Things and Stuff

[bradshaw2ben]

I have been a staunch advocate of Jaylen Samuels, and he's had a nice preseason, overall. Made a nice blitz pickup last night, even if he didn't have much to work with in the run game.

However.

The Steelers RB situation is crazy deep. I know I'm ridicuous and all, but I think Conner not nearly as good as Ridley is now, similar to Toussaint, and not as good as Samuel will be in the overall game that fits our offense. So, there are "right now" considerations and "upside/future" considerations. Guessing they keep Bell, Ridley, Conner... and maybe Samuels or Toussaint. For the life of me, I don't understand why Conner is running as the #2.

Also, if I can get a pick, I trade Landry Jones without a second thought. Dobbs would be fine as a temporary QB, Rudolph might even be able to make a play or two if needed. I'm not afraid of them. Landry knows all the calls and the checks but he can't play.

They should figure out a way to keep Banner on the 53. He has left tackle skills and is good in the run game. Now that he is in better shape, he looks like a real gem.

I'm saying goodbye to Jordan Berry in favor of Wile, but I think they will stick with Berry.

Bucky Hodges might get a shot as the #3 TE, with Grimble being put on IR designated for return.

I cut Chickillo in a heartbeat if Ola Adeniyi and Watt are healthy enough to play week 1. I'd rather see Keion Adams than Chickillo, even.

Justin Hunter is an inviting target but he's a mess. Patterson is a better football player. Neither is essential. I wish Patterson had gotten some more looks at WR... he made a nice play last night, and obviously has some juice. Practice Squad, hopefully.

[Legacy User]

I agree about Ridley. He looked awfully good last night.

You trade whichever backup gets you a higher pick. I'd be OK with either going, but I like the strides I've seen from Dobbs in the past year. Not that I think he'll ever be anything more than a backup, but if he takes another big step next year who knows?

Chickillo has taken a massive step backwards. He is dead weight.

[K_C_]

If the front office had ANY balls, they'd cut Laundry outright if they can't find a trade partner.

Rudolph is the future and Dobbs very well might have some very nice upside.

Laundry has ZERO upside and is in the final year of his deal.

Cut bait.

[Steelperch]

Ridley is the only explosive back on the roster that is a threat to bust a 20+ yard run, including Bell. They need to find a way to keep him. Toussaint I hope this is the last we’ve seen of that bum.

Hooks really showed well the last few weeks, numbers game kills his shot though. Maybe another year on the Practice squad.

Hopefully Ola Adeyini isn’t hurt too bad. He’s the best pass rusher we’ve got and deserves to wave in situationally. Keion Adams has shown some potential. I wonder if they could trade Chickillo. I recall some team having interest in him last year.

Agree on Hunter. I just don’t trust the guy and no STs ability. He’s probably a necessary evil for depth. Hodges vs Grimble for the 3rd TE spot is a real question. Grimble IR possibly.

I roll Landry Jones and Dobbs out on the trade circuit and take the best offer, keep the other. Jones being in his final year and Rudolph bring the future #2 makes me want to trade him. That makes you all set at QB for the next few years. Lose Dobbs now! Landry walks next year and you are back in the QB3 market.

ILB is a mess. I really like Vince Williams and the potential of Thomas. The other guys are bums. Bostic is a band aide, Matakevich should be cut. He sucks. Fort is the mayor on JAGville.

Banner deserves to be the 9th OL. 53 roster spots means he is squarely in a numbers game. Hope he makes the PS and doesn’t get signed elsewhere.

Berhe is more garbage who might steal a spot due to STs play. Hope not.

[bradshaw2ben]

Gun to my head and no players brought in from elsewhere:
1-3 Ben, Dobbs, Rudolph
4-8 Bell, Ridley, Samuels, Nix
9-11 McDonald, James, Hodges
12-20 Villanueva, Foster, Pouncey, Decastro, Gilbert, Chuks, Feiler, Finney, Banner
21-25 AB, JuJu, Washington, DHB, Patterson

26-31 Heyward, Hargrave, Tuitt, McCullers, Alualu, Walton
32-35 Williams, Bostic, Thomas, Fort
36-39 Watt, Dupree, Andeniyi, Adams
40-43 Davis, Burnett, Edmunds, Allen
44-49 Haden, Burns, Hilton, Sutton, Sensabaugh, Allen

50-53 Switzer/Henderson, Wile, Boswell

Surprise cuts: Conner (will never happen), Hunter (who knows), Matakevich (could happen), Chickillo (unlikely)

[fractalsteel]

Ridley and Dobbs both earned their way onto the final roster. Not sure that is how it will play out though.
Banner is interesting, I still think he needs to drop some weight.

