Kelvin Beachum could prove to be a valuable role player for the Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Steelers appear to have a one of the league’s most young and talented starting offensive lines “on paper,” they do have a “jack-of-all-trades” backup like Kelvin Beachum at their disposal if the aforementioned issues arise.

A 7th round draft choice last April, I for one figured that the former college left tackle was destined for the practice squad during his rookie campaign after he struggled mightily at times against “second/third-teamers” during the preseason.  Pittsburgh’s coaching staff on the other hand kept Beachum on the 53-man roster throughout the 2012 season, and it definitely turned out to be a wise choice for all parties involved.

Kelvin was eventually pressed into action at mid-season when massive amounts of injuries once again struck the Steelers’ offensive line.  Luckily for him, Beachum gained a significant amount of experience at the right tackle spot over Pittsburgh’s final six games.  The then-rookie started five contests, and he managed to look very good against the eventual-Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in his first ever pro start.

Although Beachum (6’3″ 303 lbs.) played both guard (during the preseason) and tackle last year, the Steelers’ coaching staff appear interested in using the former S.M.U. Mustang’s athleticism, versatility and intelligence to their advantage during the current offseason period by giving him reps at another position.

According to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Trib Live), Pittsburgh’s brass might actually intend to kick Beachum inside this season:

The #Steelers are very serious about Kelvin Beachum learning center. Very serious

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) May 23, 2013

I certainly can’t blame the Steelers’ coaches for exploring the option of molding Beachum into a potential backup at center.  Although he is a three-time Pro Bowl honoree, Maurkice Pouncey has been nicked up during the last two regular seasons.  Furthermore, former backup Doug Legursky still remains unsigned, and with every passing day it appears that he will likely play elsewhere this fall.

Remember readers, injuries have been the primary reason why Pittsburgh’s offensive lines have been “makeshift at best” over the last half-decade.  Thus, the presence of a “Swiss Army Knife” reserve like Beachum is an enormous plus for a team in need of stability if things go down the toilet for a starter or two from a health standpoint.  At least to me, new offensive line coach, Jack Bicknell, Jr., has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this instance.  There is no harm whatsoever in giving Beachum more tools to to add to his still developing skill-set during the OTA periods.

Although I hope that Beachum becomes the team’s “super sub.” this summer, I would definitely prefer to see Marcus Gilbert, Ramon Foster, Pouncey, David DeCastro and Mike Adams play each and every game of the 2013 campaign together.  Tomlin & Co. obviously have confidence that Beachum’s athleticism and smarts can allow him to play multiple positions when he is called upon, and it puts a smile on my face to know that they appear to be intent on figuring out where the former Mustang can be best utilized in a backup role.

So readers, keep Beachum on your radars over the coming months.  Even if he is not taking reps with the first-team, watching where he eventually settles from a positional standpoint should be interesting enough.

Follow me on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla

Follow & Like “NPC” on Facebook: Nice Pick, Cowher

Players Stats Provided By: ESPN.com and Pro Football Reference

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Huddle up guys!
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Steeler Nation!  First off, I feel a little like I’ve been cheating on the Steelers with the Penguins.  If you haven’t been watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, do yourself a favor and make sure to watch the Penguins as they will take on the winner of the New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins series in the Eastern Conference Finals.  The Penguins have been on fire offensively and it could not be more fun to watch.  Ok, enough hockey talk let’s talk some Steelers football!

The Steelers opened OTA’s this week with one position group getting some major attention.  Ben Roethlisberger joined the WDVE Morning Show this week to discuss the OTA’s and the hottest position group on the team this year; the offensive line.  Ben says that this line is by far this line can be something special and the biggest change in this line from the past six years will be the left tackle position.  For the past two seasons we’ve seen Max Starks ride in at the last minute, either during the season or training camp, to be signed to one year deals and hold down that blind side position for Ben.  This year not so much, Starks signed with San Diego this week and it looks as though Marcus Gilbert will be at Ben’s blind side this season.

Ed Bouchette of the PPG describes how Gilbert and Mike Adams will most likely compete throughout the spring and summer for the LT spot.  Signs are already pointing to Gilbert being most comfortable at that position.  Gilbert, coming off an ankle injury that kept him sidelined the majority of last season, has changed his workout routine as well as his shoes and ankle support to prevent further injury.  Gilbert has also studied LT’s from throughout the league famous for their zone blocking as the line will move to a zone-blocking scheme this season.  No matter what the blocking scheme we all know how important the left tackle’s position is to keeping the quarterback safe.  No matter how much we cringe and scream “Ben! Get rid of the ball!” when he’s scrambling around, he won’t even have the chance to do that if the line breaks down on his left side so Gilbert best be ready to have Ben’s back and have it good.

