Hey Steelers fans. Welcome to Monday.
The Kickoff
“Steelers Projected to Take (creative phrasing that doesn’t name player) in Round One…” These headlines irritate me if for no other reason than they are 100% intended to get you to click regardless of whether the content is any good. Clicks are how most blogs earn money but I’ve never really believed in tricking the potential reader. Sure, I have some ambiguity from time to time but my goal is to provide you with information and opinion that hopefully gives you something to think about. I’m not getting rich off of this because that was never my intention when I started doing this almost 20 years ago. I like to discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s it. Nothing more. Tricking you into reading isn’t my intention, reading because you want to is what I’m going for.
Looking Ahead Podcasts…
Coming up this week we will focus strictly on the defensive side of the ball. That means we are looking at defenders we like and defenders we think are potential targets for the Steelers. The following week, we will look at the offensive players in the same way. With the first round of the draft on the same night as we typically do the show, we will be on for several hours discussing things and of course get into whoever the Steelers select. The next night we will also be live during rounds two and three as well. These are routinely some of our best and most entertaining shows of the year so check them out!
It Wouldn’t Surprise Me If…
The Steelers drafted a tackle on day one or two. We honestly have no clue about Broderick Jones’ health. Dylan Cook was admirable in his stead but there’s no way they can rely on him long term. In other words, keep an eye on those tackles who could slide down to 21. Ioane Vega, the Penn State guard, would be a no-brainer there as well.
D-Line
I think we all agree that the Steelers’ defensive line needs to add not just depth, but serious talent. Cameron Heyward cannot play forever. One question that I think we tend to overlook is what type of D-Lineman are they looking for in this draft? I ask this because this is no longer Mike Tomlin’s defense. Patrick Graham will have different qualities he’s looking for and that’s something we need to consider.
Mocking
I launched my first Mock Draft of the year last week. I approached this one as if the Steelers will hold onto all of their 12 selections. Version Two will be out later this week and the Final Version will come on Draft day.
Hello??? McFly????
I’m clearly dating myself but I loved the character of Biff in ‘Back to the Future.’ What a classic 1950’s bully he was… He would grab George McFly and knock on his head and say, “McFly???? Hellooooo, McFly????” I was thinking about this over the weekend because that’s where I feel we are with Aaron Rodgers. It’s like we are knocking and knocking on his door but we aren’t getting any answer. I swear we were told it wouldn’t be like this in 2026 but here we are. The fate of our team hangs on the wishes of a soon-to-be 43-year old QB.
I Have Concerns
Tom Brady is part of the Las Vegas Raiders’ franchise now yet he continues to call games for FOX. Troy Aikman is now part of the Miami Dolphins’ franchise yet he will still call games for ESPN. How are these things not conflicts of interest? In their roles as announcers, they sit down with coaches and players from the teams they will cover that week. They gain serious insight into many things. If I’m Denver for example, do I want to divulge ANYTHING to Tom Brady knowing he is tied to my rival within the division? Roger Goodell needs to put a stop to this in my opinion.
Random Reads
I hope Easter was nice where you were. 40 degrees does not make for a pleasant day outside. I can attest to that… UConn Women’s Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma looked ridiculous the other night. He was outcoached and his team was outplayed so rather than be classy in defeat he brought up a missed handshake that occurred two hours prior. I guarantee you if he had won that would have never been brought up. Bad look Coach… I just don’t see the Steelers taking a QB until day three. And that’s regardless of what Aaron Rodgers decides to do… I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a player rob two home runs in a game let alone three as an LA Angel did this weekend. That was crazy…
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