Improving Offensive Line

The biggest and most important upgrades the Steelers have made on the Offensive side of the ball have been along their Offensive Line Front over the last few seasons.  The Front Office and Coaching Staff made a firm dedication to Big Ben’s health this past off-season especially when they acquired two of the most talented Offensive Linemen in The Draft (David DecCastro and Mike Adams) to protect Big Ben well into his 30’s, and shore up an injury-plagued and inconsistent unit.

Maurkice Pouncey is already an All-Pro player, and Marcus Gilbert had a fine Rookie campaign and gained some valuable experience and displayed his versatility as a Left and Right Tackle in 2011.  If veteran Willie Colon ends up staying healthy and/or kicks in to Guard, in two years, a healthy group of Mike Adams, Willie Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Marcus Gilbert will be keeping Roethlisberger upright and winning at the point of attack for years to come.

Pass-Catchers Are Fantastic

Antonio Brown is poised for another great season. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

As for weapons to throw to, Ben your pass-catchers are highly talented and bring a whole mess of skill-sets to the table.  In terms of a deep-threat, there are few which can match speedster like Mike Wallace (2010: 72 Catches, 1,193 Yards, 8 TD’s) in terms of raw speed and his developing talent.  Wallace will be as hungry as ever this season because he is in a crucial contract year, and will be looking to cash-in once the season ends.  Antonio Brown (2010: 69 Catches, 1,108 Yards, 2 TD’s) is jack-of-all-trades athlete and is well on his way to developing into one of the League’s most dangerous all-around pass catching threats.

Sure, Hines Ward is gone, but the Steelers still have some underrated and savvy slot options which understand route-running and have dependable and reliable hands like Emmanuel Sanders (2010: 22 Catches, 288 Yards, 2 TD’s) and Jerricho Cotchery (2010: 16 Catches, 237 Yards, 2 TD’s)  In the event one or both can stay fully healthy this season, acres of room will be open for them to eat Linebackers and Safeties alive when Pittsburgh employs 3 and 4 Wide Receiver sets, and help convert important 3rd Downs to keep drives alive.

Oh yeah, I totally forgot, the Steelers also have a Pro Bowl Tight End named Heath Miller (2010: 51 Catches, 631 Yards, 2 TD’s) on the roster that will likely be a bigger feature in the Offensive game-plans as well.  Hopefully Todd Haley recognizes the value of a big, reliable, smart, and talented target in the Red Zone and Miller will get many more chances to catch passes there unlike when Arians was in charge.  If that is the case, Pittsburgh will improve their Red Zone numbers, and Heath will emerge as a weapon teams must account for down near the goal line.

Running Back by Committee is Diverse Group of Talent

Redman will get his chance to take over the starting RB spot. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

While the Steelers will likely go with a Running Back by Committee this season, Isaac Redman (2010: 110 Carries, 479 Yards, 3 TD’s) will get the first crack to earn the “RB#1″ role this season after two solid years as Pittsburgh’s change of pace, “pound the rock” guy.  Over his career, Redman has displayed an ability to pick up tough yards and even do some nice things in the passing game.  The hope of many, including myself, is that Redman can build off of his successful Playoff outing in Denver last season, and prove to everybody that he can be the “RB#1″ in Pittsburgh for years to come.

Fighting for carries behind Redman will be the bruising Jonathan Dwyer and John Clay, both of whom will likely be battling against each other for one of the final backup spots on the roster.  Baron Batch will also be trying to earn a roster spot this season as the the Steelers’ 3rd Down Back as he works his way back from the devastating knee injury he suffered during Training Camp last season.

It will be a tough task for Batch though, because Rookie Chris Rainey will get his shot to become Pittsburgh’s 3rd Down Back, and Special Teams Return extraordinaire.  The Steelers will likely be utilizing the diminutive Rainey in a role similar to Dexter McCluster of the Chiefs, the team Todd Haley just came over from.  And getting the ball to Rainey in space a few times per game will be a high priority for the Steelers if they are in search of some splash plays.  If Rainey makes a guy miss, big plays will almost assuredly follow.

The X-Factor in all of this Running Back situation will be Rashard Mendenhall (2010: 228 Carries, 928 Yards, 9 TD’s), who could contribute as early as mid-season.  If Mendenhall proves he is healthy, and that his knee can hold up, the Steelers might consider giving the former Pro Bowler some work once he returns.  Because 2012 will be his contract year, Mendenhall will be hungry to produce as much as possible, and the Steelers could be big beneficiaries if he is fit to play this season.

Final Thoughts

Change is never easy to deal with, and I can understand where Ben and some of the other members of the Offense are coming from in regards to their displeasure.  However, this team is loaded with Offensive weapons and is only getting better.  Not only is Pittsburgh loaded with Offensive weapons with plenty of experience at the skill positions, they have a 2-time Super Bowl winning Quarterback leading them as he enters the prime of his illustrious career!  With the Offensive Line being solidified with a nice mix of experienced youth and talented youth, this Offense could be a “sleeping giant” this season, and a real force for seasons to come.

I would guess that many outside of Steeler Nation do not have high expectations for this Offense because of the new Coordinator and a perceived lack of production.  Sure, the Steelers went outside of their norm by hiring Haley outside of the organization, but the Front Office and Tomlin must feel that the guy is the perfect one to mesh all of this talent together and get them to play at their highest level.  So let’s not look at Haley’s hiring as a negative.  In fact, let’s be happy that a change was made, because Haley proved what he could do with great weapons in Arizona when he helped take that Offense to the Super Bowl in 2008.  Yeah, there might be some growing pains along the way, and a steep learning curve to master for some.  Yet the talent is there to succeed, and with some hard work, and a small amount of patience, there is plenty to be optimistic about for seasons to come.

So chime in “Steeler Nation:”  Are you excited to see what this Offense will do under Haley?  Should Ben stop complaining?  Will Wallace show up this season?  The floor is yours.

Statistics Courtesy of Steelers Team Page on ESPN.com

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Needless to say, when it comes to your Steelers Draft news, NPC has had it covered better than any other outlet on the big bad web.

Amazingly enough, the demand for even more draft data is still at a fevered pitch.  So tonight, I will give you my Ten Best Value Picks of the 2012 NFL Draft.  These are players who I believe will provide the best value for their teams in relation to the round they were chosen in, and my opinions are based off of deep statistical analysis and how the player fits with their new NFL team.  We will concentrate on players picked in the mid-to-late rounds.

Buffalo OT Cordy Glenn, selected 41st overall; courtesy ajc.com

10.  OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia (drafted by Buffalo Bills with 2nd round pick #41) – Was it just simple team needs that allowed one of the top three offensive tackle prospects to fall into the mid-second round, where Buffalo quickly snagged him to become their new plug-and -play left tackle?  With all of the trades and odd selections made at the tail end of round one, Glenn – who was pre-ranked as a possible top 10 pick by NFL.com – ended up as the fifth offensive tackle drafted.  This is a player who tied a school record by starting 50 games in the SEC and gained an All-American selection in 2010.  At 6-foot 5, 343 lbs., Glenn will most likely start immediately for the Bills at right tackle, replacing incumbent Erik Pears.  Glenn has the potential to be a dominating right tackle for the Bills, a team that desperately needed an upgrade to their offensive line after allowing QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to be sacked 22 times in 2011.  In the second round, Cordy Glenn is a great value pick for Buffalo.

WR Rueben Randle, picked #63 overall by the New York Giants

9.  WR Rueben Randle, LSU (drafted by New York Giants with 2nd round pick #63) – The Champs lost starting WR Mario Manningham to free agency, pushing 2011 phenom WR Victor Cruz into the #2 WR slot behind Hakeem Nicks.  With that change, the Giants needed to add another WR weapon for QB Eli Manning and they found their man at #63 overall in WR Rueben Randle.  A 2011 first-team All-SEC selection, Randle opted out of his senior season with the Tigers to enter the draft at just 20-years old.  He started 21 games for LSU between 2010-2011 and was the premiere receiver on the 2011 team that reached the BCS National Title Game.  At 6-foot 3, 210 lbs. he provides another large target for Manning, and should be used as both a #2 and slot receiver for the Giants.  Randle was considered a late-first round draft grade, and ended up being the ninth WR taken in the draft.  The Giants are excellent at fitting players into their offensive scheme, and Randle has a chance to catch 40-50 passes in his rookie season.  An excellent value for New York, drafting out of the final slot of each round after winning Super Bowl XLVI.

