By Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange
For those who actually thought there was an offseason in the National Football League, here is a close look at the many changes on AFC North teams since they last lined up for a game:
(Teams listed in alphabetical order)
Summer Reset: Ravens open training camp with healthy attitude
When the Baltimore Ravens begin their full training camp on July 27, ninth-year head coach John Harbaugh will have 17 starters from last year’s injury-riddled team that limped to a 5-11 record, third in the AFC North.
Eight of those starters were on injured reserve last season including quarterback Joe Flacco, who had offseason knee surgery and should be ready for action in training camp. Among other recovered injury victims are linebacker Terrell Suggs, running back Justin Forsett and wide receivers Steve Smith Sr. and Breshard Perriman.
When Flacco was out last season, Jimmy Clausen started three games and Matt Schaub two. They are gone and the Ravens, who traditionally carry only two quarterbacks on their roster, hope that Ryan Mallett, who signed a two-year deal Dec. 15, can be more consistent if needed again this year.
In a move that might help keep Flacco healthy, the Ravens drafted Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley with the No, 6 overall pick. That will help soften the blow of losing versatile Kelechi Osemele in free agency (Oakland). With Eugene Monroe released in the offseason, Stanley will get a fair shot at the starting left-tackle spot.
And after struggling without Suggs last year, the Ravens used their next two draft picks to add pass-rush pressure, taking Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa (Round 2, No. 42) and BYU defensive end Bronson Kaufusi (Round 3, No. 42). In spring workouts, the Ravens were also impressed with sixth-round pick Maurice Canady, a tall and talented cornerback from Virginia.
In a move to regain leadership reminiscent of that imposed by former star safety Ed Reed, the Ravens signed free agent Eric Weddle, the long-time defensive captain of the San Diego Chargers. His three-year deal calls for $26 million with a $7 million signing bonus and $13 million guaranteed.
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Ravens’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Under Armour Performance Center, Owings Mills, MD, 7/22, 7/27
2015 RECORD: 5-11
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 3-3
COACH: John Harbaugh
9th season as Ravens/NFL head coach
87-56 overall; 10-5 postseason
STARTERS RETURNING:
17: 10 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Cornerback Maurice Canady.
Canady caught the attention of coaches throughout the offseason camps. He had an interception during a Tuesday minicamp practice and his knack for getting to the football is a skill the Ravens sorely missed last season. Canady was picked up in the sixth round from the University of Virginia, prompting several draft experts to laud the value of the selection. Canady has said he would like to emulate other cornerbacks like Seattle’s Richard Sherman and the Redskins’ Josh Norman, both of whom were also late-round picks at cornerback.
“I think Canady has been outstanding in this camp,” defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. “I’m really, really, really pleased with him. … Maurice, I think, has been one of the top production guys, really, in the whole camp of all the defensive backs.”
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Ravens picks (11):
–Round 1/6 — Ronnie Stanley, T, 6-5, 312, Notre Dame
The Ravens adhered to their philosophy of choosing best player available as opposed to drafting for need. Stanley, a junior, was a three-year starter for the Fighting Irish. With the release of Eugene Monroe, Stanley is in the driver’s seat to open the season as the Ravens’ starting left tackle. Stanley could anchor the offensive line for the long term and provide added protection for quarterback Joe Flacco’s blind side.
–Round 2/42 — Kamalei Correa, LB, 6-2, 243, Boise State
Baltimore landed a much-needed pass rusher with this selection. Correa was named second-team All-Mountain West after leading the Broncos with 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks last season. He is also fast and versatile. The Ravens placed more value on Correa than other teams and they were able to trade back to get more picks and still select him. His performance in the offseason workouts has put him in position to earn a starting job for Baltimore.
–Round 3/70 — Bronson Kaufusi, DE, 6-6, 285, Brigham Young
The Ravens added more depth to their pass rush and found a possible heir apparent to Chris Canty, who was not re-signed in the offseason. Kaufusi is a versatile player who can play multiple positions. He had 26.5 career sacks in his four years at BYU. He was especially stellar his senior year when he finished with 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
–Round 4/104 — Tavon Young, CB, 5-9, 184, Temple
Young will be able to compete for a starting spot opposite Jimmy Smith. Young was a solid corner for the Owls and had five interceptions in his final two years as a starter. He is physical in press coverage and has good speed.
