For now though, let’s get on to my final 2013 NFL Mock Draft:

Round 1

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher OT (Central Michigan)

Kansas City’s brass could instantly upgrade their situation at offensive tackle with the former Central Michigan standout.  The large-framed (6’7″ 306 lbs.) blind-side protector was a 1st team All-MAC performer last season, and also possesses some versatility to his overall game.  Although he played most of his collegiate career at left tackle, Eric did start games at right tackle and right guard at the college level.  So even if Fisher doesn’t pan out on the blind-side, Kansas City’s coaching staff could find another place for him along their offensive line.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan DE/OLB (Oregon)

Although the Jason Babin signing helped towards the end of the 2012 season, Jacksonville’s brass would be wise to bolster their pass-rush at some point tomorrow.  The Jaguars ranked dead last in the league with a total of 20.0 sacks last fall, and their defense could not create consistent pressure off of the edges.  Last year, Jordan (6’6″ 248 lbs.) put up 44 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles.  In addition to his ability to rush the passer, Jordan is extremely competent in pass-coverage and playing in space as well. As long as he recovers well from his recent shoulder surgery, the former Duck will be a top 5 pick.

3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd DT (Florida)

Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant are no longer with the Raiders, so an enormous hole exists 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 should garner interest from teams who employ 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes in Round 1.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel OT (Texas A&M)

If the athletic Luke Joeckel falls all the way to #4 for Chip Kelly, I’ll bet he will be do cart-wheels in Philadelphia’s war room.  The Eagles are in desperate need of help at the offensive tackle position, and Joeckel would be a perfect fit in Philadelphia’s up-tempo offense.  The 6’6″ 306 lb. Joeckel was the 2012 Outland Award winner, a 2012 consensus All-American, and a three-year starter for 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 develop into a fantastic blind-side pass-protector for years to come.

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

Detroit will likely need some serious help at defensive end position if they want to create any pressure off of the edges in future seasons.  Cliff Avril left for a new deal in Seattle, and Kyle Vanden Bosch was just recently released too.  If Fisher and Joeckel are no longer available, I would have to believe that the Lions would take Ezekiel Ansah.  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. San Diego Chargers: Lane Johnson OT (Oklahoma)

(Trade w/Cleveland: Swap 1st Round picks (#6 overall) and (#11 overall), San Diego sends 2nd Round pick (#45) to Cleveland to complete deal)

San Diego’s offensive line surrendered 49.0 sacks last year (4th most in the entire league), and the Chargers need to upgrade their situation at offensive tackle.  If Lane Johnson is available at #6 overall, San Diego should definitely try to broker a trade with Cleveland.  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 on the left or the right side.

7. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner CB (Alabama)

(Trade w/Arizona: Swap 1st Round picks (#7 overall) and (#10 overall), Tennessee sends 3rd Round pick (#70) to Arizona to complete deal)

The Titans might trade up a few spots just to make sure that San Francisco and Atlanta don’t swoop in ahead of them if they want to go after a cornerback.  Currently, the Titans have issues at in terms of depth at cornerback, and it would likely only cost them a 3rd round pick to ensure that can they acquire the best one of the 2013 draft class.  Milliner (6′ 200 lbs.) 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 during the Crimson Tide’s national championship season.  DeMarcus also is more than willing to mix it up in the run game, and has the size, speed, and man-coverage skills to be a solid starting cornerback.

8. Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin WR (West Virginia)

I really hope that Buffalo does not consider Ryan Nassib at #8.  I mean, late in Round 1 he would be a good choice, but taking a player of his caliber at #8 overall would be an enormous reach, even if this draft class is not “top heavy.”  If Buffalo opts to pass on Nassib, they could try to upgrade their receiving corps with the shifty Tavon Austin of West Virginia.  Not only did Austin top the 100 catch mark during his junior season, he had an even more productive senior campaign last fall as he recorded 114 grabs for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns.  An accomplished ball-carrier as well, Tavon also was effective in the run-game as he rushed for an incredible 643 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2012.

9. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo OLB (Louisiana State)

2012 1st Round pick Quinton Coples (5.5 sacks) and 2011 1st Round pick Muhammad Wilkerson (5.0 sacks) did a fine job last season as they supplied heat from their 5-technique defensive end spots.  Unfortunately, the Jets lack speed outside of Coples and Wilkerson, and desperately need a pass-rushing threat at outside linebacker.  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, as well as his limited production (4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss) with the Bayou Bengals last season.  Questions aside, Mingo’s athletic ability and upside should make him a lock to go somewhere in the top 15.

10. Arizona Cardinals: D.J. Fluker OT (Alabama)

(Trade w/Arizona: Swap 1st Round picks (#7 overall) and (#10 overall), Tennessee sends 3rd Round pick (#70) to Arizona to complete deal)

Arizona’s offensive line surrendered a League high 58.0 sacks last year, and tackles Bobby Massie and D’Anthony Batiste looked lost at multiple points during the 2012 campaign.  If the Cardinals want to shore up the right tackle position, they could take D.J. Fluker in Round 1.  Fluker started 36 games during his three years with the Crimson Tide, and is one of the more experienced offensive tackles in this year’s draft class.  Keeping Carson Palmer healthy is a high priority, and the addition of a massive 6’5″ 339 lb. road-grader should help to do just that.

11. Cleveland Browns: Star Lotulelei DT/DE (Utah)

(Trade w/San Diego: Swap 1st Round picks (#6 overall) and (#11 overall), San Diego sends 2nd Round pick (#45) to Cleveland to complete deal)

Although the Browns signed Paul Kruger this offseason, their defense could stand to add another pass-rusher as well as a developmental 5-technique defensive end.  If Star Lotulelei is in play for the Browns, especially after a trade, I am sure that they will probably give him a long look. 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, Cleveland might snatch him up in a “Best Player Available” scenario.

12. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes CB (Florida State)

Although the Dolphins recently signed Brent Grimes, their defense could still stand to acquire a talented cornerback.  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 effective cornerbacks in today’s N.F.L., and Rhodes is terrific in man-coverage situations because he can use his physical stature to his advantage.

13. New York Jets: Jonathan Cooper OG/C (North Carolina)

The Jets could go in a number of different ways at #13 overall, but it would not shock me in the least if they made Jonathan Cooper their pick.  Now that Brandon Moore is gone, the Jets could instantly upgrade their offensive line with the versatile Cooper (6’2″ 311 lbs.) who might even stand in for some reps as Nick Mangold’s backup at center.  The former Tar Heel was a 4-year starter at North Carolina (48 games), and possesses tremendous agility for an interior offensive lineman.

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 Rob Ryan could be intrigued to take former Georgia 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.  At least to me, Jones would be a bargain for the Saints if he falls all the way down to #15 overall.

16. St. Louis Rams: Kenny Vaccaro FS/SS (Texas)

The Rams lost Craig Dahl in March, thus a replacement at the free safety position must be found, and found quickly.  Vaccaro (6’1″ 218 lbs.) was the Longhorns’ leading tackler last year (104) and added 4.0 tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, and made 2 interceptions as well.  A two-and-a-half year starter at Texas (31 Starts, 50 games), Vaccaro played both free and strong safety during his collegiate career, and is also adept at helping with coverage in the slot in “big nickel” packages too.

Simon could be a solid value pickup on Day 3. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Simon, who sustained a shoulder injury and was unable to perform at The Combine or at the Buckeyes’ Pro Day earlier this Spring, finally got a chance to strut his stuff today in front of N.F.L. personnel.  According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, Steeler G.M. Kevin Colbert was there to check out the prospect.

A three-year starter with the Buckeyes (37 games), Simon was one of the defense’s most effective players during his junior and senior campaigns.  Back in 2011, Simon registered 53 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks.  This past year, the defensive end set a career high for sacks during a regular season with 9.0, and filled out the rest of his statline with 45 tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss.

Like most of the outside linebacker prospects the Steelers have targeted over the years, Simon was a defensive end during his collegiate career.  Because of the fact that he was a down-lineman, the former Buckeye did not gain an excessive amount of experience as a stand-up outside linebacker, nor did he have to  play very often in space.

As a pass-rusher, Simon’s athleticism, agility, and explosiveness were “average at best” in the games I watched him play (example) and the spin move he employed was slow and rarely effective against Penn State.  Due to his lack of fluidity as an athlete, I for one have my doubts as to whether or not he can stick and stay with running backs and tight ends in pass-coverage.  Furthermore, Simon must also prove that he is strong enough to engage and shed blocks from N.F.L.-sized offensive tackles too.

To his credit though, Simon did his best to silence critics about his speed and agility, and had a terrific workout session.  He measured in at 6’1″ 257 lbs., clocked in with 40 yard dash times in the 4.62-4.7 range, recorded an impressive vertical jump of 34″, and posted a solid short shuttle time of 4.42 seconds.

I personally believe that the Steelers should not worry too much about acquiring the former Buckeye on Day 2 of the Draft, especially because there should be far more athletic pass-rushers available at that time like Corey Lemonier, Jamie Collins, and Brandon Jenkins.  But if Simon is available in Round 4 or early on Day 3 of the Draft, and Pittsburgh has yet to take a pass-rushing prospect, he might be a worthy investment at that point in the draft process.

Dysert had a fine career at Miami (OH). Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, Pittsburgh’s quarterback coach Randy Fichtner was at Miami’s Pro Day last Thursday to scout the Redhawks’ former signal-caller, Zac Dysert (6’3″ 227 lbs.).

A four-year starter with the Redhawks, Dysert broke or came close to breaking most of Ben Roethlisberger’s records at the school, and has the tools to be a solid developmental Quarterback.  During his collegiate career, Zac started 45 games, and set career highs in completions (302), attempts (480), and touchdown passes (25) last season to go along with 3,483 passing yards and a 62.9% completion rate.

While I agree with Brandt that Dysert is not ready to be a starter at the professional level at this point in his career, there is a lot to like about the young prospect.  As I alluded to before, Zac is an experienced player (45 starts), a tough guy, possesses the ability to make plays and escape trouble (not as well as Big Ben though), and has more than enough arm strength to make every thrown on the field.  In fact, Brandt said that Dysert completed 54 of his 64 pass attempts at his Pro Day which was held in 25 degree weather with the wind blowing up to 10 miles per hour.

I for one would like to see the Steelers draft “Roethlisberger Lite” as NFL.com referred to him as in the heading of the post.  As a Rookie and even a second year player, Dysert will have the luxury to sit behind Big Ben and Bruce Gradkowski/Charlie Batch while he fine tunes his game and learns the offense.  Pittsburgh must have some sort of viable “transition strategy” in place at quarterback before Big Ben finally calls it quits.  Thus, I am sure that the franchise has their eye on a number of developmental signal-callers like Dysert (and Tyler Bray) in this year’s draft class.

Stats Courtesy of: Ohio State and Miami (OH)

Besides the fact that Tomlin is a friend of the Volunteers’ new head coach Butch Jones, there were multiple offensive prospects at the Knoxville event who could very well be on the radars of the Steelers’ brass during “Draft Weekend.”

Bray has enjoyed a solid offseason workout period. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

If Colbert & Co. are looking for a talented yet raw Quarterback to groom behind Ben Roethlisberger, Tennessee’s Tyler Bray could be a worthy late Day 2-early Day 3 gamble.

