#1-S Mike Mitchell-The Steelers don't typically chase the first wave of free agents when the signing period begins. Heck, they usually don't even go after any of the second wave, either. That changed this offseason when they almost immediately signed S Mike Mitchell to a 5 year, $25 million contract. The 27 year old, oft-fined Mitchell replaces Ryan Clark, who wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh. Mitchell began training camp on the PUP list with a groin injury suffered while working out. This denied Mitchell valuable practice time with fellow backfield mate Troy Polamalu. Mitchell's signing instantly helped make a gray-haired Steelers secondary younger. The former 2009 second round pick of the Oakland Raiders (#47 overall out of Ohio) comes to the Steelers by way of the Carolina Panthers #2 ranked defense. With 6 career picks, he will be called upon to help the Steelers in both the passing game and run support, while getting acclimated to Polamalu's style of play. Only time will tell if Mitchell can be Magic Mike for the Steelers.
#2-G David DeCastro-DeCastro came to the Steelers with high expectations as a first round pick, 24th overall, out of Stanford in 2012. The Steelers looked like they snagged the "steal" of the draft. Unfortunately, DeCastro missed the first half of his rookie season due to injury. That made last season his first full season in the NFL. It did not get off to good start as he, inadvertently, took out the knee of C Maurkice Pouncey in the first game of the season, sending the center to IR. But the injury-riddled line began to gel as the season progressed and DeCastro's play improved by leaps and bounds. He's been mentioned as a future Pro Bowler, the Steelers new Alan Faneca, a linchpin for the offensive line. His time is expected to be now. Helping keep QB Ben Roethlisberger clean and clearing holes for the backfield are priority #1 for this former #1 pick.
#3-WR Markus Wheaton-The word from training camp last year was that this 2013 3rd round pick, 79th overall out of Oregon State, would make the Steelers and their fans forget all about another former 3rd round pick who took his talents to South Beach. That was not the case as the former track and field star suffered injury setbacks in his rookie campaign. Now that WR Emmanuel Sanders is sucking up to Peyton Manning in Denver, Wheaton will be called upon to take his place opposite Antonio Brown. Wheaton will be eager to show off the speed that made him a training camp darling and impress both his quarterback and the fans.
#4- LB Jason Worilds-The former 2010 second round pick from Virginia Tech, #52 overall, is the first of 2 Steelers LB under Mrs. Black-N-Gold's microscope. After a breakout season that ended in injury last year, the Steelers signed Worilds to a 1 year, $9.754 million deal on the transition tag. The injury prone Worilds finally cracked the starting lineup last year, earning that big payday. But with just 18 career sacks and a laundry list of injuries, can the Steelers depend on Worilds or will he turn into the second-coming of LaMarr Woodley? This question may be on the Steelers' minds as they've yet to sign the outside linebacker to a long-term deal.
#5-LB Jarvis Jones-The 2013 1st round pick out of Georgia, #17 overall, was forced into action as a rookie last season due to injuries. Usually the Steelers like their rookies, especially on defense, to learn the system before plugging them into the lineup. Jones has no where to go but up as he only recorded 1 sack last season. The Steelers even brought in former OLB Joey Porter to mentor Jones. Now that he has a season under his belt and Peezy lighting a fire under his butt, the Steelers are expecting big things this season from Jones.
#6-RB LeGarrette Blount-The Steelers signed Blount to a 2 year contract in the offseason to complement the running game of LeV'eon Bell. Blount is expected to bolster the Steelers running attack, bringing with him 2,711 career rushing yards and 20 rushing TDs in stops with Tennessee, Tampa Bay and New England. Undrafted out of Oregon in 2010, Blount brings with him a little baggage due to transgressions made in college and the pros. The Steelers would like to think that he's over the hump with his issues and will help their running game find the endzone this season. However, that will remain to be seen following yesterday's charges of marijuana possession for both Blount and Bell (who was also charged with DUI).
#7-QB Ben Roethlisberger-You would think a 2004 first round pick, #11 overall out of Miami (OH), and a 2-time Super Bowl winner wouldn't have much left to prove in the NFL. However, the 32 year old Roethlisberger will be in the final year of his contract next season and hopes to cash in on one more big payday. He'd like to lead the Steelers to another Super Bowl in the process. Roethlisberger is the Steelers all-time leader for wins, passing TDs, pass attempts, completions, and passing yards. Yet, he continues to be ignored by pundits in the conversation of elite quarterbacks. He played every game last season behind a porous, banged-up offensive line. Face it, without Ben, the Steelers are no where near a playoff team. With Ben, they can go all the way to Phoenix.
The Steelers and their black-n-gold bleeding fans hope that these 7 men have what it takes to get the Steelers that 7th Super Bowl victory. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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