Week 1: Colts vs. Bears, Game Preview

Every week, I'll give my game preview and keys to the game.  This is not going to be your run-of-the mill, NFL pre-game show stuff that you can see on FOX or NFL Network, done with very little research.  I'll hopefully be able to add some insight into areas of the game that the average person/fan doesn't really think about.

For the Colts game, I'll be honest here.....I'd be pretty disappointed if the Bears don't have their way in this game.  The Colts have nothing going for them other than the fact they have one of the best QB prospects on their roster since the former starting QB on their roster was a prospect.  The Colts won 2 games last year, none until Week 15.  They'll win more and sooner than that this year, but it shouldn't be Week 1.  My keys to the game:

1. BIG BOY FOOTBALL.  The Bears really need to bully this team.  The Colts are in their 1st year of the 3-4 defense, and while some teams have had success while changing schemes, the Colts have almost none of the pieces in place to make this scheme successful.  Mathis is a 245lb OLB, the interior LBs are 234 and 243 respectively....all 3 guys are smaller than Bears RB, Michael Bush.  Their "big" LB is Dwight Freeney listed at 268lbs, but he's a 4-3 DE, never having stood up before in his career.  Mathis and Freeney have always been known for their pass rush ability, but their ability to stop the run has never been a strong suit for them.  Nose tackle, Antonio Johnson, is also only 310lbs and his scouting report reads his strengths as explosion and quickness, with his weaknesses being strength and ability to get off blocks when engaged....the exact opposite of what you want out of your 3-4 anchor in the middle.  Now, the Bears strong suit isn't really running the ball up the gut, but in this game, I think they will have success in the tackle box moreso than the outside with the speed the Colts have. 

2. Remember the Superbowl.  Every Bears fan remembers the first play of SB XLI.  Devin Hester takes the opening kickoff 92 yards for an opening TD.  Well, it hasn't gotten much better for the Colts since then.  Indianapolis has finished 5 of the last 6 seasons as one of the 5 worst kickoff coverage teams (yards per return), and they aren't much better on punt returns, never finishing better than middle of the pack in the NFL.  And with 11 rookies and a lot of roster turnover, they don't appear to be much of a match for the best special teams in the business.  If the Bears don't take a kick back, I look for a couple really strong returns setting the Bears up on a short field.

3. Not your typical rookie QB.  The Bears have typically faired pretty well against rookie QBs, especially ones without a lot of weapons to play with.  But admittedly, Andrew Luck is not your typical rookie.  The Bears won't be able to get away with just playing Cover 2 all game, because Luck is smart enough to pick that apart.  And contrary to popular belief, the Bears are not nearly an exclusive Cover 2 team, playing in that coverage less than 50% of the defensive snaps.  However, the Bears also won't be able to blitz Luck all day long, simply because of his inexperience.  The key will be mixing it up.  Going to have to give Luck a lot of different pre-snap reads, and will have to change out of those looks at the snap.  You can blitz him, but gotta disguise it, hoping he makes the wrong hot read and makes a mistake.  I don't think you have to worry too much about the deep ball, because the Colts don't have a ton of deep speed and I don't think that OL can block the Bears front long enough to hit a bomb.  Wayne isn't fast enough anymore to force the Bears to keep the FS over top at all times like a few years ago.  I think Jennings can run with him in man most of the game.  Tillman can be more physical on the bigger, less shifty, Austin Collie on the other side.  This should help free up the safeties and LBs to cover the middle of the field with the RBs, TEs, and slot WRs where I think Luck will look to have most of his success.  But I also don't think you can let Luck move the ball down the field with Aaron Rodgers-like precision.  Switching up the looks on D will not allow Luck to get comfortable in the pocket, and at Stanford, he struggled a little when forced to move around.

4. One at a time.  Now this is one that mainstream media may touch on, but I had to do so also.  This is a strange season as the Bears have to travel to Lambeau on a short week this early in the year.  The Bears are naturally going to be accused of "looking ahead" if they don't dominate like I described in my first point.  My biggest worry with looking ahead is that the Bears get too concerned about what they put out there on tape for Green Bay.  For the most part, the Bears and Packers know what each other is going to try to do.  They've played several times under the current head coaches.  But I do worry that Mike Tice won't want to show his entire offensive repertoire in his first year as Bears OC.  While the Bears should be able to beat the Colts with a vanilla gameplan, they shouldn't get caught up in that because of the Packers looming.  Run your offense and force the 31st ranked pass defense from a year ago to stop it with 3 days to prepare. 

53-man roster analysis

QB (2)- Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell.

It's a little risky going into the season with only 2 QBs, especially with questions on the O-line, but this was the right move to get an extra body on the roster, since the Bears have a few injuries and have to carry 2 punters.  If your 3rd QB has to play, it's probably a lost season anyway.  My 53 had McCown getting cut, being able to keep Blanchard on the practice squad makes the situation fine.

RB (3)- Matt Forte, Michael Bush, Lorenzo Booker, Armando Allen.

Bears only kept 3 RBs last year with Forte, Barber and Bell...with Allen in waiting on the practice squad.  Forte is seen as an injury risk, but last year was the first time he's missed a game in his 4-year career...every other RB in the league missed games over that span.  He and Bush are as reliable as can be in the backfield.  Allen will be in the waiting again, and maybe not too long.  Podlesh will likely play Week 1, with Booker out.  Allowing the Bears to cut Quigley and put Allen in his spot as the #3 RB.  Apparently, Booker suffered a pretty bad concussion and was just put on IR, Allen was promoted to the 53-man roster to take his place.

WR (6)- Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester, Alshon Jeffery, Earl Bennett, Eric Weems, Dane Sanzenbacher.

No surprises here.  Best group of WRs in Chicago Bears history.  I expect record breaking numbers for Marshall, with possible career highs in catches/yards for Hester and/or Bennett, with BM taking most of the attention.

TE/FB (4)- Kellen Davis, Matt Spaeth, Evan Rodriguez, Kyle Adams.

Surprised Tyler Clutts is not in this group, but there was only going to be 4 regardless.  Thought Spaeth would be the odd man out, but he is the only decent blocker of this group.  Rodriguez is listed at FB, but the Bears are basically going without this year.  Hopefully, this move pans out.

OL (8)- J'Marcus Webb, Chris Spencer, Roberto Garza, Lance Louis, Gabe Carimi, Chris Williams, Chilo Rachal, Edwin Williams.

If the same 5 start all 16 games this year, the Bears will be an elite team.  I honestly don't expect this group of 8 to even be the same at the trade deadline.  The Bears will probably need to add a body here.  Whether thru trade or on the waiver wire.  Brown and Brandon are on the p-squad, but neither is ready.  This group isn't attractive, but they just need to play just pretty enough to win games.

DL (9)- Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Stephen Paea, Henry Melton, Amobi Okoye, Matt Toeina, Shea McClellin, Corey Wootton, Cheta Ozougwu.  Nate Collins (1-week suspension).

I think this is the key group.  Gotta get Peppers some help this year.  Idonije was a monster in preseason, dominating the Skins and being held (no calls though) all night vs. the Giants.  Melton has to be more consistent.  Paea has to stay on the field.  At least 1 of the backup edge rushers need to provide something.  A 3rd or 4th edge rusher would help the DT position as Idonije or Peppers could move inside on passing downs making that group stronger.  This group will be 9 to start, and I think 10 when Collins is activated for Week 2.

LB (7)- Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, Geno Hayes, Blake Costanzo, JT Thomas, Patrick Trahan.

This group is as strong as usual.  Urlacher and Briggs together for the 10th straight year.  Roach is going into his 4th year as a starter, which doesn't include 2010 when he started a couple games for Pisa Tinoisamoa.  The backups all looked pretty solid in preseason, though Trahan may be the odd man out when Collins is activated.  Did I say 53-man roster?  I meant 52.  Patrick Trahan also cut today, not yet filling his spot.  Nate Collins needs a spot for next week, but even if he takes it, Ryan Quigley isn't long for this team, so look for a possible roster pickup in the next few days.  

DB (10)- Charles Tillman, Chris Conte, Major Wright, Tim Jennings, Kelvin Hayden, Craig Steltz, DJ Moore, Anthony Walters, Jeremy Jones, Sherrick McManis.

CBs are basically the same as last year.  Hayden instead of Zach Bowman, McManis instead of Corey Graham.  Hayden is a clear upgrade.  Question is can Peanut Tillman still hang in there at CB?  The questions at S continue, but Wright and Conte were the most used starting safety combo in 2011.  This could be a strong position if the 2 recent 3rd round picks stay healthy and live up to their hype.  Steltz is very experienced depth.  5th CB and 4th S could be issues, but the hope is it never gets to that.

Specialists (4)- Robbie Gould, Adam Podlesh, Patrick Mannelly, Ryan Quigley.

Again, Quigley may be gone by tomorrow with Podlesh listed as probable.  But I believe this is the best group in the NFL.  Gould is the 5th most accurate kicker in NFL history, and plays home games on a terrible field.  Podlesh is a top 7 punter in the game.  And Mr. Bear, Patrick Mannelly is back for his 15th season as long-snapper. 

Overall, a pretty strong roster.  Maybe the best Bears team on paper since 1986.  This team has no Tommie Harris or Mike Brown like the 2006 Superbowl team had, but that team did not have Cutler and Marshall.

