Steelers roster starts to take shape

[LLT]

Should they stay or should they go? Steelers roster starts to take shape
By: Mike Bires
Beaver County Times
Sunday August 22, 2010 12:24 AM


http://media.timesonline.com/thumb/368x276/22mendenhall667190.jpg


For Mike Tomlin and his assistant coaches, two weeks remain in their team-building project.

After three weeks of training camp, the process continues Monday when the Steelers return to team headquarters in Pittsburgh.

With the final cut-down date of Sept. 4 just 13 days away, Times Steelers beat writer Mike Bires sorts through a position-by-position look at how the Steelers’ roster is taking shape:

Read More http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1424/2010/august/22/should-they-stay-or-should-they-go-steelers-roster-starts-to-take-shape.html

[steelpride12]

Thanks for posting this it was an excellent read. Im so excited to see the decisions the coaches make in the next few weeks.

[Dino 6 Rings]

RBs
I kind of like the way Vincent runs the ball from what I've seen. I think he should get a really long hard look with the 1st or 2nd team, to see if we can't keep him on the roster.

WRs
I think Ward, El, Wallace, Sanders, Brown and Grisham. I'm not high on Battle and 6WRs could make this roster.

TEs
Mchugh can go in my opinion. I'd hold Johnson.

OL
Really, whoever makes the roster just needs to have their heads out of their arse, I've got nothing to to add here and no opinion on this mess of a crew til it shows me it can effing pass block and run block in the same drive.

LBs.
We know the starters, I just want FOX on the roster cause the guy is a beast and makes plays.

Dline
Just get me a solid back up for Smith incase he goes down again. Proven 2 times now, we can't win big games without him in the lineup.

Secondary
Will Allen is a great pick up. From what I've seen. Troy healthy equals the Playoffs. Bottom line.

Special Teams
JUST TACKLE ON THE KICK COVERAGE YOU EFFFING MORONS

That is all at this time.

Oh, and Batch needs to go. El could take snaps if we went with the Lefty Dixon combo til Ben came back and both got hurt. Whatever.

Here is the key to being QB for 4 weeks. As proven by Lefty this weekend....hand off the ball, then, once in a while throw the ball Really Really Really Really Deep to Wallace. He'll be open, just throw it as far as you can. There isn't a d-back that can stay with him on a straight sprint down the field. STOP Underthrowing the Kid BEN!

[LLT]

Four receivers are locks: Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Antwaan Randle El and rookie Emmanuel Sanders, a third-round draft pick.

The fifth WR spot will come down to rookie Antonio Brown, a sixth-round pick who can return kicks, or veteran Arnaz Battle.

Browns play may change the dynamics of special teams...the WR corp...and might even cause a domino affect that extends into what linebackers are kept on the final roster.

Brown had 2 KR's for an average of 25 yards each...and 4 PR's for an average of 10 yards each. Out of the 13 players that fielded over 40 KR's last year, only 5 averaged over 25 yards per return. Out of the 13 players who had over 30 PR's, Brown would have been ranked #7 overall in the league with his 10 yards per return. These kind of stats (if continued) are indeed enough to make Logan expendable.

With only one roster spot up for grabs at the WR position, I think that the Steelers may be VERY tempted to cut Battle and let Brown take that last spot. Not only because Brown has the versatility to play WR and RS...but also because Battle's ability to stay on the roster is reliant on his ST play. It's apparant that Stephenson Sylvester is a keeper at LB and would be snatched off the PS....so we need to find a spot for him. With Brown pushing Battle at WR...I think that Sylvester pushes him at ST.

[SteelMember]

Can't argue too much with that list.

The biggest issue to me is keeping charlie. If keeping him means we lose an extra WR in Battle or logan, or an extra LB in Gibson or Sylvester... cut him. I'd rather have the depth for a guy that might actually see the field.

I guess that's just me though.

[LLT]

Can't argue too much with that list.

The biggest issue to me is keeping charlie. If keeping him means we lose an extra WR in Battle or logan, or an extra LB in Gibson or Sylvester... cut him. I'd rather have the depth for a guy that might actually see the field.

I guess that's just me though.

I would bet that Batch is gone...remember, we have ARE as insurance as a third QB in a pinch.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Can't argue too much with that list.

The biggest issue to me is keeping charlie. If keeping him means we lose an extra WR in Battle or logan, or an extra LB in Gibson or Sylvester... cut him. I'd rather have the depth for a guy that might actually see the field.

I guess that's just me though.

Yeah i agree. We have the luxury of having 4 good QB's on the same roster. I know we just signed him to a two year deal, but let's let him walk or at least try to trade him for something.

[Merchant]

I want Sylvester Stevenson on the squad.. bye-bye Batch or Hartwig

[SMR]

I want Sylvester Stevenson on the squad.. bye-bye Batch or Hartwig

I second that.

[LLT]

If indeed rookie Maurkice Pouncey takes over the starting job at center, the Steelers must decide whether to keep Justin Hartwig or cut him. Hartwig is due to make $2.080 million this year. That’s a lot of money for a backup center.

With the addition of Pouncey and tackle Flozell Adams, the 35-year-old former Dallas Cowboy, the Steelers have a solid first unit on the O-line. But they’re trying to figure out who their best reserves will be.

Last year, the Steelers kept nine offensive linemen. The three top reserves right now are center/guard Doug Legursky, guard/tackle Ramon Foster and tackle Jonathan Scott.

Might the Steelers give up on third-year tackle Tony Hills, who’s only played in one game so far as a Steeler? Or do the Steelers cut center/guard Kraig Urbik, a third-round pick last year who didn’t dress for one game as a rookie?


I think Urbik is still eligible for the PS.... Hills is gone. Legursky is on the bubble depending on what they do with Hartwig and Urbik.

[O'Malley]

Cutting Batch pains me to say but it would be a good move. We have a unique problem with to much talent, man what a good problem.

[SteelerSal]

RBs
I kind of like the way Vincent runs the ball from what I've seen. I think he should get a really long hard look with the 1st or 2nd team, to see if we can't keep him on the roster.



Hasn't Vincent been on the PS the last couple of seasons?
From what I can remember the last few preseasons, Vincent has not impressed me other than the one decent run he had the other night.

[SteelMember]

Hasn't Vincent been on the PS the last couple of seasons?
From what I can remember the last few preseasons, Vincent has not impressed me other than the one decent run he had the other night.

Vincent has been on the PS ever since he left LSU 10 years ago.

Ok. not 10 years. It just seems that long. :lol:

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I think Urbik is still eligible for the PS.... Hills is gone. Legursky is on the bubble depending on what they do with Hartwig and Urbik.

IDK, Hills is lining up as the #2 LT and I think he may actually make the 53. I like what I see from Urbik, but he's running with the 3rds right now. Something tells me the Steelers cut Logan and use Brown or Randle El for punts and keep 10 O linemen

I would not have a problem if they cut Hartwig and decided to go with Pouncey or Legursky, but I dont know if its gonna happen.

[LLT]

IDK, Hills is lining up as the #2 LT and I think he may actually make the 53. I like what I see from Urbik, but he's running with the 3rds right now. Something tells me the Steelers cut Logan and use Brown or Randle El for punts and keep 10 O linemen

I would not have a problem if they cut Hartwig and decided to go with Pouncey or Legursky, but I dont know if its gonna happen.

I think your right about Logan...Never thought about the fact that if Brown takes Logans and Battles slot that it actually opens TWO roster positions. We would be able to keep that extra OL that you mentioned and also have Sylvester take Battles slot on ST's.

[ALLD]

At this point I like battle over Randal El. ARE has not shown anything and Battle has been catching everything throw at him.

[LLT]

At this point I like battle over Randal El. ARE has not shown anything and Battle has been catching everything throw at him.

I agree that Battles has looked pretty good this pre-season...But I cant help but wonder which Battles is for real...The one that we have seen these last two games or the one that has averaged 25 catches and 1.5 TD's a year since being in the NFL.

If we keep him I hope he has a year like he did in 2006 or 2007 with the 49ers.

[7willBheaven]

Theres gonna be a few tough ones...

QB is set i think (Batch goes at some point)

RB is pretty much set with Mendy, Moore, Redman and Summers

WR - if they keep 5 it will be between Battle and Brown...i'd like to see both make it...if they keep 6 they both do

TEs - The last spot between McHugh and Johnson...I always liked McHugh and Johnson would not have made the team last year if McHugh didnt get hurt.

