Steelers sign players to futures contracts

[Dwinsgames]

becoming more and more convinced someone from the steelers from office either follows me on twitter or reads this forum ...

last years mock draft contest was part of it ( and all the talk in the draft forum I did about Mauro )

now we signed L'damian Washington ( another guy I talk about a lot )

we also signed Dangerfield to a futures contract ... some others as well trying to track down who all will add here when verified

The players are TE Rob Blanchflowerhttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/rob-blanchflower/7def8d88-ef24-43cd-b859-8b1c2c960d79/), CB Kevin Fogghttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/kevin-fogg/8b557d01-bd4c-44b5-b4c2-12b323ffa21c/), WR C.J. Goodwinhttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/cj-goodwin/0f21ac62-568a-4c2a-b389-2251927625bb/), DE Ethan Hemerhttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/ethan-hemer/ac70a2ca-9ed1-4040-be47-e602cfcecf18/), LB Howard Joneshttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/howard-jones/23382add-0b4c-4c18-b8ac-c9ee2c890fca/), DL Joe Krugerhttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/joe-kruger/0bcf8b1c-62a7-4fdf-a7c0-2fddfb72662a/) and OL Alejandro Villanuevahttp://www.steelers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/alejandro-villanueva/400af53b-4c9c-4fea-a1cc-0fe89b1f325a/).

[Dwinsgames]

some washington highlights from Mizzou ... note the long lanky frame at 200 pounds this is a kid who easily could add 15-20 pounds and probably not loose a lick of speed

he is also not afraid to go over the middle or go up for the ball ( even though he won't get paid to do any of that ) lol



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5gUtj4D-8w

[tube517]

some washington highlights from Mizzou ... note the long lanky frame at 200 pounds this is a kid who easily could add 15-20 pounds and probably not loose a lick of speed

he is also not afraid to go over the middle or go up for the ball ( even though he won't get paid to do any of that ) lol



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5gUtj4D-8w

:lol:

[steelreserve]

Isn't this how we ended up with Justin Brown? I am not impressed ...

[Mojouw]

Well. I think it is safe to say that the Steelers have a "type" they are looking for at wideout. Fast as hell.

Somewhere, Al Davis is smiling.

As to whether or not this kid is any good, that isn't important right now. All these futures contracts, PS guys, and folks who don't cost you much of anything to bring in are basically off-season lottery tickets.

Get him in the program and see if tall, big, and fast can be taught how to play NFL WR. If he can't play wideout, teach him to run backwards and see if he likes hitting people. Lord knows we need the bodies in the secondary.

- - - Updated - - -


Isn't this how we ended up with Justin Brown? I am not impressed ...

No. We actually drafted Justin Brown.

[Dwinsgames]

Isn't this how we ended up with Justin Brown? I am not impressed ...

Justin Brown isnt qualified to carry this kids Jock ... just sayin

[steelreserve]

No. We actually drafted Justin Brown.


Shit, we did and I missed it. Now I'm even more pissed that.

Anyway, this guy looks much more exciting, and obviously there are a few of our own practice squad guys on there too. Historically all I remember from futures contacts were guys who were basically NFL Europe castoffs who didn't have a prayer of ever making the team, let alone making any difference.

[TMC]

Justin Brown or L'damian Washington, different animals, likely end up with the same results. Brown is not fast, but he is tall with great hands. Washigton is tall and fast, but he drops a lot of easy passes. He is lazy in route, not a great route runner, does not have burst out of his breaks, and is basically a guy that can run in a straight line. Blah. Hoping C.J. Goodwin pulls a Nate Washington because I do not think Brown or L'Damian will.

Before people get too giddy about Washington, he was signed by Dallas after the draft, waived on August first, claimed by the 49ers, cut on August 30th, signed by the Giants on 09/16, released 8 days later, signed by the Clowns on 10/22, dumped a month later, and signed by Miami on 12/4. When the season ended, they opted to not sign him to a future's contract. His luggage has a lot of tags on it for one season.

[zulater]

I've heard several Steeler reporters suggest that Rob Blanchflower improved with every practice on the practice squad this year, and they give him a real chance to make the team and contribute.

[Shoes]

I've heard several Steeler reporters suggest that Rob Blanchflower improved with every practice on the practice squad this year, and they give him a real chance to make the team and contribute.

I always liked this kid, he plays like a pit bull when blocking. I think he makes the roster and helps the team, maybe as solid backup & ST. Hoping Munch sticks around and can make a LT out of Villanueva.

