Steelers Central

In this episode of Steelers Central, the WR market just received an influx of talent as two teams released their big-name WRs in Davante Adams and Tyler Lockett, while another was going to release theirs but opted for getting a late-round pick in return for them. This was a player that the Steelers coveted at the trade deadline last year, but unfortunately will no longer be on their target list.

The team must also decide on TJ Watt now that the Raiders signed Maxx Crosby to a 3-year, 106.5 million dollar deal. Will the Steelers pay Watt around 35 million dollars, or should they start exploring what draft capital they could get for him?

Next, why the team needs to make a quarterback decision now. This has dragged on throughout FA and could be used against them once FA starts. What is the hold-up, and why the Steelers need to sort this out soon.

Lastly, I’ll examine the cornerback room and explain why this position requires an overhaul. The Steelers need to splurge at this position for a long-term solution that includes multiple signings and no more band-aids over bullet holes.

0:00-16:05 WR Cap Cuts and Trade Options

16:06-25:27 Watt do the Steelers do

25:28-36:12 Playing the QB waiting game

36:13-45:49 Positional Overview: CB

On this episode of Steelers Central, what would an A-plus Free Agency look like for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Why should a new wide receiver and at least one quality corner top the list of the Steelers' needs? Also, what players do the Steelers want to return to the team this year, ideally? Next, a running back with comparisons to Leveon Bell’s running style and a defensive tackle with world-class strength could be intriguing day-two options for the team. Lastly, I plead why the team should keep Elandon Roberts and why the core three linebackers are integral to the team’s future. There should also be a change as to who has the green dot next year.

0:00-27:00 Ideal Steelers Free Agency

27:01-35:11 RB Kaleb Johnson Iowa

35:12-45:14 DT Alfred Collins Texas

45:15-55:25 Positional Overview: MLB

In this episode of Steelers Central, the players did not kindly grade the Steelers' front office and owner in their yearly NFLPA players report card for the Steelers organization. They ranked among the bottom of the NFL in every category except one, and you can probably guess what that was. Art Rooney should start to notice, as players are coming to Pittsburgh for only one reason: not winning; it’s the coach.

Next, I'll highlight some of the defensive linemen who stood out on Pro Day, including one who achieved a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score!

The Steelers have focused on three position groups for their formal interviews. Which position groups are they, and in what order might they draft those players?

One position where they should be solid is outside linebacker, as they arguably have the best trio in the NFL, featuring a Defensive Player of the Year, an all-around underrated end, and a pass rush specialist who totaled 11 tackles, seven of which were sacks. Adding one more veteran to this group wouldn't hurt, especially considering all the injuries they faced last year.

0:00-14:25 NFLPA Report Card

14:26-22:05 D-Line Standouts

22:06-36:00 Formal Meeting Insights

36:01-44:57 Positional Overview: OLB

On this episode of Steelers Central, we look to Indianapolis, where Omar Khan assesses some of the team's biggest questions, including the QB battle, extensions for high-profile playmakers on both sides of the ball, and the draft’s biggest strengths.

Speaking of the draft, I’ll dive into attributes the Steelers should look for in key positions of need like WR, RB, DL, and CB.

Next, it’s time for more tape on possible Steelers draft picks: WR from Texas, Matthew Golden, who flashes a unique blend of speed and separation, and DT from Michigan, Kenneth Grant, a mountain of a man with freakish athletic ability to get to the QB. See which player I had the most fun analyzing their draft tape.

Lastly, the defensive line is a group that needs an infusion of youth, contrary to the offensive line, which requires more veteran leadership. Sew why the men in the middle could have a lot of changes coming to them this offseason.

0:00-20:05 Omar in Indy

20:06-29:15 Attributes of Need

29:16-35:25 Scouting Report: WR Matthew Golden Texas

35:26-44:20 Scouting Report: DT Kenneth Grant Michigan

44:21-53:13 Positional Overview: DT

In this episode of Steelers Central, the QB rumors swirl around Pittsburgh. I’ll explain why almost all of these moves make no sense and why the real answer is right before them. Speaking of QBs, does Mike Tomlin tell his decision-makers and OC to avoid the middle of the field because of turnovers? The people who protect the quarterback will also go a long way in deciding the future of the Steelers. Why would adding some veterans in the room help the group succeed? Also, why will the play of Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu play a major role in the success of the quarterbacks? Lastly, I will give my breakdown on WR Luther Burden and DL Derrick Harmon and explain why they would fit the Steelers well.

