Smoke - Smoke - and mo' Smoke!!!

[BermudaSteel]

Steelers host three free agent prospects
By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, March 25, 2008


The Steelers are meeting with free-agent defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland as well as three college prospects today at their South Side facility.
In addition to McFarland, linebackers Shawn Crable of Michigan and Jerod Mayo of Tennessee and running back Ryan Torain of Arizona State are visiting with the team.

The Steelers met individually with cornerback Aqib Talib of Kansas and defensive linemen Dre Moore of Maryland and Keilen Dykes of West Virginia last week.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is familiar with McFarland, 30, from their time together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 6-0, 300-pounder played for the Buccaneers from 1999-2006. Traded to the Colts during the 2006 season, McFarland missed all of last season after suffering serious knee injury in August.
The Colts released him at the end of last month after McFarland failed a physical.

In other Steelers new, the team officially announced the signing of center Justin Hartwig to a two-year contract.

The 6-4, 312-pound Hartwig's deal is worth as much as $3.725 million.

[toledosteel7]

Takashi: Excuse please, but why do they call you "booger"?
Booger: [picking his nose] I don't know.

http://www.founditemclothing.com/t-shirts/gfx/nerds-high-on-stress-cap2.jpg

[RevBillyC]

I can't find a mention that Torain worked out at ASU's pro day - his toe/foot must still not be right. If that's the case, he could fall pretty far down (draft boards) on day 2 - he might be worth a shot if he's there in the 6th (or he could end up being another "Fu").

Mayo may well be gone by pick #23 - some have him ranked neck & neck with Connor as the best MLB prospect. But if we're really targeting the BPA, he might fill that bill...

Crable would seem to be that kind of college DE/big OLB we specialize in, if he's there in the 3rd, it'd be tempting (can't see us pulling the trigger on him any earlier).

I'd be very surprised to see McFarland in an NFL camp this summer, but keeping his number in the rolodex isn't a bad move if a couple of our DL go down.

[Avoid Lloyd1975]

That Jerod Mayo kid has been climbing up the charts as of lately.

[mightyguru]

Crable would be a nice addition. Long and fast.

[deljzc]

What position could McFarlane possibly play in the 3-4? He's been a DT in the Tampa-2 scheme forever and has just bounced around Tampa-2 teams/coaches.

He'd be a terrible match for what we ask our linemen to do with 2-gap run defense.

[Steelersrule]

What position could McFarlane possibly play in the 3-4? He's been a DT in the Tampa-2 scheme forever and has just bounced around Tampa-2 teams/coaches.

He'd be a terrible match for what we ask our linemen to do with 2-gap run defense.

Depends on the focus for the 4-3, or hybrid 4-3. Could be a backup DE, and a situational role player when we want to show a 4-3

[deljzc]

Depends on the focus for the 4-3, or hybrid 4-3. Could be a backup DE, and a situational role player when we want to show a 4-3

That's too narrow a focus to carry him on the roster in my opinion. I'm fine with showing different looks in our front-7 occasionally, but to carry a guy on the roster for only one look makes no sense.

[RevBillyC]

What position could McFarlane possibly play in the 3-4? He's been a DT in the Tampa-2 scheme forever and has just bounced around Tampa-2 teams/coaches.

He'd be a terrible match for what we ask our linemen to do with 2-gap run defense.

Unless the plan is to switch to the Tamp-2 base sooner rather than later...

[Supersteeler]

Unless the plan is to switch to the Tamp-2 base sooner rather than later...

The foundation was laid with last year's draft of Timmons and Woodley. One never knows when it will be. This draft should be very interesting as well.

[DrunkinIrishman]

Interesting. He is a 4-3 tackle. I really think they will eventually go 4-3, but would think you would see a more hybrid and expecially as long as we have Smith. The Kirshcie signing is a 3-4 one. I would like to see their draft approach this year. They probably will not sign him anyway, but this is another guy Tomlin probably liked.

[Max Power]

Wouldn't look to deeply into the McFarlane meeting other than professional courtesy.

[K from Cal]

I'm impressed with the Steelers front office. They aren't just sitting around being happy with what they have. The committment to improve has to resonate throughout the organization.

