Steelers/NFL category, Page 321
Mark Madden: While many draft needs were addressed, the Steelers still need a cornerback
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft did a lot to fix their offense, specifically their running game. But is their defense broken? The Steelers’ playmaking defense has been the team’s cornerstone the last two seasons. It was third- and second-best in yards allowed per play in 2020 (4.9) and 2019 (4.7). It...
First Call: Steelers projected to get 3rd-round compensatory pick for Bud Dupree; Rangers rip NHL over Tom Wilson decision
The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a sense of their 2022 draft compensation for losing Bud Dupree in free agency. And the franchise is finally getting some national praise for their 2021 draft class from a national outlet. In the NHL, the New York Rangers are irate over the lack of...
Tim Benz: One thing is clear for 2021 Steelers: T.J. Watt is never allowed to get hurt
With the NFL Draft in the books and the first wave of free agency completed, one thing has become abundantly clear for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. T.J. Watt is not allowed to get hurt. Ever. Not a pulled calf. Not a jammed finger. Not a bee sting. Not a hangnail....
Steelers legend Jerome Bettis offers prediction about Ben Roethlisberger’s future, endorses drafting of Najee Harris
It should be no surprise that Steelers Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis is endorsing the franchise’s 2021 first-round draft pick, fellow running back Najee Jerome Harris (Alabama). Yup. He’s got a “Jerome” and a “Harris” in his name. That’s a pretty decent way to get off to a good start...
Longtime Steelers LT Alejandro Villanueva signs with rival Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ longtime left tackle is staying in the division. Alejandro Villanueva signed a two-year contract with the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. ESPN and the NFL Network reported the deal was for $8 million guaranteed with up to $14 million in total compensation possible. Villanueva, 32, started each...
First Call: Super Bowl odds after Steelers draft Najee Harris; Tom Wilson is at it again
Oddsmakers don’t seem impressed with the Steelers drafting Najee Harris. Tom Wilson is up to his old tricks. And a pair of happy goaltending debuts with Pittsburgh ties. All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.” Did Najee move the number? BetOnline.ag released its Super Bowl odds after the NFL Draft. How...
How a 2nd-day pick could influence the entire Steelers draft
It would be a real stretch to say that third-round draft choice Kendrick Green is the most important member of the 2021 Steelers class. Yeah, I might pull a muscle extending myself to make that argument. Unless a team takes a starting quarterback somewhere on Day 2, the first-round pick...
Tim Benz: A history lesson for those doubting the Steelers’ 2021 draft class
In Monday’s “First Call,” I pointed out that ESPN’s Mel Kiper gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a C+ for their 2021 draft class. Based on the visceral reaction I saw to that story in my email inbox and on my Twitter feed, the good folks of “Stiller Nation” have a —...
Steelers sign former Missouri CB DeMarkus Acy, cut tight end, punter
The Pittsburgh Steelers added a cornerback from the 2020 draft class then reduced the roster at tight end and punter. DeMarkus Acy, who went undrafted out of Missouri in 2020, was signed to a one-year contract Monday. He was with the San Francisco 49ers last summer and spent part of...
Could Shakur Brown or others make an impact? A look at Steelers undrafted free agents
After drafting only six players last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers upped that by 50% in selecting nine players in the 2021 draft. But the draft isn’t the only means of rookie talent acquisition. Like all NFL teams, the Steelers signed undrafted free agents in the minutes and hours after the...
Steelers to reportedly decline 5th-year option on Terrell Edmunds
Last week, word broke that the Pittsburgh Steelers were picking up the fifth-year option on one of their starting safeties. On Monday, it emerged they are not doing so with the other first-round safety from the 2018 draft class. The 2022 team option on Terrell Edmunds will be declined, according...
First Call: ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. gives Steelers lowest NFL draft grade; Kendrick Green’s focus already on starting center job
Monday’s “First Call” has a negative review of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ performance during NFL Draft weekend. One Steelers pick already has big goals. The Penguins have a chance to pour some salt in the wounds of a hated rival. And we check in on an ex-Pirate as the Bucs get...
Tim Benz: After Najee Harris, Steelers’ draft choices are more about future than present
I’m a fan of the new Pittsburgh Steelers draft class, even if I’m a bit confused by it. Because what I like about it in 2021, I’ll love about it in 2022. Which is good. Drafts are about building a foundation for the future. The problem is that the franchise...
