State of the Franchise 2019

[Born2Steel]

Looking at the half dozen or so threads about the steelers playoff chances and such has made me think about what this franchise looks like moving forward into the offseason and next season's preseason. Cannot predict new draft picks or FA signings so mostly as it stands right now.

Offensive free agents to sign or not to sign:
Bell, Ridley
Foster, Finney, Feiler, Banner
Grimble, James
DHB, Hunter, Rogers, Switzer

Defensive free agents to sign or not to sign:
Alualu, McCullers, Walton
Chickillo
Shazier, Fort
Sensabaugh, Hilton, Dangerfield, Berhe

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Sad but there really isn't anyone on the D list worth signing lol. I'm sure they will sign more then a few though.

[steelerdude15]

I'd resign Foster, Finney, Feiler, Rogers, and Switzer. That's it. Nobody else is worth resigning and Ryan may never play again.

[tube517]

I'd resign Hilton for sure

[86WARD]

I'd resign Hilton for sure

Why? As the token defender to hold up the 4th down sign instead of making a play?

[Shoes]

Hand out pink slips to the coaching department.

[st33lersguy]

This team is a mess. This team's championship window will remain closed as long as tomlin remains head coach

[steelerdude15]

This team is a mess. This team's championship window will remain closed as long as tomlin remains head coach

This. He and majority of the coaching staff are too incompetent to win another one.

[86WARD]

Wasting talents like Ben, Bell, Brown and possibly JuJu...it’s a tragedy...

[Steeldude]

It depends on what is coming in to replace.

It doesn't really matter though. With Tomlin at the helm the team will remain unfocused and more concerned with celebrating than sound team work and strong fundamentals.

[86WARD]

This team pretty much made it through the season “healthy” too...which is always a crap shoot once August comes around. That’s not going to happen often.

If not for the foot of Boswell and shoddy coaching this team would be already locked in to the three seed at worst. Tie the Browns opening week...lol. Disaster from the get go.

[Born2Steel]

Offensively I am fairly positive the OL, and TEs will receive an offer. We all pretty much assume Bell will receive an offer that he will probably decline to test the FA waters. Ridley is a big question mark, I think he may be brought back if only for a camp body. You need vets. The WRs are an interesting group don't you think? DHB seems to have a home here for as long as he wants it. Hunter is a beast in hiding, meaning he still has big potential we have only seen glimpses of. Rogers and Switzer seem to me to be in perfect position to be re-signed here if they want it.

Defensively I think the DL guys will all receive offers. IMO, Fort should be signed long term. I am really interested to see how the Shazier situation is handled. I don't think he ever plays again, but what if he could be hired in another capacity maybe. Chickillo and Berhe I don't think receive offers and are allowed to walk away. Sensabaugh, Hilton, and Dangerfield should receive an offer to stay IMO.

To take this conversation a step further, I don't think bringing in a new DBs coach helped at all. Burns regressed big time. There were still communication issues in the secondary and Sutton and Hilton were not nearly as effective under the new guy. I'm not one to cut ties with coaches after only one season but I might make an exception here. The front 5(DL and OLBs) played well together the vast majority of the time. VW and Fort played well together at times but not consistently and the middle was a noticeable weak spot. All in all I did not have a huge problem with this defense as it seems most on here do. We have definite weak areas that did not seem to get better this season. Safety play improved. CB play regressed. ILBs were overmatched most of the time, need more talent there. OLBs played very well this season. The DL are still the stronger group of this defense.

As for the coaching changes being "discussed" on this forum, be very careful. Tomlin has been a consistent good coach and the team has had a lot of success under him. If Tomlin got fired this offseason, just for discussion, the best case scenario is John Mitchell then takes the HC job. This would allow for us to keep the current position coaches. Sure, some can individually be upgraded, but this is a TEAM not a group of individuals doing their own thing. I am not impressed with Tom Bradley or Jerry Olsavsky with this season. Could be the talent is just not there, or could be the overall positions they coach regressed under their guidance. Either way that part of this defense must be fixed.

I personally think the offense drastically under-produced this season, especially in the 2nd half of games. Still one of the best OL in the NFL. The WR corps got even better than last year, IMO. TE play improved overall this year. The RBs were a success and ran aggressively. Ben had good games, great games, and a couple not so good games. I don't have any idea where the consistently inconsistent blame lies. Probably on multiple shoulders.

Not ready to take on FAs or the draft just yet.

[st33lersguy]

I just think it is amazing that all the high draft picks the Steelers have spent over the past few years on defense, especially on the defensive backfield and LB corp have yielded very little results. Even with TJ Watt's 12 sacks, the Steelers probably have a bottom 5 LB corp and defensive backfield.

The 2015 draft is probably worse than the 2008 draft, at least the 2008 draft gave the team 2 1,000 yard seasons of Rashard Fumblehall, the 2015 draft has yielded nothing and it has effected the team. And the first 2 rounds of the 2015-2016 draft have helped set Steelers defensive football back. Bud Dupree, Artie Burns, and Sean Davis simply can't play and the three of them have had as positive of an impact as Senquez Golson, the other top 2 round pick from 2015-16.

[86WARD]

Hunter doesn’t have any potential. He is what he is...there’s nothing more there. Lol.

[pczach]

Looking at the half dozen or so threads about the steelers playoff chances and such has made me think about what this franchise looks like moving forward into the offseason and next season's preseason. Cannot predict new draft picks or FA signings so mostly as it stands right now.

Offensive free agents to sign or not to sign:
Bell, Ridley
Foster, Finney, Feiler, Banner
Grimble, James
DHB, Hunter, Rogers, Switzer

Defensive free agents to sign or not to sign:
Alualu, McCullers, Walton
Chickillo
Shazier, Fort
Sensabaugh, Hilton, Dangerfield, Berhe



Much of what happens with these free agents will depend on what decisions ownership makes with coaching changes. Changes to the staff will determine which players are going to get offers and which players won't. Any changes to scheme can mean a change in personnel.

Now we just need to see what happens when the season is over.

[Rotorhead]

Nothing is really going to matter if we keep Tomlin, with his subpar coaching. He has been successful because of the team, not the other way around. Get a half decent coach in here and we have at least 2 more rings.

[ALLD]

I wouldn't bring back any of them for camp to infect the others with their loser attitudes and skills. If Rooney doesn't want to pull the plug on Tomlin, I am not forced to watch the games either. Why go through all that frustration? I can watch a highlight reel if they win.

[Michael]

Why? As the token defender to hold up the 4th down sign instead of making a play?

I agree and would resign Hilton, Until this team is loaded with NFL caliber defensive backs Hilton is a keeper. He is hard nose , can blitz and a far better tackler most all the other DB s on the team. If they do not cut Burns I know they are playing politics and not accepting the responsibility of making a big mistake in their first round pick. The major fact is that this team has to figure out how it can pick up the very best Corner and Interior linebacker in Free Agency. Select at least one of the two. Figure it out and make it happen. The draft is too speculative. They blew it on their number one pick this year. Edmunds should have gone in the 2nd or possibly the 3rd.

[cubanstogie]

Wasting talents like Ben, Bell, Brown and possibly JuJu...it’s a tragedy...
Its not like the players you mentioned didn't have anything to do with the underachieving season. Ben leads league in pics, Bell is a quitter. They wasted their own talent. I know what you mean though, the window is closing for Ben and there is no light at end of tunnel as long as we don't have a dominate D. When Rudolph takes the helm, we need a dominate D.Odds are He is not going to light it up like Mahomes, Chiefs can still win with shitty D right now. I am still bitter at Bell for quitting this year, I love Conner but if Bell had taken 14.5 mill and played we'd be number 1 or 2 seed right now. I really hope he pulls a Martavis or Josh Gordon and gets popped for drugs. Say what you want about Tomlin shitty decisions, Butlers insanity but atleast they didn't quit.

[st33lersguy]

Looking at the half dozen or so threads about the steelers playoff chances and such has made me think about what this franchise looks like moving forward into the offseason and next season's preseason. Cannot predict new draft picks or FA signings so mostly as it stands right now.

Offensive free agents to sign or not to sign:
Bell obvious let him go, Ridley he sucks let him go
Foster age +price himself out equals let him go, Finney, Feiler, Banner keep the rest for depth
Grimble, useless let him go James keep for depth
DHB, Hunter let them both go, Rogers, Switzer adequate depth, keep both

Defensive free agents to sign or not to sign:
Alualu, McCullers, Walton toss out McCullers, keep the others for depth
Chickillo useless, let him go
Shazier, Fort Shazier won't be able to play, don't have him count against the cap, Forth not worth keeping
Sensabaugh, Hilton, Dangerfield, Berhe Hilton an obvious keep, everyone else is usless, let them go
\\answers in bold

[86WARD]

Good thing is they won’t have to play the Patriots due to winning the AFC North...lol. However, I think they play the AFC East next season...

[DesertSteel]

Players aren't the problem for the Steelers. Coaching staff needs to go. Every one of them. Sometimes it's just time for a change. It's not going to happen but IMO that is what is needed. It's the only thing that will get us another Super Bowl win in the Ben era.

[Shoes]

Players aren't the problem for the Steelers. Coaching staff needs to go. Every one of them. Sometimes it's just time for a change. It's not going to happen but IMO that is what is needed. It's the only thing that will get us another Super Bowl win in the Ben era.

I've been saying that for years but some always blame it on the players not executing. It's only a matter of time though until the truth comes out. Many think Butler should go, but Tomlin is knee deep in this defense and not a peep about his blunders. I think anyone holding this team back should go, player, coach, scout......

[86WARD]

These are what I’d like to see done:

• Danny Smith fired. Special Teams has been a shit show for years. He’s awful.

• Keith Butler fired. Defensive breakdowns speak for themselves. As Zu stated, bringing in a veteran DC from outside, letting them do the defense is what needs to be done. A brand new defense needs to be installed...nothing from LeBeau Era is acceptable.

• Joey Porter fired. Loved Peezy as a player, feel he brings very little to the table as a coach.

• Time/Clock Management/Challenge Specialist hired. He will be the one that tells Tomlin when and what to challenge. The fact that they don’t have someone in charge of this is the most glaring need that I have seen.

• Mike Tomlin needs to Coach. He doesn’t need to draft players. He needs to focus on the things that coaches do. He can have input, just as the OC and DC should have input but final
Decision goes to Colbert and scouting.

That’s obviously just the coaching and front office stuff and I’m confident, even with that tag tag trash on defense, that if they made these moves, the team would instantly be better.

[Born2Steel]

Just my opinion here but I think those placing all the blame for the defensive woes on Butler need to give credit for the improvements as well. The DL and OLBs are performing better now than they ever have.

There is a measurable void of talent in the middle of this defense. VW is a superb run stopper but not so great in coverage. He replaced an aging Timmons but is not what Timmons was. Matakevich took a lesser role because the play of Fort improved. No combination of safety/ILB can replace what Shazier did for this defense. Not putting him as the reason, just that they haven't found his replacement yet, FA or draft is still a crapshoot.

In the secondary every single DB regressed from last season however. And if they did not regress they certainly did not improve. Haden is still our best DB but he is not what he once was and we should be looking for him to move to FS in the next year or two.(Haden said himself that is what he expects) That leaves us with zero quality outside CBs once that move happens. Hilton, and Sutton should stay in the slot. Sensabaugh is a depth player not your starter. I'm afraid Burns has flamed out. How much hope do you hold for the 'Allens' to step up and be shutdown guys back there? Lastly, Davis may be playing his more natural position as FS, but he has not impressed, IMO. I do think the Edmunds draft pick has been wasted with coach Bradley. He has not impressed either. Can he play the Shazier/Fort/Spence role at ILB? I think that is worth looking into. As a DB he has looked lost.

[teegre]

These are what I’d like to see done:

• Danny Smith fired. Special Teams has been a shit show for years. He’s awful.

• Keith Butler fired. Defensive breakdowns speak for themselves. As Zu stated, bringing in a veteran DC from outside, letting them do the defense is what needs to be done. A brand new defense needs to be installed...nothing from LeBeau Era is acceptable.

• Joey Porter fired. Loved Peezy as a player, feel he brings very little to the table as a coach.

• Time/Clock Management/Challenge Specialist hired. He will be the one that tells Tomlin when and what to challenge. The fact that they don’t have someone in charge of this is the most glaring need that I have seen.

• Mike Tomlin needs to Coach. He doesn’t need to draft players. He needs to focus on the things that coaches do. He can have input, just as the OC and DC should have input but final
Decision goes to Colbert and scouting.

That’s obviously just the coaching and front office stuff and I’m confident, even with that tag tag trash on defense, that if they made these moves, the team would instantly be better.

The only thing I disagree with is Tomlin not being involved with scouting/drafting. Tomlin wanted Revis. Tomlin really wanted JJ Watt (but, there was zero chance they’d get him). Tomlin wanted Landon Collins. Tomlin wanted OBJ. Tomlin reeeally wanted Aaron Donald.

Tomlin has an eye for “splash” players.

[86WARD]

The only thing I disagree with is Tomlin not being involved with scouting/drafting. Tomlin wanted Revis. Tomlin really wanted JJ Watt (but, there was zero chance they’d get him). Tomlin wanted Landon Collins. Tomlin wanted OBJ. Tomlin reeeally wanted Aaron Donald.

Tomlin has an eye for “splash” players.

If that is accurate and the Steelers has a legitimate shot at getting those players, Colbert should be on the cutting block as well.

[Born2Steel]

The only thing I disagree with is Tomlin not being involved with scouting/drafting. Tomlin wanted Revis. Tomlin really wanted JJ Watt (but, there was zero chance they’d get him). Tomlin wanted Landon Collins. Tomlin wanted OBJ. Tomlin reeeally wanted Aaron Donald.

Tomlin has an eye for “splash” players.

"Unfortunately" those Tomlin coached Steelers drafted well after those very talented players were off the board. Must be Tomlin's fault for not tanking games so he could get better draft position. :sarcasm:

[teegre]

If that is accurate and the Steelers has a legitimate shot at getting those players, Colbert should be on the cutting block as well.

Maybe... maybe not.

Revis was a product of Bruce Arians telling his friends in the media who the Steelers were probably picking (in order for the reporter to seem “smart”). Revis was on NO ONE’s radar... except for Tomlin’s. Then, a reporter “suddenly” mocked him to the Steelers... and the rest is history. The same thing happened with Branden Albert (although, he wasn’t as big of a miss).

JJ Watt would have been really difficult to trade up for. That said, Watt was mocked in the 20s, until a week before the draft... when Arians leaked that Tomlin has a man-crush on the kid. Boom!!! eleventh pick (no chance to trade up).

Colbert attempted to trade up with the Giants in order to draft OBJ (or Aaron Donald), but the deal fell through. And, since he’d spent so much time & effort on that trade, once the Giants picked OBJ & the Rams were on the clock (the very next pick), there wasn’t enough time to really get a trade done with the Rams (for Donald).

The Landon Collins trade was basically due to trading away a R3 pick to draft Landry Jones... and then not having that pick the next year (to move up for Collins). The Titans wanted to trade down, but we didn’t have the “asking price.”

SUMMATION:
It’s not so much that Colbert didn’t listen to Tomlin/didn’t try to acquire those players... it’s more that the circumstances just didn’t fall into place.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Why? As the token defender to hold up the 4th down sign instead of making a play?

you cant be serious. Hilton is one of our best defenders

[86WARD]

you cant be serious. Hilton is one of our best defenders

Not when he’s standing at a moving pile holding up a 4th downs sign instead of helping stop the play or getting run over and holding up a 4th down sign as he’s falling and the opposing team is converting for the first down. He needs to get his head out of his ass and worry about just making plays then he can do his dopey 4th down sign.

[Born2Steel]

I'm keeping the same 8 OL for now.
Ben, Dobbs, Rudolph
Connor, SAK
McDonald, James, Grimble, Hodges
AB, JuJu, Washington, Switzer, Rogers

In the draft I would look to add WR, OG/C
Look in FA to bring in a known RB and/or WR

[hawaiiansteeler]

I'm keeping the same 8 OL for now.
Ben, Dobbs, Rudolph
Connor, SAK
McDonald, James, Grimble, Hodges
AB, JuJu, Washington, Switzer, Rogers

In the draft I would look to add WR, OG/C
Look in FA to bring in a known RB and/or WR

my 2019 Steelers Mock Draft:

Rd. 1 - CB
Rd. 2 - S
Rd. 3 - ILB
Rd. 4 - CB
Rd. 5 - OG/C
Rd. 6 - WR
Rd. 7 - RB

[Born2Steel]

my 2019 Steelers Mock Draft:

Rd. 1 - CB
Rd. 2 - S
Rd. 3 - ILB
Rd. 4 - CB
Rd. 5 - OG/C
Rd. 6 - WR
Rd. 7 - RB

I hope to make a positive move in FA for a CB, or ILB before the draft happens. Then take another in the draft as well. I'm still a BPA in the first believer.

[hawaiiansteeler]

I hope to make a positive move in FA for a CB, or ILB before the draft happens.

not sure if it's accurate but I read somewhere we may have about $30 million in available cap space this offseason...

[Rotorhead]

FA CB and ILB
Draft:
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
ILB

Can’t miss on all those picks right?

[Born2Steel]

FA CB and ILB
Draft:
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
ILB

Can’t miss on all those picks right?

:lol:
Gotta give Munch at least 1 new pup to train. But other than that, spot on.

[hawaiiansteeler]

FA CB and ILB
Draft:
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
ILB

Can’t miss on all those picks right?

we need a ball-hawking safety also...

[86WARD]

FA CB and ILB
Draft:
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
ILB

Can’t miss on all those picks right?

You need to change some of those I’s to O’s...the. It’s spot on. Maybe sprinkle an S in there too...

[tube517]

FA CB and ILB
Draft:
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
CB
ILB
ILB

Can’t miss on all those picks right?

Almost a 1981 49ers type of draft where they drafted 3/4 of their Super Bowl winning secondary :chuckle: