From Steelers West back home to the Burgh. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Shmaft.  We don’t need no stinkin draft to add to our roster, which is apparently very contradictory to what Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said in several radio interviews last week, but hey who’s counting?  Well we have all you can handle draft coverage here on NPC so I figured I’d take the opportunity for this morning’s huddle to see what the experts are saying about the Steelers latest non-draft acquisition.  Yesterday the Steelers agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent running back LaRod Stephens-Howling.  The Steelers picked up the former 7^th round pick from Pitt, a Johnstown native, to a one year deal with no financials reported yet.

Ed Bouchette of the PPG says the Steelers will mostly look at Stephens-Howling to contribute on Special Teams.  He’s had three career kickoff return TD’s but no punt returns.  In the same article Ed states that the Steelers would still consider signing former Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw, but that would depend on the draft.  Now that the Steelers have added Le’Veon Bell to the roster in their second round pick, you have to think the Bradshaw ship has sailed.

With five running backs in the stable for the Steelers you have to figure that someone is going to be the odd man out when the roster is finally cut down to 53 before we kick off against Tennessee.  The running backs right now consist of Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman, Baron Batch, LaRod Stephens-Howling, and Le’Veon Bell.

What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation?  What did you think of the non-draft pick up right in the middle of the draft?  Who do you think gets left behind?

Follow me on Twitter @Kimmy_KimKimM and follow all of NPC’s posts @NicePickCowherC

Like us on Facebook

Huddle up guys! Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

The Steelers are gearing up for the 2013 NFL Draft Week starting with the Pre-Draft Press Conference held yesterday by Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Kevin Colbert.  Colbert started the presser off by quickly reviewing the departures and arrivals to the team from the 2012 squad as well as explain that the roster stands at 65 players now and will increase to 90 after the draft so there will be 25 guys added to the Steelers roster over this weekend between draft picks and undrafted free agents.

Watch Tomlin and Colbert’s Pre-Draft Press Conference Here

It’s been said over and over again how this particular draft is not stacked with the kind of talent we have been seeing with young super stars like Cam Newton, RGIII, and Andrew Luck but is deep with talent across the board.  Colbert stated that he doesn’t expect the Steelers to attempt to move up from their first round pick at #17 and is confident that whoever is available at that spot will be a talented player.

“There will be a good player at 17.  There’s no question about that.” – Kevin Colbert

Colbert and Tomlin went on to say as well that they are not ruling out a return for veterans Max Starks and Casey Hampton, who are still unsigned FA’s.  There also has been speculation that the Steelers will look to add QB depth in the draft pointing to the idea that Charlie Batch will not return this year.

I, for one, cannot friggin wait for the draft.  I think that we all feel like Tomlin and Colbert have a very important draft ahead of them making up for the fact that their 2008 draft is entirely gone and their draft last year resulted in more offseason arrests and injuries than any substantial contributions.  I think overall DeCastro and Adams are going to be good for the O-line but I think we can’t overlook the fact that they drafted Ta’amu and Rainey and probably shouldn’t have.

After ending the season 8-8 and missing the playoffs Steeler Nation has spent the entire offseason stressing over what could be the problems and where the team could be headed.  I’m not saying that I haven’t been stressing myself, but it is nice to know that with the draft comes a fresh crop of talent to the team and that there’s no use trying to predict what direction a team is going when the roster is nowhere near being set yet.  We’ll see what the roster looks like after this weekend and what they look like in Latrobe in August.

What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation?  What are your impressions of Tomlin’s and Colbert’s Pre-Draft Press Conference?

Follow me on Twitter @Kimmy_KimKimM and follow all of NPC’s posts @NicePickCowherC

Like us on Facebook

Round 1

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT (Texas A&M)

Kansas City’s brass could instantly upgrade their “tackle situation” with Texas A&M’s former blind-side protector.  The 6’6″ 306 lb. Joeckel was the 2012 Outland Award winner, a 2012 consensus All-American, and was three-year starter with the Aggies (39 Games, 39 Starts).  While the nimble Joeckel is not a “road-grading” type of tackle, his quick feet and sound blocking technique will help him to be a fantastic blind-side pass-protector for years to come.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eric Fisher OT (Central Michigan)

2009 1st Round pick Eugene Monroe will be a UFA when the 2013 season ends.  If the Jaguars want to have insurance in case their starting left tackle leaves, they could elect to go the “safe route” and take Eric Fisher at #2 overall.  The 6’7″ 306 lb. Fisher was a 1st Team All-MAC performer last season, and also possesses some versatility to his game.  Although he played most of his collegiate career at left tackle, he did start games at right tackle and right guard earlier in his career with the Chippewas.  So even if Fisher doesn’t pan out on the blind-side, Jacksonville’s coaching staff could find another place for him along their porous offensive line. 