–Round 4/107 — Chris Moore, WR, 6-1, 206, Cincinnati
Moore will provide another big-play threat for quarterback Joe Flacco. He averaged 19.3 yards per catch over his four years with the Bearcats. Moore came up big his senior year with 39 receptions for 823 yards and seven touchdowns. He can play on the side, but also has experience as a slot receiver.
–Round 4/130 — Alex Lewis, T, 6-6, 312, Nebraska
Lewis, a transfer from Colorado, will provide depth to the offensive line because he is able to play multiple positions. He started at left tackle for the Cornhuskers but could compete for a spot at left guard, where he started 12 games for the Buffaloes.
–Round 4/132 — Willie Henry, DT, 6-3, 303, Michigan
Henry slipped in the draft because of the number of quality defensive tackles available. However, he could be a force for an already stellar group in Baltimore. He finished with 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in his senior season for the Wolverines, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention.
–Round 4/134 — Kenneth Dixon, RB, 5-10, 214, Louisiana Tech
Even though the Ravens are stocked at running back, they stayed true to their board and picked up Dixon, a shifty and elusive runner. Despite missing two games last season with an ankle injury, he still had 1,070 rushing yards, 467 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns. Dixon is also highly regarded as a blocker, which will make him a perfect fit for Baltimore. Dixon finished with 87 career touchdowns, second most in Division I history behind Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who was also taken by the Ravens in the sixth round.
–Round 5/146 — Matt Judon, LB, 6-3, 275, Grand Valley State
The Ravens went for another solid pass rusher with Judon, who led college football with 20 sacks last season. Baltimore has been successful taking players from small schools and Judon fits that mold. He received the Gene Upshaw Trophy, which goes to the top defensive lineman in Division II football. Judon was also the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Year.
–Round 6/182 — Keenan Reynolds, WR, 5-11, 205, Navy
Reynolds will try to convert to wide receiver after having a prolific career as a quarterback in Navy’s triple-option. Reynolds scored 88 touchdowns in four years, which are the most rushing touchdowns in Division I history and the most total touchdowns in the history of the Football Bowl Subdivision. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting last year and was named a third-team All-America. Reynolds has already shown a knack for catching the football during the Ravens’ offseason camps and his dedication to learning the playbook has been impressive.
–Round 6/209 — Maurice Canady, CB, 6-1, 193, Virginia
Baltimore added more depth to the secondary with its final pick of the 2016 draft. Canady, a three-year starter for the Cavaliers, is a big, speedy cornerback who can match up with receivers of equal or bigger size. He finished with five career interceptions. Canady can also be an effective special teams player. Canady has been singled out by several Ravens’ coaches for his ability to get to the football in the spring workouts.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–G Vladimir Ducasse: Adds some needed depth to the offensive line.
–CB Jerraud Powers: Late signing could provide depth at needed position.
–RB Trent Richardson: Former first-round pick trying to earn a spot in a crowded backfield.
–WR Mike Wallace: Free-agent pickup in offseason that is expected to provide another downfield threat.
–TE Benjamin Watson: Signed as a free agent to provide another big target for QB Joe Flacco.
–S Eric Weddle: Ravens’ biggest offseason signing will provide leadership and play-making ability.
KEY LOSS: T/G Kelechi Osemele (14/14)*
–Osemele’s decision to sign with Oakland as a free agent left the Ravens with a void on the offensive line. The Ravens are hoping first-round pick, Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley can make an immediate impact.
OTHER LOSSES:
–DE Chris Canty (9/9), QB Jimmy Clausen (4/3), TE Chase Ford (0/0), WR Chris Givens (12/6), S Will Hill III (16/14), T Eugene Monroe (6/6), TE Allen Reisner (0/0), QB Matt Schaub (2/2), LB Daryl Smith (16/16), S Brynden Trawick (16/1), LB Courtney Upshaw (16/15), CB Tray Walker (8/0)*
Total games played/started lost: 119/86
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015
Summer Reset: Bengals try once again to overcome Bengals
In his 14th season as the Cincinnati Bengals head coach and still seeking a playoff win after seven tries, Marvin Lewis will welcome 18 returning starters to the first full training camp practice July 28 in the beginning of another attempt to overcome their challenges after finishing 12-4 and first in the AFC North last year.