If Andeniyi isn't on the final 53 then they are idiots. I can see about twenty threads blowing up about that if #92 isn't a Steeler. Some team is going to scoop him up if cut, and quickly.

I hope we have seen the last of Matakevich.

[Stosh-67]

Do not recall the last time we had a handful of vets on the bubble with young guys and or pleasant surprises pushing to take their roster spots.

Will this be the year Tomlin goes with upside and potential over safe and familiar. Tomlin loves these trusted back-ups. His guys. Guys that know the playbook. Are excellent team mates, great at OTA's, camp guys, try hard, max effort. But these are typically guys that are not NFL starter caliper. And if they are not ST's players, they are tuff to justify giving a roster spot to.

Landry Jones
Dobbs
Chickillo
Dirty Red
LJ Fort
Jordan Berry
Hunter
Patterson
Senabaugh
Big Dan
Hooks
Fitz Tous
Ridley
Banner...

Landry.
He is the trusted vet. 6th year as a back-up. Knows the playbook better than every last man on the 53.
Cannot see Tomlin going into the season without a back-up that has at least one single NFL snap under his belt.
Landrys wife was a teammate with Bens sister in college. Stupit shit that weighs in decision making in the Steeler family.
He will be 30 before the 2019 NFL draft.
Trade him for a 5th - 7th.
Roll with the kids.

Dobbs
He has come a long way since he could not hit the side of a barn and or make incredibly bad decisions.
He looked like a NFL back-up QB last night. Yes, maybe not a starting NFL player on defense for the Panthers,
But, how many starters was Dobbs playing behind and with last night.
We have seen Landry in this same situation the last few years or more. Playing the last pre-season game with a bunch of back-ups. And it was brutal to watch.
At least Dobbs looked collected and composed.
The biggest difference, is his feet and speed. Landry is a statue. Dobbs can make things happen outside the pocket.
I think the PS can put together a game plan to get thru a game or two with either of the 2 young kids, if Ben gets dinged.
If Ben goes down hard and long, the PS are not getting very far with any of them...............Landry, Dobbs or Mason. So why keep Landry.
Free up the big salary and grab a draft pick. - Trade Landry.

Chickillo
Maybe the most disappointed in this guy. Had a handful of sacks last year. ST's and decent depth.
Just disappeared this camp and pre-season. Can not keep this guy and cut potentially better players like Ola and Adams.
Ola has shown more than enough. Hope the hammy was just a precaution and they saw enough to let Huggenin finish the game.
Adams shows potential, but thought he would show more last night against back-ups. He may be practice squad, but he was close to the QB on more than a few occasions, pressured the pocket, forced a few scrambles and showed a nice spin move to get in the QB face to force a quick throw. I keep him over Fort or Chick if it came down to that.

Dirty Red
A day late, a dollar short anytime he is on the field on defense. And that is vs. back-up NFL players in pre-season.
Saw enough in 2 years that confirms he should not be a guy that will see the field if a starter gets hurt.
And tuff to keep ST only with no potential starting qualities down the road.
Great ST players should be eventual starters.

LJ Fort
Similar to Red. Maybe Red is a better ST player, but I would feel a little better with Fort as an emergency fill in at ILB.
If I had to choose one or the other for a roster spot, it would be Fort. But I think Tomlin would go with Red.
Thomas has pushed both Fort and Red down the depth chart and on the steep edge of 53.

Berry
Inconsistent to say the least. If the kid is a better punter, we could live with the occasion bad punt and take the salary savings.
Big question is Boz has been so good with Berry catching and holding. How big is that in the overall equation.

Hunter
He runs one route. He runs it well.
He does not play ST's. He is tall, but a buck ninety five wet. Which is why he is a tuff target anywhere in traffic or middle of field. See last weeks INT.
Just do not see any kind of developed route tree for a guy that's been around half a dozen years. Just not smooth.
Game day inactive? DHB and Hunter as your 4 and 5 means one of those two can see a lot of action this year. You need 5 to 6 WR's to get thru a season.
I go with Patterson over Hunter.

