I don't see Steelers on the Collins visit list

[RemoAZ]

And I ask why? He could come in here and be the favorite to start at LT from day one. He has to sign a very reasonable contract as an UFA too. This seems like a no brainer to me if he's cleared of all charges. It's like a free #1 pick. Damn Colbert. Go get this guy!

[RemoAZ]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2 ... ollins-ot/

Collins looks the safest pick of any offensive tackle in this draft and by a decent margin. He can get better against the run — and might need to add some strength to deal with the power of NFL pass rushers — but he looks like a pretty polished prospect who should slide in from Day 1 and represent an upgrade on an average tackle with the capacity to be so much more. Recent years haven’t seen many tackles take the league by storm, but Collins is the best bet in the 2015 draft class to do so.

We don't even have average imo!

[StillerInCT]

I don't think we'll take the risk. I'm almost confident enough to say I know we will not take the risk since it's not in our DNA. If they did somehow surprise me I'd be ecstatic because we can certainly upgrade our offensive line.

[Nick79]

I don't think we'll take the risk. I'm almost confident enough to say I know we will not take the risk since it's not in our DNA. If they did somehow surprise me I'd be ecstatic because we can certainly upgrade our offensive line.

It's not much of a risk is it? UFA, he won't cost very much if anything guaranteed, will he? Cutting him if he's involved in that murder won't cost anything will it? I could understand not wasting a high draft pick, but in this case, there is NO RISK. Unless they care about "appearances" or some stupid shit like that.

[StillerInCT]

I don't think we'll take the risk. I'm almost confident enough to say I know we will not take the risk since it's not in our DNA. If they did somehow surprise me I'd be ecstatic because we can certainly upgrade our offensive line.

It's not much of a risk is it? UFA, he won't cost very much if anything guaranteed, will he? Cutting him if he's involved in that murder won't cost anything will it? I could understand not wasting a high draft pick, but in this case, there is NO RISK. Unless they care about "appearances" or some stupid shit like that.

There's no incentive for him to sign a contract with no guarantees prior to getting a non-guilty verdict because 1 of 2 things will happen:

1.) Found not guilty then he's signed a contract without or with very little guarantees
2.) Found guilty then there is still has no guaranteed money coming his way

He's better off waiting until a verdict is handed out before signing. If he's not guilty there will be a bidding war with plenty of guaranteed money. If he's found guilty he's going to lose it all anyway. There's no risk in him waiting it out. And you know we'll get outbid for him when it comes to guaranteed money.

[tbsteel]

And I ask why? He could come in here and be the favorite to start at LT from day one.

Disagree.

Would love it if the Steelers went after him though.

[StillerInCT]

And I ask why? He could come in here and be the favorite to start at LT from day one.

Disagree.

Would love it if the Steelers went after him though.

Yeah I think Beachum has earned the LT spot. I could see Collins at LG though. Foster is really taking up the spot that can be upgraded.

[Nick79]

I don't think we'll take the risk. I'm almost confident enough to say I know we will not take the risk since it's not in our DNA. If they did somehow surprise me I'd be ecstatic because we can certainly upgrade our offensive line.

It's not much of a risk is it? UFA, he won't cost very much if anything guaranteed, will he? Cutting him if he's involved in that murder won't cost anything will it? I could understand not wasting a high draft pick, but in this case, there is NO RISK. Unless they care about "appearances" or some stupid shit like that.

There's no incentive for him to sign a contract with no guarantees prior to getting a non-guilty verdict because 1 of 2 things will happen:

1.) Found not guilty then he's signed a contract without or with very little guarantees
2.) Found guilty then there is still has no guaranteed money coming his way

He's better off waiting until a verdict is handed out before signing. If he's not guilty there will be a bidding war with plenty of guaranteed money. If he's found guilty he's going to lose it all anyway. There's no risk in him waiting it out. And you know we'll get outbid for him when it comes to guaranteed money.

That's true. But I wonder how long the investigation goes on? They could send him home now and then keep investigating him? Someone could sign him then new evidence pops up and he's busted. Who knows, if it drags into the football season, I guess it would still make sense to just sit out until you are cleared? And if he's fully cleared, he's like a total free agent and maybe get's paid more than the #1 pick if enough people want to bid, In that case, I could see not bidding on him, he's still a rookie and no guarantee he won't be a bust, and Steelers OL was much improved last year.

[Kodiak]

Is he not still a UDFA next year without a season of service? UDFA contracts have pretty strict guidelines. He's not getting any special outs or considerations in that deal.

I don't see his status in the murder changing - the chief already said no suspects can be eliminated until they've arrested someone. Until they have a solid lead - which they don't appear to and may never have - he will remain a person of interest.

My guess is they're working to get Goofwell to reconsider him for the supplemental draft. When more about his status is known (or not known), then everyone needs to move on, which should be sufficient time for the supplemental draft. The guy could be completely innocent - you can't keep a guy out of the league or take a huge hit to his wallet on some chance it's anything more than a terrible coincidence.

I'd get a PR agent and put a full-court press on how the NFL is punishing a victim of bizarre circumstance. And I'd demand to be entered in the supplemental or the 2016 draft to be made whole. That's assuming my client is innocent and I'm not going into my pocket for money I'll never recover.

[Thrillsseeker]

And I ask why? He could come in here and be the favorite to start at LT from day one. He has to sign a very reasonable contract as an UFA too. This seems like a no brainer to me if he's cleared of all charges. It's like a free #1 pick. Damn Colbert. Go get this guy!

This is why it won't happen. They won't take a chance on the "if".

I don't think we'll take the risk. I'm almost confident enough to say I know we will not take the risk since it's not in our DNA. If they did somehow surprise me I'd be ecstatic because we can certainly upgrade our offensive line.

It's not much of a risk is it? UFA, he won't cost very much if anything guaranteed, will he? Cutting him if he's involved in that murder won't cost anything will it? I could understand not wasting a high draft pick, but in this case, there is NO RISK. Unless they care about "appearances" or some stupid shit like that.

There's no incentive for him to sign a contract with no guarantees prior to getting a non-guilty verdict because 1 of 2 things will happen:

1.) Found not guilty then he's signed a contract without or with very little guarantees
2.) Found guilty then there is still has no guaranteed money coming his way

He's better off waiting until a verdict is handed out before signing. If he's not guilty there will be a bidding war with plenty of guaranteed money. If he's found guilty he's going to lose it all anyway. There's no risk in him waiting it out. And you know we'll get outbid for him when it comes to guaranteed money.

....and another reason.

[Legacy User]

He won't be getting much guaranteed money. Even if teams want to, they are limited to about 80k TOTAL to give to UDFA's. He's stuck with udfa pay, and stuck with a team until he becomes a UFA. As far as I understand.

[Stosh-67]

And I ask why? He could come in here and be the favorite to start at LT from day one.

Disagree.

Would love it if the Steelers went after him though.

Yeah I think Beachum has earned the LT spot. I could see Collins at LG though. Foster is really taking up the spot that can be upgraded.

He would have to set the Latrobe practice fields on fire.....to get the starting nod over Beachem.

Beach is one of Tomlins guys...........undersized, smart over-achievers.....who most likley practice and train hard. Training camp guy.
He stays healthy and has started for two years.......dont see KB not being the starting LT when we face the Brayless Cheatriots come September.

That being said...........sure, would love to bring him in. Get his feet wet. Spot start and he is either a candiate for LG in 2016.............Or for LT with Beach at LG.
And............is anybody comfortable with the options of replacing KB at LT with Gilbert or Adams...............if Beach gets banged up?...or for an extended period of time.

[Nick79]

He won't be getting much guaranteed money. Even if teams want to, they are limited to about 80k TOTAL to give to UDFA's. He's stuck with udfa pay, and stuck with a team until he becomes a UFA. As far as I understand.

If this is the case then the risks are really low. Meaning even if you gave all your UDFA money to him and had to cut him, you're only out $80K at most and he'll have to give all of that to his lawyer.

It could just be super bad luck for him. It's possible that somebody else killed his girlfriend and he knows nothing about yet, he get's screwed. Guilt by association.

[Legacy User]

He won't get 80k in signing bonus. UDFA minimum, plus whatever is left. That's why UDFA's sign so quickly, the pool of guaranteed bonus money is small.

Doesn't have to be a shot at LT.

Collins clearly wants to play tackle. Tell him he can compete with Gilbert for RT. Also leave it as a 3 way competition with Foster at LG. Best two play.

There should only be three spots written in stone here, Beachum at LT, Pouncey at C, and Decastro at RG.
And then Gilbert is almost guaranteed to be starting somewhere, RT, unless he would somehow get displaced by someone like Collins, then he would go to LG.

