2016 Steelers offseason shopping list.

[zulater]

Be as specific or as general as you like. Just lay out a reasoned plan that you would hope the Steelers might follow to get what looks to be a good team over the top. With my plan I wont give names, but if you have players in mind feel free to share them.

I would try add an impact player to every level of the defense. If you didn't notice Cam Heyward as much lately it's because he wore down. He played more downs than any DE in the league. Because he had to. The Steelers have two excellent DE's and then zippo behind them.

We could also use a legitimate NT/DT.

As far as lb's go. If he can stay healthy Shazier could make the jump to elite or close to it. I liked the way Dupree rallied in the playoffs. I didn't like the way he tailed off towards the end of the regular season. But it's not abnormal for rookies to have peaks and valleys. Timmons is starting to show his age. Or maybe it was just that it's hard to recover from turf toe in the course of a season? I'm gambling that he's going to be a bit better this coming season. Jarvis Jones? Our coach tells us his arrow is pointing up.My question is how far up? We need a olb besides Harrison( who may or may not be back) to pressure the passer. How can you not have one OLB even threaten having a 10 sack season? :doh: So is Dupree the answer? Or do you go off roster ( or God forbid) give it another try in the early rounds of the draft to satisfy this need?

And of course now we come to our defensive backfield. Mitchell seems to be satisfactory at one safety. Cockrell is a functionable nickel back. You got Golson who figures in somewhere. Does Gay come back? Boykin?

So to me the defense has to be addressed on every level. Draft defense early and often. Also reach out to the free agent market and sign at least two players that will take a high amount of snaps.

On offense just a few tweaks are necessary. Is it time to replace Heath Miller? How big a part of the future is Jesse James to our offense? Do you keep Ramon Foster and or Kelvin Beachum? Will the cap permit it?

What about Ben's back-up? Do you bring back Grakowski? Is Landry Jones good enough to be your number 2?

Oh lets not forget we need a kickoff and punt returner. And possibly a punter too?

Damn that's a lot to do! :doh:

[Steeldude]

They need an OLB to replace Harrison. I am not sold on Dupree's future. J. Jones has been a waste since the start. I am really hoping Chickillo takes more steps forward. Perhaps he will join Harrison in for training in AZ.

L. Jones can stay, but the Steelers need a quality backup who will be available if/when BR goes down. I think they can do better than Gradkowski.

Hopefully they can steal a late-round gem for the O-line. A tackle preferred.

It's not just Timmons' age. It's his salary. He may be a cap casualty. Shazier could be great if he can stay healthy. I think they should look into an ILB in the 3rd round or so.

A CB or S is needed. Allen is old and Thomas is too dumb.

I am not sold on the idea the Steelers need a new NT. But if there is a dynamo NT available they should look into it.

I haven't look at any draft profile sites yet or researched much at all. I do not want to see a RB, WR, P, K, DE taken in the first 3 rounds.

Hopefully Tomlin drafts football players rather than splash players.

[Psycho Ward 86]

1) Immediate impact corner in FA. Someone mentioned in another thread that we dont have time to develop one since the clock is ticking for Ben and i agree. Sure, let's draft another early since we need that anyways, but signing a guy like Jeremy Lane or Trumaine Johnson would be a massive boon to our defense. Enough of the "we have 50 slot corners and thats good enough for us" bullshit. Probably let go of Cortez Allen in the process.

2) Safety in the draft. I agree that Mike Mitchell is sufficient. I think Shamarko Thomas, Robert Golden, and the strong possibility of Doran Grant moving to S will suffice as decent depth. All thats left seems to be adding another safety, preferably a box safety that is a feasible starter, and hopefully an immediate impact. I was lukewarm on Sua Kravens before, but now im all aboard that bandwagon. Seems to me if he was forced to bring his weight up to 225-231lb, he should be fine playing at his normal weight at SS. Extremely high football IQ, excels at damn near everything. He just doesnt have great long speed, but his intelligence and crazy closing speed seems to more than make up for it. We'll have mike mitchell playing more in the outfield anyways.

3) Re-sign Ramon Foster, let Beachum walk (unless he comes cheap). Foster is comically underappreciated on this team. Cant have superstars everywhere on your team and theres nothing wrong with that. Foster is a great bargain playing for 3 years on this team for only $6 million. And by all means in interviews and such, seems to love it here. hook him up for another 3 on the cheap, i dont see why we cant get it done. Villanueva doesnt make Beachum dispensable, but he makes losing him feasible. Seems like his ceiling is too high for us to waste time signing Beachum to a long contract that costs lots of money. That could really bite us in the ass. Ill still take him back though if the deal isnt longer than 3 years and if he takes a discount, but i doubt it. In this event, we definitely need more tackle depth. Were already good at interior o-line depth.