Bears 53-man.....Part IV

The defensive back position has had to be shuffled a little from what I expected since last Saturday's game vs. Washington.  So far we have 3 QBs, 3 RBs, 3 TEs, 6 WRs, 9 OL, 9 DL, 6 LBs, leaving 10 spots for DBs, along with the 3 special teamers.

ST- Robbie Gould- K, Adam Podlesh- P, Patrick Mannelly- LS.  I'll start with these guys since these are no-brainer roster spots.  However, if Adam Podlesh can't go opening day, this leaves one of the other 50 players off the roster, as the Bears will need to carry 2 punters for a week or 2.  But for now, will assume Podlesh is good to go come Sept 9th.  And just an FYI, Mannelly is the best longsnapper in NFL history.

S- Major Wright, Chris Conte, Craig Steltz, Brandon Hardin, Anthony Walters -  What's an NFL season without the Bears having question marks at the safety position.  The talent looks fine at the position, but with Conte and Hardin going down with injuries last week, this position is once again in flux.  Operating under the assumption that Hardin is not placed on IR with what looked like an ugly neck injury, the Bears have to keep a 5th safety.  2011 UDFA, Walters has looked decent anyway and plays a good special teams, but becomes the 4th safety if Hardin can't go early or at all this season.  If Hardin is IR'd, it opens up a roster spot for someone else, but it also kills the safety depth whenever Major Wright gets hurt...which will happen at some point(s) this year.

CBs- Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, Kelvin Hayden, DJ Moore, Isaiah Frey - The CB position takes a hit if 5 safeties are kept.  Ideally, you'd keep 4 safeties and 6 CBs, but the ability of Kelvin Hayden to be a 3rd starting caliber CB makes 5 CBs possible rather than taking a body away from the O or D lines.  Frey makes the roster because he would be scooped up if exposed to waivers.  Jonathan Wilhite is an experienced CB that was signed this offseason, but he's the odd man out right now.  If that roster spot opens from Hardin hitting the IR, it's likely going to be his.  7th round pick, Greg McCoy is the 7th CB right now and the hope is he slides thru to the practice squad.

Bears 53-man roster.....Part III

Now on to the DEFENSE!   Similar to the offense, the D brings back a lot of players and has pretty clear cut starters at most positions, with the depth chart also being pretty well settled.  But just like 3rd QB, RB, and TE....there are bound to be a couple surprises at the back of the depth chart on defense also.

DE- Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Corey Wootton, Shea McClellin - No surprises here.  The 2 stalwarts as starters, the #1 draft pick as the key backup.  But the Bears still have high hopes for Wootton, who was a 2nd round talent that could finally live up to his potential given that he is healthy for the first time in his career.  Bears keep only 4 DEs, but look for a 5th on the practice squad just in case Wootton goes down.  Chauncey Davis on the outside looking in.

DT- Henry Melton, Stephen Paea, Matt Toeina, Brian Price, Nate Collins - Bears kept 5 DTs last year, with only 4 active on gameday.  I look for more of the same this year.  Paea's injury and Nate Collins' play in camp and preseason has forced the need for 5 DTs on the roster.  Collins is suspended for Week 1, but I expect him to be the active 4th DT early, until Price gets 100% into game shape.  After that, it's Collins vs. Big Toe(ina) for the 4th "hat" on Sundays. 

LBs- Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, Geno Hayes, JT Thomas, Blake Costanzo - I came into this season fully expecting Nick Roach to be on the outside looking in.  But with Urlacher's knee, Roach is the only other player I feel comfortable with starting a game at MLB.  Roach has played pretty well so far at MIKE, and I think Hayes is more of a weakside guy, so Roach keeps his job at the SAM LB position.  Hayes, though, gets a spot because of experience in the Tampa 2.  Thomas has tons of promise, so he stays.  Costanzo is a key special teamer and has looked serviceable at MLB.  Last year's camp surprise, Dom DeCicco fails to make the cut.

Next up, DBs, and special teamers to fill out the 53, along with a "hopeful" practice squad.

Bears 53-man Roster, Part II

QBs (3)- Cutler, Campbell, Blanchard
RBs (3)- Forte, Bush, Allen
WRs (6)- Marshall, Hester, Bennett, Jeffery, Sanzenbacher, Weems

OT- J'Marcus Webb, Gabe Carimi, Chris Williams, James Brown - It looks like Webb is going to win the LT job.  Chris Williams has been rumored to be on the chopping block if he doesn't win the job, but I don't see any way that with Carimi's knees, this team can go into the season with an inexperienced backup at tackle.  James Brown looks like the only UDFA that will make the roster.  Hasn't looked great in games, but has practiced well.  Bears take a slight risk and expose Cory Brandon to waivers, but he has a better chance of getting to the practice squad than Brown.

