My MUCH TO EARLY 2016 Roster - Offense

I sort of run through this exercise every year after the season is over. It allows me to identify at least a glimmer of what we might be looking at when it comes to the draft. Anyway, here are my thoughts:

QB: (3)

Ben
Grad
Jones

I think we end up bringing Grad back if we can to provide additional support at this position. The reality is having 2 solid backups is better than none. In addition, I'm still not sold on Jones as a backup.

RB: (4)

Bell
Williams
Toussaint
Nix

Not a hard position to pick really. I hated the fumble, but honestly hope to not see him on the field or even getting a helmet next year.

TE: (3)

Heath
Spaeth
Jones

While I think this should probably be our group. I could see competition brought in for Spaeth either through the draft or free agency as well.

WR: (5)

Brown
Wheaton
Bryant
Coates
DHB

This group is interesting really. I think the top 4 listed above are set...no changes. This group can produce and honestly I expect to see Coates with an expanded role next year. The one place I could see us making a change is DHB. He is a team player so I don't just want to throw him out, but the punt return position HAS to be something we look at in the offseason. If we can fill the #5 WR spot with a guy who can actually catch and return a punt.....DHB can go.

OLine: (9)

AV, Foster, Pouncey, DeCastro, Gilbert

I think that is our starting line next year. The backups....sort of all over the place, but I don't see us doing a lot or making a lot of changes. Personally, I would love to see Beachum back in the fold, even if he starts on the PUP at the beginning of the year. He played very well for us. Otherwise, I am going to guess:

Adams, Finney, Wallace, and Hubbard are the 4 guys on the roster.

OT should always be a position we consider in the draft in the first round. If someone slips that we really like, you just can't ignore him. I would love to see another T added and one of the interior guys removed from the list above, but we shall see.

 

Don't feel bad for thinking ahead. I've already been doing it too. I say Beachum comes back and AV gets a backup role. AV is a great feel good story and all that but I really don't wanna see him starting next year. I felt like he was the weak link a lot this year. I also wouldn't care if we tried to trade Wheaton for a safety or corner and just promote Coates but I highly doubt that happens too. I'm just saying I wouldn't mind if they did is all. I HOPE that DeAngelo comes back but I will say that we definitely need a little depth behind him because he really does have an injury history.

 

I agree about Williams and I disagree about Villanueva. I think he should be our starter next year UNLESS Beach is willing to take less $$$. Beach is still better but he wants top 5 LT money probably lol

 

To think we are only:

A backup Q b, LG, C, backup RB, TE, SS, FS, 3 CB's, backup DE, 2 LB's, a punter and special teams coach away from #7!



jk just a couple holes

 

I think AV is our starting LT next year as well. He played really solid and should make a real jump this off season now that he has gotten a bunch of playing time. To me based on size alone his ceiling is a lot higher than Beachums is. I would let Beach walk or sign him move him to guard and let Foster walk.

 

The thing about Beachum right now is the smart thing for him to do is to take a 1-year prove it type deal with a team where he can get some playing time. I don't know that he gets that here, but that is what he should do if I was his agent. I still want him back, but we shall see.

 

AV,beachum,pouncey,DD,gilbert as starters and wallace, finney, hubbard, stingly as the backups. i'd like to see this group under munch. .

 

I can't believe Beachum isn't getting more love. He was very highly rated and even Max Starks said he's probably our best lineman right now if I'm not mistaken. Although Max Starks gave up a lot of sacks in his day so what does he really know? LOL!

 

I think most of that is related to....can he get back ready to play by the time the season starts? I would love him back, but not sure about where he fits at the moment.

 

I think Wheaton is a cap casualty.

 

How? He doesn't make that much money. Wouldn't save us a lot, and we'd be out a pretty solid receiver with a lot of experience. Doesn't seem to make much sense

 

AV can become a pro bowl tackle. Beachum would be a better gaurd than he was at tackle.

I hope James replaces spaeth at te.

 

Pouncey at center? Who is that?

 

Who gave up the most sacks? I really wouldn't be surprised if it was AV. It just seemed like he was either getting beat a lot or giving up the most pressure. It also seemed like he had quite a few penalties as well. I'll say this though. I would ABSOLUTELY take him over Mike Adams and I do hope Mike Adams is finally put out to pasture.

 

I made changes in red to the OP's roster with my thoughts

 

I agree, AV can become a pro bowl tackle. Beach gets by on want too...and in many cases you want that type of guy starting. But AV in my opinion is Beach a few years ago, but with all the measurables. AV has been playing the position for what, two season's max? He more than held his own this year (rough start but looked good as the season went), is stronger at the point of a attack, has better agility and feet (which a tackle needs) and his sheer size and power is significant. He's prototypical for the position. I bring Beach back if on a one year deal and move him inside. He may get more money now at tackle, but I don't think his career is long at LT. And he's high if he thinks he's worth top 5 LT money. His career is longer at guard. And I have no doubt the Steelers found their long-term LT in AV. Just my 2 cents.

 

oh, I thought his rookie contract was up? I guess he has one more year, I don't think he gets resigned though.

 

Never too early to build a champion. We shall see, I like both Beachum and AV.
You need depth. Munch has been the person that has coached this OL up.
I really had no confidence in this group other than DD until Munch came on board.
We are a few pieces and some non injuries away from being a Superbowl winner, must happen
in a three year window.

 

Yeah one more year. I think he walks too tho. Too much money to go elsewhere