There’s a lot for Steeler Nation to be excited about with this offensive line this season.  If all parts stay healthy (believe me, I know that’s a tall order), it will be a young, high draft pick group capable of great things, just like Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of Steeler Nation hopes.  Although I would have liked to have seen Starks come back for yet another season if only to provide depth to the line (and step in when the inevitable o-line Tetris has to come into play), I understand he felt he was still a starter and the Steelers pretty much have to move forward with this younger line since they’ve spent so many high draft picks on them in the past five years.

What are your thoughts on the Steelers o-line for the upcoming season Steeler Nation?

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

Like us on Facebook

The baby faces are back to school learning the new zone blocking scheme. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Hit the books kids.  There’s a new craze that is hitting the county, and that’s going back to school to further educate oneself.  The Steelers and their offensive line are headed back to the classroom during the OTA’s and training camp this season to learn the outside zone blocking scheme.

The Steelers entire offense went back to school last season after new offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, came in and installed his new design of offense.  The change was met with some skepticism and grumbling, and the offense struggled at times – in part from having to adjust to the new ways of the offense.  The offensive line is hitting the books once again this offseason in preparation of nailing down new offensive line coach, Jack Bicknell Jr.’s, outside zone blocking scheme.

The offensive line consists of some of the youngest starters on the team.  David DeCastro (2nd year), Mike Adams (2nd year), Marcus Gilbert (3rd year), Maurkice Pouncey (4th year), and Ramon Foster (5th year) make up the starting line up for the Steelers line.  Add backup Kelvin Beachum (2nd year) to the mix, and the line looks like a bunch of toddlers coming out of daycare.  The young age of the offensive line has its advantages – the outside zone requires faster foot work and will help keep players fresh over the course of the game because it is of a ‘pound it down the middle’ style of a run game.  The young guys are faster than their older counterparts (usually) and this kind of scheme will increase the longevity of the offensive line (hopefully meaning less injuries mid to late in the season).  This young line also consists of some very intelligent athletes who haven’t been out of school for very long.  They are less set in their ways of ‘I’ve been doing this for years and know what I’m doing’ and more apt to be the sponges that Bicknell Jr. needs them to be.  That’s not to say that guys like Max Starks (or even Willie Colon), who signed with San Diego this past week, can’t learn a new scheme.  But, it certainly keeps us from saying, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’ (…. or did I just say it?)

Our baby faced O-line seems to be taking a liking to the new scheme in the early onset.  Pouncey is happy with the new zone blocking and wouldn’t mind throwing out the baby with the bathwater when it comes to their old scheme.  And who wouldn’t?  The outside zone allows a blocker to keep their defender upright and sweep them to the outside allowing for the ball carrier to make a quick cut and go.  With this scheme, there’s no longer the need for most of the line to power forward, lock up their guy, and continue to drive him back into the next level while everyone piles on.

The big question is whether the Steelers have a running back that can run with success in this kind of zone blocking.  Look down the depth chart and Arian Foster, who has made his career from the outside zone, is missing from the list.  Rashard Mendenhall is also gone, so it will be up to Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman, and rookie back Le’Veon Bell.  Le’Veon Bell could be the back, but we’ve never seen him take on NFL talent in pads yet.  Steeler fans (and coaches) will have to wait until camp when the pads come on and we see how the blocking and backs gel as they move closer to full speed.

Cowher like wrath was sometimes needed to get the Steelers to step it up.

This article is Part 1 of 2 examining the front office philosophies of the last 20 years beginning with the Tom Donahoe and Bill Cowher era (1991-1999) and the Bill Cowher Kevin Colbert era (2000-2006).  Part 2 which will post on Monday will examine the Kevin Colbert Mike Tomlin era (2007- present).

Steelers Front Office Philosophies

Through the past 20 years the Pittsburgh Steelers under General Managers Tom Donahoe and Kevin Colbert were consistent in how they ran the organization: Build through the draft, don’t trade away draft picks, don’t reach for draft picks, stick to the draft board, don’t go after expensive free agents including their own, don’t negotiate with a hold out, don’t negotiate with a player in season,  don’t  re-do contracts for cap purposes, cut a player rather than asking that player to take a pay cut, don’t negotiate with a player until he has one year left, negotiate with the quarterback and head coach with (2) years left on their contracts and retain younger inexpensive players over aging more costly veterans. Because the Steelers have stuck to these philosophies it has given the Steelers the reputation as one of the best front offices in the league and rightfully so.

2013 Off Season Just Like the 1990′s

This off season has been the roughest off season of the Kevin Colbert era which began in 2000. It has brought back memories of the entire decade of the 1990′s when just about every single off season was painful. With the loss of prominent and still productive players in 2013 like Keenan Lewis, James Harrison, Max Starks, Mike Wallace, Willie Colon, Will Allen and Rashard Mendenhall replaced with the likes of Matt Spaeth and Guy Whimper, it puts an ominous cloud over the upcoming 2013 season. But it wasn’t all that long ago when this seemed like an every year occurrence and every year the Steelers overcame it.

Donahoe & Cowher

The Tom Donahue reign began in 1991 which was Chuck Noll’s last year. Following a 7-9 season Noll was replaced by Bill Cowher. While the Steelers went on to have much success in the 1990′s, year in and year out the off season was agonizing for the Steelers and their fans as the best and most productive players continually left either through:

Trades:

Thomas Everett, Safety
Jeff Graham, Wide Receiver
Hardy Nickerson, Inside Linebacker

Tom Donahoe should have never let Rod Woodson get away in free agency. From bing.com images.

Free Agency:

Louis Lipps, Wide Receiver
Yancey Thigpen, Wide Receiver
Andre Hastings, Wide Receiver
Ernie Mills, Wide Receiver
Charles Johnson, Wide Receiver
Kevin Greene, Outside Linebacker
Jerrol Williams, Outside Linebacker
Chad Brown, Outside Linebacker
Greg Lloyd, Outside Linebacker
Willie Williams, Cornerback
Rod Woodson, Cornerback
Merril Hoge, Running Back
Barry Foster, Running Back
Leon Searcy, Tackle
Eric Greene, Tight End
Neil O’Donnell, Quarterback
Gary Anderson, Place Kicker

Off Field Issues:

Tim Worley, Running Back
Carlton Haselrig, Guard
Bam Morris, Running Back

These players were productive right up until their last season with the Steelers. However a trend formed with only a few exceptions. Most of the players who left through free agency did not play well at their new destination or were out of the NFL within a couple years. This led to much credit being given to the Steelers front office of knowing when to let a player leave in free agency. However it should be noted that the (3) players cited in trades all turned out to have excellent careers after exiting Pittsburgh.

Despite Many Personnel Losses the Steelers Talent Did Not Drop Off

Meanwhile despite the mass exodus of talent the Steelers just re-loaded and  reeled off six straight playoff seasons from 1992 through 1997, three AFC Championship games and one Superbowl appearance. In 1998 and 1999 the Steelers seemed to be in disarray with 2 consecutive losing seasons. Many blamed the losing on the mass exodus of players. Some were calling for Cowher to go. Was it the loss of talent or was it something else? The 1998 Steelers were 7-4 until the wheels fell off against Detroit on Thanksgiving Day in an overtime loss infamously known as the “Coin Toss Game”. The Steelers did not win another game finishing 7-9. In 1999 the Steelers started out strong at 5-3 but for the second straight year fell apart winning only one (1) more game the rest of the year finishing 6-10.

Kordell Stewart melts down in 16-3 loss to the Buccaneers on Dec.13, 1998. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

It is more likely that the downward spiral in 1998-1999 was for several reasons, none being the loss of talent. First, Kordell Stewart fell apart emotionally in part due to rumors that were haunting him. Stewart who had shown so much promise as “Slash” and then as a first year starting QB in 1997 leading the Steelers to the  AFC Championship, regressed so badly that during the third quarter during a 16-3 loss at Tampa Bay on December 13,  1998  Stewart, angry at being benched, broke down in tears on the sidelines, then challenged Cowher by arguing, pointing his finger at him and screaming.  At the time there were widespread rumors circulating around the league about Stewart’s sexuality and his off field behavior so much so, that Stewart  felt he had to stand up in front of the team to address the rumors. This was even the topic of a Sports Illustrated article in 1999. Being gay is a major issue in today’s professional sports and looking back it is easy to understand how these rumors whether true or not, affected Stewart’s mental and emotional state, and thus, affected his quarterback play which directly affected the Steelers record.

Secondly, were the rumors circulating about Cowher’s marriage and his off-field extra curricular affairs. Lastly a rumor that was proven to be true was the rift between Donahoe and Cowher.

