Keisel close to 5 year extension, what does this mean…And thoughts on WR/final 53
by SteelCage on Aug 31, 2009 6:33 AM EDT
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http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09243/994451-66.stm
So Brett Keisel is close to signing a five year extension, Aaron Smith is under contract until 2011, and we have rookies Ziggy Hood and Ra’Shon Harris both showing great upside. Does this mean we have too many ends with starting potential?! Not necessarily. Ziggy Hood is at least a season away from starting and Ra’shon Harris will take a couple of years to develop. However, this could mean Casey Hampton is gone. Big Snack is a monster of a man, much more than capable of holding his own at the point of attack. However, the once dominant two gap NT has become much more of a one gap player in the past 3 seasons, due largely to his lack of conditioning, in my opinion. He is still very dominant, however, normally a one gap tackle produces sacks, Casey comes out on obvious passing downs. I don’t believe he will take the hometown discount and that paired with Tomlin’s team-first attitude and last year’s conditioning debacle, I believe he will play for a new contract elsewhere. Here are a few possibilities for replacing him, feel free to disagree and I look forward to other ideas:
1. After the draft, John Mitchell and Dick Lebeau talked about using Ziggy all over the line, backing up the DE and Big Snack. With the scheme having shifted to a one gap NT anyways, Ziggy, a one-gap tackle in college with some pass rushing abilities would make perfect sense. Also, with a year in a pro strength and conditioning program and John Mitchell teaching him the DE position, he could potentially afford us the ability to return to the two-gap NT and just do the one-gap thing on obvious passing downs. This would give us some real potential. Harris could take the next couple of years to develop and replace Smith with he retires in 2011. Another DE project could be brought in the next couple of years to develop as Keisel’s eventual replacement.
2. Ziggy is primarily learning Smith’s LDE position, could Aaron Smith shift inside to NT for a year or two to allow them to develop a new NT. Think about it, aside from Big Snack, few people in this league hold up as well against double teams as Smith. He could still stuff the run, and then Ziggy could replace him as LDE with Harris as the backup with a couple more years to develop behind Keisel, or eventually overtake him leaving Keisel as a back-up, although developing behind him would be more likely.
3. Draft a stud NT, like Alabama NT Terrence Cody, 6’5’’, 360 lbs. He showed some dedication this offseason and lost some weight (claimed to play at 370 last year but was likely 380+). He looks good, is a big run stuffer, and is much more athletic than his size would suggest (can supposedly dunk) although he does run in the 5.5 range, not that that is all that important for the 3-4 NT.
via media.scout.com
4. If we lose Big Snack, look to the Original Poachers of Steelers’ castoffs, the Patriots. Vince Wilfork is in the final year of his contract, is has expressed some dissatisfaction with the lack of a new contract. Only 27 years old, and is much better conditioned and as good as Big Snack was at that age or quite possibly ever. If he can be had without breaking the bank (which is very unlikely with the number of teams going to 3-4) he would be a great addition. The Pats have many other DT and just drafted Ron Brace of Texas who has looked like a potential Wilfork replacement.
via cache.boston.com
5. This is, IMHO, the most likely scenario, Next year we have Smith and Keisel at DE with Hoke at NT with Hood rotating in at all three positions and drafting a NT developmental project, say in the 5th round or so, kind of like what the Steelers would have done if Sammie Lee Hill of Stillman this year had been drafted, he would sit on PS for one year and then 53 for a year or two until the Miracle Worker (John Mitchell) molded him into a Steelers 3-4 NT.