Patterson
Pretty good route tree. Better route runner than Hunter. An NGL WR needs to be able to run an 8 to 10 yard out at the sidelines. A quick slant. A quick little curl.
He does all of that better than Hunter. Younger and cheaper with better long term potential.

Senabaugh
Can not give him a roster spot of Brian Allen. Can not give him a roster spot over either Allen for that matter.
Saving grace for him is that its a passing league, CB depth and ST play. He probably makes the team as the PS keep all three mentioned above.
Marcus and Brian Allen were all over the field last night.

Big Dan
Hoping coaching change meant a Big Dan change. Showed great push and pocket pressure. No other better way to pressure Brady, Brees, Rodgers, etc. than by dumping their centers in their laps or landing at their knees and ACL's. Why not an even split of play time between him and Hargrave. Maybe more Dan equals better run defense. Maybe more Dan means less double teams for Tuit and Cam.

Hooks
Has showed a great motor. Made plays. Hope to stash on practice squad. Would be a nice addition to 53 if someone gets dinged.

Fitz
Riddly over Fitz is a no brainer. The little Switz trade put a postage stamp on Fitz helmet. If not practice squad eligible, He is a phone call away.
Bell, Connor, Ridley, Samuels and Nix is as good of a RB stable as we have had in a long time.

Ridley
Smart and quicker than Fitz. Pass catching abilities, years with Shady give him a leg up over Fitz. No question.

Banner
Second coming of Villy. Big sum bitch with LT qualities. Nice find. Another nice surprise along with OLA and Thomas.
All I hear on sports talk is how hard it is these days to find offensive linemen and more importantly, OL depth.
Have to find a way to get him on the 53. Yes, a game day in-active, Yes, we always fear those last cuts and fear some other team will snap up our hidden gems.
This will be the year and player we lose. Keeping a Red, Chick, Fort, Sensabaugh or Fitz over this guy would be a mistake.

Tuff decisions. But there are right decisions.

[LakecrestSteeler]

I heard someone pontificating about the guys that come off injury or the guys that haven’t been practicing for an extended period for whatever reason, and when they return to a preseason game they have crazy “juice” in their legs or arms or whatever body part that gets taxed compared to the others that have been going through the grind of practice consistently.

I wonder if some of the picks or cuts mentioned above suffer from this “juice” bias. Unfortunately nobody is walking around with their energy and endurance level floating above their head in a blurb.

I tend to agree with most everything above, especially Conner and Matakevich, but wonder if we are seeing the fresher legs of flash in the pan prospects, but the coaches know what they have at week 8.

I would keep Matakevich and cut Conner. Matakevich pedigree is worth the gamble. I remember one Gerry O. who was about the same. Tyler is great depth and leadership and just has a nose for the football.

[jebrick]

Patterson will go on IR so they can store him.

I would keep LJ Fort over Dirty Red.

[Havoc]

Also, if I can get a pick, I trade Landry Jones without a second thought. Dobbs would be fine as a temporary QB, Rudolph might even be able to make a play or two if needed. I'm not afraid of them. Landry knows all the calls and the checks but he can't play.

Landry is about as pedestrian as it gets.

I have come around to the idea of trading Landry and rolling with the young qb's. That's what I would do.

We drafted Dobbs in the 4th knowing he was raw and needed developing... so then develop him. Dobbs, if he plays within himself, can help us win a couple games if Ben is out.

Early in the game last night...

We threw the football downfield. The OL had to hold their blocks longer making it more likely pass pro breaks down. Dobbs is at his best looking to throw downfield with the play breaking down, moving around and making things happen...

You cannot run an offense with Dobbs putting him consistently in the pocket expecting him to make timing throws on a dime. Not his game and most likely never will be. Roll outs, bootlegs, downfield routes with the play breaking down scrambling and using that monster arm on downfield throws... that's his game. If you run the offense that way and if he avoids the disaster throws... we can be ok with him backing up Ben.

[kev4heels]

Things I think, I think.

Conner will be on the 53. No question.

I like Ridley and would probably take him over Samuels right now.

Chickillo is JAG. I would keep Ola and Adams, but be scraping the waiver wire on Saturday to get a vet with
backup capability (John Simon maybe).

Dobbs will get traded IMO.

