Inspired by Others Mock

This is what I hope is going to happen between now and the draft next season:

• LaMarr Woodley will be resigned to a lucrative contract, ensuring he stays with the Steelers another six years.
• Ike Taylor will also get a 4 year deal.
• Jeff Reed will be franchised again.
• Steelers will pick 32 overall. We are going to win it all this year....our backs are against the wall and Ben is going to light the NFL on fire when he returns from his suspension. The Steelers will finish 11-5 and win it against all the odds.
• James Farrior and Hines Ward will retire.
• The Steelers will not be rewarded with any compensation picks.

1.32: OT DeMarcus Love, Arkansas
I expect Love to have a good senior season. He is very athletic for being 6'5", 320lbs. He is very good in pass protection and more than adequate in the run game. While Starks is our LT now, we could use some legitimate insurance behind him. He could even start at RT if Colon isn't resigned. Plus, the Steelers always find excuses to not start rookies.....hopefully Pouncey breaks that trend.

2.64 ILB Nigel Bradham, Florida State
Bradham is a guy I will watch a lot. He plays OLB for the Seminoles. He is 6'3", 240lbs, and is very strong and athletic. I think he can make the transition inside. He has a passion for contact and would fit nicely alongside of Timmons.....giving us two LBs that can make plays from sideline to sideline. Them and Polamalu would give offensive coordinators fits.

3.96 WR DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss
Now with Ward gone and Sweed still under-performing, the Steelers could finally use that big endzone target they have been looking for. Brown......not be confused with the Brown we just drafted from the MAC Conference is a freak of nature. He is 6'6", 230lbs, and can run a 4.5 40. He is a junior, but will likely declare. He has massive hands, runs good routes, a decent blocker, and will make us remember Lynn Swann with some of the catches he can make for the Steelers.

4.132 SS Shiloh Keo, Idaho
I think Keo is a safety who could be an effective backup for Polamalu. Keo is an effective safety for the Vandals, and last season posted good numbers including over 100 tackles, five pass breakups, and three interceptions. I think he is undedrrated right now and I really think he would be an effective player down the stretch for us.

5.164 LB Mason Foster, Washington
Capable of playing all the LB spots, he is tough against the run, seeks out contact, and is super strong. He is underrated in coverage and really loves to punish ball carriers.

6.201TE D.J. Williams, Arkansas
Williams is an exceptional blocker who can also be effective in the passing game. He is sort of undersized for the position being only 6'2", but no one will outwork him. Plus, our TE depth absolutely sucks.

7.239 K/P Alex Henery, Nebraska
Henery is a demon on special teams. I mean that every possible way. He has a strong leg and is very accurate both kicking field goals, pinning opponents downfield, and on kickoffs. Sepulveda has not lived up to his 4th Round expectations. And Reed doesn't exactly inspire on kickoffs. Henery could eventually push Reed off the roster in a year or two. I also like the idea of a guy who can both kick and punt, saving a roster spot.

Tired of this Shuffling Crap(Plus Extended Thoughts)

am really getting tired of just rotating bodies in and out of the OL. I hate it. We need answers for the OL, not just solutions. We did the first step by getting Maurkice Pouncey in this past draft. These are the next steps I think we need to take:

1.25 G Michael Pouncey, Florida

This is the next step. Getting a guard that is already comfortable fighting side by side with Maurkice Pouncey would not only help Michael's transition, but give the two of them confidence to fight side by side in the pros. Pouncey is the mauler and more than adequate pass blocker that we need at RG. This will definitely solidify the interior OL well into the next decade.

2.57 OL Orlando Franklin, Miami(FL)

I have had Franklin on my radar for a long time now. Some may question the pick of a second G. Firstly, he will be playing LT this season. While I think he will do a fine job, he is a lineman that just has the quality I look for: he is very athletic for a 6'7" 320lbs, has experience playing at G and T, and is a relentless blocker. Our interior line sucks right now......this needs to change.

3.89 RT Marcus Cannon, TCU

Overkill?.........I say not. Cannon is everything I want in my RT: pure mauler, gym/weight room rat, underrated athletically, is more than adequate in pass protection. And, he has great size at 6'5" 348lbs. Since Colon is out for the year and Chris Scott is also injured, we could really use more insurance at RT. Colon may never even play another down for the Steelers. Cannon will also be making the switch to the blindside this season, so it will be interesting to see how he handles and performs playing LT. Could boost his stock, even though TCU's schedule looks pretty harmless until later in the season....

4.125 CB Charles Brown, North Carolina

This kid will fall for two reasons: (1) the quality depth at CB and (2)he will be overlooked due to the other NFL quality and ready Tar Heel defenders. It won't because he is not talented. Brown has good hands, good hips, good speed, and just has a knack for being around the ball. He is also not afraid to help out against the run.....which is a key thing I look for in CBs.

5.156 NT Anthony Gray, Southern Mississippi

Gray initially did not impress me when I first saw him play. That's probably because I wasn't looking closely enough. Gray is a very solid NT for the Golden Eagles. He occupies OL, he is a rock in the run game, and he is even underrated athletically. Tomlin may want the next NT for us to be more a 3 down player....Gray could just be the solution.

6.194 LB Mason Foster, Washington

I think this kid will be a potential steal of this draft class. He had a very quiet, yet good season last season collecting 85 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 6 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, and six passes defensed. He is flying under the radar for now....hopefully he stays that way.

7.232 S Jeron Johnson, Boise State

Johnson will also fall like Charles Brown will........he is under appreciated and is a good class of DBs. Johnson is underrated because he comes from a smaller school that normally dominates its opponents, comes from a weak conference, and just doesn't wow you. Johnson is just remarkably solid and rarely does he miss an assignment. We could use someone solid for a change to backup Troy.

Extended Thoughts:
My future OL would be:

LT- Max Starks
LG- Orlando Franklin
C- Maurkice Pouncey
RG- Michael Pouncey
RT- Marcus Cannon
backup- Chris Scott
backup- Ramon Foster
backup- Doug Legursky
backup- Jonathon Scott

Ike Taylor, LaMarr Woodley, and Doug Legursky are given extensions.

Looking Ahead to the Next Draft: Defensive Back

CB/
Patrick Peterson, LSU
6'1" 210lbs  Junior

Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
6'1" 200lbs  Senior

Aaron Williams, Texas
6'1" 190lbs  Junior

Brandon Harris, Miami
5'11" 195lbs  Junior

Curtis Brown, Texas
6'0" 180lbs  Senior

Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech
5'11" 190lbs  Senior

Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
6'2" 200lbs  Senior

S/
DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
6'1" 210lbs  Senior

Deunta Williams, North Carolina
6'2" 205lbs  Senior

Rashard Hall, Clemson
6'2" 195lbs  Sophomore

Rahim Moore, UCLA
6'1" 200lbs  Junior

Mark Barron, Alabama
6'2" 215lbs  Junior

Looking Ahead to the Next Draft: Offensive Line

So, I am already looking forward to next years draft class. I think one of the biggest needs come next year will once again be the offensive line. Now with that being said, here is who I deem the top prospects to be:

Offensive Tackle/
Gabe Camiri, Wisconsin
6'6" 325lbs Senior

Joseph Barksdale, LSU
6'5" 315lbs Senior

Matt Reynolds, BYU
6'6" 330lbs Junior

Anthony Costanzo, Boston College
6'7" 295lbs Senior

James Carpenter, Alabama
6'5" 305lbs Senior

Marcus Cannon, TCU
6'5" 348lbs Senior

Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh
6'4" 308lbs Senior

Nate Potter, Boise State
6'6" 295lbs Junior

Interior Offensive Linemen/
Michael Pouncey, Florida
6'5" 320lbs Senior

Rodney Hudson, Florida State
6'3" 295lbs Senior

Kris O'Dowd, USC
6'5" 305lbs Senior

Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
6'3" 298lbs Senior

Justion Boren, Ohio State
6'3" 315lbs Senior

John Moffit, Wisconsin
6'5" 320lbs Senior

Orlando Franklin, Miami(FL)
6'7" 318lbs Senior

First 2011 Mock

Assuming we draft right around 17, give or take a win/loss. Also assuming we won't be getting any comp picks due to the massive amount of free agents we signed this year. Also assuming that we resign Nick Eason, William Gay, Mewelde Moore, Jeff Reed, Daniel Sepulveda, Ike Taylor, and LaMarr Woodley. Other than Woodley, Taylor, and Reed.....all the others can be had for chump change.

1. CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
He is the dominant CB the Steelers lack. Impressive size, fluid athlete, excellent hands, and plays well in zone and man coverage schemes. Excellent closing burst. Also, he is not afraid to help out against the run. He is also very young, just how Colbert and Tomlin like him.

TRADE UP! STEELERS TRADE 2ND AND 4TH ROUND PICK FOR PICK 30.

1. C/G Michael Pouncey, Florida
Have a feeling we are really going to focus on improving the OL. Chris Scott will probably play RT, and Urbik is still unproven. We get a guy who can help us revolutionize the run game and equally help protect Big Ben from another big sack season. Also, playing side by side with his brother will help him transition immensely.

3. NT Kendrick Ellis, Hampton
Big space eater who makes a living eating up two blockers and causing a nuisance for opposing offenses. Much more athletic than one would give him credit for as well. Had over 50 tackles last season, including 15 in enemy territory last season, in 12 contests.

5. WR DeAndre Brown, Southern Mississippi
A massive target at 6'6", 230lbs, and a rumored 4.48 40 time. Coming off a broken leg, DeAndre Brown caught 47 passes for 785 yards and nine scores. What broken leg? If we make this pick, could mean Sweed is finished.

6. TE Charlie Gantt, Michigan State
Some may feel he will go higher. I do not. If Colin Peek can go undrafted, so can this kid. His specialty is in the run game, and he can chip in the passing game too. Not much different than Peek at all really.....both have soft hands, run good routes, and are terrific run blockers. And they both are slow big men.

