Steelers Secondary Should Be Improved; June 1st Salary Cap Info

Updated: 1850 hrs, June 1st
"We have more numbers there than people realize. We may have great players in building and they haven't had chance to show us."

Those words by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau summed up why the team did not select one of the top-level cornerback in the first round of this year's NFL Draft that many expected them to select. Especially when Darqueze Dennard, about whom we wrote as our favorite going into the draft, was sitting there as a fully-ripened fruit ready to be picked. 

The Steelers' coaches, however, simply didn't feel that their secondary was as dire a situation as it seemed on the surface. Defensive backs coach Carnell Lake agreed with LeBeau that CB wasn't as pressing a need as perceived. He specifically said that Brice McCain and Antwon Blake will help Steelers. 

Add to that, CB Deion Belue, an undrafted free agent out of Alabama that the Steelers claimed off of waivers (Dolphins), and Devin Smith and Isaiah Green and you have those who will be battling for a backup role. 

Blake, a UTEP product, falls into the "he's not small, he's short" category in which head coach Mike Tomlin placed rookie running back Dri Archer. He's 5'9", 198 LBs but did 21 repetitions of the 225-pound bench press at his 2012 Pro Day. He also ran a 4.32/40, and is the gunner on Steelers special teams. Rather than a player expected to get snaps in the Steelers' defense, that's where his greatest value is. As for McCain, we wrote about his potential when he was signed back in April. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2014/04/steelers-sign-brice-mccain-bring-in.html

Belue (5'11", 182 LBs) had a turf toe injury which hindered his senior season, but he played well in the 2012 National Championship game against Notre Dame. He's wiry, strong for his size and has good enough speed (4.47/40). A slot man who can occasionally line up out side, Belue has a chance at the practice squad.

Devin Smith and Isaiah Green should be familiar to Steelers fan as the two CBs who were on and off of the practice squad all of last season. 

The Steelers finally did address the need for depth at cornerback, though, by selecting Arizona's Shaquille Richardson (6'0", 194 LBs) in the fifth round. 

The former Wildcat has versatility, length and a good frame. He looks mainly to be a right CB, but also played a safety/rover position and in the slot in some subpackages. He's also fast (4.43/40), quick and agile, but not physical. He'd rather cut a runner rather than wrap him up, and also tends to squat to much which can affect his backpedal. 

Lake's familiarity with Richardson, having helped recruit Richardson to UCLA, is intriguing and he could very well be a diamond in the rough with Lake's guidance. 

“I remember Coach Lake being someone I can look up to,” said Richardson, who was also a teammate of Robert Golden at Arizona. “I'm happy to be learning from him and being a Pittsburgh Steeler. It's crazy.”

Lake praised Richardson as well.

“He's a smart, young corner who can come in and contribute,” said Lake. “He gives us good size out there and somebody that has the ability to put a lot of pressure on tall receivers that have been drafted in the last few years.”

Then there are your starters and main substitute, Cortez Allen, Ike Taylor and William Gay, with Gay receiving praise for his play last season. - http://tinyurl.com/kst23t3

Taylor's play was the expect opposite last season, rated by PFF as 107th out of 111 CBs. Something of which is keenly aware. 

“I feel after these last two years,” Taylor said, “especially after last year, that I have lot to prove. I feel like I have more to prove than ever.”

Tez Allen had a similar season to his 2012 campaign. He didn't play much of the first half of the season due to injuries, but made his presence felt late in the season. Starting the final seven games, he finished the year with 51 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown. 

Also, one of the most important things to remember is that Taylor isn't following the opponent's best receiver. That responsibility has fallen more to Tez. That disallowed the top WRs from having career days on Taylor and saw a slight increase in coverage, causing the Steelers' pass defense to finish 9th in the NFL giving up 222.1 yards per game. 

Free agent acquisition Mike Mitchell will help complement the rest of the safeties, plus an expected improved pass rush from the front seven, as pressure on the quarterback throws off timing (routes) and helps create turnovers, will lead to improving the pass defense.

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Per OverTheCap.com, the Steelers have $357,896 under the Salary Cap as of Sunday, June 1st, a day when there is no loss of compensatory picks for free agents signed. - http://overthecap.com/nfl-rookie-salary-cap-2014.php

As of Monday, June 2nd, the $8 million freed up by the release of LaMarr Woodley will be available. Displacement dictates, though, that his release will be closer to $7.5 million in cap space. 

Still, that will be more than enough to sign the remaining four selections from the draft. Sixth-round draft pick DL Daniel McCullers and seventh rounder TE Rob Blanchflower were signed on May 19th, fifth-round draft pick Wesley Johnson and sixth-round pick Jordan Zumwalt on May 27th and fifth-round draft pick CB Shaquille Richardson on May 29th. All were signed to a four-year deals. 

None of these picks actually counted against the Cap because of said displacement and the Rule of 51. The top four picks will even displace four players currently counting against the cap out of the top 51. 

So, expect the amount used to sign those top four to be less than $3 million (at least $750,000-$1 million less than the amount first reported that we previously covered). That leaves well over $5 million to be spent on another free agent or two with plenty left afterward. 

UPDATE: I've since come across more exact numbers brought to light by fellow scribe Neal Coolong of Behind The Steel Curtain. The Cool One wrote that the exact number Woodley's release frees up after displacement is "$7.505" million and that the Steelers' Cap cost for the aforemetioned rookies is "$2,018,643." So, as The Cool One wrote, "let's call it $5.48 million in Cap space after the remainder of the rookie class is signed."

