Wilson gone, what to do now?

[Andymisiu]

What do we do now that Wilson is gone?

Well, it’s being discussed in different threads but I thought it was worth having a thread all it’s own.

What are we going to do at WR now? Push Washington or Reid into the 3rd WR spot? Grab a cheap free agent? Draft a rookie?

What do you think we should do? And what do you think we will do?

[t-bone]

nuke all smilies.

[Andymisiu]

nuke all smilies.

kaaaboooooom.

[t-bone]

draft a rookie....if not Hardy, Sweed.

[Andymisiu]

draft a rookie....if not Hardy, Sweed.

What round do you expect one of those to be available?

[Iron Maiden]

Not all smilies!

[t-bone]

What round do you expect one of those to be available?

Sweed may be gone before we pick in rnd 1.....probably will be....Hardy may make the 2nd round, but not all the way to us.

[Tres Rios]

Tres Rios boiler plate #17 v2:

Draft Hardy in Round 1.

#1 Ward, #2 Holmes, #3 Hardy, #4 Washington, #5 Reid.

[Andymisiu]

Sweed may be gone before we pick in rnd 1.....probably will be....Hardy may make the 2nd round, but not all the way to us.

Would you be willing to sacrafice other needs to draft a WR in round one?

I think we need to go OL and DB in the first two rounds.

[t-bone]

there's a good chance the better OL will be gone by 23, the leftovers can be had in rnds 2-3.

a #1 for a gamebreaker?

absotively.

that's what #1's are for.

[t-bone]

Nate Washington has risen to the level of his mediocrity.

[Sarge]

You wouldn't think cutting an unproductive guy like Wilson would create a dilemma. Just grab someone from the stands. We'll be alright.

[Andymisiu]

I think we should address the OL, DB, or DL as a priority in this years draft. Then we could get a playmaker next year. I could be wrong, but feel the trenches need to be addressed first and foremost this year. Our DB’s could use some help too.

If we drafted OL, DB, or DL in this years draft. We could sign one of these guys for the league minimum and a one year deal.

Reche Caldwell
Eddie Kennison
Keenan McCardell
Eric Moulds
Peerless Price

I think any of these guys would make a good 3rd WR for a year.

Am I crazy?

[Andymisiu]

You wouldn't think cutting an unproductive guy like Wilson would create a dilemma. Just grab someone from the stands. We'll be alright.

your probably right.

[Spike]

Yep. Pick up some no-name WR's in the 6th & 7th rounds....we'll be fine as long as Ben has time to throw.

[Andymisiu]

Yep. Pick up some no-name WR's in the 6th & 7th rounds....we'll be fine as long as Ben has time to throw.

I'm ok with that too.

[5RINGS]

We have multiple needs. You draft the best player available that fits any of our needs. If there is no huge difference in quality of the players available, then draft for our biggest need.

[Slaine]

You wouldn't think cutting an unproductive guy like Wilson would create a dilemma. Just grab someone from the stands. We'll be alright.

81 catches in three years is hardly vast but it's probably more than Washington.

That may just be par for a third receiver in our old offense. But the third receiver in our O is now Heath Miller so who cares if our thrid WR is Washington? It only matters if Hines or Santonio goes down.

[Andymisiu]

We have multiple needs. You draft the best player available that fits any of our needs. If there is no huge difference in quality of the players available, then draft for our biggest need.

If OL is our pressing need but the best talent left in the draft is a WR in our draft position. Should we draft that WR knowing that the OL we would have drafted will be gone in the first following our pick and the drop off is considerable to the lineman that will be available in the second.

I still think you need to address the pressing need.

[Tres Rios]

JFC. Dave? Can you make league minimum or vet minimum 4 letter words so we don't have to deal with that stupidity anymore?

[Steelersrule]

pressing need? Best available athlete? Steelers have said they will go with best available athlete. They also are considering moving up and down in the draft. The have brought in a center in F/a, likely converting their old center to guard, where he will compete with another guard they resigned in Chris Kemo. They tendered an OT in Starks. They have signed Free agents to cover RB and special teams. DB is covered with good starters and good backups. Their starting FS from last year is likely back. Focus to me will be on a DE in the first round if going by position needs, and a DE, CB, WR, OT, OG, or C if going by best available athlete. Safety will likely be addressed, but not in the first round.

[Supersteeler]

Not sure why we would have a huge immediate need for a CB right now. Sure Deshea only has a couple years left in him before his play deteriorates but we have Ike, McFadden and Gay who are all capable. I think O Line, D line and Receiver are all more pressing needs. I'd even make an argument for depth at Linebacker first.

Unless of course, Mr. Cromatie is on the board at 23...then we really need a CB.

[Hines57]

The way I see it, we've got huge issues with our O-line, a need for a #3 WR, and depth issues with our defense.

Marvel Smith had a back operation and is the same age as Faneca. He has 1 year left until he is UFA. LT is a need and its the most important position when dealing with our $100 million QB. We all don't know what is going on with Marvel and his back and this transition tag that got put on Max Starks. We could have Starks come back as our starting LT next year and Marvel cut post July 1 or even retire if his back doesn't get better. I DO NOT see Marvel as a Steeler post-2008. Unless Max Starks is our guy at LT, we need to look hard at the best available tackle in the draft to fill this hole.

LG- Kemoeatu or Mahan? I'd rather go with Kemo but Mahan is getting paid very well. In fact, too well. Kendall Simmons got a nice deal last year. He is entrenched as the starting RG. Kemo was unable to unseat Simmons last summer during Camp Tomlin. If Kemo was unable to unseat Simmons last year, what the hell makes anyone think he can replace a future HOF'r (Faneca) as our starting LG. If Albert is on the board right here, you gotta grab him.

C - Hartwig is our guy.

RG - For better or worse, were stuck with Simmons here.

RT - I'd like to see Colon replaced. I don't think he was any better than Max Starks was. If Starks does come back to RT, he needs to come back at a RT price.

#3 WR - Nate Washington is not who or what we need as our #3 WR. We need a guy who will go over the middle and stretch the field. We don't have the cap space to go out and grab a UFA WR. I can live with Nate as our #4 WR. I think we need to address WR in the draft. Our OL and Defensive issues may outweigh grabbing a WR early. If the right guy is there we need to take him, but we have depth issues on D.

D-Line - We have no depth on the D-line behind Keisel and Aaron Smith. NONE. Chris Hoke did a great job for Casey Hampton a few years back when big Case went down with an ACL. That was a few years ago however. We need to look at every position on the DL and try to figure out how to upgrade our depth and start looking at upgrading our D-line.

OLB - Harrison and Woodley outside looks actually pretty damn strong. Woodley is going to make some mistakes, but he will only get better. With Timmons moving inside, we don't have a lot of depth at OLB now. We basically have 2 special teamers behind Woodley and Harrison. We might look to see if we can get Haggans back at a discount to backup Woodley.

ILB - Timmons, Foote and Farrior. 3s a crowd. Foote looks like he will be odd man out if thats the case and Farrior has 1 more year on his deal. We could have Foote slide over and take Farrior's spot until we get a replacement.....or we could see the beginning of the switch to the 4-3. LeBeau isn't getting any younger either, and one year he will retire and Tomlin will bring in his own D-Coordinator. We need to address ILB now before Farrior is gone. Timmons is still an unknown commodity. Hopefully he can produce.

DB - McFadden has 1 more year left on his deal. Taylor is fine. Townsend keeps on aging. I like William Gay and think he will bump himself up to our #3 DB. McFadden has been disappointing in that he hasn't been able to beat out Townsend. That either speaks real highly of Townsend or poorly of McFadden. We'll find out later this summer if the team bothers to even extend McFadden. We could always use more DBs. I just couldn't draft a DB in front of a OL or DL prospect in this draft.

FS/SS - Clark & Polamalu are solid. Clark's health concerns me, but he should be fine come regular season. We just need depth here.

[RevBillyC]

I think we should address the OL, DB, or DL as a priority in this years draft. Then we could get a playmaker next year. I could be wrong, but feel the trenches need to be addressed first and foremost this year. Our DB’s could use some help too.

If we drafted OL, DB, or DL in this years draft. We could sign one of these guys for the league minimum and a one year deal.

Reche Caldwell No way do we want the "runaway bride"
Eddie Kennison On rare occasions like this, I can agree with Shanahan - he's a big (now old, too) Puss
Keenan McCardell Good for 1-2 catches every 3rd week till he gets hurt - why not bring in Lee Mays?[COLOR="Red"]
Eric Moulds [COLOR="Red"]very much a moldy oldie
Peerless Price Already cashed his first social security check

I think any of these guys would make a good 3rd WR for a year.

Am I crazy? nuckin' futs

1234567890

[Irv24]

What do we do now that Wilson is gone?

Well, it’s being discussed in different threads but I thought it was worth having a thread all it’s own.

What are we going to do at WR now? Push Washington or Reid into the 3rd WR spot? Grab a cheap free agent? Draft a rookie?

What do you think we should do? And what do you think we will do?

All of the above.

[deljzc]

Wilson was really our #4 wide receiver last year. Washington pretty much beat him out for the #3 spot most of the year.

I would look for value at WR in in round 3 or later in this draft. Maybe look for someone in free agency next season if Washington again struggles.

I actually think we'll probably end up giving a new contract to Washington before this off-season is through. I think Colbert likes him.

[Parasite]

81 catches in three years is hardly vast but it's probably more than Washington.




Well yeah that's more than Washington, considering Washington didn't PLAY 3 years ago. I think comparing the last 2 years is a more valid comparative.

Washington 64 catches, 1074 yards, 9 touchdowns

Wilson 55 catches, 711 yards, 2 touchdowns


I think Nate makes an above average number 3 and a very good number 4. He will be involved in this offense so people might as well get used to it.

[Andymisiu]

Well yeah that's more than Washington, considering Washington didn't PLAY 3 years ago. I think comparing the last 2 years is a more valid comparative.

Washington 64 catches, 1074 yards, 9 touchdowns

Wilson 55 catches, 711 yards, 2 touchdowns


I think Nate makes an above average number 3 and a very good number 4. He will be involved in this offense so people might as well get used to it.

I like Nate. If he can be consistant and play up to where I think he can play, which is very good. He as all the raw features of a great WR. He just needs to put it together and I would be fine with that.

[Tres Rios]

Don't know about you all but on 3rd and 10 in a crucial drive Nate is the last person I'd be looking for. At least Ced usually came up big in crunch time.

[JPbucco]

I think we'll see Simmons at LG since he moves better than the other candidates.

[Vader]

Don't know about you all but on 3rd and 10 in a crucial drive Nate is the last person I'd be looking for. At least Ced usually came up big in crunch time.

Actually after Ward and Holmes I wouldn't look for any WR on 3rd down. I'd rather throw to Miller than any of our non-descript WRs. Washington can make some great catches... in between drops. I'd like to get a WR to be ready to go when Hines retires.

[5RINGS]

.
I still think you need to address the pressing need.

I would think that you can find OL starter material in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

[Andymisiu]

I would think that you can find OL starter material in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

There's no question you can find great talent in the later rounds. It's just a question of scouting the right guy. I hope the Steelers get it right, no matter what they decide to do.

[FAB802]

If we get lucky we can trade up and nab a Pro Bowl punter.

[Andymisiu]

If we get lucky we can trade up and nab a Pro Bowl punter.

I think Sepulveda is a good punter.

[FAB802]

I think Sepulveda is a good punter.

Sorry, I forgot..........:p:D:rolleyes::eek::cool::o:):conf used::p

[Mud Dog]

Even with Ced getting cut, we don't to draft any receivers this year. We've drafted way to many receivers and pass catching tight ends the last few years to go and get another one. We have ignored the other positions because of it and now we are paying for it with no quality on the Oline and no depth on the Dline or LB.

