At his point I'd like to discuss the areas that are of need in the 07 draft.

1) Offensive tackle - Especially the right side, Max Starks is like a drum. Beatin' all the time.

2) Corner- While our corners are
definetly serviceable, this is a constant area of need.

3) Linebacker- The middle is the most needy because Farrior is not getting any younger and Foote, while playing his best football, is not a great athlete and could get old on the gridiron quickly. It boggles my mind that with all the picks they had last year they didn't address this need. When you play the 3-4 you need young blood every year.

*Note areas 2 and 3 are basically interchangeable!

4)Running Back - Fast Willie so far has shown that he can handle the role of a number 1 back. Davenport has done well thus far. However, a big back would be nice. They obviously totally misevaluated Staley this year. Another mind boggler in the fact we waited until the 7th round to address this need in 06.

5) Punter - Gardocki is a shot fighter.

Thanks for your input... I have center listed as a need as well... your thoughts?

Center is kinda questionable because they just reupped Chukky Okkobi who's been waiting for Jeff Hartings to retire. Hartings has been out the last couple of games so Okkobi played and looked good. They also have Marvin Phillips on the roster who's a rookie from Cal.

i dont see us taking a C in the draft, but OT and OG yes. we need some youth here, some guys are aging.
i cant see steelers passing on Mosses if he is still there at OLB.
ILB needs youth but we do have one pretty good back up, cant remember name.
CB is always there.
a big back late, but nother early.

isnt Stark a FA?

You're probably thinking of James Harrison who is a solid backup and good special teamer (he blocked the punt last Sunday).

Max Starks will be a restricted free agent after this year, I'm sure Pittsburgh will try to keep him.

I'd like a bigger back earlier because Najeh Davenport is a big back but, he doesn't run like a bull, he runs straight up and doesn't really move the pile. We saw that last week against Carolina. A big back who flies under everyone's radar (except this website) is Dwayne Wright of Fresno State. He was a one man band this year on offense. He's a Steeler type of guy too. Stays out of trouble and has recovered from an ACL 2 years ago. He'll move the pile, catch the screen pass and will work on all facets of his game. I'd like to take him if available from Rds. 3 on.

Speaking of Max Starks. Willie Colon gets a tryout against the Ravens so, I think that might have something to do on our plans for Starks in the future. Starks has just been too inconsistent and really struggles against the speed rushers.

Is Colon getting a start at tackle? I watched him in college and I saw guard only.

Also, is Goo Wallace still on the roster? If so, is he getting any PT? Does he deserve any?

Jeff- they haven't decided who will start just yet for the injured Starks. They want to see who looks best in practice this week. It's between Colon and 2nd year tackle Trai Essex (who's filled in on the left side when Marvel Smith got hurt last year). I'd like to see them give Colon a shot, he looked good in camp and in the preseason. Plus I hear he has a bit of a mean streak in him which I like, especially since they're going up against division rivals Baltimore this Sunday.

I'm not gonna lie I didn't know who "Goo Wallace" was until I googled him and realized it was Rian Wallace! I didn't know his nickname was "Goo". He is still on the roster, hasn't played much other than special teams and towards the end of last week's blowout against Carolina. I honestly haven't seen enough of him to merit an opinion though.

Yeah... Rian "Goo" Wallace from good old Temple U.

How's my boy Anthony Madison looking at CB? Is he getting any snaps?

Anthony Madison has played in a few Dime packages and he hasn't looked bad at all. Hopefully he'll get some more playing time soon.

Anthony Smith (rookie from Syracuse) has looked fantastic though. He should be starting at safety again this week with Ryan Clark out with an injury. Smith made a great INT last week but kind of ruined it by doing some disrespectful high-stepping action before going out of bounds (they were already up by a handful of points). He promptly got scolded by DC **** Lebeau and Coach Cowher.

Didn't Wallace return a pick for a TD against K.C. Earlier in the year?
It was in garbage time. Other than that no PT.

Colon will be starting against the Ravens at RT.

Nobody sees any other big backs in college they like?

I'm surprised no one else has mentioned Nate Ilaoa the big RB from Hawaii whose on this site. I haven't seen him play personally but everyone says good things .

I saw him in the Hawaii Bowl and against Fresno State and he runs low and HARD. He's definetly a Steeler type of back. Also being the only back in the run and shoot offense he often has to block blitzing linebackers.
That will help him at the next level although he'll probably have to start out as a 3rd down back or learn to follow a lead blocker.

