-10 Conference in kick returns with an average of 18.8 yards per return (339 yards on 18 returns) ... also ranked 28th (tied) in the Pac-10 in tackles with 5.5 per game ... 66 total tackles ranked third on the team ... had a season-high nine tackles, including a sack, in the victory over UCLA ... six tackles, including one for a loss, at Cal ... seven tackles and two pass break-ups at Oregon ... six tackles and two break-ups at USC ... also had six tackles vs. San Jose State, Oklahoma and Oregon State ... returned five kicks for a total of 89 yards vs. San Jose State, when he had his season's longest kick return, a 31-yarder ... four kick returns for 82 yards vs. Oregon State ... won the UW's Pepsi Player of the Week Award after the Fresno State game.

2005: Played in 10 games, starting eight ... missed the Idaho game with an injury ... returned an interception 42 yards for a score in Huskies' win at Arizona ... totaled season-high 11 tackles at Oregon ... averaged 21.4 yards per kick return ... named the KING-TV Most Improved Defensive Player at the team's postseason banquet.

2004: Redshirted the season after transferring from San Jose State in September.

2003 AT SAN JOSE STATE: Appeared in 10 games, starting five ... missed one game with a shoulder injury ... 42 total tackles ranked seventh on the team ... made career-high 14 tackles in loss to Nevada ... added nine tackles against Boise State, and seven at Rice.

HIGH SCHOOL & PERSONAL: As a senior at Narbonne, was credited with 108 tackles, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries, including three defensive TDs ... also scored 13 touchdowns as a running back ... played both linebacker and cornerback on defense ... earned first-team all-league honors on offense ... was named to the Long Beach Press-Telegram's "Dream Team" as a second-team all-purpose back ... also sprinted and long-jumped for the Narbonne track squad ... tied for 11th in the long jump at the 2003 California state meet ... teamed at Narbonne with former Husky safety Dashon Goldson ... cousin of former UW safety Chris Hemphill.

Lewis Career Statistics

TACKLES                G    UA     A Total    TFL-Yds    PD   FF   FR Blkd
2005................  10    29    18    47    1.0-3       5    0    0    0
2006................  12    45    21    66    1.5-11      5    0    0    0
2007................  13    71    23    94    2.0-5      10    2    1    1
TOTAL...............  35   145    62   207    4.5-19     20    2    1    1

SACKS                  G    UA     A Total   Yds
2005................  10     0     0   0.0     0
2006................  12     1     0   1.0     8
2007................  13     0     0   0.0     0
TOTAL...............  35     1     0   1.0     8

PUNT RETURNS           G   No.    Yds  TD  Lg Avg/R Avg/G
2005................  10     0      0   0   0   0.0   0.0
2006................  12     0      0   0   0   0.0   0.0
2007................  13     1     32   0  18  32.0   2.5
TOTAL...............  35     1     32   0  18  32.0   0.9

KICK RETURNS           G   No.    Yds  TD  Lg Avg/R Avg/G
2005................  10    12    257   0  38  21.4  25.7
2006................  12    18    339   0  31  18.8  28.2
2007................  13     0      0   0   0   0.0   0.0
TOTAL...............  35    30    596   0  38  19.9  17.0

INTERCEPTIONS          G    No    Yds  TD  Lg Avg/R Avg/G
2005................  10     1     42   1  42  42.0   4.2
2006................  12     0      0   0   0   0.0   0.0
2007................  13     1      0   0   0   0.0   0.0
TOTAL...............  35     2     42   1  42  21.0   1.2

ALL PURPOSE            G  Rush   Rec    PR    KR    IR  Total Avg/G
2005................  10     0     0     0   257    42    299  29.9
2006................  12     0     0     0   339     0    339  28.2
2007................  13     0     0    32     0     0     32   2.5
TOTAL...............  35     0     0    32   596    42    670  19.1

SCORING                G    TD  Rush  Pass Retn  PAT 2PAT   FG  Total Avg/G
2005................  10     1     0     0    1    0    0    0      6   0.6
2006................  12     0     0     0    0    0    0    0      0   0.0
2007................  13     0     0     0    0    0    0    0      0   0.0
TOTAL...............  35     1     0     0    1    0    0    0      6   0.2

According to Dale Lolley, (http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/), the Steelers have released DT Clement and signed, off waivers, third-year DE Kevin Huntley (6-7, 290 lbs).

According to Lolley, Huntley has not seen much playing time but put up some decent stats. Played 3 games last year, and 5 the year before  with the Raiders in 06. But with the Raiders he scored 2.5 sacks when the Raiders won only a few games. I didn't research to find out if they were against us or not.

He was signed by the Raiders in January, but according to The Washington Insider:

"Defensive end Erasmus James has passed his physical and will be activated from the physically unable to perform list.

That means someone had to go and that someone is Kevin Huntley, a veteran defensive end who had failed to move up the depth chart. He's a DC area guy who had spent some time with Atlanta, but after the Jason Taylor trade and with James getting healthy, Huntley was expendable."

My first concern is why oh why would you not play a beast of that size unless . . . . he's gotta be cursed, right? Why else would 3 teams (brief stint w/ Atlanta) cut him? No injuries from what I researched.

We'll see. I am excited we got a Kentwan Balmer-sized DE! If this guy is just so-so, he will still take a huge weight off our line as far as substitutions go. Here's hoping he doesn't totally blow chunks.

Disappointed we lost Clement, though, I had hopes for him.

I found two Steelers video links on the NFL website: 

This one just shows  a few passes from Ben:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809dc44

This one has a nice variety with most, if not all, of the above passes:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809dd887

By the way, if anyone finds a download link for the complete games, please please post that. I'd love to find a torrent link or something! Just watching these clips is not enough!

Otherwise, I want to hear why we're not crapping ourselves with joy that this seemingly ideal 3-4 end, at a beefy 6'7" and reported to be a tackler, a sack threat, and a guy that regularly draws double o-line coverage, has been mocked all to often to be drafted after #23.

Pardon that run-on, but unless we're changing over to 4-3, this guy definately makes RE on my team. I haven't heard much talk about him, so I wonder what I'm missing. That hulk could eat lots of blocks for Timmons/Foote/Harrison to do some dirty work.

I'd provide a link to the nfl.com draft site where I did some research, but my browser's acting funky.

After reading about the RT prospect Gozer because Albert might not make it to #23, a negative was that he is very poor against edge rushers. How can one be an effective NFL tackle without that skill?

If he has to spend a year to learn it, let's pick a tackle in round 2.

Thanks, by the way, for that breakdown of what draft picks each active player comes from.

Lifer, I'd like to hear you're response, but i'll wait till pick #23:)

I just read that our new old kick returner was released. Same with Kriewalt and Tuman.

Dropping Rossum shows our hand, and makes me think that means we'll definately pick up a WR or CB or somebody with real return talent.

Does this change anyone's perspective on draft choices? I doubt we'll go back to free agency for a return man unless we get stuck, again.