First Call: Offensive tackles the Steelers may draft; Titans admit interest in J.J. Watt
Share this post:
Friday’s “First Call” has a look at the offensive tackle draft class Pittsburgh Steelers GM Kevin Colbert seems to like so much. Another AFC playoff team admits to kicking J.J. Watt’s tires. We saw a full slate of games for the Penguins and the rest of the NHL’s Eastern Division. Plus both the men’s and women’s hockey teams at Robert Morris have a busy weekend.
Join the club
When J.J. Watt was released by the Houston Texans, many identified the AFC South rival Tennessee Titans as a team that could sign the former Defensive Player of the Year.
For good reason. The Titans won the division despite having a meager 19 sacks. Only the Jacksonville Jaguars (18) and Cincinnati Bengals (17) had fewer.
During a Q&A with Titans season ticket members, someone asked Titans head coach Mike Vrabel about the potential of signing Watt.
“Cost is also a part of it. The fit is a part of it, and then the need. You mentioned J.J. Watt, and there will be other veteran players that become available that we’ll have discussions on, and we have had discussions on J.J. Watt. … There’s a lot of things that go into bringing in free agents, certainly ones that are past 30 or in the back half of their career. Those are all things that you wage and determine.”
In other words, “If we can sign him without breaking the bank, sure!”
Other AFC playoff teams such as the Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills have also reportedly expressed interest.
Time to take a look
On Wednesday, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert praised the depth at offensive tackle in the NFL Draft. The team may be in need of one if Alejandro Villanueva leaves via free agency.
So, let’s take a look at who some of the top prospects are via NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks.
1) Penei Sewell, Oregon
2) Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
3) Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
4) Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
5) James Hudson, Cincinnati
Sewell will be long gone unless the Steelers make a huge jump up from pick No. 24. Some feel he may be the first non-quarterback selected in the draft. Slater is often slotted between the 10th and 15th pick. And I’ve seen Darrisaw (6’5”/ 314) to the Steelers on a few occasions.
Of Darrisaw, ESPN’s Todd McShay writes, “Darrisaw shows power in pass pro and smoothness in working to the second level as a run blocker.” DraftWire.com described Mayfield (6’5”/319) as having “tons of experience against top-level pass rushers at right tackle, but is talented enough to play the left side, if needed.”
Good. He may be needed.
East engaged
The entire NHL Eastern division was in action Thursday night, including the Penguins. They tallied a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders.
Fun fact: the Penguins have collected points in nine of their last ten home games vs. the Islanders (7-1-2) dating back to January 2, 2016. pic.twitter.com/k9fdajJokO
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 19, 2021
The first-place Boston Bruins fell at home to the sixth-place New Jersey Devils 3-2. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals scored a 3-1 victory over the visiting Buffalo Sabres, thanks in part to a goal from former Penguin Conor Sheary.
Conor Sheary: a man on a mission against his former teams! pic.twitter.com/cmKIiDaMfE
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 19, 2021
Another former Penguin, Justin Schultz, assisted on the goal. Also, the New York Rangers beat the Flyers in Philadelphia 3-2.
So, that means the Bruins are still atop the East with 22 points. Then there is a three-way tie for the next three playoff spots at 19 points apiece between the Capitals, Flyers and Islanders. The Penguins are next with 17 points, followed by New Jersey with 14, the Rangers with 13, and the Sabres with 10.
Remember how to do this?
It’s been a while since the Robert Morris men’s hockey team has hit the ice. The team hasn’t played since a Feb. 5 win over Long Island University because of covid-19-related concerns.
We took a bite out of the Sharks this week to make it 3⃣ straight wins for #⃣1⃣9⃣ RMU! #RMUnite | ?? pic.twitter.com/6Uv92slzdJ
— RMU Men’s Hockey (@RMUMHockey) February 6, 2021
But now the Colonials (14-5) are on the road against RIT (7-7-5) for games Saturday night (7:05 p.m.) and Sunday afternoon (5:05 p.m.). RMU won both contests against the Tigers on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3 by final scores of 3-1 and 4-3.
Robert Morris has one regular-season home game left; it’s on Feb. 25 against Mercyhurst.
The RMU women’s hockey team (11-5-1) has two home games this weekend against Sacred Heart (1-5). Saturday’s contest is at 6:05 p.m., Sunday’s game is at 1 p.m.
Chatham’s team (1-2) is on the road in Aston, Pa., against Neuman at 4 p.m. Friday.