Thoughts on the Stillers Offseason Moves & The Draft

Thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers� off-season moves and draft     By Stilla Yinzer

 The more I look at the Steelers' recent draft, the more I like what I see.

The Steelers are now officially a ridiculously DEEP team at nearly every position.  I think it�s fair to say teams win championships.  Let�s look at each position one by one and compare the Steelers today vs. the Steelers one year ago.

Offense

QB: BETTER than one year ago

Ben, Charlie, & what may have been a steal of a pick for third string QB.  We are unquestionably better at this position than we were last year with the exit of Tommy Maddox alone.  When you factor in the added experience of Ben, we are better at QB than we have been in 20 years.  Rumor is that Ben has been working hard as he was extremely disappointed in his Superbowl performance.

RB:  BETTER than one year ago

We are deep here as well with 3 solid backs and another potential great draft pick in 7th round in a guy who fits our system.  Don't discount Duce as he may just be a sleeping giant.  A healthy Duce Staley is a step up from an aging Bus.  Considering Parker did not start in college, the experience he gained last year will pay huge dividends for the Steelers in 06.  As Willie�s vision and patience improve, he has the potential to have a breakout year in 06.  As for Haynes, he can do it all including special teams, every down of offense and even fullback.

FB:  No change from one year ago

Steady Dan Kreider returns.  Nothing too sexy to discuss here�

WR:  BETTER than one year ago

We are now DEEP and FAST.  There is no doubt we are better than we were last year and probably will be better 2 years from now than we were with "Don't disrespect me" Plaxico.  We lost Randel El�s arm but now Hines can finally be used in this role.  The Steelers had plays in the playbook last year that utilized his arm, but the plays were just never called.  Good for Randel El for becoming the most overpaid player in the NFL as we all wish the same for ourselves.

TE:  BETTER than one year ago

With the added experience of Heath, look for an increased role in the offense.  We re-signed a solid #2 TE in Tuman and add a 3rd TE in the draft for depth.

OL:  BETTER than one year ago

This may be the deepest we have been at this position in years.  The experience that Max Starks and Trai Essex gained last year will pay dividends this year.  We now may have 4 talented young backups added in the draft in the last 2 years.  If the rumors about Kimoeatu are true, Simmons better bring his A-game to camp this year as the nastiest guard may have sat the bench last season.  We are solid with every starter returning plus added depth and experience.

Defense

DL:  Very small step backwards from one year ago

We were super deep last year and that kept us fresh.  We are still deep with the addition of Orien Harris in the draft.  I have a friend whose mother taught Harris and his older brother in High School.  I am told he is a high character guy and an outstanding person.  He may have been another steal in the draft as he fits our system well and has versatility.  Long term we are better as we are now younger, but immediately we will miss Kimo as his play was solid.

OLB:  Same as one year ago

Find me 2 better backups than the Silverback and a hopefully heavier Frazier.  We move forward with the added experience of Harrison and Frazier.  We may move back a bit with Porter getting older.  I think it added up to a wash.

MLB:  Slightly worse than one year ago

We did nothing to upgrade this position in the off-season and Farrior may have his best years behind him physically.  This is possibly our only weak position in terms of depth.  Kriewaldt is an acceptable backup with absolutely no upside potential.  Wallace is unproven but at least he can improve.  Perhaps the coaching staff sees something in Rian Wallace I am unaware of given the lack of attention to this position in the draft.  I have my money on Harrison playing in the event of more serious injuries given his versatility and recent contract extension.  Look for an early pick here in next year's draft.

Corner:  BETTER than one year ago

We now have 4 corners capable of starting.  The experience that Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden picked up last year was priceless.  The re-signing of Deshea maintained the depth.  A team can never have enough corners as you end up playing 3 and 4 at a time in nickel and dime defenses and offenses are designed to attack the weak link.  This was one the team�s most improved positions last year with the emergence of Ike.  His combination of size and speed give him unlimited potential.  I felt his technique and tackling were exceptional last year.

Safety:  Same as one year ago

Troy is now approaching his prime years and full potential with added experience, comfort, and understanding of the defense.  Chris Hope had a simple role in the defense.  He was asked to tackle well, play center field in zone, and make the secondary calls.  The Steelers have 3 guys competing to replace an average Hope who created 4 turnovers in 2 years playing every down on defense.  There is some uncertainty here but I have to believe Hope can be replaced.  In addition there is now more depth with 2 new additions through free agency and the draft.  Both of these additions are guys who fit the role we ask of our free safety described above.

Kicker:  Same as one year ago

Jeff Reed is a gem.  A kicker got the patriots over the hump when they began their Superbowl dynasty.

Kick & punt return:  Same as one year ago

Randle El�s loss is limited to punt returns only and Willie Reid is supposed to the real deal in this department.  Time will tell if he can do what Randle El could do at the NFL level of play, but he has better straight ahead speed.  Santonio Holmes or Reid could be a step up on kickoff return in 06.

The offense is definitely better unit than it was one year ago.  We are probably about the same of defense.  I think the special teams could be improved due to added youth, speed, and depth.  With an early MLB draft next year, the Steelers could be set for 07 as well.  Every single starter with the exception of Ike Taylor is signed for the next 2 years!!!  Plus Ike indicates he wants to stay in Pittsburgh.  This means it is possible that next off-season is could be nothing but upgrades with holes left only through the possible retirement of Hartings.

Gob Bless the Pittsburgh Stillers!