Donahoe vs. Cowher

Cowher was hired by Donahoe in 1992, but the relationship between the Coach and GM deteriorated. After the 1999 season their relationship between the two had deteriorated dramatically. It was reported by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that both had an intense dislike and  deep animosity toward each other forcing Dan Rooney and Art Rooney II to make a choice. Cowher won the power struggle and after 9 years as the Steelers General Manager, Donahoe was fired in January 2000. Cowher took the high road and never publicly gave any reasons what the issues were between the two. In later press conferences when asked about the Donahoe situation,  Cowher outwardly aggravated by the Donahoe questions always gave curt answers. After sitting out the 2000 season Donahoe was hired in 2001 as the Buffalo Bills GM where he took the Bills roster to the woodshed like he did in Pittsburgh albeit with much less success.

Locker room, off-field issues and front office turmoil with the Head Coach and GM along with a failing fragile quarterback were more likely to blame for those 2 losing seasons rather than the losses in free agency as the Steelers effectively replaced most of their free agent losses with excellent drafts by Donahoe and Cowher. For example, despite a poor record in 1998-1999 the Steelers had been putting into place the building blocks they were going to use to make the run they did in the new millennium.  In 1996 they landed future Hall of Fame running back and team leader Jerome Bettis for a second round pick from the  St. Louis Rams in one of the biggest draft day steals in NFL history.  In 1998 the Steelers added Alan Faneca, Hines Ward, Deshea Townsend.  In Donahoe’s last year in 1999 they added Joey Porter and Aaron Smith.

2000 Brought the Kevin Colbert Era

The turning point in front office philosophy came with the change of general managers from Tom Donahoe to Kevin Colbert in 2000 who arrived from the Detroit Lions front office. While most Steelers fans had now become accustomed to seeing most of their best players leave after their contracts had expired, Kevin Colbert’s philosophy was to extended the contracts of the Steelers best players the year before the last remaining contract season. That may have been Donahoe’s philosophy too but Colbert was much better at executing it. Colbert still stuck to the Donahoe philosophy of not making the big free agent signing, adding productive if not spectacular college free agents and continued signing low to mid level serviceable free agents. But Colbert was keeping the impact players. This plan became known as “the Steeler way” which is what it is now referred to around NFL circles.

In the Cowher Colbert era (2000-2006) the Steelers  went to 3 AFC Championship games and won Superbowl XL with the likes of  Kimo Von Oelhoffen, Plaxico Burress,  Chris Hope, Tommy Maddox and Antwaan Randle El who all came under Colbert but left before the  Tomlin era began. In 2006 after a difficult 8-8 season and 15 years as the Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher felt it was time to step aside. But before Cowher retired; He, Donahoe  and Colbert had left the foundation for the team that would compete for (2) more Superbowls under Mike Tomlin.

In addition to the players that carried over from Donahoe to Tomlin:  Faneca, Ward, Townsend  and A. Smith;  Cowher and Colbert left the following players for Tomlin:  Marvel Smith, Dan Krieder, Clark Haggans, Casey Hampton, Kendall Simmons, Larry Foote, Brett Keisel, James Farrior, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Greg Warren, Max Starks, Willie Parker, James Harrison, Heath Miller, Chris Kemoeatu, Willie Colon, Jeff Reed, Ryan Clark and Santonio Holmes. All played  a major part of one and most played a major role in both Superbowl teams under Tomlin.

Look for “Steelers Change In Philosophy Part 2: The Colbert Tomlin Years” in Monday’s Column.

May 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) participates in drills during organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With Pittsburgh’s first set of OTA’s completed at the UPMC Complex, let’s start breaking down Our Team Assessment’s towards preparing for a successful Playoff run in 2013.

THE INJECTION OF YOUTH

There will be no plastic surgery, HGH supplements or Botox injections in Pittsburgh this time around.  Simply put, the Steelers have gotten younger.  With a well-executed (in my opinion, at least) and gradual move that is balancing our traditional Veteran-only approach with drafted potential, Pittsburgh will not be promoting purely cosmetic changes in 2013.  For the first time in a long time, the Steelers are no longer one of the NFL’s oldest teams.  We are undoubtedly younger, quicker and more athletic than we have been at any time during the Mike Tomlin era. The Offensive Line has completely transformed, younger.  The Defense, the oldest starting unit in the NFL last season, is also transgressing.  From purging aging veterans and fan-favorites, Colbert has methodically moved the Steelers towards a youth infusion to regain a stranglehold on the AFC North.  To accomplish, the New Kids on the Block must develop and contribute, and they must do so earlier than our tried-and-true system of development has worked in the past.  The past in Pittsburgh is looking towards a younger, brighter future and that all begins in our work within Organized Team Activities.