Now, onto my WR thoughts and their effect on the final 53. So, Devand Darling of the Chiefs is out for the season with an ACL tear. He was starting opposite Dwayne Bowe, although he wasn’t all that hot anyways. Amani Toomer and Mark Bradley are behind him. We have an influx of WR and everyone keeps trying to figure a way to keep this guy or that guy, so I propose the "Behind the Steel Curtain" sin, let’s make a trade. I joke about the BTSC sin, as I have agreed that most of the proposed trades are preposterous, FWP isn’t going anywhere contrary to the outcry during the offseason. But, Shawn McDonald may end up the odd man out anyways, and would fit much better in the dink and dunk Chiefs system. He could be Scott Pioli’s Wes Welker. We are keeping our starters, Sweed as three and Wallace as four. We could then keep Logan as the emergency 5/KR/PR and keep a WR or two on PS or keep a Martin Nance or someone else as insurance. I think the Chiefs or one of the other WR hurting teams (Seahawks, 49ers) might give up a 3rd rounder for McDonald. What do you all think?
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McDonald is going nowhere
He gives this team outstanding depth, and will be used often. My guess is he becomes the 4th reciever here. Remember, this is probably going to be a pass first offense. We are going to need good depth at WR.
I’m not big on giving Keisel a bunch of money. To me, there are alot of guys who can do what he does. He’s not Aaron Smith, yet he gets paid like it. If we get him back cheap, fine
13 years and no playoff wins for the Dallas Cowboys... SWEET!
Keisel is smart and holds his own in the run game, he’s worth keeping until Ziggy is ready. The 5 years are likely to get him money without killing the cap. I’d like to see the cap hit if he is cut after 2 or 3 years, that will tell you how long they plan to have him.
McDonald will be fifth, Tomlin was talking Sweed vs. Wallace for the 3 spot, so I doubt McDonald is bumping Wallace of the active roster. He will be kept because he is a great insurance policy.
by Phantaskippy on Aug 31, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Ron Brace was from Boston College, not Texas I believe.
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 31, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions
Agree to disagree then
You make some really valid points, but I will counter as devil’s advocate. First, I don’t think McDonald is going anywhere, just some food for thought. FYI, last year and this year won’t be very different in terms of passing. 4 receiver sets tend to have Miller out wide. Our WR 4 have 6 catches and WR 5 had 1 ALL SEASON. He will not be needed until there is an injury. If Wallace is the KR I see him being the WR4 adn McDonald not even dressing on gameday (Steelers tend to dress 4 WR).
I agree on Keisel, and don’t get me wrong, I like having him. However, if it is a team friendly deal, bring it on. It is going to happen though.
DYMS – My bad on the Ron Brace you are 100% correct. All that Hampton talk had me fixated on Texas.
no worries….good stuff
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 31, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
About Cody
I think that, barring him getting hurt we won’t be able to get him unless we have a high draft pick. Think of all the teams that are going to or already run the 3-4: Broncos, Chiefs, Pats, Ravens, Dolphins, Jets, Chargers, Browns, Packers, Niners Arizona, Dallas, and us.
Of the list that is set with a young good NT are the Ravens, Pats, Pack, Cards. That’s 9 teams that need a NT
The Broncos don’t even have a NT but they do have some DT who have the size to become DT. The Chiefs don’t even have a DT big enough to play as a stopgap. Plus do really thing the front office will ignore the O-line again?
We won’t get Wilfork with the Chiefs, Broncos, and Dolphins all need a NT in the near future.
number 5 is the one we are most likely to do. lets just hope we find anothe diamond like Smith and Keisel.
I doubt we would trade Macdonald mainly because why would they show interest when they could have picked him up as FA. I think that the teams will let their younger WR develop. None of the teams mentioned are so close to a Super Bowl that we would put them over the edge. And MacDonald would need to learn the playbook before he could play.
A vet NT who is worth anything is going to cost more money than we have. There’s also no chance we get Terrance Cody next year. Weight or no weight, he’s a top 10 pick. You’re probably right that the best and most likely option would be to have Hoke fill in for a year, maybe with Harris backing him up. We’re not going to sign Hampton, and they’re not going to put a rookie in there, so if they were really concerned, they would have drafted his replacement this year, and not in the 6th round. I would have like to see us pick Texas NT Roy Miller over Urbik, but I guess we needed the OL help, too. Hopefully we’ll get a shot at a decent NT next year that we can groom for 2011.
