Special thanks goes out to the 800 fans that voted in the last poll, ‘Which new Steelers draft pick, or free agent will have the biggest impact on the 2008 season?’ There was a clear 56% majority that felt that both Sweed and Mendenhall would make a difference in the 2008 season. 26% felt that Mendenhall would make the bigger impact, while 13% felt that it would be Sweed. There was a late push for Dennis Dixon, but not big enough to talk about. Thanks for all who voted, and make sure to vote for the newest Steelers Poll! The Pittsburgh Steelers have undoubtedly been one of the NFL’s Read more [...]

Rashard Mendenhall is not having a very good week. Mendenhall, home in Chicago, was walking along the south side city lakefront at 2 a.m. when two men wearing hoodies and ski-masks robbed Mendenhall at gunpoint, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The two perps attacked Mendenhall, robbing him of a cell phone, his wallet and some cash. According to the Sun-Times, Mike McCartney, Mendenhall’s agent said, “It was obviously a scary moment, but he is fine. He is doing great. He said he doesn’t have anything that is worth his life.” Mendenhall, who suffered a strained hamstring Read more [...]

I knew the Patriots were always cheating against us. Makes perfect sense now.

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A little hometown article on undrafted WR Micah Rucker.

Micah Rucker got his first taste of the NFL last week, spending four days in Pittsburgh for a Steelers minicamp.

He caught passes from Ben Roethlisberger. Had dinner with Dan Rooney. Took pointers from Hines Ward.

read the rest

Wanted to give you a look at the Ben Roethlisberger contract. This is just the yearly salary, not signing bonuses at other bonuses. 2008 2500000.00 2009 4750000.00 2010 8050000.00 2011 11600000.00 2012 11600000.00 2013 11600000.00 2014 11600000.00 2015 12100000.00 Read more [...]

Good article by Lolley this morning in the Observer Reporter about the Steelers comments on the offensive line. Hopefully Marvel Smith is as healthy as he says he is as he will be one of the most important cogs on the line along with the battle for the center position. I would feel much better if the Steelers were to sign one more free agent. Perhaps even Dylan Gandy who was released by the Colts. Also Steelers mini camp wrapped up today with some good progress by Lawrence Timmons. Read more [...]

What is it with these first round picks and hamstrings? Are they not stretching properly? Is it the weather? This is getting tiresome. Hopefully this will not keep Rashard sidelined too long. Hopefully some of the other backs got in some good work today. Tomlin does not seem to be too concerned with the injury, but you would like these kids to get their full share of repetitions early on.

Dale Lolley reports that Purdue WR Dorian Bryant was in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, but was a no show for mini camp on Friday. Bryant has been touted as having some character problems in the past and I am glad it did not take long for them to surface. Bryant was a long shot to even make the practice squad. So get your Bryant stuff while it last!! Come to find out Bryant failed his physical. The Steelers, who did not say why he failed, likely will sign someone to replace him. Read more [...]

Thought I would throw this at you.

Anthony Gargano of WIP radio in Philadelphia is on ESPN this afternoon reporting that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison is accused of being involved in a recent shooting at a bar Harrison owns in Philadelphia called Playmakers.

Hines Ward nor Troy Polamalu dressed for this morning's practice. Ward is still recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn right meniscus, while Polamalu is still recovering from late season knee surgery.

http://kdka.com/steelers/Steelers.2008.mini.2.714202.html

2008 Steeler mini camp opens today. Should be some great photos coming out of camp this week. Here are the lastest stories worth reading.

Steelers finally get personal look at Mendenhall

Roethlisberger ready to get a look at rookies

Steelers Hold Mini-Camp Through This Weekend

You had to figure Big Ben had to say these type things in the PPG. You just can't run around claiming to want this or that during draft time or you could in fact alienate or piss off other teammates. I think Ben understands what he said may have been taken wrong, but it was a lesson learned none-the-less.

This article by Ed in the PPG has got to get you excited. The thought of going back to the Franco and Rocky days with perhaps a receiver group much like Swann and Stallworth has got me exited once again. Now I do not think that Mendenhall will be rushed into things and perhaps Najeh will even be the #2 on opening day, but that will be short lived. Mendenhall will be slowly eased into work and learning pass protection. Hopefully the Steelers will get off to a fast start and Mendenhall can be a major force going forward after the first quarter of the season. Having two good backs with different skill Read more [...]

Some of these have been coming in of the undrafted free agents. I will update this post as it grows. Steelers WR Micah Rucker (Eastern Illinois) Steelers C Doug Legursky (Marshall) Steelers K Julian Rauch (Appalachian State) Steelers WR Dorien Bryant (Purdue) Steelers LB Donovan Woods (Oklahoma State) Steelers CB Travis C. Williams (East Carolina) Steelers LB Patrick Bailey (Duke)* Steelers CB Roy Lewis (Washington)* Steelers QB Mike Potts (William & Mary)* Steelers DL Martavius Prince (Southern Miss)* Steelers DL Jordan Reffett (Washington)* Steelers TE Dezmond Sherrod (Mississippi Read more [...]

The Steelers drafted S Ryan Mundy from WVU with 28th pick in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL draft. Mundy was the 194th pick overall and the second of two 6th round picks the Steelers have. Steelers had met with Mundy prior to the draft. Mundy played three seasons at the University of Michigan before transferring to West Virginia. He had 45 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Mountaineers last season. A fluid free safety type that will have a tough time making the roster. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Mundy said he completed the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, the pro shuttle in Read more [...]

The Steelers drafted LB Mike Humpal with 22nd pick in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL draft. Humpal was the 188th pick overall and the first of two 6th round picks the Steelers have. Played 4 years at linebacker at Iowa. Led in tackles, makes good reads, not good upper body strength and needs to get stronger. Has good speed and is a great leader, Humpal will likely compete for a roster spot and try to contribute on special teams. 50/50 shot to make the Steelers opening day roster. Read more [...]

Steelers drafted Oregon QB Dennis Dixon with their 5th pick in the 2008 draft. Coming off of an ACL injury, Dixon will have his work cut out to make the roster. Needs to show arm strength, accuracy and that he is recovered from the injury. Will make for another huge project for the Steelers. Read more [...]

The Steelers drafted UCLA defensive end Bruce Davis with the 88th pick of the draft. 4-3 DE with pass rush ability, will stand up and convert into a 3-4 guy. He will be a project, but has the athleticism to make the transition. MORE ON DAVIS Read more [...]

What a great second round gift. Ben has been asking for a big wide receiver and he got one in the form of Texas WR Limus Sweed. Here is some info and his conference call. * Limas Sweed Conference Call * * Wide Receivers Coach Randy Fichtner * * Limas Sweed Statistics * Read more [...]

The Pittsburgh Steelers have chosen Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall with the 23rd overall selection in the NFL draft. Mendenhall led the Big Ten in rushing yards and yards per carry, running 294 times for 1,434 yards and 19 touchdowns.
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I never would of thought Mendenhall would of fell this far. I am very biased, but this could be the steal of the first round.