Random, verbal vomit musings really only contain any value if you go back and see how your questions have been answered. Let's take a look back at some of my thoughts and questions following the release of Jerame Tuman, Clint Kriewaldt, and Allen Rossum in late February. One might initially think that those holes - 3rd string TE, reserve LB and ST head-hunter, and return man - don't have that much impact on a team. There's an element of truth to that, but actually, when you think longer and deeper, it's easy to realize that these are little ways in which we can improve our 53 man roster and become slightly more competitive in 2008. Sure, our chances largely ride on Big Ben taking even one more step forward, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley emerging, Hampton and A. Smith being healthy, etc. But still, 3/53 is nearly 6%. You wouldn't throw away 6% of your income willy-nilly. Why would you do so with an NFL roster?

1.

Evaluation: Yet to be determined. We haven't resigned Tuman as was speculated by some, and we haven't grabbed a reserve in FA. Perhaps in the draft? I doubt it. More likely an undrafted FA rook, or a journeyman scrub waiting for a phone call. No names come to mind, but I'd guess there's a few out there still.

2.  

Evaluation: Enter Mewelde Moore. For those relatively new to the site, you can see the conclusion I came to about his signing here. It's still not clear who might handle the KR duties, but I'm pleased we got Moore for PR assignments, not to mention what he might bring as a 3rd down back, and in the event of an injury to FWP, even as a fill-in feature back. My basic theme on Moore: one man's trash is another man's treasure.

3.  

Evaluation: Enter Keyaron Fox. I'd probably be more concerned if Fox was forced into a starting role than if Moore were, but I'm still more pleased to have him than Kriewaldt. I mentioned in a previous post that I was tired of terms like 'upside' when discussing blue chip prospects. Fox is clearly not that, nor has he ever been. But as I discovered, he potentially fits the mold of an undervalued sleeper coming out of his rookie contract that the Steelers are so good at identifying and acquiring. He shined in his few opportunities to start, and more relevantly, he's been willing and succesful at banging heads on special teams. You can review his background info (including in the comments section) and his special teams accomplishments in KC here.

*******

Mind you, we're not even to the draft yet. There are still players to be claimed off waivers, and of course, the draft is still looming. Even if we were at the end of the offseason and had no more maneuverings available to us, I'd still say that we've done a solid job upgrading in a few important, if not critical, areas. The fact that we still have ample time to continue to get better should get you even more exicted. It certainly has for me.