[steelreserve]

If Blanchflower can finally usher out the remaining member of the godawful Palmer-Paulson duo, I will be pleased as punch. If that was their plan, the front office's obligatory-useless-TE-in-the-7th-round pick may not have been stupid this time around.

[Dwinsgames]

before anyone takes this thread wrong ( and seemingly a few have already ) , he was a late round prospect , odds of succeeding are slim but when taking a late round flyer or in this case a FREE pickup , this is exactly the kind of player you want to take it on ...

he has all the measurable's it takes to succeed at this level so he is not over matched athletically , or in a size /speed ratio aspect , he is not a gimmick kind of player where you have to scheme to get him touches and he has had success as a collegiate at a bigger program so the talent jump is as miniscule as possible when making the jump from College to pro ....

15 TDs are not all by accident he has skills , can he make the leap from there , mentally and physically to succeed , who knows but the investment level is basically Nill ( this is my definition of leaving no stone unturned to improve the over all team depth ) I would have drafted him in the 6th -7th round last year and not batted an eye ... Cody Hoffman was another kid I had in the same regard highly productive collegiate with size worthy of a late round flier to provide depth .... Hoffman not nearly as fast but still rather large target more of a pos receiver instead of deep threat I would be fine adding him as well and let them battle in camp for potentially 1 spot

[Dwinsgames]

as a side note .. I fail to see the " lazy " in his game .. maybe I am missing something but here is a full game cutup vs Florida and I simply cant find " lazy" in his game ... he is a willing blocker ( not great but there is effort ) and he runs his routes even when the ball is not coming his way ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIngLBgVge4

[Psycho Ward 86]

If Blanchflower can finally usher out the remaining member of the godawful Palmer-Paulson duo, I will be pleased as punch. If that was their plan, the front office's obligatory-useless-TE-in-the-7th-round pick may not have been stupid this time around.

he will. and would have made the roster easily if not for his high ankle sprain and the coaching staff wanting a healthy special teams player immediately (michael palmer) i just hope that it wont stop this team from drafting a joker tight end.

[steelreserve]

he will. and would have made the roster easily if not for his high ankle sprain and the coaching staff wanting a healthy special teams player immediately (michael palmer) i just hope that it wont stop this team from drafting a joker tight end.

I don't think it ought to stop them ... there are obviously two different TE roles on this team - what Heath does, and the gritty backup. Blanchflower seems perfectly cut out for the backup role, maybe catch a few passes here and there too, but anything beyond that is a bonus. I don't think anyone is under the impression that we can stop hunting for the eventual Heath successor, or if they are, they're stupid.

[Psycho Ward 86]

I don't think it ought to stop them ... there are obviously two different TE roles on this team - what Heath does, and the gritty backup. Blanchflower seems perfectly cut out for the backup role, maybe catch a few passes here and there too, but anything beyond that is a bonus. I don't think anyone is under the impression that we can stop hunting for the eventual Heath successor, or if they are, they're stupid.

the reason i said what i said is because im under the impression that matt spaeth is a guy we'll try to resign. and why wouldnt we resign one of the best run blocking tight ends in the league? and i expected blanch to make it up until he got injured. It just think it seem unlikely that we would keep 4 tight ends (miller, spaeth, blanchflower, draft pick)

[Dwinsgames]

as crazy as it sounds ... ( coincidence I am sure ) but further evidence ( or coincidence ) we now signed one of my interview prospects from last year ( bringing the total to 2 of them Mauro and now ) Alden Darby
@Pic6Darb (https://twitter.com/Pic6Darb) ....

[Steelman]

as crazy as it sounds ... ( coincidence I am sure ) but further evidence ( or coincidence ) we now signed one of my interview prospects from last year ( bringing the total to 2 of them Mauro and now ) Alden Darby
@Pic6Darb (https://twitter.com/Pic6Darb) ....

Like I've said before... Dwins for GM!

[Shoes]

Here's alittle info on Darby

http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014-san-diego-chargers-training-camp/2014/7/29/5945065/san-diego-chargers-udfa-watch-alden-darby

[86WARD]

Signed Hubbard.

[Dwinsgames]

Here's alittle info on Darby

http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014-san-diego-chargers-training-camp/2014/7/29/5945065/san-diego-chargers-udfa-watch-alden-darby

here is what I wrote on Darby


Hello Alden , Appreciate the time for an interview . Please bare with some of these questions
as not everyone is as familiar. For those who do not know Alden Darby is a SS from

Arizona State University whom I consider a difference maker in the secondary



Q) Can you tell our readers why you chose the Sun Devils ?