By the way, Hampton has played one gap technique most of the time for his entire career. He lines up just a little to one side of the ball and controls that gap while possibly throwing the center into the backfield while he’s at it. That’s different from a 3 technique tackle like Hood in college, who lined up between the left guard and tackle and tried to split them and get into the backfield. I love Hood, but if he tried to take on a C/G double team in the middle of the line, he’d get his ass kicked.
Hampton has always played “1 gap” technique more like a 2 gap tackle than an under tackle, but he still only has one gap. What has changed over the last 2 seasons isn’t the scheme he plays, but how offenses are blocking him. If you tried to block him with just a center in his prime, he’d blow up the middle of the line and ruin any running play between the tackles. He doesn’t do that nearly as much now, so teams can get away with single blocking him and freeing a guard to get one of the LB’s.
charity standing orders
I wouldn't count on Cody as a top ten draft pick
If he has a monster of a season then he will be, but I’ve seen multiple draft gurus-ESPN’s Todd McShay and the NFL’s Gil Brandt being the most recent ones to project Cody as a lower first round prospect as of right now. McShay actually had Cody going to the Steelers 30th overall, while Brandt had Syracuse defensive lineman Arthur Jones, ranked as a better prospect.
3. Terrence Cody
College: Alabama
Height/Weight: 6-3 5/8, 370
Cody is in his second year at Alabama after playing junior college football in Mississippi. Coach Nick Saban made Cody lose 50 pounds before he would allow him to play last fall. He was named first-team All-SEC in 2008. He has good quickness for the position and will play the run well, but is not a pass rusher, which makes him a two-down player. This is a massive man. He is a mid-to-low first-round pick.-Gil Brandt
Sadly, McShay’s mock draft is on ESPN insider, which most of us, including myself, do not have, but you know google can tell you some interesting things ;) just sayin.
The biggest thing that drops Cody is exactly what Brandt says; weight and and stamina, two things that can be coached up in our fine organization. Again I’ll hold off on going through a full run down of the guy until I see more from him this year, and I know it’s way to early for this stuff right now, but he could be there for us come next Spring.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm, I hadn’t heard much from him since he didn’t declare for the draft, at which point a number of people had him going before Raji. Anyways, I’m uncomfortable drafting a guy early with weight induced question marks. It’s like assuming the person you’re dating is going to change. There just aren’t many 400 lb NT’s with long track records of success. Even Hampton was only 310ish coming out of school.
One more point is that under Tomlin, we’ve increasingly focused on stopping the pass, which is smart in the NFL today. I don’t see a reason to spend a premium pick on a 2 down NT who can’t get to the QB. He would have a place in our defense, but I’d rather see us fill that spot with some later picks like Ahtyba Rubin in 2007 (6th round) or Roy Miller in 2008 (3rd round). I have my eye on Dan Williams and LaMarr Houston this year.
We need to use premium picks on the OL more than the DL right now.
charity standing orders
Fair Point
We need to use premium picks on the OL more than the DL right now.
And I completely agree with you, and though Cody may be my personal favorite for next year, he’s not the number 1 guy I think the Steelers could get but more on that later. The problem is, assuming we finish in the last 4 or 5 picks again, there are very rarely offensive linemen left worthy of a premium pick. This year is a pretty deep class so hopefully there will be a Ciron Black or a O’Dowd left on the board.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
At some point we’re going to have to draft some OL’s with our top picks. I’m a big supporter of taking what the board gives you and drafting for value, but we have a Super Bowl caliber roster with great starters and decent depth just about everywhere and probably the worst OL in league (and getting worse). I mean reach already. We had a chance to trade up to get Unger or Beatty, but we deemed them too expensive and picked Urghbik after trading down.
