2023 - Completing the Rebuild

[jewelsongs]

Our 2022 season is over, so how do we complete the rebuild and get back on track to winning a Super Bowl. I think it can be done. After we welcome our new Offensive Coordinator (sorry to all the Tomlin haters, he stays), we focus on the roster. The salary cap is going to be a record high in 2023, and we are currently about $13M to $17M under depending on which site you use. So we start by clearing some players. I cut the following:

Trubisky - $8M
Jackson - $12M
Witherspoon - $4M
Olszewski - $2M
Killebrew - $2M
Maulet - $1.8M
Riley - $1M
Merritt - $1M
Green - $900K
Platel - $750K

This saves an additional $33.5M. Now Omar goes to work. The Steelers are a defense dominant team, but we are getting old. Nothing that free agency and a good draft can’t fix. Most posters on this site think we need help (in no particular order) at ILB, DL, OL, and CB. We start by signing two priority free agents. I think Ogunjobi was a great pickup, but he will be more expensive to sign. I sign J Wobble. He will cost more, but with a signing bonus and guaranteed money, we can keep his cap manageable in the short term. (Back up plan is to keep Larry). Then we sign CB Jamel Dean from Tampa Bay. He can be the shut down corner we need. Next we draft. I pick the following:

1st - Brian Branch, S, Alabama
2nd - Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
2nd - Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
3rd - Steven Avila, OG/C, TCU
4th - John Emery Jr, RB, LSU
7th - Jake Andrews, C/OG, Troy
7th - Shaka Heyward, LB, Duke (you can’t have enough Heywards)

Branch is the best defensive back in the draft, and can play slot immediately. Sanders puts Spillane back as a backup. Jones takes Okorafor’s place eventually, moving him to swing tackle. Avila does the same with Dotson. The rest of the draft improves depth.

Because we have lost Rudolph and Trubisky, we need backup QBs. We sign Drew Lock (or another similar name), and in a tip of the cap to B2B, Cole Kelley. We also go to work to sign several of our own free agents such as Sutton, Edmunds, Kazee, etc.

So now our roster looks like this:

QB - Pickett, Free Agent (Drew Lock), Free Agent (Cole Kelley)
RB - Harris, Warren, McFarland, Draft (John Emery Jr, Round 4), Watt
TE - Freiermuth, Gentry, Heyward
WR - Pickens, Johnson, Austin, Sims, Boykin, Miller
C - Cole, Hassenauer, Draft (Jake Andrews, Round 7)
G - Daniels, Dotson, Draft (Steven Avila, Round 3)
T - Moore, Okorafor, Draft (Dawand Jones, 48th Pick)
K - Boswell
LS - Kuntz

D Line - Heyward, Leal, Adams, Marshall, Loudermilk, Free Agent (J Wobble)
OLB - Watt, Highsmith, Jones, Reed
ILB - Robinson, Spillane, Draft (Drew Sanders 32nd Pick), Draft (Shaka Heyward, Round 7)
CB - Wallace, Sutton, Pierre, Gilbert, Free Agent (Jamel Dean)
S - Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, Kazee, Norwood, Draft (Brian Branch, 17th Pick)
P - Harvin

Our average age is about 25, and we have a roster that can continue to improve, a defense that can shut down teams, a young offense with a decent coordinator.

In advance, I know the comments will be as long as we have NHALS we still won’t win, so no need to post those. If he doesn’t win with this roster we can replace him and keep the roster. Any other comments are welcome.

[Jizz Mop]

I can’t avoid taking Ika at 32 if he’s there

I think he’s a cog for years to come

Just my 2 cents

[Mick]

Assuming priority (1), sign Sutton, is done,

Five positions we want to come away with good players out of this offseason are:

ILB, DT (x2), OL, CB, WR.