7. G/T Marcus Gilbert, Florida
We're going to call it the Gator Line. Yeah, I like the sound of that. We will have four Florida OL on the team; Starks, Pouncey, Pouncey, and Gilbert. Yeah, I like the pick just because we can call it the Gator Line. Only one Gator short though.....anyways, Gilbert has good athleticism, size, and potential to be a starting RT.

Looking Ahead to the Next Draft: Defensive Line

So, I am already looking forward to next years draft class. I think one of the biggest needs come next year will once again be the defensive line. Now with that being said, here is who I deem the top prospects to be:

Defense End/
Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
6'6" 290lbs Senior

Adrian Claybourn, Iowa
6'3" 282lbs Senior

Allen Bailey, Miami(FL)
6'4" 288lbs Senior

Jared Crick, Nebraska
6'6" 285lbs Junior

Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
6'4" 280lbs Junior

Marcel Dareus, Alabama
6'3" 280lbs Junior

Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson
6'4" 305lbs Senior

Nose Tackle/
Jerrell Powe, Mississippi
6'2" 340lbs Senior

Kendrick Ellis, Hampton
6'5" 340lbs Senior

Phil Taylor, Baylor
6'4" 355lbs Senior

Alameda Ta'amu, Washington
6'3" 348lbs Junior

D'Angelo McCray, Eastern Illinois
6'4" 330lbs Junior

Lawon Scott, Mississippi
6'1" 322lbs Senior

Anthony Gray, Southern Mississippi
6'0" 314lbs Senior

Undrafted Free Agent Cut

According to multiple sources, OL A.J. Trump of Miami was released.

No reason has been cited, and speculation is pointless. The Steelers have and will not release a statement.

Steelers Sign Rookie Free Agents

The Pittsburgh Steelers added the following players after they did not get drafted:

G Dorian Brooks, James Madion
6'2" 304lbs

S Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, UTEP
6'2" 210lbs

T Kyle Jolly, North Carolina
6'6" 300lbs

FB Demtrius Taylor, Virginia Tech
6'0" 273lbs

DL Cordarrow Thompson, Virginia Tech
6'2" 304lbs

S Justin Thornton, Kansas
6'1" 213lbs

OL A.J. Trump, Miami
6'3" 300lbs

Meet the Draft Class

Another draft come, another draft gone. For months we have been roaming the Internet looking and researching all possible prospects. We have witnessed workout warriors, speed demons, and humongous prospects. The wait ended three days ago. Now, meet your 2010 rookies!!

Round 1- C Maurkice Pouncey

Round 2- OLB Jason Worilds

Round 3- WR Emmanuel Sanders

Round 4- OLB Thaddeus Gibson

Round 5- OL Chris Scott, CB Crezdon Butler, LB Sylvester Stevenson

Round 6- RB Jonathon Dwyer, WR Antonio Brown

Round 7- DE Doug Worthington

I wish you all the best of luck. I support 1000%. Go out and get it done rookies, you have expectations to live up too.

Some Crazy Draft Ideas

The Steelers have the 1.18 pick in the draft. They also have two 5th round and one 7th round compensation picks. The Steelers trade down from 1.18 because Pouncey, Thomas, and all the OTs are off the board. They are able to swing a deal with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys for picks 1.27 and 2.59 so that Dallas can get OG Mike Iupati. The Steelers then trade picks 1.27 and 5.151 to Tampa Bay for picks 2.35 and 4.101. The Steelers then trade 2.52 to Andy Reid and the Eagles for picks 3.70 and 3.86 so that Philadelphia can get RB Jahvid Best. The Steelers then trade 2.59 to the Cardinals for picks 3.88 and 3.89 so the Cardinals can get TE Rob Gronkowski. The Steelers then package picks 5.155, 6.188, and 7.225 to get the 49er's 4.113 pick.

2.35- CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
3.70- LB Sean Lee, Penn State
3.82-  DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
3.86- CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Pennsylvania(Indiana)
3.88- NT Linval Joseph, East Carolina
3.89- WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel
4.101- RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
4.113- G/T Marshall Newhouse, TCU
4.116- DE Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
5.164- OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
5.166- RB Deji Karim, Southern Illinois
7.242- OLB Adrian Tracy, William and Mary

Then kind of hoping that the roster would shake out like this:

QB- Ben Roethlisberger, Dennis Dixon, Charlie Batch
RB- Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, Anthony Dixon, Deji Karim
WR- Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Limas Sweed, Antwaan Randle El, Andre Roberts
TE- Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, David Johnson
OL- Max Starks, Chris Kemoeatu, Justin Hartwig, Trai Essex, Willie Colon, Doug Legursky, Kraig Urbik, Marshall Newhouse, Jonathon Scott/Tony Hills
DL- Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Ziggy Hood, Linval Joseph, Alex Carrington, Chris Hoke, Clifton Geathers
LB- James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Larry Foote, Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, Sean Lee, Arthur Moats
CB- Ike Taylor, William Gay, Keenan Lewis, Joe Burnett, Kareem Jackson
S- Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Will Allen, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah
ST- Jeff Reed, Daniel Sepulveda, Greg Warren

Two Year Draft Plan

Yes, I realize the 2011 Draft is a long way off. However, I have an idea and needed to throw it on paper.

2010 Draft
Steelers trade down with Green Bay for pick 1.23 and 3.86. Steelers trade down with 2.52 to Philadelphia for pick 3.70 and 3.87. Steelers then trade up with picks 4.116 and 5.151 to get pick 4.103 from Washington.

1.23- C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Dominant interior player, which Pittsburgh utterly lacks.
3.70- CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Pennsylvania of Indiana
Very talented. Stole the show at Ohio State's pro day.....which Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin both attended.
3.82- DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Small school DE who has the size, athleticism, and potential to a be solid starter. Elite run stuffer.
3.86- WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel
Level of competition is an issue.....but this kid looked like a man among boys at The Citadel.
3.87- OLB Eric Norwood, South Carolina
Very athletic OLB who has good technique and a wide array of rush moves.
4.103- G/T Marhsall Newhouse, TCU
Big, powerful, and very athletic.Could be the dominant LG we lack.
5.155- QB Jon Skelton, Fordham
Strong arm, decent accuracy. Need some insurance for Ben anyway.
5.164- RB LaGarrette Blount, Oregon
Big powerful RB who can improve the short yardage game.
5.166- DE Brandon Deadrick, Alabama
Solid 34 DE who played in the Tide's great defense this past season.
6.188- S Quentin Scott, Northern Iowa
Big athletic safety who can play from sideline to sideline.
7.225- OLB Adrian Tracy, William and Mary
Talented small school LB who just happens to go the Tomlin's alma mater.
7.242- NT Callahan Bright, Shaw
The Rooneys might make a chance on him. Could give him the second chance....


2011 Draft
Steelers pick 21. Steelers get to the playoffs, but don't pull it out. Steelers then trade up with their 3rd, 4th, and 5th Round picks for Buffalo's high 2nd Round pick. I am also predicting that Willie Parker nets the Steelers a 5th Round compensation pick.

1. OT Marcus Cannon, TCU
Big, athletic, and powerful RT that we just don't have.
2. FS Deunta Williams, North Carolina
Athletic safety who can deliver the kill shot when presented the opportunity.
2. NT Jerrell Powe, Mississippi
Quick and powerful NT who can anchor this line for years.
5c. TE Steven Skelton, Fordham
Brother of Jon Skelton. Very productive as a blocker and pass catcher. True #2 TE.
6. ILB Greg Lloyd, Connecticut
Talented ILB who will get a look because his father is Steelers former LB Greg Lloyd.
7. CB Jason Teague, TCU
Talented late round CB.

Another Very Active Mock

Steelers have received two 5th round compensations as well as one 7th round compensation.

Steelers trade pick to 1.18 to the Green Bay for picks 1.23 and 3.86. Steelers then trade pick 1.23 to Dallas for pick 1.27 and 3.90. Steelers then trade pick 2.52 to Philadelphia for picks 3.70 and 3..

1.27- OC Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
3.70- CB/FS Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Pennsylvania of Indiana
3.82- OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
3.86- DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
3.87- LB Eric Norwood, South Carolina

3.90- WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel
4.116- OG/OT Marshall Newhouse, TCU
5.151- DE Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
5.155- RB Deji Karim, Southern Illinois
5.164- CB Nolan Carroll, Maryland
5.166- OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
6.188- OLB Adrian Tracy, William & Mary
7.225- WR Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State
7.242-NT Callahan Bright, Shaw

Steelers Very Active Mock

It's been a while since I last posted. It has been too long. I have tried ideas for mocks, but can't fulfill them because I myself cannot sell the idea to myself. However, this one I sold myself on......meaning it will never actually happen. Despite that, I think that the Steelers will be very active on draft day, and find some real steals on the latter days of the draft. Here is my new and latest mock:

Steelers trade down from 1.18 with the Packers to acquire 1.23 and 3.70. The Steelers also then trade down with the Eagles using 2.52 and 4.116 for picks 3.70 and 3.87. Steelers have two 5th round compensations picks and one in the 7th round.

1.23- OC Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Pouncey falls here because centers simply do not go in the first 20 picks. And, rumor has it that the Steelers love Pouncey. I can see why: he is 6'5", 310lbs, and has played against the elite competition of the SEC the past three years. He started at guard his freshmen year and center these past two. He could do the same for the Steelers. Essex needs to be replaced at RG, and when Hartwig's contract comes to a close he can slide over to center. He will anchor this line well into the next decade.

3.70- OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Facts remain that Willie Colon has still not signed his RFA tender. Veldheer has all the makings of a great OT: he is big at 6'8" 320lbs, is very athletic, is an exceptional pass protector, and plays with great leverage for a man of his size. He needs a little bit of work in the run blocking department, but he has intangibles you ask for in a bookend OT.