3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd DT (Florida)

Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant are gone, and the Raiders need help at defensive tackle.  Floyd (6’3″ 297 lbs.) has become of the Draft’s hottest commodities as of late, and he played both defensive end and defensive tackle at Florida.  Last year, Floyd played his best football last season on the interior as he displayed a surprising combination of agility, power, and quickness for a man his size.  Overall, Sharrif notched 46 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a team-leading 13.0 tackles for loss during his junior season, and will garner interest from teams who employ 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes in Round 1.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Dion Jordan DE/OLB (Oregon)

Now that the Eagles are switching to a 3-4 Defense, they would best served to acquire an athletic pass-rusher to team with Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham.  If that is the case, it would lead me to believe that new head coach Chip Kelly has his sights set on one of his former college players in the form of Dion Jordan.  Last year, Jordan put up 44 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles, and has a unique frame (6’6″ 248 lbs.), and an athletic skill-set (surprisingly in pass-coverage) which could make him an attractive option for the Eagles to target at #4 if he recovers well from his recent shoulder surgery.

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah DE (Brigham Young)

Detroit will likely need some serious help at defensive end position if they wish to create any pressure off of the edge in future seasons.  Cliff Avril left for a new deal in Seattle, and Kyle Vanden Bosch was just recently released as well.  Ezekiel Ansah has turned heads throughout the offseason, and could inevitably find himself in the Top 5 when “Draft Weekend” rolls around this month.  Despite the fact that Ansah is newer to the game of football, the 6’5″ 271 lb. defensive end had a fine 2012 season as he made 62 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks during his first year as a starter with the Cougars.

6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner CB (Alabama)

Because the Browns signed Paul Kruger, Cleveland’s brass should be able to focus on other needs at the top of the Draft.  If Dee Milliner falls to them at #6 overall, I cannot see new defensive coordinator Ray Horton passing on him.  Milliner solidified his status as a Top 5 pick after a great showing at The Combine, and could be in contention to be taken at the very top of the Draft.  The 6′ 200 lb. cornerback had a terrific 2012 season as he logged 22 passes defended over the team’s 14 games, and added 54 Tackles and 2 Interceptions to his statline as the Crimson Tide won the national championship.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Lane Johnson OT (Oklahoma)

Arizona’s offensive line surrendered a League high 58.0 sacks last year, and Bobby Massie and D’Anthony Batiste looked lost at the tackle positions numerous times in 2012.  If they cannot trade down, the Cardinals might be best served to take Lane Johnson at #7.  The former Sooner (6’6″ 303 lbs.) is an intriguing prospect who played quarterback in high school and at junior college, and spent time at Tight End and defensive end in Norman as well.  For the last two years though Johnson has manned both the right (12 Starts) and left (11 Starts) tackle spots, and has the potential to be a stable pass-protector down the road at either tackle position.

8. Buffalo Bills: Geno Smith QB (West Virginia)

Kansas City’s decision to trade for Alex Smith is huge for Buffalo, as they will likely be able to select a quarterback they want in Round 1 without having to give up a large amount to acquire one by moving up from #8.  Even though the franchise signed Kevin Kolb, I cannot see how they view him as a long-term answer.  In the event that Geno Smith (6’2″ 218 lbs.) falls to Buffalo, I believe that the Bills’ new Head Coach Doug Marrone will be interested in acquiring him.  The strong-armed, accurate, and athletic former Mountaineer (2012: 369 for 518 (71.2%), 4,205 Yards, 42 TD’s, and 6 INT’s) would be a solid fit in Marrone’s offense as the Bills begin the long process of rebuilding.

9. New York Jets: Cordarrelle Patterson WR (Tennessee)

2013 could be the “Last Stand” for both Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez in New York.  If the Jets wish to make their anemic passing offense better, they could roll the dice on Cordarrelle Patterson of Tennessee.  The 6’2″ 216 lb. Junior was a phenomenal kick returner and wide receiver at the junior college level before he came to Knoxville this past year, and boy did he make a splash in 2012.  Over 11 Games, Patterson caught 42 passes for 690 Yards and 4 TD’s, he rushed for 270 Yards and 3 TD’s, and returned 1 Kickoff and 1 Punt for TD’s.  Although his skill-set is still very raw, Patterson just makes plays when he has the football in his hands, and teams must respect his speed.

