If It Ain't Steel's 2013 Steelers Roster Projection

It's time for our look at the projected Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 roster, time to project who'll maintain the standard we have come to expect. Mind you, with the surgeries in the offseason, injuries in Training Camp and in the preseason games, it hasn't been easy.

We've had to figure out ways to free up roster spots because the list of injured players makes it so that the roster that we'll see week one won't be the roster we'll see after the bye, and then week eight. I've thought of the Steelers possibly (initially) keeping just four running backs, five wide receivers or maybe just three tight ends as ways to complete a 53-man roster. Per the league, teams must reduce rosters to 75 players on the Active List prior to 4:00 p.m. EST on the 27th releasing nearly 500 players to waiver wires (which the Steelers have done) and to 53 by 6pm EST on the 31st releasing over 700 players across the NFL.

(ASIDE: Players who aren't claimed off of waivers will then be allowed to sign to a team's eight-man practice squad. A player is eligible for the PS if they haven't accrued a season or have not been on the active roster gameday roster for more than nine regular season games. The practice squad limit is three years.)

The Steelers find themselves with two injured tight ends, one running back, and two linebackers. How does that affect how many of each are initially kept on the roster? We expect the Steelers to keep nine linebackers, that one is pretty easy. But, the RB and TE situation may dictate how many wide receivers are kept. Will they only keep with a sixth being sent to the practice squad?

OFFENSE (25 players):

Quarterbacks:
Ben Roethlisberger- 7 for #7? Not this season. But, things will be better in year two of the Todd Haley era; Bruce Gradkowski- New backup in town, he needs to stop dictating his passes; Landry Jones- from Uncle Charlie's walker and hearing aid to Jones' baby bottle.

Running Backs:
Le'Veon Bell- his healing Lisfranc foot will keep him out until after the bye in week four, but the rookie has the ability to be the next signature runner in the Steel City; Isaac Redman- though he's had only two carries this preseason, the coaches know he runs with authority whenever he has the ball in his hands; Jonathan Dwyer*- going out on a shaky limb here, but we think he'll acquit himself against the Carolina Panthers; LaRod Stephens-Howling*- he has the electricity to be the lightning to the thunder of the other RBs; Will Johnson at fullback- he has the blocking ability to excel at the position and will be used in the passing game and in more of an H-Back role this season .

Wide Receivers:
Antonio Brown- The number one guy now. He has the wheels and the route-running ability. Plus, he's like the energizer bunny, he just keeps going and going and going...; Emmanuel Sanders- though he's likely gone next season, he's still the best all-around WR on the team; Jerricho Cotchery- over half of his NFL touchdowns have come in the redzone and his experience and maturity will help the younger guys; Markus Wheaton- the real MW? MW 2.0? Regardless, he's got Mitts and Wheels Justin Brown- not very fast, but the rookie is a big target with sure hands; Reggie Dunn- special teams ability and looks to have sure hands if the Steelers want to go Zero Formation. It was either him or Derek Moye, neither of whom will clear waivers. Which might open the door for JD Woods to come back to the PS.

Tight Ends:
Heath Miller- incredibly underrated TE who had career numbers in new offense and should pick up where he left off; David Paulson- better at receiving than at blocking (in fact, he is a bad blocker), but he's a big red zone target; David Johnson- but only until Matt Spaeth comes back after his eight-game IR designation which we believe the Steelers will assign him..

Offensive Line:
Mike Adams- the blindside - nothing more needs to be said - step up, young man; Ramon Foster- he could be Pro Bowl caliber if he wants to be; Maurkice Pouncey- the anchor; David DeCastro- is solid at right guard, especially in the run; Marcus Gilbert- so far, the weak link of an inconsistent (at best) line; Kelvin Beachum- has the ability to play nearly every position on the line and should be the starter at right tackle over Gilbert - C/G/T/TE - the new "Slash?"; John Malecki- coming along slowly but could be much more regular in the rotation by the end of the season if his current learning curve continues; Joe Long- Guy Whimper proved he can't play guard or tackle or any semblance of an NFL player, so it's either Long or Chris Hubbard, with Mike Golic, jr. being moved to the PS.

DEFENSE (25 players):

Defensive Line:
Evander Hood- Ziggy showed up much better in the dress rehearsal, but he has to take control of the position or he'll have signed his ticket out of time; Steve McLendon- Will have fans forgetting Big Snack by the end of the year; Brett Keisel- the Pro Bowler had another solid season last year, but will this one be his final; Cam Heyward- a real mean streak...just need to see it more often; Al Woods- Woods is veteran player who can play either side if needed and at nose tackle; Alameda Ta'amu- was supposed to be the future until Training Camp showed that the future isn't now - Hebron Fangupo may actually have surpassed him.

Linebackers:
Lamarr Woodley- I expect bigger things this year from Woodley, he stepped up in preseason and now needs to be the leader of the linebackers; Larry Foote- the Buck stops here; Lawrence Timmons- finally being left in his natural Mack position last season, he should have been a Pro Bowler; Jason Worilds- make or break season for Worilds who is being nipped at the heels by...; Jarvis Jones- the black cat will be starting by season's end; Marshall McFadden- will backup the Buck and Mack positions; Vince Williams- The Destroyer, 'nuff said; Alan Baxter- the first step of Mr. Baxter is so fast that QBs barely have time to let out a scream before he can get there; Chris Carter- Yeah, but he might relinquish his spot to Brian Rolle or to...; Sean Spence- once he comes off of PUP. Spence had the hybrid quickness, speed and ability to stay with TEs - will he still have it?.

Defensive Backs:
Ike Taylor- Face me, Ike!; Cortez Allen- has earned a starting spot and has the coverage ability and ballhawking ability that Keenan Lewis didn't have (though we think they should have tried to keep him and use Tez in the nickel instead of bringing back...; William Gay- nickel specialist who ain't worth a dime otherwise; Curtis Brown- will see the field more this year between special teams and Dime and select nickel packages; Josh Victorian- Young and still wet behind the ears, but he has a great attitude and aptitude which should start to show on the field; Terry Hawthorne- the rookie is fast and will mainly show that speed on special teams initially; Ryan Clark- led the Steelers in knockout tackles last year as well as quotable quotes; Troy Polamalu- I hear this guy's good; Robert Golden- has real potential, flashes big-play ability at times; Shamarko Thomas- The Shark!