4) Get some D-line depth. I think kicking the tires on someone in FA is a good idea, plus another in the draft. NT/DE flexibility if possible. Hopefully LT Walton or Clifton Geathers (who seemed to be getting praised a lot and even dropped 90lb to switch to DE) surprises us.

5) Re-sign Decastro. In conjunction with Pouncey, our pulling game is insane. We'd be a fool to not re-sign him.

6) Bye Suisham.

7) Consider cutting Timmons. Were already $10 million under the projected cap and we have Troy and Woodley off the books, which sounds like a lot. But we have so many big deals upcoming that Timmons could be a problem: Martavis Bryant, David Decastro, Leveon Bell, Antonio Brown, etc. Cutting Timmons will free up another $10 million, who will be 30 by next season, has been starting seasons really slow for the past couple of years, and a player who we have 2 decent back ups for. Albeit, none of them are on his level. Deciding on cutting or extending him to reduce his cap charge is going to be key to this offseason

8) For the love of god dont re-sign Antwon Blake

9) Bring back Gay. He wants to be here anyways. Didnt allow a TD all year. Bring back Boykin too if were positive that he can play outside

10) Stop fucking up on our OLB evaluations (letting Shaquil Barrett end up on the Broncos just because we were trying to skimp on paying him a little bit, letting HoJo go to the Bucs, Tomlin saying Jarvis Jones arrow is point up...stfu)

11) Bye Dirty Dick Thomas

12) Hopefully whatever DB's we pick up in the offseason will double as a good KR/PR (all the more reason to keep Boykin, if we think he can play outside)

13) Keep Toussaint and/Todman. Let Will Johnson walk. We have potentially the deepest backfield in the NFL. Todman seems like the one more likely to leave since he's actually gotten significant starter snaps before and being 4th on the depth chart isnt so great. He didnt even have his return skills put to use, which is a shame since we could have used that. Roosevelt Nix is arguably our best special teamer and an even better, younger fullback than Will Johnson. Hell, Nix just started learning his position, so i dont think we should be surprised if he becomes pro bowl caliber.

[steelreserve]

1. CB or S, if we can add one through free agency then great; still should probably draft another; which position and what round depends on who we can sign, whether Boykin leaves, and whether they really do try Grant at safety. Bringing Gay back is a no-brainer if we can make the money work. Blake and both Allens should be gone regardless, with Golson rejoining the team, so a deficit of at least one active-roster player to fill, maybe two or more.

2. Big fat guy for the defensive line. Kenny Clark from UCLA has been mentioned, which would be good, but there look like several decent ones in this draft.

3. Backup/rotation DE if the aforementioned fat guy cannot also play DE for stretches. I don't care whether we sign one or draft one, but everyone behind Tuitt and Heyward cannot suck. A guy who we draft in the 6th round is probably not going to cut it for this.

4. Backup QB, really just a low-priced veteran to take Vick's spot and Jones is probably the third. If it's Gradkowski then great; I am not a big fan of backup QBs who miss the entire season with an injury, though.

5. Depth at OLB, OL, TE. We will lose one of Beachum or Foster and it'll probably be Beachum, over money. So we may draft an OL prospect who can play tackle as early as the second or third round (again, depending on if/who we can sign before that). We would be smart to at least have a guy on the roster who can play decently at center in case Pouncey has another injury. I don't see OLB as a huge immediate need, but we'll probably pick one up anyway.

Suisham will almost certainly be gone. Blake had better be gone. Timmons may be if it helps us keep one of our up-and-coming guys. We have replacements for all of them, so this is not a big deal.

WR and RB are set; only question is whether we keep DHB or move Coates up. Keep Nix over Johnson but bring them both into camp so we're not left picking through the dung heap if there's an injury.

Contrary to some people's opinions, I think Berry is fine as our punter.

We're really in a pretty good position. Two positions that we need to address, and then the rest is just building depth/building for the future. Things were really looking grim after the 2008-09 drafts and the high-profile OLB misses, but seems like things have come together with the more recent guys - a huge assist in the OL department being a large part of that.

[ALLD]

1. I wouldn't cut Timmons because he still plays at a high level. Turf toe got him, hopefully not as bad as Jack Lambert.

2. Shark Thomas is too dumb to play STs.

3. Cam Thomas will be gone.

4. We need an outside CB, OLB and line help on both sides.

5. Don't forget a S & P too.

6. Offense is set if we bring back Fitz and Todman. Miller has one more year, but that's it. Need another TE and a back up QB unless they want to go with 2.