[DP39]

I wish the Steelers would make a serious push for him. They probably won't, but it won't come down to money because all teams for the most part are playing on an even field there. I say guarantee him all three years ($1.575M...chump change really) and guarantee him if he makes the Pro Bowl in his first two years at any position you will renegotiate his contract after the second year. What we should be offering him is a very real shot to win one of 3 starting positions (LT,LG,RT) this year. How many teams can say that. Our current LT is a 7th rounder, LG is a UFA and RT is 2nd rounder that could be upgraded. Hell, our Swing Tackle could be upgraded. If they are willing, the PS should have as good a shot as any team to land him.

Go get him....now!

[Legacy User]

Any team serious about getting him guarantees his 3 year udfa contract.

It really comes down to two things: His perception of ability to start, and to start at a preferred position.
The teams stability and his perception of their chances to win over the next 3-4 years.

Money is utterly irrelevant.

[Legacy User]

He would have to set the Latrobe practice fields on fire.....to get the starting nod over Beachem.

.

Don't give him any ideas. He might branch out into arson.

Oh man I wish this guy signed here. The murder jokes would be awesome.

[lifelongsteel]

I wish the Steelers would make a serious push for him. They probably won't, but it won't come down to money because all teams for the most part are playing on an even field there. I say guarantee him all three years ($1.575M...chump change really) and guarantee him if he makes the Pro Bowl in his first two years at any position you will renegotiate his contract after the second year. What we should be offering him is a very real shot to win one of 3 starting positions (LT,LG,RT) this year. How many teams can say that. Our current LT is a 7th rounder, LG is a UFA and RT is 2nd rounder that could be upgraded. Hell, our Swing Tackle could be upgraded. If they are willing, the PS should have as good a shot as any team to land him.

Go get him....now!

yes.

Collins is first round caliber guard. signing him is the equivalent of having 2 first round picks. Shit - pay him first round money.

If you have an issue with that think of it this way. Would we have turned down a comp first round pick because we were worried about cap ramifications?

[steelclan]

I love the notion he would be an instant upgrade over Beachum. Sure he would, of course the overwhelming evidence of rookie OTs excelling from day one recently arent to good but nevermind that! Collins is the exception to the rule!

[lifelongsteel]

I love the notion he would be an instant upgrade over Beachum. Sure he would, of course the overwhelming evidence of rookie OTs excelling from day one recently arent to good but nevermind that! Collins is the exception to the rule!

You are right. He's projected as a guard anyway. He would be a 2016 replacement for Foster.

[Legacy User]

Oh well.

He signed with the Cowboys.

[RemoAZ]

I guess I'm in the minority but I don't get the Beachum love. On his best day against lower level competition he's below average. Ben is getting slower and needs more protection. He can't make up for the shitty pass blocking like he used to. When he isn't getting the ball out quick, the offense sucks. There's no room for error. Of course they paid the shitty RT a bunch of money so it's no surprise to me. The amount of cap space that has been tied to below average OL in the last 10 years is staggering. The FO continues to have a blind spot when it comes to evaluating OL and it's because #7 has been able to make them look a lot better than they are. Not sure how many more rabbits he can pull out of the hat.

[Legacy User]

Actually one of the only advantages of being an UDFA is that you get to choose who you want to play for. I figure that it was going to be a 50/50 chance he went to Dallas or New Orleans

[955876]

I guess I'm in the minority but I don't get the Beachum love. On his best day against lower level competition he's below average. Ben is getting slower and needs more protection. He can't make up for the shitty pass blocking like he used to. When he isn't getting the ball out quick, the offense sucks. There's no room for error. Of course they paid the shitty RT a bunch of money so it's no surprise to me. The amount of cap space that has been tied to below average OL in the last 10 years is staggering. The FO continues to have a blind spot when it comes to evaluating OL and it's because #7 has been able to make them look a lot better than they are. Not sure how many more rabbits he can pull out of the hat.

Agree 100%. Beachum has played above expectations given he was a 7th rounder but to me he is simply the best of the worst. Adams is clumsy and slow footed and Gilbert to me is just a puss who isn't very good.

I'm hoping the lack of oline activity is a sign that MM likes what he has in house already and is expecting another jump in performance.

[Smashmouth21]

I'm hoping the lack of oline activity is a sign that MM likes what he has in house already and is expecting another jump in performance.

It appears that the FO believes in who it has in the trenches and has adopted the strategy that going all in on defense and getting Ben more weapons is the team's best shot at another title. Many have advocated this precise approach. Time will tell.