OG/OC - Lance Louis, Roberto Garza, Chris Spencer, Chilo Rachal, Edwin Williams - Not 100% sure on the interior OL.  Spencer and Rachal are battling out for the starting LG spot still, and both have been bad this preseason.  Not really sure why Edwin Williams isn't getting a shot after playing well there last year, but he's the backup for all 3 spots.  One change here could be the loser of the Spencer/Rachal battle could be cut, with the Bears hanging on to Ricky Henry.  Spencer has a big price tag, but the team loves his toughness given that he played with a broken hand most of last year.

TEs - Kellen Davis, Evan Rodriguez, Kyle Adams -  Was a tough call at this position.  Davis is obviously staying.  Rodriguez was the 4th round pick this year, so he's got a spot.  But Rodriguez has looked flat out terrible trying to block anyone, either on the line or lined up at the H-Back.  So, the final spot comes down to Kyle Adams vs. Matt Spaeth.  Spaeth showed he could run block last year, but is not a good pass blocker.  Spaeth also isn't much of a receiver, for a team that will now throw to the TEs.  Adams is a better pass catcher, a developing blocker, and has shown the versatility to line up in the backfield and be a 4-phase special teamer.  Keeping 4 TEs was a possibility, but with the injuries at the safety position this weekend, the Bears can't afford the luxury.

FB- Tyler Clutts- Forgot the FB position on my original post.  Would have included him with RBs, had I remembered.  The Bears could surprise and not keep a fullback, since Adams can play there on the occasions the Bears do use one, but that would be risky.  Clutts hasn't seen much time in preseason, which could be a sign.  But for now, he's got a spot on the 53.

Up next..... DEFENSE  D-line and LBs.

Educated Guess on Bears 53-man roster, Part I

Sorry, for the absence.  Wasn't very much to talk about since the draft, but now that football season is officially back....you'll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Irrelevant!

All week, I'm going to give you my thoughts/guesses on what the Bears 53-man roster will look like come Sept. 9th against the Colts.  Today's installment is QBs, RBs, and WRs.  Next will be OL and TEs, followed by DL, LBs, and DBs.  All will lead up to an analysis of 2013 draft needs and my first mock draft for 2013. 

QBs- Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell, Matt Blanchard -  Yep, starting it off with a surprise.  As of now, I don't have Josh McCown making the roster.  McCown performed adequately last year when given a shot, but that's all he was, all he's ever been, and all he will ever be. McCown's also now 33 years old.  Blanchard hasn't shown a ton, but it's questionable whether or not the Bears can put him on waivers in order to slide him to the practice squad.  But at 10 years younger than McCown, he has to get priority if there is any question of who to keep.  Plus, McCown was sitting on the couch last year when the Bears called after the Cutler injury.  I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be a phone call away if the same happens this year.  Last time the Bears tried to sneak a QB thru to waivers, Dan LeFevour was claimed by Cincinnati.  Granted LeFevour was a 6th round pick vs. Blanchard a UDFA, but the Bears have been a team scorned before.

RBs- Matt Forte, Michael Bush, Armando Allen - Another surprise?  I really like Khalil Bell, and I didn't see the need for Michael Bush if Forte was going to be re-signed.  But Bell looks like he's going to be a victim of circumstance.  The circumstance is that he's too similar to Forte and Bush to make the roster.  Allen gives the Bears a speedier option as the #3.  Lorenzo Booker is another option if the Bears keep 4 RBs, but the Bears only kept 3 last year with Forte, Barber and Bell because all 3 were 3 down backs...I don't see that changing this year.  Booker is also a guy that could be a phone call away in case of injury.  If not, there are many more like him.  If I'm the Bears, I'd ask around the league to see if I can get a 6th or 7th rounder for Khalil.  He's good enough to be a #2 in this league, and I'd like to get the late pick back that was traded for Price.

WRs- Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Alshon Jeffery, Eric Weems, Dane Sanzenbacher  - The only question here is Sanzo vs. Rashied Davis.  Davis is an organizational favorite doing everything the team has asked him....from CB, to starting WR in 2008, to all phase special teamer.  But the signings of Weems, Costonzo, and constant late picks spent on DBs, means that special teams proficiency isn't a huge selling point to make the roster anymore.  Cutler likes Sanzenbacher, who can actually contribute on offense as the backup slot WR. 

Up next.... OL and TEs.

Educated Guess for Steelers Final 53 & Practice Squad as of 8/5

Quarterback 3- Roethlisberger, Batch (having a better camp than Leftwich, and is overall more durable due to being more mobile. He can also put better touch on the check down routes that Haley installed.  Lefty throws a delayed cannon no matter what the pass is), Johnson (finally a young arm that fits what Tomlin likes- big body, big arm, and mobile).  And yes, he's black.

Runningback/Fullback 5- Redman, Batch, Dwyer, Rainey, W.Johnson (has shown more in backs on backers than DJ, but also at 6'2 245 is far more athletic than anything DJ can put up).  **Neither Will nor DJ is Danny Krieder, but for how Haley runs the offense, Will gives us more options overall.  Watch for us to take a late round/UDFA Fullback in 2013.  Check out Zach Boren, Ohio State.  Mendenhall wont make any real impact this year, and its his last as a Steeler anyhow.  But we could use a stronger focus on the position, maybe with a higher 2013 pick that could allow Redman to the backup (a perfect fit).  Ball, Lacy, Ellington, or Toussaint could very well be that guy.

Tight End 3- Miller, Saunders, Pope.  Tomlin likes Paulson's hands, but he has little to no blocking ability.  Once again, with Heath getting up there in age as well as 2-3 years from his contract ending, we need to begin looking for a solid replacement.  Is it Wes?  Eh.  Maybe, but as the 2nd TE yes, but not the #1.  Check out Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE Auburn.  Haley drafted Iowa TE Moeaki when he coached KC.  And just like how we drafted Rainey (think KC's RB McCluster), thats the Moeaki=Lutz comparison.

Wide Receiver 5- Brown, Sanders, Cotchery, Clemons, Maze.  Williams?  No, no Maze.  No, the white kid, Beiler?  Riiiight.  Nope.  Im sticking with Maze.  We tend to have a UDFA make the 53 every year.  This year its Maze.  He's caught just about everything thrown his way.  He did have to be corrected for lining up wrong recently, but Ill take that over minimal drops.  His speed dont hurt neither.  But where's Wallace?  Damned if I know.  Is he a Viking?  Maybe.  For a 2nd rounder?  You bet Id make that deal.  If Wallace holds out to week 11, we better not get injured at WR, or we might need to call the NRA for Burress' phone number.  I heard NYPD has it on speed dial.

Offensive Line 9- Adams, Colon, Pouncey, DeCastro, Gilbert.  Followed by Starks, Legursky, Foster, Essex.  Id love to find a way to kept Beachum on the 53, but until Tomlin and Co. see Foster as the next Essex, I dunno how I can.  Gotta be slick to hide him.  Im hoping Beachum is Legursky's replacement in 2013.  Lock down Foster, and let Bruno & Essex walk.

**Thats 25 on offense.

Nose Tackle 3- Hampton, McLendon, Ta'amu.  3 NTs?  Yup.  Mendenhall and Wallace force us to be very flexible with the 53rd spot as well as the 8th PS.  I think Casey will make the 53 and not start out on the PUP like Mendy.  But if not, we've gotta have shoulder room for some moves.

Defensive End 4- Hood, Keisel, Heyward, Woods.  Er, Bryant.  No, no, Woods.  Or maybe Bryant.  does it really matter?  McLendon can play NT and DE, and even Ta'amu was given time today at the 5 tech spot. Woods however was picked up and lost almost as much like the Harrison situation.  Woods can also play NT/DT.  I dont think Corbin has that flexibility.

Inside Linebacker 4- Timmons, Spence, Foote, Sylvester.  Nope, I didnt accidentally confuse Foote and Spence.  We'll be in the base 2-4-5 almost as much, if not more than the 3-4 (not to mention the newly released "Heavy Nickel"- otherwise known as the Dime.)  When in the 3-4, then maybe Foote is on the field.  But in the Nickel, its all Timmons and Spence inside.  Coach Butler proved it recently when he interchanged the Buck and Mack.

Outside Linebacker 4- Woodley, Harrison, Carter, Worilds.  Robinson.  No, no Worilds.  Its Jason's last chance.  Carter is on his way to take JWs spot at backup for both OLB spot.  But like last year, we are iffy at OLB from there on.  Robinson has done very well in the off season, but has no experience.  He'll be hidden on the PS.  But with Spence on his way to taking over for Farrior, and Harrison's age, back, and cap hit being an issue, along with JWs lack of stability, were gonna need to address OLB/DE in 2013.  Again.  Dont worry, Im all over it.  Redshirt Sophomore from TCU, Stansly Maponga.  Ya like Woodley?  Youll love this kid just as much.

