Pittsburgh Steelers
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Saint Greg
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The Pittsburgh Steelers
As the draft winds to a close the NFL champion Pittsburgh Steeler are ready to announce their final roster for the 2006 season.
First of the Quarterback position. Starting talent wasn't needed as emerging star Ben Roethlisberger is in place at the top of the depth chart but some depth was needed at the position. Ben's former rival Josh Harris was added to the team to be a developmental backup with the speed and size to contribute on more than one level. Veteran Jeff Blake was also added to offer some insight to the young QB's and teach Harris how to maximize that powerful arm.:D
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger 655,500
Josh Harris 310,000
Jeff Blake 250,000
Rob Rutherford 235,000
1,450,000
With the departure of Jerome Bettis that smash mouth aspect of the Steelers offense needed upgraded. 250 pound TJ Duckett was brought in and should fit perfectly into the Steelers power scheme. Also former 2nd rounder Tatum Bell was added to the team to share some of the load. At 5'11 215 he has more than enough size to handle running between the tackles and his 900 yards and 5.3 ypc should make an already dangerous Steelers running game even more intimidating. Add to that duo holdeover Willie Parker, one of the fastest and most dangerous RB's in the game, and his 1400 all purpose yards he achieved last year and you have the most intimidating back field in the NFL. In addition Bowling Green standout P.J. Pope was added to bring in fresh feet and a guy known for catching the ball out of the backfield to the team. His 4.4 speed at 220lbs should make him a future star for the Steelers. Manning the fullback position is 7 year Steelers veteran Dan Kreider.
Running Back
Tatum Bell 350,000
T.J. Duckett 663,000
Willie Parker 350,000
P.J Pope 250,000
Dan Kreider 940,000
$2,553,000.00
Another position that the Steelers needed to address was the WR position. Antwan Randel El was found to be priced out of the Steelers range, as the contract he recieved didn't merit his 1 TD year. To start along side star Hines Ward Ashley Lelie was aquired from the Broncos. Lelie's potential to stretch the field makes him much more valuable than Randel El would have been in the starting role. As Big Ben develops a deeper wide reciever corps would be required for him to maximize his potential. Three WR's with game breaking speed were aquired to give Ben the multiple recieving threats he has never had. Greg Lewis, Andre Davis, and Quincy Morgan should all excel out of the slot and all have speed that not many teams 4th and 5th CB's can match up with. In addition, many of the recievers aquired are bonafide return threats and should give the special teams a drastic boost. From the draft former UCF standout Brandon Marshall was added. He brings the size and strenght to the group, and will see some decent playing time during his rookie year. The Steelers hope he takes this learning season and grows into a future playmaker as he has all the physical tools.
Wide Reciever
Hines Ward 2,750,000
Ashley Lelie 600,000
Greg Lewis 460,000
Andre Davis 250,000
Quincy Morgan 250,000
Brandon Marshall 250,000
4,560,000
The Steelers offensive line saw the departure of a few aging players, but was reloaded with quality young talent. Mammoth second year tackle Trai Essex moves into the RT position and former first rounder Jeff Faine takes over the center spot, hoping to build of a productive and injury free year in 2005. Fanica, Simmons, and Smith round out what looks again to be one of the best O-line units in the NFL. The unit also has plenty of depth to keep fresh legs in at all times and injuries down.
Offensive Line
Marvel Smith 4,400,000
Alan Fanica 3,700,000
Jeff Faine 538,770
Kendall Simmons 800,000
Trai Essex 310,000
Ulish Booker 235,000
Alonzo Ephraim 250,000
Jordan Black 250,000
Tim Brown 235,000
Lenny Vandermade 310,000
11,028,750
Rounding out the offensive side of the ball the TE position has been upgraded this year as well. Last years first rounder Heath Miller looks to be the long term anwser at the position combining size with the pass catching ability to be an impact player. Former Browns starter Steve Heiden to build off his 43 receptions last year and use his 6'5 267 frame to be a dual threat in the Steelers power running formations. Anthony Becht was also obtained to give even more power and flexability out of 3 TE sets and provide solid play in case of injury.
Tight End
Heath Miller 373,000
Steve Heiden 675,000
Anthony Becht 250,000
1,298,000
For the Steelers defense the most important position remains the be the big NT in the 3-4 defense that takes up the blockers and causes the confusion in the trenches that allow the LB's to roam free. Mainstay Casey Hampton remains in the middle as one of the NFL's best NT's. Talented young performer Chris Hoke remains as the number 2 man to keep this unit performing at high levels throughout the game
Defensive Tackle
Casey Hampton 3,250,000
Chris Hoke 800,000
Kyle Andres 235,000
4,285,000
At defensive tackle Aaron Smith remains the number 1 guy, and the man penciled in to play the number 2 spot, Travis Kirschke was resigned at over a million dollar savings to line up opposite Smith.
Aaron Smith 4,500,000
Travis Kirschke 250,000
Bob Dzyonick 310,000
Antwan Lake 250,000
5,310,000
As the the teams strength through their championship season, the linebacking core was only upgraded this off season. 1-2 NFL sack leaders Clark Haggins and Joey Porter return along with 2004 NFL defensive MVP James Farrior. The new addition to the group is young ILB Andra Davis from the Browns. He adds even more speed to this group and his amazing 150 tackles last year shows that this guy is an elite player at his position. With the talent on the defensive front 7 that this team has, don't be suprised if the year goes by without a 100 yard rusher from and opposing team.
Linebackers
Joey Porter 3,850,000
James Farrior 2,900,000
Andra Davis 800,000
Clark Haggins 2,200,000
Andre Frazier 310,000
Malcom Postell 235,000
Richard Seigler 310,000
Roland Stanley 235,000
10,840,000
The cornerback position saw the lost of starter Desha Townshed, but he was thought to be one of the weakness's of the Pittsburgh defense and was not attempted to be resigned. Budding star Ike Taylor looks to build of a year where he shut down such elite recievers as Marvin Harrison and Chad Jackson and is planted firmly at the top of the depth chart. He was retained as a restricted free agent. Youngster Bryan McFadden will move into the second CB spot and should stay in that position for years to come. Not much dropoff come as you progess down the depth chart as Chidi Iwoma and Richardo Colclough are two guys with experience in the system and in a playoff atmosphere and should offer great depth and production out of multiple DB packages.
Cornerback
Ike Taylor 1,318,000
Bryan McFadden 310,000
Ricardo Colclough 385,000
Chidi Iwoma 540,000
2,558,000
Safety was a position that was thought the be set as Tyrone Carter could easily step into Chris Hopes position and give similar production. The aquisition of Pro Bowl free safety Brian Dawkins pushes Carter to the top DB backup and gives the Steelers one of the most intimidating Safety duos in the NFL. Two players arguably the best at their position should turn the Steelers secondary from a weakness to a strength. Dawkins and Polamalue is one fearsome defensive backfield.
Safeties
Troy Polamalue 827,000
Brian Dawkins 3,000,000
Tyrone Carter 625,000
Donnie Nickey 250,000
Russell Stuvaints 460,000
5,162,000
On special teams last years kicker Jeff Reed was resigned at a million dollar savings and ace punter Chris Gardocki returns to give the defense an unfair advantage over its competition.
Kickers
Jeff Reed 250,000
Chris Gardocki 1,088,750
1,338,750
Total Cap Number- $50,444,000.00
The 2006 Steelers are a team that started well above the salary cap and was facing loosing many star players to a team that improved at almost every position. Improvements to the best team in the NFL is a scary though, and considering the caliber of players brought to the team there is no doubt that this is a team that will be competing in January next year. Ben has been given all the weapons that he could ask for, the defense has added two pro bowl players to a roster that was already full of them, and special teams should continue to be a positive aspect for this team. This is one intimidating team on paper, and is one that can beat you any way it has too.
As the draft winds to a close the NFL champion Pittsburgh Steeler are ready to announce their final roster for the 2006 season.
First of the Quarterback position. Starting talent wasn't needed as emerging star Ben Roethlisberger is in place at the top of the depth chart but some depth was needed at the position. Ben's former rival Josh Harris was added to the team to be a developmental backup with the speed and size to contribute on more than one level. Veteran Jeff Blake was also added to offer some insight to the young QB's and teach Harris how to maximize that powerful arm.:D
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger 655,500
Josh Harris 310,000
Jeff Blake 250,000
Rob Rutherford 235,000
1,450,000
With the departure of Jerome Bettis that smash mouth aspect of the Steelers offense needed upgraded. 250 pound TJ Duckett was brought in and should fit perfectly into the Steelers power scheme. Also former 2nd rounder Tatum Bell was added to the team to share some of the load. At 5'11 215 he has more than enough size to handle running between the tackles and his 900 yards and 5.3 ypc should make an already dangerous Steelers running game even more intimidating. Add to that duo holdeover Willie Parker, one of the fastest and most dangerous RB's in the game, and his 1400 all purpose yards he achieved last year and you have the most intimidating back field in the NFL. In addition Bowling Green standout P.J. Pope was added to bring in fresh feet and a guy known for catching the ball out of the backfield to the team. His 4.4 speed at 220lbs should make him a future star for the Steelers. Manning the fullback position is 7 year Steelers veteran Dan Kreider.
Running Back
Tatum Bell 350,000
T.J. Duckett 663,000
Willie Parker 350,000
P.J Pope 250,000
Dan Kreider 940,000
$2,553,000.00
Another position that the Steelers needed to address was the WR position. Antwan Randel El was found to be priced out of the Steelers range, as the contract he recieved didn't merit his 1 TD year. To start along side star Hines Ward Ashley Lelie was aquired from the Broncos. Lelie's potential to stretch the field makes him much more valuable than Randel El would have been in the starting role. As Big Ben develops a deeper wide reciever corps would be required for him to maximize his potential. Three WR's with game breaking speed were aquired to give Ben the multiple recieving threats he has never had. Greg Lewis, Andre Davis, and Quincy Morgan should all excel out of the slot and all have speed that not many teams 4th and 5th CB's can match up with. In addition, many of the recievers aquired are bonafide return threats and should give the special teams a drastic boost. From the draft former UCF standout Brandon Marshall was added. He brings the size and strenght to the group, and will see some decent playing time during his rookie year. The Steelers hope he takes this learning season and grows into a future playmaker as he has all the physical tools.
Wide Reciever
Hines Ward 2,750,000
Ashley Lelie 600,000
Greg Lewis 460,000
Andre Davis 250,000
Quincy Morgan 250,000
Brandon Marshall 250,000
4,560,000
The Steelers offensive line saw the departure of a few aging players, but was reloaded with quality young talent. Mammoth second year tackle Trai Essex moves into the RT position and former first rounder Jeff Faine takes over the center spot, hoping to build of a productive and injury free year in 2005. Fanica, Simmons, and Smith round out what looks again to be one of the best O-line units in the NFL. The unit also has plenty of depth to keep fresh legs in at all times and injuries down.
Offensive Line
Marvel Smith 4,400,000
Alan Fanica 3,700,000
Jeff Faine 538,770
Kendall Simmons 800,000
Trai Essex 310,000
Ulish Booker 235,000
Alonzo Ephraim 250,000
Jordan Black 250,000
Tim Brown 235,000
Lenny Vandermade 310,000
11,028,750
Rounding out the offensive side of the ball the TE position has been upgraded this year as well. Last years first rounder Heath Miller looks to be the long term anwser at the position combining size with the pass catching ability to be an impact player. Former Browns starter Steve Heiden to build off his 43 receptions last year and use his 6'5 267 frame to be a dual threat in the Steelers power running formations. Anthony Becht was also obtained to give even more power and flexability out of 3 TE sets and provide solid play in case of injury.
Tight End
Heath Miller 373,000
Steve Heiden 675,000
Anthony Becht 250,000
1,298,000
For the Steelers defense the most important position remains the be the big NT in the 3-4 defense that takes up the blockers and causes the confusion in the trenches that allow the LB's to roam free. Mainstay Casey Hampton remains in the middle as one of the NFL's best NT's. Talented young performer Chris Hoke remains as the number 2 man to keep this unit performing at high levels throughout the game
Defensive Tackle
Casey Hampton 3,250,000
Chris Hoke 800,000
Kyle Andres 235,000
4,285,000
At defensive tackle Aaron Smith remains the number 1 guy, and the man penciled in to play the number 2 spot, Travis Kirschke was resigned at over a million dollar savings to line up opposite Smith.
Aaron Smith 4,500,000
Travis Kirschke 250,000
Bob Dzyonick 310,000
Antwan Lake 250,000
5,310,000
As the the teams strength through their championship season, the linebacking core was only upgraded this off season. 1-2 NFL sack leaders Clark Haggins and Joey Porter return along with 2004 NFL defensive MVP James Farrior. The new addition to the group is young ILB Andra Davis from the Browns. He adds even more speed to this group and his amazing 150 tackles last year shows that this guy is an elite player at his position. With the talent on the defensive front 7 that this team has, don't be suprised if the year goes by without a 100 yard rusher from and opposing team.
Linebackers
Joey Porter 3,850,000
James Farrior 2,900,000
Andra Davis 800,000
Clark Haggins 2,200,000
Andre Frazier 310,000
Malcom Postell 235,000
Richard Seigler 310,000
Roland Stanley 235,000
10,840,000
The cornerback position saw the lost of starter Desha Townshed, but he was thought to be one of the weakness's of the Pittsburgh defense and was not attempted to be resigned. Budding star Ike Taylor looks to build of a year where he shut down such elite recievers as Marvin Harrison and Chad Jackson and is planted firmly at the top of the depth chart. He was retained as a restricted free agent. Youngster Bryan McFadden will move into the second CB spot and should stay in that position for years to come. Not much dropoff come as you progess down the depth chart as Chidi Iwoma and Richardo Colclough are two guys with experience in the system and in a playoff atmosphere and should offer great depth and production out of multiple DB packages.
Cornerback
Ike Taylor 1,318,000
Bryan McFadden 310,000
Ricardo Colclough 385,000
Chidi Iwoma 540,000
2,558,000
Safety was a position that was thought the be set as Tyrone Carter could easily step into Chris Hopes position and give similar production. The aquisition of Pro Bowl free safety Brian Dawkins pushes Carter to the top DB backup and gives the Steelers one of the most intimidating Safety duos in the NFL. Two players arguably the best at their position should turn the Steelers secondary from a weakness to a strength. Dawkins and Polamalue is one fearsome defensive backfield.
Safeties
Troy Polamalue 827,000
Brian Dawkins 3,000,000
Tyrone Carter 625,000
Donnie Nickey 250,000
Russell Stuvaints 460,000
5,162,000
On special teams last years kicker Jeff Reed was resigned at a million dollar savings and ace punter Chris Gardocki returns to give the defense an unfair advantage over its competition.
Kickers
Jeff Reed 250,000
Chris Gardocki 1,088,750
1,338,750
Total Cap Number- $50,444,000.00
The 2006 Steelers are a team that started well above the salary cap and was facing loosing many star players to a team that improved at almost every position. Improvements to the best team in the NFL is a scary though, and considering the caliber of players brought to the team there is no doubt that this is a team that will be competing in January next year. Ben has been given all the weapons that he could ask for, the defense has added two pro bowl players to a roster that was already full of them, and special teams should continue to be a positive aspect for this team. This is one intimidating team on paper, and is one that can beat you any way it has too.