It looks like this is a great FA class for ILBs, and a strong draft class toward the top for 3-4 DL,

So assume sign one high end ILB free agent and one good DT (Ogunjobi, Hargrave are good options, or blow our load for Payne),

Then get the next best deal in FA market at a need (WR, which is basically just Juju, OL, or CB),

Then get DT+ remaining needs/BPAs in draft.

[Pabst]

I'm just going to go with $13m under the cap for purposes of this post.

First thing is something you didn't mention: I think Minkah restructures and that saves something like $8-10m off the cap. I also don't think they outright cut Trubisky (more on that in a sec), nor do i think Witherspoon goes anywhere. So with those things in mind, I'm with you in regard to having around $45m in cap space.

Trubisky (or backup QB in general) is a tough call. There's no way he should be making $8m next year, but will he take a paycut? Let me also say as the board's resident Mizzou fan: I want no part of Drew Lock.


JC Hassenhaur and James Pierre are both RFA's who can be brought back for $1m/each. Given the need for depth and cheap cost, I think both come back. (down to $43 million in space). Jamir Jones also comes back on a dirt cheap ERFA deal ($750k).

Zach Gentry is another guy who can be brought back on the cheap. For ease of math sake, let's say he gets $1.25m (down to $41m).

They'll also need to fill Benny Snell's spot as a #3 RB and special teamer. To once again make the math easy, let's say that takes $1m (down to $40m).

Also need a LS ($1m, down to $39m).

I have no clue what Steven Sims status is, but bring him back for $1m (down to $38m)

I think Robert Spillane and Terrell Edmunds both get resigned.
- Robert Spillane, I think, would be happy to get in the range of $5m/year. For reference, this is about what Anthony Walker, Christian Kirksey, and Damien Wilson are getting.
- I'm going to be a bit more generous and give Edmunds $6m/year. It's a bit more than Xavier Woods, Chuck Clark, or Jayron Kearse.


At this point: RB, TE, QB, and C are set. If they like a player in the 7th/UDFA or there's a dirt cheap free agent, then fine, but these are positions are the lowest priority.

Other lower Priority signings:
OLB - Starters are set, and Jones is still here, but they need a depth guy and a long-term decision on Highsmith.
S also isn't a big need, but they will have to get someone for depth.
WR - Johnson and Pickens are your starters. Beyond that, Austin is an unknown and Sims is a #4/return man only. A vet signing is needed.

^ I'm going to fill in these spots with generic UFA signings:
- A pair of Safeties (resign Kazee and replace Killebrew?) will cost $5m
- Depth OLB to replace Reed will cost $3m
- Vet WR is $2m


At this point, here's the roster with ~$17m in cap space:

QB: Pickett, Trubisky
RB: Harris, Warren, UFA
WR: Johnson, Pickens, Austin, Sims, UFA
TE: Freiermuth, Heyward, Gentry
OT: Okorafor, Moore
OG: Daniels, Dotson
C: Cole, Hassenauer

DL: Heyward, Adams, Leal, Loudermilk, Marshall
OLB: Watt, Highsmith, Jones, UFA
ILB: Jack, Spillane, Robinson
CB: Wallace, Witherspoon, Norwood, Pierre
S: Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, UFA, UFA

ST: Boswell, Harvin, Generic Long Snapper

Some housekeeping: The rookie pool will be ~$9m. Assuming all 7 of those players make the roster, we're down to $8m in space.

O-Line, D-Line, ILB, and CB are the positions that must be addressed.

Here's where we have good news: As of this moment, the UFA crop at DL, ILB, and CB are pretty loaded.
DL: Javon Hargrave, Daron Payne, Dalvin Tomlinson, Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Sheldon Rankins
ILB: Lavonte David, Roquan Smith. David Long, TJ Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Germaine Pratt, Bobby Okereke
CB: Jamel Dean, James Bradberry, Cam Sutton, Patrick Peterson

The Steelers should be able to sign one of those guys and comfortably stay under the cap. If we assume a $6m cap hit, then league minimum salaries to fill out the rest of the roster, we're right at the cap limit. Resigning Sutton would, I believe, cancel out his void year and put $2.1m back into the cap (someone can correct me on that).