[DrunkinIrishman]

I think this changes nothing. They are still at the same place as they were before Wilson got caught except now they may have to take at least a receiver somewhere in the draft. But this does not make them have to take a receiver early. If they do it has nothing to do with Wilson. He really was not good and was a fourth receiver.

[Miller]

People are actually worried/concerned about replacing Wilson? You could literally pick anyone available in the draft/free agency/already on the damn team that could produce at Wilson's clip. Hell invite 5 guys who fuck around throwing a football while drunk on a dirt lot to Latrobe and one of them could do what Wilson did.

Not even a concern.

[Slaine]

Actually after Ward and Holmes I wouldn't look for any WR on 3rd down. I'd rather throw to Miller than any of our non-descript WRs.

Exactly my point.

We need a guy to groom to replace Hines. When is his contract up?

[Andymisiu]

People are actually worried/concerned about replacing Wilson? You could literally pick anyone available in the draft/free agency/already on the damn team that could produce at Wilson's clip. Hell invite 5 guys who around throwing a football while drunk on a dirt lot to Latrobe and one of them could do what Wilson did.

Not even a concern.

I know losing Wilson is not a concern and not even a big deal. However, it does leave us in a position where we need to add a WR to the team. This is the question, how will we add the needed WR?

[Andymisiu]

I think this changes nothing. They are still at the same place as they were before Wilson got caught except now they may have to take at least a receiver somewhere in the draft. But this does not make them have to take a receiver early. If they do it has nothing to do with Wilson. He really was not good and was a fourth receiver.

I agree that we should stick it out another year with what we have. We need to build the foundation back up with the OL and DL to put us in position to compete for years to come. We shouldn't take a WR early and shouldn't spend any mondey in FA. If we can get someone cheap in a one year contract than I'm cool with that. If we draft someone late to come in and compete with Washington and Reid that's cool too.

[Vader]

I agree that we should stick it out another year with what we have. We need to build the foundation back up with the OL and DL to put us in position to compete for years to come. We shouldn't take a WR early and shouldn't spend any mondey in FA. If we can get someone cheap in a one year contract than I'm cool with that. If we draft someone late to come in and compete with Washington and Reid that's cool too.

To myopic of a view for my taste. Yes, we need DL and OL but you can't just go into a draft oblivious to every position but DL and OL. That's how you get stuck reaching for players. Last year we wanted to address the pass rush so we reached for Timmons when we would have been better off drafting another position IMHO.

[Andymisiu]

To myopic of a view for my taste. Yes, we need DL and OL but you can't just go into a draft oblivious to every position but DL and OL. That's how you get stuck reaching for players. Last year we wanted to address the pass rush so we reached for Timmons when we would have been better off drafting another position IMHO.

The school is still out on Timmons. I think there will be a very good OL or DL in the 23 draft position. If we go any other way it's a mistake IMO. We've spent too many draft choices on weapons the past few years. We don't want to turn into the Lions do we? I think we can get a developemental player in the later rounds to fill the void at WR. Or some other route. I'm not saying that I would be pissed if we had no other choice but a WR in the first do to the talent pull left. I'm just saying that we should think OL and DL first and formost if a talent is available in that draft spot. If there were equal talents in a WR and an OL, than I would draft the OL.

[JohnnyO]

Well, the Bungles might cut C.J. loose.....

[Andymisiu]

Well, the Bungles might cut C.J. loose.....

I think Ben would force the ball too much to a player like that, but then again..... it wouldn't matter if you had a player like that. C. J. would is way out of our price range and wouldn't fit in our locker room. But funny.

[t-bone]

he'd be extremely motivated twice a year, though.


lol.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

Fuck Stinko, no way I want him and his gold teef with the Steelers.