[Rotorhead]

I think we are ok along the DL, we could use some good depth for rotation, maybe a cheap FA would be best here.
I agree we need to bookend Dupree, alot of flashes should mean he should have a break-out year next season, but maybe that will just help JJ like JH helped make Woodley look great enough to get a giant contract. I think JH will be back and Moats gives us a solid rotation for next season.
I think we need to keep Gay and focus on a solid FA CB pickup. This is the one key spot they need to go out and spend $ on a FA.
We can draft a safety and probably bring back W Allen on the cheap to rotate with Golden for next season so Safety is not a giant concern for next season.
We are obviously stocked at ILB, but would like them to re-sign Spence.
For the offense, we are fine for next season, bring back Gradkowski and Landry can be the #3 and we should be fine there as long as Gradkowski is healthy.
We are set for WR and RB.
For OL, if we can bring back Beachem then we should do it, if not we need to draft a LT and AV will be our starter. I would like them to resign Foster as well, but if they can not bring back Beachem or Foster then we probably should go get some depth FA here too.
As far as TE goes, I think Heath has AT LEAST 1 more yr left and the Outlaw looked more like a pass catching TE so if they really want to replace Heath they will need to draft his replacement this season or next and count on Heath sticking around for one year after that guy is drafted.
ST . . . start with a new ST coach, figure out someone to replace/backup AB on PR duty. Maybe bring in another punter to camp and let them fight it out. I think Boswell will stay just due to $$'s and he is better on kickoffs.

[ALLD]

Miller is looking like Hines Ward at the end dropping too many balls and slowing down noticeably. He has one season. Super Bowl or bust in 2017!

[Psycho Ward 86]

1. I wouldn't cut Timmons because he still plays at a high level. Turf toe got him, hopefully not as bad as Jack Lambert.



the question i pose is, do we really want to keep around a guy that seems good for 10-12 games where he actually plays well, a player who has the 2nd highest cap hit on the team, and in a position where we have depth?

i really wanted to cut Timmons at the beginning of the season, because he was starting off awful as usual, but then he picked back up to his usual level and now im leaning just barely towards keeping him via extension. still a toss up for me

[Drazo85]

I think the need on the DL is greatly underestimated by the fans. Cam and Tuit are great, but they also are only constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. One injury away from starting DD Thomas. Rotational lineman is greatest need on this team, and that guy can be picked as a FA, or in the middle rounds. It would be awesome if he can play nose as well.

[teegre]

The offense is STELLAR. Ben was the only QB to pass for 300+ yards on Denver... and, he did it TWICE. A healthy Pouncey, Bell, D.Williams, AB, and BB makes this offense record-breaking (seriously: I see AB eclipsing the receptions and yardage marks for receivers).

So, 4/5 of my entire wish list is for defense.

5) OLB. Von Miller showed why a pass rush is the key to a game. Dupree hit the rookie wall; he will be fine. Harrison will be Harrison, but Father Time always wins. Always. Chickillo might be the guy, but who really knows. I just want to see the opposing QB have fear in his eyes (at least once per series).

4) CB. Duh. I didn't even need a superstar. Just someone who isn't awful. Golson, Gay, a rookie, Cockrell, and Grant. Blake WILL be back, but hopefully someone else will surpass him.

3) DL. Depth. The Broncos had one good drive... when Tuitt and Heyward were spelled by Thomas and McClendon. Tuitt and Heyward are great, but they are only human; they have to rest once in a while. Kenny Clark in R1 would be ideal (he can play the nose and also rotate at end).

2) SS. Sign Weddle. If not that, then draft Su'a Cravens. If they go Kenny Clark in R1, then draft Karl Joseph. In other words, a "good" SS needs to be added to this team. When the defense was great, they had a great safety (Lake, Troy); when the defense was suspect, the safety was average (Flowers, Allen). I am a huge proponent that a defense should revolve around your SS.

1) LG. I'd prefer that they re-sign Beachum. If not, Foster would be status quo (which is damn good). Why is this my #1 wish? Four words: keep Big Ben healthy.

[slashsteel]

No reason even looking toward Von Miller types, as the Steelers will not get into a bidding war.

But you have a certain Rams corner(Johnson) a certain Jet NT(Harrison) that could upgrade without breaking the bank.

then you pick up a vet DE to rotate in, draft BPA and that might be a good start to a special season...........

[Born2Steel]

Wishlist = defense

1st on my list is the secondary, mainly at the safety position. I like MM better year 2. He was a penalty machine last season but became legit this season. Needs help though.
2nd On my list is D-Line. I love Heyward and Tuitt. Need that guy at the nose that is just as special.
3rd on my list is OLB. Yes again. I'm still not satisfied. I know we can improve at the OLB position.

I felt this defense really started working well together this year. It's not that far from being great, IMO. Just missing a few pieces to make it hummmm.

[Drazo85]

...a certain Jet NT(Harrison)...

I would be jumping trough the roof if they somehow sign this mountain.

[steelreserve]

Offseason shopping list:

1) booze
2) cocaine
3) rubbers
1) more booze

[hawaiiansteeler]

I think the need on the DL is greatly underestimated by the fans. Cam and Tuit are great, but they also are only constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. One injury away from starting DD Thomas. Rotational lineman is greatest need on this team, and that guy can be picked as a FA, or in the middle rounds. It would be awesome if he can play nose as well.