For me, I sign one of the available ILB's and nab an O-lineman, D-lineman, and CB in the first 2 rounds.

[Pabst]

Some housekeeping: The rookie pool will be ~$9m. Assuming all 7 of those players make the roster, we're down to $8m in space.

O-Line, D-Line, ILB, and CB are the positions that must be addressed.

Here's where we have good news: As of this moment, the UFA crop at DL, ILB, and CB are pretty loaded.
DL: Javon Hargrave, Daron Payne, Dalvin Tomlinson, Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Sheldon Rankins
ILB: Lavonte David, Roquan Smith. David Long, TJ Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Germaine Pratt, Bobby Okereke
CB: Jamel Dean, James Bradberry, Cam Sutton, Patrick Peterson

The Steelers should be able to sign one of those guys and comfortably stay under the cap. If we assume a $6m cap hit, then league minimum salaries to fill out the rest of the roster, we're right at the cap limit. Resigning Sutton would, I believe, cancel out his void year and put $2.1m back into the cap (someone can correct me on that).

Just to add to this:

- Chavarius Ward signed with the 49ers last season on a 3 year, $40.5m contract, but his year 1 cap hit was only $3.8m. Shaq Griffin signed a nearly identical contract in Jacksonville in 2021 ($5.8m first year cap hit). I feel like Sutton could be brought back on similar terms.
- The Rams signed Bobby Wagner to a 5 year / $50m contract with only a $2.5m cap hit in year one. De'Vondre Campbell signed a similar deal in GB with a $4.25m cap hit year one.

All that to say, I think signing a pair of UFA's from the list above is doable.

[gojira5150]

I can’t avoid taking Ika at 32 if he’s there

I think he’s a cog for years to come

Just my 2 cents

Same here. He'd be a great pick at 32

[Pabst]

Last thing, then I swear I'll shut up:
- Resign Cam Sutton
- Sign one of the UFA middle LBs. I'm going to go with David Long for now.
- Draft Broderick Jones, Siaki Ika then a CB and OG in the first 4 rounds.

QB: Pickett, Trubisky, Someone playing for league minimum
RB: Harris, Warren, UFA
WR: Johnson, Pickens, Austin, Sims, UFA
TE: Freiermuth, Heyward, Gentry
OT: Okorafor, Moore, Broderick Jones
OG: Daniels, Dotson, 3rd or 4th round pick
C: Cole, Hassenauer

DL: Heyward, Adams, Leal, Loudermilk, Marshall, Siaki Ika
OLB: Watt, Highsmith, Jones, UFA
ILB: Jack, Spillane, Robinson, David Long?
CB: Wallace, Witherspoon, Norwood, Pierre, Sutton, Draft Pick
S: Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, UFA, UFA

ST: Boswell, Harvin, Generic Long Snapper

^ That's 49 total players. You can fill out the rest of the roster with the remaining draft picks or cheap free agents.

[Jizz Mop]

Last thing, then I swear I'll shut up:
- Resign Cam Sutton
- Sign one of the UFA middle LBs. I'm going to go with David Long for now.
- Draft Broderick Jones, Siaki Ika then a CB and OG in the first 4 rounds.

QB: Pickett, Trubisky, Someone playing for league minimum
RB: Harris, Warren, UFA
WR: Johnson, Pickens, Austin, Sims, UFA
TE: Freiermuth, Heyward, Gentry
OT: Okorafor, Moore, Broderick Jones
OG: Daniels, Dotson, 3rd or 4th round pick
C: Cole, Hassenauer

DL: Heyward, Adams, Leal, Loudermilk, Marshall, Siaki Ika
OLB: Watt, Highsmith, Jones, UFA
ILB: Jack, Spillane, Robinson, David Long?
CB: Wallace, Witherspoon, Norwood, Pierre, Sutton, Draft Pick
S: Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, UFA, UFA

ST: Boswell, Harvin, Generic Long Snapper

^ That's 49 total players. You can fill out the rest of the roster with the remaining draft picks or cheap free agents.