DT Mike Martin, drafted by Tennessee at #82 overall; courtesy nepatriotsdraft.com

8.  DT Mike Martin, Michigan (drafted by Tennessee Titans with 3rd round pick #82) – Martin was a four-year letterman at Michigan, starting 37 games at nose tackle for the Wolverines.  Anyone who watched Michigan over the past two years would have noticed #68 making tackles all over the field.  His non-stop motor and ability to get to the ball carrier will immediately pay dividends for the Titans, who lacked aggressive players on their defense in 2011 and lost defensive leader All-Pro CB Cortland Finnegan to free agency.  Martin is a born leader who will provide a solid presence at whichever position Head Coach Mike Munchak decides to play him at, possibly DE but most likely DT.  The leadership qualities he will bring to the defense will make every player around him better, and his presence will solidify a defense that allowed 4.5 YPG on the ground in 2011.

LB Ronnell Lewis, drafted by Detroit Lions at #125 overall

7.  LB Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma (drafted by Detroit Lions with 4th round pick #125 overall) – Lewis is another early entry player who skipped his senior season with the Sooners.  He was extremely productive in the Oklahoma defense, tallying 10.5 sacks and 118 tackles over just 14 starts, and adding 2 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles.  He was graded as a 4th round pick, so he was drafted right about where he was expected to go.  However, his athletic ability and size (6-foot 2, 244 lbs) should enable the Lions to use him at several different slots, depending on the defensive set on the field.  If he had stayed at Oklahoma for his senior season, Lewis would have easily been a first-round pick next year.  The Lion get a young player who will be able to play special teams and situational defense in 2012 while he prepares to take over a starting slot at ILB the following season.  Detroit grabbed Lewis at #125 overall and probably scored a starting defensive player, making this a great value pick.

DT Alameda Ta'amu, drafted by the Steelers at #109 overall

6.  DT Alameda Ta’amu, Washington (drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers with 4th round pick #109 overall) – The Steelers needed to find a true zero-technique NT to be the heir apparent to Casey Hampton, as Hampton enters what will most likely be his final season in 2012.  Pittsburgh traded up to pick Ta’amu, giving up just a late 6th rounder to move ahead of potential suitor San Diego, who were ready to take him at #110.  Ta’amu is a monster (6-foot 3, 348 lbs) and made a name for himself at the NFL Combine, where he showed unbelievable athletic ability and speed for a player his size.  He will spend a season as the backup to Hampton, learning the Steelers NT position from the best player to ever play there.  He should see some snaps in 2012 as the Steelers limit Hampton even further, and he could end up starting quickly if Hampton is unable to fully return from the injury that ended his 2011 season.  This was a case of a team that needed a specific type of player – zero technique defensive tackles were very limited in this draft – and was able to secure him for a very small price.  I was trying to avoid placing Steelers draft picks on this list, but to leave Ta’amu off would have been a travesty.

DT Josh Chapman, drafted by Indianapolis at #136 overall

5.  DT Josh Chapman, Alabama (drafted by Indianapolis Colts with 5th round pick #136 overall) – The Colts had a great draft as they rebuild their franchise, and have plans on transitioning to a 3-4 in 2012.  Needing to secure bigger players to fill out the positions for that scheme, they set their sights on finding a solid DT to build around.  Chapman was the anchor on a championship Alabama defense for the past two seasons, starting 25 games.  His experience in big game situations should enable him to step in right away and start for the Colts.  At the outset of the draft, some experts had Chapman going as high as the early 2nd round – making his selection here in round five a major value pick for a team that needed to draft as many future starters as possible.  Chapman is not a flashy player, but he is solid against the run and can stuff the line to allow Indianapolis pass-rushers open lanes to the opposing QB.  A sound pick for the Colts.