Special Teams (3 players):
Shaun Suisham (K)- SUSHI! (I still wanna see ID); Drew Butler(P)- he beat out Brian Moorman mainly because of his youth; Greg Warren(LS)- he wears no. 60 and you'd be surprised at how many down-field plays he actually makes.

Practice Squad:
LB Kion Wilson- These are the Pittsburgh Steelers, aka "Linebacker, Inc", so he benefits by learning here.
G Mike Golic, jr.- A guard who is very smart but needs to build his strength.
WR Derek Moye or JD Woods- Maybe.
DE Brian Arnfelt- Had too many other DEs in front of him, but worth watching.
CB Isaiah Green- Showed himself well in Training Camp, is a good cover guy and is fast.
RB Alvester Alexander- Good runner who was picked up halfway through TC.
G Chris Hubbard- He should circle back around to the PS if he clears waivers.
NT Hebron Fangupo- If he doesn't actually make the 53.

*Despite their abilities, either LSH or Dwyer may be expendable once players come off the PUP and IR lists. Room will need to be made and it likely would come from one of these two if the roster falls the way we have projected here.

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TIDBITS: DeMarcus Van Dyke and Justin Cheadle have reverted back to the Steelers IR after clearing waivers.

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Below is the blog written post-game and that chronicled the roster cuts. Blogger.com was giving us serious problems, so it wasn't able to be posted. So, here it is:

"Steelers Lose To Chiefs, Trim Roster To 75"
It wasn't good enough. We've got a lot of work to do." - Antonio Brown after the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs 

The Pittsburgh Steelers played light years better than they had in the previous two exhibition games, but, like the Steelers wide receiver said, they still have work to do. 

Certain parts of the Steelers offense showed definite improvement. After previously doing their best to establish the run, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger aired it out to positive results. The running game had mixed results with Jonathan Dwyer and Felix Jones being the two main runners. The offensive line wasn't nearly the revolving door it was last Monday. And the first-team defense spent about 25 minutes knocking around Alex Smith.

Not exactly the 2008 Steelers, but it is progression. 

Big Ben, the Steelers Digest Player of the Week, completed 13-19 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown (almost two), with no interceptions for a 113 passer rating. Big Ben connected with Brown for a 49-yard gain on their first passing play of the evening. He also barely missed connecting with Emmanuel Sanders on a touchdown pass, but Manny wasn't able to pull it in.

The big-play ability wasn't left to just the first team, though. We also saw Markus Wheaton have a long reception of 34 yards, Sanders for 24 yards and Jerricho Cotchery for 21 yards. Tight end Michael Palmer also had one for 25 yards.

Dwyer played well overall as he actually blocked well when in the game, carried the ball eight times for 25 yards and caught Big Ben's lone touchdown pass. Jones, without any chance to even practice, was thrown into the mix rushing for 29 yards on eight carries and returning two kickoffs for 51 yards.

The offensive line continued to have its issues, as was evident by the five sacks allowed, but acquitted themselves better overall. Steelers Maurkice Pouncey believes they can be even better still.

"This is probably the best I’ve ever felt," Pouncey said of his confidence in the line. Knowing that they slipped up in pass protection, Pouncey further said, "It’s small things that we can fix so easily, man, and that’s what we’ve been doing in practice, working our butts off to get everything squared away."

Time is ticking, Pouncey.

The defense played like they are ready for prime time, sacking the quarterback and stonewalling on 4th-and-inches. Cortez Allen hit and stymied his assignments and showed why the coaching staff put their faith in him by not retaining Keenan Lewis. Brett Keisel and Troy Polamalu played like they were completely healthy, and Steve McLendon, Al Woods, Ziggy Hood, Jarvis Jones, who received a scare with a bruised sternum after his interception, and Alan Baxter, who had two sacks, were beautifully disruptive. 

The biggest problems were once again the same thing - penalties and special teams. 

Of the nine penalties, one of which proved costly, we'll simply quote HC Mike Tomlin: "Some of those calls were suspect."

As for the other, somewhere Danny Smith is screaming as he watches tape of his not-so-special teams. The squad endured two more gaffes in a sloppy exhibition season. In addition to a 109-yard return, Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham saw his 52-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter get swatted to the turf. 

Being completely new, Smith has yet to find the right combination of players in order to get them to practice together and gel as a unit. But, part of that dilemma may have been alleviated approximately 24 hours after the game. 

Sunday evening, the Steelers announced the first list of men who wouldn't make the roster. Though one or two of them could feasibly circle back around to the practice squad. The list is as follows:

Tackle D’Anthony Batiste, running back Baron Batch, tackle Mike Farrell, wide receiver David Gilreath, wide receiver Tyler Shaw, cornerback Ryan Steed, linebacker Stevenson Sylvester, tight end Peter Tuitupou, quarterback John Parker Wilson, receiver J.D. Woods, and running back Jeremy Wright.

The only surprises were Sylvester, who many considered still having the possibility of making the team as the ninth linebacker, and Woods who had reportedly played well in Training Camp and had two circus catches when he was in the game against the Giants. 

Also, injured inebacker Sean Spence was placed on the reserve PUP list. He’ll be eligible to return to practice after week six and through week 11. He then has another week to actually be placed on the roster. 

The Steelers also placed guard Justin Cheadle and cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke on the waived/injured list. If they go unclaimed by another team, they’ll revert to the injured reserve list. Rookie defensive end Nick Williams has been placed on the injured reserve list.

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According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Steelers reportedly think Jarvis Jones suffered a bruised sternum or chest when he was tackled from behind following an interception Saturday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Jones was taken to an area hospital via an ambulance and strapped to a gurney  following the game. He was kept for observation, but was released Sunday after their battery of tests came up negative. 

Florio speculates Jones wouldn't be "accepting the diagnosis as conclusive," which is his right per the collective bargaining agreement. Why he speculates this is anyone's guess. 

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I am not surprised Mike Golic, jr. didn't get cut. They need OLine bodies, so he has another chance to make an impression. But, I also think Chris Hubbard has a chance to battle Golic, jr. for a PS spot. 