Safeties 4- Polamalu, Clark, Cromartie-Smith, Mundy.  Bye Will Allen.  If Rainey and Maze can play gunner (can you picture them tackling?) and Mundy, Cro-Smith, Dwyer can do well on ST... not to mention the 2011 ST ass kicker Curtis Brown... then we can do without your $3 mil deal Will.  Take a look at the head count below.  Its 52.  I left a spot open for a possible Wallace return.  And we need your cap hit Will.  Sorry.  I do have to say I prefer Rolle to Mundy.  I cant see Rolle making such a mental mistake vs the Broncos in OT.  I have read hes had a good camp, while hearing nothing about Mundy.  2013 draft has a high need for safety.  Check out Matt Elam, SS/FS/CB/DB from Florida.  I bet MP53, Gilbert and Rainey have already lit the fire.  Position flexibility, coverage, speed, hands, can hit, run support, a Junior AND a Gator?  Where do I sign?!?!

Cornerbacks 5- Taylor, Allen, Lewis, Brown, Frederick.  No, I didnt get Cortez and Keenan backwards.  Tez will get the #2 CB spot at some point, and I bet its sooner better than later.  Even if its another situation like last year where we rolled Lewis outside and Gay inside in the Nickel.  I also think Brown eventually moves up as well from the Dime.  He's never played an inside CB at Texas, so the 5 and 10 are new to him.  Meanwhile, Frederick has played all over the back 4 while at Texas A&M.  2013/14 CBs could be Allen, Brown with Lewis and Frederick at the 5 and 10.  But Id look to replace Lewis after this year.  If it took him 3 years "to get it", then its gonna take him longer to completely understand it and moreso to use it properly.  And I aint waiting on another William Gay Part II.  Im efforting the possibility of a 2013 CB pick.

Special Teams (K,P,LS) 3- Hrapmann, Butler, Warren.  Yeah, brand new Kicker and Punter.  Why the hell not?  Sorry Suisham but Ive read way too much about "wide lefts" this off season.  And while Kapinos played well for the little healthy Sepulveda, he is more average at best.  Plus, Tomlin has a thing for blood lines.

** That's 27 on defense.

** Total is 52.  Not 53.

Practice Squad 8- Paulson, Beachum, Clay, Cox, Bryant, Rolle, Robinson, XXX.  Once again, this spot is held open for now until we get closer to the final cuts as well as the health of Hampton, Starks, Mendenhall, Harrison and even Worilds.  Oh yeah, and lets not forget #17 and whatever the fuck he decides to do.

Put a check mark on July 12th...

The Steelers arent one to really mortgage the future for the present, but theyve shown interest in a Supplemental Draft RB before, whos to say we dont again.  The Steelers were interested in Harvey Unga, a RB out of BYU during the 2010 SD.  The Bears drafted him in the 7th, thereby giving up their 7th round pick in 2011.  FWDD to today... Ed Wesley, RB from TCU announced that he will enter the SD due to family reasons.  Ed is one for the top 5 RBs I had my eye on for us in the 2013 draft.  He is a true all around back, with an extra gear to seperate, hands to catch out of the backfield, and a low shoulder to power thru or around the line.  At 5'9 200 lbs he is the average size of the RB in the recent NFL.  Hes not Bettis by far, but hes not Rainey either.  He could be a faster, more powerful RB to spell time with Redman, easily taking the place of Dwyer (Red's current "heavy" backup) and/or possibly Clay (another Alstott?).  His 4.4 speed would allow him to be an immediate change of pace for Red, but still allowing us to run the more power running formations Haley looks to install.  When I first heard the news I told my friends I would easily consider giving up a 5th round pick.  But with the likes of Ball, Toussaint, Lacy, Ellington and even Graham in the 2013 draft, I lowered that to the 6th round pick.  For those of you that prefer to look at the stats, over a 3 year career at TCU, Ed had 387 carries for 2442 yards.  Thats 6.3 yards per touch.  Not to mention 21 TDs.

Long story short, I wouldnt rate Wesley higher than Ball,... by far.  And I would also put Lacy ahead of him. Id even add the likes of Toussaint to the list before Ed.  I have a man cruch on Fitzgeral Toussaint, so persoanlly I rate him higher than Ellington, but both higher than Wesley.  And Graham's injury doesnt help Ray, and even without the knee tear I would still put Wesley higher than Ray.

1. Ball
2. Lacy
3a. Toussaint (man crush)
3b. Ellington
4. Wesley
5. Graham

Drafting a weapon in the 6th round worked out for us before, see Antonio Brown.  This time would just be a little different as we'd be making the pick almost a full year ahead of time.  Once again, I give a 6th for him.  No question.  However, if I could see into the future and find out that Ball, Lacy or Toussaint were on the board when we picked in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd rounds, I might just kick myself.

Another Look at Steelers 2013 Draft- UPDATED 8/5

The safe pick would be to estimate the Steelers picking in the mid 20s.  The primary needs would be at FS/SS, OLB, RB, and TE (not necessarily in that order).  If Haley sticks around the TE pick is almost already a lock.