WR Juron Criner, drafted by Oakland at #168 overall

4.  WR Juron Criner, Arizona (drafted by Oakland Raiders with 5th round pick #168 overall) – The Raiders needed to find another solid WR for their offense, and in keeping with tradition they selected Criner, a speedy playmaker who was expected to be one of the top five WR taken in the draft.  At 6-foot 3, Criner has the length to become a major red-zone target and has the speed to line up anywhere on the field.  A lack of consistent play was a primary reason for the drop to the 5th round, but the Raiders feel that Head Coach Dennis Allen should be able to coach up Criner.  If the young wideout buys into the coaching and learns to show up every Sunday, the Raiders may have scored the offensive steal of the draft.

RB Dan Herron, drafted by Cincinnati at #191 overall

3.  RB Dan Herron, Ohio State (drafted by Cincinnati Bengals with 6th round pick #191 overall) – Herron was a very productive running back at Ohio State, rushing for 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010.  His senior season was not as prolific, as he shared time in the backfield.  He is an extremely physical runner who could work his way up a weak Bengals depth chart in 2012.  If Herron had entered the draft in 2011, prior to the Ohio State NCAA violation scandal, he may have been a second round pick.  He has the ability to run between the tackles, and will start out as a 3rd down RB.  Herron was a highly-recruited player out of high school, and ran into a loaded  depth chart with the Buckeyes that never allowed him to fully take the starting RB position for himself.  Drafting Herron in the 6th round is great value and brings a local product into the Bengals system.  A solid late round pick that could eventually provide starter value.

RT Bobby Massie, drafted by Arizona at #112 overall

2.  T Bobby Massie, Ole Miss (drafted by Arizona Cardinals with 4th round pick #112 overall) – How Massie fell into the 4th round after being universally considered a possible first round pick is unknown.  What is known is the Cardinals had a major need at right tackle and were able to draft a three-year starter at Mississippi, and will plug him in immediately as the starter.  While scouts are split on his ability, Massie presents as a huge right tackle who should be able to manhandle smaller defensive ends and create space for the edge running game.  As far as value picks go, Massie could end up as one of the biggest values for a mid-round pick in the past few years.  You just shouldn’t be able to find players with his size, experience, and skill set in the 4th round.  GREAT value.

RB Lamar Miller, drafted by Miami at #97 overall

1.  RB Lamar Miller, Miami (FL) (drafted by Miami Dolphins with 4th round pick #97 overall) – The Dolphins won’t know what they have in 1st round pick QB Ryan Tannehill until he is able to start – probably a year or two from now.  What Miami does know is they have a lousy record when it comes to early round RB picks.  When Lamar Miller fell into the 4th round, the Fish were smart enough to draft the kid from their own backyard, who showed explosive power and speed at Miami (FL) and comes to the Dolphins as a 21-year old back who could become a fantastic strength element to compliment resurgent Reggie Bush’s speed.  Miller started one year in college, rushed for 1,272 yards and 9 touchdowns and was considered a potential late first-rounder.  Overall, he was thought to be one of the first five backs off the board.  This is the type of pick that could not only provide benefits immediately, but will also help the Dolphins in another area they have failed at recently – selling tickets.  He is a Florida product, a former Hurricane, a current Dolphin, and future star – it doesn’t get much better than that.

Honorable Mention:

QB Ryan Lindley, San Diego State at #185 overall by Arizona Cardinals – a QB-hungry team finds a potential gem in the 6th round.

CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech at #94 overall by New York Giants – a special teams dynamo, a solid cover corner.  Lack of size kept teams away, Giants know value when they see it.

WR Junior Hemingway, Michigan at #23 overall by Kansas City Chiefs – a big, talented WR who was handicapped by playing with QB Denard Robinson at Michigan.  Watch out for him in 2012.

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Foote will be the leading candidate to assume the starting "Buck" role. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Recent Outside Search for “Buck” Turns Up Nothing

The Steelers have never been a team that has “made it rain” in Free Agency, and likely never will be one.  With that in mind, experienced, 3-4 “Buck” Linebackers simply are not available on the Free Agent market very often.  And even when they are, they usually will go to teams with the necessary means to acquire them, because they demand such a high price.  So without deep pockets but with savvy and intelligent scouts, Pittsburgh looked towards the Draft to find a replacement Inside Linebacker.