Cam Heyward played more snaps this season (1,027) than any defensive lineman in the NFL.

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 5, 2016

Overall, Heyward was on the field for 88 percent of the total defensive snaps and Tuitt for just over 78 percent.

http://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2016/01/24/pittsburgh-steelers-free-agency-cleaning-house-along-the-defensive-line/

[86WARD]

Cam Heyward played more snaps this season (1,027) than any defensive lineman in the NFL.

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 5, 2016

Overall, Heyward was on the field for 88 percent of the total defensive snaps and Tuitt for just over 78 percent.

http://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2016/01/24/pittsburgh-steelers-free-agency-cleaning-house-along-the-defensive-line/

Sounds like that is way too much...probably explains why Heyward petered out towards the end...

[teegre]

Using my wish list as a template for the draft, wherein the 5th priority (OLB) would be the last position to fill...

1. Re-sign Beachum. (If not, then Foster.)

2. If the sign Weddle...
R1: Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA
R2: Karl Joseph, SS, WVU
R3: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
R4: Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook

If they don't sign Weddle...
R1: Su'a Cravens, SS, USC
R2: Dontknowyet Bigguy, DL, College State
R3: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
R4: Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook

[steelreserve]

Using my wish list as a template for the draft, wherein the 5th priority (OLB) would be the last position to fill...

1. Re-sign Beachum. (If not, then Foster.)

2. If the sign Weddle...
R1: Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA
R2: Karl Joseph, SS, WVU
R3: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
R4: Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook


That's a pretty solid plan, actually. But I doubt they go defense for 4 picks in a row - especially since we don't have a #5 and #6. Haley would go freaking ballistic. So maybe a TE or OL prospect is thrown in there in Round 2-3. Otherwise, that's almost exactly what I'd hope for.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Using my wish list as a template for the draft, wherein the 5th priority (OLB) would be the last position to fill...

1. Re-sign Beachum. (If not, then Foster.)

2. If the sign Weddle...
R1: Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA
R2: Karl Joseph, SS, WVU
R3: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
R4: Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook

If they don't sign Weddle...
R1: Su'a Cravens, SS, USC
R2: Dontknowyet Bigguy, DL, College State
R3: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
R4: Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook

Cameron Sutton did not declare for the draft and is returning for his senior year:

Cameron Sutton: Sutton may have gone Rd. 1 if he'd declared

TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline reports that the consensus among scouts at the Shrine Game is that Tennessee junior CB Cameron Sutton "would’ve been a top 42 choice" and may have slid into late Rd. 1 had he declared.

"Sutton would’ve been ranked at a top 42 prospect for his return skills as well as his cornerback ability," Pauline wrote. Sutton announced he would return to school last week. The 6-foot-1, 189-pounder is a physical corner who likes to crowd receivers. Jan. 19 -

Source: TFY Draft Insider

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=CFB&id=134255&line=51452&spln=1

[zulater]

I asked this in another thread but perhaps it fits better here; should the Steelers try to trade Wheaton for a 3rd to 5th round pick? As much as anything I think it makes room for Sammy Coates who may have a bigger upside than Wheaton. Plus DHB is perfectly suited as your 4th receiver/special teams demon. If he has to compete with Coates for 4th receiver duties he probably goes elsewhere ( he's an UFA, but would love to come back if the circumstances fit) So it's probably beneficial to all 3 to trade him.

[steelreserve]

I asked this in another thread but perhaps it fits better here; should the Steelers try to trade Wheaton for a 3rd to 5th round pick? As much as anything I think it makes room for Sammy Coates who may have a bigger upside than Wheaton. Plus DHB is perfectly suited as your 4th receiver/special teams demon. If he has to compete with Coates for 4th receiver duties he probably goes elsewhere ( he's an UFA, but would love to come back if the circumstances fit) So it's probably beneficial to all 3 to trade him.


That's really not a bad idea. Since he's in the last year of his contract with no dead money complicating things, that means maybe a player-for-player trade is possible, which I would far prefer to one for draft picks. Maybe we get an NFL-ready defender instead of a guy who's a question mark if he'll ever be able to contribute at all. In fact, in that light, fuck trading him for draft picks. We'll probably get a compensatory pick right around the 5th round anyway if we just let him go.

Wheaton showed himself to be a pretty good #3 receiver but struggled in any other role. DHB was actually far better than him when we were missing Brown or Bryant and looking for someone to step up. I think that means Wheaton may simply be an average receiver who can do well in a mismatch against the other team's third corner or a LB/safety handoff, but can't get open against a decent defender.

Throw in the fact that Wheaton is only here for one more year before his price goes up to $4M or $5M - which some team will offer with a mind to make him a #1 or #2 receiver, but we can't justify - and it becomes even more obvious. Get something for him while we can. DHB is at least a 1:1 replacement and Coates is behind him. So as far as our own well-being, I don't think we're in any danger without him.