Matthew Thomas will be playing more and more as the season goes on.

Sensabaugh needs to be dangled for a 7th.

Switzer is the best return guy (not named Antonio Brown) that we have had in a while. Unfortunately, there won't be many holes to run through. You have to start wondering if it's coaching or scheme on the lack of kickoff returns over the last 5-7 years.

Berhe should be gone and Allen getting his spot. Berhe can't cover a dead cow. Allen isn't too much better. But he is young and hits like a truck.

[Scunge]

Sorry, but nobody earns a spot by playing well in the 4th preseason game. It makes for a nice line when people say it, type it, but come on it just is not realistic. The Steelers know what they have, what players they want to keep and this last game did not sway them one way or the other.

The fact that teams can have two players come back from the callback IR means that the roster may look a bit different, that teams may get creative.

For example, Grimble and that 3rd TE spot. They could very well have Grimble be put on IR to start the season and have Hodges be the 3rd TE. That may actually be for the best in that it will create competition and bring out the best in both players. I think Hodges has shown very well, a better blocker than I expected and he has the athleticism to be a threat in the passing game.

I have been very vocal in my desire to get rid of Landry Jones. Funny, we know that Ben is towards the end of his career, and the Steelers in back to back years spent a 4th and then a 3rd in QBs, and they BOTH showed well this preseason. They (the Steelers) shouldn't overthink this, regardless of whatever happens with Ben, an extension and he plays for 3-5 years, or he plays out these last two seasons and leaves, regardless of that, they have two young QBs in Rudolph and Dobbs that they can now just sit back and let them develop. These two QBs can compete against one another, push one another, help each other learn and develop. Why would the Steelers want to screw this golden opportunity up? Jones has to go, he is in the way of progress, of real development in finding Ben's heir.

I don't agree about Conner not being the clear #2, he has slimmed down and he is quicker, faster and last season he had no problem turning the corner and picking up longer runs. He also looked more comfortable catching the ball this preseason, and the physicality was more evident too. I love Samuels too but he still has much to prove. With Ridley I am not seeing it, I think he is just a JAG and I only see the Steelers keeping 3 RBs and 1 FB, Bell, Conner, Samuels and Nix. Easy enough to add a RB on the practice squad, no reason to waste a roster spot for another RB who is going to be deactivated each game.

I do think we may see some surprises at linebacker. That one year tender that Chick signed was $1.9 million and I know that I have talked about how Danny Smith loves Chick for special teams, but the Steelers may be tempted to cut him and recoup that $1.9 million.

There is still gold in them thar hills!! If they cut Chick they could free up $1.9 million, if they cut/trade Jones that is $1.9 million, Coty Sensabaugh cut would free up $1.4 million, Bey would be $1.2 million. Ridley is to make $790,000. LJ Fort is to make $705,000, Justin Hunter $695,000.

Yeah, the players that make the team for those cut would lessen the total amount freed up but still a great deal of money could be had. Do you want to pay Chick $1.9 million or instead go with Ola for $480,000? They could easily go with youth and save themselves probably some $3.5-4 million.

[Stosh-67]

Sorry, but nobody earns a spot by playing well in the 4th preseason game. It makes for a nice line when people say it, type it, but come on it just is not realistic. The Steelers know what they have, what players they want to keep and this last game did not sway them one way or the other.

The fact that teams can have two players come back from the callback IR means that the roster may look a bit different, that teams may get creative.

For example, Grimble and that 3rd TE spot. They could very well have Grimble be put on IR to start the season and have Hodges be the 3rd TE. That may actually be for the best in that it will create competition and bring out the best in both players. I think Hodges has shown very well, a better blocker than I expected and he has the athleticism to be a threat in the passing game.

I have been very vocal in my desire to get rid of Landry Jones. Funny, we know that Ben is towards the end of his career, and the Steelers in back to back years spent a 4th and then a 3rd in QBs, and they BOTH showed well this preseason. They (the Steelers) shouldn't overthink this, regardless of whatever happens with Ben, an extension and he plays for 3-5 years, or he plays out these last two seasons and leaves, regardless of that, they have two young QBs in Rudolph and Dobbs that they can now just sit back and let them develop. These two QBs can compete against one another, push one another, help each other learn and develop. Why would the Steelers want to screw this golden opportunity up? Jones has to go, he is in the way of progress, of real development in finding Ben's heir.

