A lot of fringe talent at key defensive positions

After watching last nights game and looking at the roster, I am pleasantly surprised at the depth of talent we have at a couple key positions. We currently have 9 corner backs and 14 line backers.

I think it will be tough to trim the roster.

 

Maybe Special Teams will be a huge positive this year if they keep that depth and filler up!

 

While still only pre-season, I'm sure liking my eyes wide open no expectations attitude entering this mystery season. Been a fun ride so far with more widespread talent than seen in many moons in these parts. While shorter, Devon Bush sure looks like the second coming of Kendrell Bell with those thunderous tackles. Stay thirsty and healthy my friend.

 

I hope they can somehow keep Ulysses Gilbert on the 53. I doubt he would last on the PS.

 

I think Kelly makes it as the third safety, Skipper to the practice squad, Gilbert on the 53. The Steelers won't do this but keep just 2 QBs, put Hodges on the practice squad, and keep just 5 WRs and put 2 on the practice squad.

 

I wouldn't be too surprised to see Snell cut to make room for one of the players mentioned above.

 

Gilbert and Kelly are locks. Skipper is more difficult to project. Should he ball out in the final preseason game in both Defense and Special Teams, he is in. Otherwise, he is likey headed elsewhere.

 

Snell will be safe. Colbert will get chewed up and spit out again by the media and fans, if you cut Snell after he was drafted fairly higher

 

preseason is preseason but remember that time we played the bills in preseason and none of our guys could cover? We were like "it's only preseason" and "things will be better" once the season starts. lol yeah we sucked. This time it looks different. players are beating their opposition one on one and they look feisty and fast. Only injuries and stupidity can deter this team imo

 

OH AND JAMES HARRISON IS A TRAITOR AND SHOULD DO HIMSELF A FAVOR AND RETIRE A PATRIOT.

-SDOT somewhere lol

jk sdot

kinda

 

For me, quite a bit to dive into. For that matter, a lot of positives from the game. Here they are!!


1.) I knew Terrell had it in him. We had seen him turn it up at the mid point last season. Much of that improvement, coupled with settling into a position and an NFL Off-Season to himself, has been manifesting itself this whole preseason. Last nights game was easily his best showing; more confidence and aggression than we had seen from him up to that point. You heard it from me last season that he had the potential to be good. This season?! Book it on Terrell Edmunds making some big time plays.


2.) Speaking of the defense, how about Devin Bush?! I know, I know, having Taylor Lewan running straight at you is no fun. That being said though, Devin Bush was, again, EVERYWHERE. I cannot wait for Week 1. I have said it before and I will say it again; DROY. Book it.


3.) I do not know what has happened to Bud Dupree. That said, I really do not care! Finally, and I mean FINALLY, that proverbial light bulb has come on for Bud. Not a moment too soon either. Finally using speed to power. Granted, it was not against Taylor but any form of continued improvement and experience still counts. Here is hoping he can refine those moves.


4.) Mason Rudolph.... man oh man.... what a performance. If the same circumstances of improvement apply to the likes of Terrell and James, I was more than certain that, given his showcasing during the final two Preseason games last season, Mason would be much improved. I was correct... although I did not except to see it to THIS level. It is like the play-calling remained the same. If not, near identical.


5.) I am going to cheat on this one; Ulysees Gilbert III (whom I loved during the lead up to the 2019 Draft), Kameron Kelly and Tuzar Skipper. I do not know how. I do not care how. Get these three young men onto the Final 53... like now. For me, Gilbert and Kelly are locks. Tuzar is a bit trickier. Ola's injury has definitely put him into better standing but he has yet to showcase anything on Special Teams. A good showing this Thursday with his defensive play will likely push him onto the roster.


6.) Fred Johnson truly is an interesting young man. To me, his continued improvement in his performance is reminiscent of B.J. Finney back in 2015. For that matter, Fred Johnson is far more athletic than B.J. was and currently is. Now, is B.J. in any trouble?! Oh heavens no. Now, for the Offensive Guard position in 2020?! Considering Fred Johnson is a lock for the Final 53, I wonder if the likes of Mike Tomlin and Shaun Sarrett have more in store for Fred than they are indirectly letting on via him obtaining reps in Training Camp at both Tackle and Guard positions. I also wonder if B.J. is within Pittsburgh's future plans beyond this season.





My top six. I do have others but these six stood out to me the most.

 

Now this is a quality post

 

If we can get a season of Tuitt playing up to his ability, it changes everything and the skies the limit for this D. The D has the talent to make this a feared defense once again. Tuitt can be a game wrecker....

 

health man...

watt's hammy
bush's shoulder
hadens ankle
davis ankle
duprees thumb
tuitt's everything

 

you stuck by Terrell when most, including myself said he was a bust. Looks good so far, let's hope that transpires to the regular season.

I think Bush will be great but I can't see him being DROY, he will definitely be up there in rookies though. I feel an injury might bring him down from contention..

Bud looks explosive... who knows maybe it's like what you said that butler is great at grooming lb'ers. Who cares right? let it comb over to the regular season.

I am a Rudolph guy, i was really excited when he got drafted. however, what am I missing? Sunday's performance was OK... he made a sexy bomb td and then kind of fizzled. Stalls, and what was up with that INT? Thing is I truly believe he will continue to grow.

agree with you on all points with #5. fantastic depth. depth like that can get you over the hump.

havent paid attention to fred big johnson tbh lol.

 

FWIW on Steelers Depot podcast they were saying Skipper might not make the 53, because of him not playing special teams.

 

If Tuitt and Dupree play up to their ability, this defense could be scary good.

 

In regards to Mason it looked to me like they went very conservative with the play calling after the TD strike and on the pick it looked pretty much like he knew where he was going with the ball but James just didn't finish the route... IDK but the kid looks pretty decent

 

I know I’m pretending to hate on mason so I don’t get stuck being labeled a Dobbs hater

 

Hahahahahaha hows the plumbing today? Still squeezing 57 through the main vein? Hope alls well with yinz

 

Not to toot my own horn, but I was and remain high on Terrell. I just like what he has to offer! (TOOT TOOT)

 

My friends we haven't played one game that counts.
Lets see how our team performs when games count.
Then after a 1/4 season is done we will evaluate a little.
Not until then though.

 

Are you thinking it is really depth or just an over abundance of cut able bodies?

 

He may be the starting the season due to the Davis injury.

Maybe 9.2? He seems to have excelled split out wide off the line with a speed rush. Hopefully he continues against top tier talent. I will temper my enthusiasm. Like you said maybe finally the light went on. Time will tell.

Tuitt's play looks to be on point. Needs to be. Maybe he is finally healthy? Need him in beast mode.

Rudolph has proved he is the #2. Dobbs could be kept as the #3 unless they trade him. Several teams in need. Newtons injury, the colts ect.
Maybe they go with 2 and put Hodges on the PS.

I believe they will cut Artie Burns. He is simply horrible. Wasting a roster spot.

Snell will make it. Gilbert will make it.

Hopefully Ola gets back soon.