After a stellar performance at the Scouting Combine, Bray elected to sit out most of the Pro Day drills.  Tyler’s decision to stand pat with his workout numbers however did not stop Tomlin from getting to know the former Volunteer Quarterback, as both reportedly chatted during the Pro Day.

While the former Volunteer Quarterback set career-highs in completions (268), attempts (451), passing yards (3,612), and touchdowns (32), his 2012 season was nonetheless tumultuous.  Not only was Bray almost benched after a loss to Alabama in which he threw two interceptions and failed to meet with the media, he was benched during Tennessee’s final game against Vanderbilt due to poor play.

Although some might be put off by Bray’s completion percentage (59.4%) during his senior year, I will say that Bray was not running a high-completion percentage friendly offense at Tennessee.  The types of throws that Bray was responsible for making were “pro caliber” throws in terms of how far they were down the field, and where they were located.  While Bray’s accuracy was scatter-shot at times over his collegiate career, not many players his age (21) have been able to do what he did, especially in the S.E.C..

Bray reminds me of Ryan Mallett in terms of his tremendous arm strength, experience running a “pro style” offense, and overall frame (6’6″ 232 lbs.).  Both players gained a wealth of experience at the collegiate level, and both signal-callers played effectively in one of college football’s toughest conferences from a competition perspective.  Like Mallett however, Bray is not an exceptionally mobile Quarterback outside of the pocket, and his footwork is sometimes sloppy when he delivers the football.

In addition to their many on-field similarities, Bray’s maturity and character issues could affect his draft stock.  Tyler was cited for vandalism when him and his roommate threw beer cans and golf balls at parked cars last summer (later dismissed), and had a reckless boating charge dismissed as well.  Questions have also arose regarding Bray’s work-ethic amongst scouts and N.F.L. personnel people, and many believe that he would have been better served if he had returned to school for his Senior year.

On the surface however, the Steelers organization appears to be showing a particular interest in Bray.  Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Pittsburgh’s “braintrust” had dinner with the signal-caller on Tuesday night.  Whether they are trying to gauge Bray the person, or simply trying to get information on some of his teammates I do not know, but the Steelers’ brass are doing their homework when it comes to the Quarterback prospect.

While Bray was probably a must-see/talk to attraction among teams looking to add a Quarterback on Day 2 of the Draft, I am sure that the wide receiver group of  Justin Hunter, Da’Rick Rogers, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Zach Rogers drew the a large crowd of scouts and coaches alike.

Even though 2012 was his first year of FBS-level football, Patterson (6’2″ 216 lbs.) is a 1^st Round-lock due to his speed, agility, and overall athleticism.  Cordarrelle was a threat to score on handoffs, receptions, and kick returns in 2012, and I am sure that he has teams around the league salivating over his potential.  As the Volunteers’ ”jack-of-all-trades” weapon, Patterson racked up 46 catches for 778 yards and 5 touchdowns, rushed for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns, and even returned 1 kickoff and 1 punt for scores to boot!

Hunter could be a 1st Round pick this April. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Hunter could find a way to sneak in to Round 1, and he has definitely impressed scouts during his offseason workouts.  At 6’4″ 198 lbs., Hunter possesses a surprising amount of “straight-line” speed (4.44 40 Yard Dash at Combine) and leaping ability (40.5″ Vertical Jump at Pro Day) for a receiver of his frame.

Despite the fact that he was returning from ACL surgery, Justin was the Volunteers’ leading receiver in 2012 (73 catches, 1,083 yards, 9 touchdowns), and is a tall, fast, ”outside the numbers” type of weapon most signal-callers would love to have at their disposal.  Like Patterson, Hunter must display an ability to catch the ball with more consistency.  But if the wide receiver can improve, he could give the Steelers’ offense a skill-set they sorely lack, and a large Red Zone threat to target while Heath Miller is on the mend.

Like Patterson and Hunter, Da’Rick Rogers is also big and athletic pass-catcher (6’2″ 217 lbs.).  Unlike Paterson and Hunter though, Rogers was not a member of the Volunteers last year.  Even after his tremendous 2011 season (2011: 67 catches, 1,040 yards, 9 touchdowns), Da’Rick was kicked off of Tennessee’s football team prior to the start of the 2012 campaign.  Rogers instead played the 2012 campaign at the FCS-level with Tennessee Tech, and enjoyed a measure of success (2012: 61 catches, 893 yards, 10 touchdowns).  I for one like Rogers because he can line up outside the numbers and in the slot, and he is a very effective receiver on intermediate routes.

Despite his strong showing at The Combine (4.52 40 Yard Dash, 39.5″ Vertical, 4.06 20 Yard Shuttle), Da’Rick’s off-field issues which led to his dismissal are sure to raise some “red-flags” amongst scouts and personnel people.  But the wide receiver’s ability to make plays and use his size and body control to his advantage in the passing-game will still probably make him a Day 2 selection.

For teams interested in speedy and effective slot receivers with good hands, Zach Rogers (6′ 182 lbs.) could be a late- Round steal to consider also.  Overshadowed somewhat by the presence of Patterson, Hunter, and the other Rogers in Knoxville, Zach nevertheless enjoyed a career year during his Senior campaign (32 catches, 491 yards, 7 touchdowns).  Although Rogers will stretch the field more horizontally than vertically as opposed to the other three pass-catchers, I believe that he route-running ability to be an effective player in the slot at the professional level.  If Emmanuel Sanders does skip town to go to Foxborough, Rogers could be a terrific Day 3 selection for Pittsburgh to make to insert in Sanders’ place.

Final Thoughts

As most of you know, two of Pittsburgh’s three biggest offensive needs exist at backup quarterback and wide receiver (running back being the other).  Because of that, I was not surprised to see Tomlin and members of the Steelers’ staff in Knoxville earlier today doing their homework.  While the Steelers’ brass are sure to be looking at other prospects who could potentially fill those aforementioned needs, Tennessee’s Pro Day was almost a terrific setting for Pittsburgh’s brass to evaluate some players at positions of dire need on Offense.

Readers: Is Bray a developmental quarterback the Steelers should take a chance on this year?  Of Da’Rick Rogers, Patterson, Hunter, and Zach Rogers, who could help Pittsburgh’s offense the most?

Players Stats Courtesy of: Tennessee, Tennessee Tech, and ESPN.com

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com

Because Philadelphia hired Option-Offense guru Chip Kelly to be their new Head Coach, the soon to be 2nd-year Quarterback’s drop-back style might not fit in well with the team’s “new-look” Offense which could feature a significant amount of Read-Option and Quarterback running plays.  Worst of all, the Turnover-prone yet athletic Michael Vick has signed on for another season with the team, and Kelly’s Option Quarterback at the collegiate level, Dennis Dixon, was recently acquired as a Free Agent too.

So why am I bringing all of this up right now?

Well, I believe that Pittsburgh’s brass should try to negotiate a trade to acquire the former Arizona Wildcat signal-caller.  This decision in turn could provide the Steelers with some adequate Quarterback depth in the present, and possibly even a long-term starter at the position in the future.

Nick Foles could be traded this offseason. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Foles: From U of A to the N.F.L.:

For those of you who did not know, I actually watched Foles’ entire college career at the University of Arizona.  During his three-year career in Tucson, Foles was one of the Pac-10′s most effective Quarterbacks not named Andrew Luck or Matt Barkley.  In fact, Nick was quite the efficient Quarterback for the Wildcats as he completed a career 933 passes over 1,395 Attempts (66.9%), passed for 10,011 Yards, threw 67 Touchdowns compared to 33 Interceptions, and led the ‘Cats to Holiday and Alamo Bowl berths.