Tomlin Shakes Up Steelers Lineup, Makes Good On Promise

Updated 10/9/13
 
The Victor Hugo-novel based Broadway musical "Les Miserables" has a song of lamentation called "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." It is sung by the character Marius who is mourning his friends who are no longer with him.

Seeing the photo posted by Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette reminded me of that scene in the play. Because, since death is often colloquially equated with dying, there empty chairs associated with empty microphones at head coach Mike Tomlin's press conference. It was more sparsely attended than your typical meeting of Congress. 

A lifeless 0-4 start will do that.

In light of said start, after the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Tomlin promised that there would be changes. 

"We'll continue to work and get better as long as I see belief and effort and continued improvement in detail because that's what's going to change the outcome of these games," Tomlin said. "Those who don't, they won't be a part of it, whoever it may be. It's just that simple."

True to his word, players were benched. 

The elephant in the room was Mike Adams at left tackle. Atrocious would aptly describe his play in the last two games. Yes, like Tomlin alluded to, Jared Allen is Jared Allen. But when the Steelers last played the Vikings in 2009, when Allen had 14.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and in contention for the Defensive Player of the Year award, Max Starks held him to all of two tackles and zero sacks.

Adams allowed Allen to get 2.5 sacks and four tackles. After awhile, he looked as if he was a part of the backfield. And he would've been pulled had Ramon Foster not gotten hurt, forcing Swiss Army Lineman Kelvin Beachum to fill in at guard. Instead, he got chip help from David Johnson. The worst part, though, is that when Adams got that help, he couldn't even recognize who he should be blocking. 

That said, Tomlin says he isn't giving up on Adams and that he "absolutely" sees potential in him. It is just that how he responds to his benching will go along way in defining him as a player. 

“The most important thing is not maybe what has happened to him to this point, it’s how he responds to it and moves forward,” Tomlin said. “I think it’s going to have the opportunity to define him and his career. There are a lot of solid professional players that have been through ups and downs, the emotions and so forth, and the guys that that show staying power and the guys that respond to it appropriately. That roll their sleeves up and go to work – solid, steady players, even within our organization.”

Therefore, after being speculated upon last week, it is now confirmed that Kelvin Beachum is the starter at left tackle going forward, with newly acquired Levi Brown backing him up. Adams is now third string. 

More promotions and demotions surrounded the defense, as rookie Vince Williams is now listed as the starting Buck Inside Linebacker. He was sharing the role with Kion Wilson.

Though he missed a key initial tackle on the long touchdown run by Adrian Peterson against the Vikings, overall the coaches "feel he’s earned it."

If It Ain't Steel wrote two articles over the last year questioning how long Ziggy Hood would remain the starter while playing the way he had been. That has now been answered in Cameron Heyward being promoted to starter. 

"He...will play more, and deservedly so," said Tomlin when asked Tuesday if Heyward had moved ahead of Hood in the base defense. "I think he's been really solid, not taking anything away from Ziggy [Hood], obliviously, both guys will continue to play, we just want Cam to play more than he's been playing and in order to ensure that, we are going to put him in the starting lineup." - http://tinyurl.com/mmfvtu3

Heyward has nine pressures, second behind Brett Keisel's 13, has batted down two passes, has two tackles and one quarterback hit in approximately one half of the plays (114) as Hood. 

Another move was that of Isaiah Green, after again clearing waivers, being added to the practice squad and Devin Smith being released from it. 

As for the rest of the presser, and aside from the usual minutiae where he makes the opponent sound 14-2 even if they're 2-14, he made valid points about Muhammed Wilkerson and rookie quarterback Geno Smith being players to watch on Sunday at the New York Jets. 

Wilkerson is a force who had five tackles, one forced fumble, one quarterback sack and even more quarterback pressures Monday night. 

Per Pro Football Focus, through four games Geno Smith led the NFL in deep completions (with a target of 20 yards or more) with 12 (Ben Roethlisberger was tied for second with 11).

The Steelers travel to the Meadowlands to take on the 3-2 Jets at MetLife Stadium in a bit of rematch of the AFC Championship game from three years ago. Though their roles are reversed this season, traditionally, the Steelers have had the edge. They are 18-4 all-time against the Jets, including a 9-3 road record.

UPDATE: the Steelers have re-signed inside linebacker Stevenson Sylvester and have released Kion Wilson.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Sylvester was cut by the team on Aug. 25. He is a former Steelers fifth-round draft pick fro the 2010 NFL draft out of Utah. In three seasons for the Steelers, he recorded 22 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Wilson had started games two and three for the Steelers before being replaced by rookie Vince Williams. 

The Steelers also worked out tight ends Ryan Otten and Chase Clement.

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TIDBITS: Injury Report - Safety Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith (hip) is questionable to start the week, per Tomlin. Guard Ramon Foster (pectoral) practiced partially capacity on Monday with his left pectoral strain. His availability is crucial. Linebacker Kion Wilson (hamstring) also practiced partially Monday. He is questionable for the week. Wide receiver Markus Wheaton (finger) was ruled out for the Sunday game by Tomlin after having surgery.

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NFL may compel teams to participate in "Hard Knocks" if none volunteer. If Steelers don't make playoffs, we may see them as next year's team.

Running Backs And Linebackers: Redman, Worilds And The Jones' Boys

Despite being limited to just two carries in the preseason, Isaac Redman will start at running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers opening day at Heinz Field against the Tennessee Titans. The fifth-year back is determined to go out and perform. Though his numbers last season were down, as the quote above insinuates, he believes he has what it takes to represent the Steelers' ground game.