[BermudaSteel]

I'm impressed with the Steelers front office. They aren't just sitting around being happy with what they have. The committment to improve has to resonate throughout the organization.

True. It seems like the FO is actually "meeting" more people this year---even if they're not gonna sign 'em...

[stevew]

I'd say he's at least worth a look, and will hopefully be an upgrade to Eason. Figure you let him, kirschke, a 2nd day guy and McBean battle it out for 2 spots.

[Far51]

Kirschkie would be a better in a 4-3 as a DT, not good enough to be a 3-4 De , his play showed that, really gotta question why he was re-signed.
booger is a styrictly 4-3 guy, tought we woul at leasst once in awhile showed some 4-3 fronts but we did'nt really questioned why we did'nt after the December games esp the Jags game why not use that since thier was no one good enough to play LDE.

We havent shown 4-3 fronts since 2002.
Net year hmm, could picture it if we draft a run clogging but agile DT.
Don't know what these thing s tell about Mcbean, they are trying to mold him into a 3-4 De 6"5 290, but i think he would be better as a 3 gap DT.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

Maybe Booger might be considered as a possible backup at the NT position?

[BermudaSteel]

I am not sure about him at NT...but...what could it hurt? Hoke wasn't supposed to be "nearly as good at the position" and look at 'im now!!!

He was NEVER used right in Indy!!!

[SteelerFan448]

I'll pass on Booger. I do like the linebacker prospects we are bringing in.

[Blind Official]

What position could McFarlane possibly play in the 3-4? He's been a DT in the Tampa-2 scheme forever and has just bounced around Tampa-2 teams/coaches.

He'd be a terrible match for what we ask our linemen to do with 2-gap run defense.

For the sake of argument, what do we ask our 3-4 DEs to do that Booger couldn't (if he's healthy)?

he's short and squat, and his job as a 4-3 DT was never to get upfield (ala Sapp, John Randel, etc). His job was to play the run more, albeit from a different technique.

If his knee holds up, I don't think it's a stretch to say that he could hold the point better than Keisel, Kirshcke, Eason, and every other DE on the roster not named Smith.

[ekeicher16]

I can't see us ever drafting Mayo. He's projected late first, early second and he's rising. Definately more pressing needs and he won't be there in the second, even if we traded up in the second i'd rather get an OL.

[kev4heels]

Maybe Tomlin is trying to stimulate some interest for Booger. Doubt we will see anything more than just the meeting.

[Sluzilla]

I can't see us ever drafting Mayo. He's projected late first, early second and he's rising. Definately more pressing needs and he won't be there in the second, even if we traded up in the second i'd rather get an OL.

i'd be surprised if one of the LB we bring in didn't fall to us in the 2nd...

Mayo...Crable...Avril...

although of the three...Avril would be my pick...Avril and Woodley on the outside would bring back memories of the 90s...

[Steeltime]

although of the three...Avril would be my pick...Avril and Woodley on the outside would bring back memories of the 90s...

Avril comes from a program that has produced some big time pass rushers - all guys who played DE in college, moved to OLB in the pros and have shown success or the promise of success (Anthony Spencer, Shaun Phillips, Roosevelt Colvin).

Avril is big enough to hold his ground in defending the running game, has played against some damn fine LT's in college (Joe Thomas, Jake Long), and has proven his ability to rush the passer.

Avril on the right, Woodley on the left ... you are right, Slu - brings back memories of Greene and Lloyd.

[TMC]

For the sake of argument, what do we ask our 3-4 DEs to do that Booger couldn't (if he's healthy)?

he's short and squat, and his job as a 4-3 DT was never to get upfield (ala Sapp, John Randel, etc). His job was to play the run more, albeit from a different technique.

If his knee holds up, I don't think it's a stretch to say that he could hold the point better than Keisel, Kirshcke, Eason, and every other DE on the roster not named Smith.

I agree. I actually felt that Booger McFarland played the 2-gap in the Tampa-2 allowing guys like Sapp to only play 1-gap. In fact, the more I think about it, in the Tampa-2, the NT is the only lineman to play 2-gap.....and that was McFarland's spot. So, he could potentially be a backup for us at any of the positions on the line AND help on pass rushing downs.

The thing is, IF he checks out medically, he is drawing little interest and would probably come pretty cheaply. Add in that he was released from the Colts (I think it was the Colts), and it will not interfere with any comp picks.

What can it hurt?

[Slaine]

If he failed a medical for the Colts, why is he going to pass one for us?

[TMC]

If he failed a medical for the Colts, why is he going to pass one for us?

There are players that are released after they failed a physical all the time that later go on and play for another team. All the team doctor has to say is: "I just do not like the way that knee looks."

I bet Hines Ward would fail a physical for some teams considering he lacks an ACL.

[bradentonfan]

TMC beat me to it.... a 4-3 strong side DT plays the same technique as any 3-4 DL.... who knows, he turn out to be another Ray Seals

[Hollywood Bags]

He has to be a huge upgrade over Kirschke , Eason or Hoke, all bums at best.

[burghermeister]

There are players that are released after they failed a physical all the time that later go on and play for another team. All the team doctor has to say is: "I just do not like the way that knee looks."

Plus he was scheduled to earn a base salary of $6.85M (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/SPORTS03/80227051/0/SPORTS03) next year in Indy. Ya think maybe the doctors were told to be extra persnickety when examining that knee?

[DerbyCityBNGfan]

I'm impressed with the Steelers front office. They aren't just sitting around being happy with what they have. The committment to improve has to resonate throughout the organization.

That's the first time I've ever heard a statement like that on these forums, especially lately, but I agree...I honestly feel they are keeping a Super Bowl window open for 2-3 years with the moves they've already made, and effective drafting will make this team a beast for a long time. Pass on the Booger tho, he's a bad fit.

[K from Cal]

Hey DerbyCityBNGfan,
That's why I'm unpopular around here. I'm not afraid to state the obvious instead of just bitching about stuff. I also thought Mike Vick was a better QB than Aaron Brooks. Do you agree with me on that too?

[Mike64]

I thought Tomlin wanted to get younger on the d line. By re-signing kirschke and possibly, although highly unlikely, signing mcfarland, you have some old d lineman. I do get that they are good for depth but they don't fit Tomlin's bill for "young."

[GIJohnny]

We signed the Booger... http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08086/867942-66.stm?cmpid=steelers.xml

Quote from article:

Anthony "Booger" McFarland, released last month by the Indianapolis Colts when he failed their physical, came to a contract agreement with the Steelers last night after meeting with team officials and taking a physical earlier in the day. He is a defensive lineman who is 6 feet, 300 pounds. He spent all last season on injured reserve with a knee injury. The Colts acquired McFarland in a trade with Tampa Bay in October 2006 for a second-round draft choice.
He was the Buccaneers' first-round draft choice in 1999 from LSU and played for Tampa Bay when Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was the secondary coach there.
The Steelers are set with their three starters in the defensive line, ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel and nose tackle Casey Hampton. They are thin behind them, especially at end. They re-signed end Travis Kirschke, 34, before he would have become a free agent Feb. 29. Ryan McBean, a rookie who spent most of last season on the practice squad, recently had foot surgery and still cannot work out.

If TMC is right (and he usually is) may be a good depth signing if he is healthy...

[Hollywood Bags]

Good signing, he is better than everyone but Hampton and Smith right off the bat

[DerbyCityBNGfan]

Good signing, he is better than everyone but Hampton and Smith right off the bat

i'd put him on the same level as kiesel the diesel, even though it's hard to evaluate how good he will be for us considering he's never played in a 3-4...interesting move, I wonder what he's worth...

[Hines57]

How do you spell 4-3 defense?

B-O-O-G-E-R!

[Super Heathen]

How do you spell 4-3 defense?

B-O-O-G-E-R!

That was my first reaction as well. If his knee holds up, this is a good signing.

[SteelPastor]

i'd be surprised if one of the LB we bring in didn't fall to us in the 2nd...

Mayo...Crable...Avril...

although of the three...Avril would be my pick...Avril and Woodley on the outside would bring back memories of the 90s...

I am fairly certain that Crable will stiil be there for us in round 2... probably a stretch for round 3. Although, that is probably their hope... "if he slides to us in the 3rd, we better know the deal."

Mayo and Avril will definately both be gone by our 2nd pick. Although I gotta say... would LOVE to see either of these guys in B & G.

Booger gives us options. At worst, he will be our #4 DLineman... maybe better.

[Irv24]

Booger gives us options. At worst, he will be our #4 DLineman... maybe better.

I agree, he is a cheap vet who has played in a lot of big games.
Major upgrade over the backups bums we watched last season.
I'm sure they will add a young DL player in the draft.

[Slaine]

This could be a really good signing.

I wonder if Indy were up against the cap because it's not often that you trade a 2nd round draft choice for a quality interior lineman and then waive him after a year on IR. I hope that we're not taking too much of a chance on his health but I know that he was a disruptive force at Tampa.

It does position us well for a hybrid D though if you have Hampton, Smith and MacFarland rotating on the inside and Kiesel, Woodley and ANOther coming from the outside.

Anyone else thinking that we're looking at a pass rushing DE on day one of the draft? Lawrence Jackson?

[Coryea]

With Woodley, I doubt they're looking at a pass rushing DE on day one, unless one fell to them that they didn't expect to be there.
If he's healthy I really like this signing, he's more like a Kimo type player and better vs the run IMO than Keisel. From what I've seen of him, he kind of reminds me of Ray Seals in the way he plays. Smith-Hampton-Booger looks like a nice DL.


I still think we'd like to get an ILB on day one to goom for Farriors position.

[Blind Official]

...so NOW everyone has come around to Booger...

[TMC]

You can bet that LeBeau had a rubber stamp on this signing as well. I would be willing to bet that he has already drawn up three or four plays specifically for McFarland. He will probably call them the booger flicker, pick it, dig it out, and oowey gooey.

[TMC]

...so NOW everyone has come around to Booger...

You need to make room on the BOOGER BANDWAGON.

[toledosteel7]

You can bet that LeBeau had a rubber stamp on this signing as well. I would be willing to bet that he has already drawn up three or four plays specifically for McFarland. He will probably call them the booger flicker, pick it, dig it out, and oowey gooey.


What about Sheep's Leg and Pick a Winner... not to mention, Digging for Gold.

[BermudaSteel]

Sure can't believe the FO is spending this much in the off-season!!! When was the last time we picked up 4 players in free agency???

I may just have to retract my 6-10 prediction...

[BermudaSteel]

...And Tomlin said don't hold your breath on more FA signings. :)

Thus the title..."Smoke, Smoke and Mo' Smoke"

[Sluzilla]

Hey DerbyCityBNGfan,
That's why I'm unpopular around here. I'm not afraid to state the obvious instead of just bitching about stuff. I also thought Mike Vick was a better QB than Aaron Brooks. Do you agree with me on that too?

well...since you keep bringing it up...

