Good Monday to you Steelers fans.
The National Football League Combine is over for another year and now we come down from what was a record-setting event. The speed and athleticism on display was unrivaled in any other combine especially from the big guys who at 250 or over 300 pounds were running sub 5.0 forty yard dashes. I haven’t seen anything like that in all the years of I’ve watched the Combine. Now we move on to the Pro Days and the new league year which of course means free agency. Here are some of my observations from the Combine as they relate to our Steelers.
Quarterbacks… I still do not believe there is a quarterback worthy of first round selection. I have too many questions about all of them but that’s not to say there aren’t positives. Malik Willis has the best arm strength but has major accuracy issues. Kenny Pickett is experienced enough to start his first season but the lack of arm strength concerns me. Desmond Ridder is a really solid athlete with lots of experience but his intermediate throwing is all over the place. Sam Howell is a tough, seasoned kid but he takes a ton of punishment and will need time to learn how to read NFL defenses.
Other offensive Spots… Sign me up for offensive tackle Trevor Penning from Northern Iowa. His tape is actually more fun to watch. He gets after people and is also really good in run blocking and pass protection… I am 100% convinced the Steelers will grab a running back (Pierre Strong, Jr of South Dakota St for instance) in this draft and there are several who will be available on day 3… Skyy Moore, who played high school football in the WPIAL, probably made himself some money. The Western Michigan Bronco had a great Combine and probably won’t get out of the second round now…
On the Defensive Side… There are several intriguing linebacker prospects like Chad Muma, Troy Andersen or Quay Walker that could fall into the Steelers’ lap… The team also needs to add depth at OLB and there are several guys of note. Nik Bonitto of Oklahoma and Amare Barno of Va Tech really showed this weekend… As for safeties and corners, there are tons of guys available. Dax Hill would look great in Black and Gold and don’t be surprised if Maryland’s Nick Cross gets a look as well. Roger McCreary of Auburn could be an answer to the Steelers’ issue at nickel as could a small school kid named Decobie Durant. He plays nickel the way you think it should be played.
Tweet of the Day… And top of the morning to you sir!!
Top of the Morning! pic.twitter.com/1Cq5nOZcnH
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) March 7, 2022
On the Above…
Joe Haden was one of Kevin Colbert’s top signings during his time as GM and despite the love we all have for Haden I believe his time is past. Could you bring him back on a one-year deal? Yeah I think so but I’m not sure he would want to do that. There’s a lot of things he can still do well but he’s also lost a step too and is getting beat deep more often. His fate this offseason will be interesting.
Center of Attention
There has been growing speculation this week about the Steelers being interested in Tampa Bay center Ryan Jensen. The biggest issue here will be cost. At 31, how much will the Steelers want to invest in him? Granted, he brings toughness, experience and the type of leadership this offensive line sorely needs. What we don’t know is what the Steelers’ plan for the position really is and we probably won’t for some time to come.
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