3.82- ILB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State
I am hoping that some owner named Al Davis doesn't draft this guy. Chaney can fall to this pick. Chaney will be the perfect complement to Timmons down the road. He is strong against the run, is very good in coverage, is very fast for an ILB, and can really lay the wood. Chaney is also a strong tackler and can take on blocks, unlike Timmons.

3.86- CB/FS Awkasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana of Pennsylvania
Awkasi is simply one of the most talented DBs in this draft class. Scouts have been baffled how this kid did not get recruited to play at a bigger program. Owusu-Ansah has elite speed, great hands, plays big and physical, and has phenomenal closing speed. If I had to compare him to a NFL safety, it would be Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens. If I had to compare him to a NFL corner, it would be Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. While level of competition is a huge issue, I still think he can make the transition. He also happens to be a sensational return man. When he fields the ball, he gets up to top speed very quickly. He also has insane balance....he takes a hit and just seems to bounce off would be tacklers and defenders. Owusu-Ansah will be a draft day steal.

3.87- DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas StateCarrington is everything I covet in a 34 DE. He is strong and stout at the point of attack. He is an elite run stuffer. He has excellent lower body strength. He has an imposing 6'5" 285lbs frame that has room to grow without losing his speed, agility, or quickness. He is also an accomplished pass rusher. Put that all together, and I think you get a cornerstone 34 DE. His value should put him here at this pick. If not, we need to trade up for him......because he will be one of the best DL in this draft. Once again, level of competition isan issue, but like Owusu-Ansah, he will be one of the biggest steals of this draft class.


5.151- CB Walter Thurmond, Oregon
I seem to remember not to long ago the Steelers drafting an Oregon Duck who's senior season was cut short due to injury....that player is Dennis Dixon, who looks to have rounded the curve and step up as a reliable backup for Big Ben. Thurmond is a player who has been banged up the past two seasons.....however, that doesn't mean the kid is talented. Thurmond possesses good size at 6' 190lbs. In addition, he has good timed and closing speed, has excellent hands, and has been a beast in coverage.

5.164- RB Charles Scott, LSU
Scott's senior campaign ended with injury. It's too bad, because during preseason hype he was supposed to be a force this year. Scott is a downhill runner, which the Steelers have lacked since Jerome Bettis retired after the 2006 Superbowl win. He can become the big back that the Steelers have needed in goal line and short yardage situations. Scott may not have the speed to outrun the defense, but he has the power and strength to go right through them. He will be an excellent complementary back for Mendenhall and the Steelers.

5.166- DE Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
He is big and athletic, and shows some promise as a 34DE. He is a decent pass rusher and is solid against the run. He also has rare size at 6'8" 299lbs, who can run the 40 at a low 4.9. He could develop into something special down the road. Hell, he even has room to bulk up.

6.188- OLB Adrian Tracy, William & Mary

Tracy will be called upon the by the Steelers. Not only is he very talented, he comes from Tomlin's alma mater. Tracy has been extremely productive, recording over 30 sacks in 47 games during his career. Level of competition is always a concern with small school players, but Tracy fits the mold of a Steelers OLB.


7.225- OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison.

7.242- WR/QB Joe Webb, Alabama-Birmingham
Webb reportedly looked excellent in WR drills at his pro day. It was also noted that the Steelers spent a considerable amount of time with Webb during and after practice. Seems like a good pick this late.

UDFA:
ILB Jason Cutrera, LSU
CB R.J. Stanford, Utah
WR/CB Ray Fischer, Indiana
WR/QB Ermanti Edwards, Appalachian State
NT Callahan Bright, Shaw
OT Tyler Eastman, Maine
RB Curtis Steele, Memphis
TE Steve Maneri, Temple
PK Tobe Nwigwe, North Texas
C Kevin Matthews, Texas A&M

My Birthday Mock

Okay, the following players have either been signed, tagged, or tendered by the Steelers: Casey Hampton, Jeff Reed, Ryan Clark, Will Allen, Antwaan Randle El, Arnaz Battle, Jonathon Scott, Larry Foote, Charlie Batch, Willie Colon, Matt Spaeth, William Gay, and Daniel Sepulveda.

I am hoping that the Steelers will at least give Willie Parker an offer if he even considers returning. He runs hard, is a good #2 back. However, I am assuming that that does not happen for the sake of this mock. I also hope that an offer is given to Nick Eason. He has shown that he can be solid as a starter and excellent depth.

The Steelers select 18th. The Steelers also received two 5ths and one 7th round compensation pick for the losses of Bryant McFadden, Nate Washington, and Byron Leftwich to free agency. Also, the Steelers trade their 3rd Round pick for Green Bay's 3rd and 4th Round picks.

1. ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama
2. CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
3. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
4. G/OT Marshall Newhouse, TCU
4. OLB Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
5. QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi
5. S Kurt Coleman, Ohio State
5. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
6. RB Deji Karim, Southern Illinois
7. QB/WR Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State
7. NT Callahan Bright, Shaw


UDFA:
OT Andrew Tyshovnytsky, Fordham
OT J'Marcus Webb, West Texas
PK Tobe Nwigwe, North Texas
CB Nolan Carroll, Maryland
CB Cassius Vaughn, Mississippi
S Kendrick Lewis, Mississippi
DE Brandon Deadrick, Alabama
C Kevin Matthews, Texas A&M
OL Nicholas Howell, USC

Dual Trade Down Mock

Okay, the following players have either been signed, tagged, or tendered by the Steelers: Casey Hampton, Jeff Reed, Ryan Clark, Will Allen, Antwaan Randle El, Arnaz Battle, Jonathon Scott, Willie Colon, Matt Spaeth, William Gay, and Daniel Sepulveda.

The Steelers pick 18th. However, all the tops OTs are gone, Earl Thomas is gone, and Rolando McClain doesn't fall as we all hoped(actually, I am still hoping come the real draft). So, the Steelers trade down with the Arizona Cardinals and get their extra 3rd Round pick that they acquired for trading Anquan Boldin. After that, they trade down with Minnesota Vikings to obtain their 1st and 3rd Round pick.

1. CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers
2. OT Rodger Saffold, Indiana
3. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
3. NT Linval Joseph, East Carolina
3. OLB Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State

4. RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
5. OG Marhsall Newhouse, TCU

5. S Kurt Coleman, Ohio State
5. QB John Skelton, Fordham

6. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
7. DE Doug Worthington, Ohio State

7. FB Matt Clapp, Oklahoma

UDFA:
ATH Jameson Konz, Kent State
OLB James Ruffin, Northern Iowa
OLB George Johnson, Rutgers
WR/CB Ray Fischer, Indiana
CB R.J. Standford, Utah
TE Brody Eldridge, Oklahoma
NT Boo Robinson, Wake Forest
DT Abe Koroma, Western Illinois
RB Curtis Steele, Memphis

One Crazy Day in Free Agency

What a day it has been. This was my thought process throughout the day:

1. Ryan Clark likely/close to signing with the Dolphins.

Well dang, it really does look like we are going to safety in the 1st round. I was never a big fan of this approach, especially in a draft class whose safeties have great value in Rounds 2 and 3. I knew we could get quality starting safeties this late, so why waste the high draft pick?

2. Steelers sign backup FS Will Allen, formerly of the Buccaneers.

From what I knew, he was a good special teams player. I knew he could be a stop-gap solution at FS until we found someone better. I then looked at his price tag, and just figured he was going to start. Still figured we would draft a safety in Round 1.

3. Steelers sign Jonathon Scott, formerly of the Bills.

Hmm.....we did just higher the old Bill's OL coach to be our new one....maybe he knows something we do not....

4. Steelers sign Arnaz Battle, formerly of the 49ers.

Great, this means Sweed's career in Pittsburgh is over. Just great. Another failed pick in the 2007 draft class. Davis is gone, and Hills has done nothing to impress. Just great.

5. Steelers resign Ryan Clark.

I was utterly shocked. I figured since they spent decent money on Allen that the door was shut on Clark. However, I could not have been more happy to see him rejoin the Steelers. And now, we can finally choose not to resign Tyrone Carter or release Ryan Mundy, because they both aren't very good.

6. Steelers resign Antwaan Randle El.

This move blew me away. It came out of nowhere. Randle El was my favorite Steelers back in the 2005 Super Bowl. And now being a undergraduate at IU, I can wear my Randle El jersey to IU home games. The move also made me think that Sweed has almost no chance of making the roster.

7. The still pursued interest in Larry Foote and Leigh Bodden.

If we could get both of these players, a lot of holes would be filled before the draft would occur, and the Steelers could still stay true to the "best player available philosophy".

Overall, this day was overshadowed by Big Ben's looming charges in Georgia. Ben, you have to stop acting like a child and get your stuff together. People gave you the benefit of the doubt in the McNulty case due to civil suit being filed a year later and such. Now people think this is a habit. Go talk to Tiger Woods. Both of you can consult on how sex is an addiction. Hopefully, Roger Goodell won't give you a suspension even if you don't get indited....

Trade Back Mock, New Target

The Steelers have resigned Hampton, tagged Reed, and tendered Colon, Gay, Spaeth, and Sepulveda.

For this mock, we will go and say that Clark is resigned and Eason is resigned.

Steelers receive two 5th round compensation picks and one 7th round one as well. The Steelers then trade down with Green Bay to acquire their 1sxt and 3rd Round picks.

1. FS Earl Thomas, Texas
They normally would stand pat and take their man at 18, but they realize that he will still be available a few picks later. Thomas has elite range and playmaking ability. Who knows, his best fit may even be at CB. He did a good job gaining some much needed weight. If he improves his tackling, he is a perennial All Pro.

2. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
He is my favorite defender in this whole draft class, who also happens to have the most upside. He has excellent size at 6'5" 285lbs coupled with rare athleticism to play both as a 43 and 34 DE. He has incredible lower body strength. He should be also be a perennial All Pro.

3. OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Veldheer showed up at the Combine and impressed almost everyone in attendance. Veldheer is super athletic, showed good footwork, and has elite size for the position. He is a bit of a project at this point because he will have to refine his technique and develop for a few years. He would be the perfect guy to play the swing tackle role.

3. G/T John Jerry, Mississippi
Believe me. Rooney wants to run the football. Jerry should be one hell of RG and a solid starting RT. He is quick off the line, has great size(6'6" 335lbs), and is extremely powerful. He is the ultimate mauler, while is also surprisingly good in pass protection. His first three seasons he played at guard, and was very impressive. He started this last season at RT, and earned All Second Team SEC honors. He has definitely impressed me enough. He would present excellent value here.


4. NT Linval Joseph, East Carolina
He is quick off the snap, is a big giant run stuffer, and is very athletic. Joseph didn't receive any offers to go workout in the offseason outside of the Combine, which he impressed multiple teams with 5.09 at 6'4" 328lbs and 39 repetitions on the bench press. He is the athletic big man that Tomlin wants for the future.


5. RB Lonyae Miller, Fresno State
Miller was overshadowed by Ryan Matthews the last two years of his collegiate career. However, that doesn't mean he is talented. On the few carries that he did receive this year, he showed explosion through the line and quickness to be effective at the next level. He even has nice timed speed: he recorded a 4.49 at the Combine. Miller should a be a solid complement to Mendenhall in time. There aren't many RBs I like this late, and Miller is talented to say the least.


5c. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
I have been promoting Peek from the get go. However, no one seems to realize how good of a TE he can be. He is the perfect TE for the Steelers. He is an excellent blocker. He runs excellent routes and has sure hands. He is the PERFECT TE for the Steelers. I will be pissed if pass on Peek in this draft, considering how Arians loves TEs and like to run out of a 2 TE single-back set. Peek didn't participate in the 40 yard dash, so I wonder if he and his agent knows that his 40 won't get under a 4.8. However, I like Peek because of his amazing blocking, so being a receiving threat would only increase his value. It isn't like the Steelers ever throw to Matt Spaeth anyways.

5c. CB Walter Thurmond, Oregon
I seem to remember not to long ago the Steelers drafting an Oregon Duck who's senior season was cut short due to injury....that player is Dennis Dixon, who looks to have rounded the curve and step up as a reliable backup for Big Ben. Thurmond is a player who has been banged up the past two seasons.....however, that doesn't mean the kid is talented. Thurmond possesses good size at 6' 190lbs. In addition, he has good timed and closing speed, has excellent hands, and has been a beast in coverage.

6. DE Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
He is big and athletic, and shows some promise as a 34DE. He is a decent pass rusher and is solid against the run. He also has rare size at 6'8" 299lbs, who can run the 40 at a low 4.9. He could develop into something special down the road. Hell, he even has room to bulk up.

7. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison. Despite his hype, we will have to make the transition, which could be hard for the FBS player.

7c. CB Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois
Stoudamire broke up a whopping 16 passes in 2009. Level of competition is obviously an issue, but Stoudamire will be a sleeper in a deep draft of CBs. Though, the middle rounds are flooded with just average CBs, so we might need to take him higher. Stoudamire has good timed and closing speed, active hands as evidenced by his impressive stat, and is underrated against the the run.

Stud CB Mock Version

Steelers resign Hampton(resigned), Reed(tagged), Clark, and Eason(eventually). Steelers have tendered all of their RFA in Colon, Sepulveda, Spaeth, and Gay.

Steelers receive two 5th round compensations and one 7th round compensation according to AdamTJ13. Until he updates his blog, this is what I am sticking with.

I feel that all of the top 4 OTs are gone. It is very likely. I also think that the Giants take Earl Thomas. Haden, Berry, and McClain all go in the top 10. Even Dan Williams is gone.  So, I think the Steelers trade down with Philadelphia and pick up their 1st and 3rd round picks. Andy Reid always likes to get big and super athletic linemen, so I feel we are in a good spot to trade down. The Steelers also trade up with their 4th and 5th round picks to get a Seattle's 4th Round Pick.

1. CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers
I think Rutgers is quietly at the top of the Steelers list. The low tender of Gay shows that they have little confidence in him, and that losing him would not be a significant. Even if you don't follow that line of thinking, I think McCourty proved that he was what Tomlin would like to call a "quick twitch" player. I also think that McCourty really impressed the Steelers at the Combine. I think he is a Tomlin CB through and through. McCourty has excellent timed and closing speed, plays stronger and more physical than his size would suggest, is more than willing to help out against the run, and has good hands. He even offers value as an excellent special teams player. He fills several holes for the Steelers, in addition to  being EXCELLENT VALUE.

2. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington is another quick twitch guy that Tomlin will fall in love with. Carrington possesses a non stop motor, excellent lower body strength and build, and in my honest opinion an elite run stuffer. He has publicly said that he loves playing the run(articles that I have read). He is also an accomplished and good pass rusher. The past two seasons he has lived in opponents backfields registering 19 sacks and over 30 tackles for loss. In my opinion, he is the most unique defensive linemen in the draft outside of Suh and McCoy. I also believe he has more upside than considered 1st Round prospects such as Jared Odrick and other defensive linemen.

3. FS Major Wright, Florida
Wright is one of my favorite safety prospect this draft. I have been backing him since his name was even in consideration for him to come out early. He does so many of the little things well: he has fluid hips and can turn and run with literally no time lost, he is a sound tackler, he cover and run with the best, and he has good hands. Wright is even known to from time to time to give out some bone-jarring hits, hits we are accustomed to seeing out of Steelers FS Ryan Clark. If he is available here, I find it hard to believe that we will pass on someone of his talent and character.

3. OG/OT John Jerry, Mississippi
Jerry not only has been a member of either the 1st/2nd SEC team, but he has had an excellent offseason. Jerry has lost considerable weight this offseason, and even ran an impressive and surprising 40 time of 5.15. Jerry can be a dominating RG, and a more than capable RT. Jerry gives us a quality player in which we have two average offensive linemen in Trai Essex, and in my opinion Willie Colon. He is a dominating run blocker, and a very good pass protector. I see this as a win-win situation: he either can replace Essex or Colon within the next two seasons. Urbik is an enigma as of right now, and I hope he pans out. Nevertheless, Jerry gives us options and versatility. I know that we also have Foster, but he really needs to get into shape.

4. NT Linval Joseph, East Carolina
Joseph is another player who I consider to be quick twitch. He is quick off the snap, is a big giant run stuffer, and is very athletic. Joseph didn't receive any offers to go workout in the offseason outside of the Combine, which he impressed multiple teams with 5.09 at 6'4" 328lbs and 39 repetitions on the bench press. That is why the Steelers have to trade up to get the ultra athletic NT.

5c. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
Normally I would say this is too high. However, in this draft he presents good value here. Given the number of new teams switching to a 34 defense, more hybrid pass rushers will be selected earlier and often. Moats has been compared to James Madison by several Steelers scouts eying him at Texas vs. The Nation week. His speed and quicks are off the charts, and his motor is non stop.

5c. RB Lonyae Miller, Fresno State
Miller was overshadowed by Ryan Matthews the last two years of his collegiate career. However, that doesn't mean he is talented. On the few carries that he did receive this year, he showed explosion through the line and quickness to be effective at the next level. He even has nice timed speed: he recorded a 4.49 at the Combine. Miller should a be a solid complement to Mendenhall in time. There aren't many RBs I like this late, and Miller is talented to say the least.

6. OT J'Marcus Webb
Webb has impressed a good deal of people at the Texas vs. The Nation practices not only with his football game, but also his intelligence. He has showed the mobility to get out on screen passes. More importantly, he showed that he is very good in pass protection and is a stout run blocker. He also has room to max out his frame. It looks as if he could gain some more lower body strength to make his game even better.

7. ILB Phillip Dilliard, Nebraska
Dilliard is a later round guy that really intrigues me. He was all over the field in the Big XII Championship game. He made all the tackles, he looked good in coverage, and could rush the passer. This late, everyone is a project anyways.....he has solid upside.

7c. WR Kelton Tindal, Newberry
Big play receiver with blazing speed had 116 receptions for 1898 yards and 16 touchdown reception during his career.  In case you missed the Texas vs. The Naton game Tindal blew by coverage to make a spectacular 67 yard reception.  Tindal's primary competition for a roster spot would be speedster Jason Chery who was added to the Steelers offseason roster. Rumored to run a 4.2 flat, if not lower. And, he is 6'3, 205lbs. Wow.

UDFAs:
S/LB Kendrick Lewis, Mississippi
OLB George Johnson, Rutgers
CB R.J. Stanford, Utah
OLB Christian Anthony, Grambling
RB Stafon Johnson, USC
SS Austin Thomas, Indiana
TE Nathan Overbay, Eastern Washington
WR Stephen Williams, Toledo
WR Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State

Post Combine Mock

Steelers resign Hampton(resigned), Reed(tagged), Clark, and Eason. Steelers have tendered all of their RFA in Colon, Sepulveda, Spaeth, and Gay.

Steelers receive two 5th round picks and one 7th round pick.

Here is the situation. All of the top OTs are gone: Okung to the Chiefs, Campbell to the Raiders, Bulaga to the Bills, Williams to the 49ers. S Earl Thomas was taken by the Giants. Berry, Haden, and McClain go in the top ten. Therefore, the Steelers trade down with Dallas and get their 1st and 3rd round picks. They then trade down with their 2nd round pick to pick up an extra 4th.They then trade up with their 4th and 5th round picks to move up into the early 4th.

1. CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers
McCourty sounds like the perfect mold of a Steelers CB. He is physical at the line, is very good in run support, and is excellent in coverage. McCourty shined at the Senior Bowl and Combine, and he has become one of my favorite CB prospects. McCourty has excellent timed speed, and very good closing speed. His his are very fluid, and he is excellent in changing direction. He is both good in man and zone coverage. He sounds and has played like an excellent CB. He is my new favorite prospect for the Steelers. Also, in the photo above, he limited star Pittsburgh wide-receiver Jonathon Baldwin to one catch for 9 yards in a Big East showdown.

2. S Major Wright, Florida
He can turn, run, and cover with the best. He is very good against the run and is underrated in coverage. He can even hit like Clark. Also possesses very good hands. Excellent athlete and football player who should replace Clark in two years time.

3. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
If Carrington is still available here, which I am starting to doubt, he will be the steal of this draft class. Carrington has all the tools to be a dominant 34 DE. He is an elite run stuffer, he lives in opponents backfield and is an accomplished pass rusher, and has incredible lower body strength. Carrington will command time as a rookie, something that rarely happens with the Steelers.

3. T/G John Jerry, Ole Miss
Believe me. Rooney wants to run the football. Jerry should be one hell of RG and a solid starting RT. He is quick off the line, has great size(6'6" 335lbs), and is extremely powerful. He is the ultimate mauler, while is also surprisingly good in pass protection. His first three seasons he played at guard, and was very impressive. He started this last season at RT, and earned All Second Team SEC honors. He has definitely impressed me enough. He would present excellent value here.

4. NT Linval Joseph, East Carolina
Jospeh is an incredible athlete that could probably play either NT or DE position for the Steelers. He played NT for the Pirates at 6'4" 322lbs. He has room to gain weight and not lose his quickness....he once weighed 385lbs, but because of back problems he dropped the weight. Joseph is great against run, can help collapse the pocket, and is athletic enough to be a 3 down NT. He is also powerful and quick enough to play DE. A friend of mine said that Joseph could be a poor man's version of Haloti Ngata, playing every position across the DL. I believe his future is on the inside.

4. ILB Donald Butler,Washington
Butler has impressed me. He quietly had good weeks at the Senior Bowl and Combine. He is very athletic, has good size at 6'1" 244lbs, and is an excellent run stuffing LB who can play all three downs at the NFL level. He is underrated in coverage, hits like a truck, and attacks runs through the inside-out. He can take on linemen and shed blocks, and gets to the ball carrier with force and quickness. He will add value to special teams while waiting for his chance to compete for the starting job.

5c. WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut
With barely any playing experience, Marcus Easley is a bit of a project. But he's undoubtedly physically gifted; at 6-3, 210, Easley ran a 4.46 and notched a 10-3 broad jump on Sunday. He's a  guy with a lot of upside. His work ethic will get the Steelers to take him, as they need someone to give Sweed a run for his money.

5c. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison. Despite his hype, we will have to make the transition, which could be hard for the FBS player.

6. CB Walter Thurmond, Oregon
I seem to remember not to long ago the Steelers drafting an Oregon Duck who's collegiate career was cut short due to injury....that player is Dennis Dixon, who looks to have rounded the curve and step up as a reliable backup for Big Ben. Thurmond is a player who has been banged up the past two seasons.....however, that doesn't mean the kid is talented. Thurmond possesses good size at 6' 190lbs. In addition, he has good timed and closing speed, has excellent hands, and has been a beast in coverage. He and Johnson will be the hidden steals of this draft class, mark my words.

7. RB LaMarcus Coker, Hampton
Led the MEAC in rushing with 1,027 yards and six scores. LaMarcus Coker hasn't been in trouble in a long time, and appears to have turned his life around. Still, most teams could be wary. However, if he passes the Steelers test, he could be the next hidden Willie Parker, WITH hands. Could give Mendenhall one hell of a complement, as well as another accomplished return man.

7c. S/LB Kendrick Lewis, Ole Miss
Lewis has a few things going for him: he is a hybrid S/LB, he is very good in coverage, he is a good tackler, and he is very intelligent.  Lebeau loves guys who can play and excel sub packages. And you never know.....Lewis could make one hell of a ILB.......

Pray for the King Family

http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-03-02/local-county-news/body-found-in-chelsea-king-case

My roommate grew up in Poway, and he knew her as a friend.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and loved ones.

Mid-Combine Mock

Steelers retain the following: Hampton(resgined), Clark, Reed(tagged), Parker(tests FA and finds no suitors), Eason, Colon, Gay, Spaeth, Sepulveda, Stapleton, Bailey.

Steelers receive two 5th and one 7th round compensation picks.

Steelers pick 18th. They trade down with New Orleans to get 1(32), 3(95), 4(131), 5(169).

1. G Mike Iupati, Idaho
The truth is that the Steelers really like Iupati. He is a monster run blocker and is incredibly mobile at 6'5" 331lbs. Kugler fell in love with him. I think he falls this far. The native Samoan is not overly smart(13 Wonderlic score....ouch) and is very raw in pass protection. Also, most of his family are Steelers fans....if he can fall this far, he is the pick. Hopefully Dallas and the great Jerry Jones pass on him.ALTERNATE PICK: C MAURKICE POUNCEY, FLORIDA

2. FS Chad Jones, LSU
Jones is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. Jones has great size at 6'3" 230lbs. Not only do I love his size, he can run a 4.48 40. Jones hits like a truck. Also, Chad Jones can cover. He was routinely put one-on-one with receivers and has the speed to run with most of them. Jones is one the few prospects that I think could go in the 1st round. However, I think that in a deep class that his name goes overlooked and slips down to us in the 2nd. Guys like Morgan Burnett, Nate Allen and a lot of talented CBs and DTs will dominate the fringe area between the 1st and 2nd.

3. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington has all the tools to be a dominant 34 DE. He is an elite run stuffer. He also possesses excellent lower body strength, active hands and good technique, and is even a good pass rusher. He is has made his living the past two years in the opponents backfields, recording 19 sacks and over 20 tackles for losses. Carrington reminds me a lot of Aaron Smith when he first came here: a little undersized in a frame that could stand to gain 15lbs and be great. I think Carrington could play at around 310 and not lose a single step, but maybe that is just me being hopeful.

3.OLB Koa Misi, Utah
Misi put his skills on display all week at the East/West Shrine game and practices. He is called one of the most athletic Utes by his coaches, Misi's under appreciated agility and speed at 6-3, 244 pounds will put him in the spotlight. He also gave nightmares to QBs all week long at the East/West Shrine game and practices.

4. NT Linval Jospeph, East Carolina
Jospeh is an incredible athlete that could probably play either NT or DE position for the Steelers. He played NT for the Pirates at 6'6" 322lbs. He has room to gain weight and not lose his quickness....he once weighed 385lbs, but because of back problems he dropped the weight. Joseph is great against run, can help collapse the pocket, and is athletic enough to be a 3 down NT. He is also powerful and quick enough to play DE. A friend of mine said that Joseph could be a poor man's version of Haloti Ngata, playing every position across the DL. Ibelieve his future is on the inside.

4. G/T John Jerry, Mississippi
Believe me. Rooney wants to run the football. Jerry should be one hell of RG and a solid starting RT. He is quick off the line, has great size(6'6" 335lbs), and is extremely powerful. He is the ultimate mauler, while is also surprisingly good in pass protection. His first three seasons he played at guard, and was very impressive. He started this last season at RT, and earned All Second Team SEC honors. He has definitely impressed me enough. He would present excellent value here.


5. ILB Micah Johnson, Kentucky

I would hate to see a talent like Johnson slip through the Steelers fingers, especially when LB depth is incredibly thin. He is big man at 6'2" 254lbs. However, his inability to practice and perform in postseason activities is still a long shot since he tore his ACL and PCL on the last play of his bowl game. Johnson is an excellent tackler, can hold his own against interior linemen, is excellent against the run, and I would consider him even underrated in coverage.

5. CB Walter Thurmond, Oregon
I seem to remember not to long ago the Steelers drafting an Oregon Duck who's senior season was cut short due to injury....that player is Dennis Dixon, who looks to have rounded the curve and step up as a reliable backup for Big Ben. Thurmond is a player who has been banged up the past two seasons.....however, that doesn't mean the kid is talented. Thurmond possesses good size at 6' 190lbs. In addition, he has good timed and closing speed, has excellent hands, and has been a beast in coverage. He and Johnson will be the hidden steals of this draft class, mark my words.

5c. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
I have been promoting Peek from the get go. However, no one seems to realize how good of a TE he can be. He is the perfect TE for the Steelers. He is an excellent blocker. He runs excellent routes and has sure hands. He is the PERFECT TE for the Steelers. I will be pissed if pass on Peek in this draft, considering how Arians loves TEs and like to run out of a 2 TE single-back set. Peek didn't participate in the 40 yard dash, so I wonder if he and his agent knows that his 40 won't get under a 4.8. However, I like Peek because of his amazing blocking, so being a receiving threat would only increase his value. It isn't like the Steelers ever throw to Matt Spaeth anyways.

5c. CB Joshua Moore, Kansas State
Another CB? Maybe you didn't watch the Steelers in 2009....Moore has excellent timed and closing speed, great hands, and is more than willing in run support. Could offer value as a return man too.

6. CB Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois
OVERKILL?? I think not. Stoudamire broke up a whopping 16 passes in 2009. Level of competition is obviously an issue, but Stoudamire will be a sleeper in a deep draft of CBs. Though, the middle rounds are flooded with just average CBs, so we might need to take him higher. Stoudamire has good timed and closing speed, active hands as evidenced by his impressive stat, and is underrated against the the run.

7. WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut
With barely any playing experience, Marcus Easley is a bit of a project. But he's undoubtedly physically gifted; at 6-3, 210, Easley ran a 4.46 and notched a 10-3 broad jump on Sunday. He's a  guy with a lot of upside. His work ethic will get the Steelers to take him, as they need someone to give Sweed a run for his money.

7c.OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison. Despite his hype, we will have to make the transition, which could be hard for the FBS player.

Hampton Agrees to Contract

Finally, Casey Hampton and the Steelers come to terms on a new contract.

The contract is a three year deal, worth $21M, $11M guaranteed.

This is great because it takes a 1st round NT off the board.

Steelers retain the following: Hampton, Clark, Reed, Eason, Colon, Gay, Spaeth, Sepulveda, Stapleton, Bailey.

Steelers get two 5ths and one 7th round pick.

Steelers pick 18th. They trade down with New Orleans to get 1(32), 3(95), 4(131), 5(169).

1. S Taylor Mays, USC
 After watching some tape on the guy, I can see why most consider him a huge bust/boom type of player. However, the one player he reminds of is current Steeler Ryan Clark. They both hit big. They both struggle a little bit in coverage. However, they are both good players. So Mays takes some bad angles on tackles. That can be corrected and coached. So he goes for the big hit to often. That can also be corrected and coached. In short, the Steelers take Mays on his endless potential. The worst he turns out to be is another Ryan Clark. I will be okay with that.

2. S Chad Jones, LSU
Another safety? Apparently you did Jones is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. Jones has great size at 6'3" 230lbs. Not only do I love his size, he can run a 4.48 40. Jones hits like a truck. Also, Chad Jones can cover. He was routinely put one-on-one with receivers and has the speed to run with most of them. Jones is one the few prospects that I think could go in the 1st round. However, I think that in a deep class that his name goes overlooked and slips down to us in the 2nd. Guys like Morgan Burnett, Nate Allen and a lot of talented CBs and DTs will dominate the fringe area between the 1st and 2nd.

3. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington has all the tools to be a dominant 34 DE. He has excellent lower body strength, active hands and good technique, and is even a good pass rusher. He is has made his living the past two years in the opponents backfields, recording 19 sacks and over 20 tackles for losses. Carrington reminds me a lot of Aaron Smith when he first came here: a little undersized in a frame that could stand to gain 15lbs and be great. I think Carrington could play at around 310 and not lose a single step, but maybe that is just me being hopeful.

3. RB Joe McKnight, USC
In all likelihood, and for the sake of this mock, Willie Parker will not be back in the Black n' Gold for the 2010 season. I love Parker and everything he has given this franchise over the past five years, but he would agree that it is time to part. He wants to start, and he has no shot at that in Pittsburgh. A new change of pace back is needed, and I think McKnight would be a perfect fit. He has tools of a complete back: he runs hard, has good hands, can go the distance on any play, and is a complete back. He would complement Mendenhall very nicely, and he could also probably help out in the return game.

4.G/T John Jerry, Mississippi
Believe me. Rooney wants to run the football. Jerry should be one hell of RG and a solid starting RT. He is quick off the line, has great size(6'6" 335lbs), and is extremely powerful. He is the ultimate mauler, while is also surprisingly good in pass protection. His first three seasons he played at guard, and was very impressive. He started this last season at RT, and earned All Second Team SEC honors. He has definitely impressed me enough. He would present excellent value here.

5. T J'Marcus Webb, West Texas
Webb has impressed a good deal of people at the Texas vs. The Nation practices not only with his football game, but also his intelligence. He has showed the mobility to get out on screen passes. More importantly, he showed that he is very good in pass protection and is a stout run blocker. He also has room to max out his frame. It looks as if he could gain some more lower body strength to make his game even better.

5. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
I have been promoting Peek from the get go. However, no one seems to realize how good of a TE he can be. He is the perfect TE for the Steelers. He is an excellent blocker. He runs excellent routes and has sure hands. He is the PERFECT TE for the Steelers. I will be pissed if pass on Peek in this draft, considering how Arians loves TEs and like to run out of a 2 TE single-back set.

5c. CB Rafael Priest, TCU
Priest unfortunately was injured for his bowl game against Boise State. However, Priest is a very talented CB. He has excellent timed and closing speed. He has very good hands. He is more than willing to help out against the run. QBs simply stopped throwing the ball his way because he is so good in coverage.

5c. WR Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State
Ajirotutu had a great week at the East/West Shrine game. I expect him to run decent at the Combine, but not wow anyone with his speed. He has nice size at 6'4" 215lbs. He runs good if not great routes, has good hands, and can stretch the field. He also can push Sweed for a roster spot. I really hope Sweed can get his head on straight and recover from whatever, nonphysical illness he has. I really hope Sweed can recover.....can you think of a WR corp including Ward, Holmes, Wallace, Sweed, and Arijotutu? Nice.....

6. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison.

7. OLB Adrian Tracy, William & Mary
Tracy played DE his first three years at William & Mary, but made the transition to OLB last season and recorded 12 sacks. I think he and Moats can shore up a very talentless depth chart. He is also from Tomlin's alma mater....something tells me that he will pay his respects and take him despite his talent which obviously help his argue also. Sorry for the run-on sentence.

7c. CB R. J. Stanford, Utah
Stanford is very raw. He has always been more of an athlete than a player. However, the was starting to become a good CB last season. He also had a good week at the Texas vs. The Nation practices. He reminds of a raw Ike Taylor, but who has good hands.

Trade Back Mock 2.0

Steelers resign/tag Hampton, Clark, Reed, Eason. Steelers RFA Colon, Gay, Sepulveda, Spaeth, and Stapleton.

Steelers receive two 5th and one 7th round compensation picks.

Steelers pick 18th. They trade down with Green Bay and get picks 23 and 86. They then trade down again with New Orleans and get picks 32 and 95. Steelers then trade down with their 2nd round pick with Arizona to get picks 57 and 125.

1. FS Chad Jones, LSU
Jones is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. Jones has great size at 6'3" 230lbs. Not only do I love his size, he can run a 4.48 40. Jones hits like a truck. Also, Chad Jones can cover. He was routinely put one-on-one with receivers and has the speed to run with most of them. Jones is one the few prospects that I think could go in the 1st round. He is also a special teams demon: he has blocked punts and returned them in his career.

2. ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida
I am not concerned with his 40 time. I know this kid is the real deal. He has started on a BCS Championship caliber team the last four years in the tough SEC. He was the unquestioned leader of the Gator defense that routinely was one of the top defenses in the country. He is a very good tackler and can hit like a truck. He is also underrated in coverage. What I love most about him though is strength against the run and ability to take on interior offensive linemen. He will be a steal this late.

3. NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Thomas is rare specimen. He has a wide and massive frame at 6'4" 331lbs. He has a good bull rush and rip move, can collapse the pocket, and looks like he could be a potential replacement for Hampton in the near future. Thomas is also surprisingly fit and athletic......he could be a 3 down NT, which is hard to find.

3. FS Major Wright, Florida
Wright is one of the many safeties I like in this year's draft class. Wright is very instinctive. A few times in the Sugar Bowl he hit a player right as they were catching the ball. Wright is very good in coverage, has excellent timed and closing speed, and has very good hands. He can also deliver the knockout punch like Ryan Clark has done for us. He should also have good Combine numbers.

3. NT/DE Linval Joseph, East Carolina
Jospeh is an incredible athlete that could probably play either position for the Steelers. He played NT for the Pirates at 6'6" 322lbs. He has room to gain weight and not lose his quickness. Joseph is great against run, can help collapse the pocket, and is athletic enough to be a 3 down NT. He is also powerful and quick enough to play DE. A friend of mine said that Joseph could be a poor man's version of Haloti Ngata, playing every position across the DL.

4. OLB Austen Lane, Murray State
Lane had a sold Senior Bowl week. The concerns about level of competition are flawed. However, the biggest concern about him is that he is a DE/OLB hybrid. He is a great pass rusher and is good against the run, but people question whether he can stand up in play. He looked okay in coverage at the Senior Bowl when he asked to drop back. This should put him around here.

4. G/T John Jerry, Ole Miss
Believe me. Rooney wants to run the football. Jerry should be one hell of RG and a solid starting RT. He is quick off the line, has great size(6'6" 335lbs), and is extremely powerful. He is the ultimate mauler, while is also surprisingly good in pass protection. His first three seasons he played at guard, and was very impressive. He started this last season at RT, and earned All Second Team SEC honors. He has definitely impressed me enough. He would present excellent value here.

5. OT J'Marcus Webb, West Texas
Webb has impressed a good deal of people at the Texas vs. The Nation practices not only with his football game, but also his intelligence. He has showed the mobility to get out on screen passes. More importantly, he showed that he is very good in pass protection and is a stout run blocker. He also has room to max out his frame. It looks as if he could gain some more lower body strength to make his game even better.

5c. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
I have been promoting Peek from the get go. However, no one seems to realize how good of a TE he can be. He is the perfect TE for the Steelers. He is an excellent blocker. He runs excellent routes and has sure hands. He is the PERFECT TE for the Steelers. I will be pissed if pass on Peek in this draft, considering how Arians loves TEs and like to run out of a 2 TE single-back set.

5c. CB Rafael Priest, TCU
Priest unfortunately was injured for his bowl game against Boise State. However, Priest is a very talented CB. He has excellent timed and closing speed. He has very good hands. He is more than willing to help out against the run. QBs simply stopped throwing the ball his way because he is so good in coverage.

6. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison.

7. RB Curtis Steele, Memphis
Steele has made his presence known during the Texas vs. The Nation week. He is a complete back, is super quick and elusive, and can churn out yards in the middle. I think he will be a very nice complement to Mendenhall down the road. Also, his name is "Steele". It is only one letter short of "Steeler".