A) I made the choice to become a Sun Devil because during the entire recruiting process ASU was the only school that didn't talk about my athletic ability and what I'll play in the field. They only talked about getting my grades in order and being academically secured. And that spoke highly of their character and how they cared about they're athletes. Also because the entire coaching staff at the time was a great staff and I knew a lot of players that were in my class.


Q) As a Former resident of Arizona I know how hot it can get , is there anything

special you did that helped you stay fresh late in games

A) Honestly during the games my mind is always completely focused on the game and my adrenaline is going non-stop all game long that the heat doesn't even get to me during the game. But after the game lol let's just say I got home to my ac as soon as possible.



Q) If you had one memory you could frame and hang on your wall from playing football

there what would it be ?

A) The one memory that sticks with me and will always stick with me is my freshmen year when we beat UofA at where place. That memory sticks with me because in high school I never cared for rivalries and never took them serious. So that entire week leading up to that game that's all I heard about and seen all across campus and also once I stepped on the field I knew from that point in how serious a rivalry is. Especially the way we won that game. It was crazy.



Q) What physical trait makes you who you are as a player ?

A) The physical trait that makes me the player I am is my athleticism. I've played every position on the field so I'm pretty athletic and can move we'll.



Q) How big is your mental game (trash talking , Physicality ) that sort of stuff

A) The more and more I got older I started to really tap into my mental focus toward the game and my coach (Chris Ball) would talk to me about something we call "Red light Green light" it's a quote we like to go by at asu. Which basically means anything that you can't control (refs,fans,other team,media ect) we put all that in the "Red light" category and the things we can control (Attitude,effort,mental focus,confidence, ect) we put that in the "Green light" category. That really helped me develop my game a lot because it helped me be a lot more focused out there and it kept me locked in. But of course Paul you know there's always gonna be trash talk in between those lines out there. All depends on how mature you are to handle that type of stuff.



Q) Growing up who did you mold your game after , and who where your favorite player's ?

A) In high school I played Every position and I looked up to Reggie Bush and Calvin Johnson as far as offense goes. But on the Defense Side I've always wanted to play like Deion Sanders. I love the Swagg he brought to the game. I dance a lot especially on the filed. And I know that's one thing he always did. He made the game fun and exciting and that's what I like to do. I feel like it's one thing for fans to here you say how much you love playing football. But it's nothing better when fans can actually see your passion for the game and that's what I like to give them.



Q) What gives you greater satisfaction a Forced Fumble or Int ?

A) INT all day. I take pride in getting those. It's nothing like getting that ball.


Q) "The Juice Man" ... what / who started it ?

A) Lol When my DB coach Chris Ball first got to ASU he watched all the film and got to know us and he came to me one day and said "Man do you ever get tired or have a bad day or stop dancing. Your energy is something I've never seen before I'm calling you TheJuiceMan" and ever since then it stuck with me. I'm the type if guy that loves to work and play football so I'm always energetic no matter what through workouts whatever it may be you can count in me to bring the energy.



Q) Strong or Free at next level and why because watching you I see both ?

A) Strong,Free,Corner,Nickel it really doesn't matter to me. I can play all 4. I'm a corner at heart but moved to safety because if team needs. But if I had to chose at this very moment if said either one of the safety spots and nickel.


Q) I have a short list of about ten guys who are not getting the respect
I believe they should be by draft pundits , Does that put a chip on your shoulder so to speak ?

A) Ofcourse it does. I know deep down that I'm as good if not better then those top guys everyone talks about. It's just a matter of who else believes it. So I take on every day with a chip on my shoulder and I just wanna go out there and prove people wrong.


Q)Most memorable Game and why ?

A) Most memorable game for me would have to be the USC game my Jr year. I say that game because that week all of my family was suppose to come to the game and watch me play. Because it was at their place. But my cousin that was more like a brother to me died that week at the age 23 so no one was in any shape to come. And I dedicated that game to him and I got my first career interception for a touchdown. So that's a moment id never forget.


Q)Outside of football the one person who had the biggest positive effect on your life and why /how ?

A) For me it really wasn't just one person in particular. I grew up in the rough parts of long beach and I was always around a lot of negativity. So for me it was basically anyone that I seen or met that was doing something positive with their life. I always wanted to be the same.


Q)Where do you see yourself after football ?

A) I see myself coaching somewhere. Also being a motivational speaker. Anything that has to do with changes kids lives or helping the community is where I want to be.