I don't agree about Conner not being the clear #2, he has slimmed down and he is quicker, faster and last season he had no problem turning the corner and picking up longer runs. He also looked more comfortable catching the ball this preseason, and the physicality was more evident too. I love Samuels too but he still has much to prove. With Ridley I am not seeing it, I think he is just a JAG and I only see the Steelers keeping 3 RBs and 1 FB, Bell, Conner, Samuels and Nix. Easy enough to add a RB on the practice squad, no reason to waste a roster spot for another RB who is going to be deactivated each game.

I do think we may see some surprises at linebacker. That one year tender that Chick signed was $1.9 million and I know that I have talked about how Danny Smith loves Chick for special teams, but the Steelers may be tempted to cut him and recoup that $1.9 million.

There is still gold in them thar hills!! If they cut Chick they could free up $1.9 million, if they cut/trade Jones that is $1.9 million, Coty Sensabaugh cut would free up $1.4 million, Bey would be $1.2 million. Ridley is to make $790,000. LJ Fort is to make $705,000, Justin Hunter $695,000.

Yeah, the players that make the team for those cut would lessen the total amount freed up but still a great deal of money could be had. Do you want to pay Chick $1.9 million or instead go with Ola for $480,000? They could easily go with youth and save themselves probably some $3.5-4 million.

Good point on keeping 4 RBs and a FB.
Keeping 4 RBs would certainly mean 1 of those guys is a game day inactive.
Knowing Tomlins one back heavy and that the #2 guy barely sees 6-10 snaps.
hence #3 only has a chance to see the field in a blow out............ and we do not fancy blow -ups.

Yes, Connor was faster to the edges than Bell last year. And he is in better shape this year.
Much smoother catching balls this year. Blitz pick up will improve.
He is not getting cut over Ridley, Fitz or Samuels

I too would go the route of saving money on Chick and Sensabaugh.
No way Tomlin parts with DHB.
Hunter yes, but can not see hime parting with both DHB AND Hunter.

And if they save $3-4 million and do not use it during the season, I believe there is that carry over salary into 2019.

[LakecrestSteeler]

I’d keep Hodges for sure; maybe he can break the TE injury curse that won’t let go of this crew it would seem.

Why are Grimble and McDonald constantly injured. Isn’t a bird in the hand worth more than 2 in the bush? At some point you have to cut your losses. They do show sparkle when they are on the field, but they are never on the damn field.

[Havoc]

Switzer is the best return guy (not named Antonio Brown) that we have had in a while. Unfortunately, there won't be many holes to run through. You have to start wondering if it's coaching or scheme on the lack of kickoff returns over the last 5-7 years.
.

I don't know if Switzer has enough top end speed to be a dangerous returner. That in space quickness will be entertaining at times though. And he might end up useful as a slot wr.

[Pabst]

I’d keep Hodges for sure; maybe he can break the TE injury curse that won’t let go of this crew it would seem.

Why are Grimble and McDonald constantly injured. Isn’t a bird in the hand worth more than 2 in the bush? At some point you have to cut your losses. They do show sparkle when they are on the field, but they are never on the damn field.

Did Grimble ever miss time prior to this year with injuries? He was just the #3 guy and an occasional healthy scratch.

[Steelafan77]

I haven't seen enough of Henderson returning but If I had to pick between Henderson and Switzer, I'm going with the Switzer guy. Seemed like Henderson was easily brought down at first contact. Perhaps his size?

Banner has to get a roster spot. Or he's gone. Some team will see him on film coming in as a late addition to the Steelers OLine and performing like he's been there all along. He certainly out played Okorafor at LT. That said Okorafor did really well at RT last night.

They have to find a way to keep Bucky Hodges. He has been outstanding as another late addition to this squad. IMHO he confirmed his spot last night by trucking over the defender after Jones made the catch by the sidelines. Of course getting behind the defense before that and making to the 2 yard line also helps.

I've said it from the start of preseason. Ridley over Toussaint. Ridley's injury didn't help his chances any and he still came out last night and proved why he needs to play on this team over Toussaint. Franklin deserves to see the Practice Squad. Dude was beasting on 3rd/4th tier players last night, which is what should be expected from better talent.

