Today it’s our eighth installment of ranking the current Steelers 1 through 50. If you want to check out numbers 19 through 15, check it out HERE. Today we give you 14 through 10.
14. Willie Colon Right Tackle
The 5th year tackle is a staple on the O-line, and at 6-3, 315 pounds, has rounded into a solid part of the unit. The team missed him dearly last year after he tore his Achilles tendon, but should be back in 2011. The question now is – will the Steelers be able to re-sign him? His agent says the team has yet to reach out and talk to him, meaning the Steelers may feel otherwise that he’s as good as his #14 ranking on the team.
13. James Farrior Inside Linebacker
“Potsie” as he is known as, is the vocal leader of the defense, and was a steal for the Steelers coming over from the Jets in free agency in the 2002 season. Was the Steelers team MVP in 2004, and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2004 and 2008. With Lawrence Timmons on the other side they are a huge reason the team ranks so high in stopping the run, but Farrior also can drop in coverage and even rush the QB. Last season had 6 sacks and 109 tackles, and again will be a force on the D in 2011.
12. Lawrence Timmons Inside Linebacker
The first draft pick of the Mike Tomlin era has rounded out in being a very solid player on the inside. Waited a year to play watching Larry Foote, and it paid off as Timmons has been as good as any ILB the Steelers have had in recent memory. Had two picks, three sacks and a team leading 135 tackles in 2010, he is great against the run and his ability to pass defense has become a strong suit as well. Expect Timmons to be a Pro Bowl player in the near future.
11. Chris Kemoeatu Offensive Guard
One of the best pulling guards in the game, Kemoeatu is a beast at 344 pounds, and has steadily gotten better over the past six seasons. After the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, they re-signed Kemoeatu to a five-year contract, and he was worth every penny. Brings a bad attitude to the line, which is exactly what is needed when going up against some of the better defenses in the league.
10. Casey Hampton Nose Tackle
They continue to say Hampton is too old, but year after year the former 2001 first round pick shows up and fills a hole on the defense for the club. 20 tackles, a sack and forced fumble last season don’t begin to show how important it is when Hampton shows up each and every Sunday. Already named to the Steelers All-Time team, Hampton should be able to be a force for at least another 2-3 years.
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DrGeorge
July 21, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Mr. Loede, you basically got it right on the previous players on the list, but starting with #14, you are beginning to hold back a bit. All of these guys are keepers, but I’m not ready to give them a ‘pass’ when it comes to deficiencies. Here is my downside for each of them:
14. Colon’s achilles tendon is untested. Is he physically sound? He is a natural guard who was forced to play LT and now wants Tackle money. The Steelers are bulking at that. The question is whether he can be signed for journeyman Guard money. There are young guys in the wings eager to prove they are as good as he is, and the Steelers may let them try.
13. Farrior is one of the greatest Steelers linebackers ever, but his age is showing. Great at stopping the run, he’s slowing in pass coverage; he is consistently behind TEs on those drag routes over the middle. The question is whether any of his backups are any better in pass coverage than he is. Athletically gifted, he could play several more years, but his best years are behind him. In this pass-happy era, speed has become more vital than brawn. Look at your old Levon Kirkland tapes, and you’ll see an ILB who could cover a TE twenty-five yards down field. Farrior cannot do that, if he ever could.
12. Timmons was the first #1 pick in the Tomlin era, and his play, when he’s healthy, makes Colbert look like a genius. He plays the run and the pass well. But he is injury prone. We need to keep this guy on the field and, maybe, give him a little more rest during the season so he’s still all there when we get to the playoffs.
11. Kemoeatu has yet to play up to his enormous potential. He has a dreadful habit of commiting boneheaded penalties at critical moments during the game. A powerful run blocker, his footwork in pass protection is suspect. He is the most physical OG we have, but is he the best?
10. Hampton is my definition of a ‘force of nature’ type of player, the kind you can’t find in every draft. Once he was as disruptive as Ngada for the Ravens; now he is solid, but not spectacular. He is worth every penny he’s paid, but how long can he continue to motor? He is the last member of his 2001 draft class! Thank heaven, we have Chris Hoke to back him up. It’s a long season in the NFL for senior citizens.
The Steelers are notoriously tight-fisted in free agency, but Farrior is proof they will dip into the kitty occasionally for proven talent. Don’t be surprised if they do just that once the new CBA is signed. But the Steelers won’t pay big bucks, even for a desperately needed shut-down CB, as Asomugha found out. The ‘fit’ and the money have both got to be right.
George H
July 22, 2011 at 10:31 am
Well said Dr. George
jay
July 22, 2011 at 10:59 am
Doc, with a team like the Steelers who are typically and historically reluctant in free agnecy, do you think this year’s “unprecedented” free agent rush will benefit a team like PIttsburgh or hinder us?
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