Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, I wanted to take a different approach on how we look at the draft. Instead of looking at value per pick – did the team actually address its needs successfully? Starting at defensive line – does Benton solve their needs there?

Benton is a unique player. Wisconsin runs some very familiar schemes – the same fronts as the Steelers.

They used him in a lot of zero-tech – I’d like to see more three-tech from him but I think they’ll start him off more at nosetackle first. That makes sense to a degree. The Steelers have three-techs already and they can always rotate him in sub-packages instead of taking him off the field on passing downs.

He has powerful hands – he’s a really good run defender. He’s getting better as a pass rusher and I think he’ll provide more value in that department as his career progresses.

Continue reading “Excusive with Derrick Bell From FanNation’s All Steelers: Steelers Draft Results Analysis”

First, can you let us know how you get invited to camp by the Steelers?

It’s been an interesting path to get here. I thought I was in a good position to get drafted or at least get signed as an undrafted free agent coming out of Delaware, but it just didn’t happen for me.

My agent told me about a number of camp invites I had and we sifted through them. I went to the Eagles camp and that went well. I just got onto the Steelers’ radar recently – I think they watched some film recently and liked what they saw. The Steelers play defense the way I like to play defense. I grew up watching them as a kid – I watched the Steelers-Ravens games and loved the way they played defense.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Invite, Linebacker Johnny Buchanan”

First off, how did you get on the Steelers radar for the invite – what did they tell you?

I had a workout last Monday and after that my agent called me and let me know the Steelers wanted to bring me in for a tryout. I guess they watched some film on me. I put up some good numbers at Millersville and I just think that caught their interest.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Camp Invite, Defensive Lineman Tyler Tate”

Quarterback:

Hunter Johnson (camp invite), Tanner Morgan, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky

Pickett is the starter, Trubisky the backup. No mystery here. Currently the battle for the third spot is between camp tryout Hunter Johnson of Clemson and UDFA signing Tanner Morgan from Minnesota. Morgan has the clear edge in my opinion – he won’t make anyone forget Kenny Pickett. He has good experience with the RPO  and can make plays with his legs – he’s just not a consistently accurate QB. Johnson, after transferring last year to Clemson from Northwestern got few snaps. He’d have to shock many in camp to make a roster.

Continue reading “2023 Post-Draft Positional Battles – Offense”

Outside Linebacker:

Emeke Egbule, Nate Herbig, Alex Highsmith, David Perales, Quincy Roche, Tyler Tate (camp tryout),  T.J. Watt

Watt and Highsmith are your starters. Herbig as a 4th round pick is going to get every chance to secure a backup spot here. The question is can he play high-reps at OLB at his size – if not, do they make him a pass-rush/specialist type player or move him inside? For now, I’m going to slot him in as a backup OLB. That’s what the Steelers are doing.

Continue reading “2023 Post-Draft Positional Battles – Defense/Special Teams”