Pittsburgh Steelers: Who Should Be Their Top Free Agent or Draft Day Target?

[Bayz101]

If the Chargers don't take Barron in round one, we'll get him. If not:

Round 1. Dont'a Hightower LB
Round 2. Alameda Ta'amu NT

[Rick5895]

I believe we have immediate needs at NT and OG. Although Hightower available at that pick might be too tempting to pass on.

[Bayz101]

Originally Posted by Rick5895

I believe we have immediate needs at NT and OG. Although Hightower available at that pick might be too tempting to pass on.

I agree 100%. And with our tendency to go for the BPA, it'll be interesting to see who we go for.

[ricardisimo]

Honestly, I would be pleased if we drafted two guards in the first two rounds (especially if someone like that Osemele kid dropped in the second), and then pretty much not even think about the line for several years.

Colbert has never drafted defense in consecutive years (with regards to the 1st round, that is). I don't think that's random. I really don't think the league's #1 D is going to take an ILB or NT this year (nor a safety, Bayz). I think the league's #21 scoring offense is going to take O-linemen early and often.

[Bayz101]

Originally Posted by ricardisimo

Honestly, I would be pleased if we drafted two guards in the first two rounds (especially if someone like that Osemele kid dropped in the second), and then pretty much not even think about the line for several years.

Colbert has never drafted defense in consecutive years (with regards to the 1st round, that is). I don't think that's random. I really don't think the league's #1 D is going to take an ILB or NT this year (nor a safety, Bayz). I think the league's #21 scoring offense is going to take O-linemen early and often.

I let my hopes get the better of me. We're probably going to be improving the line, as you said, and we'll address it often throughout the draft. But damn, have you seen Barron???

Troy part two

[MDSteel15]

Anyone have any contacts? Maybe we can pull a "Dan Marino" hoax and put the word out that Burfict got in some more trouble and catch him our 2nd rd pick!!! Then sign a LG/LT to help Ben stay upright a little longer, draft Alameda Ta'amu in the 1st, then trade for an early 2nd rounder to get Nate Potter, then get Burfict!

[ItalianSteelersFan178443]

Originally Posted by pete74

2012 NFL Draft

In the first round the Steelers should go youth on defense. Mark Barron, the safety out of Alabama. Dont'a Hightower could be another great option in the first round, he seems to be NFL-ready. The Steelers could clear up some cap space by releasing one of their "older" interior linebackers to make room for Hightower on the field.

In the later rounds of the Draft look for the Steelers to go for CB, OL, DL or RB. Some valuable options at these positions are Alameda Ta'amu, Brandon Boykin, a CB out of Georgia. Tony Bergstorm, OT out of Utah. Jamell Flemming, CB out of Oklahoma. Ronnie Hillman, RB out of San Diego State. Would all be solid selections for Pittsburgh this April.

2012 Free Agency

The biggest need for the Pittsburgh Steelers going into the offseason is one of the most important positions on the field, left tackle.Demetrius Bell is an option. Bell is currently with the Buffalo Bills but may very well be a free agent.

A sure way to get younger on defense and tighten up the secondary would be to go after CB Brandon Carr from the Chiefs. He has been great at times but below average at times as well.

The Steelers have some work to do this offseason clearing cap, drafting, releasing, and signing free agents. The organization is one of the finest in the league and the Steeler nation should not lose any sleep over the team's problems. They always find a way to compete and pull out the best in each of their players. Look for these Pittsburgh Steelers to still be at the top in 2012.

I like Mark Barron a lot, but I still don't think that our first pick this season should be used on a SS who be limited to playing time just because Tomlin usually does not play rookies as much. Our first pick should be used on a NT or OL because those are the two positions on the team right now where a rookie could start right away and make an impact. But I definitely would not complain with us taking Barron with the first pick. Ta'Amu in the second round would be a great pick because lately he has been slipping down draft boards, but with a great Senior Bowl he rocketed himself back up in the 2nd RD. He can compete right away for the starting NT job because I do think that Hampton's days in Pitt are over and that they may sign a cheap veteran NT because they desperately need one. Boykin would also be a great pick because he is so dynamic, not only is he an above average cover CB, but he is a great return man and he will just add depth the return position, he also can play a little WR too. I do not know much on Bergstrom but he is an OT and we need that position anyway. Jamell Fleming is sky rocketing up draft boards and he may not even be available in any of the rounds we would want to take him. He had a great year at OU and may go in the 2nd RD. I do not think they will even look to draft a RB just because Mendenhall looks to miss just a couple weeks of the season and seeing how Redman did in the 3 games he started they really like him and want him to be the temp. starter. We also have Batch and he was easily going to get carriers before he tore his ACL. Dwyer and Clay will fight for the last spot and after that we should be set with RB's.

D. Bell will not hit FA, Buffalo has already said they want to keep him at LT. And there is no way Rooney will give Carr the money he is deserved. Carr has had a great career so far and he is one of the best cover CB in the game right now. I really think the only action we will see from FA is signing veterans to min. contracts just to fill the depth chart. We have a great team already we just need to get more depth and a better DL/OL

[fujirama24]

You guys can forget about free agents this year it aint going to happen. I have us cutting Hampton, Kemo, Foote, A. Smith, B. Mcfadden, and will allen and restructuring hines and guranteeing woodley and timmons roster bonuses and we are only 1 mil under the cap and we still have to sign are free agents and draft picks. When rooney said we had to make some tough choices he isn't kidding. I think other players that might be cut or restructured are J.Scott, A. Battle, J. Farrior. And that would only save us about another 6 mil.

[Rick5895]

Originally Posted by MDSteel15

Anyone have any contacts? Maybe we can pull a "Dan Marino" hoax and put the word out that Burfict got in some more trouble and catch him our 2nd rd pick!!! Then sign a LG/LT to help Ben stay upright a little longer, draft Alameda Ta'amu in the 1st, then trade for an early 2nd rounder to get Nate Potter, then get Burfict!

Burfict is said to be difficult to coach, who knows. I was on a draft site (walter camp ithink)today that had us taking Hightower in round 1 and Ta'amu in the 2nd.

[ItalianSteelersFan178443]

Originally Posted by fujirama24

You guys can forget about free agents this year it aint going to happen. I have us cutting Hampton, Kemo, Foote, A. Smith, B. Mcfadden, and will allen and restructuring hines and guranteeing woodley and timmons roster bonuses and we are only 1 mil under the cap and we still have to sign are free agents and draft picks. When rooney said we had to make some tough choices he isn't kidding. I think other players that might be cut or restructured are J.Scott, A. Battle, J. Farrior. And that would only save us about another 6 mil.

I definitely see all of those players getting cut, which would make our team better anyway. The loss of Foote would be the only significant one, but not having those other players on our team just makes us a better team. I also see us releasing A. Battle, but Tomlin already has said that he likes J. Scott's effort and his versatility, he sucks terribly, but I get why he would want to keep him. James Farrior really wants to be back next season and I really think he will take a significant pay cut as well.

This team will look very different next season, but I really think this team will be able to compete for the SB. Our team will much healthier and much younger as well.