10. Tennessee Titans: Star Lotulelei DT (Utah)

If the Titans elect to not find upgrades at cornerback and offensive guard in Round 1, then I believe that they will try to draft a defensive tackle at #10 overall.  Sen’Derrick Marks is an impending UFA and Tennessee could stand to use another stout defensive tackle to add to the mix with Jurrell Casey and Mike Martin if Marks indeed leaves.  Despite being double-teamed and keyed on for much of the season,  Lotulelei (6’2″ 311 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-Pac-12 performer in 2012 as he amassed 42 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.  If teams shy away from Lotulelei due his heart issue, the Titans might still snatch him up in a “Best Player Available” scenario.

11. San Diego Chargers: Barkevious Mingo OLB (Louisiana State)

The Chargers need to improve their pass-protection, and their pass-rush.  If Lane Johnson is off of the board by the time San Diego goes on the clock in Round 1, the Front Office might want to take a chance on the ultra-athletic Barkevious Mingo of Louisiana State.  Sporting a 6’4″ and 241 lb. frame, Mingo possesses a tremendous amount of speed (4.58 40 Yard Dash) and agility (6.84 3-Cone Drill) off of the edge which should help him translate well to the professional level.  The biggest issues with Mingo however deal with how raw his skill-set is and his limited production (4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss) at Louisiana State last season.

12. Miami Dolphins: Bjoern Werner DE (Florida State)

After their Free Agent spending splurge, the Dolphins still need to find an outside pass-rusher to pair with Pro Bowler Cameron Wake (15.0 sacks in 2012).  Bjoern Werner’s stock could be falling after his pedestrian showing at The Combine, but if Werner is available at #12, I would have to believe that Miami would make him their 1st Round selection.  Although the German-born Werner (6’3″ 266 lbs.) is relatively new to the game football, he continued to improve his pass-rushing skills as he logged 18.0 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks from his defensive end position last season.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Rhodes CB (Florida State)

The Buccaneers need help at cornerback, and need it there probably more than at any spot on the rest of their roster.  Aqib Talib is long gone, the team is trying to trade Eric Wright, and E.J. Biggers has left for Washington.  Xavier Rhodes (6’1″ 210 lbs.) was a 1st Team All-ACC Cornerback as he racked up 39 tackles and 3 interceptions during the 2012 season as the most talented player in the Seminoles defensive backfield.  A team can never have too many corners in today’s N.F.L., and Rhodes is terrific in man-coverage situations because he can use his physical stature to his advantage.

14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson DT (Missouri)

Although the Panthers’ defense improved this past year, issues still exist along the interior of their defensive line.  Carolina’s run defense could be helped by an impact player like 3-technique prospect Sheldon Richardson from Missouri.  After two years at the junior college level, and one year in a non-starter role with the Tigers, the agile and powerful Richardson (6’3″ 295 lbs.) burst on the scene in 2012 when he racked up 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks over Missouri’s 11 games.

15. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones OLB (Georgia)

The Saints could stand to acquire a 3-4 pass-rusher this offseason.  New Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan could be intrigued to take Georgia’s Outside Linebacker Jarvis Jones.  Although Jones’ “spinal stenosis” condition and poor Pro Day workout could scare scouts away, some teams in need of an athletic pass-rusher are sure to be willing to gamble on the former Bulldog.  Last season, Jones (6’2″ 245 lbs.) racked up 24.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks, and would be a bargain for the Saints if he falls all the way down to #15 overall.

16. St. Louis Rams: Tavon Austin WR (West Virginia)

Danny Amendola is now a Patriot, and the Rams could try to find his replacement early in the form of a slot receiver like Tavon Austin (5’8″ 174 lbs.).  Not only did Austin top the 100 catch mark during his Junior season, he had an even more productive Senior campaign as he recorded 114 grabs for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns.  But Austin not only shined in the passing game for the Mountaineers, he also was effective in the run-game as he rushed for an incredible 643 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Burress staying in Pittsburgh. Tomlin still has holes to fill on the roster. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

What We Learned This Week in the NFL Offseason:

• Steelers active in Free Agency
• Wes Welker defects from Patriots to join Manning in Denver
• Mass Exodus from Baltimore as Ravens can’t afford anyone but Flacco
• Emmanuel Sanders visits New England but leaves without offer sheet
• Steelers lose more players to free agency
• Tomlin speaks on state of Steelers

The free agency period is open for business and there is plenty of moving and shaking involved, even with the Steelers.  The team usually remains relatively quiet during the free agency period, typically re-signing their own players but no splash signings to speak of.  Within the first week of free agency the Steelers re-signed Ramon Foster, Greg Warren, Larry Foote, Plaxico Burress and signed Pittsburgh native back up QB Bruce Gradkowski.  In addition the Steelers welcomed back TE Matt Spaeth from the Browns, whose re-signing is pending a physical.  The signing of Gradkowski likely means either Charlie Batch’s or Byron Leftwich’s time is done in Pittsburgh.  I’d lean towards Leftwich not getting signed back as he’s spent more time on the IR the past few years than Willie Colon, who incidentally was signed by the Jets this week as well.

In moves across the league remember that time when Tom Brady restructured and took a “pay cut” so that the Patriots could make some big signings during the offseason?  Yeah apparently that didn’t work out too well for them seeing as how they couldn’t come to terms with their leading receiver, Wes Welker.  Welker now joins Peyton Manning and what has become a very dangerous receiving corps in Denver.  Too bad they can’t play against their own secondary every game or they’d run away with the Super Bowl hands down.  Also the Baltimore Ravens seem to be closely following the 2003 Florida Marlins offseason handbook and starters are jumping ship like beads on a Mardi Gras float.  After they traded their top WR Anquan Boldin to the 49ers for a stick of Double Mint Gum and some Chuck-E-Cheese tokens they watched starter after starter sign contracts with other teams.  The Ravens not only have to look for the next Ray Lewis in their linebacking corps but will also be faced with replacing Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe along with safety Bernard Pollard.  Not to mention the fact that longtime safety Ed Reed is in the process of being courted by the Houston Texans.  The Ratbirds fell into this whole after offering Joe Flacco the biggest contract in the NFL and having relatively no space left under the cap to resign the rest of the players undoubtedly feeling underpaid as Super Bowl Champions.  Basically they Ratbirds will consist of Flacco, his eyebrow, Suggs, and the kid from the Blind Side.  Good luck with that guys.

Last week Emmanuel Sanders made news after word broke that he was in New England visiting the Patriots.  Sanders is a restricted free agent whom the Steelers offered a tender to before the free agency period started.  Sanders himself cleared up some confusion that was circulating as to if he had signed/not signed/was going to sign/ with the Pats by saying he had not been offered anything.  If Sanders does receive an offer sheet by the April 19^th deadline, the Steelers would have a week to match or beat their offer or they will receive that team’s 3^rd round draft pick as compensation for losing Sanders.  Steeler Nation is all a flutter awaiting the outcome similarly to last year when we were wondering if anyone would offer up their 1^st round pick for Mike Wallace.  I realize losing Wallace is a blow to the receiving corps but I’m not understanding why the collective Nation is stressing the outcome of a wide receiver that had only 626 receiving yards and 1 touchdown last season.  If Sanders choses the same path that Wallace just went down and thinks he’s due a big payday for his potential rather than his numbers, then I’m not sure we’re losing a whole lot there.  Let’s just see how this one plays out before stressing out, shall we?

Speaking of Wallace, the free agency period was barely a few hours old and his massive contract with the Miami Dolphins was already signed signifying the first of three Steelers to defect in the first three days of free agency.  Next was Rashard Mendenhall to the Arizona Cardinals and then Keenan Lewis signed with his hometown team the New Orleans Saints last week.  That wipes out the entire 2008 draft class for the Steelers.  Willie Colon also signed with the Jets last week after being released by the Steelers.  The departure of Wallace will hurt, his talents can’t really be replaced even if that’s hard to admit.  Mendenhall, on the other hand, was part of a lackluster rushing game last season and topped it off by quitting on his own teammates by punking out and pulling a “no show” for a game he wasn’t slated to play in.  See ya later buddy, I’m sure you can do plenty of dancing at the line of scrimmage for 1 yard gains in AZ.  Keenan Lewis showed signs of promise at the CB position opposite Ike Taylor last year and his efforts will certainly be missed.  Cortez Allen had an amazing end of the season and will most likely have the starting position opposite Taylor to start the 2013 season.  Can’t really hold it against Wallace and Lewis if they wanted to leave Pittsburgh.  Aside from all the Plaxico’s and Foote’s in the world who have left the Steel City only to return and never want to leave again, there are some that just don’t get it.  Best of luck to Wallace and Lewis, here’s hoping that Tannehill can stay upright long enough to hit Wallace downfield and Lewis can effectively matchup against Julio Jones twice a season.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert are in Arizona this week for the owner’s meetings and took some time to talk about the recent departures from the roster.  Both expressed sentiments that there is no need for panic and even Colbert reminded us that we lost players that were a part of an 8-8 team, therefore we were bound to make some kind of changes.  Tomlin said that Worilds would be first in line to take over for the loss of James Harrison, adding that

“We’ll see what Jason Worilds is capable of doing.”

I think we’ll have to see what Tomlin and Colbert are capable of doing too.  They have a big challenge, not only with the upcoming draft and trying to fill some of these holes, but also with maintaining a team that should be re-tooling to compete for a Super Bowl each year and not be losing key players that can’t be replaced.  I agree with Colbert that after the disappointing season the Steelers had, changes were due to come about.  I just hope that the right changes are being made and the right players are being brought in.  On the other hand, you can argue that if Ben doesn’t throw that interception against Cincy we’re in the playoffs and then who knows what could have happened so you have to put yourself in a position to do better next year, not worse.

Follow me on Twitter @Kimmy_KimKimM and follow all of NPC’s posts @NicePickCowherC and Like us on Facebook

Thanks for the memories Debo! Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

What We Learned This Week in the NFL Offseason:

• Steelers release James Harrison
• Broncos reportedly have interest in Mendenhall
• Free Agency looming without any big deals on horizon for Pittsburgh

Quite possibly the worst part of each NFL offseason involves the inevitable release of players you’d never expect to be released from their teams.  Last offseason the Steelers voluntarily parted ways with Hines Ward, James Farrior, and Aaron Smith.  This offseason, facing another salary cap struggle, the Steelers released 2008 DPOY James Harrison after negotiations for a new contract failed.  As a fan, you have to prepare yourself each season for shakeups.  You have to come to the realization that the 53 man roster will never be exactly the same from one season to the next.  As a Steeler fan, you have to have confidence that the offseason moves will only improve the team.  As much as we all saw this coming as far as the reports and talks of the negotiations, I can honestly say that I was surprised the Steelers actually released Harrison.  I just can’t imagine being Kevin Colbert and saying, “No thank you James Harrison, you go play for another team now.”

Personally, I don’t agree with the release of James Harrison.  I don’t think he falls into the category Ward, Farrior, and Smith fell into last season when the coaching staff pretty much wrote them off of being contributors on the field and the front office justified cutting them from the salary cap based on that.  The James Harrison situation was a different one.  I realize that I may not be a financial wizard that fully understands the salary cap issues the Steelers seem to fall into each and every year and I can accept that at almost 35 Harrison might not exactly be worth the $6.5 million cap hit he was going to cost, but when it couldn’t be more obvious that a player still has what it takes to not only contribute, but also excel in his position why not try to keep him?  Reports are that Harrison and his agent turned down a Steelers offer that would have given him about a 30% pay cut but had the opportunity to repay him the entire amount he would have originally earned in incentives.  I can’t fault Harrison for turning that down.  Sure he’s taking a gamble thinking that another team will pay him that much, but a player of his status who keeps himself in top physical condition every year is entitled to his salary.  I hope his gamble pays off for him, I honestly do.  I realize that the Steelers more often than not have been known for releasing players at the right time and have always had, especially in the LB position, a tradition of stars emerging when given the chance to replace a former legend.  Everyone raise your hand if you think Jason Worilds is that guy.

Speaking of the looming free agency and roster shake ups, the Denver Broncos have reportedly shown interest in UFA Rashard Mendenhall.  When Steelers GM Kevin Colbert spoke at the NFL Combine last month he was asked if the Steelers RB of the future was currently on the roster and he only included Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer into that discussion.  Both Redman and Dwyer are RFA’s and have already been offered tenders.  I’m not sure if there’s anyone in Steeler Nation that’s going to be as emotional with the departure of Rashard Mendenhall as James Harrison.  The last couple of seasons rushing game for the Steelers ran more like a car with no engine than the rushing game we all know and love.  The Steelers do not have an every down back on the team right now and I’d like to think that they might have the capabilities to get one this offseason, but like always the Steelers are not expected to make any kind of noise during free agency.

I have a gripe with Kevin Colbert on the free agency front.  I realize we’ve all heralded him for his abilities to restructure contracts and work the salary cap jigsaw puzzle that seems to befuddle the team each offseason, but isn’t it kinda his fault the Steelers get themselves into the salary cap hell they get into each year?  What’s with creating all these contracts that need restructuring so many times?  And if you have to part ways with a James Harrison in the name of salary cap efficiency, what are you going to offer in return?  What can the fans expect the team to look like at the start of training camp?  I cannot buy into the Steelers having anything resembling a rebuilding year while Ben Roethlisberger is still under center and in fact about to enter the prime years of his career.  If the Steelers are not reloading the team each offseason with the objective to compete for the Super Bowl each year, they’re doing themselves, their franchise quarterback, and their fans a disservice.

Follow me on Twitter @Kimmy_KimKimM and follow all of NPC’s posts @NicePickCowherC and Like us on Facebook