Saturday Night Open Thread: Rookie Minicamp Edition
7 HRS AGO - Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Come and join this merry band of Expand
7 HRS AGO - Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Come and join this merry band of Steelers’ faithful for some lively debate about our Steelers, good food and the merits of the odd cold beverage. It’s a beautiful day here in the wonderful North.
Surely you can picture me sitting outside the igloo and enjoying a screaming hot cup of coffee. The solar panels are out charging the laptop. I will be hunting caribou later on this afternoon before eating a Saturday feast of salted cod and potatoes.
Anyway, enough of life up here in the real original frozen tundra...
The NFL and the NFLPA have decided to go to war over ‘off site workouts’ in lieu of OTA’s and such. Pick a side and defend the position.
Based on last year’s starting lineup, offseason moves and now the draft, which starter from last year should be most worried about his position come September?
Let’s change gears here a bit and talk hockey! Pittsburgh Penguins hockey specifically, how far do you predict they Collapse
The Steelers receivers stand above the competition, literally
11 HRS AGO - Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
How the Steelers can utilize significant height Expand
11 HRS AGO - Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
How the Steelers can utilize significant height mismatches in 2021 The Pittsburgh Steelers have continued a recent trend of drafting and signing pass catchers of a certain height. A far cry of the days of Antonio Brown, Demarcus Ayers, and Eli Rogers sitting atop of the receiving depth chart. In 2021 they added the 6’5” Pat Freiermuth into the mix which only added to an already large amount of players who stand above 6’2”. Below are the Steelers pass catchers ranked on their height.
6’8 Zach Gentry6’5’ Pat Freiermuth 6’4 Chase Claypool6’4 Eric Ebron6’4 Kevin Rader6’2 Najee Harris6’2 Derek Watt6’1 JuJu Smith-Schuster5’11 James Washington5’10 Diontae Johnson5’9 Ray Ray McCloud
The bottom line is the Steelers will have significant height advantages over their opponents in every offensive personnel grouping they roll onto the field. Within these size matchups comes the decision defensive coordinators will have to make, where do you Collapse
Contracts and salary cap numbers for the Steelers 2021 draft picks
13 HRS AGO - Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Based on draft positions, the 2021 salary cap numbers for Expand
13 HRS AGO - Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Based on draft positions, the 2021 salary cap numbers for the Steelers were already known. Since the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement signed between the NFL and the Players Association, rookie contracts are much more straightforward and locked in for players selected in the NFL draft. In a players first season, they will receive a predetermined base salary for players with no years experience, as well as a specified signing bonus based on what overall position the player was drafted.
For the nine player selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2021 NFL draft, their base salary is $660k. How much the player receives as a signing bonus will be divided up over their four-year contract and that amount will go towards their number for the 2021 salary cap. These numbers have already been published by places such as overthecap.com and spotrac.com. While the numbers vary ever so slightly from the two different sources, all of the picks for the Collapse
What about the Steelers Veterans? Part 2: Safeties
15 HRS AGO - Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
What can last year’s defensive performances teach Expand
15 HRS AGO - Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
What can last year’s defensive performances teach about the upcoming year. This is part 2 of a four part series, looking at the Steelers defensive performances from last year at several different points — after the season’s first ten games (in which the Steelers were 10-0 and their defense was dominant), in the final six weeks (during which the team fell to 2-4), and over the full season.
I compiled some individual stats during the extended postponement of the Thanksgiving contest against Baltimore. Instead of trying to make sense of mid-season numbers, I looked at league rankings (using profootballreference.com as a guide). Then I did a little number crunching of my own and broke the lists down by conference and position.
Part 1 can be found HERE. Soon will come analyses of cornerbacks and pass rushers. But in this edition: Safeties.
This round: Safeties
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
First, a quick peak Collapse
TikTok videos have nothing to do with the Steelers winning or losing football games
19 HRS AGO - Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It seems so simple. TikTok videos Expand
19 HRS AGO - Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It seems so simple. TikTok videos should have nothing to do with anything when it comes to the Steelers winning or losing football games, right? If only we lived in that perfect world. In a perfect world, one where people were sensible about things, the title of this article would probably be all I’d ever have to write when discussing the subject of football players making TikTok videos and how that really has nothing to do with anything when it comes to winning or losing games.
