Month: June 2022

Top 10 Positional Rankings: Offense

by Barb Layton

This is my first positional rankings of the year. I do one before training camp starts. When the season begins, I will be doing one every week.

Some of the positions are not easy to determine who will be number one. Let us get a glimpse of what will be happening in the NFL this year.

Today we will just be doing the offense and tomorrow, I will rank the defense

Quarterbacks

  1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  2. Josh Allen, Bills
  3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
  4. Josh Burrow, Bengals
  5. Tom Brady, Buccaneers
  6. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
  7. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  8. Russell Wilson, Broncos
  9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
  10. Kyler Murray, Cardinals

Running Backs

  1. Jonathan Taylor, Colts
  2. Nick Chubb, Browns
  3. Derrick Henry, Titans
  4. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
  5. Dalvin Cook, Vikings
  6. Nagee Harris, Steelers
  7. Aaron Jones, Packers
  8. Austin Ekeler, Chargers
  9. Joe Mixon, Bengals
  10. Alvin Kamara, Saints

Wide Receivers

  1. Cooper Kupp, Rams
  2. Stefon Diggs, Bills
  3. Davante Adams, Raiders
  4. Deandre Hopkins, Cardinals
  5. Ja’marr Chase, Bengals
  6. Justin Jefferson, Vikings
  7. A.J. Brown, Eagles
  8. Deebo Samuel, 49ers
  9. Mike Evans, Buccaneers
  10. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins

Tight Ends

  1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs
  2. George Kittle, 49ers
  3. Mark Andrews, Ravens
  4. Kyle Pitts, Falcons
  5. Darren Waller, Raiders
  6. Dalton Schultz, Cowboys
  7. Dallas Goedert, Eagles
  8. T.J. Hockenson, Lions
  9. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers
  10. Hunter Henry, Patriots

Centers

  1. Corey Linsley, Chargers
  2. Frank Ragnow, Lions
  3. Creed Humphrey, Chiefs
  4. Ben Jones, Titans
  5. Jason Kelce, Eagles
  6. Ryan Jensen, Buccaneers
  7. David Andrews, Patriots
  8. Rodney Hudson, Cardinals
  9. Chase Roullier, Commanders
  10. Ryan Kelly, Colts

Guards

  1. Zach Martin, Cowboys
  2. Quenton Nelson, Colts
  3. Joel Bitonio, Browns
  4. Shaq Mason, Buccaneers
  5. Chris Lindstrom, Falcons
  6. Michael Onwenu, Patriots
  7. Wyatt Teller, Browns
  8. Brandon Scherff, Jaguars
  9. Joe Thuney, Chiefs
  10. Laken Tomlinson, Jets

Tackles

  1. Trent Williams, 49ers
  2. Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers
  3. David Bakhtiari, Packers
  4. Lane Johnson, Eagles
  5. Ryan Ramczyk, Saints
  6. Terron Armstead, Dolphins
  7. Tyron Smith, Cowboys
  8. Jack Conklin, Browns
  9. Rashawn Slater, Chargers
  10. Ronnie Stanley, Ravens

Pre-Training Camp 53 Man Roster

by Barb Layton

Very soon we will be enjoying another Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. So, before training camp gets under way, I thought I would give my 53 -man roster.

Like so many other people I believe that QB Mason Rudolph will be traded before the start of the season.

I really cannot wait to see how the new pieces on defense will take shape and how they will be used in the different sub packages.

I am also looking forward to seeing what the offense can become in the post Ben Roethlisberger years. We have a lot to be looking forward to. We have a top 10 RB in Najee Harris. The tight end room is coming together and our WRs are young but wanting to grow.

So, let’s get started:

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks

  • Mitchell Trubisky
  • Kenny Pickett
  • Chris Oladokun

Running Backs

  • Najee Harris
  • Mataeo Durant
  • Benny Snell
  • Derek Watt

Wide Receivers

  • Diontae Johnson
  • Chase Claypool
  • George Pickens
  • Calvin Austin, lll
  • Anthony Miller
  • Gunner Olsewski

Tight Ends

  • Pat Freiermuth
  • Zach Gentry
  • Connor Heyward

Offensive Line

  • James Daniel
  • Mason Cole
  • Kevin Dotson
  • Dan Moore
  • Chukwuma Okorafor
  • Kendrick Green
  • J.C. Hassenauer
  • Joe Haeg
  • John Leglue

Defense (25)

Defensive Line

  • Cam Heyward
  • Larry Ogunjobi
  • Tyson Alualu
  • DeMarvin Leal
  • Chris Wormley
  • Isaiahh Loudermilk
  • Montravius Adams