Q)Alden what is the one thing about you most people
would be surprised to know ? ( hobby , quirky habit, game day ritual ,whatever )

A) We'll there's a couple things. I'm big on game day rituals. The night before and the day of my game I HAVE to take a hot Epsom salt bath I have to. Also I have to get dressed the same exact way for the game every time. It's a process lol. One thing outside of football. I have a little OCD. I love to have things organized. Like my closet all my shirts are organized according to color as we'll as my pants.



Q)If given the choice would you want to be a better player or better person ?

A) Id have to say better person. I say that because football doesn't last forever. I wish it did. But it doesn't and I know the man above had other plans for me that will require me to be a better person.


Q)Film room or Weight room ?

A) Film room. That's 95% of the game right there.



Q) your ability to make so many plays on the ball , from film study or athletic ability ?

A) A lot of it is film study. But the crazy plays come from athletic ability.


Q) Your smile , people talk about it like Former Steelers WR Hines Wards what makes you so happy ?

A) Being able to wake up every single day and do what I do makes me happy. I have no complaints. There's so many people that would love to be in my shoes right now. So I just go to sleep and wake up every day with a great appreciation for what it is I'm doing with my life.



Q)You come from a background that easily could have had you doing the wrong things
how where you able to overcome such adversity ?

A) I always had football to keep me out of the most trouble my cousin got into. So by playing sports you walk down a different path then everyone else and you see things that others don't often see and you start to see that through the sport you play you can turn your dreams into reality. And that's something I've always wanted to do. Turn my dreams into reality and that's something I'm doing.





Thank you for the interview. You had some great questions. I hope this is good enough. Thanks again





I will wrap it up with the questions here .

I want to thank you again for taking the time to let my readers know just who Alden Darby

is on and off the field . I would like to wish you the best of luck in the 2014 NFL draft .

I have a feeling some team is going to get themselves quite a competitor !




You can Follow me on Twitter @Dwinsgames




You can Follow Alden Darby on Twitter @Pic6Darb (https://twitter.com/Pic6Darb)

[Dwinsgames]

Shit, we did and I missed it. Now I'm even more pissed that.

Anyway, this guy looks much more exciting, and obviously there are a few of our own practice squad guys on there too. Historically all I remember from futures contacts were guys who were basically NFL Europe castoffs who didn't have a prayer of ever making the team, let alone making any difference.


lots of NFL Europe players made it in the NFL .... Rhein Fire alone produced several http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhein_Fire

[Drazo85]

The Steelers signed safety Isaiah Lewis, an undrafted free agent in 2013, to their offseason roster Tuesday, a move only slightly trumped by the announcement of the hiring of Keith Butler as the team's defensive coordinator.
But Lewis is capable of being the target of some high praise as well.
His former coach, Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett, was surprised Lewis wasn't drafted, and dropped this beauty of a quote on MLive back in May. (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2014/05/isaiah_lewis_ready_to_be_a_big.html)

There are certain guys I call certain things, and Isaiah is what I call a natural born killer as far as his hitting ability on the football field. He's going to come and hit you all day every day. There's not many of them in the NFL. You get him, you got a football player.Certainly, Coach Barnett can make himself look better by pumping up his guy with cool nicknames,


http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2015/1/13/7541153/steelers-roster-transactions-signing-isaiah-lewis

[86WARD]

Kind of tired about hearing about second and third rate prospects and how good they were and could be...

[Psycho Ward 86]

The Steelers signed safety Isaiah Lewis, an undrafted free agent in 2013, to their offseason roster Tuesday, a move only slightly trumped by the announcement of the hiring of Keith Butler as the team's defensive coordinator.
But Lewis is capable of being the target of some high praise as well.
His former coach, Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett, was surprised Lewis wasn't drafted, and dropped this beauty of a quote on MLive back in May. (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2014/05/isaiah_lewis_ready_to_be_a_big.html)

There are certain guys I call certain things, and Isaiah is what I call a natural born killer as far as his hitting ability on the football field. He's going to come and hit you all day every day. There's not many of them in the NFL. You get him, you got a football player.Certainly, Coach Barnett can make himself look better by pumping up his guy with cool nicknames,


http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2015/1/13/7541153/steelers-roster-transactions-signing-isaiah-lewis

i like this signing a lot. kid had a senior year hampered by arthroscopic knee surgery, but has otherwise been very healthy in his career. one of the few quiet signings with a chance to really surprise.