But this is not a perfect world. As it pertains to Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, this used to be a world where he was seen as a “breath of fresh air,” a rookie who didn’t know how to drive, had his bike stolen and stole the heart of every fan who had one.
The late-2010s, what an innocent time.
Actually, the world really wasn't so innocent back then, and it was only a matter of time before Smith-Schuster found that out.
In the Collapse
Which second year Steelers are set to take the next step?
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images
Second year Steelers historically take on a heavier Expand
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images
Second year Steelers historically take on a heavier load, who will shoulder that burden most in 2021? The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team undergoing a slight transition. With a rebuilt offensive line, and new offensive system it is pretty fair to think the team will take on a new identity in 2021. Playing a key role in this transition will be members of the Steelers 2020 draft class. In year two Steelers players tend to get more responsibility added to their plates and have ‘break out’ type years. This year with so many changes these new roles will be further expanded.
Below are a number of guys I foresee having a much bigger role in 2021 and the likelihood is of them exceeding expectations.
Editor’s Note: This list is in no particular order.
Chase Claypool
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Steelers rookie breakout star, Chase Claypool is in line for a monster 2021 season. The Notre Dame product should see his role Collapse
Podcast: Did the Steelers finally select the right Nittany Lion tight end?
1 DAY AGO - BTSC broke down what the Steelers’ draft needs from specific universities before the NFL Draft and Expand
1 DAY AGO - BTSC broke down what the Steelers’ draft needs from specific universities before the NFL Draft and now they talk to the correspondents from the universities that boasted all nine of their draft selections. For the third time since 2004, the Steelers select a tight end that hailed from Beaver Stadium on Saturdays. Is Pat Freiermuth the next Steelers superstar at the position or is he just another Matt Kranchick or Jesse James? This week, join Michael Beck and Geoffrey Benedict as they welcome Ben Jones, beat writer for State College and to talk about Freiermuth from a PSU perspective.
News and Notes
Special Guest: Ben Jones, State College beat writer
and MUCH MORE!
Michael and Geoffrey walk you through everything you need to know regarding the Black-and-Gold.
If you haven’t heard, we have a YouTube channel, and the main reason for this is to increase the sound quality on our shows. But if you’re a visual learner you can watch the show below. Be sure to subscribe to our channel!
If Collapse
Will the AFC North be the best division in the NFL again in 2021?
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
That’s right, I said ‘again’. The question can’t truly Expand
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
That’s right, I said ‘again’. The question can’t truly be answered until next February, but when the 2021 NFL season is all said and done there may be one particular division throughout both conferences which is head and shoulders above the rest. Will it be the AFC North? Only time will tell.
Honestly, this is more about the word ‘again’. Whether some want to admit it or not, the AFC North was the best division in the NFL in 2020. While many believe that, there is still the question of whether or not it is actually true.
I was asked this question for the Steelers Stat Geek podcast from this past Thursday. So not only did I offer my opinion, I provided numbers to support the claim.
First, the AFC North had three teams in the postseason in 2020. Although this is a big accomplishment, it could vary year to year as teams sneak into the last playoff spot with close to .500 records. But in 2020, the AFC North took care of business easily. Even if Collapse
Steelers officially announce jersey numbers for their 2021 draft class
2 DAYS AGO - Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images
For those ready to order a jersey, the numbers are now Expand
2 DAYS AGO - Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images
For those ready to order a jersey, the numbers are now complete. Although many of the numbers for the Steelers 2021 draft picks had been floating around, the Steelers officially announced the jersey numbers for their entire 2021 draft class on Thursday.
JERSEY NUMBERS Jersey numbers for the whole roster: https://t.co/HbLmg3qG1w pic.twitter.com/IEuUEnGhVD— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 13, 2021
It had previously been announced that first round draft pick Najee Harris would be wearing his number 22 just like he did in his four seasons at Alabama. The rest of the jerseys are also now official from the Steelers.
Pat Freiermuth will be donning number 88 when training camp opens in July. In college he sported the number 87 but it is currently issued to tighten Kevin Rader. Center Kendrick Green will bring a familiar number to the position as he has been issued number 53. One of two numbers he wore in college, Green’s other option of Collapse
|
Steelers announce the signing of four of their 2021 draft picks
10 HRS AGO - Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images
All players drafted by the Steelers from the fifth Expand
10 HRS AGO - Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images
All players drafted by the Steelers from the fifth round on are now under contract. On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the signing of four of their nine 2021 NFL draft selections. The players now under contract are fifth-round draft pick Isaiahh Loudermilk, sixth-round draft pick Quincy Roche, and seventh-round draft picks Tre Norwood and Pressley Harvin III.
We have signed DE Isaiahh Loudermilk, LB Quincy Roche, DB Tre Norwood & P Pressley Harvin III. @BordasLaw— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 15, 2021
Since 2011, the NFL has standard contracts for NFL draft picks based on where they were selected. All the Steelers 20201 draft picks will have a base salary of $660k this season with the only difference being how much they received as a signing bonus. The signing bonuses are determined by exactly where the player was drafted.
As reported earlier, the salary cap number and signing bonus for all the Steelers draft Collapse
Harris taking it step by step
12 HRS AGO - No. 1 draft pick Najee Harris is taking his transition to the NFL one step at a time
Steelers left wondering why they haven’t had a season opener at home in seven years
14 HRS AGO - Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers will start the season on Expand
14 HRS AGO - Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers will start the season on the road again for the seventh straight season, and the organization is wondering why. When the NFL released the 2021 regular season schedule, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have grown accustomed to seeing their favorite team start on the road. Why have they grown accustomed to the Steelers taking their show on the road to start the season? Because they have opened on the road the last seven seasons.
Of the previous six games, the Steelers’ record is 3-2-1. However, it has become so predictable, some have thought the team has requested starting on the road. What else would explain the long string of road games in Week 1? However, in a recent interview for Steelers.com, team president Art Rooney II certainly debunked such a narrative.
“It would be nice to open at home once in a while,” Steelers president Rooney told Bob Labriola. “It’s not the biggest deal in the world. We open on the road and Collapse
Stock Report: How the Steelers 2021 matchups changed based on the schedule
17 HRS AGO - The Steelers 2021 opponents have been known for a while, but did where they fell on the schedule Expand
17 HRS AGO - The Steelers 2021 opponents have been known for a while, but did where they fell on the schedule help or hurt the Steelers’ chances? The Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 opponents were known for years all except three matchups. Once the season ended in 2020, the Steelers had their 16 home and away matchup’s determined. After the NFL announced the 17th game and the criteria, the Steelers also knew that they would be hosting the Seattle Seahawks season.
So why all the pomp and circumstance of the NFL schedule release?
Knowing when the Steelers are playing each of their games does make a difference with the perception of the matchup. If the Steelers are facing someone on either extended or short rest, a primetime game, or coming off a tough matchup, it all factors into the equation.
So based on where the games are now scheduled, are the matchup’s more difficult, less difficult or as to be expected when compared to knowing the teams and locations which were already predetermined? Let’s look at Collapse
Quincy Roche slated to be the first Steelers rookie to sign his contract
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers look like they have signed Expand
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers look like they have signed their first rookie of the 2021 NFL Draft class. There was once a time, seemingly a long time ago, when NFL rookie contracts were anything but certain. Teams who had a high draft pick would be held hostage by agents as they postured for more and more money.
Two Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) later, and now rookies signing their first professional contract has become just news which runs late on a Friday night without any fan fare.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL Draft class, it looks as if 6th round pick Quincy Roche, from the University of Miami, will be the first rookie to ink his contract. This per Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Looks like sixth-round outside linebacker Quincy Roche is the first Steelers draft pick to sign his rookie deal, per Instagram. pic.twitter.com/LTRyeqDqYj— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) May 15, 2021
With the Steelers starting rookie Collapse
Marlon Humphrey shares some difficult truths about the Steelers 2020 offense
1 DAY AGO - Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens cornerback shares a story which Expand
1 DAY AGO - Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens cornerback shares a story which should make Steelers fans cringe. The 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers offense was confusing. It was dynamic at times, and painfully predictable at other junctures. Nonetheless, throughout the season there were moments when we wondered who was running the show.
Was it offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner?
Was it Ben Roethlisberger?
Throughout the season, there was a constant dispute about who was actually calling plays from time to time. You had receives talking about Roethlisberger drawing up plays in the proverbial dirt, only to have Fichtner dispute those claims when he met with the media the following week.
You would have times when Roethlisberger would talk openly about getting his receivers in position and running an offense off the cuff, only to have Fichtner suggest he was telling Roethlisbeger what to do via the coach-to-quarterback helmet system.
Unless you are in the locker room, or are a Collapse
Film Room: Analyzing what Quincy Roche brings to the Steelers defense
1 DAY AGO - Susan Stocker/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
What does the Steelers Expand
1 DAY AGO - Susan Stocker/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
What does the Steelers 6th round pick bring to the team? Quincy Roche has been touted as another 6th round gem for the Steelers, a player that could have instant impact and is a popular selection as a major steal of the draft. The Steelers could certainly stand that kind of impact from the rookie, as the outside linebacker depth isn’t the greatest with 3 of the team’s top 5 outside linebackers in 2020 snaps played not on the roster, including 4-year starter Bud Dupree.
Roche is in a favorable situation to make the roster, and has a solid chance to win the #3 outside line backer job. But what does Quincy Roche bring to the Steelers? To find out, let’s look at the film. This article will focus mostly on Roche’s 2020 game against Clemson and their left tackle Jackson Carman, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Pass Rush
Quincy Roche (#2) is the defensive end to the Collapse
15 things I learned after the Steelers schedule was released
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
The Steelers revealed their 2021 schedule before Expand
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
The Steelers revealed their 2021 schedule before the whole world on Wednesday. That led to me discovering 15 things about it and them. The NFL schedule was released Wednesday night, and I have some thoughts about it. In fact, there are 15 things I learned...
The NFL really hates the Steelers. Why? It is forcing them to open up on the road for the seventh-straight season when they travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills on September 12. Yes, apparently, the Jaguars, who have opened up at home four times since 2015, are much nearer and dearer to the NFL’s heart. Totally makes sense.
The NFL hates the Steelers so much, it is once again forcing the national spotlight on them, and they will have to endure the maximum five primetime dates in 2021. That’s right, while the Jaguars, the NFL’s baby, get the cushy schedule, the Steelers will be paraded out in front of the whole world, where they will be unable to hide their shame.
If I may be Collapse
The rookies have arrived
2 DAYS AGO - The Steelers rookies are in town for their minicamp this weekend and they now know what number Expand
2 DAYS AGO - The Steelers rookies are in town for their minicamp this weekend and they now know what number they will be wearing Collapse
|
Steelers sign four draft picks
11 HRS AGO - The Steelers have signed four of their 2021 NFL Draft picks
Tomlin likes what he sees so far
12 HRS AGO - Coach Mike Tomlin said getting to know the rookies and evaluate their conditioning is one of the Expand
12 HRS AGO - Coach Mike Tomlin said getting to know the rookies and evaluate their conditioning is one of the main goals during minicamp Collapse
Podcast: The NFL doesn’t hate the Steelers
14 HRS AGO - There is plenty to discuss on the latest episode of the popular podcast Steelers Six Pack w/ Tony. Expand
14 HRS AGO - There is plenty to discuss on the latest episode of the popular podcast Steelers Six Pack w/ Tony. Does the NFL hate the Steelers? How do you like the Steelers’ upcoming schedule? How many wins will Pittsburgh have in 2021? This and your questions and comments on this episode of Steelers Friday Night Six Pack! Join Tony Defeo on those those subjects, engaging in Pittsburgh pro football talk and much, much more.
Check out the rundown of the show below, and be sure to comment what you think in the comment section.
Steelers News and Notes
The conspiracy theory that the league is biased against the Burgh
Steelers Q&A
and MUCH MORE!
If you missed the live show, be sure to check out the YouTube clip here, and be sure to subscribe to our channel by clicking HERE:
If you missed the live show, be sure to check out all episodes on the following platforms:
Apple Users: CLICK HERE
Spotify: CLICK HERE
Google Play: CLICK HERE
If you’re old-school and just want the audio, you can listen to Collapse
Rookie Minicamp Recap, Day 1: The newest members of the team get their feet wet
18 HRS AGO - Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers first day of rookie minicamp is Expand
18 HRS AGO - Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers first day of rookie minicamp is in the books, and it is time to check on how things went. The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the field, sort of, Friday when the nine rookies, eight undrafted rookie free agents and a handful of rookie camp tryout players took to the UMPC Rooney Sports Complex for the first day of Rookie Minicamp.
Naturally, there wasn’t much news on the first day of the rookies getting acquainted with their new surroundings and teammates. Nonetheless, with the limited information put out to the public, we package some nuggets of information to give you a small taste of Steelers football.
Let’s dive right in...
First Look at Matt Canada Offense
Believe it or not, but the Matt Canada offense started to be unveiled Friday. While it was only the beginning of the process, players, and media, got their first glimpse as the new offense. Here is what some players, and the members of the Pittsburgh media who Collapse
Friday Night Steelers Six Pack of questions and open thread: Offseason Vol. 17
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
There is always something to talk about when it comes to Expand
1 DAY AGO - Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
There is always something to talk about when it comes to the black-and-gold! It’s Friday again, so it’s time for the six pack of questions. It seems as if Jeff and Dave come to a consensus in cutting to the chase...
This week, I, Dave, will be tasked with the questions up for discussion.
The rules are still the same...
Quick rundown of the ground rules.
I’ll ask at least four questions strictly related to the Steelers.
The rest of the questions could be about anything.
Be respectful.
Have fun talking about the Black-and-gold.
Procedural Note: Since the title feature has gone away, please feel free to leave your usual title as the first line of your response and even bold it if you can for the ease of others.
So here we go! With the formalities out of the way, it’s time to jump on in. Hopefully this party is exactly what you’re looking for on a Friday night. Here goes:
1. The Steelers have issued numbers to all their 2021 draft picks. Some Collapse
Getting to know the Steelers 2021 UDFAs: Donovan Stiner
1 DAY AGO - Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
The former Flordia Gator played more in the slot in Expand
1 DAY AGO - Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
The former Flordia Gator played more in the slot in recent seasons. After the Pittsburgh Steelers selected nine players in the 2021 NFL draft, they continued to adding to the roster with eight undrafted free agents. With many draft profiles focusing on those players towards the top and middle of the NFL draft, it is time to get to take a look at these other members of the Pittsburgh Steelers who will have just as much opportunity to make the roster in 2021 as those who were selected in the draft, despite the more difficult path.
Remember, some draft profiles for these players are quite harsh as they are looking at them as a draftable prospect. Taking a flyer on an UDFA is a completely different story as many times the potential the player shows is what lands them on an NFL offseason roster.
Next on the list is safety Donovan Stiner.
Donovan Stiner
SafetySeniorFlorida6’2” 210 lbs
In four seasons at Florida, Stiner appeared in 41 games. He Collapse
Way-too-early 2022 Mock Draft: Steelers draft a dynamic QB with top pick
1 DAY AGO - Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
It’s never too early to look ahead, and so here is a Expand
1 DAY AGO - Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
It’s never too early to look ahead, and so here is a way-too-early mock draft after the 2021 season. After getting more picks correct than both Mel Kiper and Daniel Jeremiah in the final 2021 mock, I am back with my first mock for the 2022 cycle. Many of you are probably getting sick of anything with the word “mock” in it, while others cannot get enough of it. If you fall into the second category, you have come to the right place.
We are still a long way from the 2022 NFL Draft, and many things will change between now and next April, but there are several things that stand out about the class already. The most notable thing is that next year’s quarterback class is going to be very, VERY deep. The names mentioned most often at the top are USC’s Kedon Slovis and North Carolina’s Sam Howell, but there are many other prospects who currently sit in the mid to late first round range and will have a chance to leap into the top ten with a solid Collapse
Podcast: Why don’t we wait before burying the 2021 Steelers
1 DAY AGO - Jeff Hartman brings an AM studio show to the BTSC family of podcasts with the latest episode of Expand
1 DAY AGO - Jeff Hartman brings an AM studio show to the BTSC family of podcasts with the latest episode of “Let’s Ride“. So many media outlets have the Steelers not only missing the playoffs in 2021, but finishing under .500 for the first time since 2003. Shouldn’t we wait to leave this team for dead? This is the main topic that will be discussed on the latest episode of the morning flagship show in the BTSC family of podcasts. Join BTSC co-editor Jeff Hartman for this and more on “Let’s Ride”.
Check out the rundown of the show:
News and Notes
Don’t be quick to judge the upcoming season
Hart to Heart
and MUCH MORE!
Jeff Hartman of BTSC walks you through everything you need to know regarding the black-and-gold.
Be sure to check out this and all episodes on the following platforms:
Apple Users: CLICK HERE
Spotify: CLICK HERE
Google Play: CLICK HERE
You can listen to the show in the player below. Collapse
|