Jizz Mop approval

[DP39]

I'm just going to go with $13m under the cap for purposes of this post.

First thing is something you didn't mention: I think Minkah restructures and that saves something like $8-10m off the cap. I also don't think they outright cut Trubisky (more on that in a sec), nor do i think Witherspoon goes anywhere. So with those things in mind, I'm with you in regard to having around $45m in cap space.

Trubisky (or backup QB in general) is a tough call. There's no way he should be making $8m next year, but will he take a paycut? Let me also say as the board's resident Mizzou fan: I want no part of Drew Lock.


JC Hassenhaur and James Pierre are both RFA's who can be brought back for $1m/each. Given the need for depth and cheap cost, I think both come back. (down to $43 million in space). Jamir Jones also comes back on a dirt cheap ERFA deal ($750k).

Zach Gentry is another guy who can be brought back on the cheap. For ease of math sake, let's say he gets $1.25m (down to $41m).

They'll also need to fill Benny Snell's spot as a #3 RB and special teamer. To once again make the math easy, let's say that takes $1m (down to $40m).

Also need a LS ($1m, down to $39m).

I have no clue what Steven Sims status is, but bring him back for $1m (down to $38m)

I think Robert Spillane and Terrell Edmunds both get resigned.
- Robert Spillane, I think, would be happy to get in the range of $5m/year. For reference, this is about what Anthony Walker, Christian Kirksey, and Damien Wilson are getting.
- I'm going to be a bit more generous and give Edmunds $6m/year. It's a bit more than Xavier Woods, Chuck Clark, or Jayron Kearse.


At this point: RB, TE, QB, and C are set. If they like a player in the 7th/UDFA or there's a dirt cheap free agent, then fine, but these are positions are the lowest priority.

Other lower Priority signings:
OLB - Starters are set, and Jones is still here, but they need a depth guy and a long-term decision on Highsmith.
S also isn't a big need, but they will have to get someone for depth.
WR - Johnson and Pickens are your starters. Beyond that, Austin is an unknown and Sims is a #4/return man only. A vet signing is needed.

^ I'm going to fill in these spots with generic UFA signings:
- A pair of Safeties (resign Kazee and replace Killebrew?) will cost $5m
- Depth OLB to replace Reed will cost $3m
- Vet WR is $2m


At this point, here's the roster with ~$17m in cap space:

QB: Pickett, Trubisky
RB: Harris, Warren, UFA
WR: Johnson, Pickens, Austin, Sims, UFA
TE: Freiermuth, Heyward, Gentry
OT: Okorafor, Moore
OG: Daniels, Dotson
C: Cole, Hassenauer

DL: Heyward, Adams, Leal, Loudermilk, Marshall
OLB: Watt, Highsmith, Jones, UFA
ILB: Jack, Spillane, Robinson
CB: Wallace, Witherspoon, Norwood, Pierre
S: Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, UFA, UFA

ST: Boswell, Harvin, Generic Long Snapper

Some housekeeping: The rookie pool will be ~$9m. Assuming all 7 of those players make the roster, we're down to $8m in space.

O-Line, D-Line, ILB, and CB are the positions that must be addressed.

Here's where we have good news: As of this moment, the UFA crop at DL, ILB, and CB are pretty loaded.
DL: Javon Hargrave, Daron Payne, Dalvin Tomlinson, Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Sheldon Rankins
ILB: Lavonte David, Roquan Smith. David Long, TJ Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Germaine Pratt, Bobby Okereke
CB: Jamel Dean, James Bradberry, Cam Sutton, Patrick Peterson

The Steelers should be able to sign one of those guys and comfortably stay under the cap. If we assume a $6m cap hit, then league minimum salaries to fill out the rest of the roster, we're right at the cap limit. Resigning Sutton would, I believe, cancel out his void year and put $2.1m back into the cap (someone can correct me on that).