From the very beginning, it certainly appeared that help at the “Buck” spot could be had for the Steelers in the form of Alabama’s Dont’a Hightower, an All-American, and a potential 1st Round Selection.  Hightower, a player the Steelers were interested in, appeared to be a perfect fit as he fit the mold of a Steelers “Buck” Linebacker:  Big guy, Strong-side potential, intelligent, athletic, and experienced in a 3-4 Defense.

I for one thought selecting Hightower was a sensible direction for the Steelers to go in to go in, and I am sure to many the pick made sense as well because of how the Draft was supposed to unfold.  It appeared that all the Top-Tier Offensive Linemen (which Pittsburgh needed) would not fall to the Steelers in Round 1, and that Hightower would be a terrific consolation prize because the team appeared to need a replacement for Farrior, and appeared to need said replacement sooner rather than later.

Yet in a stroke of good fortune for Ben Roethlisberger, Guard David DeCastro fell to Pittsburgh in Round 1, and talented yet troubled Tackle Mike Adams fell to them in Round 2.  Yet by Round 3, all top “Buck” prospects (Luke Kuechly, Hightower, and Mychal Kendricks who could have been a “Mack” or a “Buck” in my opinion) had already been drafted.  (In an interview, Linebackers Coach Keith Butler described humorously how he still wanted Hightower at #24.)

Sure, the Steelers took an Inside Linebacker in Round 3.  But according to Butler, Sean Spence figures to be more of a Weakside “Mack” player due to his svelte size at the moment (5’11″ 231 lbs.), his speed, and his nose for the football.  In addition, Spence will likely see most of his playing time on Special Teams while he tries to learn the Steelers’ complicated Defense, as most current starters did at the beginning of their careers.  And honestly, I see Spence’s addition as more of an upgrade to Pittsburgh’s Pass Defense, and a guy that early in his career can play in Nickel and Dime sub-packages and then eventually evolve into a 3-Down “Mack” player.

In spite of the fact that Pittsburgh passed on the three most viable “Buck” candidates which could have contributed in the present, the answer to their problems could in fact be on the roster at this very moment.  The competition for the starting role will ultimately come down to one veteran against one youngster, with the veteran looking to extend his career, while the youngster trying to have his “break-out season.”  Either way it works out, it will be a two man competition between Larry Foote and Stevenson Sylvester.

Candidates

Larry Foote

Larry Foote, as Butler discussed in the interview, will likely assume the starting role at the “Buck” position entering offseason workouts and Training Camp.  And honestly, why shouldn’t he?  Larry will be entering his 10th season with Pittsburgh, and of all the Linebackers currently on the roster, he probably knows the most about the Defense and its complexities as a whole.  This should factor in hugely because it will likely be Foote lining the Defense up and calling out formations if he indeed assumes Potise’s old role as the “Buck.”  While Foote spent his best seasons playing the “Mack” spot beside Farrior from 2004-2008, he should be able to do the best job of kicking over to the Strongside for the moment.  To me, and I’m sure to many others, there is no substitute for Foote’s extensive experience in LeBeau’s Defense.

I do however believe that Foote would be best served as a 2-Down player this season.  I could see him having the same troubles against Ends and Backs in the passing game on 3rd Downs as Farrior had last season.  And while Timmons can be inconsistent at times in pass coverage, he does remain the team’s best option as a cover Linebacker until we see how far along Spence eventually is and whether or not he is ready to contribute.  Still, Foote will be expected to be an effective and valuable contributor this upcoming season, and his value against the run and from a leadership standpoint is solid.  But in the event that Foote is not up to the task, another potential “Buck” candidate will be waiting in the wings, and could pounce on his newfound opportunity.

Stevenson Sylvester

Sylvester is the wild-card in this “figuring out the Buck” scenario, and I am intrigued to see how the one-time Special Teams demon progresses this season.  With nobody new brought in to compete at the “Buck” spot, especially a highly touted and experienced player like Dont’a Hightower, Sylvester has been given an enormous opportunity to take advantage of this season.  Sylvester also has an entire offseason to “learn the ropes” from a veteran like Foote, gain more experience with the 2nd and possibly even 1st team Defense, and learn under Keith Butler and Dick LeBeau.  Plus, with Foote becoming an Unrestricted Free Agent after the 2012 season, Sylvester might end up being the only “Buck” on the entire roster with any sort of experience if the Front Office deems Foote expendable at season’s end.

