What I like about 2012 Steelers, and what I fear. Positional breakdown of 2012 team.

[zulater]

Quarterback:

Like: An in his prime franchise quality quarterback. What's not to like about that? If anything Haley is going to make Ben better. I'll virtually guarantee the new offense wont make Ben worse. Both he and Haley have much to prove to the world and both know the key to any current and/ or possible future success they respectively have lies with working well together to make this offense special.

Both Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch are competent reserves, who can get the Steelers through a short stretch without disaster if needed.

Fear: Injury to Ben. While Leftwich and Batch are competent back-ups, neither are close to Ben. The Steelers can win games without Ben. But have no chance to make a serious run at the Super Bowl without a healthy Roethlisberger.

Bottom line: I think Ben and the offense will have a huge year.


Running back:


Like: I think Isaac Redman is underrated, and I think he was easily the Steelers best running back in 2011, so I think the fears that we'll have no running game without Mendenhall are misplaced.

Between Barron Batch and Jonathan Dwyer I think one will emerge to provide adequate depth until Mendenhall comes back off the PUP list.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how much they use Chris Rainey in the preseason. Rainey could be the wildcard in our offense that could spark them on to special things. The big question for the young backs of course will be whether they can pick up blitzers when called upon? Whoever eventually fills the role of 3rd down back will have to prove able in this area.

I also think a fast start by Redman could spur Rashard Mendenhall on to greater heights when he comes back. Mendenhall's coming up on a contract year. He needs to improve greatly off last season if he's to have any chance to get big money.

Fear: Fumbles by Redman, and no one emerging as a quality 3rd down back due to a collective inability to block.

The perfect solution would be to make Mendenhall the 3rd down back when he comes off the PUP list. But I doubt his ego would allow for it. Anyway I think Mendy has been underutilized as a receiver. He's got above average hands and is a quality open field runner once he cathces the ball. His blocking is at least adequate, so Ben wouldn't be a sitting duck back there.

I think you could sell Mendy on being the 3rd down back if you promised him split duty with Redman ( or close to it) on 1st and 2nd downs. He could still get around 15-25 touches per game this way. 12-15 carries with 3-6 catches a game would be perfect for Mendy imo.

Botom line: Redman is a perfect between the tackles running back if he holds on to the ball. Mendenhall needs to play well for his next contract. Rainey could provide fireworks as a change of pace back. I think what many see as an area of concern will prove to be a quality unit.

[polamalubeast]

One thing I am scared

With the holdout Wallace, if the Steelers have an injury at the WR position, the Steelers are in trouble
.....The steelers without Wallace have three good WR, but after, the Steelers have no depth


And of course, I have no confidence in the position of kicker

[zulater]

Tight Ends:

What I like:Heath Miller is the best two way tight end in the biz, and was underutilized as a receiver in the Arians offense. Haley makes more use of the tight end as a receiver and I expect Miller to put up career best numbers.

Leonard Pope will be a nice red zone target for Ben and will be a credible second tight end until Saunders is done with his league suspension.

I've been led to believe the Steelers are very high on Wes Saunders and think he could possibly even one day prove capable of being Heath Miller's replacement as a number one tight end. Though his blocking will never be on Heath's level.

Fear: Injuries to Heath. Plain and simple while I like our depth at tight end ( you could even put David Johnson back there in a pinch) but the difference between this being a major plus for the team or adequate at best is Heath staying healthy.

Wide Receivers:

Like: Antonio Brown is a dynamo, he makes things happen whenever he touches the ball, works harder than anyone on the team, and isn't afraid to take a hit to make a play. Emanuel Sanders if he stays healthy is a more complete receiver than Mike Wallace in my opinion. I look for a breakout season from Sanders whether Wallace returns in time for the opener or not. Any fear that Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery wont get open without Wallace "taking the top" off the defense will quickly dissipate after Sanders starts burning defenses likewise. Jerricho Cotchery is an ideal 3rd or 4th receiver. Even without Wallace the Steelers still have among the best core of receivers in the league. Obviously with no Wallace quality depth is virtually nil.

Fear: Sanders struggled with injuries last year. And so did Cotchery. Health as is true with any position is a key concern.

Bottom line: I think Wallace will be back before the preseason is over therefore I think this will be the best set of receivers (1-4) in the league. Again I see the breakout player being Emanuel Sanders who I think will put up Pro Bowl type numbers.

[zulater]

Offensive line:

Like: Want an amazing Steeler fact to impress your friends? Try this then. In games Maurkice Pouncey has started the Steelers are 25-7. In the games he hasn't played in the last two seasons the Steelers are 1-3 including both of their playoff losses. So we'll start there. Pouncey got off to a bit of a slow start last season, but once he got back in form he was a dynamo. He's capable of being the best center in the NFL this season.

Here's a first. I love the Steelers quality and overall depth at guard this season! Start with this. Kemo's gone, and no matter what happens he's not coming back! That alone makes us better!

But getting on to who is here. By all accounts Willie Colon has taken to the guard position like a fish takes to water. He's a brawler, he'll carve out holes through the middle of opposing lines like we haven't seen since Faneca circa 2005.

Now right guard might be a little more tricky. The rookie everyone assumed would start as of game one most likely wont. Danny DeCastro may very well end the season as the Steelers starting right guard but I'm betting that Ramon Foster will be there at least at the start. And that wont necessarily be a bad thing. Towards the end of last season Ramon Foster was playing quality football. He's improved to the point that he's a legitimate NFL starter. That's not to say he can't be improved upon. But until DeCastro gets his game up to NFL speed the position will be well manned by Foster.

At right tackle Marcus Gillbert gives the Steelers an emerging force. Pro Bowls and All Pro berths are in this young man's near future. That's why it's important to keep him at right tackle in anything other than a dire emergency.

Left tackle. Mike Adams, the rookie no one really expected to start will not only start from game one, but will excel imo. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he'll have his share of rookie moments, but in the end this kid's skills' were made to play left tackle in the NFL. With the coaching and reps he's gets at the big league level he'll develop rapidly. I'd say early in the season his play will resemble Max Starks from last year. Solid but prone to occasional lapses. By November and on I think you'll see an emerging Pro Bowl quality player.

Depth wise this offensive line will be strong with Starks, DeCastro, and Legursky as able bodied back ups.

Fear: Injuries to mainstays Pouncey, Gilbert, and Colon. Also I'm getting a little afraid that DeCastro might have bust written all over him!

Bottom line: This will most likely be the first good offensive line Ben has played behind since 2005.

[zulater]

Crickets?


Oh well I'm plowing on with defense later regardless.

[tube517]

Danny DeCastro may very well end the season as the Steelers starting right guard

Who? Was he in "Taxi"?
Just kidding, Zu.

[zulater]

Who? Was he in "Taxi"?
Just kidding, Zu.

Oops! No wonder no one here takes me seriously!

[suitanim]

DeCastro won't be a bust. The hype surrounding him taking a little time is equally as absurd as the hype proclaiming that Adams was going to be a bust for a couple technicalities in his game.

[zulater]

DeCastro won't be a bust. The hype surrounding him taking a little time is equally as absurd as the hype proclaiming that Adams was going to be a bust for a couple technicalities in his game.

I'm not saying you're wrong. Because it's certainly too early to write anyone off. But it does concern me some that he's struggling in the physical aspects of the game by all reports. I guess part of it is that I have an irrational fear that the Steelers are overdue for a first round bust. By league average about 1/3 of first round picks bust. Eventually we're going to miss on one again. But hopefully this isn't that year.

[suitanim]

That's just it. It's WAY too early to know. Camp just opened. I think they'll both be fine, personally, but we'll have to wait and see...

[zulater]

That's just it. It's WAY too early to know. Camp just opened. I think they'll both be fine, personally, but we'll have to wait and see...

I imagine and certainly hope you're right that they both will be fine. But I still got this hunch that the immediate post draft assumption that DeCastro would be an immediate starter and Adams would be a developmental project will prove to be bass ackwards.

[suitanim]

I imagine and certainly hope you're right that they both will be fine. But I still got this hunch that the immediate post draft assumption that DeCastro would be an immediate starter and Adams would be a developmental project will prove to be bass ackwards.

If so, it only goes to show that even the most informed fans are often completely wrong. I'm not really worried at this point, though. Now, if we're in preseason game 4, and he's getting schooled left and right and looks horrible, I MIGHT start to be a bit disturbed...

[Chidi29]

For what it's worth, Tomlin said Pouncey and the current rookies are about the same level at this point in their rookie seasons. Said he didn't make a decision to make Pouncey a starter until the third game of the preseason.

And Pouncey, like DeCastro, had no trouble with the mental part.

[Pristas]

Keep saying it... DeCastro is a bust. Cause when he gets wind of that, you can place the old chip on the shoulder. Once he gets up to speed physically, our interior o-line is going to be pretty sick. Guys like Ngata are going to be fuming over having no pressure and getting mauled by the Three Bears. Yes, you heard it here first. The Three Bears (Colon, Pouncey, DeCastro). And they will make Ngata look like Goldilocks.

[zulater]

Keep saying it... DeCastro is a bust. Cause when he gets wind of that, you can place the old chip on the shoulder. Once he gets up to speed physically, our interior o-line is going to be pretty sick. Guys like Ngata are going to be fuming over having no pressure and getting mauled by the Three Bears. Yes, you heard it here first. The Three Bears (Colon, Pouncey, DeCastro). And they will make Ngata look like Goldilocks.

I never said he was a bust, I just said early returns have been underwhelming and I fear the Steelers may be due for a first round bust.

But it looks as if he had a good day today so I'll focus on the positive.

[zulater]

Nose tackle:
Like: McClendon's bulked up and I think he's an improving player. I love the pick of Ta'amu, and hopefully he can contribute some right away. I think Ziggy Hood can slide to the middle on occasion without it hurting the cause. He doesn't have the bulk you want on the nose, but he has plenty of strength. Maybe the strongest man on the team in fact. Casey Hampton will start the season on the PUP, which may be a good thing as it will help save him for late season action.

Fear: Hampton's another year older, McClendon is still a bit of an unknown quantity over the long haul, and Ta'amu while promising is a rookie, and rookie's generally don't make much of an impression on the DL in LeBeau's system.

Bottom line. I don't think this is the position of strength it's been in the past, as in when Casey Hampton was in his prime. But I still don't see it as a liability. I think McClendon will hold the fort ok until Casey is ready to return. And when Hampton return's the position should go way in the plus column again.

Defensive End.

Like: Brett Keisel doesn't get older, he just gets better. Keisel followed a break out season in 2010 with the same quality of season in 2011 and I expect more of the same in 2012. Ziggy Hood was a bit of a disappointment last season. That's not to say he was bad, but he didn't live up to the expectations one usually has for a Steeler first rounder in his second year. The good news is Ziggy was dedicated in every way to improving himself this offseason, from working on his strength and conditioning to hours and hours of film study where he broke down every single play of his last year. I think this will prove to be his break out year. Cam Heyward had a pretty good season by Steeler rookie defensive end standards last year. He should do nothing but improve, and again by all accounts Cam had a very good offseason and should make a significant step up in his performance this season.

Fears: Keisel has shown no sign of slowing down when healthy. But he did have a few nagging injuries last year. So again injuries could derail the party.

Bottom line: This may prove to be the strongest unit on the defense. I think we have 3 high quality defensive ends. How many teams can say that?

[zulater]

Outside linebackers.

Like: When Harrison and Woodley are healthy they are without peer. The best outside linebacking duo in the league. Effective both as pass rushers and controlling the edge on running plays. Worldis has improved at least to the point that he looks as if he belongs in the league. I think Brandon Johnson could prove to be a good depth player.

Fears: Injury. Not so much with Woodley. Up until last year he's been very durable. And he set his offseason exercise program to address hamstring issues.
Harrison however is a different matter. Injuries are taking their toll. He just can't give it to you for 16 games on every play like he's done in the past. Hopefully they can spell him some with Worldis even when he's healthy. Maybe that will keep him from breaking down?

Of course an even bigger fear with Harrison is a league suspension. And if so, for how many games? That's why I fear this will be James' last season as a Steeler. You can't pay someone that much money and then see them keep getting suspended for increasingly long periods of time. Also I don't have a great deal of faith in Chris Carter as anything other than a special teams player.

Bottom line: Any game Woodley and Harrison are healthy and on the field together the Steelers will pose tremendous difficulties to the opposing offense. But realistically that wont be the case for 16 games. It's simply a matter of how many games they can be on the field together for that will dictate whether this is an elite or average defense.

[zulater]

Inside linebacker:

Like: I think Lawrence Timmons will return to 2010 form and again be an elite ILB. Last years struggles largely were a result of being moved outside in place of an injured James Harrison. Hopefully the Steelers learned their lesson and will keep Timmons in place no matter what.

Larry Foote is adequate, and given the slippage in James Farrior's play last year I don't foresee any positional drop off.

Sean Spence was an excellent draft pick and I think he'll contribute sooner than people think. I expect him to be sharing time equally with Foote by early November.

Fears: James was an excellent leader and character guy. You don't lose a man of that caliber without some residual effect.

[zulater]

Safeties:

Like: Troy Polamalu is still an impact defender who can make plays in all 3 zones. ( behind the line, at the line, in the secondary) Also I'm hoping that last years lack of interceptions was an aberration. Early in the season he dropped at least 3 or 4 picks that he'd usually make in his sleep.

Ryan Clark had his best season as a Pro last year. Huge hitter who makes receivers think when he's in the area. Also knows how to play with Troy. Which believe it or not isn't always easy due to Troy's tendency to free lance at the last second.

Ryan Mundy has improved to the point that he's no longer a liability when he's in the lineup. In small doses he will get the job done. Plus he knows the defense and can play either safety position.

Fear: Troy is getting old, and has looked slow through OTA's and camp to this point. Now of course this is a veteran who knows when to turn it on, so this is probably baseless. That said Troy is somewhat injury prone. And after Mundy the depth is unproven..

[steelreserve]

I'm not saying you're wrong. Because it's certainly too early to write anyone off. But it does concern me some that he's struggling in the physical aspects of the game by all reports. I guess part of it is that I have an irrational fear that the Steelers are overdue for a first round bust. By league average about 1/3 of first round picks bust. Eventually we're going to miss on one again. But hopefully this isn't that year.

I think a first-round bust is way more likely to be a QB, WR, DB or a speed/skill style pass rusher. In other words, those positions where the majority of the game is a one-on-one mental matchup where you're trying to fool your opponent in open space and vice versa. Some guys "have it" when they get to the pros, and some just don't.

Linemen, linebackers, TEs and to some extent RBs seem like they tend to be "safer" picks, where it's more about knowing your job within the scheme and doing it well. Much easier to get a read on who's going to do well.

[zulater]

I think a first-round bust is way more likely to be a QB, WR, DB or a speed/skill style pass rusher. In other words, those positions where the majority of the game is a one-on-one mental matchup where you're trying to fool your opponent in open space and vice versa. Some guys "have it" when they get to the pros, and some just don't.

Linemen, linebackers, TEs and to some extent RBs seem like they tend to be "safer" picks, where it's more about knowing your job within the scheme and doing it well. Much easier to get a read on who's going to do well.

Duly noted and great points.

[Chidi29]

I think a first-round bust is way more likely to be a QB, WR, DB or a speed/skill style pass rusher. In other words, those positions where the majority of the game is a one-on-one mental matchup where you're trying to fool your opponent in open space and vice versa. Some guys "have it" when they get to the pros, and some just don't.

Linemen, linebackers, TEs and to some extent RBs seem like they tend to be "safer" picks, where it's more about knowing your job within the scheme and doing it well. Much easier to get a read on who's going to do well.

I don't think it matters that much. It's just that the skill positions get more talk than the trench guys, just as they do in any other situation. JaMarcus Russell being a bust is a much bigger story than John McCargo so it gets more press (obviously, Russell was first overall with McCargo in the double digits but I'm just using it as an example).

[zulater]

Cornerback.

Likes: Cortez Allen! I don't just like him, I love him. I think he'll be the Steelers best corner by the end of this season. And I'm not alone. Ike Taylor's pretty much of the same mind. Quoting Ike Taylor from a column in the Aug 13 issue of Steelers Digest; "He's a very mature second year guy. the reason why he is so mature is he went to a military academy school. He kind of had to grow up early."

As a player Taylor said this about Allen. "He know's what it takes and he wants it. He wants to get better. The thing I like about Cortez is he doesn't say much; he comes to work and he does what he needs to do. This dude can be way better than me- if he stays healthy." And since camp has opened Allen has done nothing but excel.

Curtis Brown also has a great upside. It will be interesting to see how playing time is divied up between he Cortez, and Keenan Lewis as the season progresses. My prediction. Cortez allen will start opposite Ike Taylor and Curtis Brown will displace Lewis ans the nickel back by mid season.

Ike Taylor still is a solid corner despite his poor performance in the playoffs against Denver.

Fears: Very little. I love our 4 corners. I think Lewis is the worst of the bunch, and I think he's a solid nickel on any team.

Bottom line: Who'd of thunk it, the Steelers are solid at guard and corner for the first time that I can remember!

A quick peek into the future and I see this as Ike Taylor's last season as a Steeler. I think by this season's end the Steelers will be sold on Allen, and Brown as the starters and Lewis as the nickle, which will make Ike and his salary expendable.

[GBMelBlount]

Cornerback.

Likes: Cortez Allen! I don't just like him, I love him. I think he'll be the Steelers best corner by the end of this season. And I'm not alone. Ike Taylor's pretty much of the same mind. Quoting Ike Taylor from a column in the Aug 13 issue of Steelers Digest; "He's a very mature second year guy. the reason why he is so mature is he went to a military academy school. He kind of had to grow up early."

As a player Taylor said this about Allen. "He know's what it takes and he wants it. He wants to get better. The thing I like about Cortez is he doesn't say much; he comes to work and he does what he needs to do. This dude can be way better than me- if he stays healthy." And since camp has opened Allen has done nothing but excel.

Curtis Brown also has a great upside. It will be interesting to see how playing time is divied up between he Cortez, and Keenan Lewis as the season progresses. My prediction. Cortez allen will start opposite Ike Taylor and Curtis Brown will displace Lewis ans the nickel back by mid season.

Ike Taylor still is a solid corner despite his poor performance in the playoffs against Denver.

Fears: Very little. I love our 4 corners. I think Lewis is the worst of the bunch, and I think he's a solid nickel on any team.

Bottom line: Who'd of thunk it, the Steelers are solid at guard and corner for the first time that I can remember!

And a quick peek into the future and I think I see this as Ike Taylor's last season as a Steeler. I think by this season's end the Steelers will be sold on Allen, Brown, and Lewis as the nickle, which will make Ike and his salary expendable.

Interesting thought. I never thought about ike being replaceable. I have to admit it seems like we may be loaded with talent at corner.

[Lou Donny]

thats a helluva roster breakdown Zu....nicely done

[Chidi29]

thats a helluva roster breakdown Zu....nicely done

Seconded. Good stuff zu.

[steelreserve]

I don't think it matters that much. It's just that the skill positions get more talk than the trench guys, just as they do in any other situation. JaMarcus Russell being a bust is a much bigger story than John McCargo so it gets more press (obviously, Russell was first overall with McCargo in the double digits but I'm just using it as an example).

There's probably some truth to that. And turning the argument around in yet another circle, you probably also have more skill players than trench players taken early (with the possible exception of LT and NT, which have become hyper-sought after specialties of late). OG and C in particular, it's rare to see more than a couple go in the first round. And those are also positions where there are simply more players overall. So I'd argue that the top couple of offensive guards that you see go in Round 1 probably represent more like 1-in-1,000 talent at the college level, while the 5 or 6 QBs in the first round are more like 1-in-50 talent just because of sheer numbers.

The real answer is probably somewhere in the middle of what we're both claiming, I would imagine.

[Chidi29]

There's probably some truth to that. And turning the argument around in yet another circle, you probably also have more skill players than trench players taken early (with the possible exception of LT and NT, which have become hyper-sought after specialties of late). OG and C in particular, it's rare to see more than a couple go in the first round. And those are also positions where there are simply more players overall. So I'd argue that the top couple of offensive guards that you see go in Round 1 probably represent more like 1-in-1,000 talent at the college level, while the 5 or 6 QBs in the first round are more like 1-in-50 talent just because of sheer numbers.

The real answer is probably somewhere in the middle of what we're both claiming, I would imagine.

That sounds about right.

[steelreserve]

A quick peek into the future and I see this as Ike Taylor's last season as a Steeler. I think by this season's end the Steelers will be sold on Allen, and Brown as the starters and Lewis as the nickle, which will make Ike and his salary expendable.

You could be right. Although I'd love to see him stick around for a couple more years like Townsend and still be useful, obviously not at 6 mil per year though. That would be pretty nice insurance to have.

Who knows, he may be at the point in his career where he's not going to get another big contract, and he says you know what, screw it, the difference between $2.3M and $2.8M is not worth uprooting everything and moving across the country, because Phoenix is a scum-filled shithole overrun by elderly golfers and Mexican drug gangs.

I know everybody eventually has to retire or move on, but hey, one can always hope.

[zulater]

You could be right. Although I'd love to see him stick around for a couple more years like Townsend and still be useful, obviously not at 6 mil per year though. That would be pretty nice insurance to have.

Who knows, he may be at the point in his career where he's not going to get another big contract, and he says you know what, screw it, the difference between $2.3M and $2.8M is not worth uprooting everything and moving across the country, because Phoenix is a scum-filled shithole overrun by elderly golfers and Mexican drug gangs.

I know everybody eventually has to retire or move on, but hey, one can always hope.

I'd be good with Ike finishing up his career as a Steeler. But if the young guys come through to the extent I think they will then it's hard to see them keeping him at the 6 million price tag he comes with.

So what it comes down to is what sort of year he has, and what the market is for a 30 year old corner?

All it takes is for one team to overpay him, so my guess is that there will be that one team somewhere that blows Ike out of the water.