[zulater]

That's really not a bad idea. Since he's in the last year of his contract with no dead money complicating things, that means maybe a player-for-player trade is possible, which I would far prefer to one for draft picks. Maybe we get an NFL-ready defender instead of a guy who's a question mark if he'll ever be able to contribute at all. In fact, in that light, fuck trading him for draft picks. We'll probably get a compensatory pick right around the 5th round anyway if we just let him go.

Wheaton showed himself to be a pretty good #3 receiver but struggled in any other role. DHB was actually far better than him when we were missing Brown or Bryant and looking for someone to step up. I think that means Wheaton may simply be an average receiver who can do well in a mismatch against the other team's third corner or a LB/safety handoff, but can't get open against a decent defender.

Throw in the fact that Wheaton is only here for one more year before his price goes up to $4M or $5M - which some team will offer with a mind to make him a #1 or #2 receiver, but we can't justify - and it becomes even more obvious. Get something for him while we can. DHB is at least a 1:1 replacement and Coates is behind him. So as far as our own well-being, I don't think we're in any danger without him.

I like the player for player idea if the right trade is out there!

-

- - - Updated - - -


That's really not a bad idea. Since he's in the last year of his contract with no dead money complicating things, that means maybe a player-for-player trade is possible, which I would far prefer to one for draft picks. Maybe we get an NFL-ready defender instead of a guy who's a question mark if he'll ever be able to contribute at all. In fact, in that light, fuck trading him for draft picks. We'll probably get a compensatory pick right around the 5th round anyway if we just let him go.

Wheaton showed himself to be a pretty good #3 receiver but struggled in any other role. DHB was actually far better than him when we were missing Brown or Bryant and looking for someone to step up. I think that means Wheaton may simply be an average receiver who can do well in a mismatch against the other team's third corner or a LB/safety handoff, but can't get open against a decent defender.

Throw in the fact that Wheaton is only here for one more year before his price goes up to $4M or $5M - which some team will offer with a mind to make him a #1 or #2 receiver, but we can't justify - and it becomes even more obvious. Get something for him while we can. DHB is at least a 1:1 replacement and Coates is behind him. So as far as our own well-being, I don't think we're in any danger without him.

I like the player for player idea if the right trade is out there!

-

[SteelerFanInStl]

I asked this in another thread but perhaps it fits better here; should the Steelers try to trade Wheaton for a 3rd to 5th round pick? As much as anything I think it makes room for Sammy Coates who may have a bigger upside than Wheaton. Plus DHB is perfectly suited as your 4th receiver/special teams demon. If he has to compete with Coates for 4th receiver duties he probably goes elsewhere ( he's an UFA, but would love to come back if the circumstances fit) So it's probably beneficial to all 3 to trade him.

I've thought about that and I'd be for it. We've seen what Wheaton is. He's a good #3 WR but that's all. I'd like to see much more of Coates next season.

[Born2Steel]

What did you guys see from Coates that I missed? Not necessarily against the proposed trade but not willing to assume Coates is going to produce better than Wheaton has. Most likely one will have to go though. AB, Bryant, Wheaton, Coates, all 4 wide? Air Tomlin!

[teegre]

That's a pretty solid plan, actually. But I doubt they go defense for 4 picks in a row - especially since we don't have a #5 and #6. Haley would go freaking ballistic. So maybe a TE or OL prospect is thrown in there in Round 2-3. Otherwise, that's almost exactly what I'd hope for.

Option #1:
HALEY: Waaa!!! I want an offensive player.
TOMLIN: Shut up, Todd.

Option #2:
If they sign Weddle, I guess that Haley could have the R2 pick for a TE or something. Or... Haley can just shut up. :lol:

[Steelersfan]

I asked this in another thread but perhaps it fits better here; should the Steelers try to trade Wheaton for a 3rd to 5th round pick? As much as anything I think it makes room for Sammy Coates who may have a bigger upside than Wheaton. Plus DHB is perfectly suited as your 4th receiver/special teams demon. If he has to compete with Coates for 4th receiver duties he probably goes elsewhere ( he's an UFA, but would love to come back if the circumstances fit) So it's probably beneficial to all 3 to trade him.

Just a "wet dream" scenario, but it's the off-season. A little dream'in never hurts:

Steelers trade Markice Pouncy, Marcus Wheaton, Sean Suisham & 4th round pick to the LA Rams for Aaron Donald. The trade is made to appease Aaron after he voiced his disdain to the Rams ownership & organization for ripping the team out of St Louis. Aaron requested to be traded and let it be known that he didn't want to waste his career drowning in mediocrity while the organization tried to rebuild from the ground up playing in a beat-up college stadium in a new city with NO fan base. He request to go home to a city and the team where he belongs.

The Steelers plan to play Aaron Donald at OLB & replacing fan icon James "Deebo" Harrison on the roster.

[steelreserve]

Option #1:
HALEY: Waaa!!! I want an offensive player.
TOMLIN: Shut up, Todd.

Option #2:
If they sign Weddle, I guess that Haley could have the R2 pick for a TE or something. Or... Haley can just shut up. :lol:


Or just sign one of these guys as a free agent nose tackle:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakury%C5%AB_Rikisabur%C5%8D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakuh%C5%8D_Sh%C5%8D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terunofuji_Haruo

Then we don't have to use a draft pick for that and everyone's happy.

[teegre]

Or just sign one of these guys as a free agent nose tackle:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakury%C5%AB_Rikisabur%C5%8D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakuh%C5%8D_Sh%C5%8D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terunofuji_Haruo

Then we don't have to use a draft pick for that and everyone's happy.

:applaudit: Brilliant!!!

[teegre]

I asked this in another thread but perhaps it fits better here; should the Steelers try to trade Wheaton for a 3rd to 5th round pick? As much as anything I think it makes room for Sammy Coates who may have a bigger upside than Wheaton. Plus DHB is perfectly suited as your 4th receiver/special teams demon. If he has to compete with Coates for 4th receiver duties he probably goes elsewhere ( he's an UFA, but would love to come back if the circumstances fit) So it's probably beneficial to all 3 to trade him.

If you're going for broke, then: no, you keep him. Win now, with as strong if a team as possible, and worry about the future in the future.

If you're looking long term, then: yes. That said, unless you gather a R3 pick for him, you might as well use him for a year, let him walk, and garner the R5 pick. And, simply, I don't see anyone trading a R3 pick for him.

SUMMATION:
Good thought, but not at all likely.

[teegre]

Just a "wet dream" scenario, but it's the off-season. A little dream'in never hurts:

Steelers trade Markice Pouncy, Marcus Wheaton, Sean Suisham & 4th round pick to the LA Rams for Aaron Donald. The trade is made to appease Aaron after he voiced his disdain to the Rams ownership & organization for ripping the team out of St Louis. Aaron requested to be traded and let it be known that he didn't want to waste his career drowning in mediocrity while the organization tried to rebuild from the ground up playing in a beat-up college stadium in a new city with NO fan base. He request to go home to a city and the team where he belongs.

The Steelers plan to play Aaron Donald at OLB & replacing fan icon James "Deebo" Harrison on the roster.

I'd easily trade the R1 and R4 picks for Aaron Donald. Heck, I might trade the top two picks (R1 and R2).

But, I'd play a three-man line:
Donald - Heyward - Tuitt

[SteelersProfessor]

Demarco Ware if the Broncos cut him.

[86WARD]

What did you guys see from Coates that I missed? Not necessarily against the proposed trade but not willing to assume Coates is going to produce better than Wheaton has. Most likely one will have to go though. AB, Bryant, Wheaton, Coates, all 4 wide? Air Tomlin!

There's really not much tape on Coates. If they are going to get a 5th round Compensatory pick for him, there's no reason to trade him now for the same. If they are going to make a run, they are probably better off with him then without and some 5th-round rookie...

[86WARD]

I'd easily trade the R1 and R4 picks for Aaron Donald. Heck, I might trade the top two picks (R1 and R2).

But, I'd play a three-man line:
Donald - Heyward - Tuitt

I'd give up 1 and 2 without blinking for Donald.

[teegre]

I'd give up 1 and 2 without blinking for Donald.

I send a text to Kroenke.

[hawaiiansteeler]

I send a text to Kroenke.

tough question:

would you rather have Aaron Donald or:

Kenny Clark and Karl Joseph?

[SteelersProfessor]

I would trade the entire 2016 draft for Donald.

[teegre]

tough question:

would you rather have Aaron Donald or:

Kenny Clark and Karl Joseph?

Great question.

A simple answer: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.


(Aaron Donald is already great; Clark & Joseph "could" be great).

[hawaiiansteeler]

Great question.

A simple answer: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

(Aaron Donald is already great; Clark & Joseph "could" be great).

I agree, with the caveat that we would have to switch to a 4-3 to best utilize Donald's talents as a left 4-3 "under" tackle...

[teegre]

I agree, with the caveat that we would have to switch to a 4-3 to best utilize Donald's talents as a left 4-3 "under" tackle...

I would use whatever defense allows Heyward, Tuitt, and Donald to be on the field at the same time. It wouldn't necessarily have to be a full-fledged switch... because, the Steelers use a lot of sets where Heyward & Tuitt plat DTs. Also, Heyward has played the nose, and played it well.

I might line up Donald & Tuitt as the DTs (across from the OGs). Then, I'd let Heyward line up wherever he feels that he'd create havoc: across from the OC, across from the OTs... Something like that.

[86WARD]

tough question:

would you rather have Aaron Donald or:

Kenny Clark and Karl Joseph?

Not tough at all...Donald.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Not tough at all...Donald.

I wouldn't give up our 1st and 2nd round draft choices for many players but I would have to agree with you here...Aaron Donald would be one of them.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Steelers Free Agent Wish List: Week 1

By: Daniel Sager | January 28, 2016

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ cap situation is far better than it’s been in years past; at least, it looks that way on the surface, anyway.

Presently, the Steelers are projected to be a little over $10 million under the salary cap. The cap is projected to be between $150-$153 million, up $7-10 million from 2015.

That’s the good news. The bad news is the Steelers’ secondary depth chart is dangerously thin, which will cause money to be allocated to that area.

There will be movement in free agency from the Steelers, but as usual, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert will ensure that their own free agents are locked up before checking elsewhere. With that said, however, the Steelers have made a pair of “splash” signings by going after Mike Mitchell in 2014 and DeAngelo Williams last season, so going outside of their own locker room is not unprecedented. Let’s look at some options:

Colts TE Dwayne Allen

Allen quietly snagged eight touchdowns in 2014 before dealing with an injury plagued 2015 campaign. Allen is both a capable blocker and versatile athlete, and he could serve a dual function in Pittsburgh’s multifaceted offense. The Steelers are in desperate need of youth, and the options in the draft are slim. Given Allen’s injuries and the Colts’ likelihood of retaining Coby Fleener instead, Allen could be in the market for a one-year “prove it” deal from someone.

Chances of Steelers going for it: 25/1

G Ramon Foster

Foster is one of the top guards on the market. He is the veteran member of a very solid Steelers offensive line, and although he could potentially get more money elsewhere, he could take a slight hometown discount for the sake of continuity.

Chances of the Steelers going for it: 3/1

Former Lions DE/DT Haloti Ngata

Ngata wasn’t quite the All-Pro that he was in Baltimore last season in Detroit, but he’s still a top-tier defensive lineman with some gas left in his tank. Ngata will undoubtedly want to play for a contender, and he’s versatile enough to make the switch to nose tackle in Steve McLendon’s potential absence.

Chances of the Steelers going for it: 20/1

to read rest of article:

http://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2016/01/28/steelers-free-agent-wish-list-week-1/

[86WARD]

Wouldn't mind seeing them sign Allen.

[salamander]

I'll take a decent CB (we can't really do much worse) and maybe a decent backup QB that we can have some confidence in if Ben goes down again...are there any QB versions of Deangelo Williams out there? :chuckle:

[86WARD]

RGIII is out there. He's black and has dreads...but they aren't pink.

Fitzpatrick would be my number one...but he'll probably get a starting gig. Stanton, Moore Schaub.

Osweiler is there, he should be retained. Maybe Mettenberger? I'd love him as a back up...not sure if he's available though.

[teegre]

Maybe Mettenberger?

Yep.

And, I do recall the Steelers being interested in him (prior to that draft).

[Mojouw]

Let's see....

Josh Johnson or TJ Yates for back-up QB?

Robert Turbin or Christine Michael at RB? Although if Lynch retires, Michael is almost guaranteed to re-sign with Seattle.

Take a flyer on Daquann Bowers? Can join a long list of "failed" 4-3 pass rushing ends who eat some cheeseburgers and move inside to be run-stuffing 3-4 NTs. Ian Williams? The key to happiness and Steelers championships, Josh Maro is scheduled to be a FA in the desert. Sign him and Jon Kuhn - CHAMPIONSHIP! Nevermind, Maro is an exclusive rights Free agent. Anyways, there is help in the form of young-ish, cheap, large men available in free agency that at least claim to be able to play defensive line. Although, so did Cam Thomas...

A flier on DJ Swearinger? Bacarri Rambo? Josh Robinson? Casey Hayward? The safety on the Browns - Gibson or something like that. Anways, these are the bargain bin names I saw just taking a quick look.

[hawaiiansteeler]

The safety on the Browns - Gibson or something like that. Anways, these are the bargain bin names I saw just taking a quick look.

Tashaun Gipson from the Browns is the most intriguing name of the players you listed, though he's more of a free safety type.

my favorite idea still is signing Eric Weddle as a short-term stopgap until we can develop another young safety...

[Mojouw]

Tashaun Gipson from the Browns is the most intriguing name of the players you listed, though he's more of a free safety type.

my favorite idea still is signing Eric Weddle as a short-term stopgap until we can develop another young safety...

Is there really a big difference in FS and SS in this defense? Also, I think Mitchell could thrive in a switch to SS. But I honestly don't know. I don't really get what the distinction is between the two positions anymore. Gone are the days of SS that roamed inside the box almost every down and wore shoulder pads the size of garbage can lids.

[SteelerFanInStl]

Yep.

And, I do recall the Steelers being interested in him (prior to that draft).

I'd be happy with Mettenberger. Pretty sure that he's going to be looking to go to a team where he'll be in competition for the starting position though.


Robert Turbin or Christine Michael at RB? Although if Lynch retires, Michael is almost guaranteed to re-sign with Seattle.

A flier on DJ Swearinger? Bacarri Rambo? Josh Robinson? Casey Hayward? The safety on the Browns - Gibson or something like that. Anways, these are the bargain bin names I saw just taking a quick look.

Most likely Rawls will be the replacement in Seattle if Lynch is gone. Michael would probably be the #2 guy though.

I'd love to see us sign Casey Hayward. He's a good CB that won't break the bank.

[hawaiiansteeler]

I'd love to see us sign Casey Hayward. He's a good CB that won't break the bank.

Casey Hayward is more of a slot corner, a role we probably have Senquez Golson slated for and where we prefer to play Willie Gay if we were to re-sign him.

although Hayward was PFF's highest rated CB on the Packers and definitely is very good, I think we need an outside CB more than another slot one...

[SteelerFanInStl]

Casey Heyward is more of a slot corner, a role we probably have Senquez Golson slated for and where we prefer to play Willie Gay if we were to re-sign him.

although Heyward was PFF's highest rated CB on the Packers and definitely is very good, I think we need an outside CB more than another slot one...

Heyward's 5' 11" 196 lbs so I think that he's big enough to play the outside. I do agree that we should be set at the slot though.

I would obviously prefer Trumaine Johnson but if we're looking for someone cheaper, Heyward's a good one.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Heyward's 5' 11" 196 lbs so I think that he's big enough to play the outside. I do agree that we should be set at the slot though.

I would obviously prefer Trumaine Johnson but if we're looking for someone cheaper, Heyward's a good one.

he's definitely very good, I wish we had drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2012 NFL Draft instead of Mike Adams...

[Craic]

Is there really a big difference in FS and SS in this defense? Also, I think Mitchell could thrive in a switch to SS. But I honestly don't know. I don't really get what the distinction is between the two positions anymore. Gone are the days of SS that roamed inside the box almost every down and wore shoulder pads the size of garbage can lids.

Not if we can pick up Jalen Ramsey. I know, it's not going to happen, but it'd be interesting.

And, I always thought the free-safety was basically the trashman. Unlike the SS who would have certain coverage responsibilities (say, a TE splits out, or a team lines up 3 wide while the D is in the base defense), the free safety roamed the field, basically playing centerfield or in certain cases like Cover-2, took on the responsibility of being the "over-the-top" safety on the outside receiver, mirroring the SS on the other side.

[86WARD]

Let's see....

Josh Johnson or TJ Yates for back-up QB?

Robert Turbin or Christine Michael at RB? Although if Lynch retires, Michael is almost guaranteed to re-sign with Seattle.

Take a flyer on Daquann Bowers? Can join a long list of "failed" 4-3 pass rushing ends who eat some cheeseburgers and move inside to be run-stuffing 3-4 NTs. Ian Williams? The key to happiness and Steelers championships, Josh Maro is scheduled to be a FA in the desert. Sign him and Jon Kuhn - CHAMPIONSHIP! Nevermind, Maro is an exclusive rights Free agent. Anyways, there is help in the form of young-ish, cheap, large men available in free agency that at least claim to be able to play defensive line. Although, so did Cam Thomas...

A flier on DJ Swearinger? Bacarri Rambo? Josh Robinson? Casey Hayward? The safety on the Browns - Gibson or something like that. Anways, these are the bargain bin names I saw just taking a quick look.

Michael is a waste. I would not want him. Outside of Seattle...he couldn't make a couple rosters and they lacked RB talent...

[Mojouw]

Michael is a waste. I would not want him. Outside of Seattle...he couldn't make a couple rosters and they lacked RB talent...

Very true. Reports out of Seattle are that getting let go in Dallas woke him up and he is more "Serious" now. Could be all crap - who knows. To be clear, I was only advocating bringing him in on the type of deal that the team could easily get out of.

[86WARD]

Very true. Reports out of Seattle are that getting let go in Dallas woke him up and he is more "Serious" now. Could be all crap - who knows. To be clear, I was only advocating bringing him in on the type of deal that the team could easily get out of.

Wasn't he released by Seattle, released by Washington and then released by Dallas only to be signed again by Seattle?

[Mojouw]

Wasn't he released by Seattle, released by Washington and then released by Dallas only to be signed again by Seattle?

Something like that. Point is that in his second go round with Seattle, he seemed to pull his head out of his ass and started harnessing his physical talents.

[86WARD]

Something like that. Point is that in his second go round with Seattle, he seemed to pull his head out of his ass and started harnessing his physical talents.

I wouldn't take a chance on him...especially with what the Steelers currently have. I would go out and draft a guy though. I'd like to see Todman back.