Steelers Central

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to break down the rare player-for-player trade involving Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick. This brings in the veteran versatile corner who could even see some time at the safety position. Ramsey brings some edge and physicality to the Steelers' defense and will be a plus defender in the run game. This addition also gives the Steelers the deepest cornerback room they have seen in years, despite it being a veteran-laden group. Next, the team will need to address how they will replace a player like Minkah Fitzpatrick. Despite the absence of splash plays, Fitzatrick brought a sense of comfort and experience to the backend of the Steelers' defense and was a great fit alongside the physical run defender, Deshon Elliot. Juan Thornhill will look to take over the starting safety duties going forward, but the team will need to make another depth addition. What names should the Steelers go after, including a veteran All-Pro who is still among the best safeties in the NFL? The Steelers also added Jonnu Smith for a late-round pick swap, who is coming off a career year and setting Dolphins records for receptions and yards. The 30-year-old provides a spark in the passing game and some versatility as a mismatch TE in the passing game. Smith will now be in a logjam with a crowded WR room and is by no means a seamless fit in the Steelers' offense. I’ll tell you how I think the team will use them and the impact they could have on the Steelers' offense. Yes, the team still does need another WR. Lastly, it’s time to analyze who I think will step up this year for the Steelers. Aaron Rodgers discussed how some young players will make a name for themselves on this team. I’ll give you three names on each side of the ball that could make a name for themselves 0:00-17:30 Steelers trade for Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith 17:31-26:35 How do you replace Minkah? 26:36-35:55 Jonnu Smith’s Role 35:56-48:11 Young Breakout Candidates

On this episode of Steelers Central, we'll break down Aaron Rodgers' first appearance on the Pat McAfee show and why I was impressed by his appearance. Rodgers took a backseat and was the student in the room as he learned about his new team, the leadership hierarchy, and the nuances of his new roster. Next, the Steelers' defense may have some new wrinkles in it for this coming season. That is according to CB Beanie Bishop. Mike Tomlin stated that the defense would be looking a lot different this upcoming year, and many speculated that it meant personnel changes. That does not seem to be the case, as there were only two. Tune in to see what those changes could be, according to Bishop, and why it will be a good thing even with some early struggles. Rodgers, the reason for Pickens' exit? It played a part in the Pickens trade, but not in the way you think. The Steelers' evaluation of the Pickens-Rodgers relationship was spot on, as they realized these two would eventually butt heads when the going got tough. That does not mean I wouldn't have at least tested it out to see just how good the Metcalf and Pickens duo could have been, and leaving the offense in the same spot they were last year. Lastly, the Steelers need to acquire Jalen Ramsey. Yes, I said it, if the team is serious about this being an all-in, and they are, don't let them con you. Going out and getting Aaron Rodgers was 100% the intention of him being the QB that gives us the best shot at making noise in the AFC. Ramsey immediately gives them a plug-and-play corner that can still play at an All-Pro level, similar to Joe Haden late in his career. Ramsey is a ball hawk and a versatile chess piece that would fit the mentality and style of player the Steelers are looking for. He is also in the last year of his deal, so he wouldn't count against the cap next year unless you extend him. 0:00-18:35 Rodgers on the McAfee Show 18:36-30:35 New Look Steelers Defense? 30:36-43:25 Rodgers, the reason Pickens was traded? 43:25-53:12 Ramsey to the Steelers is a must

On this episode of Steelers Central, we get into the relationship that will decide the Steelers' offensive success this season: Arthur Smith and Aaron Rodgers. The relationship and respect between the offensive coordinator and the quarterback are essential to achieving offensive success, especially between two headstrong individuals. Rodgers and Smith need to be on the same page and have each other’s best interests in mind, particularly in the trying times of the season. I think if things go downhill, the team may suffer as a consequence, with Rodgers being a more vocal player when things aren’t going right. I do think they are off to a better start than Smith and Russell Wilson, though. Next, it's a topic we discuss every offseason: Will the Steelers attack the MOF more? Russell Wilson did not do this often last year, but when he did, he was successful. Rodgers achieved this at the seventh-highest rate in the NFL, but he did not throw it very far and did not have as much success as Wilson when he did. Quantity or quality, what will the Steelers do this year, especially when you have a coach who is hesitant to throw it there? The Steelers extended a critical piece to their backend in DeShon Elliott on a two-year extension. I love the Steelers getting out ahead of this signing, and it is a bigger signing than people think. Elliott is a fast, physical tone setter for this defense, and this could solidify the Steelers' having a solid safety duo for years to come. What does this signing mean for the locker room and the team going forward this year? Lastly, it’s time to take a look at the minicamp winners from last week. Hint: Kaleb Johnson is on there. We won’t get too excited, but we’ll look at a WR who already has an established role, a young tackle looking for a breakout year switching sides, and a feel-good story for one linebacker who missed 1.5 years of football but is looking to rebound. 0:00-19:20 Relationship That Defines Success 19:21-29:15 Success Attacking the Middle 29:16-38:35 Resigning DeShon Elliott 38:36-51:59 Minicamp Winners

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to analyze some key takeaways now that mini-camp is over. I noticed a possibility of achieving more balance offensively, throwing a rookie defensive lineman into the fire, and the return of Minkah Fitzpatrick are just some of the things I observed during the first mandatory team activities. Next, the Steelers are getting chintzy with teams about trading for a potential playmaker. Teams are saying they are lowballing them for viable weapons, according to one reporter. Why I am not too concerned about this, and isn't that the point of trade talks? Don’t teams start low and meet in the middle! Lastly, the Steelers have reportedly been interested in either trading for or signing a veteran corner. Which corner do I think would benefit the team the most and align with their “all-in” status? Hint: he’s a former All-Pro player who is disgruntled with his current team and has one year left on his deal. He is also highly versatile, a ball hawk, and a trash talker with a high IQ. 0:00-24:15 Minicamp Takeaways 24:16-29:40 Steelers Lowballing 29:41-38:40 High-end CB Interest

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s time to talk about the 41-year-old Ayuasca king, Aaron Rodgers. We’ll analyze his contract and why this was the best move if the Steelers truly believe they can “compete”. I will admit that this was not an overpayment by any means, and it was not about the money. This truly seemed like him wanting to evaluate his future and see if this was the right fit for him; according to him, it was a move made by his soul, not his ego. The one thing Rodgers will need to adjust to is the organization not giving him complete control over the staff and his players. Rodgers’ fit and play will ultimately determine his one-year stint in Pittsburgh. The one big adjustment he and Arthur Smith will have to make is how much he plays from under center. Rodgers is immobile and is more prone to being a shotgun passer, whereas Smith lines up in many heavy power formations. The area I think they will have success in is play-action, as that is something Rodgers has mastered throughout his career and will be an overall upgrade over Russell Wilson. Speaking of being motivated by money, T.J. Watt showing up to camp is not a big deal yet. This is only three days of minicamp where Watt knows the scheme and is not changing teams. When the dust settles, Watt will get his money, hopefully not $40 million, and attention can be shifted to getting another weapon and focusing on the upcoming season. The Steelers should not be pressured into overpaying a player who is nearing the end of his prime and seeking a substantial salary. Hypothetically, if things don’t work out, what would a TJ Watt trade look like? Why the Steelers should start their bidding at a first-round pick, but be willing to take a second-round pick, mid-round pick, and a reliable starter or player with potential at a position of need. I’ll also provide you with some teams that may be interested in this improbable scenario. 0:00-14:27  Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers 14:28-29:05 Rodgers’ Fit 29:06-47:15 Watt a no-show at minicamp 47:16-56:36 Watt a Haul