OL - Before the preseason games started...a lot of this seemed easy...but now...it could be tricky...on average they keep 9. Depends on what happens with C...if Pouncey wins...does Hartwig go...Adams at RT...does he improve enough to be kept on the team at all? Only 4 of...Hills, J. Scott, Legursky, Urbik, and Foster are kept...it'd be nice to keep all 5 (esp if Hartwig is cut...but if he becomes a BU...then we have to loose another young guy to keep him). I've never been High on Foster...and i think the other 4 have looked better than him....Foster plays 4 of 5 positions (like Essex). Leg/Urbik play the middle 3 and Hills/Scott play T...i think if you keep those 4 you're covered...i dunno...just depends what happens at C because it can have a ripple effect on everything.

DL - We know the 5 locks...Smith, Ham, Keisel, Hoke, Hood...question is do they keep 6 or their usual 7? If they keep 6 its between Eason (who looked good last yr) and Harris (who they liked a lot last yr also)...also Worthington has potential but i dont see room for him...this year. maybe next year though

LB - Another tricky one...do they keep 8 like the last few yrs or 9 like they have before also...i think the ones who are locks are the 4 starters, Foote, Fox, Worilds and Gibson (Gibson would NOT last on the PS like someone mentioned)...so it comes down to if they keep 9 Sylvester makes it...and i think he should...i dont see him lasting all yr on the PS either..

CB - usually keep 6 (though they COULD keep 5) the last spot is between Butler and STer Madison (i dont see Madison offering much as a CB like Butler)...i'd keep Butler

S - pretty much set...the only BU i'd say who is fighting for a spot could be Mundy...as Cromartie-Smith has looked good.

ST - Reed, Sep and Warren

As much as I'd like Logan to make the team (he set team records last yr/etc)...I liked what i saw in Brown during returns...plus his upside as a WR...i just dont know...Logan is in a battle.

[Killer]

He was going good until this.....

With the addition of Pouncey and tackle Flozell Adams, the 35-year-old former Dallas Cowboy, the Steelers have a solid first unit on the O-line

Really?

The 1st team O-line has played like shit. Revolving door at the tackles and Hartwig still getting bowled over up the gut.

Starks was just as bad at LT as Flo was at RT. Kemo was useless.



In fact - the 2nd team O-line rocked - Hills, Foster, Pouncey, Legursky, Scott - looked better.

Pouncey was kicking ass and taking names.

[LLT]

In fact - the 2nd team O-line rocked - Hills, Foster, Pouncey, Legursky, Scott - looked better.

Pouncey was kicking ass and taking names.

Legursky did look pretty good. I have said it before, He gets better leverage than anyone else on the team. He isnt the most talented lineman I have ever seen, but you cant deny his technique and leverage.

[BlastFurnace]

From everything I have read from Bouchette, Lolley, and Laird...Bires is off on a lot of his fringe guys.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I think your right about Logan...Never thought about the fact that if Brown takes Logans and Battles slot that it actually opens TWO roster positions. We would be able to keep that extra OL that you mentioned and also have Sylvester take Battles slot on ST's.

I think Sylvester is gonna get cut and attempted to sign to the PS. He might not make it, but he really plays high and reminds me of a lighter version of Steve Conley as an OLB. I think we see Gibson, Worlids, Foote, Fox as the backups, but maybe Sly makes it too.

[Burghfan58]

IDK, Hills is lining up as the #2 LT and I think he may actually make the 53. I like what I see from Urbik, but he's running with the 3rds right now. Something tells me the Steelers cut Logan and use Brown or Randle El for punts and keep 10 O linemen

I would not have a problem if they cut Hartwig and decided to go with Pouncey or Legursky, but I dont know if its gonna happen.

I say Hills makes it. Ithought he stunk the last 2 years but he looks like a different player this year. I've been watching him on every play this preseason and he hasn't missed a block. I think he's on the squad.

[Steeltreal]

His final number is 52 minus Logan?

[Steeltreal]

RBs
I kind of like the way Vincent runs the ball from what I've seen. I think he should get a really long hard look with the 1st or 2nd team, to see if we can't keep him on the roster.


Fail

[Galax Steeler]

I say Hartwig will make it one more year and then after that I see him being gone.

[Galax Steeler]

I want Sylvester Stevenson on the squad.. bye-bye Batch or Hartwig

I say Hartwig will make it one more year for the simple reason of being a back up hopefully to Pouncey.