Sylvester will be working hard to assume a starting role . Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

If Sylvester performs well, or must take over in case of ineffective play or injury to Foote, he could do the organization and himself a huge favor by not only helping the team transition from a stand-out like Farrior with some solid play, but also eliminate a need on the roster as a relatively young and emerging player.  Sylvester will be a Restricted Free Agent after the 2012 season ends, and his performance in 2012 and 2013 will go a long way in determining whether he is valuable enough for the Steelers to keep around and assume the “Buck” role into the future.  If all goes according to plan, he could be lacing ‘em up alongside Timmons and Spence come 2013 or 2014.

Final Thoughts

The more I think about the Steelers upgrading their Offensive Line in Rounds 1 & 2 of the Draft with terrific prospects, the happier I become.  Big Ben is the team’s most important investment, and he needs to be protected at all costs as he enters his 30′s, no questions asked.  Sure, I would have liked if the Steelers had taken Hightower, and I’m sure most everybody would have been fine with the selection had DeCastro or any other Offensive Lineman not been on the board.  Count me in as intrigued though as I watch how this “Foote/Sylvester/Buck” situation unfolds over the coming months, and I know that I will be intrigued to have these questions answered as the season goes on:

Can either of these players or a combination of both do a serviceable enough job in Farrior’s absence to put off the need at the position for at least a season?  Or, can the young Sylvester step up and emerge as Farrior’s eventual successor and warrant the elimination of the need for help at the “Buck” spot in the future?

I am not technically rooting for one guy over the other, I am simply rooting for some-what of an effective solution at the position to be found.  Pittsburgh is primed to have another season where they contend and play hopefully into February.  Softening the blow of Farrior’s release will be key for this Defense if they wish to keep playing consistent football, and hopefully Foote and or Sylvester is up to the task.

Brandon Lindsey might still get to play his home games at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

Linebackers

Brandon Lindsey OLB (Pittsburgh)

Local college Defensive End (6’2” and 254 lbs.) who should transition to Outside Linebacker.  Lindsey can hopefully contribute on Special Teams at the beginning of his career, and in time push Jason Worilds and Chris Carter for playing time as a backup.  Could be a steal because Lindsey had a Day 3 draftable grade on him, and the Steelers can always use depth behind Harrison and Woodley.  Keith Butler can develop Linebackers, and it would be nice to see a former Panther succeed with the Steelers.

Adrian Robinson OLB (Temple)

Likely will be in the same boat as Brandon Lindsey and will vie for playing time at Outside Linebacker after contributing on Special Teams for a season or two.  At 6’1” 250 lbs., Robinson will have to make the transition from 4-3 Defensive End after starting 38 games at the position in college.  Robinson earned 2011 1st-Team All-MAC honors and could be a nice addition to the roster if he is stashed on the practice squad for this season.

Defensive Backs

Terry Carter CB (Louisiana Tech)

Former track athlete at Louisiana Tech, Carter will look to find a backup role on the Steelers or at least a spot on the Practice Squad.  At 5’10” 184 lbs., the 2011 1st Team All-WAC performer has decent size for the position, and will need to prove he can support in the run game like the other Steelers Corners as well  Carter will have to battle Robert Golden and Terrence Frederick for likely the final roster spot at Cornerback in camp.  Otherwise he will be on the practice squad.

Robert Golden CB/S (Arizona)

Golden has a decent shot of making the team due to his versatility as a Defensive Back and the thin depth at the Safety position.  A three year stater at Arizona, Golden (5’11” 202 lbs.) played both Corner and Safety, and possesses decent size to play either position.  Should compete with Terrence Frederick and Terry Carter for a backup job at Cornerback, and with Ryan Mundy the only backup Safety with any experience, Golden should get a look there as well.  Should be a Practice Squad guy with a good showing, and an outside chance to make the 53-man roster.

Defensive Linemen

Ikponmwosa Igbinosun DE (Southern Connecticut State)

Igbinosun is a 5-Technique Defensive End who should compete for time in the rotation as a backup behind Keisel, Hood, and Heyward.  He’s a raw prospect for Defensive Line Coach John Mitchell to work with, and should at least find self on Practice Squad if he flashes something in camp.  At 6’4” and 288 lbs., Igbinosun has the perfect body type to play the 5-Technique and a year or two of developing his game with Mitchell could make him a solid addition to the rotation in time.

Jake Stoller DE (Yale)

Will have an uphill battle to make team, and main competition will be with Igbinosun for final backup spot in 5-Technique rotation.  At 6’3” 284 lbs., Stoller was a 2nd Team All-Ivy League selection last season and a two year starter.  Stoller’s best chance of contributing will likely be on Special Teams, as it could be his only chance to make the Practice Squad.

Specialists

Drew Butler has a legitimate shot of becoming the Steelers' Punter in 2012 and beyond. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

Drew Butler P (Georgia)

Excellent chance of earning a roster spot with Daniel Sepulveda gone, and Jeremy Kapinos providing his only competition.  Butler, a three year starter with a big leg, was a 2nd Team All-American in his Junior season, and averaged 45.2 Yards per Punt during his career.  Butler was also named to Georgia’s “Team of the Decade” as a collegiate player as well.  Of all the Free Agents brought in, Butler has the best chance to make the team.

Grant Ressel K (Missouri)

Ressel should compete with Shaun Suisham and possibly another candidate (Swayze Waters) for the starting job in camp.  Ressel was an All-American in 2009, but has been dealing with some confidence issues.  Ressel had only missed 3 of 46 kicks in the two seasons prior to 2011 until he lost his job after going 7 for 13 to start the year.  Hopefully Ressel’s confidence can come back, because some competition must come in for Suisham.

Offensive Linemen

Ryan Lee OG (Furman)

Ryan Lee will face stiff competition from the three Linemen the Steelers drafted, fellow Free Agent signee Desmond Stapleton, and entrenched backups Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster.  At 6’3” and 308 lbs., Lee will try to find a spot at the crowded Guard position, but will likely not be making the final roster or even the Practice Squad.

Desmond Stapleton OG (Rutgers)

If you recognize the last name it’s because he is indeed related to former Steelers’ Guard Darnell Stapleton (brother) and consequently he plays the same position (Guard).  At 6’5” 301 lbs., Stapleton will likely be coming in to compete for a job at Guard.  It will not be easy though, because with the amount of depth Pittsburgh has at the position now, Stapleton will have a tough time making the Practice Squad.

Wide Receivers

Marquis Maze WR (Alabama)

Maze should compete for time on Special Teams this season. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-US PRESSWIRE

Maze will have an uphill climb to make the roster as he will have to beat out Wallace, Brown, Sanders, Cotchery, and newcomers Toney Clemons and Connor Dixon for a spot.  Furthermore, Maze will face competition on Special Teams and in the return game from RB Chris Rainey as well.  The tiny Maze (5’7” 186 lbs.) could be sent to Practice Squad and developed for a year until Wallace leaves, but he still will have to make heads turn in camp to stay around.

Connor Dixon WR (Duquesne)

A former Quarterback, Dixon, like Maze, enters a crowded WR group and would likely have to show his worth on Special Teams before getting any real time as a pass catcher.  At 6’5” and 222 lbs. he towers over the rest of Pittsburgh’s Wide Receivers, which could give him an advantage.  However, he has only played the position for two and a half years, and will face some stiff competition to make the roster, although he could make the practice squad.

DT Alameda Ta'amu, Washington

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in Round Four to get their man – and what a BIG man he is!

As predicted by the staff here at NPC during our 2012 NFL Draft Coverage, the Steelers found their heir apparent to NT Casey Hampton by selecting University of Washington NT Alameda Ta’amu in the 4th round.  The team gave up a 6th round pick for the right to move up ten spots to select Ta’amu, who many had pegged as a 2nd or 3rd round talent.

From NFL.com: