Steelers Move Colon to Left Guard

Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter

With the Steelers addressing the offensive line during the draft this off season, they have now moved Willie Colon to left guard.
Pittsburgh most likely felt that Colon was better suited to play inside versus outside with his size. Colon is 6’3 and weighs in around 315 pounds.

“I’ve made the transition to left guard,” he confirmed. “I like it. It’s just a matter of learning the verbiage.”

The Skinny: By moving Colon on the inside they will probably utilize his athletism for pulling purposes. Expect to see Colon and Decastro get their “pull” on. The Steelers’ starting O-Line will probably look like this as of now LT Mike Adams, LG Colon, C Maurkice Pouncey, RG David DeCastro, and RT Marcus Gilbert. I believe the Steelers O-line will be a force to be reckoned with if this unit stays healthy.

Jacoby Jones Ready for Change in Baltimore

Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter

After playing 5 years with the Texans, Jacoby Jones is welcoming change in 2012. Jones sounds like man whose dealt with change in his football career before.

“Change is good in life,” Jones I left one high school, went to another and I was successful. I left one college and went to Lane College and was successful. And now I’m leaving Houston and I will be successful.”

The odd thing with him signing with the Baltimore Ravens, it’s the last team he played against in the AFC divisional game during the playoffs. During that game in January, he muffed a punt return early in that game which lead to a Baltimore score.

As any professional would do, Jones has moved on, and he’s ready to put that game behind him with his new team. That new team now wants him to bring his talents to Baltimore in hopes he can elevate their return game and help their depth at wide receiver.

The Skinny: Last season he had 49 punt returns as well as a 79-yard touchdown for Houston. Currently the Ravens could use a return specialist now that they have Webb focusing on cornerback. David Reed is recovering from an injured ACL, so it’s the perfect match for Jones as he’s still a duel threat at WR and special teams. The Ravens WR corps still consists of Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Tandon Doss, Laquan Williams and rookie Tommy Streeter. It’s a full house but Jones is versatile playmaker with good open field speed.

Browns DT Taylor awaiting MRI on Torn Pectoral

The Cleveland Browns are holding their collective breath as they await the MRI results of Defensive Tackle Phil Taylor’s test results to see if he did in fact tear his Left Pectoral muscle during workouts.

Taylor, a massive Tackle who clogs the middle, played exceptionally well in his first year as a pro an the Browns have high hopes for his future anchoring their Defensive Line.

According to a statement the team released:

“Defensive tackle Phil Taylor injured his left pectoral today lifting weights as part of the club’s off-season program. He will be further evaluated on Monday to determine a course of treatment.”

Hopefully for Phil, the news is a good one and he won’t miss too much time. As of right now it’s a waiting game to see what the exact damage is. We wish him and the Browns organization the best of luck with this tough blow to a young and rising player.

Ravens: Meet the 2012 Draft Class

ROUND 2: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

How he fits: Upshaw should challenge Paul Kruger for the starting strongside linebacker position vacated by Jarret Johnson, who signed with the San Diego Chargers. Kruger is a good pass rusher, but there are questions about him holding the edge against the run. If Upshaw can stop the run, he’ll start.

Upshaw is a ’tweener, the kind of player the Ravens like at outside linebacker. He is too small to be a defensive end in a 3-4 and too big to be an outside linebacker. Like Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, Upshaw can put his hand in the dirt. Upshaw could start right away if he outplays Kruger in the preseason. Ravens wanted a pass rusher to complement Suggs on the other side, but now he’ll have to try and replace the 2012 defensive player of the year

ROUND 2: Kelechi Osemele, T, Iowa State

Osemele played left tackle, but he is projected early on as a guard for the Ravens. He will battle second year player Jah Reid for the starting left tackle position. Osemele has great size and can be physically dominating at times. He has a large wingspan. The downside is that his weight often balloons up during the offseason, and he is regarded as being too soft.

Reid and Osemele will battle for the starting job in training camp. Down the road, Osemele could be moved to right offensive tackle, allowing the Ravens to move present starter Michael Oher back to the left side. Osemele played left tackle at Iowa State, but isn’t athletic enough to play that position in the NFL.

Round 3: Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple

The Ravens wanted to get a big back, a player who could control tempo late in games. Pierce is that type of back, but he also has enough explosion to bounce outside and break long runs. Pierce won’t replace starter Ray Rice, but he will challenge Anthony Allen for the No. 2 position.

The No. 2 position became open once Ricky Williams announced his retirement shortly after the 2011 season. Allen has played well, but the Ravens aren’t sure he is the answer. They went out and got an insurance policy in Pierce.

ROUND 4: GINO GRADKOWSKI, G/C, Delaware

Gradkowski is a tough player with great leadership qualities. He is a vocal player toward whom teammates gravitate toward. Gradkowski could play center or guard, but will start out training camp as a backup center to longtime veteran Matt Birk.

ROUND 4: CHRISTIAN THOMPSON, S, South Carolina State

Thompson is very fluid in his hips when breaking on the ball as he easily turns and runs to generate excellent mirror on the receiver through the route’s progression. He is a hard hitter who is effective in zone coverage. Thompson could make the team as a fourth safety this season, but both starters, Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard, are in the final years of their contracts. If he plays well, he eventually could become a starter.

ROUND 5: ASA JACKSON, CB, Cal Poly

Jackson was one of the fastest athletes in the college game, and is known as a superb man coverage defender. He could become the Ravens’ punt- and kick-return specialists. With young outstanding cornerbacks on the roster like Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb and Cary Williams, it’s highly unlikely Jackson will see much time except on special teams.

ROUND 6: TOMMY STREETER, WR, Miami (Fla.)

Streeter appears to be more of a project than a possible instant starter. He has good size and runs a 4.4 40-yard dash. The Ravens were looking for an eventual bookend to second year receiver Torrey Smith and may have found him in Streeter. He could become a gunner on the punt team.

ROUND 7: DEANGELO TYSON, DE, Georgia

The Ravens wanted to come out of this draft with one or two defensive linemen, and they got one with their final pick. Tyson isn’t overpowering but might be able to get some playing time late in the season. Another project.

Bengals: Meet the 2012 Draft Class

ROUND 1: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

With the Bengals needing a young corner and a shutdown guy since Johnathan Joseph departed, they needed to grab the last of the three corners worthy of first-round selection. He has been called by some scouts the prototype shutdown corner.

Kirkpatrick was rarely tested in coverage last season and was inconsistent at times. But he’s physical and plays aggressive.

On a team that has only one corner under the age of 25, Kirkpatrick doesn’t have to be an immediate starter. He comes into a veteran-laden situation with Leon Hall and Nate Clements expected to be the starters and Jason Allen, Terence Newman and Adam Jones also on the roster.

This is a pick for two or three years down the line especially with Clements, Hall, Jones and Newman having contracts that expire at the end of the upcoming season.

ROUND 1: KEVIN ZEITLER, G, WISCONSIN

Even though they signed veterans Travelle Wharton and Jacob Bell in free agency, they still had a question about who was going to start at right guard. They originally had the 21st pick but traded down six spots with New England and also grabbed a third-round pick.

Zeitler’s greatest strength though is as a run-blocker, which is one area where the Bengals struggled the past couple seasons. At Wisconsin, Zeitler started 37 games and holds the distinction of being the only active player with at least two years as a starter in the Big Ten to not allow any quarterback sacks during his career. He has a blocking consistency grade of 89.57 percent, scoring at least 90 percent in 23 contests.

Zeitler should be in the mix for the right guard spot which currently has Otis Hudson, Clint Boling and possibly Bell. Bobbie Williams, who has been the starter at right guard the past eight seasons, is a free agent and not expected to be re-signed.

ROUND 2: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Big Ten Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year gives the Bengals another interior line pass rusher. With his big body and frame he could also shore up the middle in run defense, which took a hit last year when Pat Sims was injured late in the season.

With the Bengals’ defensive line rotation, Still should get a chance to play immediately. Domata Peko and Geno Atkins are expected to be the starters, but Still and Sims, who was re-signed to a one-year deal, will vie for the remaining snaps. He could get 15-20 plays a game. If he continues to show his pass rush ability he could play more.

Round 3: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

For a team that was looking for a receiver to line up opposite A.J. Green, the Bengals are hoping they found him in Sanu, who is a physical receiver that is not afraid to bowl people over in open space.
Sanu should get a chance to compete for the second receiver spot.

Round 3: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

How he fits: Thompson adds yet another body to what is becoming a deep defensive line. Like Devon Still, who was selected in the second round, Thompson shows surprising quickness for an inside lineman and also can rush the passer.

When he’ll play: Domata Peko and Geno Atkins are expected to be the starters, but Thompson, Still and Pat Sims, who was re-signed to a one-year deal, will vie for the remaining snaps. Thompson could get 15-20 plays a game. If he continues to show his pass-rush ability, he could play more.

ROUND 4: ORSON CHARLES, TE, Georgia

Tight end was thought to be the least of the Bengals’ needs going into the draft, but they added competition to the group with a physical blocker and good receiver. Jermaine Gresham is the starter, but Charles will compete with Donald Lee and Colin Cochart for playing time and a roster spot.

ROUND 5: SHAUN PRATER, CB, Iowa

The cornerback group has a lot of veterans along with first-round Dre Kirkpatrick, but Prater’s biggest impact this year could come on special teams, where he was a gunner in punt coverage. He also played on punt returns and kickoff units.

ROUND 5: MARVIN JONES, WR, California

Pretty good size (6-1, 199) and speed, he will also be in the mix to see who starts opposite A.J. Green. Some have compared him to Chad Ochocinco, which is ironic since this pick was the one acquired in the Ochocinco trade to New England.

ROUND 5: GEORGE ILOKA, S, Boise State

Iloka (6-4, 225) the size and speed to match up with tight ends. There is plenty of competition for playing time with behind Reggie Nelson. Taylor Mays could be the other starter, but Robert Sands and Jeromy Miles are young and unproven.

ROUND 6: DAN HERRON, RB, Ohio State

Herron doesn’t have great speed but his strength is running between the tackles. He is another guy whose route to the roster depends on special teams contributions. He could be competing with Cedric Peerman for the final spot at running back.

Browns: Meet The 2012 Draft Class

ROUND 1: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson instantly becomes the most dynamic and promising running back prospect the team has had since Jim Brown, a No. 6 overall pick in 1957. Richardson’s versatility fits into any scheme. He will be an every-down back who will run inside, outside and get plenty of work as a receiver. His blocking and toughness will be factors, too. It got Cleveland’s attention when he bowled over their running backs coach, Gary Brown, at his pro day. His trademark on film is consistently driving the pile and making key yards after contact. That’s perfect for the cold-weather AFC North.

The Browns got that sort of running from Peyton Hillis on his good days. Hillis’s speed was in a different ZIP code than Richardson’s. Moving the pile is especially important to the Browns while they try to develop a passing game. Until Colt McCoy, or whomever, gets the hang of the West Coast offense, opponents will stack the box. Richardson is one of those rare runners who can be effective against a stacked box.

The Browns didn’t trade three draft picks not to use Richardson immediately, and often. Richardson becomes an instant feature back. Care will be taken not to overwork him, but the talent gap between him and whomever becomes his backup is wide. The Browns will use training camp to assess young veterans Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya. One or two of them will be used to spell Richardson. One will be cut.

Offensive coordinator Brad Childress is perfect for Richardson, in that he was head coach in Minnesota when the Vikings spent a No. 7 pick on Adrian Peterson in 2007. Childress learned valuable lessons about yielding to the temptation of overworking a rookie back. He will apply them to Richardson.

ROUND 1: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

Weeden lacks the mobility of a classic West Coast quarterback, but ownership advised the top personnel men to quit experimenting with projects and get the best option available. A full-court press to trade for Robert Griffin III failed. Ryan Tannehill had the physical tools but too many rough edges.
The believe that Weeden’s strong suits, particularly his strong arm, made him worth a gamble. Former Browns QB Bernie Kosar loves Weeden’s ability to stick the back-shoulder throw. Coaches want to establish more of a downfield throwing game, and he brings that instantly. His arm is much stronger than that of incumbent Colt McCoy.

There is no question that Weeden was drafted to be the No. 1 quarterback sooner rather than later. The best guess is that the brass will take a long look at him in spring practice and the early part of camp with an eye on starting him immediately. If he doesn’t seem ready, McCoy and Seneca Wallace provide excellent fall-back options.

At worst, the Browns have assembled the best group of backups on the planet. If McCoy wins the job, he would be baby sitting it for Weeden until 2013 or late this season, although things would get interesting if McCoy started leading the Browns to wins.

ROUND 2: Mitchell Schwartz, T, California

Schwartz can play left tackle, right tackle or even guard, but it’s a no-brainer that he will plug in on the right side in Cleveland. The Browns were tempted to take a wide receiver here, but they are in such need of a right tackle, and were so convinced that Schwartz was the best one available, that they pounced. Schwartz has an almost dumpy build and can look almost sloppy in his approach, but he is a scrapper who consistently earned high grades for finishing assignments at Cal.

Schwartz was drafted this high because the team intends for him to be the opening-day starter at right tackle. The only man in his way is young veteran Oniel Cousins, who was not good enough last year to beat out Tony Pashos, who played hurt and was ineffective. There is some concern that the Browns are young on the right side, with third-year pro Shawn Lauvao entering his second year as the starting right guard. The anchors of the line are center Alex Mack, Schwartz’s teammate at Cal as recently as 2008, and Thomas. Even though Schwartz is a rookie, he is a big upgrade over Cousins.

Round 3: John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati

How he fits: Hughes is a big, aggressive run-plugger who was needed to fill the crucial role of spelling starting tackles Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor, both of whom played far more snaps than the team wanted in 2011. He is a strong, aggressive stack-and-shed guy. He understands that he is primarily a run-stopper, and so do the Browns, although they hope he can develop into at least a representative pass-rushing threat. He was the first player drafted on the defensive side after three picks were spent on offense.

When he’ll play: The Browns used undersized veteran Brian Schaefering in their tackle rotation last year, and he did an adequate job, but coordinator Dick Jauron wants to expand and upgrade the rotation. The early plan is to give Hughes a heavy workload in preseason games and have him ready to be the third defensive tackle. He will be used on the early downs. He is at least a year away from helping on passing downs, on which end Frostee Rucker will slide inside to help provide a push up the middle.

ROUND 4: TRAVIS BENJAMIN, WR, Miami (Fla.)

Benjamin instantly gives the Browns needed speed. He ran a 4.34 in the 40 during pre-draft workouts and says his best 40 time is a 4.26. Game tapes show him flying past Ohio State players on punt returns. The Browns understand he instantly becomes the fastest man on the team. He also will be the smallest man (5-10, 172) on the team, which is why he fell to the fourth round. At minimum, he projects as a replacement for Joshua Cribbs on punt returns.

ROUND 4: JAMES-MICHAEL JOHNSON, LB, Nevada

This could be a great pick. Before landing the versatile, experienced Johnson, the team was exposed at linebacker. Johnson basically split his 50 college starts between inside and outside linebacker positions and projects as an option for any spot in Cleveland’s 4-3. He needs to bulk up on the strong side, Johnson he has a high motor and is a mature player who can help early in a rotation.

ROUND 5: RYAN MILLER, OL, Colorado

This pick should make Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao nervous. Miller was a standout guard at Colorado who also has played tackle. Miller is a mature, tough and resourceful player. He also is extremely tall at 6-foot-7. Miller is a former wrestler with the tenacious mentality G.M. Tom Heckert is trying to stockpile. At worst, he will make the team and upgrade the O-line depth.

ROUND 6: EMMANUEL ACHO, OLB, Texas

Acho has a knack for big plays as evidenced by his 41 stops behind the line in college. He was highly productive, starting only 26 of the 41 games in which he played, but delivering 280 tackles. He is a bit stiff and will struggle to make the team, but his instincts and tenacity should enable him to compete for a backup job on the strong side.

ROUND 6: BILLY WINN, DE, Boise State

Winn’s size and athleticism give the Browns options for their defensive line rotation. At 6-3, close to 300 pounds, he will be tried as an end on running plays when the starters need a spell. He also will be developed as an inside bull rusher. Winn was rated much higher than Round 6 on the Browns’ board but dropped because of injury concerns.

ROUND 7: TREVIN WADE, CB, Arizona

Wade, added for depth, has ordinary overall ability but enough first-step quickness to function as a nickel back. He has plenty of experience after starting for three years. For now, he will try to make the team as a fifth corner.

ROUND 7: BRAD SMELLEY, TE/FB, Alabama

This was a karma pick. He was a teammate of Trent Richardson. His presence will help his pal make the big adjustment to the pros. He could be a threat to incumbent fullback Owen Marecic, or he could make the team as a backup at both fullback and tight end. He is a good receiver as he showed while catching a few early balls in the national title game. He could provide a needed upgrade on special teams grunt work.

Steelers: Meet The 2012 Draft Class

ROUND 1: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

DeCastro is ideal for an offensive line that has problems protecting QB Ben Roethlisberger. He will play at right guard next to All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey, giving the Steelers a pair of athletic and tenacious blockers on the inside. What’s more, the Steelers liked the way he was typically the lead blocker in Stanford’s run game.

The Steelers have juggled a lot of different players at both guard positions and DeCastro is an immediate upgrade as a Pouncey-like player — tough, smart, dedicated and athletic.

DeCastro has a chance to start right away because the incumbent starters at guard are Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster, players who were undrafted free agents several years ago and have never gone to training camp as a starter. DeCastro played in a pro-style offense at Stanford, which will make the transition easier.

More important, he might be a better pass protector than run blocker, something the Steelers were seeking to help lessen some of the hits on Roethlisberger, who has averaged 43 sacks a season since 2007. Pouncey started as a rookie in 2010 and DeCastro will probably do the same thing.

ROUND 2: Mike Adams, T, Ohio State

The team has made a strong commitment to upgrading its offensive line by taking guard David DeCastro and Adams with its first two picks. In the past three years, the Steelers have used two No. 1 picks and two No. 2 picks on offensive linemen. Adams has long arms and good length—which helps him in pass protection.

Adams gives the team a young talent to use at right tackle if Willie Colon has problems coming back from another season-ending injury. Otherwise, Adams will back up on both sides until the team determines where he fits best. Adams, though, has a chance to become a starter by 2013.

Round 3: Sean Spence, OLB, Miami (Fla.)

How he fits: Spence played outside in a 4-3 front in college, but he will play inside linebacker in the Steelers’ 3-4 front. Spence is not very big, but the Steelers like to keep blockers off their inside ‘backers to let them run to the ball. Spence is very instinctive, quick and smart and is able to run with tight ends and H-backs.

Spence will not be a starter and will back up Lawrence Timmons at the Mack LB spot and play mainly on special teams. Veteran Larry Foote will step in and replace departed James Farrior, but that probably won’t be for more than one year. Still, Spence provides depth on the inside and gives the team an extra body to replace Farrior on the roster.

ROUND 4: ALAMEDA TA’AMU, NT, Washington

Ta’Amu is exactly what the Steelers need at nose tackle—a massive, powerful player who is hard to move and often forces double teams to create space for the linebackers to make tackles. Five-time Pro Bowl NT Casey Hampton will come back for one more season, but he is coming off ACL surgery. Ta’Amu is the long-term replacement who has a chance to move into that role earlier than anticipated.

ROUND 5: CHRIS RAINEY, RB, Florida

Rainey gives the team the type of running back they don’t have—a breakaway threat who is tough to tackle in space. He ran a 4.37 at the combine and will be used mainly on special teams as a return specialist. But new offensive coordinator Todd Haley can also use him as a situational, change-of-pace third-down player who can run and catch.

ROUND 7: TONEY CLEMONS, WR, Colorado

The Steelers were interested in adding a bigger receiver on their roster, but they also got a player who ran an unofficial 4.36 at his pro day. Clemons walks into a good situation because with the retirement of veteran Hines Ward, he has a chance to win a roster spot as the fifth receiver.

ROUND 7: DAVID PAULSON, TE, Oregon

He has a chance to be the third tight end because Weslye Saunders, who has to serve a four-game suspension to start the season, may not be back. Paulson is also the type of tight end the Steelers don’t have—a player who can flex, play H-back or do in-line blocking.

ROUND 7: TERRENCE FREDERICK, CB, Texas A&M

The loss of nickel back William Gay could create a roster spot in the slot for Frederick, who does not have the size and speed to play on the outside. Frederick will be limited to zone coverage, though, because he is not very good in man coverage.

ROUND 7: KELVIN BEACHUM, OT, SMU

Played left tackle in college but will be used at guard with the Steelers. Has the position flexibility the team desires. Either way, he is probably slotted for the practice squad because he needs to develop more size and strength. But he is athletic, smart, has good feet and could develop into a nice backup in a couple years.

Terrell Suggs Likely Gone for Season

Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter

Sad news for Baltimore Ravens fans as 2011 defensive player of the year Terrell Suggs is out for the 2012 season as he tore his achilles’ tendon.

Suggs was coming off his best NFL season where he had career highs in sacks (14) and forced fumbles (7). He was a true beast in every sense of the word coming down the stretch of the season. Losing a player like Suggs will be hard to replace.

Unfortunately the injury happened while Suggs was playing basketball and not during activity on the football field. Suggs is scheduled to have surgery next week. It usually takes about 11 months for a player to come back from this kind of injury, the Ravens will keep Suggs on PUP list with hope he is able to return late in the season.

The Skinny: Ravens probably will be smart enough to not rush back Suggs from this injury. At age 30, he has to make sure he’s fully healed as this injury could effect the rest of his career. Ravens rookie Courtney Upshaw will have a great opportunity to show his worth early. The Ravens will also count on Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee, and perhaps Sergio Kindle to help replace Suggs. This injury is a huge blow to Ravens Nation and especially their defense. Suggs easily has set the tone for the kind of defense that the Ravens like to play. Question now is, who will step up in his absence.

NFL Draft: Winners & Losers

SkinnyPost TV sits down to take a look at who won in this years NFL Draft and who didn’t! From value picks to teams that reached and everything in between!!

Final Draft Grades!!

It’s very difficult to “grade” a draft just days after the selections however it isn’t difficult to see where we feel value was found and how teams did or didn’t manipulate the board to fit their needs. Certain players are sure to reach the dreaded “bust” status while others will ascend to “late round gem” status. Here is how we grade all 32 teams in the 2012 NFL Draft! Read more

Next Page »