For me, I sign one of the available ILB's and nab an O-lineman, D-lineman, and CB in the first 2 rounds.

Nice, detailed work as usual, Pabst.

I'm with you on Drew Lock.

Where can I help...lets' see:

I'll save you $3.5MM or so on your cap.

Sign FA SS Ryan Neal from SEA. His current MV is about $2.5MM. He's just as good...actually better than Edmunds, imo. And, he's only 13 months older, so no biggie.

Also, as I type this, I see Roquan Smith was just signed by BAL ($100MM/$47G$/5yrs) so he's off the table. Can you say F-Tag LJ?

[K_C_]

I think the Steelers, with one of those second rounder’s DEFINITELY take a WR like Hyatt, or a big time TE to help Kenny.

Dude simply doesn’t have enough weapons and as the Bengals are teaching everyone, it’s okay to have 3 stud WR’s

We have 1.

[K_C_]

Last thing, then I swear I'll shut up:
- Resign Cam Sutton
- Sign one of the UFA middle LBs. I'm going to go with David Long for now.
- Draft Broderick Jones, Siaki Ika then a CB and OG in the first 4 rounds.

QB: Pickett, Trubisky, Someone playing for league minimum
RB: Harris, Warren, UFA
WR: Johnson, Pickens, Austin, Sims, UFA
TE: Freiermuth, Heyward, Gentry
OT: Okorafor, Moore, Broderick Jones
OG: Daniels, Dotson, 3rd or 4th round pick
C: Cole, Hassenauer

DL: Heyward, Adams, Leal, Loudermilk, Marshall, Siaki Ika
OLB: Watt, Highsmith, Jones, UFA
ILB: Jack, Spillane, Robinson, David Long?
CB: Wallace, Witherspoon, Norwood, Pierre, Sutton, Draft Pick
S: Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, UFA, UFA

ST: Boswell, Harvin, Generic Long Snapper

^ That's 49 total players. You can fill out the rest of the roster with the remaining draft picks or cheap free agents.

Jizz Mop approval

We’re gonna add a WR. No way this is the group they go with next year.

[K_C_]

Last thing, then I swear I'll shut up:
- Resign Cam Sutton
- Sign one of the UFA middle LBs. I'm going to go with David Long for now.
- Draft Broderick Jones, Siaki Ika then a CB and OG in the first 4 rounds.

QB: Pickett, Trubisky, Someone playing for league minimum
RB: Harris, Warren, UFA
WR: Johnson, Pickens, Austin, Sims, UFA
TE: Freiermuth, Heyward, Gentry
OT: Okorafor, Moore, Broderick Jones
OG: Daniels, Dotson, 3rd or 4th round pick
C: Cole, Hassenauer

DL: Heyward, Adams, Leal, Loudermilk, Marshall, Siaki Ika
OLB: Watt, Highsmith, Jones, UFA
ILB: Jack, Spillane, Robinson, David Long?
CB: Wallace, Witherspoon, Norwood, Pierre, Sutton, Draft Pick
S: Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, UFA, UFA

ST: Boswell, Harvin, Generic Long Snapper

^ That's 49 total players. You can fill out the rest of the roster with the remaining draft picks or cheap free agents.

Trubisky was just bitching about ever signing with the Steelers and his contract isn’t guaranteed through next year.

Why bring him back and it doesn’t exactly sound like he’s wild about returning to Pittsburgh.

No fucking way he’ll be a captain next year.

[Pabst]

Trubisky was just bitching about ever signing with the Steelers and his contract isn’t guaranteed through next year.

Why bring him back and it doesn’t exactly sound like he’s wild about returning to Pittsburgh.

No fucking way he’ll be a captain next year.

