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2011 NFL Offseason: Pittsburgh Steelers

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Year: 12-4) - Buy Tickets

2011 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
TE John Gilmore.
Early Draft Picks:
DE/DT Cameron Heyward, OT Marcus Gilbert, CB Curtis Brown, CB Cortez Allen, DE/OLB Chris Carter.
Offseason Losses:
WR/KR Antwaan Randle El, TE Matt Spaeth, OT Max Starks, OT Flozell Adams, DE/DT Nick Eason.

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense:
Ben Roethlisberger is going to get killed one of these days. Not literally killed, obviously, but his offensive line has done a great disservice to the longevity of his career. Roethlisberger has taken 274 sacks in his 7-year Steelers tenure thus far, which is really saying something because he's escaped many more sacks with his great pocket elusiveness.

Roethlisberger was sacked 41 times in 2010, and the offensive line as a whole surrendered 52, tied for second in the NFL behind only Chicago (60). Unfortunately, that number probably won't improve this season.

Left tackle Max Starks, who missed half the year with a neck injury, showed up training camp close to 400 pounds and was subsequently cut. Jonathan Scott, guilty of 11 penalties and six sacks in 2010, will start in Starks' place again. On the other side, right tackle Willie Colon was retained for a 5-year, $29 million contract. Colon is one of the top players at his position when healthy, but that's not the case because he's coming off a torn Achilles. Colon could struggle at the beginning of the year, though an Achilles isn't as big a deal for linemen, so he could be close to 100 percent come playoff time.

The interior of Pittsburgh's front isn't any better. Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey is great, but the two guards are a huge liability. Ramon Foster surrendered seven sacks in 2010, which is a ridiculous amount for someone at his position. Chris Kemoeatu, meanwhile, has been on the active/PUP list because of arthritis and bone fragments in his knee. Look for tight end Heath Miller to help frequently.

Roethlisberger's long-term health is a huge concern, but he'll continue to thrive in the present. Big Ben will use his trademark pocket awareness to once again elude would-be sacks and find his receivers downfield. With Hines Ward aging and turning into a reality TV star like Chad Ochocinco, Mike Wallace is Big Ben's clear-cut No. 1 wideout. Wallace generated 1,257 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on just 60 receptions in his second NFL season, maintaining a ridiculous 21.0 yards-per-catch average. Wallace's ridiculous speed makes him extremely difficult to cover, as opposing defenses discovered last year.

With Ward losing interest in football, a new No. 2 target could be Emmanuel Sanders, who made some noise at the end of the 2010 campaign when he caught seven balls for 78 yards against the Jets. Sanders is coming off foot surgery, unfortunately, and may take a while to pass Ward.

If Roethlisberger didn't have a strong rushing attack to lean on, he'd be in even more trouble. Rashard Mendenhall is very ignorant in some aspects of life, but he's a hell of a running back. He rushed for 1,274 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. His YPC was down from 4.6 in 2009 to 3.9 in 2010, but Colon's return should help raise that average.

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense:
Though the Steelers can't stop defenses from sacking Ben Roethlisberger, their defense can at least generate a great pass rush of its own. Pittsburgh finished second in sacks last year with 56, falling one short of Green Bay's 57.

It'll be interesting to see if the Steelers can come close to matching that figure in 2011. It'll be a challenge because rush linebacker James Harrison is a 33-year-old coming off two back surgeries. Back problems tend to linger, and Harrison is getting up there in age. A severe decline is possible, so his running mate LaMarr Woodley will have to pick up the slack. Woodley notched 10 sacks last season, earning himself a well-deserved 6-year, $61.5 million contract.

If Harrison struggles across from Woodley, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau may not hesitate to use second-year Jason Worilds more often. Pittsburgh's coaching staff is very high on Worilds, who possesses tremendous upside.

The interior of Pittsburgh's linebacking corps faces a similar situation to the Woodley-Harrison dynamic. One player is young and at the top of his game; Lawrence Timmons is an elite inside linebacker. The other is an aging veteran coming off a great year but could be due for a big decline. James Farrior had a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign, but turns 37 in January.

The rest of the Steelers' front seven is loaded. The starting ends are reliable veterans Aaron Smith and Brett Kiesel, but Pittsburgh has a pair of first-rounders, Ziggy Hood and Cameron Heyward, waiting in the wings. Nose tackle Casey Hampton is not the player he once was, but he can still stuff the run somewhat effectively for two downs.

It seems like the Steelers have needed cornerback help for years, and that's the case yet again despite the fact that they re-signed Ike Taylor to a 4-year deal. Taylor is talented but inconsistent, though he's much better than Bryant McFadden, who allowed six touchdowns and a completion percentage of 67.5 in 2010. It'd be great if one of the young corners could step up, but Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen are two rookies handicapped by a brief offseason, while Keenan Lewis has been a huge disappointment in his two-year pro career.

Pittsburgh's pass defense rests on Troy Polamalu's shoulders, or rather his Achilles. Polamalu was having a great 2010 campaign until he suffered an injury there, and then went on to struggle mightily in the playoffs. Polamalu reportedly hasn't been 100 percent at training camp, which isn't a surprise. If Polamalu plays poorly, it'll also affect free safety Ryan Clark, who was abysmal in the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl.

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule and Intangibles:
Excluding New England, no one in the AFC has a better road record than Pittsburgh since 1996; the Steelers are 66-54 as visitors in that time frame. They're not bad at home either (87-36-1).

The Steelers' special teams were brutal in 2009, allowing four special-teams scores. The team gave up only one in 2010, while Antonio Brown took a kickoff return to the house. They were really bad on punt returns though.

Pittsburgh canned Jeff "Jersey Shore" Reed, replacing him with Shaun Suisham, who hit 14-of-15 attempts, including 8-of-9 from 40-49. He didn't try a 50-yarder, but maybe that's a good thing because he's 3-of-8 from that distance in his career.

Daniel Sepulveda has three ACL tears in his professional career, but the Steelers re-signed him, so they must think his knees can hold up. Sepulveda is a good punter when healthy.

The Steelers have a really easy schedule for a first-place team. Cupcake foes include Seattle, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Arizona, Kansas City, San Francisco, and of course, Cincinnati twice.

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Analysis: The Steelers have the talent, depth and easy schedule to make another trip to the Super Bowl. It's only a question of motivation. Super Bowl losers have fared extremely poorly the following year during the past decade. Even the Colts, who won a Lombardi before, barely beat out a mediocre Jaguars team for the AFC South title in 2010.

Pittsburgh will almost certainly make the playoffs, but making it all the way to Indianapolis will be more challenging than it was last year, especially if Troy Polamalu isn't healthy.

Projection: 12-4 (1st in AFC North)

2011 Fantasy Football Rankings

More 2011 NFL Season Previews

*** 2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES, OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

StillerFan 04-27-2013 09:52 am xxx.xxx.xxx.118 (total posts: 3)

So the Steelers have two big, slow RBs on the roster and in the second they draft a big, slow RB. They also have two pint sized WRs on the roster and in the third they draft a pint sized WR. I feel sorry for Ben, he doesn't have a go-to WR. The Steelers should select RB Jonathan Franklin in the 4th if he's available, or WR DaRick Rodgers. I wouldn't complain if they moved to get one either.

@BTS99 04-27-2013 09:04 am xxx.xxx.xxx.202 (total posts: 1)

Yes, he'll "move the chances", in the wrong direction!

longtimerou 04-27-2013 09:03 am xxx.xxx.xxx2.20 (total posts: 9)

Mr Bell : us Steelers fans can't wait till your contract is up either !!!! Doubt Pittsburgh will offer a second one.

Your Mum 04-27-2013 05:25 am xxx.xxx.xxx.211 (total posts: 1)

Lacy is terrible in zone blocking and Bell is good. That's why we chose him

Walts favorite team 04-27-2013 03:23 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.17 (total posts: 1)

Its pretty apparent that this is your favorite team coming from Pennsylvania,

The steelers have to make a boneheaded decision like drafting Levon Bell over Eddie Lacy for you to acknowledge a mistake.

Then you go nuts over Markus Wheaton, WHO HAD HIM AS A 2nd round prospect, you didn't even list this guy there in your draft prospect section. Reeeaach but its an A grade pick LMAO

Mr Krinkle 04-27-2013 02:52 am xxx.xxx.xxx.175 (total posts: 3)

Big Ten backs have struggled? How about Alabama backs? Ingram is a bum and Richardson couldn't do much behind a good Cleveland OL.

Bell is a tremendous athlete. Lacy is a fat tub who had 5 NFL lineman blow open holes for him to lumber through.

Lacy had to cut his pro day short because he was out of shape. This after 4 months to train for it.

Bell is a big back who ran the 3rd fastest 3 cone at 6.75.

Bell was the only weapon for Michigan State. Defenses keyed on him every play and he still moved the chains

Thank you-- AFC North Opponents 04-27-2013 02:29 am xxx.xxx.xxx0.71 (total posts: 1)

HahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH

BELL gets an A+ from every other team in the AFC North! Can't wait to play that bum!!! Best back in the draft, he wasn't even top 5 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

@sean 04-27-2013 01:33 am xxx.xxx.xxx61.8 (total posts: 9)

Of course Lacy had to split carries and go up against tougher defenses as well

sean 04-27-2013 01:25 am xxx.xxx.xxx.248 (total posts: 1)

Bell ran for more yards more rac and had a worse oline than lacy did he was the best back in the draft

BTS99 04-27-2013 12:55 am xxx.xxx.xxx.133 (total posts: 2)

107

Le'Veon Bell is the best running back in this draft by FAR! The only 2 backs even close was Lacy and Franklin. Bell can block, catch and move the chances. In cold weather that's all you need.

Fan of Steel 04-27-2013 12:30 am xxx.xxx.xxx.184 (total posts: 1)

Le'Veon Bell?? were Colbert, Tomlin & Rooney nursing hangovers in Round 2? Ok so the guy has experience in a "zone offense" There were better prospects available. Eddy Lacey, Keenan Allen just to name 2. WTF were these guys thinking?

STUPID WALTER! 04-26-2013 11:10 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.241 (total posts: 2)

416

382

Mentally Retarded Walter says - "This is why the same group of teams make the playoffs every year and why another group of teams always draft in the top 10."

Walter, you should do some research! Did the Steelers make it to the playoffs last season? Did they miss the playoffs in 2 of the last 4 seasons? How about 3 in the past 7? YES, YES, and YES!

I knew you were just a Steelers fan, with your ignorant rants about the Patriots, but this also proves it.

When he gets 70-90 rec with 1100 yards and 10-13 total td's dont hope on the bandwagon 04-26-2013 11:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.178 (total posts: 3)

I cant believe what im reading I don't know about other Steelers fans but this is looking like the best 3 picks we have made in a while. But to bring up the subject of Markus Wheaton, what makes you believe he is too small when all the Steelers have had on there roster are 6 ft. and under WR. If you look up our last two super bowl appearances and look at the rosters from those years the tallest receive the actually made a difference was Hines Ward at 6 ft.

Le'Veon Bell 04-26-2013 11:00 pm xxx.xxx.xxx6.34 (total posts: 1)

I hate you guys i was so happy to be drafted by the steelers but now i know the fans don't want me and talk crap as soon as im picked i cant wait till my contracts up you stupid PU$$IES

b-MAN 04-26-2013 10:48 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.210 (total posts: 1)

The same things was said when the steelers picked Franco Harris over Lydell Mitchell!!! we all know how that worked out!

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2011 NFL Draft Grades:

No one should be surprised that the Steelers just had a brilliant draft. There's a reason why they contend for the Super Bowl every year.