7c. WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut
You know this guy is going to work hard - he was a walk-on and had just five receptions entering the year. As a senior, he logged 48 catches for 893 yards and eight touchdowns. This sounds like the classic Steelers type of player.

UDFAs
ILB Micah Johnson, Kentucky
S Kendrick Lewis, Ole Miss
OLB George Johnson, Rutgers
OLB Christian Anthony, Grambling
OT Tyler Eastman, Maine
OL Nick Howell, USC
TE Jeff Cottam, Tennessee
CB R.J. Stanford, Utah
DL Sean Liessemore, William & Mary
S Austin Thomas, Indiana
WR Stephen Williams, Toledo

Trade Back Mock

Steelers resign/tag Hampton, Clark, Reed, Eason. Steelers RFA Colon, Gay, Sepulveda, Spaeth, and Stapleton.

Steelers receive two 5th and one 7th round compensation picks.

Steelers pick 18th. They trade down with Green Bay and get picks 23 and 86. They then trade down again with New Orleans and get picks 32 and 95. Steelers then trade down with their 2nd round pick with Arizona to get picks 57 and 125.

1(32). CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama

2(57). DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State

3(82). ILB Sean Lee, Penn State

3(86). NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina

3(95). FS Major Wright, Florida

4(117). G/T John Jerry, Ole Miss

4(125). OLB Koa Misi, Utah

5. RB Joique Bell, Wayne State

5c. TE Nate Byham, Pittsburgh

5c. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison

6. G/T Marshall Newhouse, TCU

7. CB Chris Hawkins, LSU

7c. WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut

Jackson, Carrington, Lee, Thomas, Wright, and Jerry can all start in two years time. They fill huge holes. Jackson gives us a capable #2/3 CB, Carrington and Thomas provide youth for a very old DL, Lee replaces Farrior in two years and is another solid rotational mad in middle, Wright will replace Clark in time while in the mean time providing sorely needed depth, and Jerry could replace Essex in time. All six of them offer key depth and eventual starters within two years or less.

Misi and Bell would provide solid complements to the players they are behing. Byham would improve the 2nd TE spot almost immediately. Moats, Newhouse, Hawkins, and Easley would all likely be close calls to make the roster, and will probably end up on the practice squad.

2nd Mock of the Offseason

In addition, Steelers resign Hampton, Reed, Clark, Eason. The Steelers RFA Colon, Gay, Sepulveda, and Spaeth.

Steelers receive two 5th and one 7th round compensation pick(s).

Steelers pick 18th, but trade down with Green Bay and pick up picks 23 and 87. The Steelers also then trade down with their 2nd round pick for Dallas's 2nd(57) and 4th(126). Finally, they then trade their 5th round pick to Miami and get both of their 6th round picks.

1. OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan
While OLB is not the biggest need for the Steelers......OLB depth sucks. There is none worth mentioning. Graham is the second coming of Lamarr Woodley. He is super strong, and excellent pass rusher, super stout against the run, and can even drop into coverage(though that is not his forte). Graham would finally solve some issues: he would come in and be a good special teams player, he could sub in for a gassed Woodley or Harrison, and depth would finally be established at a position that the 34 defense relies on to be the playmakers.

2. CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Jackson is unlike most CBs: he is super strong and physical. Jackson is also fast, is very good in coverage, and has good hands. He also possesses very good closing speed and excellent feet when changing directions. Can come out of his backpedal to high at times, but that is minor concern that can easily be corrected. Jackson started at CB as true freshmen in the SEC. Enough said.

3. NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Thomas is rare specimen. He has a wide and massive frame at 6'4" 331lbs. He has a good bull rush and rip move, can collapse the pocket, and looks like he could be a potential replacement for Hampton in the near future. Thomas is also surprisingly fit and athletic......he could be a 3 down NT, which is hard to find.


3. FS Major Wright, Florida
Wright is one of the many safeties I like in this year's draft class. Wright is very instinctive. A few times in the Sugar Bowl he hit a player right as they were catching the ball. Wright is very good in coverage, has excellent timed and closing speed, and has very good hands. He can also deliver the knockout punch like Ryan Clark has done for us. He should also have good Combine numbers.

4. G/T John Jerry, Ole Miss
Believe me. Rooney wants to run the football. Jerry should be one hell of RG and a solid starting RT. He is quick off the line, has great size(6'6" 335lbs), and is extremely powerful. He is the ultimate mauler, while is also surprisingly good in pass protection. His first three seasons he played at guard, and was very impressive. He started this last season at RT, and earned All Second Team SEC honors. He has definitely impressed me enough. He would present excellent value here.


4. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
It still continues to amaze me that the media and talking heads refuse to acknowledge Colin Peek. He is major reason that the Crimson Tide's running game was so effective in the BCS National Championship. Peek is an excellent blocker......one of the few excellent blockers that can actually be a dual threat at the next level. Peek has strong and sure hands, and runs very crisp routes. Peek could even push Heath Miller down the road. The Steelers have a chance to bring home a true cornerstone TE if they value Peek's abilities....especially for the TE eccentric Bruce Arians.

5c. G/T Marshall Newhouse, TCU
Newhouse should be flying up boards right now, but my feeling is that he will be overlooked just like Peek above. Newhouse lined up at G, LT, and RT during the East/West Shrine game and practices and did a very good job at all three. Newhouse sizes up at 6'3" 323lbs. In my honest opinion, he can be just as good if not better than Colon. However, he must work on is getting to the second level and knowing who to block. He struggled when he didn't have a defined subject. He is super quick as well, and is a bit of a speedster: while working out in Westlake, he supposedly ran the 40 in under 4.8 seconds. Wow.


5c. OLB Arthur Moats, James Madison
An athletic freak of nature. His coaches rave how much of a complete player he has become: he terrorizes the QB, he is stout against the run, and he can drop into coverage. Sounds like our late round developmental OLB project to me. The Steelers scouts at the Texas vs. The Nation practices have also raved about his great quickness and speed, calling him the next James Harrison.


6. RB Curtis Steele, Memphis
Steele has made his presence known during the Texas vs. The Nation week. He is a complete back, is super quick and elusive, and can churn out yards in the middle. I think he will be a very nice complement to Mendenhall down the road.


6. CB Chris Hawkins, LSU
Hawkins has played lights out during the Texas vs. The Nation week. He has blanketed every receiver all week, has shown great hands, and is excellent in coverage. I think he could turn out to be a poor man's Ike Taylor down the road.



6. DE Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
He is big and athletic, and shows some promise as a 34DE. He is a decent pass rusher and is solid against the run. He also has rare size at 6'7" 283lbs, who can run the 40 at a low 4.8.


7. ILB Phillip Dilliard, Nebraska
Dilliard really impressed me at the Big 12 Championship Game versus Texas. Dilliard made plays all over the field, impressed against the run, and showed he could hold his own coverage too. He is also a very good tackler.

7c. WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut
You know this guy is going to work hard - he was a walk-on and had just five receptions entering the year. As a senior, he logged 48 catches for 893 yards and eight touchdowns. This sounds like the classic Steelers type of player.


UDFAs
OLB George Johnson, Rutgers
OLB Christian Anthony, Grambling
TE Jeff Cottam, Tennessee
LB Danny Batten, South Dakota State
OT Tyler Eastman, Maine
OT Roman Harwood, Morehouse
OL Nick Howell, USC
S Aaron Webster, Cincinnati
DE Sean Lissemore, William and Mary
SS Austin Thomas, Indiana
CB Ray Fisher, Indiana
CB R.J. Stanford, Utah

My future OL would consist of LT Max Starks, LG Chris Kemoeatu(as of now), C Doug Legursky, RG John Jerry, RT Marshall Newhouse. Peek would step in immediately and replace Matt Spaeth as the #2 TE.

First Offseason Mock

Steelers resign Casey Hampton, Ryan Clark, Jeff Reed, Deshea Townsned, and Nick Eason. Steelers RFA Willie Colon, William Gay, Daniel Sepulveda, Darnell Stapleton, and Matt Spaeth.

Steelers one 4th, 5th and 7th round compensation picks for last year's free agent losses.

Steelers pick 18th, but trade down with Green Bay and pick up picks 23 and 87. The Steelers also then trade down with their 2nd round pick for Dallas's 2nd(57) and 4th(126).

1(23)OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan
While OLB is not the biggest need for the Steelers......OLB depth sucks. There is none worth mentioning. Graham is the second coming of Lamarr Woodley. He is super strong, and excellent pass rusher, super stout against the run, and can even drop into coverage(though that is not his forte). Graham would finally solve some issues: he would come in and be a good special teams player, he could sub in for a gassed Woodley or Harrison, and depth would finally be established at a position that the 34 defense relies on to be the playmakers.

2(57)CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Jackson is unlike most CBs: he is super strong and physical. Jackson is also fast, is very good in coverage, and has good hands. He also possesses very good closing speed and excellent feet when changing directions. Can come out of his backpedal to high at times, but that is minor concern that can easily be corrected. Jackson started at CB as true freshmen in the SEC. Enough said.

3(82) NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Thomas is rare specimen. He has a wide and massive frame at 6'4" 331lbs. He has a good bull rush and rip move, can collapse the pocket, and looks like he could be replacement for Hampton in the near future. Thomas is also surprisingly fit and athletic......he could be a 3 down NT, which is hard to find.

3. FS Major Wright, Florida
I have been a Major Wright fan for years. He was one of the first players that screamed Steelers to me when I saw him play two years ago in the BCS National Championship Game versus Oklahoma. Wright has elite timed and closing speed, has great hands, is very good in coverage, and is plays bigger and meaner than his 5'11" 205lb frame would suggest. He can really lay the knock out shot, just like current Steelers FS Ryan Clark. Both play with reckless abandon, except Wright can actually make plays on the ball.

4. OT Rodger Saffold, Indiana
I have had the privilege of seeing Saffold perform in person for the past year. Saffold was the best linemen on a young OL for the Hoosiers. Saffold is very good is pass protection. He does an excellent job of using good technique to mirror his opponents moves. He also finishes his blocks in the run game. Saffold could fill out his frame a little more, but he should be a solid starting OT in the NFL. Saffold impressed at the East/West Shrine game, so his stock has risen tremendously from being a sleeper pick up into the mid round range.

4. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington has all the tools to be a dominant 34 DE. He has excellent lower body strength, active hands and good technique, and is even a good pass rusher. He is has made his living the past two years in the opponents backfields, recording 19 sacks and over 20 tackles for losses. Carrington reminds me a lot of Aaron Smith when he first came here: a little undersized in a frame that could stand to gain 15lbs and be great. I think Carrington could play at around 310 and not lose a single step, but maybe that is just me being hopeful.

5. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
It still continues to amaze me that the media and talking heads refuse to acknowledge Colin Peek. He is major reason that the Crimson Tide's running game was so effective in the BCS National Championship. Peek is an excellent blocker......one of the few excellent blockers that can actually be a dual threat at the next level. Peek has strong and sure hands, and runs very crisp routes. Peek could even push Heath Miller down the road. The Steelers have a chance to bring home a true cornerstone TE if they value Peek's abilities....especially for the TE eccentric Bruce Arians.

5c. SS Myron Rolle, Florida State
Rolle is a mystery to a lot of people. Some people won't understand why Rolle chose to become a Rhodes scholar and miss his senior season of football. While Rolle had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, he showed some rust and the Combine will make or break his stock. His 40 time is the only real question about his game. Rolle is a very physical safety who isn't afraid of anyone. He is very strong against the run, is good in coverage, and can really lay a beating the opponents skilled players. Also has above decent hands.

5c. RB Keith Totson, Oklahoma State
Keith Toston finished with 1,218 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 5.4 average. He also had 25 receptions. Oklahoma State's offense seemed to perform better when he was in the game (as opposed to Kendall Hunter). Totson is a very hard runner, who also happens to be an excellent receiving threat as well. He will be the perfect complement to Reshard Mendenhall.

6.ILB Reggie Carter, UCLA
Carter is solid against the run, very good in coverage, and good tackler in open space. Carter has solid potential, and getting him here could be a steal.

7. ILB Phillip Dilliard, Nebraska
Dilliard really impressed me at the Big 12 Championship Game versus Texas. Dilliard made plays all over the field, impressed against the run, and showed he could hold his own coverage too. He is also a very good tackler.

7c. WR Kelton Tindal, Newberry
Big play receiver with blazing speed had 116 receptions for 1898 yards and 16 touchdown reception during his career.  In case you missed the Texas vs. The Naton game Tindal blew by coverage to make a spectacular 67 yard reception.  Tindal's primary competition for a roster spot would be speedster Jason Chery who was added to the Steelers offseason roster. Rumored to run a 4.2 flat, if not lower.

State of the Steelers: The Offseason

Well, the Saints won the Super Bowl. And Manning came up short once again.....I picked the Saints to win because of their defense. Turns out that their defense ended up securing the New Orleans 1st Super Bowl.

And then, somehow the Colts are once again the favorites to win the Super Bowl next year. Well, Vegas gave them 13/2 odds of winning it. I can see why....they return pretty much every starter, and their young defense should only get better. Also, the Colts always do a good job of identifying players that excel within their system.

But enough about the Super Bowl and Manning's choke. Let us move on to the Steelers.

They followed up their Super Bowl winning season with once again a disappointing season. It killed Steeler Nation all year to lose Cincinatti twice.....not to mention losing to Kansas City, Oakland, and Cleveland. The Steelers finished the season strong, but failed to make the playoffs. Their were disappointments on both sides of the ball all year. Losing Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu on defense really hurt. Ben not playing in Baltimore really hurt. Overall though, this team beat themselves this year.

The Steelers have already made some personnel decisions. Quarterback coach Ken Anderson retired after 44 years in the NFL. Offensive line coach Lance Zierlein and special teams coach Bob Ligashesky were both released. In addition, the Steelers moved Wide receiver coach Randy Fichtner to quarterback coach. The Steelers then signed offensive line coach Sean Kugler and special teams coach Al Everest to fill the voids left. The only position coach that has yet to be addressed is wide receivers coach.....and I have no idea who they might be interested in.

The Steelers also have a good deal of players that are set to become free agents as of March 5th. That lists includes starters such as Casey Hampton, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Reed. They also have other free agents such as Willie Parker, Nick Eason Travis Kirschke, not to mention restricted free agents in Willie Colon, William Gay, Daniel Sepulveda, Matt Spaeth, and Darnell Stapleton. Art Rooney II has publicly said that the offseason negotiations will start with Hampton. Therefore, the key to the offseason is whether the Steelers can resign Big Snack after another Pro Bowl caliber year. Resigning Hampton is the key to the offseason. IF they can get a deal done, the Steelers can avoid drafting their NT of the future until later in this draft or another draft entirely. If not, it becomes a huge need in a small free agent class. Reed and Clark are the next big resigns. Reed is clutch and Clark becomes a good FS when Troy Polamalu is healthy. I also think Nick Eason deserves a contract. He proved this year that he can be a decent starter in a stop gap situation, as well as being a more than decent wave player.

After resigning those key free agents, finding a #2 CB is a must. I am terrified that the Steelers may go into next season with William Gay or Deshea Townsend(who I don't see the Steelers resigning) starting at CB. Teams picked on them all year long. Either Keenan Lewis needs to step up and become the player the Steelers need him to be or they need to address it free agency or the draft. Given the weak DB free agents this year, my bet is that the draft will be the Steelers solution.

Other notes on the year:

• ILB James Farrior clearly lost a step as the season progressed. Getting a replacement for him down the road is a real need now.
• OLB James Harrison got hurt later in the year with a torn bicep, and clearly wasn't the dominate the player he was a year ago. Depth is a must.
• Depth at safety is must to address this offseason. In a very deep and talented class of safeties, I expect the Steelers to at least one.....if not two.
• This offense showed flashes of being downright unstoppable. If the Steelers can capitalize....wow.

Players who I think are going to surprise next year:

• OLB LaMarr Woodley- We all know that Woodley is a very good OLB. This year I think he gives the NFL a run for their money and has at least 16 sacks.
• WR Limas Sweed- I think the light will finally turn on and he will really open up the Steelers already dangerous offense.
• RB Reshard Mendenhall- Mendenhall got over 1000 yards last season in only 12 games. Imagine what he can do with another four.......
• The Steelers 1st Round Draft Pick- Rooney said himself he wants the rookies to develop faster. I think that draft pick comes in right away and has a defined role on the team.

Crazy Super Bowl Pipe Dream Edition Mock

Steelers resign Hampton, Clark, Reed, Eason. RFA Colon, Gay, Sepulveda, Spaeth.

Steelers receive two 5th round compensation picks as well as a 7th.

Steelers pick 18. However, they trade back with New England and get pick 22 and 47. The Steelers then trade pick 23 to Tampa Bay and receive picks 35 and 40. The Steelers then trade up with their 5th and 6th round selections to get Miami's 4th round pick.

2. CB Donovan Warren, Michigan
Look at him on tape. He is the definition of a Lebeau CB. Fast, very good in coverage, and has excellent hands. Needs to take better angles tackling though.

2. FS Chad Jones, LSU
While some may think Jones won't fit in the system, I disagree. He has good speed, good hands, and is good in coverage. He is also very good against the run. I think he replaces Ryan Clark in two years time. He will be asked to do what Clark does currently: play deep and don't let anything past you....and be ready to lay some people out. He should do that with ease.

2. ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida
The Steelers are amazed when Spikes is here. He is a monster against the run, is a great tackler, good shedding blocks, can rush the passer, and is even underrated in coverage. He is also a natural born leader....which is another positive trait since Farrior will probably be done within the next two years.

2. OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Veldheer will amaze all at the Combine. I think the Steelers snag him here to shore up the OT depth. Veldheer is super athletic, strong, and has tremendous upside.

3. NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Mayock recently said that Thomas may not escape out of the 2nd round. While I do like Mayock, I think he is exaggerating here. Thomas is a big time run stuffer, can collapse the pocket, and may have the athleticism to be a 3 down NT.

4. OLB Austen Lane, Murray State
Lane had a sold Senior Bowl week. The concerns about level of competition are flawed. However, the biggest concern about him is that he is a DE/OLB hybrid. He is a great pass rusher and is good against the run, but people question whether he can stand up in play. He looked okay in coverage at the Senior Bowl when he asked to drop back. This should put him around here.

4. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Carrington is another player who had a good Senior Bowl week. He showed all week that he has the lower body strength to anchor in a 34. He also showed that he is very active.....he is very good pass rusher and he continually makes plays in the backfield.

5c. RB LaMarcus Coker, Hampton
Coker had drug problems in the past, but he has kept clean the past two years and supposedly has turned his life around. I view Coker as a better version of Willie Parker.....he is super fast, has good vision, and good hands. He should be a very good complement to Reshard Mendenhall.

5c. TE Nate Byham, Pittsburgh
Byham reminds me so much of Heath Miller it is not even funny. They both were elite blockers at the college level and more than solid receiving threats. It would be awesome for this offense to have a legitimate 2 TE set.

7. QB Jonathon Crompton, Tennessee
You may question the pick of a QB here.....I do as well. However, I think he could be this year's camp arm that really surprises everyone and earns a job on the practice squad. Crompton can make all the throws at the NFL level, and has decent accuracy.

7c. WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut
You know this guy is going to work hard - he was a walk-on and had just five receptions entering the year. As a senior, he logged 48 catches for 893 yards and eight touchdowns.