From my original post:

Trubisky (or backup QB in general) is a tough call. There's no way he should be making $8m next year, but will he take a paycut? Let me also say as the board's resident Mizzou fan: I want no part of Drew Lock.

You could also cut Trubisky and sign someone like Colt McCoy (I don't know). Trubisky won't be starting anywhere next year, and I don't think his tape impressed anyone.

The point was that we won't/shouldn't be seeing the full cap hit on Trubisky. I didn't want to spend a ton of time going thru contract options of a position that (hopefully) never sees the field next year.

[Pabst]

QB - Pickett, Free Agent (Drew Lock), Free Agent (Cole Kelley)
RB - Harris, Warren, McFarland, Draft (John Emery Jr, Round 4), Watt
TE - Freiermuth, Gentry, Heyward
WR - Pickens, Johnson, Austin, Sims, Boykin, Miller
C - Cole, Hassenauer, Draft (Jake Andrews, Round 7)
G - Daniels, Dotson, Draft (Steven Avila, Round 3)
T - Moore, Okorafor, Draft (Dawand Jones, 48th Pick)
K - Boswell
LS - Kuntz

D Line - Heyward, Leal, Adams, Marshall, Loudermilk, Free Agent (J Wobble)
OLB - Watt, Highsmith, Jones, Reed
ILB - Robinson, Spillane, Draft (Drew Sanders 32nd Pick), Draft (Shaka Heyward, Round 7)
CB - Wallace, Sutton, Pierre, Gilbert, Free Agent (Jamel Dean)
S - Fitzpatrick, Edmunds, Kazee, Norwood, Draft (Brian Branch, 17th Pick)
P - Harvin

Just to compare/contrast what we posted:
- We agree that CB, ILB, and DT are the big needs on D. I think Sutton is easier/cheaper to resign than Dean (financially, I don't know how you'd sign both), and I opted to draft DL and sign an ILB.
- I'm with you on drafting an OT early and getting a guard in the 3rd
- I also agree to more or less stand pat at WR and TE

Where we differ:
- If Edmunds is resigned, there's no way I go safety in the first.
- As mentioned, I keep Witherspoon. He can play outside CB, and you don't really save a ton by cutting him (and he only has 1 year left).
- I wouldn't use a 4th on a RB. Harris and Warren are set in stone as a #1 and #2 for the next few years.

[bradshaw2ben]

Edmunds and Branch play two different positions. Branch is going to be Mike Hilton in the NFL.

[Mick]

I’m not paying myles jack $8M for 2023.

$16M for Heyward seems probably due for renegotiation as well. What would he get on the market etc.

[Pabst]

Edmunds and Branch play two different positions. Branch is going to be Mike Hilton in the NFL.

In that case, why are you drafting a slot CB when you have Dean, Sutton, and Wallace on the roster (as is the case in that scenario)? For me, if I'm drafting a CB in round 1 it better be a guy with #1 CB potential.

I’m not paying myles jack $8M for 2023.

$16M for Heyward seems probably due for renegotiation as well. What would he get on the market etc.

I get what you're saying on Jack, but my issue with cutting him is that you're depleting what is already a razor thin ILB group.

My issue with Heyward is this: He's 34. I'd prefer to not lock up guaranteed money in a guy who's career will be over very soon.

[bradshaw2ben]

Edmunds and Branch play two different positions. Branch is going to be Mike Hilton in the NFL.

In that case, why are you drafting a slot CB when you have Dean, Sutton, and Wallace on the roster (as is the case in that scenario)? For me, if I'm drafting a CB in round 1 it better be a guy with #1 CB potential.

I mean, I'm not sure I would do that, but slot is a really important position in the NFL and the Steelers went from having perhaps the best guy in the NFL at that position to having some of the worst slot play in the league. So, it's obviously important.

Like would you draft the Honey Badger mid round 1? I think I might.

[Mick]

Edmunds and Branch play two different positions. Branch is going to be Mike Hilton in the NFL.

In that case, why are you drafting a slot CB when you have Dean, Sutton, and Wallace on the roster (as is the case in that scenario)? For me, if I'm drafting a CB in round 1 it better be a guy with #1 CB potential.

I’m not paying myles jack $8M for 2023.

$16M for Heyward seems probably due for renegotiation as well. What would he get on the market etc.

I get what you're saying on Jack, but my issue with cutting him is that you're depleting what is already a razor thin ILB group.

My issue with Heyward is this: He's 34. I'd prefer to not lock up guaranteed money in a guy who's career will be over very soon.

we’re not ‘thin’ at ILB. We’re thin at OLB. We’re thin at WR. Thin means a sharp dropoff. We’re already fielding Replacement Level at ILB. Our depth chart goes 200 players deep as far as I’m concerned.

[Baltostiller]

There is no way Captain Bullshit and his merry band of idiots should ever draft a DB #1 again. These idiots have stepped on their dicks enough with the Artie Burns and Terrell Edmunds of the world. To get an impact player in the defensive backfield, please trade for one like Minkah. Enough stepping on rakes...

[Pabst]

Edmunds and Branch play two different positions. Branch is going to be Mike Hilton in the NFL.

In that case, why are you drafting a slot CB when you have Dean, Sutton, and Wallace on the roster (as is the case in that scenario)? For me, if I'm drafting a CB in round 1 it better be a guy with #1 CB potential.

I mean, I'm not sure I would do that, but slot is a really important position in the NFL and the Steelers went from having perhaps the best guy in the NFL at that position to having some of the worst slot play in the league. So, it's obviously important.

Like would you draft the Honey Badger mid round 1? I think I might.

Yeah, I don't disagree with the importance of the position. But in going back to jewelsong's original post, if you already have Minkah under contract plus you're extending Edmunds, Sutton, and bringing in Jamel Dean.....that's an insane amount of resources dedicated to the secondary. There's no way i'm drafting a DB in the first in that scenario.

[Pickett's Platoon]

Top 3 priorities...

Get rid of Clank Johnson and his contract.

Re-sign Larry O

Re-sign Kazee

I would also get rid of Trubisky and Shank Harvin.

I'd draft another bad MF'er WR up high. We have to start scoring points. Our defense is good if not great, but we gotta start scoring some godamn fuckin points. Clank isn't going to help here. Get rid of him by any means necessary.

[Pabst]

we’re not ‘thin’ at ILB. We’re thin at OLB. We’re thin at WR. Thin means a sharp dropoff. We’re already fielding Replacement Level at ILB. Our depth chart goes 200 players deep as far as I’m concerned.

OK, fair. And I obviously don't disagree that ILB is a problem. But here's my thought process:
- The only ILB's under contract for next year are Jack and Robinson. That's a problem.
- As stated, I think they can bring back Spillane for relatively low $, and a high-end UFA can be signed. You now have a 3 man rotation of Jack, Spillane, and David Long (or whoever) with Robinson as a STer / depth guy. That's not bad.

- This is why I don't cut Jack in my scenario:
1. I view OT and DT as bigger needs earlier in the draft.
2. Signing another quality ILB creates cap problems down the road. That could be a problem if you're looking to extend guys like Highsmith (and later Pickett and Pickens). Take the hit now so you don't need to worry about it later.

[jewelsongs]

In that case, why are you drafting a slot CB when you have Dean, Sutton, and Wallace on the roster (as is the case in that scenario)? For me, if I'm drafting a CB in round 1 it better be a guy with #1 CB potential.

I mean, I'm not sure I would do that, but slot is a really important position in the NFL and the Steelers went from having perhaps the best guy in the NFL at that position to having some of the worst slot play in the league. So, it's obviously important.

Like would you draft the Honey Badger mid round 1? I think I might.

Yeah, I don't disagree with the importance of the position. But in going back to jewelsong's original post, if you already have Minkah under contract plus you're extending Edmunds, Sutton, and bringing in Jamel Dean.....that's an insane amount of resources dedicated to the secondary. There's no way i'm drafting a DB in the first in that scenario.

Pabst, I agree it is a lot of resources. But with a great pass rush and a really good secondary, we stand a better chance against the really good teams like KC, Buffalo and Cincinnati. I want to build a Super Bowl roster.

[Pabst]

I mean, I'm not sure I would do that, but slot is a really important position in the NFL and the Steelers went from having perhaps the best guy in the NFL at that position to having some of the worst slot play in the league. So, it's obviously important.

Like would you draft the Honey Badger mid round 1? I think I might.

Yeah, I don't disagree with the importance of the position. But in going back to jewelsong's original post, if you already have Minkah under contract plus you're extending Edmunds, Sutton, and bringing in Jamel Dean.....that's an insane amount of resources dedicated to the secondary. There's no way i'm drafting a DB in the first in that scenario.

Pabst, I agree it is a lot of resources. But with a great pass rush and a really good secondary, we stand a better chance against the really good teams like KC, Buffalo and Cincinnati. I want to build a Super Bowl roster.

I hear you - It's all in good fun.

Just voicing my opinion that I would do it differently.

[jewelsongs]

Yeah, I don't disagree with the importance of the position. But in going back to jewelsong's original post, if you already have Minkah under contract plus you're extending Edmunds, Sutton, and bringing in Jamel Dean.....that's an insane amount of resources dedicated to the secondary. There's no way i'm drafting a DB in the first in that scenario.

Pabst, I agree it is a lot of resources. But with a great pass rush and a really good secondary, we stand a better chance against the really good teams like KC, Buffalo and Cincinnati. I want to build a Super Bowl roster.

I hear you - It's all in good fun.

Just voicing my opinion that I would do it differently.

I hear you.

[K_C_]

Top 3 priorities...

Get rid of Clank Johnson and his contract.

Re-sign Larry O

Re-sign Kazee

I would also get rid of Trubisky and Shank Harvin.

I'd draft another bad MF'er WR up high. We have to start scoring points. Our defense is good if not great, but we gotta start scoring some godamn fuckin points. Clank isn't going to help here. Get rid of him by any means necessary.

Clank likely isn’t going anywhere, but drafting a possible replacement or, if Clank raises his game instead of embarrassing himself further, then Pickett has 3 major league options at WR. Possibly 4 if CAIII is the real deal.

Cincy set the template. We have the RB’s. We need another Pickens level beast at WR.

[Pabst]

Sign FA SS Ryan Neal from SEA. His current MV is about $2.5MM. He's just as good...actually better than Edmunds, imo. And, he's only 13 months older, so no biggie.

I'll be 100% honest and say I know nothing about Ryan Neal and have barely watched Seattle play this season

Good to know there are some other options out there, though.

[K_C_]

Edmunds and Branch play two different positions. Branch is going to be Mike Hilton in the NFL.

Wasn’t Mike Hilton an UDFA? There is absolutely no way on earth we draft a slot corner at #17. I don’t think think we’ll take an outside corner either, even though a shut down corner would be nice. It’ll be an ILB or OT. Edge rusher and WR could be a surprise pick very high.

[fractalsteel]

I can’t avoid taking Ika at 32 if he’s there

I think he’s a cog for years to come

Just my 2 cents

Same here. He'd be a great pick at 32

Love the player Ika but it would be a reach to take him at 17 considering he will be just a two down player for the most part at the next level. Ditto for Porter who I could live with at 32.
Either at 32 would be fine.

There is a chance both will be there at 17 and if the Steelers are enamoured with either one I would hope they would try and trade back a few picks and then spring for one of them.

I know, I know they don't trade back.

If Skoronski is there at 17 I would hope that would be the player they sprint to the podium for.