"I just want to prove that I am a starting running back in this league", Redman said per the Steelers Twitter (@steelers) account, "and show that I worked hard all summer."

We have definitely seen flashes of what Redman can do. Just ask the New York Giants about the bullies being bullied as Redman ran roughshod over them for 147 yards on 26 carries. That performance was the top running game by a Steelers' back last season and included both a Mark Bavaro-like 28-yard run in which he carried several Giants like a scorpion carries its young on its back, as well as the game-winning touchdown.

Some, though, question whether Redman can stand the rigor of carrying the rock 25 times for an extended stretch. He has been nicked up more often than you want from a feature back. Then there is the fact that he is prone to putting the ball on the ground, doing so seven times in his four years.

So, will Redman carry the entire load?

“Obviously, we're going to spell Isaac,” head coach Mike Tomlin said at his press conference on Tuesday. “We haven't detailed the rotation or the nature of the rotation at this point....We're continuing to get to know Felix." - http://tinyurl.com/lsyq6t9

"Felix" would be Felix Jones who was gotten in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 23 for linebacker Adrian Robinson (who was cut and then picked up by the Denver Broncos). Jones quickly showed he has abilities too as he ran well in his two preseason games, including running 14 times for 56 yards vs. the Carolina Panthers.

Will we see a bit of a "thunder and lighting" approach? Jones' speed and cutting ability would complement Redman's pounding, and would work well when the zone-blocking scheme is utilized. Regardless, at this point there is safety in numbers. Not another running back-by-committee fiasco mind you, but safety by means of depth.

Speaking of depth, the linebacker position has also long been a Steelers staple. With the likes of Lawrence Timmons, Jarvis Jones and a rededicated LaMarr Woodley, the tradition looks as if it will live on. The wild card in this, though, is Jason Worilds.

Especially against Chris Johnson and the Titans, Worilds' ability to hold the edge will be imperative. He will be needed to handle the tackles and tight ends and to contain Johnson and turn him back on stretch plays. If Worilds is able to consistently control the edge on the run plays as well as rush the passer to help wreak havoc, that will help tremendously the chances of winning.

As for one of the other Jones boys, Tomlin had a big smile on his face when emphatically said, “(Jarvis) Jones is going to play."

Jones has been a turnover machine in his short time with the Steelers. His presence creates unique dilemmas that the Steelers will want to exploit. So, while Worilds and Woodley are your starters, Jones will see his share of playing time. 

As If It Ain't Steel said many times, Jones will neither start week one nor early in the season, but his learning curve won't keep him out long. Not when he has to add his name to the Steelers linebacker pantheon. 

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TIDBITS: The Steelers practice report for Wednesday: Le'Veon Bell did not practice; Heath Miller, Jarvis Jones, Will Johnson were all limited.

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Tight end Heath Miller is off the PUP list, but has been doing only light drills. His return is uncertain, but he is "inching" toward his return. 

"My mindset's not going to change," Miller said. "I just want to keep improving each day and keep stacking those good days together. I still want to think short term, so that's day by day, and keep getting better. That's brought me to this point, and that will take me to a good point soon." - http://tinyurl.com/ly6sxn9

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Steelers signed Isaiah Green to the practice squad after he cleared waivers and then released Devin Smith.

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Fullback Will Johnson is nursing a pulled hamstring, and coach Tomlin said the team won't know until later this week if Johnson will be able to play Sunday against the Titans.

Johnson got hurt in the preseason finale against the Panthers and has only been a partial participant in practice on Monday and Tuesday, and is likely to be limited again on Wednesday.

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“@JohnnyBrovo11: Could never replace the greatness of Casey Hampton. I simply hope to do him proud. #98” 

Those were rookie linebacker Vince Williams' words when given Casey Hampton's old number. Mad respect shown to a Steeler great. For a touchingly poignant discussion on the subject, check out Behind The Steel Curtain's article: http://tinyurl.com/lyyalnb

The Steelers War of Attrition Begins vs. Giants; Injury Report

The wait is over. Finally, a glimpse. The football gods once again have seen fit to bless us with their favorite sons. And Saturday night, those belonging to the Pittsburgh Steelers begin their preseason journey to Mount Lombardi against the New York Giants.

In preparation for this game and for the season, the Steelers have met with some debilitating injuries that have caused roster adjustments, a waiver claim and more reasons to declare "next man up!"

To date, the total injuries that have befallen the Steelers total as many as a baker's dozen, and they now have almost as many injured tight ends as healthy ones. Those tights ends and the rest of the MASH unit will be covered in the TIDBITS section.

So, with a pile of bodies to sift through, will the Steelers be able to field a team for Saturday? Naturally, yes. But that presents some specific things to look for in this first preseason game. Here are six players and things to watch for as two of the NFL's oldest franchises do battle.

SECONDARY(DEPTH):
With four defensive backs, including one starter sidelined, certain players will have to step up and state their case. Does the world class speed of DeMarcus Van Dyke and Isaiah Green make up for their lack of the typical build of the strong, run-defending Steelers cornerbacks? While one of them may make the team because of their speed, they would have to show special teams abilities. Playing principally as the punt gunner, think of sub 4.35/40 speed coupled with being able to break off a block at the line and race down the field to force a fair catch. That is a very valuable ability.

Unfortunately for Van Dyke, though, he likely won't play as he hasn't practiced this week. That affords more of a chance for the much-traveled Josh Victorian. - http://tinyurl.com/m56mpae

WIDE RECEIVERS (5 & 6 SPOTS):
Unfortunately, veteran wide receiver Plaxico Burress tore his rotator cuff during practice. It likely ends his season, and career, leaving the door open for Justin Brown and David Gilreath to do battle for the fifth wide receiver spot on the roster, unless another veteran is signed.