0:00-21:35 QB Rumors Galore

21:36-28:37 Tomlin living in his fears?

28:38-42:50 Positional Overview: Offensive Line

42:51-52:08: Scouting WR Luther Burden

52:09-60:59 Scouting DL Derrick Harmon

In this episode of Steelers Central, the Steelers have continued a history of questionable coaching decisions by keeping some too long and, this time, letting people walk out the door. Next, we evaluate possible draft prospects for the Steelers as we have officially entered the draft season. In this episode, we start with two of the highest-ranked prospects at WR and CB, one from Ohio State and one from Texas. Lastly, the offensive line is still very young and unproven. This should be an offseason where Pittsburgh adds veteran depth to stabilize production.

• 0:00-18:55 Steelers Coaching Decisions

• 18:56-32:50 Scouting WR Emeka Egbuka 

• 32:51-44:50 Scouting Jahdae Barron

• 44:51-55:55 Positional Overview: Offensive Line

In this episode of Steelers Central, we’ll discuss whether the Steelers' formula of having a run-first offense is still plausible IF they build around their QB and give him the resources he needs to see if he is the one. As always, it starts up front and having a strong offensive line, sound development, coaching, and scheme. Look at what the best teams in the NFL have done with building solid foundations.

Next, I’ll look at the possibility of the Steelers trading for a veteran wideout, why Cooper Kupp is too risky of an investment, and what wideout would make the most sense trading for.

The Steelers have just as much of a need in CB as well. I’ll look at why signing Asante Samuel Jr. and Nate Hobbs would be a dream acquisition for this secondary school.

Lastly, the TE position is one of the more set positions headed into 2025, and what Arthur Smith and this room need to do to take their production to the next level. Hint: It’s the volume of targets.

0:00-22:35 Could run-first work?

22:36-32:13 WR Trade Fits

32:14-49:00 FA CB Targets

49:01-60:15 Positional Overview: TE

On this episode of Steelers Central, Art Rooney held his annual End of Season Press Conference, overviewing the 2024 season and highlighting some possible changes ahead for 2025. Let's just say there does not seem to be much urgency for a major shakeup, but personnel changes could be on the way for two key areas. Also, I'll review what I saw as some of the redeeming qualities for championship weekend, including hiring high-quality coordinators and offensive creativity. Pittsburgh has not had either of these in years, and they do not seem keen on investing in either. Mike Tomlin loves the Senior Bowl and is looking at some new faces that could be added to the team. Listen to what position groups they focused on in this year's senior class. Pittsburgh should also consider trading this stud as he would net them the best possible draft return, along with giving him a possibility of winning the Super Bowl. Why trading TJ Watt could highly benefit the team's future and give him a chance to add to his resume! Lastly, I'll break down the Steelers WR room, and explain why this room will be stripped down and rebuilt throughout FA and the NFL Draft.

0:00-18:50- Art Rooney EOS Press Conference

18:51-37:15- Redeeming Qualities

37:16-44:24 Senior Bowl

44:25-57:24 TJ Watt

57:25-65:40 Positional Overview WR

In this episode of Steelers Central, it's grading time as the 2024 season has ended, and it's time to hand out some grades to the 2024 Draft Class. Which rookie graded the highest, and why I think they found some studs this year. Next, Poni said some Steelers scouts think Jalen Milroe is a FR talent and could be a franchise QB. Pittsburgh needs to stay away from him; they do not have the ability to develop this raw prospect. Lastly, the running back position is another area in the team that could see a lot of changes with Najee Harris not expected to be back, along with a deep 2025 Draft Class. Why I think letting Naj go and drafting a RB with more speed is the way to go!

0:00-16:27 Rookie Report Card

16:28-24:15 Jalen Milroe

24:16-32:20 2025 Position Outlook: RB

On this episode of Steelers Central, the Steelers might need to start having some tough conversations around their star WR because of some off-the-field flare-ups and what compensations would look like in return for him. Why Justin Fields should be the starter next year, and the Steelers should look to improve the roster around him instead of spending on a free agent or drafting in a week class. One area they could look to add some depth is in the tackle position, where Dan Moore is expected to depart. Broderick Jones will slide bag to the position he was drafted at, and Troy Fautanu will play the position he played at in HS. Lastly, I start my positional overview heading into 2025 for the team, which begins at QB, looking at the performance at the position and what the team could look to do with no one under contract at the position in 2025.

0:00-17:50 Time to trade Pickens?

17:51-27:45 Russ out?

27:46-36:55 Tackle Tango

36:56-48:51 QB Overview