- STEELERS GM TO GO SHOPPING? -
Date: June 10, 2010

Since the league introduced a rewarding system on the teams and league reporting, Steelers general manager Ricky Lung have yet to spend a penny despite doing a fair share of it. It is always against his own will that a team can boost a player's attributes on a regular basis all season long on some non-game related aspects. But with the competition in the AFC North has increased dramatically, will he have a second thought on that?

He may exercise some of the alternate elements like sending additional players to training camp and working extensively with players to make them a permanent change on their position. These are reasonable options given the time of the season. In terms of directly boosting players' attributes, we will see if Mr. Lung stands by his principle of not doing it.

- STEELERS ADD TWO MORE ROOKIES VIA FA -
Date: June 10, 2010



The Pittsburgh Steelers add a pair of rookies through the free agency. They signed running back Pat Paschall and offensive guard Lee Grimes to a 5-year deal respectively. The team had them targeted during the draft and was on the radar since the 4th round.

Pat Paschall is an all around back. He is very similar to the #1 ranked running back Lonyae Miller on the team's scouting report. So to be able to get a back with that carliber on the market that fits the team system is huge. Paschall was drafted by the Jets in the 4th, but with the crowded running back group and a tight cap, they did not say him to a contract.

The team is also very happy to land young guard Lee Grimes. He was on their radar in the late rounds, but did not have a chance to grab him. He ends up better than what the draft report shows. He has a solid frame and is strong and has a quick first step. He also has great football IQ. His blocking technique is raw but that will come in times.

This gives the Steelers a collection of 11 rookies on the team. Can they still contend with so many young players? Possibly. They have a lot of young players, but all their veterans on the team is top of the line players, including Ben Roethlisbergr, Randy Moss, Marcus McNeill, Casey Hampton, James Harrison, Ike Taylor, and Troy Polamalu. The team believe that not only the veterans can keep the team in contention, but also speed up the learning curves of the young players.

- STEELERS GOT ONLY ONE OF TWO INTENDED -
Date: June 04, 2010



The Pittsburgh Steelers came out of the first day of the 2011 AAO draft with mixed reaction. The team made a big splash on draft day eve to acquire an additional top 10 picks and it left something to be desired at the conclusion of the day.

The Steelers was high on outside linebacker on Justin Cole since the pre-draft camps and workout. As the draft was getting closer, the front office was getting all hyped up to the possibility to have inside linebacker Joe Pawelek as well when they are planning to give 2nd year man Jamar Chaney a chance to play all along. Then came the big trade when Pittsburgh sent two 1st round picks, including one in 2012, as well as a starting cornerback to land the 7th overall pick. The plan was well thought and definitely put the team in the position to select both intended rookies. The whole exciting did not last long when they found out the New York Jets, who needs some linebacker help desperately, sitting at the 2nd spot after a trade with the Chargers. This unexpected scene threw the Steelers plan off and the Jets did end up selecting Joe Pawelek with the 2nd overall pick.

Despite the miscue, the Steelers did pick up a great prospect in Chris Marinelli. It is a luxury pick for the team, but the offensive tackle has exceptional talent, a big lineman who has a big frame, outstanding power and quickness. Marinelli made a strong case for himself in the College All-Star games. This create a competition between the young linemen to fight for a starting job.

Fast forward to the end of the 2nd round and early 3rd round pick, the Steelers made another draft day trade to acquire the second pick in the 3rd round. With the 2.30 and 3.2, the Steelers selected cornerback Patrick Stoudamire and safety Brad Phillips. The team are delighted to pick up two quality prospects, which somewhat compesate their undesired outcome at the top of the draft. Stoudamire is undersize and was part of the reason why he slipped all the way to the end of the 2nd round. He has a solid straight line speed and his playmaking skill make up his lack of size. He is a good run support corner as well. Safety Brad Phillips, caught the eyes of the scouting crew in the All-Star games. With a 6'2" frame and a solid athleticism will make him a workable youngster who may have a chance to start someday in AAO. Although the All-Star games cannot be any concrete judgement, both players played exceptionally well in the for the East when they were overwhelmed by the West team all night long.

The team still have quite a few players on their draft board and hope that they will be around when their next few picks come around in day 2.

- STEELERS ALL IN TO ACQUIRE 1.7 -
Date: June 02, 2010

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been looking for a second top pick in the draft throughout the offseason. The Steelers announced shortly after the College All-Star Games that they have made the third blockbuster trades of this offseason. The team acquired the 7th overall pick from the Green Bay Packers in the upcoming draft.

The Steelers went all in for the negotiation process. It cost them an arm and a leg to get the pick. It is reported that the team will send the 22nd overall pick, their 2012 1st round pick, plus corner back Cary Williams in exchange for the 7th overall pick.

Cary Williams has two great season with the Steelers after signing a big contract 2 seasons ago. He had a career year last season with 6 interceptions. The team surely does not want to lose him, but in order to get the players in the draft, they have to take the chances. At the same time, they believe that Keenan Lewis is ready to start and will be given the chance now.

With this move, the Steelers now hold the 6th and 7th overall pick in the draft. It is clearly that they should have a couple of players that they are eyeing in the draft, but is the 6th and 7th pick high enough to get them the players? It cost them a great deal to acquire the two picks, so it is a big risk to take if the two players are not available when they are on the clock.

"...when it comes to team evaluations and potential player available, I think I am pretty solid in that regard. Of cause some teams and general managers have their personal preference in times when it comes to draft time and may go with their gut feeling over a need for the team, so we will see if we are available to select the two kids we want. We have done everything we can up till now to give us the best chance to do so..."

- STEELERS TRADE HOLMES AND MORE -
Date: June 01, 2010



The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an agreement with the Denver Broncos a moment ago, pending league approval, receiver Santonio Holmes will head to the mile high city. In return the Steelers will receiver the 22nd pick in the upcoming draft as well as a 4th round pick.

Holmes has been a great component to the Steelers back to back conference final appearance. In two years, he has a total of 2,500 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. In 2010, he finished 2nd in the league in receiving yards behind Jeremy Maclin. Without locking him up during the season and only resigned him to a minimum 3-year deal, the Steelers are open to discussion throughout the offseason to move Holmes. This move paves way for the team to start younster Mike Wallace. Wallace has been progressing well and will only escalate his game if he gets more playing time.

In other news, the Steelers have brought in a few players in the free agency. The biggest signing is defensive end Cullen Jenkins. He will replace recently released Aaron Smith as the starting right end. The team also sign big possessive receiver Kevin Walter, athletic lineman Allen Barbre and big nose tackle Paul Soliai.

The team also holds the right to match the Panthers offer on Ike Taylor. According to source close to the team, the team is going to match the offer as long as it is within reasonable range.