<table x:str="" style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="665" width="465"><col style="width: 8pt;" width="11"> <col style="width: 68pt;" width="90"> <col style="width: 43pt;" width="57"> <col style="width: 62pt;" width="83"> <col style="width: 32pt;" width="42"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt; width: 8pt;" height="17" width="11">
</td> <td style="width: 68pt;" width="90">TD%</td> <td style="width: 43pt;" width="57">
</td> <td style="width: 62pt;" width="83">
</td> <td style="width: 32pt;" width="42">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Michael Vick ">Michael Vick </td> <td class="xl25" x:num="4.1000000000000002E-2" align="center">4.1%</td> <td x:str=" 2001-2006 "> 2001-2006 </td> <td>atl</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Aaron Brooks ">Aaron Brooks </td> <td class="xl26" x:num="4.2000000000000003E-2" align="center">4.2%</td> <td x:str=" 2000-2006 "> 2000-2006 </td> <td>2TM</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl25" align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>INT%</td> <td class="xl25" align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Michael Vick ">Michael Vick </td> <td class="xl26" x:num="0.03" align="center">3.0%</td> <td x:str=" 2001-2006 "> 2001-2006 </td> <td>atl</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Aaron Brooks ">Aaron Brooks </td> <td class="xl25" x:num="3.1E-2" align="center">3.1%</td> <td x:str=" 2000-2006 "> 2000-2006 </td> <td>2TM</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl25" align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>COMP %</td> <td class="xl25" align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Michael Vick ">Michael Vick </td> <td class="xl25" x:num="0.53800000000000003" align="center">53.8%</td> <td x:str=" 2001-2006 "> 2001-2006 </td> <td>atl</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Aaron Brooks ">Aaron Brooks </td> <td class="xl26" x:num="0.56499999999999995" align="center">56.5%</td> <td x:str=" 2000-2006 "> 2000-2006 </td> <td>2TM</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>
</td> <td align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td colspan="2" style="">NET ADJ YDS/ATT</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Michael Vick ">Michael Vick </td> <td x:num="" align="center">4.55</td> <td x:str=" 2001-2006 "> 2001-2006 </td> <td>atl</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Aaron Brooks ">Aaron Brooks </td> <td class="xl24" x:num="" align="center">4.97</td> <td x:str=" 2000-2006 "> 2000-2006 </td> <td>2TM</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>
</td> <td align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>QB RATING</td> <td align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="75" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Michael Vick ">Michael Vick </td> <td x:num="" align="center">75.7</td> <td x:str=" 2001-2006 "> 2001-2006 </td> <td>atl</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Aaron Brooks ">Aaron Brooks </td> <td class="xl24" x:num="" align="center">78.5</td> <td x:str=" 2000-2006 "> 2000-2006 </td> <td>2TM</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>
</td> <td align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td>FMB%</td> <td align="center">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Michael Vick ">Michael Vick </td> <td class="xl27" x:num="2.4E-2" align="center">2.4%</td> <td x:str=" 2001-2006 "> 2001-2006 </td> <td>atl</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">
</td> <td x:str="Aaron Brooks ">Aaron Brooks </td> <td class="xl26" x:num="1.9E-2" align="center">1.9%</td> <td x:str=" 2000-2006 "> 2000-2006 </td> <td>2TM</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

Brooks WAS a better QB over their careers...

[Supersteeler]

Yes Slu, but Vick wins by default because he had cornrows for a longer span.

[Sluzilla]

crap......

[K from Cal]

How do you spell 4-3 defense?

B-O-O-G-E-R!

I'm a Booger Believer

[K from Cal]

Brooks WAS a better QB over their careers...

and you are still getting the good crack too. Smoke away! Brooks hasn't even gotten a tryout for years. This debate was settled and Vick was the clear winner. How about which QB has better escapability? Ben or Tom Brady? I'll even say the Pat's would have won the Super Bowl if Ben had been the QB.

[Sluzilla]

and you are still getting the good crack too. Smoke away! Brooks hasn't even gotten a tryout for years. This debate was settled and Vick was the clear winner. How about which QB has better escapability? Ben or Tom Brady? I'll even say the Pat's would have won the Super Bowl if Ben had been the QB.

the debate was settled in the year it was brought up...brooks was the winner...then the following year you tried to use OAK as brook's standard...but even with that travesty of a year...brooks still has been the overall better QB...no question...

now if you want to go with better athelete...better runner...and most exciting to watch...vick...that's easy...but as a QB...brooks has been better...what's sad is...brooks was mediocre...

ben or brady in escapability?...no question...ben...i'm not even sure why'd you'd bring that up though...

[BermudaSteel]

I'm a Booger PICKer

That's just nasty...

[BillvinCowbert]

ben or brady in escapability?...no question...ben...i'm not even sure why'd you'd bring that up though...

Because he's a homer? And Brady, he's a very bad character guy for knocking up that girl out of wedlock; a bad human, he is young and he will learn.

[K from Cal]

So why didn't Aaron Brooks ever single handedly defeat us the way Vick did? This debate was settled long ago and Vick was the clear winner. Nobody with a brain would pick Brooks to start their team with over Vick.

This must be the offseason again! lol

[Mike64]

I wouldn't say that it was Vick that beat us but rather that our defense let us down in a huge way. I mean anytime that you have a 17 point cusion on a team and lose, I'd say that your d sucked it up big time.

[Mike64]

And we also didn't lose, which I just remembered, we tied. My bad.

[Sluzilla]

So why didn't Aaron Brooks ever single handedly defeat us the way Vick did? This debate was settled long ago and Vick was the clear winner. Nobody with a brain would pick Brooks to start their team with over Vick.

This must be the offseason again! lol

please don't tell me you base your argument on one game...

(Mike64...i'm sure he's talking about the Vick to Crumpler fest of 06)...