[Vader]

The school is still out on Timmons. I think there will be a very good OL or DL in the 23 draft position. If we go any other way it's a mistake IMO. We've spent too many draft choices on weapons the past few years. We don't want to turn into the Lions do we? I think we can get a developemental player in the later rounds to fill the void at WR. Or some other route. I'm not saying that I would be pissed if we had no other choice but a WR in the first do to the talent pull left. I'm just saying that we should think OL and DL first and formost if a talent is available in that draft spot. If there were equal talents in a WR and an OL, than I would draft the OL.

And we won the SB and been in the playoffs the last few years so what's the point? Do you realize that all we have at WR is Ward and Holmes? Ward is not getting younger either. They have also changed the offense to more of a passer offense and having only two ligitimate WRs isn't going to cut it.

Also you have shifted your view a bit. How do you square "We shouldn't take a WR early" to "I'm just saying that we should think OL and DL first and formost if a talent is available in that draft spot. If there were equal talents in a WR and an OL, than I would draft the OL."

It appears that you are saying in the first quote that we should NOT take a WR but in the second you say that we should look at the talent and draft an OL only if the talents are equal.

Which begs the question; what if the talent is not equal? Do you draft the 6th best OT or the 1st or 2nd WR? What if the BAP by far is the WR, do you then take him even though "We shouldn't take a WR early"?

[Andymisiu]

And we won the SB and been in the playoffs the last few years so what's the point? Do you realize that all we have at WR is Ward and Holmes? Ward is not getting younger either. They have also changed the offense to more of a passer offense and having only two ligitimate WRs isn't going to cut it.

Also you have shifted your view a bit. How do you square "We shouldn't take a WR early" to "I'm just saying that we should think OL and DL first and formost if a talent is available in that draft spot. If there were equal talents in a WR and an OL, than I would draft the OL."

It appears that you are saying in the first quote that we should NOT take a WR but in the second you say that we should look at the talent and draft an OL only if the talents are equal.

Which begs the question; what if the talent is not equal? Do you draft the 6th best OT or the 1st or 2nd WR? What if the BAP by far is the WR, do you then take him even though "We shouldn't take a WR early"?

It's not that my view has changed, it's just that I've listened to what others have said and have become open to the idea of drafting the best player available that fills a need. I feel that an OL will be available when it's our pick, but understand that we should draft a WR if the talent level of the WR is far above the level of the OL. This is becuase we've got to be on a mullti year building process with a great core of players. If we get a WR this year hopefully we get some good OL in the second or later rounds. I guess it can work both ways. We need to address several area's and we're not going to accomplish it all in one year. But if the talent was equal, I would take the OL and handle the WR in another way.

[smithessmokin]

What do we do now that Wilson is gone?

Well, it’s being discussed in different threads but I thought it was worth having a thread all it’s own.

What are we going to do at WR now? Push Washington or Reid into the 3rd WR spot? Grab a cheap free agent? Draft a rookie?

What do you think we should do? And what do you think we will do?

unless i stand corrected, i thought washington was the 3rd WR???? and we will draft a rookie in the 3-4 rounds. personally, i would like to see adrius bowman or adrain arrington in the 6th. both guys could be very legitimate WRs. and, both are TALL.

[bradentonfan]

Arrington's performance in the citrus bowl convinced me he will have a better career than Manningham.... he dominated that game, and made plays that can't be taught, great ball sense, concentracion, and huge soft hands to make those one handed circus catches.... and seemed he stepped up better in the big games..... I don't know, maybe it was just the games I watched, but I just don't see justification for the Manningham hype....skinny, average speed, and drops way too many passes.... that won't get him far in the pro's, while Arrington's size, nose for the ball while its in the air, and huge hands can get him by while learning the subtleties of the pro game.

[bradentonfan]

another wr sleeper to watch.... I can't remember his name now, but he played at Duquesne, set pretty much all their records for a WR, is a big target, great jumper... and there was an article about him in the post gazette during the season that also mentioned several Steeler scouts regularly attending his games to keep an eye on him.

[SteelerScott]

As long as they address the O-Line or D-Line by Rd 2, I'm OK if they take the BPA early w/ their 1st pick.

Either way, particular sects of SN.com will be in an uproar Apil 27.:D