I also saw a safety that is not on this website. Leonard Peters, he was everywhere! Looked like Troy Polamalu literally and figuratively but, a little bit bigger and seemed just as fast. He looked like a bonafide prospect, albeit only one game. I vaguely remember him from the FSU game and there defense had their way in that game but, my DVR crashed and erased all my games. Anybody else have any thoughts on him?

Nate Ilaoa is apparently Polynesian for Natrone Means that's who he is!

Nate Ilaoa is very similar to Natrone Means in running style, but I think Ilaoa has better balance and he has fantastic hands.

I also like Dwayne Wright as a big back. Chris Henry is a sleeper back who hasn't produced much at Arizona, but is coming out and is gifted athletically and could do well behind the Steeler line. Maybe Pittsburgh should also look at some of the more athletic FBs (Brian Leonard, Jason Snelling). Finally, a guy I really like who just hasn't put it together in college is LSU's Justin Vincent.

Leonard Peters is more athlete than football player. He's got potential, but he'll make a lot of mistakes and need a lot of coaching. He's nowhere near the football player Polamalu is.

I agree with most of your points: I think Means had a little more power and slightly better 1st step, Chris Henry, Dwayne Wright, and Justin Vincent are all talented but there are questions marks about either the mental or physical toughnes or durability of all of them, Wynn, Snelling and Ku'uan are power backs I like but I am worried about Wynn's work ethic.
Leonard Peters- Has a lot of upside, but he bites on everything and has struggled to stay on the field. Leonard Petersi instincts anf field IQ are less than 1/2 of Polamalu's IMHO.

Thanks for the input on Leonard Peters . He looked real good but, AZ State is a long way from the NFL.

At this point I'm going to give my input on position by position reviews of offense and defense of the players on the roster. Let me know what you think!

i'll start today with D and come back tomorrow or the next with my views on O. I'm also assuming at this point Cowher will not be back next year. There's some dead wood on the roster that I feel a new coach will clear out. These are players that have made contributions in the past but, no longer warrant a roster spot or need to move on to another team/profession.

Free Safety- I'm encouraged by Anthony Smith. I view him as the starter for 07. Ryan Clark did a good job. I'm not disappointed by him at all, as he never got beaten deep all year. However, I think Smith, with experience will be a playmaker to go along with Polamalu. He delivers more fear to receivers than Clark. I think Clark will make a better than average back up in 07.

SS- Polamalu will hopefully come back from an injury plagued 06. It's his position and when healthy, one of the best defensive players in the league. Tyrone Carter is a solid backup. Mike Logan can no longer compete at an NFL level.

CB- This is an area that perplexed most Steeler fans this year. I'll start off with the starstruck Ike Taylor. He got the big contract and had a couple of bad games. However, he did a good job against CINNCI in the first game and I'm from the school that ALL corners get beat and have bad games. He had a couple bad ones against Denver and NO. I think he shouldn't have been benched because corners play a game that is built on confidence and benching him tears away at that. They didn't bench the QB when he had a few bad games. Anyway, I'm not ready to give up on Taylor just yet. One of my feelings is that the guy they SHOULD have benched was Deshea Townsend. He's a technician but, I feel at this point he's better suited to work in the nickel and dime packages and is not a starter. He's no longer quick enough and struggles against the bigger receivers. Bryant McFadden has now started probably a dozen games or so in 2 years and I feel has shown progress. I look to him as a starter in 07. Ricardo Coclough hasn't shown much at all in 3 years. All the other corners on the roster are special teamers, Chidi Iwouma or prospects Anthony Henry and the Johnson kid.

OLB - Joey Porter's production decreased and he had nagging injuries. He better produce in 07 , the last year of his contract, or it's time to replace him. Clark Haggans flashes good games and is a solid player. I'd like a little more pressure on the QB. James Farrior is getting older and is not dominant like 3 years ago. He's starting to slow. I think 07 is a make or break year for him as well. Larry Foote Is playing his best football and is solid in the role he fills. James Harrison is a solid backup and has shown he can fill in for any of the above starters. Kriewalt is a special teamer and Rian Wallace needs to show something in training camp in 07 or will not find a roster spot. I think we need a youth influx in the draft big time at this position.Chad Brown's career is probably over and is probably at the end of the line.

DL- Casey Hampton is a probowler and I like his back up Chris Hoke. They are very a solid starter and backup NT combo. Brett Keisel has shown he can start and is also very solid. Aaron Smith as well. This is probably the area that have the fewest questions for the starters. However, we are thin after these four players. Travis Kirschke is OK as a back up who gets 15 snaps or so a game. Rodney Bailey is just a fringe player at this point. We definetly need to get and groom some youth for these postions because once we get past Kirschke in depth, there is a serious drop off.

Punter- Gardocki no longer has any leg strength and the only reason he's lasted so long is that he gets rid of it quickly. He's gotta be replaced.

If there's anybody I forgot let me know and I'll give you my opinion.
I'll post the offense soon.

Im curious, how has Ricardo Colclough come along?

He's terrible. He's struggled since he's been with the team and for some reason the front office still believes in him. They put him in as punt returner in the Cincy game and he fumbled away the game. After that game he had a mysterious neck injury and was placed on IR. I think we have a better chance of seeing Mel Blount playing for Pittsburgh in '07 than Ricardo Colclough.

jwest,
stay away from Justin Vincent (LSU), and i mean far away. I have a lot of friends in Baton Rouge. He is totally unfocused on football. He had talent his freshman year. He is at "Freds"(a bar in tigerland) 5 mins after the game is over. There are many rumors that his teammates dont respect. After his Fr year he hasnt done anything positive. Even LSU coaches dont want to give him carries. STAY AWAY, far away!

OK here goes my input on O!

We'll start at QB:

From the rumblings I've been hearing BR (Ben Roethelisberger) is screwing the pooch. Meaning he's sitting back and not doing the film study and working with the receivers like he should be. Let's be honest, it's come easy to him. He's got a ring and went basically undefeated until the playoffs his rookie year. It's human nature. Now, he should feel humbled. The pooch is screwing back. He's got the the total package as a QB and can potentially grow into an elite QB that can carry a game on his shoulders. He's thrown too many picks and has has looked timid , had
happy feet, and poor mechanics. Having said that we've seen what he can do. His offseason shouldn't be as hectic now and he'll have time to rest and recover. As i've stated before I don't expect Cowher back. It'll be interesting to see who takes over. Anyway BR needs to rededicate himself and I think he will. Meaning he'll, work on his poor mechanics, receivers, and being a leader. 07 will start and end with him.

WR - Hines Ward continues to produce and as far as I'm concerned is one of the best in the biz. Santonio Holmes, I look for him to start in
07. He's really progressed and is producing. Cedric Wilson, he's been a bit of a disappointment and rumors are that the other players on the team view him as soft. However, I think he'll be back as the slot receiver, whcih he's best fit . Nate Washington, he's too inconsistent in my book. He makes great plays and then pulls a boner. I'll give him another year and that's the end of the line if he doesn't become more consistent.
sean Morey is one of Cowher's favorites and he makes too many dumb plays on special teams when that is the only reason he's on the team. I think he needs to move on.Lee Mays and Walter Young are fringe players.

TE - Heath Miller has produced and it's a wonder why the coaching staff doesn't use him more. Jerame Tumane is solid as a second TE. They are under utilized i"m having techinical difficulties i"ll come back to post ol and rb

Thanks for the info man! I watch him on the field and he just is so talented and has a ton of skills (running, catching, blocking...). Didn't know about his commitment level, so that's good to know.

Do you know what happened first: his laissez-faire attitude or his losing carries to Alley Broussard a couple years ago? I wonder if being the MVP of the National Championship game got to his head.

OK I'm going to try and finish this up!

RB - Willie Parker is an allpro and I have no problem with him as a bell cow back. He hits the homerun but, the frustration with most fans with him is that he'll got 2,1,3, yards and then hit one for 15-20 yards. That's the type of back he is. The coaches need to adjust to him and several times this year the did not. They abandoned the run too early. FB Dan Kreider is one of the best and is a load as a lead blocker. Verron Haynes will be coming off knee surgery and I think he'll have a hard time making the 07 roster. He's adequate as a 3rd down back. I think Najeh Davenport is better in that role and is equally proficient as a special teams player. However, he's not under contract for 07 and that could pave the way for Haynes. I think either one would be fine in that role. I'd like to see them address in one of the first 3 rounds of the draft a big back. This could help spell Parker and provide someone who can move the chains consistently. Davenport runs too upright for this job, even though he's got the size and speed for a big back.

Tackles - Marvel Smith played OK this year, he can play better. Trai Essex is his backup and is by and large an unknown quantity. Max Starks has improved his play since the beginning of the year but, he's a weak link as he struggles with speed rushers and is not a mauler in the run game. He's fair at best . Willie Colon will get his second start today and did fair in his first against the Ravens. He's got a mean streak and this could go a long way to a starting job in 07. Either way, I feel we really need to look at a change at RT for 07. Barret Brooks will probably not be back in 07.

I'll post guards and centers real quickly. Gotta go.

OK one more time!

Centers- Jeff Hartings probably will retire and probably should. He's had knee problems for years and been paid well. No need to push it at this point he's had a good career. Chukky Okkobi has been waiting in the wings for years to take over the job. Marvin Phillips is a rookie. I'd have an open competition and let the best man win. I'd also explore a mid to late round pick on a center as well.

Guards - Alan Faneca is an allpro. He can play better than he did this year. Kendall Simmons has struggled and needs the fear of losing his job on the right side. Chris Keoumatu is his back up and is a better road grader but, doesn't pull as well. Once again, I'd like an open competition at this position . The RG spot needs to improve by hook or crook!

Kicker - Jeff Reid has been solid and has done as well as anyone could expect kicking in Heinz Field. He's pretty much flawless on the road. The poor turf at Heinz causes him some problems but, that's pretty much common with the opposing kickers as well.

All right, that wraps up the players! Let me know if I forgot anyone!

Nice job bwalker . I'm sure our mock draft guy appreciates all this helpful incite.

Thank you!

A couple of players I forgot.

LS Greg Warren, he's doing a helluva job when you forget about him.

WR Willie Reid, He's the rookie out of Florida
State. He's supposed to be a return demon but, got hurt and only returned one kick of no note. Hopefully, he'll be helpful and show us what he can do in 07. Reports where that he was showing improvement as a receiver but, is probably not going to rise above the 4th or 5th receiver next year.

Now that Jeff Hartings has officially retired and with a new coaching staff and Oline coach, center will probably be addressed in the draft. I personally think it will be filled in the beginning by either Chukky Okkobi or Marvin Phillips. Also don't discount the idea of Kendall Simmons moving to center. Last year's staff had him doing a little practice at the position. Something gives me the feeling Phillips wins it out over Okkobi.
As for centers in the draft everyone likes Kalil of USC and how could you not after his senior bowl performance. Fry from Clemson is also intriguing late IMHO. Not a great athlete but, understands leverage and the finer points. I'm not a fan of Kyle Young. When you're a senior and get kicked off the team because of academics that's poor judgement. Also it's Fresno State, we're not talking Harvard!!! He also made many foolish penalties as a senior. Doug Datish of OSU looked horrible at the Senior bowl practices. The kid from Hawaii is also interesting if he can be had 2nd day.

Out of your list I think Dustin Fry looks like the best fit for the Steelers that will most likely go 2nd day. Fry should be amongst the strongest linemen in the draft if what his Clemson Bio says is true; 36/225 bench, 655 squat, and 410 clean.

Bruce Arians the new OC for the Steelers confirms that he'll take a good look at Kendall Simmons at Center for 07. States he has a "good snap, step, and go move."
We'll see!!???
As I like it, May the Best man win!!!!

So does that make OG a need more than C now?

I'd think so! However with a new coaching staff they are going to make their own moves. A guy like Satele from Hawaii makes even more sense now.

Alan Faneca is stating he wanted Russ Grimm as the HC. I hope that bodes well for Tomlin. The last time he complained was that he didn't want a rookie QB to lead him. Roethlesberger over T. Maddox, obviously, being in the know doesn't mean you know!!

With the players currently on the roster if Kendall Simmons slides over to center then, Chris Keomatu would be the RG. He started a couple of games this year and looked good. The previous staff was high on him. He's a road grader but, doesn't have the speed to do much more than short pulls and will struggle getting to the second level. I'd guess a guard/center will be drafted second day. One other note is I'm hearing Satele has extremely short arms and that never bodes well for Oline. I'd heard < 31 inches.

Someone to consider in the 4th/5th round: Kasey Studdard OG from Texas. He is a very good OG(not a C at all). He is an above avg road grader and has an occasionall mean streak. He can pull and get to the next level, but not with the best of them. Classic hard worker, hard nosed, great team player who will improve the OL.