But the one who may now have the best chance at the number five spot is Derek Moye. His 6-5, 215-pound frame combined with 4.4/40 speed is hard to ignore. He has shown consistent hands catching everything thrown at him. He is a very good route runner and has been making big plays in Training Camp, already working his way up to third in line behind Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery on one side of the offensive depth chart.

Because of the Burress injury, even return specialist Reggie Dunn has a greater chance to make the squad as a sixth wide receiver/special teams ace. As Mark Kaboly said on his Twitter, @MarkKaboly_Trib, account: "(The) wild card is Reggie Dunn. A kickoff return or two in preseason and now he's in mix...”

LINEBACKERS (PASS RUSH/YOUTH):
Last year's darling makes way for this year's. Alan Baxter is very explosive off the edge, is about the same height as former Training Camp darling Alan Robinson. He doesn't have the same lower body strength as Robinson or Woodley, his speed off the snap has at times been scary.

First-round pick Jarvis Jones is starting to make his case. Per Kaboly, "After the show the rookie put on against the third-team offense at the end of practice Wednesday, it might be time for the Steelers to reward Jones with a promotion. Within a span of five plays, Jones plowed over would-be blocker David Gilreath; recognized a screen pass while rushing the quarterback, peeled off into the flat and knocked the ball away from Baron Batch; knocked the ball away from tight end Peter Tuitupou coming across the middle; and knocked down another pass in the middle of the field while playing zone."

Who hasn't been heard from much is Jason Worilds, and that's because of a big toe injury he suffered causing him to miss last Friday's practice. He returned to practice early this week, but he hasn't been playing like a man with someone nipping at his heals.

Marshall McFadden, as we've written before, has a real chance at the backup Buck position. His performance in the early stages of Camp has been inspiring as he is showing he wants a spot on this team. So have some of his competitors, though, such as Stevenson Sylvester. It's imperative, therefore, that McFadden has a good performance Saturday.


JAMIE MCCOY:
Because of the Steelers now being bereft at tight end, McCoy's performance is crucial. He and David Paulson should see more playing time than most other starters. Along with tight end, Tomlin has stated that McCoy will also see time at fullback behind Will Johnson. So, he's going to be busy. If he wants to take advantage of the injuries at the tight end position, he needs to prove he's ready for the bright lights.

MIKE GOLIC, JR.:
Passion for the game gets you so far. Being a student of the game will help get you further. Even having name and pedigree can be a real boon to your career. But you can only go so far if you don't have the big boy strength required for the offensive line positions in the NFL. And that's where Golic, jr. has his issues.

One of those who was major competition for him was Nik Embernate who is now on Injured Reserve. Now Golic's major competition is Joe Long, another young player with NFL pedigree - he is the brother of the St. Louis Rams' Jake Long. But, if he can hold his own Saturday, he can build his case for being the last lineman kept.

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TIDBITS: Heath Miller (with no timetable for his return) and David Johnson are on the Active PUP list with knee injuries, and now they won't have Matt Spaeth until at least the 6th week of the regular season, if his Lisfranc injury does in fact have an 8-10 week turnaround.

Add to those four, Nik Embernate is on injured reserve after being waived/injured, Cortez Allen (knee) is sidelined for all of preseason, and defensive backs Curtis Brown (ankle), Terry Hawthorne (knee) and DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring) are down without definite timetables. Offensive tackle Guy Whimper was carted off the field Thursday with an undisclosed injury, although it isn't thought to be serious, and Nick Williams, Cameron Heyward and Emmanuel Sanders all missed at least some practice Thursday and/or Friday.

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Tomlin on rookie WR Markus Wheaton: "I've really been impressed with his above-the-neck game."

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Steelers have re-signed OT Mike Farrell and released CB Buddy Jackson.

Steelers Secondary Is Of Primary Concern

Once again this NFL offseason, the focus for the Pittsburgh Steelers' top-ranked defense has been to generate more turnovers. And both defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and defensive backs coach Carnell Lake have emphasized the need for them to do just that.

The paltry numbers they’ve generated the past two seasons have been embarrassingly low. Bottom-half-of-the-NFL low. The defense took the ball away 20 times, which was the eighth fewest in the NFL. In 2011, there were even worse with only 15 takeaways.

In 2012, the Steelers ranked 24th in the NFL in turnover differential at a -10, and 28th in TO differential in 2011 at a -13. Those defenses may have been No. 1, but the only numbers that truly mattered were 8-8.

This is trend that must desist if the team is serious about contending for the playoffs and the possibly Super Bowl again this season. Not that they can just flip a switch to make that happen, but Art Rooney II made a salient point in his State of the Steelers postseason interview back in January as to what a remedy may be.

"We need to get more pressure on the quarterback," Rooney II said, "because as everyone will tell you that creates turnovers."

He's correct. If It Ain't Steel covered that interview and quoted some telling statistics regarding the subject. In the 2008 Super Bowl season, the Steelers posted 51 sacks and 29 takeaways, and in the 2010 Super Bowl season, they had 48 sacks and 35 takeaways. Compare that to the previous 2011 and 2012 stats, and the turnover stats of the teams that made the playoffs, and the point is well-made. - http://tinyurl.com/lahlacl

The front seven side of those stats will be covered in an upcoming piece. As for the secondary itself, it allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL for the second consecutive season. And as the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly brought to light in a recent article, they also have something very important: experience.

"This will be the eighth consecutive season (Ike) Taylor, (Ryan) Clark and (Troy) Polamalu have played together — the most consecutive seasons of any trio in the league — and with the potential of Cortez Allen, the Steelers' defensive backfield could rival some of the best of the past decade." - http://tinyurl.com/kavmvcz

The experience advantage presented by the triumvirate Kaboly mentioned and the youth and "potential" of Cortez Allen brings to mind the knock against them made the NFL Network's version of Champ Kind, Warren Sapp.

Sapp once again called the Steelers "old and slow" and said that "three of the four secondary guys there are 32 years old or older." While that's true, what is being ignored is the youth being infused into the Steelers defense, including the secondary. Tez Allen is especially exciting because of the potential impact he could have. Tez went on a turnover surge at the end of last season, and the hope is that he can make 2013 his own.

"I'm not that type to make predictions or boast about myself....I just come to work every day and try to get better and better so I can help my team the best I can," said Tez. "I think I've shown an ability to make plays in the defensive system." - http://t.co/RX7JvMEw06

He isn't the only one who has a golden opportunity to shine for the Steelers. Nor is he the only one who actually does have speed. Contrary to the Sapp's comment, all three of the aforementioned triad have sub 4.5/40 speed (with Polamalu and Taylor still being 4.4 in the 40). Add to that some young blood that could make an impact this season.

Second-year man Robert Golden has potential at safety, so much potential that the Steelers forwent drafting a second one, but nonetheless had an inauspicious beginning last season.

“It was a surreal feeling,” Golden said of the Dallas Cowboys game where he was victimized. “Then we had a little blown coverage. We didn’t get the stretch call. They had two verticals up the seam and we were in a cover 3 and kind of back playing between both and couldn’t make that play.”

But the young safety has the requisite skills and speed to prove he isn't simple pyrite. The golden ticket is in his mentally picking up the defensive stratagems. (I've got lots of these for him.) Fellow safety Clark said as much about him.

"He’s a guy who jumps off the film talent-wise, speed-wise," said Clark. "What Rob has to do is show the jump as far as knowledge, dependability, durability. - http://t.co/6BzEtGnSY7

Curtis Brown, was picked ahead of Tez in the 2011, but has fallen behind him on the depth chart. Brown will not only have to beat out young teammates Isaiah Green, Josh Victorian and DeMarcus Van Dyke (all of whom are sub 4.45/40) for defensive snaps, but also veteran William Gay. Behind The Steel Curtain broke down what awaits the young cornerback who's heading into his third year. - http://tinyurl.com/bxdgymo

Terry Hawthorne was listed among Steel City Insider's 'Players to Watch' list written by Jim Wexell. Hawthorne is very fast, but very raw. Still, Carnell Lake really likes what sees.

"What I like about Terry is that he has a lot of upside potential that I see in him," Lake said. "He is big. He is fast. He doesn't mind tackling, and he can play press coverage well, kind of in the same way as an Ike Taylor."

At 6'0", 195 lbs., Hawthorne has starting potential, but his biggest impact this season will likely come on special teams. But Lake, who has former teammate and Steeler great Rod Woodson coaching with him via an internship throughout Camps, likes his 4.44/40 speed, his fluidity in the hips, his ability to hit and other tools to contribute down the line.

All-in-all, that "old and slow" Steelers defense finished atop the NFL defensive rankings. Then, just for good measure, they went out and became the top-rated unit again last season. Now they've added youth and speed to make sure to, not only lock down that No. 1 spot again, but to turnover their recent misfortunes and make it mean something in January.

What We Can Take From The First Round Of Steelers OTAs

by Jayden and Jason

With the first session of OTAs behind us, there were a few things and players that stood out and are worth noting. The schemes being run and players we've brought to your attention before made themselves more manifest this week. While they provide a glimpse into the near future, they're still not completely indicative of the how the season will go or of the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers roster. After all, as head coach Mike Tomlin says, it is just "football in shorts."

One of the things that became evident during the OTAs was that the Pittsburgh Steelers absolutely will be running a zone-blocking scheme in 2013. If It Ain't Steel will cover the offensive line and some of its linemen in our next article, but, as we wrote in a previous post, they have always used various inside zone, lead draw, some toss and power schemes. They're just adding the outside zone to the mix. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/05/youth-versatility-define-kelvin-beachum.html

In that article, we pointed out that Kelvin Beachum would have his playing time increased and that he would substitute at key positions, something which he proved at OTAs by working at second-team center and even at center with the first team.

As for the scheme and its implementation, the Steelers new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, jr. is on record as saying that his players should be "athletic enough and be able to move" in order to adequately run his system. The off tackle power was their fundamental run play, but the outside zone and the stretch plays will be new and will require the aforementioned athleticism. A newness that was on display at OTAs and that left guard Ramon Foster said they're "embracing."

“It’s going to be new, but we’re embracing it,” Foster said. “If you look at our run tape last year, teams stacked the box on us. We were running inside zone, inside zone, inside zone, and we never really had an outside threat. But Coach [Todd] Haley’s stressing it this year; Coach Bicknell is stressing it. That’s something we want to do: soften the defense up and be able to run it outside just as well as we do inside.”

Running back Isaac Redman put it more succinctly when he said, "We are going to be dedicated to the zone."

Speaking of Redman, he's another who made his presence known. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly, Redman lost 10 pounds this offseason, his playing weight was listed as 230 pounds, and is hoping to lose five more by the start of Training Camp.

Cornerback Isaiah Green made his presence felt as well. We said recently that the 23-year old, 5'10", 180-pound second-year man wants to be more than just a Training Camp body. Green has a nose for the ball, is athletic and runs a 4.29/40. Simply put, he has all the requisite physical skills to continue to make his presence felt.

Will Johnson did his best to show why he should remain the team's starting fullback, defensive tackle Al Woods played well, though he has little competition and should make the team by default, and If It Ain't Steel favorite outside linebacker Adrian Robinson picked up where he left off last preseason in his bid to speed rush his way onto the 53-man roster this season.

There were several other names and stories that brought headlines this past week, but the one that caught our attention the most was Troy Polamalu supposedly being in his 'best shape since college', and that he's been fighting a calf injury for four years.

Ok, so maybe he isn't exactly at his college fighting weight, he still showed up in pretty good shape for the first OTA session. When interviewed, however, Polamalu was asked if there is anything that he can do for the calf injury moving forward. His response was textbook bland.

"Yeah, I've done quite a few different things this off-season," said Polamalu. "So, yeah, for sure there is. A lot of different rehab and training."

When he was pushed for a further explanation, it was then that the veteran safety revealed that the calf has bothered him for years.

"When you have an injury that's bothered you for the last four years, there gets to be just so much scar tissue in there," he said. "If you don't attack the problem scar tissue, then you're just going to continue to have problems. So this year I really focused on that and found a great physical therapist and obliviously continue to keep working with my trainer. So everything has evolved there and evolved nicely."

Polamalu then explained his kinesiological and rehabilitation process.

"Not to get too deep into muscular biomechanics, you can break down scar tissue, but the problem is your body has to continue to learn how to readapt with broken scar tissue," Polamalu said. "These are all things that I've learned. So hopefully all of this make these problems obsolete."

What's next for Polamalu and his injury?

"Listen, if I knew the future, I would be playing that Powerball," he joked. "Only time will tell."

Only time will tell for the rest of the Steelers offseason regimen as well.

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TIDBITS: Heath Miller spoke with the media when showing up at OTAs. He spoke on his injury, saying that he's improving, but is still cautious.



"I'm just trying to get better every day, and I'm doing what I've been asked to do," Miller said Wednesday. "And I'm listening to my body, so I'll just progress that way."

Miller tore his anterior cruciate ligament, injured the medial collateral ligament and also the posterior collateral ligament.

"That's the big thing now, the main thing, because after surgery you lose a lot of strength," Miller said. "And then there's some atrophy. So, I want to get it back to where it's as strong as my other leg." - http://tinyurl.com/ocs4rmb

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“I think pretty much all of the veteran guys understand that there is gonna be a point in time when we’re gonna have to rely on these young guys....They are gonna have to step up ASAP.” - Ike Taylor

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Per Mark Kaboly: “From what I've observed over the first 3 days of #Steelers OTAs, Reggie Dunn catches a punt just fine.” (As we've said, Dunn makes the team.)

“Shamarko (Thomas) is gonna be a good one. Will do well in special teams immediately.” (Keeping a promise to his dearly departed mother.)

“Nik Emberate has potential. Need to see him up at camp before willing to say he has legit chance.” (For an undrafted free agent, that still sounds pretty good.)

Adrian Robinson And Several Others Face Do-Or-Die Training Camp

Winners, I am convinced, imagine their dreams first. They want it with all their heart and expect it to come true. - Joe Montana

The draft class has now experienced their first minicamp and are now starting to be signed. Shamarko Thomas signed his four-year deal and we can project that the Steelers will start to sign more of the lower-round picks soon. With the $5.5 million Salary Cap space freed up by the release of Willie Colon set to kick in June 2nd, the Steelers will need about $1.63 million in Cap space to sign them.

There are players already on the team, though, that will need to state their cases very loudly at Latrobe in late July. Both the offense and defense carry several players who will make for a competitive Training Camp. And competition breeds contempt - just ask Antonio Brown and Ike Taylor.

Competition also will help the cream to rise to the top. This Training Camp will provide many such opportunities as there are several players who will be battling for positions. Primarily positions at linebacker and in the defensive backfield.

One name that is resurfacing this offseason is that of Adrian Robinson. The 6'1", 250-pound defensive end-turned-outside linebacker out of Temple University, who went undrafted last year, caught the attention of Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler last offseason. We said of him then that he would look to make the transition to standing up as an outside linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4 system, which is always a tough adjustment - learning the technique and learning to play the position without his hand(s) on the ground.

So, what applied then applies now, for Robinson to make the 53-man roster he would have to outplay Chris Carter on special teams and show that he has more long-term upside than Carter as an outside linebacker.

Three qualities, however, that Robinson has in favor are his motor, his desire to compete and is character. Just what his college head coach at Temple, Steve Addazio, said about him last year.

"Adrian plays relentless," Addazio said. "He flushes the quarterback out of the pocket and chases him around like a crazy man....Without a doubt, Adrian Robinson is truly one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to coach. Adrian has been the quintessential role model for our program and has set the standard for which all players should follow." - http://tinyurl.com/cx6ysb5

Simply put, the qualities of a winner. Qualities that could very well earn him a roster spot this August.

As for the others on the roster who will be fighting for spots, there are Sean Spence, Stevenson Sylvester, Marshall McFadden, Kion Wilson and Brian Rolle, with only Sylvester and Rolle having real game experience. Although, McFadden has a good chance to make the roster because he can play either the Buck or the Mack position.

The Spence situation is a curious one to figure out, though, because of his injury. The latest word on his rehabilitation was delivered by Steelers GM Kevin Colbert.

"Sean is progressing. When you have as serious a knee injury as he unfortunately had, it sometimes is a very long process. Sometimes it takes over a year to fully rehabilitate," Colbert said. "But the good thing is we are seeing signs of progress, albeit small steps. But it is progress. Sean's attitude is off the charts. He wants to rehab. He wants to be a great player. He is working hard to get there. He is making small progress, and as long as he is making progress, we will be patient with him and hopefully get him back at full speed at some point."

As for Sylvester, he should not only have pushed incumbent starter Larry Foote for the position, but should actually be the one who starts next season. As is stands, newly drafted Vince Williams has already shown that he will be pushing both Sylvester and Foote. In fact, Williams could push Sylvester right out of town.

The defensive backs competition is also going to be interesting. Shamarko Thomas could very well quickly pass Robert Golden and Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith as the first safety off of the bench. That's almost a given, though. The real competition is among the cornerbacks.

The last three cornerback positions, if the Steelers do decide to keep six, will undoubtedly be a heated battle. With Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen slotted as your starters and William Gay as the Nickel/slot guy, Curtis Brown would seem to lead the list of those who will be the Big Nickel and Dime positions.

In a previous blog, we focused attention on Isaiah Green and his desire to secure a roster spot. There are also Justin King and Ross Ventrone who are currently on the roster, but those two are just camp bodies. Terry Hawthorne is most likely your fourth cornerback and one of the next two should fill the last cornerback spots.

DeMarcus Van Dyke was drafted in 2011 by the Oakland Raiders and waived by them in 2012, and at that point came to the Steelers just before the season started. Head coach Mike Tomlin said when he was signed that he had been on their radar and that he has real potential.

"He’s got big-time upside, he’s an extremely fast guy," Tomlin said. "It was an opportunity for us to put a young cornerback in the mix and continue to work with him and develop his skill and see if maybe he can help us at some point."

Hopefully, for his sake, that is this season. He may have great speed (4.28/40), but he must eliminate the mistakes. On five occasions last season he was flagged for holding and for running out of bounds while covering punts. If he cleans that up, he may have a chance to make the final 53. If not, he would be on the street without any longer having practice squad eligibility.

The other is Josh Victorian, whom Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake spoke highly of at his press conference to introduce draft pick Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne. Lake's attention turned briefly to Victorian in describing how he came to be with the team.

"Josh really was a surprise for us," Lake said. "We needed some bodies really to work the look team for our offense and we brought Josh in specifically for that. He was on a developmental team and because of the amount of injuries we had, Josh was it. He was our starter by default.

"Like I said before, I had probably two weeks with him to get him ready and his first start was against Dallas in Dallas. I have to give my hat off to him for coming in and really concentrating and getting ready specifically because we didn’t have much time with him before that."

Victorian has an honest chance at making the Steelers 53-man roster out of training camp this year. If not, he, unlike DVD, still has practice squad eligibility.

While the competition doesn't necessarily mean we'll see fights in Training Camp like we did last year (twice) between AB and Ike, we can safely say that those who make the final cuts will have run the gauntlet and will have proven that they want to be winners.

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TIDBITS: The 2013 version of the NFL Network's annual Top 100 Players revealed that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wound up all the way down at No. 61 spot this year. He was No. 30 last year. A joke both times.

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The offseason program that officially began on April 15th set the stage for the OTAs, the dates of which are: May 21-23, May 28-30 and June 3-6. Minicamp will be held on June 11-13, and after that the dates for Training Camp will announced.

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The $5.5 million Willie Colon money will be freed June 1st and officially available June 2nd. I have a feeling I know how the Steelers will use some of that money: OL depth.

Youth Being Infused Into Steelers Defense

As the 2013 offseason progresses and more information about the Pittsburgh Steelers and their draft class is disseminated, two things come into focus fairly quickly: the defense will be younger and the draft class has, well, class.

Despite many fans being up in arms over the re-signing of Buck linebacker Larry Foote to a three-year contract (only two of which he'll see), or the keeping of oft-injured Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly pointed out that the age of the Steelers defense is steadily dropping.

"[T]he Steelers have progressively gotten younger while keeping the core of their No. 1-ranked defense intact," Kaboly wrote, "which isn’t very easy to do."

"In fact," he continued, "the 'old' Steelers defense has been able to knock off a year every season and, if projections hold true for this year and into next, the Steelers will have gone from 31.1 years of age to 28.2 within a span of three offseasons without any glaring holes in the lineup and reduce their 30-year-olds on defense to as few as two in 2014 … or even less." - http://tinyurl.com/d9xs8kh

One of the younger members of the defense who has been vilified by many over the last year or so because of his weight issues and work ethic is LaMarr Woodley. After being injured and out of shape much of the last two seasons, he has been called out by his position coach -- "Don’t come to camp weighing 290" -- and by an anonymous teammate -- "He was awful. He tells us he works out, but we didn't see it. He wasn't in shape. That has to be a reason why he was always hurt."

But just a few weeks ago, Woodley let his critics know that he is ready to "get after it," saying that his "offseason is going great."

"I'm looking forward to getting back with the team in a few weeks," Woodley said per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I've been training since the middle of February ...It was a disappointing season being 8-8 and not making the playoffs. It was disappointing at the end of the day....I said this offseason I'd be determined to get after it."

Others who look to be determined are cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen who, as If It Ain't Steel related a couple of weeks ago, are working together with To Shaw down at Wide World of Sports complex in Florida. Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Allen has had some praiseworthy words for Taylor who is becoming a mentor.

