Pittsburgh Steelers Rooke Review With Nick Pick Cowher
I’m only one man and with all of the football that is on I can’t keep track, intimately of everything that is going on with every team, which is why I’ve turned to bloggers around fansided to get a breakdown of how the young guys on teams doing. Today’s test subject is Craig Gottschalk from Nice Pick Cowher a Pittsburgh Steelers blog. We talked Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and the 2011 draft class. Read on.
If you’re looking for more to read, check out our scouting report page which now has 100+ scouting reports.
1) Which picks do the Steelers hold for the 2012 NFL Draft?
The Steelers did not trade away their future picks in the 2011 draft. They tend to keep the straight and narrow path, unless they feel they can really get a stellar player without having to give up too much. They made some moves in 2010 during the draft to gain players – traded picks for McFadden and Leftwich. Last year they went rounds 1-7 without any moves – which was surprising because people felt the Steelers needed to draft big at corner. They have a pick slated for rounds 1-7 in 2012, which really shouldn’t change until the draft itself.
2) I think Mike Tomlin is my favorite coach in the league. Do Steelers fans also love him?
This is a tougher call than you would think. He’s been a successful coach, but many feel that Tomlin is just riding on the last threads of Coach Cowher’s tails. Many players on the current roster are guys who were on this roster during Cowher’s tenure – and they were a great team then as they are now. I think he’s a good coach in that he talks a good game. He’s straight forward, articulate and understands that there are ultimately no excuses for losing. Those things I think anyone can like and respect. Old school diehards question the inevitable change in team philosophy of shifting to a ground control game to something more balanced and even in favor of the pass over the run. I think if you can see past those things, you can really start to like this guy as a coach. He’s won a Super Bowl with the team and has made the playoffs numerous times in his short time. I think if he can keep the team as contenders in the AFC North year in and year out and get deep into the playoffs, the majority of Steelers Nation will be happy for years to come
3). They say it takes three years to evalute a draft class how does the 2009 draft class look?“Ziggy” Hood DT: At first considered a bust, because of Aaron Smith’s season ending injury (now two years in a row) Hood has stepped up as a key member of this defensive line. I think he’s getting better each week and will become a mainstay on the line.
Kraig Urbik OG: He was only on the team for a year and didn’t really play. He was a good prospect out of Wisconsin who just didn’t fit well as a guard for the Steelers. He’s now with the Bills and has played in 17 games in two years with them.
Mike Wallace WR: Well what can be said about this guy. A clear surprise that a third rounder would have such a huge impact on this team. But clearly, Mike Wallace is the best member of this draft class, and the Steelers would be wise to sign him to a long term deal. His speed is incredible, and he is quickly becoming more than just a one trick pony. Love this guy.
Keenen Lewis CB: Many fans were calling for the ousting of this guy at the beginning of this season. But with McFadden having his own major struggles, Lewis has been getting significant time and is the #2 guy. The secondary is statistically one of the best in the league this season – shutting down the #1 and #2 receivers on each team. I guess he was worth the wait to bloom.
Joe Burnett CB: Drafted then released. He got picked up by the Giants in 2009. Mainly a special teams guy. Hasn’t played since. BUST.
Frank Summers RB/FB: Big dude who some hoped would become Bus II. Well he became a Bust instead.
Ra’Shon Harris DE: He seemed promising coming out of Oregon, but quickly became a bust and moved on to Carolina. Hasn’t played since ’09.
A.Q. Shipley C: B.U.S.T
David Johnson TE: Was bigger in his draft class, but has trimmed down a bit. A 9th rounder who’s stuck it out for three seasons now. Since the Steelers don’t use a FB anymore, Johnson is vital as an extra blocker, and has become useful in the passing game. Since the release of Matt Spaeth, Johnson is the second option at TE behind Heath Miller. Not sure what to think of this guy still – he’s not entirely dependable (dropped a key pass in the 4th quarter against the Ravens that would have been a 1st down) in the passing game and he doesn’t have the kind of push off the snap to take out a blitzing OLB or CB.
"4). What about the progression of the 2010 Draft class?"
It’s been a pretty darn good class. The first three rounds have treated the Steelers well – Maurkice Pouncey (Pro Bowl rookie year), Jason Worlids and Emmanuel Sanders have all done extremely well for the Steelers. I think Worlids gets a bit of a bad wrap, but he will get better with time – he’s a good backup to the OLB’s right now. He should be a fine replacement to Harrison should he hang up the cleats soon. Gibson, Scott and Butler are busts. Sylvester has potential but not like Worlids. Antonio Brown was a steal at the 195th pick. This guy is good and will get much better as he plays. He already has. Wallace, Sanders and Brown – and awesome trio from the 2009 and 2010 drafts. Jonathan Dwyer has ground to cover as a running back, but could continue to make the roster. Baron Batch from this years draft will make it a tough battle for the #3 back (I don’t see Moore lasting much longer).
5). The Steelers chose Cameron Heyward in the first round this year, what’s up with him?
He hasn’t played much, so it’s tough to say. He’s had some snaps over the course of the season. He did well in camp and is a valuable pick. I think we are a bit spoiled with the successes from Pouncey as a Pro Bowl first rounder. We’ll see his true value next year.
6). The Steelers seem to slow play a lot of their rookies is that an organization philosophydo the fans get frustarted with that?
Yeah it’s a team philosophy that exists mainly on the defensive side of the ball. It has more to do with complexity of the schemes. If the players can’t fully grasp the playbook, then they will look and play absolutely awful out there. I think they would rather nurture a player a bit and get them to fully understand the schemes. Curtis Brown is a guy that could have certainly started ahead of Gay at the nickel position, but is hanging around on special teams while he learns the schemes. The philosophy is that those guys will get better doing that. It doesn’t have a 100% success rate, but I think there’s a level of accountability the coaches can look for if they know the guys understand the playbook.
7). How are the 2nd and third round picks for the 2011 draft playing?
Gilbert is one of the few who has been ‘thrown into’ the game. The line has been so banged up this season, he was put in by the second game. He’s started ever since and has done pretty well. With the return of Starks the line has done better and better. He doesn’t seem to be a great run blocker – they don’t run much his way yet – but he’s been doing a decent job at pass protection.
8) are there any UDFA or late round picks who look like mainstays on teh Steelers roster moving forward?
Baron Batch hasn’t played a snap beyond training camp because of his season ending knee injury, but Steelers fans everywhere love this guy. His work ethic matches that of the team’s blue collar roots. He has a great personality (people love his blog), has a great story and oh yeah he’s a pretty good running back. I was really hoping this guy would be the sleeper of the draft class. He very well could be come next season when he returns.
9). Based on how they are playing this year what are their needs for the 2012 NFL Draft?
Offensive line, offensive line, offensive line. I’m actually hoping that they trade up this season for at least two spots in round one if not round two so they can pick up some linemen. I haven’t looked at the prospects at that position yet, but they desperately need help – for the sake of offensive production and the longevity of Ben Roethlisberger’s career. Next is inside linebacker – Farrior and Foote need to hit the road. Timmons can’t do it all up the middle. It’s too early to tell what the rookie corners will do yet, but I think they should draft a couple more of them too.
10) Anything else to add?
This team gets a bad wrap for being a SB team last season and having their struggles. One of the best things about this team is its resiliency when facing adversity. Injuries have been abundant this year, and it’s clear they aren’t as good as they used to be in certain areas – yet this team is still 7-3. Yeah, they’ve faced a few sub 500 clubs, but this is the NFL and there are no guarantee games… just ask the Ravens who fell to the Seahawks