Linebackers

  • T.J. Watt
  • Alex Highsmith
  • Devin Bush
  • Myles Jack
  • Genard Avery
  • Buddy Johnson
  • Mark Robinson
  • Tuzar Skipper

Defensive Backs

  • Levi Wallace
  • Akhello Whitherspoon
  • Cam Sutton
  • Arthur Maulet
  • Tre Norwood
  • Minkah Fitzpatrick
  • Terrell Edmunds
  • Damontae Kazee
  • Miles Killebrew
  • Karl Joseph

Special Teams

  • K Chris Boswell
  • P Pressley Harvin, lll
  • LS Christian Kuntz

Practice Squad

  • Miles Boykin, WR
  • Cody White, WR
  • Jaylen Warren, RB
  • Anthony McFarland, RB
  • Chaz Green, T
  • Trent Scott, OL
  • Kevin Rader, TE
  • Justin Layne, CB
  • James Pierre, CB
  • Donovan Stiner, S
  • Marcus Allen, LB
  • Derrek Tuszka, OLB
  • Deiontae Scott, S
  • Carlos Davis, DT
  • Henry Mondeaux, DE
  • Donovan Jeter, NT

Updated Unsigned Draft Picks

by James Layton

It’s been a busy week for the draft picks being signed, ten players have signed their contracts. Kenny Pickett (Steelers) and Cole Strange (Patriots) have finally signed.

The Broncos, Patriots, Steelers, and Commanders have finished signing their Draft Classes.

There still are twenty-six players still unsigned. It’s interesting with how many fourth-round picks are still unsigned compared to previous years.

Let’s get into the remaining unsigned players.

  1. Falcons: Arnold Ebiketie, OLB
  2. Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB
  3. Ravens: David Ojabo, OLB
  4. Ravens: Daniel Faalele, OT
  5. Ravens: Jayln Armour-Davis, CB
  6. Panthers: Matt Corral, QB
  7. Panthers: Brandon Smith, LB
  8. Bears: Jaquan Brisker, S
  9. Browns: Perrion Winfrey, DT
  10. Packers: Christian Watson, WR
  11. Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr, CB
  12. Vikings: Ed Ingram, G
  13. Saints: Alontae Taylor, CB
  14. Giants: Wan’dale Robinson, WR
  15. Giants: Daniel Bellinger, TE
  16. Giants: Dane Belton, S
  17. Jets: Breece Hall, RB
  18. Jets: Max Mitchell, OT
  19. Eagles: Cam Jurgens, C
  20. Seahawks: Boye Mafe, DE
  21. Seahawks: Kenneth Walker Jr, RB
  22. Seahawks: Coby Bryant, CB
  23. Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DE
  24. Buccaneers: Cade Otton, TE
  25. Titans: Roger McCreary, CB
  26. Titans: Malik Willis, QB

2023 NFL Draft: Summer Top 50

by James Layton

It’s never too late to start looking at the prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. It might be June but scouting the next class of NFL players never stops. As soon as the Draft ends teams start the scouting process for the following draft.

This year’s class is going to be a good one. There is some real talent at Defensive Line and Edge Rusher. At this point there is a lot of talent in the Quarterback group.

This is going to be a good year for Wide Receivers, and again like last season Ohio State has the top receiver with Jaxon Smith-Njiba.

Let’s get into the Top 50.

  1. Will Anderson Jr, Edge Alabama
  2. Jalen Carter, DL Georgia
  3. Bryce Young, QB Alabama
  4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Ohio State
  5. CJ Stroud, QB Ohio State
  6. Bryan Bresee, DL Clemson
  7. Peter Skoronski, OT Northwestern
  8. Malachi Moore, S Alabama
  9. Kayshon Boutte, WR LSU
  10. Paris Jackson Jr, OT Ohio State
  11. Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame
  12. Eli Ricks, CB Alabama
  13. Bijan Robinson, RB Texas
  14. Nolan Smith, Edge Clemson
  15. Jordan Addison, WR USC
  16. BJ Ojulari, Edge LSU
  17. Robert Scott Jr, OT Florida State
  18. Kelee Ringo, CB Georgia
  19. Jermaine Burton, WR Alabama
  20. Zach Evans, RB Ole Miss
  21. Anthony Richardson, QB Florida
  22. Habakkuk Baldonado, Edge Pittsburgh
  23. Avery Young, CB Rutgers
  24. Tyler Van Dyke, QB Miami (FL)
  25. Jordan Battle, S Alabama
  26. Branden Joseph, S Notre Dame
  27. Zion Nelson, OT Miami (FL)
  28. Will Levis, QB Kentucky
  29. Calijah Kancey, DL Pittsburgh
  30. Henry To’o To’o, LB Alabama
  31. Andrew Raym, C Oklahoma
  32. DeMarvion Overshown, LB Texas
  33. Javion Cohen, G Alabama
  34. Noah Sewell, LB Oregon
  35. Joey Porter Jr, Penn State
  36. Tank Bigsby, RB Auburn
  37. Josh Downs, WR North Carolina
  38. Cam Smith, CB South Carolina
  39. Jaquelin Roy, DL LSU
  40. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
  41. Zay Flowers, WR Boston College
  42. Will McDonald, Edge Iowa State
  43. Jaheim Bell, TE South Carolina
  44. Isaiah Foskey, Edge Notre Dame
  45. PJ Mustipher, DL Penn State
  46. Zach Harrison, Edge Ohio State
  47. Clark Phillips, CB Utah
  48. Rakim Jarrett, WR Maryland
  49. Andrew Vorhees, G USC
  50. Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee

Steelers 2023 Free Agents

by James Layton

The Steelers have forty-two free agents whose contracts will expire following 2022 season. It’s a good thing that the Steelers will have a projected $79-$105M in cap space.

Some of the free agents are key players like Chris Boswell, Diontae Johnson, and Chris Wormley.

Looking at some of the free agents the steelers should get a few compensatory draft picks for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Let’s get into the free agents.

Unrestricted Free Agents (23)

  1. Terrell Edmunds, S
  2. Damontae Kazee, S
  3. Diontae Johnson, WR
  4. Anthony Miller, WR
  5. Devin Bush, LB
  6. Karl Joseph, S
  7. Chris Wormley, DE
  8. Trenton Scott, OT
  9. Tyson Alualu, DT
  10. Genard Avery, LB
  11. Myles Boykin, WR
  12. Joe Haeg, OT
  13. Robert Spillane, LB
  14. Mason Rudolph, QB
  15. Chris Boswell, K
  16. Benny Snell Jr, RB
  17. Zach Gentry, TE
  18. Derek Watt, FB
  19. Marcus Allen, S
  20. Chaz Green, OL
  21. Justin Layne, CB
  22. Trey Edmunds, RB
  23. Ulysees Gilbert, LB

Restricted Free Agents (8)

  1. Steven Sims, WR
  2. JC Hassenauer, C
  3. James Pierre, CB
  4. Henry Mondeaux, DE
  5. Derrek Tuszka, OLB
  6. Jace Sternberger, TE
  7. Tuzar Skipper, OLB
  8. Kevin Rader, TE

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (11)

  1. John Leglue, G
  2. Cody White, WR
  3. Lindon Stephens, CB
  4. Cameron Nizialek, P
  5. Khalil Davis, DT
  6. Daniel Archibong, DE
  7. Delontae Scott, OLB
  8. Christian Kuntz, LS
  9. Nathan Gilliam, G
  10. Donovan Stiner, CB
  11. Tyler Vaughns, WR

Remaining Unsigned Draft Picks

by James Layton

There are currently thirty-seven unsigned draft picks. Included are first round picks QB Kenny Pickett (Steelers) and OG Cole Strange (Patriots). It seems there a few more plays then the last two seasons.

Here’s the complete list.

  • Falcons: Arnold Ebiketie, OLB
  • Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB
  • Ravens: David Ojabo, OLB
  • Ravens: Daniel Faalele, OT
  • Ravens: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB
  • Panthers: Matt Corral, QB
  • Panthers: Brandon Smith, LB
  • Bears: Kyler Gordon, CB
  • Bears: Jaquan Brisker, S
  • Browns: Perrion Winfrey, DT
  • Broncos: Damarri Mathis, CB
  • Broncos: Eyioma Uwazurike, DT
  • Packers Christian Watson, WR
  • Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr, CB
  • Vikings: Ed Ingram Jr, G
  • Vikings: Akayleb Evans, CB
  • Patriots: Cole Strange, G
  • Patriots: Tyquan Thornton, WR
  • Patriots: Bailey Zappe, QB
  • Jets: Breece Hall, RB
  • Jets: Max Mitchell, OT
  • Jets: Michael Clemson, DE
  • Eagles: Cam Jurgers, C
  • Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB
  • Seahawks: Boye Mafe, DE
  • Seahawks: Kenneth Pickett III, RB
  • Seahawks: Coby Bryant, CB
  • Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DE
  • Buccaneers: Cade Otton, TE
  • Titans: Roger McCreary, CB
  • Titans: Malik Willis, QB
  • Commanders: Phidarian Mathis, DT
  • Commanders: Percy Butler, S

Browns Football Operations Hirings

by James Layton

The Browns have made a few new hires to their Football Operations staff. They did need to replace Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who left to become the Vikings General Manager earlier this year.

