Today it’s our fifth installment of ranking the current Steelers 1 through 50. If you want to check out numbers 34 through 30, check it out HERE. Today we give you 29 through 25.
29. Antwaan Randle El Wide Receiver
Brought back over after he was dumped by the Redskins, this former Steelers 2nd round pick in 2002 had 22 grabs for 253 yards with no touchdowns. Many felt he would have a bigger impact, but with two rookies coming out of nowhere to grab playing time, Randle El was more of a 5th option at the WR spot. He did step up with a couple big plays in Super Bowl XLV, and still has value. The question is, if the team makes a serious run at Plaxico Burress, does the team have any need for Randle El?
28. Shaun Suisham Kicker
While there’s been no movement in the lockout, the Steelers still haven’t seemed to be in much panic to go out and get another kicker for Susiham. Last season all he did was come in and in his first game for Jeff Reed he hit four field goals of more than 40 yards, one being in OT as the team beat the Bills in a must win. In 7 regular season games he was 14-for-15 in field goals. He missed a bad FG in the Super Bowl, but that’s not even close enough for the Steelers not to have him back in 2011.
27. Ziggy Hood Defensive End
Hood came on in 2010 when Aaron Smith was hurt, and played well overall, putting up 20 tackles and three sacks. He will be a part of the rotation on the D-line, and with Cameron Hayward joining the line as well, the shift of the line may be changing from 30+ to a much more faster, younger line that shouldn’t miss a beat. Hood will be a huge part of that.
26. Antonio Brown Wide Receiver
This 6th round pick had to work hard even to get on the field in 2011, but once he did, he made a big impact, making possibly a game-saving play to beat the Jets in the AFC Title game on a third down catch to eventually milk the clock. He ended with 16 grabs in the regular season for 167 yards with no scores. He also had a huge catch in the playoff win over the Ravens, and had a kickoff return for a score in the teams week two win over the Titans. A lot of teams would love to have Brown on their roster right now. He’s one of the future stars at WR on this squad.
25. Bryant McFadden Cornerback
McFadden came back from the Cards for what ended up being Santonio Holmes, and while he wasn’t as good as when he left, he had two picks as well as 82 tackles and two sacks. He will need to play better in 2011, along with the rest of the secondary as well. He still as value on this team, and likely will be a starter, even more so if Ike Taylor or William Gay decides to take off.
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DrGeorge
June 28, 2011 at 8:31 am
Randall El has value beyond being a receiver; no other receiver can throw TD passes like him or receive punts in traffic flawlessly or read defenses as well. Wisenhut knew how to use him effectively and drew up gadget plays to feature his talents; it drove defenses nuts. Arians has yet to show an appreciation for his talent. Randall El is a keeper.
For a first round pick, Ziggy Hood has yet to show outstanding strength or speed. He is simply a journeyman DE, like Eason. Last season, when these two played for the injured Smith and Keisel, the vaunted run defense became a sieve. Ziggy needs to step up this year.
Even if Taylor and Gay stay, we have trouble at CB. McFadden was injured at times last year, but his technique is consistently inconsistent. He and Gay both have a propensity to lose sight of the ball and misplay the receiver in single coverage. When LeBeau blitzes from that side of the formation, opposing QBs routinely pick on McFadden or Gay. Apparently, our recent acquisitions at CB are not good enough to challenge. This position remains a major weakness for the coming season.
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