Madden Monday: Ben Roethlisberger ‘just needs to play quarterback and shut up’
One interesting angle to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft is what will happen at center. The Steelers drafted Kendrick Green out of Illinois in the third round. He’s a converted guard. But the Steelers think he has a high upside. It’s just unclear if he is ready enough to be an...
Keith Butler believes early picks on offense will lead to rested Steelers defense
Keith Butler couldn’t be blamed for wondering when the Pittsburgh Steelers would draft a player to help his defense. He watched running back Najee Harris go in the first round Thursday. He sat by as the Steelers took a tight end and an interior offensive lineman Friday. The Steelers began...
Steelers NFL Draft recap: Who the Steelers selected and analysis
The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2021 NFL Draft picking four new offensive players, four new defensive players and a punter. Here is a recap of the Steelers 2021 NFL Draft Picks with quick bio boxes and analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL Draft Picks Round 1: No. 24 Najee...
Tim Benz: Steelers addressed many needs in the NFL Draft. Here are some that remain
Annually, this is my favorite Pittsburgh Steelers column to write. It’s my favorite column because, based on your responses, it’s your least favorite column to read. But the numbers tell me you always end up reading it anyway. After all, following the NFL Draft each year, every team’s fan base...
Steelers check off several boxes in procuring 9 NFL Draft prospects
An NFL Draft that continued its course down the road to fixing the league’s least effective running game took a U-turn for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. After using a fourth consecutive pick on an offensive talent, and second in a row along the line, the Steelers turned their attention...
From Clairton to PSU to the Steelers, Lamont Wade signs as undrafted free agent
When he played at Clairton, Lamont Wade had 26 scholarship offers before he chose Penn State and went on to play in 47 games, with 22 starts. But it took only one phone call to give him, perhaps, the greatest thrill of all. Wade, a four-time letterman and three-time WPIAL...
Steelers use final pick of NFL Draft to take punter Pressley Harvin III
After making four consecutive picks on defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers closed their portion of the NFL Draft on Saturday by switching to special teams. Pressley Harvin III, the strong-legged punter from Georgia Tech, was the Steelers’ second pick of the seventh round, No. 254 overall. Harvin was the only punter...
Steelers NFL Draft bio in brief: Georgia Tech P Pressley Harvin III
Pressley Harvin III Seventh-round pick, No.254 overall Punter, Georgia Tech 5-foot-11, 263 pounds Stats: Led the nation and set Georgia Tech and ACC records with a 48.0-yard punting average in 2020 Hometown: Alcolu, S.C. Tidbits: Ray Guy Award winner as college football’s best punter in 2020. Also was a unanimous...
Steelers select Oklahoma ‘Swiss Army Knife’ Tre Norwood with first 7th-round pick
Tre Norwood is listed on the NFL’s official draft website as a cornerback, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers’ official Twitter announced the team picked him in the draft, it labeled Norwood a safety. Coach Mike Tomlin took an entirely different tact yet. When he announced the selection of Norwood with...
Steelers NFL Draft bio in brief: Oklahoma CB/S Tre Norwood
TRE NORWOOD Seventh-round pick, No. 245 overall CB/S, Oklahoma 6-foot, 192 pounds Stats: Had five of his six career interceptions as redshirt junior in 2020. Hometown: Fort Smith, Ark. Tidbits: Norwood missed the 2019 season because of a knee injury suffered in fall camp. … He was slow to return...
Steelers NFL Draft bio in brief: Miami OLB Quincy Roche
Quincy Roche Sixth-round pick, No. 216 overall OLB, Miami 6-foot-3, 245 pounds Stats: 45 tackles (14 1/2 for loss, 4 1/2 sacks), three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries as senior in 2020 Hometown: Randallstown, Md. Tidbits: Was a graduate transfer from Temple, where he had 137 tackles (39 1/2 for...
Steelers add Miami (Fla.) pass rusher Quincy Roche in 6th round
Growing up near Baltimore, Quincy Roche was well aware of the Pittsburgh Steelers from their fierce AFC North rivalry with the Ravens. Now that he’s the Steelers’ newest outside linebacker, Roche is more than ready to change allegiances. He’s just hoping the rest of his family complies, too. “I’m in...
