The Negotiating Season is Over

Posted Sun, 09/07/2008 - 00:00 by Iron_City

Now we we go into next season without a LT,  LG, or nickel CB under contract.  Thats some scary stuff right there.  I was praying for a Bryant McFadden extension to get done but no dice.  Here are the key starters and role players that are UFA's after this year that are noteworthy.

Marvel Smith
Chris Kemeoatu
Bryant McFadden
Trai Essex
Max Starks
Charlie Batch
Nate Washington

I dont see Nate getting alot of jack on the open market unless he breaks out this year.  The possibilities of resigning to him to a fair deal after the season are pretty good if they choose and that depends on the development of 2nd round pick Limas Sweed.  Same goes for Trai Essex, and Batch if they choose to retain them.  

If they choose to resign Marvel,  which I dont think they will,  IM pretty sure he'll stay for a fair market deal.  He already said he doesnt want to leave b/c he doesnt want to change teams and lifestyle so late in his career,  but he'll also get paid by someone.  Kemo is up in the air.  He'd demand starters money this offseason,  but he hasnt proven it yet.  With a decent year, I think he gets a decent deal somewhere in the Kendall Simmons range.  

I believe Max Starks bought a one way ticket out of town unless,  god forbid,  a freak injury inserts him into the starting lineup and his play improves.

2 schools of thought here:

1.  OL have underachieved for 2 years.  They may not command much on the open market and could be retained cheaper if allowed to test the market

2.  OL has underachieved and its time to rebuild it.  I'd rather have some 2008 game tape before making that decision though.  

The loss of Bryant McFadden,  if he goes,  is going to hurt in my eyes.  I prefer continuity in the secondary and I think he's more than capable of seamlessly stepping into the RCB position once Deshea hangs it up.   If the ageless wonder ever does.  I havent seen enough of Willie Gay to make a judgement if he's ready to step in,  I hope he isnt forced to.  

One thing in our favor though,  next years draft is loaded in the front 7.  We will get at least one top 10 DE and and a top 5-7 OL.  Nice LT selections again in the early rounds. The Steelers will have at least 9 draft picks going into next years draft and 9 rookies wont make the roster so it puts GM Kevin Colbert and company in the cockpit to move up and grab some talent in the trenches.

But my biggest fear is Willie Colon repeats his '07 performance and doesnt evolve like I hope.  Then LT-RT-RG will all need new faces unless agreements are reached on the left side.  Same goes if Hartwig flops. I was hoping to grab a top center prospect next year but if the tackle positions are too much in question that will be the first priority.  I was in favor of a 3 year Marvel extension,  but with his back injury question marks its just that,  a question mark.  

Some top OT prospects to watch this offseason:

Mike Oher Ole Miss - My favorite LT in this class.  A quicker Marvel Smith and compares favorably to Orlando Pace in my view.  A sure fire top 10 pick.  May struggle with speed, but most do.  Dominating run blocker that already displays NFL technique.  

Eugene Monroe Virginia... prototype frame with awesome feet.   Needs to bulk up in the run game but has a high upside.  Compares favorably to his ex teammate Brandon Albert.

Andre Smith Alabama  - quickest feet to the 2nd level in the NCAA.  Im not in love with his backpedal though and his kick slide isnt completely fluid,  but the fiercest run blocker from LT in college.  IMO,  a very good RT,  or a future all pro OG. 

Cirron Black LSU - Nice frame,  good motor.  Does everything well,  doesnt excel at anything yet.  Plays nasty and reminds me of Gosder Cherilus.  (thats a good thing)

Duke Robinson Oklahoma - A dominant OG that has the frame to play the more desired RT position.  He has the size and technique to to cave half the line of scrimmage in the run game.  

Keep a close eye on the performance of the Steelers OL throughout the season and keep an eye on these prospects.  I have a pretty good feeling with the lack of contract extensions one of these players,  or one like them will likely be a Pittsburgh Steeler draft target next year.