1 (25)  Montee Ball, Wisconsin RB- Tomlin drafted Mendenhall in his 2nd year as our head coach.  He had a few bright moments, but far too many poor ones.  MT takes another shot at a stud RB, and this time strikes gold.  Ball doesnt waste his time (and losing the ball) with irrationally spinning.  His juke/cut back/ jump cuts are done in such a way youll be glad you have a DVR so you can rewind and see it again.  He has soft hands, great balance, and an eye for the hole... wherever it may be.  He doesnt have the speed of a guy like Rainey, but he does have enough gears to get plenty of separation after the catch, and especially after clearing the 2nd level.

2 (57)  Matt Elam, Florida SS/FS/DB- It shouldnt surprise anyone how much Tomlin loves the SEC and the Big 10.  And SEC's Florida Gators are at the top of his list.  Elam is a stud DB, filling in anywhere and wherever Meyers wanted him, mostly at safety.  He isnt the 6'0+ that MT usually goes for, but his speed, his deep coverage and his run stopping tackling gives him the nudge.  And being a Gator doesnt hurt either.

3 (89)  Stansly Maponga, TCU DE/OLB- Here's a redhshirt sophomore OLB that has been a freak for the Horned Frogs.  He has Woodley's size, and will fight Worilds, Carter and Robinson for Harrison's spot at ROLB.

4 (121)  Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn TE- Haley makes this pick, just like Rainey.  Here's another TE very much likeTony Moeaki, TE out of Iowa.  Lutz is a stud in line blocker, but has the hands and separation speed to be a serious threat down field.  Lutz will be Heath's eventual replacement.  I think Wes Saunders fits best as the #2 TE.  If our TE corps come 2015-2016ish could be Lutz, Wes and Paulson Id be satisfied with that... provided Paulson can learn to block in the next 3 years.

5 (153)  Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech- Vincent Fuller's younger brother is usually enough to get Tomlin's attention.  But this kid has my attention for more than that.  While Trufant is the 1st name that caught my eye, his lack of position flexibility and what looks to be a lack of run support had me scratch him.  Fuller on the other hand has played in a very complex Va Tech 2ndary, starting at 2 spots.  Their defense, at least the back 4, play alot like LeBeau's.  While starting at CB he led the team with tackles for loss.  MORE THAN THE F'IN DLINE!!!  He could use a few more pounds of muscle, but with Pitt making the move to the ACC in 2013, you bet Im watching this guy as often as possible this year.

6 (185)  Devin Street, WR Pitt- Could Tomlin go local kids at WR in back to back drafts?  With the educated guess that we'll lose Wallace after 2012, we need more depth.  Should I target this sooner?  Maybe.  Ill take another look after we figure out the Wallace nonsense.  Until then, Devin will have the chance to be in a very potent offense, under an incredible coaching staff.  Finally.  He has the size, speed, and jumps to make it in the NFL.  Is he another Clemons?  Hmm.  We also need to see Sanders take a step up and remain healthy.  Theres a lot going into this pick, but for now Ill keep him here.


7 (217)  Zach Boren, Ohio State FB- The FB battle in 2012 is Johnson v Johnson.  Neither is a pure FB and Haley knows it.  Boren is.  He's also the best FB in the draft (as of June, LOL)  But the key here is the fact that Boren will be coached by Meyer in 2012, and Meyer has already said he will expand Boren's use in the offense.


7 (230)  Comp W.Gay  Jon Bostic, LB Florida- for those of you paying attention, Tomlin has never drafted 2 players from the same school in the same year.  I bet 2 Gator's could maybe have him reconsider.  Sylvester's time is running out.  In 2012 he was moved back to the OLB spot in the off season just to see how he looked for depth.  We signed another Gator FA in 2012, Brandon Hicks.  But his weight and injuries are working against him.  He also doesnt really have the flexibility that Bostic does.  At 6'1 245 Bostic's essentially another Chris Carter.  But CC played DE/OLB at Cal, while Bostic played ILB in Florida, but has the size and speed to maybe backup outside at OLB as well.  Tomlin generally likes to draft in multiples, usually at OL, LB, or WR.  I discussed the WR issue above, but I can easily rule out OL.  That leaves LB.  Hell, I havent even mentioned the issue of Foote getting older as well.  Could our 2013 LB corp be:
ILB- Timmons, Spence, Sylvester, Bostic
LOLB- Woodley, Robinson
ROLB- Maponga, Carter

In case youre unaware, Sly is the slowest of all of the LBs.  There's a mess of speed and power in this group.

The New Pittsburgh Steelers (The Overview)

This draft was the definition of the term “best player available” as all but 2 of the picks were players that fell.  Spence in the 3^rd was graded 86 overall (matched the 86^th spot where we picked him) and Clemons was a reach as he was graded 7-UDFA at 368 overall (teams are gonna regret not selecting him).  But the other 7 guys all fell over 15+ spots.