We told you that Hebron Fangupo had the edge on Alameda Ta'amu going into the third game. While Fangupo was playing in the fiurth quarter, Ta'amu was standing with coaches on the sidelines. This suggests Ta'amu may soon say aloha.  

Ben Roethlisberger Weathers The Storm, Forecasts Good Season

"There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. By doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you will still get the same soaking. This misunderstanding extends to all things." - Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

The 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers had their share of frustrations. From a new and unfamiliar offense, to injuries to inconsistent play, they certainly saw little sun shine down onto Heinz field, resulting in an 8-8 season. And for this organization, that may as well be a losing season.

The field general of this group of men, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, recently spoke on those frustrations and admitted to being perplexed at times. His 'frustration' with then-new offensive coordinator Todd Haley was one of the well-publicized issues, one that he says, while overblown by the media, has worked itself out.

"He brought it in and (said) 'Here's my stuff, here's what we're going to do.' So it was hard for us....So there was a lot of frustration with that," Big Ben said. "(But) people blew up the hatred thing or the butting heads, there was none of that."

He also talked about the changes that he, Haley and the other coaches made to the offense to streamline it for Big Ben and the rest of the offense. In so doing, he feels "really good" about where they are as a team and predicts good things for this offense.

"This offense is a new toy," Big Ben said. "I can't wait to see what's coming out of this thing." - http://tinyurl.com/mpdyb7p

"New toy" is different from the "dink and dunk" moniker he used last season, but it's said with the same admiration. When explaining his comments last season, Big Ben said that it "wasn't meant in a negative way" at all." That dinking and dunking the ball up the field is "moving the chains, and it will open up big plays. The {New England} Patriots dink and dunk too."

In order for that to be an apt comparison, though, the Steelers must either run the ball better or incorporate more splash plays also. Both would be nice.

The first of those was addressed at the NFL Draft with the selecting of running back Le'Veon Bell, which was juxtaposed with the attempted trade of Jonathan Dwyer. The starting job was veritably handed to Bell, or so we thought. Dwyer has something to say about it, saying that he aims to win the job.

“I want to prove to people that I can be one of the best,” Dwyer told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh.

As the photo of the tweet shows, he lost 25-30 pounds by watching his diet and working hard. He said he feels like he has more energy, and that he’s more explosive and quicker in Training Camp.

It's a good problem to have, such healthy competition in Camp, because the better the running game, the better the team record. It aids the splash plays too, because as If It Ain't Steel brought out in March, Big Ben's passing statistics when going deep declined as the rushing averages dropped. His numbers in 2012 for passes 21 yards and longer were 8-37 (21.6%) for 317 yards, down from 16-55 (29.1%) for 530 yards.

Comparatively, the Steelers' average per carry dropped from 4.4 yards in 2011 to 3.7 in 2012, the fourth-lowest average since the NFL merger, and they also fell from 14th in rushing in 2011 to 26th last season.

Big Ben himself is 40-12 when the Steelers rush for 4.5 or more yards per carry in a game - a 77% win percentage. When they rush for 4.0 YPC or more in a game, Big Ben and the Steelers are 55-15 - winning at a 79% clip.

So getting Big Ben a running game is very important. Just as important, though, is keeping his uniform clean. Take the numbers presented above and factor in sack numbers and the results are better still.

When he is sacked three or fewer times and the average YPC is at least 3.6, the Steelers are 54-9 - an 86% winning percentage - in games Big Ben started.

Bottom line: get Big Ben a running game and keep him upright. Especially with him readily offering up how good he feels since his knee surgery, make it a team effort and priority.

"I hate missing games," quipped Big Ben. "I probably could have and should have missed more games throughout my career. We play a very violent sport. Knock on wood, I feel I've been lucky to not have a, quote, 'real serious injury.'" - http://tinyurl.com/mjwup53

If he truly wants "to pass Terry Bradshaw by getting more Super Bowl wins" then he must be resolved from the beginning and must not be perplexed, because he will still get the same soaking whether he gets those rings or not.

"I hope everybody out there in the real world has questions all year for us, because we'll get answers."

Especially with thunder and lightning interrupting the first practice of Training Camp, it sounds as if he is ready to weather yet another storm.

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TIDBITS: Cornerback Cortez Allen out of Steelers practice again with knee injury.

Cornerback Terry Hawthorne was seen favoring his knee after being a gunner on special teams.

Nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu is on the active Physically Unable to Perform list with hamstring injury. Should be back soon.

Coach Tomlin says not to read too much into running back Le'Veon Bell finishing 1st pads practice with the starters.

Steelers Pre-Draft Visits And Defensive Prospect Brandon Williams Profile

With the Pittsburgh Steelers continuing to host pre-draft visitors through Thursday, one thing has become very clear: they will be focusing on defense in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The age of their defense has come into question before, but now it is a front-and-center topic. There were eight starters last season, including both safeties Troy Polamalu and Will Allen, who have at least eight years experience, with the average age of the starters being 30.55 years old. What's worse is that one of the young starters, cornerback Keenan Lewis, left for New Orleans.

The players brought in for pre-draft visits, like the Pro Day visits the Steelers made, were defensive heavy and were:

OLB John Simon (3rd round prospect) - Ohio State;
RB Christine Michael (4th rd pros.) - Texas A&M;
ILB Vince Williams (7th rd pros.) - Florida State;
OLB Jarvis Jones (1st rd pros.) - Georgia;
OLB Jamie Collins (2-3 rd pros.) - Southern Mississippi;
OLB Khaseem Greene (2-3 rd pros.) - Rutgers;
SS Jonathan Meeks (7-FA rd pros.) - Clemson;
S Phillip Thomas (2-3 rd pros.) - Fresno State;
ILB Michael Mauti (5th rd pros.) - Penn State;
OLB Malliciah Goodman (4th rd pros.) - Clemson;
WR Josh Boyce (2-3 rd pros.) - Texas Christian;
RB Johnathan Franklin (2nd rd pros.) - UCLA;
SS Shamarko Thomas (3rd rd pros.) - Syracuse;
CB Will Davis (5th rd pros.) - Utah State;
G Nic Embernate (6-7 rd pros.) - San Diego State;
CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson (3rd rd pros.) - Connecticut;
CB Xavier Rhodes (1st rd pros.) - FSU;
and LB Sio Moore (4th rd pros.) - Connecticut.