We don’t need all of our picks – we just need a good OL or two to point us in the right direction. Let’s just hope your boy Shipley shows something.
charity standing orders
Shipley's my boy?
lol I can’t recall getting overly excited about him, but I was happy we got him where we did, and I am rooting for him to make the roster as much as the next guy. Alex Mack was the guy I was rootin’ for but he’s a Brownie now. Ugh that was so painful on draft day, the only consolation I get out of it is that Browns probably passed up on so many more players that could have helped them out in a bigger way. I was hoping to get Beatty too and the Steelers could have probably traded up for him, but then we don’t get Wallace, who looks like he actually maybe a gem of a 3rd round pick. The stupidest thing I have ever said on BTSC after that was “I can’t believe they liked him over Mike Thomas”, as I had envisioned both of them as possible Steelers before the draft, but had ultimately decided I’d prefer Thomas. Boy do I take that back.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm, for some reason I thought you were one of the many people around here who were pimping him.
charity standing orders
nah
I think the most I’ve said on him was that he’s been solid. I am rooting for him, but he’ll probably be on the PS, with Legursky having the edge of 1 year of experience on him.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know Bad, I don’t agree the OL is getting worse. I like what I have seen so far in the pre-season. I’m very curious to see how this plays out this season. When you have so much strength in so many areas, somewhere has to be the weakest, but I really think we are going to see some definite improvement this year from that group.
Well, the main thing I was referring to was our depth taking a hit losing Stapler. If we lose any of our OL’s we’re inserting UDFA’s or Urbik to back them up. Not good. I like Essex at guard, though, and Colon has looked decent.
At this time last year, our backups were Stapleton, Starks, Essex, and Mahan. Since then, we’ve lost Smith, Simmons, Stapleton, and Mahan. In my mind, that makes the line worse, even if the starting 5 are comparable.
Injuries happen. We were ready for them last year. We’re not ready this year.
charity standing orders
The Steelers last year started one guy with a bad back and another with diabetes (granted his injury had nothing to do with the diabetes).
I still feel better in general about the OL this year then I felt heading into last year.
Good point on Essex
When the running game has looked good this preseason, it usually has been when running behind Essex and Colon.
Depth definitely looks shakier at tackle right now versus last year. But the starting left tackle also isn’t trying to play with a creaky spine.
by pghnorthside on Sep 1, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
And with
Cody’s durability is a factor, and imo, the major reason he could be available when our pick roles around in 2010, but it’s not like the coaching staff doesn’t have experience in dealing with overweight Nose Tackles. Lets get real here, I think Big Snack has probably broken 350 in the last couple of offseasons and with a coach as great as John Mitchell is coupled with Tomlin’s ability to connect with players, I think Cody could be trimmed down to a much more respectable weight within the matter of a season. If they were to get him I’d limit his play until he gets down to 330. It’s not like he’d be starting anyway, even if Hampton were to leave. He’d see the field in goal line, short yardage situations, etc, and wouldn’t get serious playing time till he was at a good weight and knew the system. Pittsburgh is probably one of the best places for him to end up, not that he wouldn’t be successful elsewhere, and Pittsburgh is probably the best place to go for a lot of rookies, but he could be a real nice fit here.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s safe to assume that we’re considerably better than average at developing DL’s or helping them keep their weight in check. If Hampton was in better shape there’s a good chance he’d have a contract for next year already. We also haven’t developed a decent DL since 2002 (assuming you count Keisel) and have numerous prospects like Nua, Harris, McBean, Adibi, Taylor, and numerous UDFA’s who haven’t contributed at all. The past 6 years have suggested to me that maybe we were more lucky than good with Aaron Smith.
Anyways, I used this metaphor above, but I’ll say it again: expecting Terrance Cody to play at 330 lbs if we draft him is like expecting your deadbeat baby daddy to go to college and get a job with a 401k if you marry him.
charity standing orders
Haha
there’s always the starvation technique. All I’m saying is if we can get Casey Hampton out on the field and have him play as effectively as he does, there shouldn’t be much of a difference. Of course it all depends on the kind of person Cody is and his work ethic, but hey, Casey Hampton isn’t exactly Rocky in the offseason:
I will say the pose is similar.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I googled Casey Hampton Partying.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I've seen Arthur Jones in person...
And I don’t see it. I guess that is why I am not employed by ESPN, NFL Network or Scouts Inc. I don’t get where all this is coming from. Maybe it’s his supporting cast, but Kiper has him going in the top 15 or so too. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 31, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
By the way...
Cody was 400+ when Saban scouted him out of JuCo. He told him if you want to play D1, you’ve got to lose weight, he did… I guess.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 31, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
And now that I fully read your post...
I look like an idiot… My bad.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 31, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Ohohoho YES
3. Draft a stud NT, like Alabama NT Terrence Cody, 6’5’’, 360 lbs. He showed some dedication this offseason and lost some weight (claimed to play at 370 last year but was likely 380+). He looks good, is a big run stuffer, and is much more athletic than his size would suggest (can supposedly dunk) although he does run in the 5.5 range, not that that is all that important for the 3-4 NT.
587193_medium
FINALLY a fellow “Mount Cody” fan! I’ve been bringing up Cody’s name here and there around here as a potential first round guy next year, and being the draft freak I am I will post more on him as the season goes on, but I’ll hold off until then.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions
Good stuff
Drafting a guy as NT next year makes a lot of sense. Hampton is great but he’s not a Tomlin guy and for that reason he might be gone next year. Tomlin could then draft one of those workaholic types he likes and develop him behind Hoke. Don’t know about your trade theory, though. I don’t think McDonald would command a draft pick at this point. We couldn’t even get one for Joey Porter, so a guy who nobody wanted in April seems unlikely to command a pick of any kind, let alone a third rounder. Plus, injuries are common and we could very well end up in that situation too down the road. Would you want your best player throwing to unproven players? I think they like their depth at WR and would not get enough to risk compromising it.
Nobody has mentioned the switch to the 4-3 defense????
wonder why
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 31, 2009 2:51 PM EDT reply actions
Funny
I’m still not fully convinced that we’re not headed there long term. Our nickel defense is basically a 4-2-5 Tampa-2 defense. The good thing is that it doesn’t matter. Hampton is the only guy who wouldn’t fit in the Tampa stop-the-pass defense, so it will be interesting to see how he is replaced.
It will be the most un-hyped and understated transistion if it does happen, though. I have a feeling that one day we’re going to be watching a preseason game and say, “are they running a 4-3?”, kind of like in 2008 we said, “are they running a stretch play?” Hopefully the defense’s transition will go smoother and make more sense than the offense’s, though.
charity standing orders
agree with you…I think we are creating a defense based on the personal we have rather than creating a team based on personal. LeBeau is smart enough to get it done with who we have.
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 31, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I got harassed last time I brought it up like I was suggesting Dan Snyder and the Rooney’s trade teams.
I definitely think we are heading that way. Our 3-4 lineman are getting old, and the hybrid LB’s we used to grab late and rock with are going earlier and getting more money. True DE’s are cheaper than ever now. We always have benefited from running the least popular defense, and therefore saving cap space and draft picks building our team. If everyone wants what we use, we’ll find a new way to do it.
Timmons and Woodley would both work as 4-3 OLB. DB’s don’t change much and Burnett is a cover 2 corner. Keisel getting extended to me looks like we are contemplating a switch and may not be drafting 3-4 ends so much any more. 5 years ago Hood would have gone early first round to a 4-3 team, this year he is grabbed late as a possible 3-4 end. It all makes a little too much sense.
The youth on our roster is looking more and more like a Tampa Bay defense and west coast offense. Cheaper O-lineman, play making WR’s, versatile RB’s. Pass rushing DT, strong side LB (Timmons), weak side LB (woodley) Troy would be deadly in a cover 2 still, and both Burnett and Lewis would fit fine.
by Phantaskippy on Aug 31, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know man
I don’t agree that the Steelers have run the least popular defense. The 3-4 has come, gone, come, gone, and come again (giggity).
The Steelers haven’t changed in all that time. This is, what, year 15 of the 3-4 for the Steelers. I don’t see that changing for quite a while.
Back in the late 90’s and up until Belichick started using the 3-4 a lot there were one or two teams out there running it, and they didn’t know what they were doing. When DE salaries were skyrocketing we signed A. Smith to a reasonable contract. We have saved money running a defense that uses players other defenses don’t at D-line and LB. Kirkland Holmes, A Smith, we didn’t face competition for these players like we would right now.
I don’t mean it was always unpopular, I am just saying we benefitted from it building this defense and one or two generations back by getting players lower in the draft or cheaper than we would now. We also scout and evaluate as good as anyone and better than a lot, but the lack of competition helped.
by Phantaskippy on Aug 31, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Most nickel defenses are similar
I don’t see us drafting a two-down fat defensive lineman with a limited shelf life in any round of the NFL draft, let alone the first. I can foresee your scenario though badmaafala, about someday looking at the field and saying, hey we’re running a 4-3 here on this series with Hood and Smith as the tackles and Woodley with his hand on the ground at LDE. But that’s more a reflection of personnel flexibility working vs. a certain team in a certain situation. Harris and Hood could be a good set of DTs in a 4-3 in the future. But I don’t see us getting away from the base 3-4. That’s what we’re good at and it takes years to develop personnel not only in starting roles but to build up depth. Kiesel’s signing is to maintain quality rotational depth at DE.
As for the draft, I think a safety is very high on the priority list. Louis Delmas was a distinct possibility for them in this past draft and this year’s draft is very deep at that position. Traditionally safeties aren’t taken high in the first round, though that will change this year with Mays and Berry.
by steeler.lifer on Aug 31, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I love Keisel, but I don’t like this deal at all. It seems like we are finally starting to get younger on the D-Line, with Hood & Harris, and they extend another guy over 30? I realize the young guys will have some growing pains, but let them play! We could get by next year with A. Smith, Hoke, Eason/Kirschke/Hood, Harris, and potential free agents/2010 draft pick(s). After this season, Hood will have a year under his belt, so he should be ready to go. Plus, if the staff doesn’t feel he’s completely ready, there are some quick-fixes to get us by a year or two.
For example, if no CBA is reached, we will have (2) tags to use on free agents. So, we could tag Keisel or Hampton for another year, if we wanted just to get through another year to let the young guys learn. Heck, we could tag them both if we wanted.
Another reason I don’t like this deal is that it probably means there will be no deal for Ryan Clark. I would like to see Clark in Steel City for a long time, because he is younger and there is NO depth behind him at safety. I realize he is a little injury-prone, but he is a hard worker and hard hitter on the field, and a fan favorite off the field. I think Clark has more value, because there isn’t anyone on the roster who will be able to replace Clark anytime soon.
+1,000
We don’t have an extra 18 milli kicking around.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 31, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Cap?
Won’t 2010 be an uncapped year if the cba talks fail? I can’t remember if it will be 2010 or 2011. I agree it is a lot to pay a DE, but when the cap is gone, 18 million will be a drop in the bucket, especially for the Redskins and Cowboys. The spending is going to get stupid, like major league baseball, and contracts will go haywire. It will be stupid teams like Washington that pay mediocre players an insane amount of money that will drive contracts through the roof. The Steelers will be smart and get the most for their money, and guys who want big cheddar will be shown the door. That being said, they could probably afford 18 million if it means keeping a championship-caliber team together for another year. It might not be the smartest thing to pay the money, but as long as the window (for a championship) is open, let’s keep the breeze blowing.
Apparently, now Hood will be replacing A.Smith in the future, so that means we still need depth on the D-Line with guys getting up there in age and Hampton possibly leaving, but that’s nothing new. At least with Hood and Harris, there is an injection of youth to come eventually.
We do not have depth at safety. There has been talk of Townsend playing S/CB this year, but even then, he’s old and slow. Tyrone Carter is a liability. Mundy hasn’t really shown enough, and there’s no one else on the roster that has a shot to make the team @ safety. I have no problem using the tag on Clark, but they need a long term solution to fill his shoes and right now, they don’t have one.
As far as McDonald goes, if it looks like Sweed is #3, Wallace is #4, and McDonald is truly #5 (I’ve heard conflicting reports flip-flopping Wallace & McDonald) he will never be active on game day, so yeah, I’m all for trading him and listing Logan as the #5 emergency WR. I’d take a 3rd or 4th if some team will bite. We can safely stash another WR to the practice squad if there’s any injuries along the way.
I'm not opposed to the idea of trading him...
But I think there is as much of a chance of him getting us a pick higher than round 6 as us trading for Ed Reed. Remember, Randy Moss cost NE a fourth rounder… for Randy Moss. We’re talking Shaun McDonald here. A more realistic trade, and this is just my opinion, is for a 6th rounder and a project player of some sort who has little value on their current team.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 31, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
If we are willing to trade him, we are going to cut him if they don’t trade for him. A fourth WR isn’t that valuable that you give up a pick for them.
by Phantaskippy on Aug 31, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
If you are a team like Kansas City, and your WRs can’t catch a cold, having a guy who can run decent routes and catch fairly good isn’t a bad idea. He might not be fast, but he’s pretty reliable.
We wouldn’t be able to get a bag of footballs in a trade for McDonald. I think we’ll keep him but there it’s still 50/50 that he might get cut.
by steeler.lifer on Aug 31, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Brett Keisel
I was shocked four years ago when the Steelers ridiculously overpaid Keisel. They gave him a four-year contract for $16 million. Now a new five-year deal for probably $20 million. I would rather have Kirschke. Both stop the run but cannot rush the passer.
They should have used the money to sign Ryan Clark or Jeff Reed.
Keisel really hasn’t worked out, has he? Our defense has just gone to crap the last four years.
Willie Colon - top 2 RT in the NFL
Personally
I’m sick and tired of having one of the worst D-lines in the NFL.
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
by chewiesteeler on Aug 31, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Keisel, and think he is a very good 34 DE. And, one other added bonus I like about this signing, is that he is Ben’s best friend on the team, from what I understand.
Keisel can be on the team if it makes Ben happy, sign the guy up. Heck give him a roster spot called “Big Ben’s roommate” and I’ll be Okay. Actually Keisel is a solid DE for us, and this signing gives Ziggy time without pressure.
But seriously, I usually don’t like pandering to players, but give Ben whatever he wants.
by Phantaskippy on Aug 31, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Just looking at Flacco. . .
He seems to be enjoying himself. I know it’s a weird time to have your picture taken, and a bit awkward. . . but what was going through his head?
yea I was thinking the exact same thing
Glutton for punishment I suppose… Mr. Malor you there? Any explanation?
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 31, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Remember positional flexibility?
.
Brett Keisel is being kept around because he can play 4-3 end. Yup. Still can. He once ran a 4.6 forty. He could lose 15-20 pounds and probably still do that. That’s why he was signed for five years. Something like a more sensible Jared Allen (Vikings).
It's an inglourious job...and Concomitandt is weak.
by Pedantic Basterd on Aug 31, 2009 10:19 PM EDT reply actions
I expect a higher end draft pick next year
Im predicting first two rounds go to linesman. Probably an O linesman early, and a D-linesman in the 2-3rd round.
I think Big Snack is probably due to go. He’ll get a huge pay somewhere, despite being on the edge of the cliff of his career. I think this will be his last productive year anyways.
I think its perfect to have Keisel and Smith locked down. They can coach up our young blood to be at its peak within a short period of time.
God imagining a rejuvinated young D-line providing support to our refined LB corps… its like a perfect picture really.
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