David DeCastro, OL Stanford- best OG in the draft.  Similarities to Faneca and Hutchinson.  Nuff said.  I do think he will start at RG with Foster moving to LG.  Though if Adams comes on strong and Tomlin decides to keep Colon (Ugh) then Destro (my nickname for him) could move to LG.

Mike Adams, LT Ohio State- this is on Tomlin and Colbert as theyre taking a risk.  If it works out, we just drafted two 1^strounders in the 1st 2 rounds.  From what Ive read I might now be drinking the Kool-Aide.  But Im just taking sips... no chugging.

Sean Spence- Tomlin loves position flexibility.  Rumors we might move him to SS.  The fact that Farrior played 2010 and 11 at 215 is enough to think Spence will be fine.  His reaction time is unheard of, a very football intelligent LB.  But we've heard he wont be the Buck.  He'll backup Timmons at Mack.  Then why the hell did we draft him?

Alameda Ta’amu, DT Washington- the 1 pick I don’t care for.  Our 1st 3 picks could have easily been DeCastro, Mike Martin, Massie.  Ta’amu has had weight problems.  Ive read over and over that he might be a 3 tech in a 0 tech’s body, which means speed but no power.  The photos from rookie camp show him to be nowhere near as sloppy fat as I was expecting.  The last "Big Ugly" Ive ever known to have quick feet was Vince Wilfork.  If Ta'amu can be 1/8th of that, we made out like bandits in the 4th round.  Coach Mitchell says the team dietitian will help to keep his weight in check, and hes not concerned.  But if he comes in for OTAs over the 348 hes at now, shits gonna hit the fan.  Pass the Kool-Aide?

Chris Rainey, RB Florida- the last pure speed back after James and Pead were gone.  This is a great pick.  Watch him motion all over the field.  He's easily faster than both James and Pead, and is very familiar with being moved around.  His "brother" MP53 along with Gil will keep his love life texting in check.  Id almost call him the steal of the draft.  But then we picked...

Toney Clemons, WR Colorado- here's the steal of the draft folks.  Toney has a head on his shoulders that eerily sounds like a young Hines Ward.  He battles for the ball like Ward as well, going over the middle, fearing no one.  Plus, he's a local kid, the tallest WR on our roster, and ran 4.37 40.  Losing Wallace in 2013 might not hurt as much now.  Clemons and Brown have 1 feature that Wallace hasnt shown- their ability to go over the middle, fight for the ball, and win that battle.  

David Paulson, TE Oregon- the bottom of the TE group.  Id prefer George Bryan TE NC State, but Haley likes receiving TEs.  He’s essentially a heavy WR.  He's biggest competition is with Wes.  With Wes being out the first 4 games of the season, Paulson might not have to show too much to win the 3rd TE spot.  One thing to remember- Pope was said to have been brought in to be the 3rd TE.  Could we maybe bring in yet another TE cut from camp?

Terrence Frederick, DB Texas A&M- once again, position flexibility.  He started at CB, FS, and SS and returned kicks.  Not all in 1 game mind you.  But here's the biggest question- if he's good at many positions, does that mean he's not great at one?

Kelvin Beachum, OL SMU- early reports have DeCastro labeled a RG, and Adams cant play inside.  Beachum was the former starting LT (6’2 306) that will move inside to LG.  Better pass protector than Legursky, but average in run blocking.  Many reports have him a much better prospect than his former teammate LiRibeus, who was drafted in the 3rd round.

I did like a few of the UDFAs as well.

Grant Ressel, Kicker Mizzou- challenging Suisham.  I think theres a chance he wins the gig too.  Record setter at Mizzou.

Darron Thomas, QB Oregon- my original thought was "oh no, not another Dennis Dixon.  But that was too harsh, and not well grounded.  Thomas doesnt rely on his legs nearly as often as Dixon did.  The kid can make the passes needed to be successful in the NFL.  He's also a typical Tomlin QB- taller, bigger, and mobile.  His competition is now between Jerrod Johnson and Troy Smith.  Jerrod hasnt been the same since his shoulder surgery and Smith has already bounced around from Baltimore to the 49ers.  My money is on Darron.  He can let Batch and Leftwich fight their won battle.  Im hoping Tomlin sees that Batch is FAR MORE dependable than Leftwich and just cut the ties.

Brandon Lindsey, OLB/DE Pitt- I dont think he's fast enough to be a 3-4 OLB.  Probably best with his hand in the dirt.  His primary competition is with Chris Carter.  If you look at prototypical 3-4 OLB size, the money is on Brandon.  But the speed and some playing time leans Chris' way.