AN OFFENSIVE OFFENSIVE LINE

Leading the Youth Movement and led by Maurkice Pouncey (my personal nominee for Team Captain), Colbert has assembled a group with a high degree of Draft Stock pedigree mixed with some developing talent that has shown signs of being competent starters. According to “Pro Bowl Pouncey” the O-Line is determined to dominate in 2013.  On paper, and if able to finally (and I mean finally) stay healthy, the Offensive Line in Pittsburgh could

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive linemen Mike Adams (76) and David DeCastro (66) and Maurkice Pouncey (53) participate in organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

be a literal team strength: Adams, Foster/Beachum, Pouncey, DeCastro and Gilbert looks promising indeed, but the promise needs promotion to fulfillment.  The positioning and play of Gilbert and Adams and the battle between Foster and Beachum in particular is of high OTA interest.  I have a feeling we carry a total of eight (8) Offensive Lineman this upcoming season, so for the rest of our OTA’s and Training Camp, we need: to solidify the RT/LT scenario and Foster vs. Beachum as well as establish solid, competent depth with final decisions on Guy Whimper, John Malecki, Justin Cheadle, Mike Golic, Jr., Joe Madsen and Nik Embernate.  Remaining as unsigned Free Agent is Doug Legursky; with as many lineman already I seriously doubt he gets a call, and I know some don’t think much of ‘Gursk, but he’s a quality reserve that can play multiple positions and needs no introduction to what we intend to do on the line.  Just saying… regardless, in OTAs and Camp the O-line needs to put the stamp on being an ultimate team strength for next season.

RAMPING UP THE RUNNING GAME

Is Pittsburgh filled with more question marks, or more talent towards resolve, heading into 2013 in the Offensive Backfield? No group has more expectation for improvement (again) than our Running Backs. Le’Veon Bell has

Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 second round draft pick running back Le’Veon Bell

the skill set for a much needed every-down Back; Dwyer and Redman have the unenviable position of once again fighting for a spot as Starter, or as Rotational, or off the Roster.  That pressure is a good thing; I’m still a fan of Dwyer and certainly love what Redman offers situationally out of the backfield.  Howling was added in free agency. With an O-Line that should be in good working order, the Running Backs have no excuse but to produce.

BIG BEN’S NEW PLAYBOOK

With appropriate position Coaches and our once in a generation QB infusing offseason input to the Playbook, Roethlisberger appears much happier with the “Revised Rosetta Stone” from last year.  While the rest of the league will “have to wait until the first game” to find out what that means, I’m expecting to see Todd Haley start to stretch the field with more play action (insert Le’Veon Bell here), some hurry up/no-huddle with Roethlisberger calling his own plays and basically letting Big Ben do what #7 does best.  Ben had a great start in our first year under Haley last season, but the second half was as painful as Ben’s partially dislocated rib.  In 2013, “dink and dunk” gets peppered with “think and chunk”.

Can I make a post without making a Landry Jones comment? Doubt it… as I’ve tried to relay til I’m blue in the face, that’s really up to Jones himself.  He looks subpar? I’ll report he’s looking subpar.  He looks like he’s ready to be another 3rd String QB winning a game versus the Ravens? I’ll report that, too (glowingly!).  For a Decade, I’ve opined about our substandard handling of the backup

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Landry Jones (3) participates in organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback position, so no one is more pleased to have us actually draft a solid young Quarterback to the roster than I am.  Couldn’t be happier with that.  What fan would not want one of their team’s players to not perform well? Jones, given time, will adjust and begin to perform up to the hefty statistical weight he amassed as a Sooner; they are, in fact, jaw-dropping. I’m pulling for Jones to really develop into a solid role backing up Ben.  Totally. Completely.  But that doesn’t excuse lackluster-to-poor showings while he’s on the job (reported by an entire audience of sports journalists, local and national), or by anyone on our roster – I called out Ben last year for personally blowing two football games – Dallas, anyone?  I am peachy-keen that Landry is on our roster, but please people… let’s stop using College statistics to cover up as excuse when he doesn’t look up to snuff (… or that his receivers “might have been” running the wrong routes, or that those receivers haven’t worked with him before when one of them was, literally, his “college” teammate…).  Which takes us to our Receivers -