While the NFL of today undoubtedly favors the offense and is still a quarterback-driven league, it doesn’t mean that it will add up to a championship. With the New England Patriots’ 28-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2012 AFC Championship game, the team with the third-highest point total in NFL history (557) wasn’t in the Super Bowl. That means, per profootballguru.com, "seven times in league annals a team has scored at least 540 points and none of them have walked away with an NFL title."

Defense, even in commissioner Roger Goodell's vision of an Arena-league scoring NFL, still matters. Even if it's merely by forcing massive turnovers in a bend-but-don't-break defense, it still translates.



As far as any other possible pre-draft visits or potential defensive draft picks, keep an out for Brandon Williams of Missouri Southern State. The 6'1", 333-pound nose tackle/defensive tackle was a three-time NCAA Division II All-American who pressed an impressive 38 reps on the 225-pound bench with a 29 ½-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine. His power notwithstanding, he is surprisingly quick for a big man and has good balance.

Per Scott Bischoff of Bleacher Report (I know, I know...), "Williams had an incredible senior season. He had 68 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two pass breakups, eight quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and a safety. Williams plays as a nose tackle, but is versatile enough to play any position from a 0-technique (lined up directly over the center), to a 5-technique (lined up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle)." - http://tinyurl.com/d9janen

Bischoff also mentioned his ability to one- and two-gap against the run, and to push the pocket up the middle on a consistent basis against the pass - something a good 3-4 nose tackle should do. But, as was mentioned, he can slide out to the end in the 3-4 alignment as well. Considering the age of Brett Keisel, the inconsistent play of Ziggy Hood and the unknown commodity in Alameda Ta'amu, drafting someone who can challenge and even potentially contribute on that defensive line would be advantageous.

Missouri Southern also held a pro day for Williams. The standout defensive tackle was looked at by scouts of the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Saints, Ravens, Seattle Seahawks and most importantly the Steelers.

His stock is on the rise and could be found in round three...right where the Steelers just may find themselves with an extra pick if they decide not to match the New England Patriots' offer sheet that was signed by wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Something his quarterback doesn't want to see happen. - http://tinyurl.com/d7mlnbe

Hopefully, the Steelers decide to retain Manny, but they should ONLY do so if they think they can get an extension done with him by preseason.

In summation of the pre-draft visits, NFL teams are allowed 30 and the Steelers have had 18 confirmed. There are two others unconfirmed and more to be determined - at least three of which are supposedly defensive players also.

What Patriots Signing Steelers' Emmanuel Sanders To Offer Could Mean

Three little Bugatti Boys walking in the zoo;
A dolphin sprayed one and then there were two.

Two little Bugatti Boys sitting in the sun;
One was covered by a patriot's shade and then there was one. - paraphrased from Ten Little Indians

The New England Patriots have signed Pittsburgh Steelers restricted free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to a one-year offer sheet, according to Steelers.com and other sources. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the amount of the contract "shouldn't scare the Steelers," meaning that it is within the range that for them to be able to match it, which they have to do by Sunday. This was confirmed by fellow ESPN reporter, Ed Werder.

"Expect Steelers to match Patriots offer sheet and retain WR Emmanual Sanders," wrote Werder. He's vital after loss of Mike Wallace and offer easy to match."

It has since been confirmed that the amount of the deal is for $2.5 million, which, being that the Steelers Salary Cap numbers include his tender, they can match. So, as Schefter said, the Steelers shouldn't be scared to match it. However, money may not only be the issue.

If they choose not to match it, the Steelers would receive the Patriots third-round pick. Sanders was given an original round tender offer in free agency, worth $1.33 million. The Steelers have a little less than $2 million in cap room available, and the decision could simply be made based on that.

They also, though, need to consider what their not-many-years-left-in-his-prime franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, must feel about this. No Rashard Mendenhall, no Mike Wallace, whom Big Ben said the Steelers would miss, and now potentially no Manny?

They offered Manny an original-round tender instead of a first-round tender. If they truly wanted him that much, they would have given him the higher tender like they did Wallace last season. Are they willing to do a tabula rasa, take the Patriot's 91st pick and draft from the admittedly deep wide receiver class? They haven't exactly been stellar in that category of late. Only 21 (22 if Manny stays) out of the last 59 players Kevin Colbert has drafted, spanning the Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin eras, are still with the team, and none from the 2008 draft class.

I, for one, am a believer in known commodities over unknown ones and would prefer to keep him. It means having a player whose attributes you're familiar with, who already knows the system and is already comfortable with the receiver on the other side and with the aforementioned franchise quarterback.

Like the orchestrator of this offer sheet himself, Bill Belichick said at March's annual meetings: "It’s a lot easier to watch a guy in the NFL perform and translate his skills for your team than watch a guy in college perform because of the discrepancy in the passing game."

At the same time, though, it is only a one-year deal, and Manny is going to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year anyway. Since he has actually signed the offer sheet, that means he has seriously entertained the idea of leaving. That means that there is no guarantee he will be back after next season, unless a long-term deal is signed after June 1st when the Salary Cap money from the release of Willie Colon kicks in. So the Steelers could assure themselves of some return on their investment by not matching the offer.

Like Albert Breer of NFL.com tweeted earlier, "If Pitt is gonna match, they'd likely figure whether Sanders is just in for '13 or long-term. Third-rounder under their control for 4 yrs." So, is the Manny cup half full or half empty?

There is more to come on this and If It Ain't Steel will be offering more on this regarding the draft side of things and what keeping Manny could mean.

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TIDBITS: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was named to the NFL Competition Committee on Tuesday. Will it cause Steelers' players to complain a little less? (No) - http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/09/mike-tomlin-joins-competition-committee/

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Steelers nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu was sentenced Thursday to 18 months of probation and will spend four days in a program that's an alternative to jail. He still, though, may get further attention from the NFL. - http://www.postbulletin.com/sports/national/college/steelers-ta-amu-gets-probation-in-drunken-crashes/article_0c56e603-29d9-5cb0-806d-153facf714a3.html

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The Steelers worked out two running backs recently: UCLA's Jonathan Franklin and one we've highlighted before, Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell.

In four years, the 5'10" and 205-pound Franklin rushed for 4,403 yards on 788 carries and had 31 touchdowns. He ran 4.46/40 at the NFL Combine and also showed good leg strength with a 31.5" vertical and a 9'07" broad jump.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that that the Steelers were one of five teams to put Bell through a private pre draft workout.

The 6'1 1/2" and 230-pound Bell, ran a 4.6/40, and showed good overall strength at the Combine by posting a 32 ½-inch vertical jump, 9’3” broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times.

He rushed for 3,346 yards and 33 touchdowns on 671 carries at Michigan State. For our complete breakdown of him, read here: http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/03/do-recent-pro-day-visits-indicate-who.html

Debating The "It Is Time For Troy Polamalu To Retire" Talk; Ta'amu Latest, Penalties and Trai Essex

Updated 10/15/2012

They're calling for the head (and shoulders) of Troy Polamalu.

There has been a lot of talk on this subject recently from Steelers fans, NFL fans and media alike. Many have begun to manifest a similar prevailing mentality, that being that 'Troy is injured all the time and it isn't worth the effort to keep him around anymore'.

And now, since he's missed more games with his latest calf injury, I'd be inclined to agree.

I also believe the sky is falling, the moon landing was shot on a Hollywood soundstage and that police don't know who killed Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.

Look, talk that Troy is better off retiring and/or that he isn't worth the "headache" to the Steelers anymore should just stop. Has Troy missed playing time lately? Yes. But, is that reason to send him to the glue factory? Have the Steelers been better without him?

If It Ain't Steel wrote two articles last year that went into this very subject. They emphasized that Troy hadn't truly missed a lot of games in his nine years, not counting the 2009 season, and what his absence meant for the Steelers. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2011/08/ed-reed-or-troy-polamalu-who-is-better.html http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2011/08/to-peter-king-for-your-obituary.html

Not wanting to be accused of choosing stats to fit an argument, if you're looking to focus on the period of time including and since 2009 in which he was sidelined for 11 games, Troy's missed 16 contests. The Steelers are 7-9 (counting the Titans loss) in those games, with more coming. And in '09 specifically, the Steelers were 9-7 and missed the playoffs. Though special teams were a problem that year, it was painfully obvious that the defense suffered in his absence.

Expanding his worth to encompass the 24 total games missed, the Steelers are barely .500 with none having been playoff games. His value simply should not be underestimated.

Arguments have been made that surround Troy's offseason conditioning program with Marv Marinovich, suggesting that a possible change in his training methods is in order. Maybe even in trainers.

Ike Taylor, who never gets hurt...except in games this season when he gets beaten like he burned Ike Turner's dinner, has wanted Troy to train with him down in Florida a couple of times. The trainer, Tom Shaw of SPARQ Training, has trained athletes like Ike, Ray Lewis (who is now out for the rest of the season with a torn triceps injury) and James Farrior among others. Players who have played at a high level at much later ages than normal at their positions.

It is true that Troy has had calf and lower leg issues for a few years now. So, it's a thought.

Nonetheless, despite the missed time, Troy has been the Steelers anchor on defense when he has been available. We are still talking, after all, about a seven-time Pro Bowler, including 2011, five-time All-Pro, also including 2011, and the 2010 AP/NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The same man who was confusing Peyton Manning at the line of scrimmage in Denver opening night.

As for his departure, Troy is the type to do so on his own terms. It won't be because he feels pressure from naysayers who'd love to see his luscious locks walking away for the last time.

Nor should Steelers fans delude themselves into thinking he isn't needed.

Draft his successor, yes. Draft his replacement, no.

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TIDBITS - Everyone has heard by now of the senseless and wreckless crime committed by Steelers fourth-round draft pick, nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu.

In short summation, Ta'amu had a blood-alcohol level of 0.196 percent, more than twice the legal limit. He ended up leading police on a chase that resulted in his sport utility vehicle hitting several cars and was then arrested about 2:30 a.m. Sunday after a scuffle in which an officer punched him twice and was handcuffed with two sets of cuffs. Ta’amu posted $25,000 bail and was released.

I won't speculate on what the Steelers will do, regardless of Ta'amu's apologizing to his team. The Steelers, though, may have no choice as to what to do. With being booked on 15 counts, five of which were felony charges, the next time he sees the football field could be with the Gridiron Gang lined up next to his new cellmate girlfriend, Bubba. - http://tinyurl.com/9vkbxpl

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With the Steelers most likely without the services of right tackle Marcus Gilbert, who was in a boot Monday per Mike Prisuta of WDVE, and center Maurkice Pouncey, sprained MCL, could Trai Essex be on his way back to the South Side?

Essex was released by the Indianapolis Colts in September and could be a consideration for the Steelers to help shore up the offensive line. With Doug Legursky playing center in Pouncey's stead, they have no real backup. Practice Squad center John Malecki is an option also. Head coach Mike Tomlin is sure to address it at his weekly press conference.

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Before the Titans game, the Steelers had piled up more penalty yards, 346, than rushing yards, 318. They also averaged more than nine penalties a game. Guard Willie Colon Cancer recognizes his part as he led all offensive linemen with eight penalties going into the Thursday's game.

"I'm making it an easy job for those refs. I've gotta do a better job of putting my hands inside, playing a lil better technique."

He isn't the only one.

Ike Taylor leads NFL defensive backs in penalties also. Per Mark Kaboly, "including the two in the first half of the Titans game, Ike Taylor leads all defensive backs with six penalties called on him (1 of those were declined)."

That is beyond disturbing.

Mendenhall and Hampton Activated Off Of PUP-How Does It Affect Roster?

So, Jonathan Dwyer and Mike Adams come back to practice on this last day of the Steelers 2012 Training Camp, but Isaac Redman is still not practicing. Still, it's good news that...

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog for a special announcement: the Pittsburgh Steelers have activated running back Rashard Mendenhall and veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.

Good news for the Steelers to be sure. To start, being able to have experience and depth along the defensive line, specifically at nose tackle, is invaluable. Alameda Ta'amu has not exactly caused the coaches to gush and fawn over him. Having Big Snack back sooner than later only helps.

There's no doubt that Steve McLendon has been displaying beast-like tendencies in Training Camp and against the Eagles in the first preseason game. Unfortunately, though, there was no real confidence behind him. So, an earlier return of Hampton will bridge the gap and allow Ta'amu time to continue to progress.

The name that really caught my eye was Mendenhall's. Just seven months after his ACL surgery and he's off the PUP. Curious. I hadn't thought it possible, I admit. Because of knowing the body as I do, and because of knowing the history of the healing time for such injuries, I didn't expect him back before October.

Maybe more definitive than that was the fact that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has said more than once that, because of the nature of the position and all the moves the running back makes, he didn't expect Mendy back before that timeframe either.

As Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette pointed out not long after the announcement, Colbert told 93.7 The Fan on 8/6/12 that "if [Mendenhall] doesn't open on PUP for the first six weeks, I'd be surprised." Bouchette even suggested that activating Mendenhall is a desperation move by Steelers. - http://t.co/eqNOQyuf

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's an act of desperation, but it is curious. With the running backs thinning out, the timing was just a little curious. More to the point of what I'm getting to on that in a minute.

Colbert was on 93.7 The Fan again on Friday after the announcement and he talked about the Mendenhall activation.

"As (Mendenhall) continued to work with the trainers and the strength staff, he felt and they felt that he was ready to take the next step, which is being able to work with the team and seeing where he is from a contact standpoint," said Colbert.

He said further, "You have to go through a three-day acclimation period, which began today, so he'll really join in the more active practices after Monday when we get back on Tuesday. So...the training staff felt he was ready, Rashard felt he was ready, and we'll see where it goes."

This, though, was the key statement: "Who knows at what point that he'll be able to help us, but it's time for him and Casey (Hampton) to take the next step and see where they are in their rehab."

If you don't know when he'll be able to help you, why not leave him on longer?

I'm not going to do a lot of speculation here. For now we know he won't be used, neither of them will be used, right away. We also know that there have been injuries to the running backs, so this will help to shore up that corps. There is an X-factor in this, though.

Because of the fact that none of the young wide receivers has separated himself, there is the possibility that Chris Rainey could be listed as such. He could be uses in a variety of ways and is someone who needs to get involved in games. I suggested as far back as the end of April that Rainey could be listed that way, especially since the fifth and/or sixth wide receivers will be on special teams anyway.

Bring back Mendy now and you have him, Redman, Dwyer and Batch as your running backs. Then, assuming Mike Wallace (y'all knew he'd be mentioned eventually) comes back by the end of Training Camp, you'd have him Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery and maybe Rainey here or maybe a Toney Clemons as your fifth (as I don't any longer believe Marquis Mays nor Tyler Beiler makes the team...though, that could change) and Rainey as your sixth. Maybe.

It's definitely something to consider, though. That said, we now return you to you regularly scheduled blog already in progress.

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...both rookie tackle Mike Adams and running back Jonathan Dwyer were both in pads and back practicing. Adams wore a brace on his injured knee and practiced with the second unit. 

Isaac Redman took part in individual drills during practice Wednesday but wasn't able to finish, coming up lame during a workout midway through. Redman has not been in pads since. Redman said he hopes to be back next week from what turned out to be a hip injury: http://t.co/WDscU0ah  

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said that Dwyer looked "thinner, quicker and crisp." Very encouraging considering he'd seemingly had a love affair with more than one woman lately. Namely Little Debbie, Wendy's and the Dairy Queen. So, those words were definitely great to read.

Two things to look for in the second preseason game against the Colts: Willie Colon in his first game action at guard, and Adrian Robinson at linebacker. 

I'm expecting big things from him as amongst friends for about years now I've been saying he's more suites for guard. Looking forward to it. Also, I would say Robinson has a good chance to make the roster because of his ability to play special teams and the uncertainties right now at the position. He can solidify that starting Sunday. 

I'm going to end this now with just two words: Taylor Gang. - 
http://youtu.be/nWAGLkyxQG0

Steelers Veterans Taking The Lead At Minicamp

Tuesday brought us a lot of good information from the first day of minicamp, with the most important of which being this: no one got hurt. There were a few players who sat out, namely James Harrison, whose injury we already knew about, and Curtis Brown, during the a.m. session of minicamp. But no new injuries being reported.

That no new injuries have been experienced is good, but the veterans, specifically a still-injured one, taking the lead while injured is even better. That still-injured player is Casey Hampton.

Pittsburgh area Associated Press writer Will Graves, @WillGravesAP on Twitter, tweeted that Big Snack is being looked at as Big Coach here early on: "Highlight of #Steelers avail this AM: Somebody put a "Coach Hampton" sign over Casey's locker. He's all for it 'if they add it to my salary.'"

There's a video recap of the first day of mini-camp on steelers.com that shows Big Coach instructing rookie Alameda Ta'amu Tuesday's practice. This is a just another example of how Steelers veterans take the lead in helping young players and nurturing them. More proof that this is a family-like organization. -Day 1 Recap http://t.co/3LtqF00k

Ben Roethlisberger has also been taking the lead with the new offense. Even if that just means not speaking ill of it anymore. Though, he did explain himself regarding that. Big Ben said that he didn't like the idea of bringing in Todd Haley and a new offense at first, but that it just forces him to work harder.

“That was it early on,” Big Ben said. “I felt like I was really starting…I was hopefully going to be coming into the prime of my career and [not] starting all over with an offense.”

Granted, most quarterbacks really hit their stride and even become elite in their early 30's. Big Ben is 30.

He went on to say, “You know what, it kind of put a little extra on me and the rest of the guys to learn the offense and learn something new."

Add to that, he's still newly married, newly graduated college, and even is now a soon-to-be daddy. He and his wife, Ashley, are expecting their first child. A lot on his plate, but he seems to be handling all of it well. When asked about how the due date may affect any games, he said: "Possibly, but, as Coach always says, we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

Here's my prediction: No. 7 will get a 7lb. 7oz. baby boy in approximately 7 months which will inspire him to bring a 7th Ring to the Steel City. Sound good?

Back to the topic of the offense briefly, even Brett Keisel commented on Big Ben's grasp of the offense: "I am very impressed on how Ben has grasped this offense....we are only going to go as far as he can take us." 'Nuff said.

Willie Colon has taken the lead too. Sort of. His welcome to the rookies, "In the huddle I said, 'It smells like baby powder and pampers in here.'"

Oh well, each of us has different motivational and teaching methods.

Ben Roethlisberger Intimates The Steelers Will Run The No-Huddle

With the NFL Draft over and done, the play books handed out and Rookie Mini-Camp now behind us, we start to really see the upcoming season take shape. Soon OTAs will be here and we'll get to see the rookies interact with the veterans for the first time. And if you're like me, this can all be just as exciting as looking forward to the actual games. If you're like me, there are two seasons in sports: Football season and Waiting For Football season.

That said, football in shorts, as Mike Tomlin would say, over the weekend brought the football world a semblance of things to come. By way of pics and videos at steelers.com we got to see second-round draft pick Mike Adams at left tackle, last season's practice squad player John Malecki at center, first-round draft pick David DeCastro at right guard and, also from the practice squad, Trevis Turner at right tackle making up part of the first-team offensive line. Two will make the team, including one who'll start opening day, and two have a better chance of making the practice squad again (though, the team is reportedly high on Turner). And they are a part of the unit who'll be responsible for protecting Ben Roethlisberger.

Speaking of the aforementioned play book, Roethlisberger was on WDVE radio last week and, when asked about what Todd Haley is installing, he referred to it as the "Rosetta Stone." Being that Roethlisberger just finished his Bachelor's of Science degree in Education from Miami (Ohio) University, he should be able to study up on it easily enough. (Please tell me you picked up on the sarcasm...)

"I do know some stuff from obviously being in the building and walking by the rooms, sneaking in the rooms by myself and trying to look at things, because you can't meet and talk football. So I walked into the rooms to see what was kind of going on and I thought I picked up a Rosetta Stone book. Yeah I see some stuff and we're going to need to meet this week, trust me, because we've got to figure some stuff out", he said.

Big Ben Roethlisberger was mainly being facetious and he did illicit a jocular reaction. But Tuesday he was on the Rich Eisen podcast and spoke differently about the offense. It seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

"In these meetings I've had with coach Haley, he's all about the no-huddle and using our wide-receiver weapons and throwing the ball and stuff like that," Big Ben said on the podcast, which airs on the NFL Network Thursday and can be found in iTunes also. - http://richeisen.nfl.com/2012/05/08/rich-eisen-podcast-ben-roethlisberger-and-larry-fitzgerald/

The Chiefs ran over 100 no-huddle plays in 2011, whereas the Steelers ran around 50. So we'll definitely see a modern-day offense, no "three yards and a cloud of dust" plays for this offense. Which probably isn't good news to many in Steeler Nation who have clamored for more running of the football. After all, the Steelers only ran the ball 32% of the time last season.

Personally, I'd like to see not more necessarily, but more efficient running of the ball. The goal line percentages were up dramatically from previous years, but the red zone and third down efficiency numbers weren't at all. That lends itself directly to the running game. Not necessarily being able to pound forward with the run, but at least to threaten with the run.

With a functioning, even threatening, offensive line and running game they can directly affect those ineffective red zone and third down numbers. In fact they can do so while still running the no-huddle. The implementation of the one does not preclude the use of the other. The low running game percentage stated earlier isn't something Haley wouldn't have noticed.

Haley is known for utilizing the weapons at his disposal and realizes the real strength of the offense is in Big Ben and the wide receivers and tight end he has. Add to that, the offensive line was directly addressed in the draft. Protecting Big Ben is now a priority. Haley would probably want to emphasize a quick release along with the no-huddle in order to further protect him and make the offense flow.

Regardless, Big Ben most likely is very happy with what he's seeing thus far in the offseason. He got a thousand pounds of new beef to protect him and knows he'll definitely get to play with all his toys when the season starts.

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The Steelers have now signed four of their draft picks. Alameda Ta'amu, Chris Rainey, Mike Adams and Toney Clemons. Official numbers on Ta'amu show a $433,000 signing bonus and a $181,000 signing bonus for Rainey. The rest of the number are here: http://t.co/4WlgGh8o

All I have for the other two are total numbers: Mike Adams is about $3.5 million or so, while the contract for Toney Clemons is around $2.15 million.

2012 Draft Shows Tomlin's Influence

The last and final day of the 2012 NFL Draft has come and gone and we all must now go back to the reality of not having actual football. The NFL Draft is to actual football what the Victoria's Secrets Fashion Show is to...well, a Victoria's Secrets model. It's really just a tease.

But we watch anyway, don't we?

That having been said, I personally was nearly glued to my television for over 48 hours. Watching each pick and each analysis thinking about how I would've liked to have seen this guy drafted by my team, or how thankful I am that my team didn't draft that guy. Not to mention watching Mel Kiper's hair not move for three solid days.

What I took pleasure in watching most was, of course, the picks by the Steelers, which this year were all about core strength and explosion. There were calculated picks and moves that addressed the here and now as well as the future.

Like has been said in the past, the Steelers don't rebuild, they reload. Well, there were clips and magazines picked up is the three days of the Draft that will tear much flesh in the years to come. And the man pulling the trigger was Mike Tomlin.

The Steelers head coach seems to have put his fingerprints all over this draft. As a coach, he wants to win now. Wait...not now, right now. And the draft picks this year showed that maybe more than I've seen in his tenure.

The core of a football team is always your offensive and defensive lines. Then you get after the other team's quarterback and after that you look to create splash plays, explosive plays. All of which was addressed during this draft.

Tomlin talks 2012 NFL Draft - http://t.co/PB21X83R 

We've already spoken in the two most recent blogs about the picks from days days one and two, so we won't repeat those discussions, which certainly addressed core needs. Though I do need to mention one thing, I was evidently wrong about Sean Spence possibly eventually moving to strong safety, a la Carnell Lake. I was told he doesn't have quite the quick twitch needed for such a position. He'll be in the Mack for a certainty, but, even within that, more of a hybrid. In some cases you simply make positions available for certain players' talents. Like Butler said, they'll cover him up. Swing and a miss...moving on.

The Steelers first pick of day three was via a trade with the Washington Redskins as they traded up to get Washington nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu. He's a beast. A nasty one at that. Core.

Ta'amu's measurables read like this: 5.30 in the 40; 4.72 20-yard Shuttle; 7.52 3-cone drill; 26-inch vertical jump; 8'7" broad jump; and he bench pressed 225 pounds 35 times.