One of the new hires is former Eagles VP of Football Operations Catherine Raiche. Raiche is someone who could be on a short list to become General Manager in the next few years.

Here’s the complete list of new hires.

  • Hajriz Aliu, Scouting Assistant
  • Chris Buford, National Scout
  • Ryan Coward, Scouting Assistant
  • Catherine Raiche, Assistant GM/VP of Football Operations
  • Jimmy Raye, Senior Executive Advisor to the GM
  • Cyrus Wolford, Scouting Assistant
  • Shawn Heinlen, Southwest Area Scout

Steelers Latest Football Operations Changes

by James Layton

Steelers new General Manager Omar Khan has been busy building his staff the last few weeks.

They have made a few promotions and a new hire this week.

New Hire

Mark Sadowski, Director of Player Personnel

Promotions

  • Dan Rooney Jr, Player Personnel Director
  • Dan Colbert, Director of College Scouting
  • Dave Petett, Assistant Director of Pro Scouting
  • Phil Kreidler, Senior Scouting Assistant
  • Kelvin Fisher, Senior Scouting Assistant
  • Cole Marcoux, Director of Football Administration

Steelers 2022 Training Camp Schedule

by James Layton

The Steelers have announced Monday their training camp schedule.

The Steelers are back at Saint Vincent College for the first time since 2019.

Something really is interesting is that only twenty players on the roster have been to Saint Vincents for training camp.

Just like last season you will need to have a ticket to attend training camp. The tickets will be available June 27th at 10 a.m. EST for Season Ticket holders, the public will then be able to get them at 12 p.m. EST. The tickets will be available on Ticketmaster.

Here is the schedule:

  • July 26th: All Players Report
  • July 27th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
  • July 28th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
  • July 29th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
  • July 30th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
  • July 31st: No Practice
  • August 1st: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 2nd: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 3rd: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 4th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 5th: 7 p.m. EST Friday Night Lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium
  • August 6th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 7th: No Practice
  • August 8th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 9th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 10th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 11th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 12th: Closed to the Public
  • August 13: Preseason Game vs Seahawks 7 pm
  • August 14th: No Practice
  • August 15: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 16th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 17th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 18th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
  • August 19th: Break Camp

*Helmets only practices

Eagles 2022 Football Operations and Scouting Department Changes

by James Layton

The Eagles have made several title changes and new hires for the football operations and scouting department. Included in the scouting department hirings are former Steelers Pro Scouting Coordinator Brandon Hunt and former Browns Scouting Assistant Rod Streater.

Title Changes

Football Operations

  • Jon Ferrari, Assistant General Manager
  • Alec Halaby, Assistant General Manager
  • Dom DiSandro, Senior Advisor to the GM/Chief Security Officer
  • Bryce Johnston, VP of Football Operations and Strategic Planning
  • Paul Lancaster, Senior Director of Player Engagment
  • Connor Barwin, Director of Player Development
  • James Gilman, Director of Football Analytics
  • Jeff Scott, Director of Football Operations
  • Jon Liu, Assistant Director of Football Analytics
  • Kathy Mair, Player Resource Coordinator/Assistant Director of Player Engagement
  • Patrick McDowell, Player Development Assistant/Scout
  • Nick Still, Assistant Equipment Manager

Scouting Department

  • Dave Caldwell, Senior Personnel Director/Advisor to the GM
  • Alan Wolking, Director of Player Personnel
  • Phil Bhaya, Director of Draft Management
  • Max Gruder, Director of Pro Scouting
  • Ameena Soliman, Director of College Scouting
  • Ryan Myers, Assistant Director of College Scouting
  • Matt Holland, Senior College/Pro Scout

New Hires

Football Operations

  • Zach Drapkin, Quantitative Analyst
  • Marlon Sanders, Video Assistant
  • Elsie Reyes, Administrative Assistant/Football Operations

Scouting Department

  • Matt Russell, Senior Personnel Director/Advisor to the GM
  • Brandon Hunt, Director of Scouting
  • Charles Walls, Director of Player Personnel
  • Jeremy Gray, Assistant Director of Pro Personnel
  • Jordan Dizon, National Scout
  • Jarrad Kilburn, College/Pro Scout
  • Rod Streater, Northeast Area Scout
  • Ben Ijalana, Scouting Assistant