Cutting Porter makes no sense at all, unless they have an agreement to resign him. he only cost 4 mil, i think, which is nothing these days for a good player. he is young and has 4 more good yrs left atleast. they need to resign him and 1 more guy this offseason.

bwalker, what position do you think our team will be selecting in the early rounds? OG? LB? DB? I have a feeling Tomlin will slowly start moving this defense to a 4-3.

Yeah, I'm hoping for not a complete conversion to 4-3 but, a mix where we play a little of both.
It seems to me and from what I've heard they really like Carriker with his versatility but, he may not be their. I think LB has definitely moved up the priority list to probably #1 at this time. Tackle is a need with Starks spotty performance and an UFA next year. CB is always a need. So much depends on what defense we play. I'm not a big fan of cover 2 as the base defense. We'd waste 2 or 3 years just trying to acquire personnel.
I really feel we need to focus mainly on D in this draft. The offense has needs but, we have to let some of the youth develop and the D is in need of an injection of youth.

quote name='bwalker' date='Nov 18 2006, 4:48:46 AM' post='67631'
At his point I'd like to discuss the areas that are of need in the 07 draft.

1) Offensive tackle - Especially the right side, Max Starks is like a drum. Beatin' all the time.

2) Corner- While our corners are
definetly serviceable, this is a constant area of need.

3) Linebacker- The middle is the most needy because Farrior is not getting any younger and Foote, while playing his best football, is not a great athlete and could get old on the gridiron quickly. It boggles my mind that with all the picks they had last year they didn't address this need. When you play the 3-4 you need young blood every year.

*Note areas 2 and 3 are basically interchangeable!

4)Running Back - Fast Willie so far has shown that he can handle the role of a number 1 back. Davenport has done well thus far. However, a big back would be nice. They obviously totally misevaluated Staley this year. Another mind boggler in the fact we waited until the 7th round to address this need in 06.

5) Punter - Gardocki is a shot fighter.

'DaveJ' date='Mar 16 2007, 4:19:50 PM' post='80286'
bwalker, what position do you think our team will be selecting in the early rounds? OG? LB? DB? I have a feeling Tomlin will slowly start moving this defense to a 4-3.


1. Jake Long Michigan, Doug Free Northern Illinois, Mike Jones Iowa and Doug Free are guys that could be had later on day 1.
2. Travarous Bain Hampton, AJ Davis NC State, Jonathan Wade Tennessee, Corner C.J. Wilson, are guys available rounds 2-4
3. Linebacker- Quincy Black, David Harris, Paul Poluszny, Tim Shaw, Zak DeOssie, are round 2-4 types.
4.The big back that I hope the Steelers select is Paul Mosely, Jason Snelling, DeShawn Wynn, DeWayne Wright, are all good day 2 options rounds 4-5.
5. Punter Nic Schmitt could be had in round 7 or Brandon Fields.

5) Punter - Gardocki is a shot fighter.

Jake Long???

I don't know. I think Dave J made an error.

I believe that was Bill commenting about Jake Long, it wasn't me.

bwalker, did you see Sean Morey left for Arizona? I just found out yesterday. I'm THRILLED that they resigned Chidi Iwuoma though, that was a huge mistake to cut him before the season last year... you could tell he was really missed on special teams.

Anyway, I like the Zak DeOssie pick in the IMD. Since Morey left, the Steelers would still have a Brown alum on their roster if they picked DeOssie.

Thanks!
Morey will be missed but, I think you can find special team aces. He saw an opportunity to go to AZ where he's comfortable with the coaching staff. I agree that it was a mistake to cut Chidi last year.
At least we retained Chidi.

Mea Culpa on Jake Long! Substitute Chase Johnson Mike Otto or Adam Koets

Ty Carter signed with the Bears today. I feel he was a valuable player for the last three years. He could back up both safety spots and was very good at playing in spurts or waves. I wouldn't want to have to rely on him full time but, Chicago may have no choice with the oft injured Mike Brown. Now safety is a need as well, with only 2nd yr. Anthony Smith and Polamalu starting and Ryan Clark as the backup. Polamalu is an UFA after next year.

Now reports are coming out that the Bears do not plan on signing Carter! It was originally reported on ESPN but, apparently he's still an UFA.

Post-Gazette is now reporting Tyrone Carter has resigned a 3yr. deal with the Steelers. Terms were not disclosed. I like the fact that he is staying. He's a valuable backup/role player.

List of compensation picks for the upcoming draft 132 and 170. Link gives complete compensation picks.
http://news.steelers.com/article/74714/