Next Year

as long as Ben comes back I think next year is for sure our year. Getting Bryant back is huge. That was the one thing we were missing this year. All of our true deep threats either got hurt or were suspended. Once Coates got hurt is when our offense seemed to start puttering. Then Green came back we picked it back up only for him to go down again. Hopefully Green can stay healthy since he said he is not retiring and is going into the offseason healthy. Really there are zero needs or even wants on the offensive side of the ball. I mean sure a competent back up would be nice but I'm interested in seeing what we have with Mettenberger.

The defense should be much better as well but still have some holes to fill. I like Mitchell a lot but he isn't the best at reading the play. Getting Heyward back is going to be huge and I think they are going to add a few pieces via free agency. The young guys got a ton of experience this year and should be a lot better next year as well.

The arrow is definitely putting up on this team and I would call this next draft almost a luxury draft. I would say it's time to draft Bens replacement.

 

Better QB draft next year especially if Sam Darnold declares for the draft....

 

I totally agree with your assessments 'Hurtin.

Can't treat the draft as a luxury though IMO. I think we have quite a few spots on the team that need solidifying, not just the starters.

 

i agree with drafting Bens replacement as long as Ben comes back. We have to have a good QB next year because we are not really building. I guess thats why I think Ben will play. The next two or three years the steelers should be able to make deep runs in the Playoffs. I think we need to draft another Defensive Linemen and maybe a receiver.

 

Oh yeah for sure. I love the oline. We have 2 very good youngs guys also. Yeah we didn't see much of Watkins this year but he will grow into a starter as well. Finney was a huge surprise. I would like to take anothe r runner in the draft. I've seen some have Conner from Pitt falling all the way to the 4th. I would jump all over that.

 

If Ben stays this draft has huge potential to really put us over the top, especially if you add back in the guys who were out this year in Bryant and Green, and maybe Golson. This draft is not a luxury, this draft is the year you go get the guys who are going to help you finish a run. What are the needs?

QB - not if Ben comes back
RB - depth, Bell will be back, but we need some depth
TE - Green and James make a nice 1/2, but you need a guy here to cover you in case Green gets hurt again. Would you maybe bring in another vet?
WR - Yes you get Bryant back...probably, but if you don't Ayers, Rogers, DHB and Hamilton are not the answer.
OLine - I am okay with the players we have, even for depth.

Dline - We could use some additional depth here. Heyward, Hargrave, and Tuitt are going to make up a great line. Walton, Matthews and even Maxey and McCullers all played solid if unspectacular football. If we can get depth here, great, but it may not be in the cards for the draft. Maybe a UFA signing?
OLB - Harrison can't play forever. I want him to play next year and split some time with an impact rookie.
ILB - A need only if Timmons walks IMO.
CB - We need to draft a Gay replacement, even if Golson can play finally.
S - Davis is going to be really good, he competes. Mitchell is solid, but we need to find some depth and a Mitchell starter replacement. Dangerfield, Golden, and Thomas are only special teamers IMO.

 

Sam Darnold just finished his freshman year, he's not eligible to declare for the NFL draft

 

Like I didn't know that, I said in a year or two.......

 

Edge rusher is a serious need.


Sadly... do not know who will be available come pick thirty.

 

May have to move up. I really want Charlton from Michigan

 

good stuff, I mostly agree, now to "put us over the top" its going to come down to team issues and more impressive coaching and consistent play calling, like getting a TD on first and goals from the one ... Bryant return and a healthy Green point the arrow UP for next year, Golson will add needed depth, I too really like the looks of out D-line and linebacker stable is solid

 

Um sorry but I wasn't so sure you did know that...you clearly said we should draft a QB next year especially if Darnold declares for the draft.... Darnold has to play 2 more years of college ball before he can declare for the draft.

 

Redshirt

 

Actually Darnold was a redshirt freshman in 2016, he could declare for the 2018 draft if he wanted to. I don't know why Steelers fans keep talking about Darnold as if the Steelers will have a chance to draft him, he will be a top 10 pick if he continues his play.

 

My bad I thought he was a true freshman.

 

One thing I have learned from the "Steeler's Next Year" is never count on guys who have not played or played much the prior year, like Golson, Bryant, Green. How many times have we counted on someone to return to start and never happen. Example was Shamarko for Troy, and Bryant as a second receiver etc. We should go into next year as if they were never there, then if they are able to play it just a bonus, but don't start out counting on them.

 

If Ben retires this year there's a good chance we will be picking in the top 10 in 2018

 

The only one you can say that about is Golson. Bryant has proven to be legit weapon in this league and Green has shown when healthy he can be a force as well. So we know what we have in them. They weren't one or two play flashes.

 

there will be many QB names available after next season, Matt Stafford in Detroit is one of many

 

Oh yea agree they have the talent, but your counting on Bryant not smoking dope during the year and Green not ever getting hit in the head again. Not sure you can count on either of that not happening. All I'm saying about them, is that if they do play that is a bonus, but don't bet on it.

 

Ben isn't retiring, he's just being a drama queen as usual

 

His replacement ain't in this draft unless you get a lucky Brady sort of pick that nobody seen coming. The rest I agree with.

 

I am not so sure Dobbler, with proper coaching there just may.