Tevin Jones had some good plays last night as did Hunter. Even saw Griffey and Henderson get in on some pass catching. I'm not completely sold on Hunter but as the bottom of the depth chart of WR goes Hunter is the best option for what talent remains. Patterson is practice squaded with perhaps Jones/Griffey.

DLine looked really good in some plays and shit the bed in other. Still having issue with stopping the run. Hooks is my 7th DLineman. Hooks confirmed himself as a player who can come in and contribute. I agree his fate is in the numbers portion of the business. Will they keep 7 DLine? Not likely.

The secondary is already set IMHO. B. Allen confirmed his spot. Although he's bit rough around the edges still he was able to earn himself a roster spot IMO. The safety corps is much like the ILB corps. Unimpressive and maybe even a little alarming. That said, "gun to my head" I take M. Allen over Berhe. Both play about the same. Both try to mangle guys on the tackle. Unfortunately for Allen he mangled his own teammate Golden. The difference between Allen and Berhe is age. Berhe is older and likely maxxed out. Allen is still young and has untapped potential ahead of him. M. Allen still has some refinement to accomplish. Allen >Berhe.

ILB. Holy shit is the middle of this Steelers defense up for grabs and suspect. It is alarming to me. Bostic is a bum stealing a paycheck IMHO. VWill is about the best refined talent on the roster they have. Which should have all Steeler nation alarmed. VWill is very limited but effective in certain duties. Matakevich is nothing more than ST's material. Fort had his opportunity to prove he was capable but instead proved he's maxxed out and limited. IMO both are the same player. No need to keep twins in a numbers game. One of them is gone. Thomas is everyone's darling and with the understanding of the talent[less] ILB corps I see why. Thomas has a long way to go. That said, I find him a spot and refine his talent. Perhaps the heir apparent to VWill. That's it. I saw Galambos play in the end last night but that's all he's played. Not enough to make the roster. Perhaps another season on practice squad. I think the Steelers sc out the trash heap after cuts and look for vet ILB talent.

Pass rush is still an enigma to me as well. Watt not taking a single preseason snap is quite alarming to me. Dupree is who we think he is. Ola and Keion are as advertised. They both deserve to see the 53 roster. Both had great games and both played up to 'the standard'. It's gonna be tricky due to the numbers game. Hopefully they are both retained.

QB, is tough. How ever they can I cut my losses with Jones and keep the youngsters but we all know that's not how the Steelers do business. If they don't hold onto 4 QB's Dobbs is the odd man out. Some team will be greatly appreciative.

I definitely agree with Wile over Berry. That said, again that's not how the Steelers do business. Berry is likely the winner of that very close competition. Wile will make another team very happy.



If I'm calling the shots....

Quarterback (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph

Running back (4): Le’Veon Bell, James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Stevan Ridley

Full Back (1) Roosevelt Nix

Wide receivers (5): Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter

Tight end (3): Vance McDonald, Jesse James, Bucky Hodges

Offensive line (9): Alejandro Villanueva, Marcus Gilbert, Ramon Foster, David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler, Chukes Okorafor, Zach Banner

Defensive line (6): Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, L.T. Walton, Daniel McCullers

Outside linebacker (4): Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, Ola Adeniyi, Keion Adams

Inside linebacker (4): Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, L.J. Fort, Matthew Thomas

Cornerbacks (6): Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Coty Sensabaugh, Brian Allen

Safety (4): Morgan Burnett, Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Marcus Allen

Specialists (4): Chris Boswell, Matt Wile, Kameron Canaday, Ryan Switzer

[DP39]

Sorry, but nobody earns a spot by playing well in the 4th preseason game. It makes for a nice line when people say it, type it, but come on it just is not realistic. The Steelers know what they have, what players they want to keep and this last game did not sway them one way or the other.

The fact that teams can have two players come back from the callback IR means that the roster may look a bit different, that teams may get creative.

For example, Grimble and that 3rd TE spot. They could very well have Grimble be put on IR to start the season and have Hodges be the 3rd TE. That may actually be for the best in that it will create competition and bring out the best in both players. I think Hodges has shown very well, a better blocker than I expected and he has the athleticism to be a threat in the passing game.

I have been very vocal in my desire to get rid of Landry Jones. Funny, we know that Ben is towards the end of his career, and the Steelers in back to back years spent a 4th and then a 3rd in QBs, and they BOTH showed well this preseason. They (the Steelers) shouldn't overthink this, regardless of whatever happens with Ben, an extension and he plays for 3-5 years, or he plays out these last two seasons and leaves, regardless of that, they have two young QBs in Rudolph and Dobbs that they can now just sit back and let them develop. These two QBs can compete against one another, push one another, help each other learn and develop. Why would the Steelers want to screw this golden opportunity up? Jones has to go, he is in the way of progress, of real development in finding Ben's heir.

I don't agree about Conner not being the clear #2, he has slimmed down and he is quicker, faster and last season he had no problem turning the corner and picking up longer runs. He also looked more comfortable catching the ball this preseason, and the physicality was more evident too. I love Samuels too but he still has much to prove. With Ridley I am not seeing it, I think he is just a JAG and I only see the Steelers keeping 3 RBs and 1 FB, Bell, Conner, Samuels and Nix. Easy enough to add a RB on the practice squad, no reason to waste a roster spot for another RB who is going to be deactivated each game.

I do think we may see some surprises at linebacker. That one year tender that Chick signed was $1.9 million and I know that I have talked about how Danny Smith loves Chick for special teams, but the Steelers may be tempted to cut him and recoup that $1.9 million.

There is still gold in them thar hills!! If they cut Chick they could free up $1.9 million, if they cut/trade Jones that is $1.9 million, Coty Sensabaugh cut would free up $1.4 million, Bey would be $1.2 million. Ridley is to make $790,000. LJ Fort is to make $705,000, Justin Hunter $695,000.

Yeah, the players that make the team for those cut would lessen the total amount freed up but still a great deal of money could be had. Do you want to pay Chick $1.9 million or instead go with Ola for $480,000? They could easily go with youth and save themselves probably some $3.5-4 million.

Scunge, I had been thinking about your salary savings points lately, as well. Laundry, Chick and Berry equal $5.7M in cap savings and the players behind them are basically just as good if not better. That money could go towards signing one or two better players, or carried over to next year (I think). Use that money toward signing Ben to a 3 year extension or something. I still say trade Bell (after he signs) to OAK for Mack and CWIII. Use the extra $5.7M to add to Bell's $14.5M and sign Mack long-term. Takes Bud's place this year and moving forward. If Bud balls out, tackle that situation next year. If he shows what he probably is - a great athlete, but not a great football player or very smart - then you sign him as a cheap back up if he wants to stay here. Boom, your OLB room is crazy good and your RB room is still good and promising. Again, I know I'm dreaming, but I would do it if I was GM.

[955876]

Tomlin has always struggled composing the back-end of the roster.

I don’t expect this season to be any different.

There will be a cut or two where the player he chose to keep is a zero upside stiff.

[smithessmokin]

Like I said in another thread, toughest cut down day the Steelers have had in a long time. If it were me, this is how I would do my final 53 from a GM's perspective:

QB (3) -- Ben Roethlisberger, Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph
RB (5) -- Le'Veon Bell, James Conner, Stevan Ridley, Rosie Nix, Jaylen Samuels
WR (6) -- Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Hunter, James Washington, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Ryan Switzer
TE (3) -- Vance McDonald, Jesse James, Bucky Hodges
OL (9) -- Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert, B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler, Chuks Okorafor, Zach Banner
DL (6) -- Cameron Heyward, Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, Daniel McCullers, L.T. Walton
OLB (4) -- T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Keion Adams, Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
ILB (5) -- Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, Matthew Thomas, Tyler Matakevich, L.J. Fort
CB (5) -- Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Brian Allen
S (4) -- Sean Davis, Morgan Burnett, Terrell Edmunds, Marcus Allen
ST (3) -- Chris Boswell, Matt Wile, Kameron Canaday

PUP:
WR Eli Rogers

Practice Squad:
RB Jarvion Franklin
WR Damoun Patterson
TE Pharoah McKever
OT Jake Rodgers
OT RJ Prince
DL Lavon Hooks
DL Greg Gilmore
LB Farringtion Huguenin
LB Matt Galambos
SAF Malik Golden
TE Christian Scotland-Williamson(exempt)

[Steelafan77]

I would love to see Heyward-Bey gone. With the extreme depth of talent in this roster Heyward-Bey should be gone. His roster spot could go anywhere on this team and improve that position. Just on WR/ST's you can add another tackle/coverage player in Griffey/Jones. Keep an extra safety like Berhe. Hold onto 7 DLine and put Hooks on the 53. Keep 4 QB's. To me Heyward-Bey has outlived his use in Pittsburgh and needs to be released if only to allow some young player to develop his craft.

[alancac98]

Tomlin has always struggled composing the back-end of the roster.

I don’t expect this season to be any different.

There will be a cut or two where the player he chose to keep is a zero upside stiff.

Yep, I often wonder what ever happened to keeping the best players or perhaps the player with the better upside, all things being equal. I guess that's my world and not Tomlin's (but I don't live in my fears like he does).

[Havoc]

I hope Patterson makes the practice squad

[Steelafan77]

So apparently why Washington was held out last night was due to an oblique injury...

Hunter took advantage of the absence of James Washington, who was out with an oblique injury. Targeted four times, Hunter had three catches for 72 yards in the first half. https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/14 ... son-finale

[Steelafan77]

Practice Squad Players
RB Jarvion Franklin
DE Lavon Hooks
OLB Farrington Huguenin
WR Tevin Jones
TE Pharoah McKever
DB Malik Reaves
OL R.J. Prince
DL Casey Sayles
DB Jamar Summers
OL Chris Schleuger

IR
Xavier Grimble
Jerald Hawkins
Joseph Cheek
Trey Johnson
Ryan Malleck
Jake McGee
Damoun Patterson
Keith Kelsey
Malik Golden

Active/Physically Unable to Perform
Eli Rogers

[kev4heels]

Switzer is the best return guy (not named Antonio Brown) that we have had in a while. Unfortunately, there won't be many holes to run through. You have to start wondering if it's coaching or scheme on the lack of kickoff returns over the last 5-7 years.
.

I don't know if Switzer has enough top end speed to be a dangerous returner. That in space quickness will be entertaining at times though. And he might end up useful as a slot wr.

AGreed. He is quick, but doesn't have break away speed.
Although, he did take 7 TDs back on punts at UNC.
If nothing else, he will get yardage that others have not been able to. That is, if our guys can open a semblance of a hole for him.

[kev4heels]

While I think Adams and Ola deserve to be the two backups at OLB, I don't see Tomllin getting rid of Chickillo since he has experience.
I would look to bring in someone this weekend with a decent backup pedigree at OLB.
Unless the injury to Ola is significant, he makes the team. Adams can go to the practice squad if he is still eligible.

[Kodiak]

Unless PIT plans to invest $2M a year into making Jones their 3rd string QB, he HAS to go.

Let's assume Rudolph passes Jones on the depth chart next season, if not sooner. Are you really going to pay that coin to a 3rd string QB? Is said QB even going to want to re-sign with you?

Which means if Dobbs is the guy you move, then you're looking for a #3 QB next year. You gain nothing from that deal, using ANOTHER mid-round pick for a developmental QB.....for, what an R6/R7 pick that's probably a waste anyway?

Someone else posted the right/tough choices saves PIT over $5M in cap. That's nothing to sneeze at. Pissing away money like that is a big reason we never have the coin to be a player for top FA's.

[steelclan]

While I think Adams and Ola deserve to be the two backups at OLB, I don't see Tomllin getting rid of Chickillo since he has experience.
I would look to bring in someone this weekend with a decent backup pedigree at OLB.
Unless the injury to Ola is significant, he makes the team. Adams can go to the practice squad if he is still eligible.

I know folks hate this but it comes down to STs and Chickillo is better than both Adams and Ola in that department. I'd rather move on from him as well but I understand why likely Adams will go to the Practice Squad.

BTW to all those saying Tomlin often screws up the back end of the roster, ok, cool please provide us a list of all the young players that got cut that flourished elsewhere. If not then what exactly are you basing this on?

[KCSteeler]

Switzer is the best return guy (not named Antonio Brown) that we have had in a while. Unfortunately, there won't be many holes to run through. You have to start wondering if it's coaching or scheme on the lack of kickoff returns over the last 5-7 years.
.

I don't know if Switzer has enough top end speed to be a dangerous returner. That in space quickness will be entertaining at times though. And he might end up useful as a slot wr.

AGreed. He is quick, but doesn't have break away speed.
Although, he did take 7 TDs back on punts at UNC.
If nothing else, he will get yardage that others have not been able to. That is, if our guys can open a semblance of a hole for him.

Plenty of speed there for me.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss ... -return-TD