There’s never an off-season in the NFL. From the opening game, to the playoffs, to the Super Bowl, to free agency and then the NFL Draft, there’s always something happening.
With the NFL Draft just a few weeks away, we opened up our Steelers mailbag to take your questions about the upcoming event and more.
“How are we (Steelers) going to fill all the gaps in roster with only draft picks and no cap room?”– Steven Stull, Atlanta, Ga.
For what it is worth, the cap situation is not as bad as some might think. With the retirement of Troy Polamalu, the Steelers head into the draft with just under $10 million in cap space. The projected cost of signing their draft picks will likely drop that total down below $5 million. Not optimal, I understand, but not a dire cap situation by any stretch.
The Steelers have always looked at the draft as the way to build a roster, and I don’t expect that philosophy to change any time soon. Re-signing James Harrison, Will Allen, Matt Spaeth and Arthur Moats is classic Pittsburgh Steelers — preferring to stick with what they know and trust over looking outside the organization to find often overpriced veterans who might not fit.
Lastly, let’s face it, some of the gaps you might be referring to are expected to be filled by recent Steeler draft picks such as Jarvis Jones, Shamarko Thomas, Ryan Shazier, Martavis Bryant and Stephon Tuitt. The expectation is they will thrive this year, and will be joined by a number of 2015 draft picks that might contribute immediately.
“Who would you take… Marcus Peters, Alvin Dupree, Jalen Collins or Kevin Johnson if at pick No. 22 and why?”–Brian Soltis, Port Vue, Pa.
Tough call, Brian. It probably would be Johnson if this is the group to pick from. He is the safest pick among the choices, and is most prepared to come in and play at a position of need. Johnson is a no-frills cornerback that fits the Steelers coverage schemes very well. He had a solid four-year career at Wake Forest, three as a starter.
Though it’s tempting to take the ultra-athletic Dupree with this pick, watching film on him makes me worry about how productive he will be in the NFL, as he took off a lot of plays. That’s a major red flag in my eyes. Honestly, I don’t love any of these options at No. 22, and would probably look elsewhere if I had the choice.
“When are we (Steelers) going to address a contingency plan at the QB position? We have Ben for awhile, and that’s awesome, but who’s up next to carry the legacy he has built at that position?”–Wendy Tronka
Fantastic question, Wendy, and one that I discussed earlier this year for PSN. It’s a tough situation for the Steelers. Bruce Gradkowski is a journeyman who has done very little over his career to make anyone think he can help the team win if Ben is out for an extended period of time. Landry Jones has been a flop to this point, and probably goes into this season simply fighting for a roster spot with the recently signed Taj Boyd.
Even after signing Roethlisberger to a contract extension this offseason, it might be time to look for a young QB to groom for the future. The problem with doing that this year in the draft is two-fold. For one, the Steelers are probably looking to add players at other positions not only with their early picks, but with all eight of their selections. Two, this is not a great draft class for QB’s, and the chances of finding a player who can be a viable backup for Roethlisberger in the later rounds is unlikely.
It’s quite possible they hedge their bets for one more more season and then start looking at options when Gradkowski’s contract expires after the season.
“Will the Steelers bring Troy No. 43 in to be a coach/advisor to help the younger players?”–Bernie Krell, Monrovia, Ca.
I don’t know Bernie. Something tells me that Polamalu is going to do exactly what he said he was going to do, commit his time and energy to his wife and two young sons. He’s the consummate family man, and I get the distinct impression that the only thing he loves more than the game is being a husband and father. Maybe at some point though, he’d thrive doing anything he put his mind and focus into.
“Will we be drafting defensive players with every pick?”–Mat Marley
Unlikely, Mat. There’s no question the Steelers need to bolster the defense, but could also use running back depth along with potentially adding offensive line help at some point also. Tight end might be another area the Steelers look at, and don’t be shocked if they even try to add a wide receiver who can help with the return game.