"Ike is one of the hardest workers I've met," said Allen. "Seeing the way he does things is something that I would one day like to model. I'm getting a close-up view of what it takes to play 10 years in this league."

"We know what's required in the scheme of what we do," he continued. "We know how to push one another. We have to coach each other. We're making one another and the team better as a whole."

With Allen slated to get his chance to start next season opposite Taylor, joining him in this training and mentoring is ideal for 'making one another...better.'

Another who is actually in battle for a roster spot is inside linebacker Marshall McFadden, about whom Mark Kaboly effervesced when speaking of his "power and potential." Because of some CBA technicality, 2012 wasn't an accrued season for McFadden, so he was given with an opportunity to participate in the team's rookie Minicamp, which he called a "refresher."

"When I came in last year during rookie minicamp I was struggling to understand things because it was all so new to me," said McFadden. "Coming in this year and taking that step again, it was an introduction again. It was great for me because I got a better understanding because I had a year to develop. My mind is clear enough to understand it this year. It was a great refresher for me."

"I am classified as someone that has to take a big step this year," McFadden continued. "Once the OTAs start, it can do nothing but help me by knowing what to do, playing faster, knowing where to be, where to go. This was perfect for it."

McFadden, who led the Steelers last preseason in total tackles, spent most of the 2012 on the practice squad, although he did see time on the active roster late in the year due to injuries. Don't count him out for 2013.

Then there is 23-year old, 5'10", 180-pound cornerback Isaiah Green, the second-year man out of Fresno State. Per Behind The Steel Curtain, he wants to be more than just a Training Camp body. In the article they wrote about him, and according to his Fresno State bio, Green has a "nose for the ball" all the requisite physical skills, making him another to watch in Latrobe:

"...a fast and athletic player who will is expected to see action in the secondary and on special teams ... penciled in as a starting cornerback heading into fall camp ... one of the fastest players on the team with a 4.29 40-yard dash." - http://tinyurl.com/d795cnq

Last but not least there is outside linebacker Adrian Robinson, the speed rusher from last season. We'll be focising on him in an upcoming piece.

As for the rookies, it's easy to get excited about this year's draft class. Not only because of what they will bring to the field, but also because they seem to exude what the 2012 class was bereft of: common sense and maturity.

First, there is Jarvis Jones, the southern gentleman. Shamarko Thomas, as we told you recently, will 'work hard until his hands and his feet fall off.' Plus, two others who could end up being steals and contributors this season: the Black Cat and The Destroyer.

When Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake speaks of rookie Terry Hawthorne, he tends to mention one thing fairly often: "He is fast." 4.31/40 fast.

"What I like about Terry," Lake said, "is that he has a lot of upside potential that I see in him. I think he has all the physical tools. He is big. He is fast. He doesn't mind tackling, and he can play press coverage well, kind of in the same way as an Ike Taylor."

Hawthorne himself is saying all the right things, such as his proclamation that he'll 'do whatever he can to help the team' and to turn the corner.

"I'm just trying to get my technique down," Hawthorne said. "They've been correcting me on my technique. I had bad technique. As I'm getting my technique better, they're starting to get a little more comfortable with me....It gives me a great advantage for them to correct my technique now." - http://t.co/goD1wdnudG

Another to keep your eye on is inside linebacker Vince Williams. When Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola was on the Steelers Live show this past Tuesday and was asked if any other player had caught his eye over the minicamp weekend, Williams was his focus.

"The one guy that I kind of noticed was Vince Williams," Labriola said. "He would be the second pick in the sixth round, an inside linebacker from Florida State. Vince Williams, a couple of the things that I liked about him, were first of all, it wasn't very long into the on field sessions when Vince Williams was instructing teammates about where they needed to be, and shifting and those kind of things.

"Vince Williams did a lot of the defensive play calling during his college career and it seems like he has a very high football IQ and it seemed to me," he continued, "watching from the side, that that was a little bit on display right from the beginning."

Labriola continued by expounding on the main factor that's going to get him a spot on this roster, that "he's going to make special teams coordinator Danny Smith a very happy person."

"One of the main concepts, basic concepts of playing special teams, covering kicks, is find the guy with the ball, get the guy with the ball on the ground....This is a guy who will be able to find the guy with the ball and get him on the ground on special teams plays, and that alone could make him a very valuable part of the 2013 Steelers."

Despite head coach Mike Tomlin's disputing linebacker coach Keith Butler regarding Sean Spence as to whether he'll ever return or not, between McFadden and Williams, the question as to Spence's replacement may have been answered.

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TIDBITS: This doesn't feel right as a "tidbit," but Jack Butler, the great NFL Hall of Famer and former Pittsburgh Steeler, died Saturday morning. He was 85. Here is the statement by the Steelers: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-statement-on-passing-of-Jack-Butler/93753b20-7311-4cb8-ad60-9f339e6e6bd8

Butler was just inducted into the Hall of Fame back in August and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette said that he had never seen him so happy. About a year before he was finally recognized by the Hall, If It Ain't Steel had written about the travesty of not having this great man donning a mustard-colored jacket. We leave you with the piece written at that time as it chronicles all of his accomplishments. RIP, Mr. Butler. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2011/08/jack-butler-should-be-in-hall-of-fame.html

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Steelers hire two in the family as scouts -- Dan Colbert, Kevin's son, and Mike Butler, son of deceased HOFer Jack Butler.
The Steelers also promote Phil Kreidler to college scouting coordinator to replace Ron Highes, who stays as an adviser. Mark Bruener was also promoted and had been a BLESTO scout for a couple of years.