My training camp/pre-season primer and roster predictions...... te

It is with some sadness that I write this particular article on the te's, as it's the first one in quite a while that doesn't include Heath Miller.....Miller finished his steelers career in 6th place on the all time receiving list for te's, and was as solid as they came on the field and in the locker room.. Now that the misty eyed reflection is out of the way, it's time to take a look at what's left..... The position group is still looking pretty solid after the f.o. pulled off a free agent coup, and the development of one of our young guns... After that, there are question marks, but nothing to worry about until next yr.... now for the individual.

Ladarius Green:
The big FA signing that I didn't think the f.o. would go for...Green was stuck on the chargers bench due to the presence of future h.o.f. Antonio Gates, but when gates was injured, green stepped in and san Diego's offense didn't miss a beat. Green brings an offensive element to us that reminds me a little of eric green.. No, he won't be the deep threat that E.G. was, but L.G. definitely has more than his fair share of athleticism, and will be a big chain mover... My biggest fear with him is his injury history.. He doesn't appear to be able to stay healthy.. If he does, then we have a monster to add to an already potent offense

Jesse James:
JJ had quite a few of us worried during pre-season, when his concentration issues made everyone scratch their heads and second guess his pick in the draft.. When the season started, he got his head together and showed a glimpse of the future, and it's pretty bright... JJ is a much better athlete than what most experts gave him credit for, and has the ability to get open.. In 2 te sets, with our wr's, it will be impossible for a defense to key on any one player... JJ will get on the field quite a bit this season.. My only concern with him is his blocking ability... I'm sure this is an aspect that will be worked on before the season starts, as well as with green, and definitely something i'll be looking at when live football starts.

Matt Spaeth:
The blocking component of the te corps., and he's quite good at it.. I'm over the fact that he's never taken advantage of his size in the red zone, but his blocking has been quite instrumental in the running and passing game. Spaeth's biggest downfall is his injury history. Spaeth has never been able to stay healthy, and his blocking prowess is wasted on ir...... I truly believe this is his last season in black and gold.

David Johnson:
A blast from the past.... I fully expect dj to be one of the final cuts, as he brings nothing to the table other than being an occasional chain mover.. He's probably on for insurance just in case we lose our only fullback to injury as well...

Paul Lang:
A slightly better blocking option than dj, and a candidate to take some snaps at fb as well... not much of a receiving threat, and looks to be headed to the practice squad if he is to stick this yr.

Xavier Grimble:
The biggest threat to Spaeth's position as the #3 te.... He's a very athletic and large target, that knows how to take advantage of a seam...... this is one that i'll be watching closely.

Next up: RB's

 

It appears he has also had 3 concussions.

 

I am pulling for Grimble & lang to unseat Spaeth and DJ go Steelers.