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Your best source for quality Pittsburgh Steelers news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective, in addition we give you the ultimate hang-out spots in the Metro Detroit Area for Steeler related events. This Blog will also give you the best restaurants, clubs, entertainment and sporting events in the Metro Detroit Area.
NFL Free Agency Frenzy officially begins this Tuesday, March 10th, 2015, although a hand full of teams have already made various transactions before the start of the NFL Fiscal year. Majority of those transactions aren't official until this Tuesday, with so much depth of talent in this year's NFL Free Agency list, who could blame them for taking early actions? NFL Fans have already witness shocking blockbuster trades in LeSean McCoy going to the Buffalo Bills for Kiko Alonso, and the Jets trading a 5th round pick to acquire one of the top Wide Receivers in the NFL-Brandon Marshall. Starting Tuesday, teams will hustle to acquire players that feel a need among their most needed positions, and only the teams that have sufficiently created enough salary cap space will succeed.
Once again, the Pittsburgh Steelers will participate in this year's Free Agent Frenzy with an *estimated $14 million under the Cap space, (*assuming Troy Polamalu retires) to take on players to fill much needed positions. The Steelers enter this Free Agent Frenzy and the upcoming draft with needs at the following positions:
1)Outside Linebacker 2) Defensive Back (Corner back & Strong Safety) 3) Nose Tackle
Other positions require back-up roles/or depth for the Roster: Running back, Wide Receiver/KR/PR, Offensive Tackle, Tight End, and Defensive End. The top two needs OLB, and CB will not only be addressed in Free Agency, but in the 2015 NFL Draft as well. As both experience and youth will be require to rejuvenate last year's 18th rank Steelers Defense. The Steelers way of approaching offseason acquisitions always start internally of "Keeping their own" first, before acquiring new players to the system. Second, is the "Youth Movement" acquiring talent of players in the mist of their prime is a priority for the Steelers franchise, older players are usually brought in for emergency via injuries, or lack of production from existing players on the depth chart. Last year, the Steelers took this approach with the early re-signings of players Will Allen, Cody Wallace, and Greg Warren. That was followed with the signing of Carolina Panthers fifth year Free Safety Mike Mitchell, the rest of the positions was addressed in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Steelers will execute the same approach from last season to address their needs during the 2015 NFL Offseason.
Photo Courtesy of Steelers.com
Here’s my potential “Wish-list” of Free Agents that the Steelers could re-sign and acquire to improve the overall team in 2015: (Players are listed in top priority order)
Photo Courtesy of Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport
Arthur Moats leads the pack of Unrestricted Free Agents that needs to be re-signed by the Steelers
Re-sign: Restricted free agents Robert Golden (Safety), Antwon Blake (Cornerback) and unrestricted free agents Arthur Moats (OLB/and ILB), and Will Johnson (Fullback & TE)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS 2015 FREE AGENCY FRENZY
Outside Linebacker:
With Jason Worilds looking for a large
NFL contract, the Steelers will be forced to move on without him.
1)Jerry Hughes (DE/OLB) *Maybe to expensive for the Steelers, but he's worth putting an offer on the table
2)Derrick Morgan (OLB/DE)
3)Brandon Graham (OLB/DE)
4)Jabaal Sheard (OLB)
Cornerback:
Much needed position for the Steelers Defense in 2015
1)Chris Culliver (I wanted Bryon Maxwell here, but his demand by other NFL Teams make his price difficult for the Steelers to afford him)
2)Perrish Cox
3)Bradley Fletcher
One out of three should be picked up by the Steelers, the team will also take a CB in Rounds 1-3 in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Nose Tackle:
Steelers still trying to replace the void left by Casey Hampton
1)Nick Fairley
2)Terrance Knighton
3)Dan Williams
RESERVE ROLES:
RB #2: 1) Roy Helu Jr. (Duo threat compliment to Le’Veon Bell and won’t demand a lot of money towards the salary cap) 2) Ryan Mathews 3) CJ Spiller 4) Pierre Thomas
WR #3-4 plus Special Teams: 1) Denarius Moore 2) Darrius Heyward-Bey
This past Friday evening, Charles Henry Noll, who lifted the
Pittsburgh Steelers from the depths of the National Football League and coached
them to a record four Super Bowl champions inside of 6 years in the 1970’s by
adhering to simple, long-held principles, died in his home in Sewickley at age
of 82 years old.
In recent years, Noll suffered from severe back pain that
limited his mobility and forced him to walk with two canes. He served as
Steelers head coach for 23 seasons from 1969-91, winning Super Bowls after the
1974, '75, '78 and '79 seasons and guiding what is considered one of the greatest
sports dynasties ever. His 209-156-1 record and record four Super Bowl titles
earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year
of eligibility.
Chuck Noll in 1952, University of Dayton
Chuck Noll was born on January 5, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Noll attended Benedictine High School, a Roman Catholic preparatory high school
where he played football. He played running back and defensive tackle during
his tenure at Benedictine High School, winning All-State honors. Through his
achievements as a high school football player he won a football scholarship and
attended the University of Dayton, a private Catholic institution in Ohio. As a
result of his football ability, Noll was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in
1953, where he played until his retirement six years later in 1959 at the age
of 27.
He was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles/San Diego
Chargers and the Baltimore Colts for nine years. He was the defensive
coordinator of the Baltimore Colts under head coach Don Shula during their 13-1
season in 1968, in which the team set an NFL record of fewest points allowed.
The Colts’ success that year brought Noll greater attention throughout the
league. When Penn State coach Joe Paterno turned down an offer for the head
coaching position, the Steelers hired Noll for what would be his first and only
head-coaching job in 1969. Noll took the 4-3 defense he ran in Baltimore and
implemented a similar defensive system in Pittsburgh, which became the famous
“Steel Curtain” defense.
Steeler Nation will greatly miss our Legendary Head Coach.....R.I.P
Courtesy of the National Football League - All Rights Reserved (c)
The 2014 National Football League Draft finally takes place this Thursday, May 8th starting at 8 PM EST followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, May 9th at 7 PM EST. The final day is Saturday, May 10th and covers rounds 4-7.
In this mock draft, we take a clear look at the potential picks of each NFL team in Thursday's first round. For
the last three months, NFL Fans have been inconveniently misled of their
favorite team draft pick through multiple unrealistic mock drafts from various
publicists of the mass sports media.
This mock draft isn't a prediction of what will happen Thursday night—even if some of the picks line up with what each NFL team might do. This first-round mock is the result of looking at each team's current roster and future needs, and matching those to find the player who best carries the traits needed for the team's scheme and coaches.
In addition, this mock draft will highlight teams that may influence the Steelers selection.
NOTE: (*) indicate team selection influential in Steelers Selection
So, who will be the first selection in the 2014 NFL Draft?
Looking
pass Clowney’s mediocre season with the South Carolina Gamecocks, he’s still
regarded as the most talented player in this draft class, and I expect Houston
to select him if they can’t trade out.
The St. Louis Rams are more than likely
to trade down this pick on draft day. With needs on the Offensive Line, at Wide
receiver, Cornerback, and Free Safety, the Rams can go a number of directions
here, but only one player at those areas of need is a value at pick No. 2.
Robinson is arguably the best Offensive Lineman in the draft, can could serve
has a safety net for injury prone QB, Sam Bradford.
Veteran QB, Chad Henne has been kept on as a short-term option and/or mentor
to a young quarterback, the Jags can’t afford to miss out on a mobile
difference maker like Johnny Football; they grab him now and worry about the
other positions later on in the draft.
The Oakland Raiders appear to be in win-now mode after a
second straight offseason of bringing in older vets like Lamarr Woodley, Justin
Tuck, Matt Schaub, and Maurice Jones-Drew. Look for Raiders to add youth to
that Veteran Defense, with arguably the best linebacker in this year’s draft
class.
Based on last season’s meltdown on the Offensive Line, the
Falcons pick this royal gem from the great Matthews Family Tree. This will help bring back the cool in Matty
Ice, rekindle the Dynamic Duo at WR, and restore the charging Ram in Steven
Jackson.
They could take a QB here, but
why? This team is in desperate need of an anchor on the Defensive Line, long gone
from the days of Hall-of-Famer John Randle, and the duo of Kevin & Pat
Williams, Aaron Donald is fast and tough enough to lead the Vikings front
seven.
Last year’s Linebacker Rookie,
Kiko Alonso shocked a lot of Bills fans with his outstanding production, with
the addition of Brandon Spikes and this athletic Outside Pass Rusher; expect the
Bills to give the Patriots a run for their money in the AFC EAST.
One of the picks that may
influence the Steelers selection, Justin Gilbert finally gives the Lions a
potential Pro Bowl starting cornerback since Dre Bly. He maybe the best
coverage Cornerback in the Draft, plus adding the fact he could be a major
contributor on Special Teams as a Return threat; the Lions find great value
here with Gilbert.
Eli Manning
threw a career worst 27 interceptions last season, due to a mediocre Offensive
Line. Taylor Lewan is a physical Tackle that can help in protecting the 2-time
Super Bowl Quarterback. Zack Martin
maybe an option here as well, but Lewan is the better athlete.
The Rams add depth to improve their
Offensive line with the second overall pick, now they add a quality Safety to
help improve last season struggling secondary.
The Bears have improved their front seven with the addition of Jared
Allen, now this 14th overall pick Calvin Pryor adds youth, talent,
and aggressiveness to this stellar secondary.
During yesterday’s press conference, GM Kevin Colbert said “Obviously
we still could trade down. And with the depth of this draft that’s, I think, a
real possibility. At least it’s an option that’s available to us.” Here I believe
the Steelers could land Kyle Fuller with the 19th overall pick, with
the addition of extra picks mid-round of this 2014 Draft. With Justin Gilbert,
and Darquese Dennard off the board, Steelers are faced with only option with
Fulller, because he’s the only Cornerback worth taking in the top 20 picks. He fits
the Steelers' system well as a physical player who plays zone and press well,
with outstanding blitzing
Few people would have thought one year ago that DeMarcus
Ware wouldn't be in Dallas this season, but he's lining up at defensive end in
Denver after a showdown over his contract. That leaves the Cowboys in a predicament
to address that void in the 1st Round of this year’s draft. Ryan
Shazier is an explosive pass rusher, that would fit the Cowboy’s 3-4 Defensive
scheme perfectly.
With the top Safeties off the
board here at 17, the Ravens will be forced to take the best available player
on the draft board. Eric Ebron fills that void as a possession target since the
absence of Anquan Boldin for Joe Flacco, plus pairing him with Dennis Pitta
could be dangerous for us Steeler Fans.
Adding a speedy receiver is important for the Jets, and Lee
fills a much needed void left my Santonio Holmes. Decker and Lee will be comfortable
targets for the aging QB, Mike Vick.
The Dolphins are in need of major improvements to their
Offensive Line, and Zack Martin can play any position on the Offensive Line.
Very flexible and smart pick for the Miami Dolphins.
Roby comes with some baggage,
but he’s as physically gifted as any CB in the draft. The Cardinals will need a
vibrant CB to pair with Patrick Peterson, and Roby is worth the risk for this
secondary.
Mosley is a top-10 talent, but in a draft this deep it's
difficult to place him with a team higher up the board. With this selection,
the Packers could find themselves with the best linebacker corp. in the
National Football League.
Pick No. 22-EAGLES Select:
ODELL BECKHAM JR,
WR, LSU
It’s a coincidence the Eagles
will land Odell Beckham a WR with big playmaker ability, with great return man
capabilities, after releasing their best WR Desean Jackson whom was a big playmaker,
with great return man capabilities.
Pick No. 23-CHIEFS Select:
Brandin Cooks, WR,
Oregon State
One of the biggest areas of need on
the roster comes at wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe is very good, but Donnie Avery
and A.J. Jenkins opposite him do little to frighten defenses. Cooks also comes
with great return man skills, which makes him a favorite of Andy Reid.
Pick No. 24-BENGALS Select:
DEE FORD, DE/OLB, Auburn
High-motor college left
defensive end perhaps suited for a rush linebacker role with the Bengals.
Pick No. 25- CHARGERS Select:
JASON VERRETT, CB, TCU
The last of the CB’s worth
selecting in the 1st Round of this draft, the Chargers could option
to address the struggling Defensive Line with Louis Nix or Kony Ealy here, but
the need to upgrade the CB position is tough to ignore.
Pick No.26-BROWNS Select:
BLAKE BORTLES, QB, Central Florida
Why would the Browns select a QB with the fourth overall
pick in the first round, when a guy like Bortles will be here at 26th
overall? With the selection of Sammy Watkins and Blake Bortles in the first
round, they finally have a successful draft day.
Pick No. 27-SAINTS Select:
KONY
EALY, DE, Missouri
The Missouri right defensive end has the frame to play end
or tackle and could do so in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He would give the Saints a
pass rush at defensive end in his rookie season, but he has the potential to
add 10-15 pounds and become a very athletic, quick 3-technique pass-rusher.
Pick No. 28-PANTHERS Select:
KELVIN
BENJAMIN, WR, Florida St.
An offseason of defections has left the Carolina Panthers
with vacancies at many spots. The team has needs at both tackle spots, both
starting wide receiver spots, both cornerback spots and both safety spots.
While some positions may not be addressed in this draft, the Wide Receiver
however, will be. Benjamin serves as a big target for Cam Newton in the
Redzone, and could be a legit #1 WR for the Franchise.
Pick No. 29-PATRIOTS Select:
RA'SHEDE HAGEMAN, DT, Minnesota
NFL Scouting Combine Reports: “Hageman is a big, athletic, finesse
three-technique with intriguing dimensions and movement skills who fits best in
an aggressive, one-gap scheme where he could fire into gaps.” -Sounds like a
Bill Belichick Defensive Lineman to me!
Pick No. 30-49ERS Select:
TIMMY JERNIGAN, NT, FLORIDA
ST.
Country-strong run stopper that can pair with Justin Smith
on the Niners Defensive Line. He has the ability to drop anchor inside an odd
front and could develop into a solid, 3-4 movement nose tackle with the 49ers.
Pick No. 31-BRONCOS SELECT:
XAVIER SU'A-FILO, OG, UCLA
Su’a-Filo has been on the rise since his outstanding Pro Day
performance, and helps to secure protection for the great Peyton Manning for
the 2014 NFL season.
More depth on the Offensive Line for the Defending Super Champs, Cyrus
Kouandjio has enough length and anchor strength to survive on the left side of
Seahawks O-Line.