Ta'amu had 30 tackles and four sacks during his senior year with the Huskies and was an honorable mention All Pac-12 selection. - http://t.co/eIysFAHY 

At the press conference following the pick, Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell said that Ta'amu will work to get his weight down, but not so much that he can't play double-teams. Ta'amu has to double-team blockers to keep them of the linebackers.

"He did that very well at Washington", Mitchell said.

Mitchell did say, though, that weight is an issue. He weighed as much as 390 lbs at one point with the Huskies, which is an appropriate nickname now that I think about it. Mitchell says Garrett Giemont, the Steelers strength and conditioning coach, will determine at what weight he needs to play.

Really, Mitchell? Ta'amu looks like a light eater to me...as in, as soon as it get light out, he starts eating. Ta'amu can be a great player and the Steelers future at NT if he learns that the chairs to the training table slide out also. Hey, Ta'amu, put these two words into your vocabulary: "I'm full."

But, all jokes aside (no matter how bad they are), Mitchell did say that weight will be the biggest issue with Ta'amu initially, but that's where Giemont, as well as team nutritionist Lealie Ponci earn their paychecks.. Because, as Mitchell also said, young guys coming out of college don't always have the best nutrition. So, if Casey Hampton is "Big Snack", Ta'amu is "Four-Course Meal."

Speaking of Hampton, when asked about his health, Mitchell said he doesn't know if Hampton will be healthy enough to open the season on 53-man roster or not. "No one knows but Casey."

Ta'amu is a Washington native but says, "I was rooting for the Steelers when the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl." He  just became my favorite lineman.

Meet the Steelers' future starting nose tackle - http://t.co/yQYyr6BI 

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The Steelers 5th round draft pick was running back Chris Rainey out of the University of Florida.

Rainey's measurables and Combine numbers read this way: 5'8.5" 180 lbs.; 4.45 40-yard dash (4.39 at his Pro Day); 2.52 20-yard dash; 3.93 shuttle; 6.53 3-cone drill; 36 1/2 vertical jump; 10'0" broad jump; and benched 225 lbs. 16 times. Explosion.

Add to that the 6.2 yards per carry that he had at Florida and you have a real weapon. Go look at his game film. He's elusive, has great change of direction, has great balance and bounces off of and wiggles out of tackles. YAC! YAC! YAC! Oh, and he also blocked 6 punts. Serious weapon and a steal. - http://t.co/NGPhvBW7

Rainey may be listed as a running back but he's not a threat to replace Mendenhall. He's very versatile and can be used as a receiver and return man. A point that was made by Todd Haley.

Rainey was very productive just missed joining the Gators' 4,000-yard Club as he gained 3,948 all-purpose yards. Pure explosion.

Todd Haley spoke about Rainey on saturday night and said that he can catch and run as well as return kicks. Rainey, though, didn't have overwhelming numbers as a return man at Florida, as he averaged 25.2 yards per kickoff return but only 9.04 yards per punt return. Still, no more returning punts for Antonio Brown.

Rainey is a situational player on offense, says Haley, but that he is an explosive player and he's excited about Rainey's unique skills.

Todd Haley says the Steelers will use Rainey as a running back and as a wide receiver, and will use his speed to create matchup problems. In other words, don't pencil him into any specific position. Oh, about those six blocked punts I mentioned earlier: "Hopefully I can break that record in the NFL."

I'm not insinuating anything, but running back/halfback/kick returner/punt returner/wide receiver/punt blocker. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'. -  http://t.co/x5T744Hu 

As a side note, Rainey a teammate of Maurkice Pouncey's in high school and University of Florida. Two are extremely close. He also lived with the Pounceys for a while and even watched the NFL Draft at the Pouncey family home.

Rainey's older brother is former XFL running back and Philadelphia Eagle Rod Smart, a.k.a. He Hate Me.

Steelers fifth round http://t.co/ETWqYpQI 

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After being reticent in the sixth round because of the trade with the Redskins, the Steelers selected wide receiver Toney Clemons out of Colorado.

Toney Clemons' best "unofficial" 40-yard dash time was at Colorado's Pro Day, a time of 4.36. Steelers wide receivers coach Montgomery said he liked Clemons' size and speed. "I think he was a young man that was hungry for an opportunity." Clemons has big hands as well and really goes up for the ball. High points it well. Splash.

When asked about Clemons, Tomlin said that Clemons is great in blocking, especially for bubble screens. (Yeah, that's right, haters, bubble screens!)

Clemons is cousins with Steve Breaston who played under Todd Haley. Clemons is from Pittsburgh and played in the WPIAL.

Video highlights of Toney Clemons here: http://t.co/2dT6fdgM 

PG Plus Blog: Ed: WR Clemons Would be a Nice Fit http://t.co/669QspUd 

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With the 33rd pick in the 7th round they selected tight end David Paulson out of Oregon.

Steelers tight end coach James Daniel said of Paulson: "He's a guy that has some talent and has some position flexibility."

Paulson is 6'3 246 lbs. and scored six touchdowns last year. He's played H-Back and is supposedly very intelligent, a great character guy. They say he needs blocking work.

Steelers select David Paulson in seventh round - http://t.co/O1rcXLFg 

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The Steelers used their third seventh round pick on Texas A&M cornerback Terrence Frederick. He played both outside and in the slot in college. Purely a practice squad candidate, especially if Donovan Warren makes it to Camp again this year.

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The Steelers made SMU offensive guard Kelvin Beachum with their final pick of the draft. Beachum visited the Steelers facilities in April.

Beachum has position flexibility with guard size and center intelligence, per Colbert. He even supposedly filled in at long snapper at times in college. Whatever helps him make some noise.

Here is some game film of Beachum in an SMU vs. Pitt game - http://t.co/DyF2AwLz

That wraps up the Steelers 2012 NFL Draft. All things considered, a potentially excellent draft. One that addressed real needs and indicated a new direction for both the offense and defense. So, when the Steelers next hoist the Lombardi Trophy, before he ever gets to touch it, Tomlin's fingerprints will be all over it.

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UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS:
I don't have a stable of writers and I don't sit at a computer 20 hours a day. It's just my lady and I. So, here's a link to Steelers.com and the Steelers complete 2012 NFL Draft and undrafed rookie free agents - http://bit.ly/IzrgNw