Two areas Pittsburgh needed to address were the offensive line and defensive backfield. Kevin Colbert found upgrades for both fairly early with solid value selections. Meanwhile, Cameron Heyward and Ziggy Hood figure to be a formidable duo on the defensive front for years to come.

While many teams spent Draft Weekend trading up like crazy, and using countless selections on dime-a-dozen running backs and blocking tight ends, the Steelers just patiently waited each round and plucked one of the top talents off the board.

Overall 2011 NFL Draft Grade given on 5/1/11: A+

2011 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

31. Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State
This is a typical Steelers pick. They're bolstering their defense with one of the top players available. He doesn't fill an immediate need, but will definitely be starting for the team in a year or two. (Pick Grade: B)

63. Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida
The Steelers almost had to make this pick. They need to protect Ben Roethlisberger. Marcus Gilbert fits their blocking scheme, and he's arguably one of the top tackles available. (Pick Grade: B)

95. Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
I had Curtis Brown to the Steelers in the second round of my mock re-draft, so I love this pick. Brown provides tremendous value and fills a huge need for them. He's also a great fit for Mike Tomlin's defensive scheme. That's why the Steelers were very interested in Brown this offseason. (Pick Grade: A)

128. Cortez Allen, CB, The Citadel
Another solid cornerback selection for the Steelers. Cortez Allen fits the range at the bottom of the Round 4, and he figures to improve the secondary sometime in the near future. (Pick Grade: B)

162. Chris Carter, DE/OLB, Fresno State
Kevin Colbert continues to dominate the 2011 NFL Draft. Chris Carter could have gone as high as the bottom of the second round, so this is a major steal. Carter won't contribute right away, but he could step in once James Harrison moves on. (Pick Grade: A)

196. Keith Williams, G, Nebraska
Another quality pick. The Steelers have to keep adding solid offensive linemen to the roster, and Keith Williams fits the range. (Pick Grade: B)

232. Baron Batch, RB, Texas Tech
The Steelers were expected to find a change-of-pace back behind Rashard Mendenhall. Baron Batch qualifies, but there were better prospects available. (Pick Grade: C)

Season Summary:
I was really high on the Steelers prior to this season - until Ben Roethlisberger's sexual assault charge. I bumped Pittsburgh out of Super Bowl (and playoff) consideration because I didn't know how Roethlisberger would respond. Well, give Big Ben credit. Despite the distraction and subsequent suspension, he led his team to its third Super Bowl appearance in six years.

Offseason Moves:

Steelers sign WR Jerricho Cotchery

Steelers re-sign DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley

Steelers sign TE John Gilmore

Steelers re-sign NT Chris Hoke

Steelers re-sign RB Mewelde Moore

Steelers re-sign CB William Gay

Steelers re-sign P Daniel Sepulveda

Steelers cut OT Flozell Adams

Steelers re-sign OT Willie Colon

Cardinals sign DE/DT Nick Eason

Steelers re-sign OT Jonathan Scott

Bears sign TE Matt Spaeth

Steelers cut WR/PR Antwaan Randle El

Steelers cut OT Max Starks

Steelers sign K Shaun Suisham

Steelers re-sign CB Ike Taylor

Steelers sign TE Weslye Saunders

Steelers tender QB Dennis Dixon

Steelers tender OT Tony Hills

Steelers franchise DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley

Offseason Needs:

Right Guard: Pittsburgh needs to protect Ben Roethlisberger. If he keeps getting hit like this, he won't last much longer. Mike Pouncey could be the pick at the bottom of the first round in the 2011 NFL Draft. He'd look great next to his brother, Maurkice. Drafted Keith Williams
Offensive Tackle: Max Starks has been cut. Willie Colon is a free agent. The Steelers might spend their first-round pick this April on someone like Gabe Carimi or Derek Sherrod. Re-signed Willie Colon; drafted Marcus Gilbert
Cornerback: I think Steeler fans have seen enough of Bryant McFadden. The team's second-round selection could be used to address this position. Re-signed Ike Taylor; drafted Curis Brown and Cortez Allen
Nose Tackle: Casey Hampton turns 34 in September. A successor could be found in Rounds 3-5.
Inside Linebacker: James Farrior just had a great year, but he turned 36 in January. He won't last much longer, so a Round 3-5 selection could be used as a future replacement.
Punter: Free agent Daniel Sepulveda just had his third knee surgery. Re-signed Daniel Sepulveda

2011 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets. Age: 29.
Signed with Steelers (1 year)

Jerricho Cotchery is a very good slot receiver when healthy. The problem is that he's coming off back surgery. He's reportedly healthy, but back injuries tend to linger and re-surface. Cotchery is a risk.
Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina. Age: 22. -- Signed with Steelers
John Gilmore, TE, Buccaneers. Age: 31. -- Signed with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: No cap.

LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Steelers (6 years, $61.5 million)

One of the top pass-rushers in the NFL, LaMarr Woodley has 35 sacks in the past three years.
Willie Colon, OT, Steelers. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Steelers (5 years, $29 million)

Willie Colon missed the entire 2010 season with a torn Achilles, but his recovery apparently has gone pretty well. Colon is an outstanding, Pro Bowl-caliber right tackle, so Ben Roethlisberger would love to have him back.
Ike Taylor, CB, Steelers. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Steelers (4 years)

Ike Taylor had a poor 2009 season, but did a great job bouncing back this year. Taylor surrendered only one touchdown in 2010.
Max Starks, OT, Steelers. Age: 29.
Max Starks is a starting-quality left tackle. Well, he was before he ballooned up to 400 pounds. Starks lost his job because he wasn't able to work out after suffering a neck injury.
Daniel Sepulveda, P, Steelers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Steelers

Daniel Sepulveda averaged 45.5 yards per punt, but tore his right ACL for the third time in December.
Flozell Adams, OT, Steelers. Age: 36.
William Gay, CB, Steelers. Age: 26. -- Re-signed with Steelers (1 year)
Jonathan Scott, OT, Steelers. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Steelers
Nick Eason, DE/DT, Steelers. Age: 31. -- Signed with Cardinals (2 years)
Chris Hoke, NT, Steelers. Age: 35. -- Re-signed with Steelers
Matt Spaeth, TE, Steelers. Age: 26. -- Signed with Bears
Ryan Mundy, S, Steelers. Age: 26.
Dennis Dixon (RFA), QB, Steelers. Age: 26. -- Tendered by Steelers
Trai Essex, G, Steelers. Age: 28.
Doug Legursky, G, Steelers. Age: 25.
Mewelde Moore, RB, Steelers. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Steelers
Anthony Madison, CB, Steelers. Age: 29.
Tony Hills (RFA), OT, Steelers. Age: 26. -- Tendered by Steelers
Antwaan Randle El, WR/KR, Steelers. Age: 32.
Keyaron Fox, ILB, Steelers. Age: 29.
Jeremy Kapinos (RFA), P, Steelers. Age: 27.

2011 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon

Divisional Rival History:
Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco is 0-6 against Ben Roethlisberger.
Cincinnati Bengals: The road team has inexplicably claimed eight of the past 11 meetings. Go figure.
Cleveland Browns: Pittsburgh has won 20 of 21 against Cleveland.

Features to be Posted This Offseason:

2011 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
Detailed season preview
Fantasy football projections
Positional rankings
Daily updates on free-agent signings

More 2011 NFL Offseason Pages:

DAL / NYG / PHI / WAS /
CHI / DET / GB / MIN /
ATL / CAR / NO / TB /
ARZ / SEA / SF / STL /
BUF / MIA / NE / NYJ /
BAL / CIN / CLE / PIT /
HOU / IND / JAX / TEN /
DEN / KC / OAK / SD /

2011 NFL Offseason Pages

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 17

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2011 NFL Offseason: Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents