Here's how to fix the Steelers secondary

First off cut Ike Taylor and use that money to sign a free agent CB, someone that can get interceptions, maybe Verner from the Titans. Then you draft a CB in the first or second round of the draft he has to be able to play immediately, not necessarily a starter. Also draft another CB in the later rounds because this draft is deep at that position, and draft another safety they cant afford any misses in the secondary like Curtis Brown and Terry Hawthorne. Also they can't wait until their fourth year to make them starters like Keenan Lewis, then they leave as free agents.

 

I think they ask Taylor to take a paycut first. If he takes a pay cut then we can sign a decent CB and just draft one early this year?

 

I think its easier to do it this way. draft dennard in 1st and brooks in 2nd. starting corner and safety right away. or you could go dix in 1st and fuller in 2nd. either way the secondary is fixed with youth and talent. I have always liked taylor but I think its time for him to go unless he takes a major and I mean major pay cut.

 

Their track record on drafting CBs (((shudders)))

Do you think they use a 1 pick on a CB? Dennard's the obvious if there but what about Verritt/Gilbert?

 

Personally, I think we need to come out of this draft with 3 DBs....2 CB and 1 S. In addition, I think there would be value in doing the following:

1. Ike either needs to take a cut or be cut. If he is cut, you must bring in a vet who can play right away.

2. I think you need to try to bring in a S who can start right away. Allen, is a nice backup plan in case you can't draft one or can't sign someone, but he should be the backup, not a starter.

 

the trouble is next year if we only draft 1 and bring ike back. that would only leave us gay in his final year and the draft pick. I'm hoping we get 2 corners this year.

 

Would drafting a CB make the dealings with Ike more persuasive? Say they draft the person they want to replace him with and then say to Ike, you will take this amount or we will cut you. Or do you try and lock up Ike for less before the draft and factor that into your decision making?

 

There's a chance the Steelers might take S Pryor from Louisville in round 1 though I'm not sure how much he would contribute in a rookie year.

 

Just asking, but why would you draft Dennard, whose strength is press/man-to-man?
Yes, he is very talented at what he does; why put him in a zone-based secondary?

/Thanks, Guy. I'll hang up and wait for your answer.

 

not saying I want dennard but there was something written a few years back, somewhere around the time we drafted cortez, that stated the steelers were looking more towards the better one on one cover corners. teaching zone to a one on one guy is somewhat easier than the other way around and it gives the defense options in coverage. whether that's still their intentions I don't know but it seems since tomlin got here they lean that way a little more. 2. he could shut down the offenses top receiver and allow the rest to have to beat you. similar to how ike used to be.

 

I like this too

 

Think you're spot on with that. I think drafting the other way around has hurt this team recently. IMO, you need guys that can play the traditional style first, then you teach them to play your system. Makes for an all around better mix of personnel.

 

Thanks, Mac. Just hoping if someone like him gets drafted, his talents aren't wasted- a press guy playing zone all the time.

 

sign verner draft shazier and a wide receiver 1-2.

 

ALL I know is they better load upon db's and get a LB weather it be thru the draft or FA because we lack serious talent in this area.Timmons and Shamarko are the only players that interests me.

 

If they had any plans for him, I can't imagine that he'd still be unemployed.

 

I think if you did this you'd still need a back-up plan - no such thing as a guaranteed starter straight out of the draft. Not saying it doesn't happen, mind - just that if we did this there would still be the chance that our starting D was lining up with Will Allen and William Gay by week 4.

Or have I become too ingrained in Lebeau's way of thinking?

 

lol. I think there will be some growing pains with rookies but I would rather see a rookie make the mistakes than the same vets we have making them. at least they might be willing to learn from them

 

I like the idea of cutting Ike immediately and starting over with youth. Now with Woodley out the door, it is obvious that getting younger is on the minds of the FO. I would not be surprised if they cut Ike, didn't sign a FA and instead drafted 3 DB's like someone suggested above. I can see this happening. Love the transition we are seeing right now with this team, it is obvious that the Rooney's are tired of not making the playoffs!

 

Blast, I would LOVE to see the Steelers grab Verner or Vontae Davis(very expensive) but I also would not be surprised by no big splash. Drafting a player like Haha Clinton-Dix and bringing in Verner with Cortez/Gay or even Ike with a massive paycut gives us a nice start to a new secondary. And yes I will remember!

 

I agree with you, I think its absolutely going to take more than what we normally go for in FA. Going to have to bring someone in at LB now with Woodley gone. I honestly have not even looked at the list of FA backers though so at this point I have no wish list lol!