Unfortunately for the former Wildcat, he lacked a large amount of play-makers around him to take his game to a higher level at Arizona, most notably Rob Gronkowski.  Eventually, his lack of weapons, coupled with his raw skill-set, perceived lack of athleticism, and footwork were probably what helped to drive him down into the 3rd Round of the N.F.L. Draft last year.

In 2012 though, Nick actually got a chance to see extended playing time illustrated his toughness as he was forced to start 7 games during his Rookie season after Vick went down with an injury (he even went 6 for 10 for 144 Yards and 2 TD’s vs. Pittsburgh during the Preseason opener).  Due to the injuries and lack of talent along Philadelphia’s Offensive Line, Nick was beaten mercilessly for much of the year (20 Sacks in 7 starts), and things were not easy as the Eagles sagged to a 4-12 record.  But to the then-Rookie’s credit, he continued to get back up every time he was knocked down, and gutted out a decent season stat-line of 1,699 Yards Passing, 6 Touchdowns, and 5 Interceptions as he went 1-6 as the Eagles’ starter.

Although Foles struggled last year at times and finished the season on Injured Reserve (hand), for a player like him to gut out behind a make-shift Offensive Line and show flashes of success was promising to watch for any team looking to upgrade their backup Quarterback situation or acquire a developmental starter.

A big-bodied Quarterback (6’6″ 243 lbs.), Foles is not considered the most nimble or mobile of signal-callers, a trait which is what makes him a candidate to leave Philadelphia.  Nevertheless, Nick was, and still remains a confident and heady pocket-passer who can make every throw on the field, and can do so in an accurate fashion. The former Wildcat also possesses a very strong arm, is capable of making good decisions outside the pocket when necessary, and did not flinch when he was thrown into the proverbial “fire” last year.  So although Foles could benefit from more time to develop, he is definitely a player who could become a solid Quarterback if he is groomed for another two to three years on a team with a capable starter already in place.

Why a Trade for Foles Could Work:

Listen, Chip Kelly can espouse all the “I Want to Keep Foles” rhetoric he wants to over the next few months.  But it would make little sense whatsoever for the Eagles to not try to unload their “fish out of water” signal-caller over the next two months.

It is highly unlikely that Philadelphia is going to keep three Quarterbacks on their roster if one of them does not factor in to their long-term Offensive plans.  Kelly ran an Offense in college centered around mobile signal-callers like Dennis Dixon, and Michael Vick would be a better option for him to turn to than the less-than-fleet former Wildcat if the Quarterback is required to run, and run often.  Plus it would not benefit the rebuilding Eagles to use a roster spot on a player like Foles at the expense of a mobile potential draft-pick like E.J. Manuel or Foles’ backup at Arizona Matt Scott, let alone another position of need like Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, or Offensive Tackle.

Thus, Philadelphia’s brass could be willing to move their 2012 3rd Round pick for a selection of equal (3rd Round) or more value (2nd Round) by the time the Draft begins to help with their rebuilding process.

But is a player like Foles really worth a 2nd Round pick for a team like Pittsburgh?

Although some might question a move in which the rebuilding Steelers would spend a 2nd Round pick on a now-backup Quarterback, let me put the following in perspective:

• As we enter the 2013 offseason, Foles already has one arduous yet valuable season of development under his belt.  With this in mind, he is much more prepared to step in and contribute at the Quarterback position than most if not all of the Rookies who could potentially be drafted in Rounds 2, 3, or 4 this year.  Overall, Foles took a large amount of lumps as a Rookie starter on the disaster ship known as the “2012 Eagles.”  The short but meaningful 7-game audition in turn allowed Foles to gain a valuable amount of experience during what was supposed to be a “development” year for him.

• From a financial perspective, the former Wildcat would be a relatively cost-effective, if not cheap pickup.  Until he reaches UFA status in 2016, he is only scheduled to make $520,068 in Base Salary this year, $635,068 in 2014, and $680, 068 in 2015.  Ponder that when you consider how Pittsburgh’s current backups like the perpetually injured Byron Leftwich (UFA this Spring) and Charlie Batch (39 years of age in December and a pending UFA this Spring) are the franchise’s “depth” behind “Big Ben.”

• In fact, if the Steelers take any sort of Defensive player in Round 2, then said Rookie will more than likely have to sit, wait, and watch for an extended period on the “pine pony.”  Remember, it has been par for the course for Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau to essentially let his Rookies develop/rot on the bench no matter how talented they are unless injuries decimate the starting lineup.  So if you want to complain that the pick could be traded for a backup and developmental Quarterback, it could be just as easily used to select a backup Outside Linebacker or backup Safety who will not play for two to three years as well.

• Here’s a quick list of some awesome 2nd Round investments the Steelers have made over the last 10 years, remember the Steelers did not have picks in the 2nd Round in 2006 or 2009: Alonzo Jackson, Ricardo Colclough, Limas Sweed, and Jason Worilds.  Look, I understand not every pick can be a “winner.”  Yet Pittsburgh would at least be acquiring a more “known” quantity at an important position with Foles in Round 2, as opposed to gambling on “unknown” quantities in the same area.

Final Thoughts

To me at least, a 2nd or a 3rd Round pick would be a small price to pay for the services of a young and talented backup signal-caller who has the potential to develop into the starting Quarterback of the future.  In fact, I would go so far as to say that the Steelers could benefit greatly from adding Foles as a cost-effective insurance policy right now.

Sure, Ben Roethlisberger is a Pro Bowl Quarterback at this point in his career, and he will be “QB#1″ in Pittsburgh until his career is finished here.  But you know what?  Ben cannot play forever.  His whiny behavior about his Offensive Coordinator was pretty ridiculous last year, and I am sure it rubbed many including Haley and the Front Office the wrong way.  In addition, Roethlisberger is also on the wrong side of 30, has a history of injuries, and has only played a full 16 game regular season once in his entire N.F.L. career.  In terms of the depth behind “Big Ben,” the cupboard is essentially “bare,” and the future looks dim.  The perpetually injured Byron Leftwich will likely be not tendered a new contract this offseason, and Charlie Batch will turn 39 this December.  I mean, I hate to be a “Negative Nancy,” but those two are not exactly the types “sure-fire” or reliable backups Pittsburgh’s Offense can turn to over the next two to three years.

Speculation of a potential trade aside, what is true is the fact that Pittsburgh sure could use some depth at Quarterback in the present, and a future starter to develop for the future,  This franchise must put a “P.B.” (Post-Ben) transition-strategy in place for when that day comes when #7 is either too injured or too old to play another down of football.  Whether Foles or someone else is the answer to that question has yet to be determined.  Yet I believe that we can all agree on the point that a cost-friendly investment at the Quarterback position for backup purposes would definitely not hurt this franchise in the least bit.

So come on Colbert & Co..  Stop wasting your time and effort on meaningless offseason acquisitions who are “past-their-prime,” and add close to nothing to the team’s rebuilding plans like Steve Breaston.

Instead, why don’t you at least “kick the tires” on Foles, and see exactly how willing Philadelphia might be to part with their out-of-place signal-caller over the next two months?

Readers:  Do you agree with me?  Should the Steelers at the very least “kick the tires” on Foles?  Should they try to acquire another young Quarterback via trade?  Should they draft one this April instead?

Stats Courtesy of: College Football Reference and ESPN.com

Contract Info Courtesy of: Spotrac.com

Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan line of shoes has long been popular, and you can often see athletes such as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rocking Jordan gear. Jordan brand is finally putting out something that Steelers fan are going to want to take a long look at: Jordan Spizikes in black and gold. The Spizikes released in louder colors last year, but with these and a cool gray colorway hopefully coming out in 2008, Jordan brand is going in a direction that will be easier to wear with your everyday outfit, especially if your everyday outfit is a Steelers jersey. No release date is set yet, but expect these in fall 2008.