Steelers don't rule out drafting a QB in the 1st round

[zcoop]

We need a serviceable backup on the cheap. Batch and Leftwich ain't gonna be adequate. One or both of them has to go.

[harrison'samonster]

Originally Posted by zcoop

We need a serviceable backup on the cheap. Batch and Leftwich ain't gonna be adequate. One or both of them has to go.

I agree. I would prefer to keep Batch, because Lefty just can't stay healthy.

[kan_t]

Originally Posted by casteeler

I think the Steelers will get it right, they know they need a QB and they will get one

Doesn't mean that it must be from this year draft.

[DanRooney]

Tomlin's more of a problem than Ben. Ben isn't even a problem. Some of you guys have no clue.

[cowherpower]

I'm not surprised KC is thinking like this. It was pretty obvious they weren't happy with Ben's play and attitude and brought in a no nonsense, non friend in Haley who would hold him accountable. I had a feeling that once Ben started to revert to his old ways after he returned from his injury that a rift would develop and low and behold we see it now. Ben better get on board with Haley or this may be his last year here. Seems like Haley was just trying toget Ben to make quicker decisions, have a quicker release, and be more cerebral. Too bad Ben is not the brighest bulb in the sky and not equipped to play that way. Not a knock, Peyton can't run the option, doesn't make him bad, well, Ben can't read defenses and make anticipation type throws. It's why he always needs to hold on to the ball for so long and thrives once plays break down and he can then revert to his inate athletic ability and sometimes make magic happen. I truly believe Ben can stand to study a little more and be better prepared. Until then he will struggle under Haley unless he buys into it 100%.

[NSMaster56]

While this is not the weakest attempt at 'counter intelligence' ever, it's in the top 10%.

[casteeler]

Originally Posted by kan_t

Doesn't mean that it must be from this year draft.

As posted before the Steelers missed the boat last year when passing on Cousins a couple of times,ultimately the Steelers orginization will do what is best for the team(as they have done year after year) and Colbert said it best, it's silly to think the team will get better without changes.This might not be the best year to draft a QB but look at the way the Vikings fell apart when Joe Webb had to step in for Christian Ponder and the Steelers are currently in the same situation. First off any backup worth a sh*% currently in the NFL will demand big money(something the Steelers cannot afford).Secondly Batch most likley will retire and Leftwich needs to be coaching High School football not skipping passes into Recievers at Heinz field. So that leaves the draft,if the Steelers can make a trade(to move up)and pick up a desirable QB what's wrong with that? The fact is Ben will not be around 10-12 years due to injury and the Steelers orginization sees that so they must look foward and face the fact that the Steelers can survive with a mediocre backup LB but not a mediocre backup QB

[kan_t]

Originally Posted by casteeler

As posted before the Steelers missed the boat last year when passing on Cousins a couple of times,ultimately the Steelers orginization will do what is best for the team(as they have done year after year) and Colbert said it best, it's silly to think the team will get better without changes.This might not be the best year to draft a QB but look at the way the Vikings fell apart when Joe Webb had to step in for Christian Ponder and the Steelers are currently in the same situation. First off any backup worth a sh*% currently in the NFL will demand big money(something the Steelers cannot afford).Secondly Batch most likley will retire and Leftwich needs to be coaching High School football not skipping passes into Recievers at Heinz field. So that leaves the draft,if the Steelers can make a trade(to move up)and pick up a desirable QB what's wrong with that? The fact is Ben will not be around 10-12 years due to injury and the Steelers orginization sees that so they must look foward and face the fact that the Steelers can survive with a mediocre backup LB but not a mediocre backup QB

Joe Webb is also drafted by the Vikings. Again, if it's weak class of QB, the Steelers might likely just pick another Joe Webb. When only mediocre backup QBs available in the draft, picking one of them will not help the situation.

[teegre]

Originally Posted by kan_t

Joe Webb is also drafted by the Vikings. Again, if it's weak class of QB, the Steelers might likely just pick another Joe Webb. When only mediocre backup QBs available in the draft, picking one of them will not help the situation.

Like I mentioned, LAST year was the year to draft a very good back-up QB. This year, though, one can still get a back-up... just not a very good back-up.

Also, like I mentioned, these "R1" QBs would all have been R2 QBs last draft. But, if they don't go in R1, and are available in R2, they would still be decent (but not good) back-ups.

In my opinion, there are too many good defensive players available in R2 to go for a "decent" back-up. I'd prefer signing a free-agent (Ryan Lindley), and seeing who's available next draft. That said, I'd use a R7 pick on Alex Carder. Him & a free agent, while not great, would probably be an upgrade over Byron & Batch.

[steelfury02]

as much as I've been Ben bashing - I think he is capable of making quick decisions and releasing quickly. He has shown that he understands going through progressions and making some smart decisions and efficiently moving the chains.

Their performance against the Giants was undeniably Super Bowl quality type play - as it was the year before in a big win against the Patriots. Ben can become a QB that kills with efficiency just as much as extending the play. His willingness to do so? It isn't there right now - and that is where he must get better - this will be the difference in taking the next step in reading defenses and checking into more appropriate audibles. One of his weapons outside of Heath must become a leader and take more pressure off Ben for this to work though - he can't do it all on his own - and especially when health is also of concern - we have to keep Heath active in the passing game - this means not having to stay in and play as an extension of the O-line.

We need someone consistently productive - not take the league by storm great, but consistently moves the ball forward enough for teams to respect that it could keep happening to them. We need decisiveness at this position.

At the WR spot, we need a group of guys with sure hands above all else. Speed comes after you catch the ball. Worry about your job and moving the chains. It isn't called "RECEIVER" for nothing. If we valued speed over possessing, it would simply be called Wide Speedster. Decisiveness, Possession, and commitment to getting back to the basics can fix this. Some of this is in the attitudes of the complacent and those undeserving of wearing a Steelers uniform. I think some of those attitudes will be gone and we can get a fresh, nothing-to-lose start.