Colbert sez "Big Changes A-Comin'" according to Bouchette

[ThinMan]

In today's PG.

I think he's clearly carefully choosing semantics in a couple instances(e.g ""I don't think we have too many franchise players"), but it doesn't come across as a ringing endorsement for any veteran that may currently be waiting for a contract.

Still think they're viewing Lews as the #1 priority. Believe they'd be happy to take back Foote and Starks both on the cheap, but that only probably happens with Foote. I also expect Foster to get too good of an offer to accept backup money.

Was interesting that he basically admitted that their talent at the RB position is lacking. I have to say, I completely agree. With a less than 100% Mendenhall the talent level at RB took a total nosedive. Redman is exactly what I thought he was and Dwyer looks like a slightly larger facsimile of Redman. Rainey's history and Batch is a backup quality runner at best. Based on that blurb, I'd say it sounds to me like they're going to be bringing in a decent amount of new blood at RB.

[BobbleHead]

I like Dwyer. He's not bad, but there could be an improvement made there. These guys have to have holes to run through, too. Unless you have Adrian Peterson, a guy can't break a bunch of tackles every play. Toddy also didn't have many run plays, but I put the onus on the players for most of the run game.

[ThinMan]

I think Dwyer's proven himself to be a plodder, as has Ike. Dwyer at least tries to fall forward, I'll grant him that. The "beef" I have with him is that as a runner for Pittsburgh, he is currently redundant. He's basically the same sort of guy as Redman, but Ike blocks better and is probably a stronger SY guy. Having both isn't a fantastic idea to me.

I don't hate either. Either would be fine as a complimentary type, but asking them to shoulder the load is too much. The problem is that's all they have on the roster right now though...a couple guys who should be #2/SY only backs and a ST level guy or two...so if things don't change(I assume the will) one of those guys is going to be miscast as a starter.

What I'd really like to see them do is just embrace a ZBS. They've drafted more athletic lineman the past few years, may as well play up to that...but go all in on it(chop blocks included :)). The rub with that is that they don't have a single runner on the roster right now that would work that well in a "one-cut-and-go" scheme. That could be fixed though.

[Muddler]

Yeah, after that comment and Rainy's waiving, if I was a Steelers RB I wouldn't feel too comfortable. Mendy is already gone for all intents and purposes and Ike/Dwyer are obviously being considered backups and not starters longterm. The question is "If these guys aren't the answer, Where do they go from here?" That falls on Colbert as he is the talent evaluator and drafter. Other teams are finding RBs in the later rounds - why hasn't he?

Colbert did say in the interview that he bears most of the responsibility for the team's mediocrity since he assembled it. This coming year a roster reshuffle - next year maybe a FO shuffle if things don't improve? Ben's getting older and the SB contention window will start closing - can't afford to dink around the edges of the roster for many more years and expect miraculous improvement. If the expected personnel changes don't get the job done, it will be time to look higher in the organization - a very "unSteeler like" thing to do.

[Lofaw]

I'm now worried they might draft a RB with the 17th pick. Which is something I really don't want.

[westcoast]

From Colbert and Art Rooney II's press conferences, they are undoubtedly unhappy with the LB position and I think that's where they're going in round 1. This is not a done deal but all things being equal I think that's where their primary focus will be. Of course if it's not done on day 1, I wouldn't be surprised to see them take two on day two. I also agree that Lewis is their primary target to re-sign. I wouldn't be shocked to see a running back taken early but not round one.

Every year we talk about moving up or back in the draft, they have a ton of needs and if pick 17 comes around without a FO consensus game changer I hope they consider a move back with the hopes of picking up another pick on day two. They have too many needs to use an early pick to move up.

[Muddler]

Colbert also mentioned in todays Bouchette article that this was the first year in a long time they are not ruling out drafting a QB early and that all positions are on the board. Sounds to me like they are serious about changing up the team. Bye Bye Lefty.

[Steel_Wars]

How do you change up a team that has no money to spend? I realize that guys restructure and guys get cut and cap room can be made. But when you are $10mil over how do you move enough peices to free up any significant money to make the FA moves needed?

[BIG STEEL]

Until the OL is truly in place, stays healthy and becomes a cohesive unit, not sure any RB is going to do a whole lot. In the days when we ran well we had a great OL across the board (M.Smith, Faneca, Hartings, Simmons, Starks) along with at least one good back (Bettis), including a solid FB (Witman, Kreider). I like Redman, Dwyer and Batch as backups and at times in 3rd down situations and short yardage but I don't think any of them have shown they can be the featured back. Each has had issues with holding onto the ball, not being able to stay healthy and making mental mistakes. Mendy has to go period, he is just done.

Problem is this, with salary cap it is hard to put money into every unit, you have to be able to find solid guys in middle, late rounds and even after the draft ala (Harrison, Kreider, W. Parker). Right now we have tons of money in our QB, WR, DL, LB and S groups. Through restructuring, releasing high priced older vets and an infusion of young talent rebuilding this team is more than doable as there are still key elements in place.

Two things better change though. Talent scouting, especially in later rounds and strengthening and conditioning. As of late this has been a killer. We definitely have to make the right hirer at the OL and ST coaching positions.