But the challenge they could not overcome in the wild, wild-card playoff loss was themselves. In perhaps the most spectacular act of suicide in NFL playoff history, the Bengals handed the Pittsburgh Steelers an 18-16 decision thanks to chaotic final moments that included consecutive 15-yard penalties against Bengals cornerback Adam Jones and linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
As a direct result of that embarrassment, the Bengals will be without Burfict for the first three games, suspended by the league for multiple player safety violations.
Did this send a message to the Bengals?
You make the call. They re-signed Jones — admittedly one of the most athletic cornerbacks in the league — to a contract worth $22 million over three years with a $2 million signing bonus and $6 million guaranteed. They also signed free-agent safety Taylor Mays (Oakland), a renowned head-hunter since his days at USC as well as during a previous stint in Cincinnati, who is already suspended for the first four games for substance abuse.
The secondary took a hit itself in free agency with veteran corner Leon Hall and safety Reggie Nelson moving on. With the first pick in the draft, the Bengals grabbed Houston cornerback William Jackson III (No. 24 overall). WJIII impressed scouts with his aggressive coverage, so he should fit right in.
In an effort to control his crew, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is working with three new assistants — Jacob Burney (defensive line), Jim Haslett (linebackers) and Kevin Coyle (secondary). For Coyle, the former Miami defensive coordinator, this is his second stint with the Bengals. Guenther was also the secondary coach from 2001 to 2011. He was on Dick LeBeau’s staff and was retained when Marvin Lewis was hired in 2003.
As usual, most of the attention is focused on quarterback Andy Dalton, entering his sixth season and under his third offensive coordinator, former quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, who takes over for Hue Jackson, now testing his luck as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Dalton led the Bengals to a 10-2 record before fracturing his right thumb in the first quarter of a Week 14 loss against Pittsburgh. It was an injury that forced him to miss the final three games of the season, plus the AFC wild-card game against Pittsburgh. He still set a Cincinnati franchise record with a passer rating of 106.3, which was good for No. 2 in the NFL behind only Seattle’s Russell Wilson (110.1).
Dalton will be challenged this year by the departures of receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. The Bengals drafted Pittsburgh’s wide receiver Tyler Boyd (Round 2, No. 55) and signed veteran Brandon LaFell (New England).
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Bengals’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Paul Brown Stadium , Cincinnati, OH, 7/26, 7/28
2015 RECORD: 12-5
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 5-1
COACH: Marvin Lewis
14th season as Bengals/NFL head coach
112-101-2 overall; 0-7 postseason
STARTERS RETURNING:
18; 9 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Quarterback Andy Dalton
–Given how his season came to an end in Week 14 with a fractured thumb against Pittsburgh, the fact that quarterback Andy Dalton is healthy and looking as sharp as he played last season is the most encouraging item to come out of the Bengals’ offseason workouts. Dalton set a franchise record with his 106.3 passer rating last season. He’s been on the mark throughout OTAs and the just-completed minicamp. His decision-making and leadership improved last season. The Bengals will need that to continue this season as they work in new receivers behind A.J. Green.
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Bengals’ picks (7):
–Round 1/24 – William Jackson III, CB, 6-0, 189, Houston
For all of their troubles in the postseason, the Bengals don’t panic when it comes to the draft. They trust their board, so when the receivers they liked at this spot were gone, they had no hesitation picking Jackson. He’ll get to learn and earn his way onto the field.
–Round 2/55 – Tyler Boyd, WR, 6-1, 197, Pittsburgh
Here is why the Bengals didn’t hesitate on Jackson in the first round: Boyd is another big target who will fit right in with A.J. Green and tight end Tyler Eifert. He doesn’t have a lot of raw speed, but is fast enough to become Pitt’s all-time leading receiver in catches and yards, surpassing Larry Fitzgerald.
–Round 3/87 – Nick Vigil, LB, 6-2, 239, Utah State
The knock on Vigil coming out was his size, but the guy has a nose for the ball and did nothing but produce tackles in college. Has enough speed that he played some running back in college. Won’t start, but can contribute immediately on special teams.
–Round 4/122 – Andrew Billings, DT, 6-1, 311, Baylor
Domata Peko and Pat Sims are older players entering the final year of their contracts. Billings has the strength to hold up and be disruptive against the run, a must playing in the AFC North.
–Round 5/161 – Christian Westerman, G, 6-3, 298, Arizona State
Depth is lacking behind a strong starting group of offensive linemen, so Westerman is a good fit at this spot. Was top recruit from state of Arizona coming out of high school, went to Auburn before transferring back home.
–Round 6/199 – Cody Core, WR, 6-3, 205, Mississippi
Has the speed to be a true deep threat, something that the Bengals lost with the departure of Marvin Jones in free agency. Not a polished receiver, but averaged 17.4 yards per catch on 37 receptions as a senior.
–Round 7/245 – Clayton Fejedelem, S, 6-0, 204, Illinois
Final pick of this year’s class falls into a position group that will give him a chance to make the roster. Earned his reputation at Illinois as a special teams stalwart. That’s a good reputation to have when you’re looking for a job in the NFL.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–CB Chykie Brown: Didn’t play in 2015 due to knee injury, but will have shot at playing time in nickel.
–LB Karlos Dansby: Now 34, but can still play in coverage. Returned two of three interceptions last season for touchdowns.
–WR Brandon LaFell: Trying to recapture 70-catch production of 2014 with New England.
–S Taylor Mays: Has experience in system, but that’s no guarantee of a roster spot.
KEY LOSS: S Reggie Nelson (16/16)*
–Nelson aigned with Oakland as an unrestricted free agent. His veteran leadership and professionalism will be missed in the secondary. Six of his 23 interceptions as a Bengal came against Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger.
OTHER LOSSES:
–DE Wallace Gilberry (16/1), CB Leon Hall (14/4), LB A.J. Hawk (16/11), WR Marvin Jones (16/13), LB Emmanuel Lamur (16/2), WR Mohamed Sanu (16/4), T Andre Smith (14/14)*
Total games played/started lost: 124/65
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015
Summer Reset: Action Jackson tries to end Browns’ futility
In his first year as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, rambunctious Hue Jackson will welcome only 13 returning starters when full training camp opens July 28 for a team that was 3-13 in 2015, last in the AFC North.
Cleveland fans, emboldened by the Cavaliers’ NBA championship, are now expecting miracles out of Jackson. He takes over a team that last finished first in its division in 1989 and last played in a league championship in the 1965 season, losing to the Green Bay Packers after winning the NFL title the previous year with a 27-0 victory over the Baltimore Colts.
Yes, back when the great Jim Brown was carrying the ball.
But Jackson’s resume already includes a miracle of sorts. In his only previous stint as head coach, he guided the Oakland Raiders to an 8-8 mark in 2011, which may not sound like magic unless you consider that ties the Raiders’ best record since they played in the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.
Jackson inherits a Browns team embroiled in a decades-long quarterback controversy dating back to the 1980s when Bernie Kosar was almost good enough. Since then they nominally listed 14 quarterbacks as the starter of record in 17 years, with plenty of others getting a shot here and there.
After using three starters last year, including now-banished Johnny Manziel, the Browns begin training camp, at least, with a starter named Robert Griffin III, no stranger to controversy in three years with Washington.
He is expected to keep the job over last year’s part-time starters Josh McCown and Austin Davis, and not-ready-for-prime-time Cody Kessler, a surprise third-round pick out of USC who counts Jackson as one of his strongest advocates. Expectations aside, Jackson said he was absolutely not ready to name a starter when the team ended minicamp workouts last month.
Not helping whomever plays quarterback are unsettled situations on the offensive line and wide receiver.
The Browns lost center Alex Mack, a mainstay on the front wall, to the Atlanta Falcons (UFA, $45 million over five years) and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz to the Kansas City Chiefs ($33 million, five years). That leaves Pro-Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, left guard Joel Bitonio and, well, we’ll see. Cam Erving will begin as the No. 1 center, but may need help.
At wide receiver, the Browns lost Travis Benjamin (UFA, San Diego, $24 million, four years) but drafted five pass-catchers, including one tight end. That list is topped by Baylor’s Corey Coleman, the first wideout selected in the player lottery at No. 15 and, at 5-foot-11, the only member of the Browns’ rookie receiver haul under 6-foot-1.
On the subject of big receivers, the Browns have a sleeper of sorts in 6-foot-4, 240-pound Terrelle Pryor, former starting quarterback for Ohio State and the Oakland Raiders whose awesome athletic ability may be among the best in the league. He verified his 4.38-second time in 40 yards with the Raiders. He set an NFL record for quarterbacks with a touchdown run of 93 yards, flying past Pittsburgh’s athletic safety Troy Polamalu as if he were standing still.
For Pryor, among the top five college recruits in basketball and football coming out of high school, this will be the first time he spent an offseason devoting his skills to playing wide receiver and was impressive in minicamp.
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Browns’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Cleveland Browns Training Complex, Berea, OH, 7/25, 7/28
2015 RECORD: 3-13
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 1-5
COACH: Hue Jackson
1st season with Browns
2nd season as NFL head coach
8-8 overall
STARTERS RETURNING:
13; 7 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor.
–Pryor decided in June of 2015 to abandon hope of being an NFL quarterback. He decided to switch to wide receiver and though his pure athleticism made him stand out at times, he was not ready to play the position in the regular season. Pryor made the 53-man roster, but was cut before the first game. He was re-signed in December after several failed tryouts. Pryor looks like a different player a year later. His routes were smooth throughout OTAs and minicamp. He caught the ball better and he is playing without thinking about what he has to do. He is fast and smooth with the ball and he still has quarterback skills, which make him a threat to pass the ball on trick plays. Where Pryor fits in will be played out in training camp, but he is not a long shot like he was last year despite the Browns drafting four wide receivers.
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Browns’ picks (14):
–Round 1/15 – Corey Coleman, WR, 5-11, 190, Baylor
The Browns traded down a total of 13 spots in two separate trades and still had their choice of wide receivers. Coleman scored 20 touchdowns at Baylor last fall. His speed and ability to leap and catch the ball over taller defenders separated Coleman from the other receivers in the draft, according to head coach Hue Jackson.
–Round 2/32 – Emmanuel Ogbah, LB, 6-4, 275, Oklahoma State
Ogbah will play outside linebacker in the Browns’ 3-4 defense. The Browns ranked 28th in sacks per pass play last year and hope that will change with Ogbah rushing from one side and Paul Kruger from the other. Ogbah, born in Nigeria, emigrated to the United States with his family when he was nine years old.
–Round 3/65 – Carl Nassib, DE/LB, 6-7, 277, Penn State
A knee injury kept Nassib out of action for part of OTAs. He will be fine for training camp. Nassib led the nation with 15.5 sacks in 2015. Former Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien once told Nassib to forget about playing pro football. Nassib is driven to prove O’Brien and others who doubted him wrong. Nassib said he can play end or linebacker.
–Round 3/76 – Shon Coleman, T, 6-6, 313, Auburn
Coleman will get the chance to compete with Alvin Bailey for the Browns’ starting right tackle job. He is strong enough to push defenders on running plays and allowed only nine pressures during the 2015 season.
–Round 3/93 – Cody Kessler, QB, 6-1, 220, Southern Cal
Kessler worked as the fifth quarterback in OTAs and minicamp. The Browns are unlikely to take five quarterbacks to training camp, but the lack of opportunities is slowing his development. The Browns passed on Connor Cook and other more highly-rated quarterbacks to take Kessler. He threw 88 touchdown passes to only 19 interceptions in his career, but critics question his arm strength. “Trust me on this one,” said Browns head coach Hue Jackson.
–Round 4/99 – Joe Schobert, LB, 6-2, 236, Wisconsin
Schobert is practicing at inside linebacker with the Browns. He had 19.5 tackles for loss as a senior. He has a reputation of being a good block shedder, which has to be a plus for a team that has as much difficulty stopping the run as the Browns do.
–Round 4/114 – Ricardo Louis, WR, 6-2, 215, Auburn
Louis has the versatility to convert to defensive back. The knock on him is he is inconsistent as a pass-catcher, but he has so much confidence he says he wants to prove he’s the best receiver in the draft. He is the tallest wide receiver on the Browns’ roster.
–Round 4/129 – Derrick Kindred, SS, 5-10, 207, Texas Christian
No one will question Kindred’s toughness; he played the entire 2015 season with a broken collarbone. He has a reputation as a hard hitter, and with Donte Whitner gone there is an opening at strong safety. For now he will play special teams.
–Round 4/138 – Seth DeValve, TE, 6-4, 245, Princeton
DeValve played two games in 2014 because of problems with his feet that date back to his birth. The problem was surgically repaired. He still caught 122 passes in his career as a wide receiver in college. He said converting to tight end should be smooth because he had tight-end duties at Princeton.
–Round 5/154 – Jordan Payton, WR, 6-1, 213, UCLA
Payton missed most of OTAs because of commitment to college classes he had to attend, but coaches are confident he can make up lost ground. He dropped only six of 154 catchable passes over the last two seasons. He is best suited to play outside instead of playing over the slot.
–Round 5/168 – Spencer Drango, T, 6-6, 315, Baylor
Drango played left tackle at Baylor. The Browns are set there with Joe Thomas and they have depth at right tackle so Drango got work as a backup guard in OTAs and minicamp. He could still end up being a backup tackle.
–Round 5/172 – Rashard Higgins, WR, 6-1, 196, Colorado State
Higgins was one of the smoothest receivers in spring practice and minicamp. He led the country in 2014 with 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him 10th among receivers in the draft. Head coach Hue Jackson likes big receivers and Higgins qualifies.
–Round 5/173 – Trey Caldwell, CB, 5-9, 188, Louisiana-Monroe
Caldwell gave up only 325 yards through the air last season. The Browns’ secondary could be going through a transition if third-year corner Justin Gilbert struggles again. Caldwell’s height could be a problem against taller receivers.
–Round 7/250 – Scooby Wright III, LB, 6-1, 246, Arizona
Wright is an inside linebacker, quick, instinctive and relentless, according to NFLDraftScout.com. He had 14.5 sacks as a sophomore, but a knee injury last year limited him to three games. He decided to skip his senior year.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–T Alvin Bailey: Will get a crack at replacing Mitchell Schwartz as the starting right tackle.
–LB Demario Davis: Hard-hitter was signed in free agency to replace Karlos Dansby as a starter.
–QB Robert Griffin III: Browns are confident they can get Griffin to play quarterback like it’s 2012.
–K Patrick Murray: Is hoping he gets legitimate shot to beat out Travis Coons.
–S Rahim Moore: The Browns are hoping a change of scenery is good for the former Bronco and Texan.
KEY LOSS: T Mitchell Schwartz (16/16)*
–Schwartz was one of several players that left in free agency. The Browns signed Alvin Bailey to replace Schwartz, but that is a huge drop-off on a team that gave up a league-high 123 quarterback hits last year.
OTHER LOSSES:
–CB Johnson Bademosi (16/0), WR Travis Benjamin (16/15), WR Dwayne Bowe (7/0), LB Karlos Dansby (16/16), TE Jim Dray (16/10), CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (0/0), FS Tashaun Gipson (13/13), WR Brian Hartline (12/4), C Alex Mack (16/16), QB Johnny Manziel (9/6), LB Craig Robertson (12/9), QB Connor Shaw (0/0), LB Scott Solomon (2/0), DE Randy Starks (15/15), S Donte Whitner (14/14)*
Total games played/started lost: 180/134
Summer Reset: Steelers on pitch count in training camp
When the Pittsburgh Steelers roll out their full training camp July 28, 10th-year head coach Mike Tomlin will welcome back 16 starters from a team that was 10-6 and second in the AFC North last year and knocked out of the playoffs by eventual Super Bowl champion Denver.
Tomlin’s goal this year — other than eyeing a Super Bowl — is to keep the troops healthy, which was a problem in 2015 when key players were missing at critical times, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey and versatile running back Le’Veon Bell. In spring workouts, safety Mike Mitchell and slot corner Senquez Golson were sidelined.
Tomlin says he has a plan to keep his players active and progressing in training camp, but with an eye toward keeping them ready to launch when the season begins.
Roethlisberger, the high-caliber trigger man in an offense capable of scoring 30 points a game, missed four games and parts of others with various injuries last year. He and receiver Antonio Brown looked especially sharp in spring workouts.
However, the Steelers will be without wide receiver Martavis Bryant, suspended for the season for drug abuse, and that takes away a target who caught 765 passes in the last six seasons. Going into training camp, Sammie Coates, a third-round pick in 2015, is a possible replacement for Bryant, but Coates played little last year and must show he is ready.
In the offseason, the Steelers also lost tackle Kelvin Beachum (UFA, Jaguars; $44.5 million, five years with team option after first year at $4.5 million). He was lost for most of the season with a knee injury last year and Alejandro Villanueva played the final 10 regular-season games and two playoff contests. The Steelers signed Ryan Harris (UFA, Broncos, $3.9 million, two years) to compete with Villanueva.
The team chose not to re-sign nose tackle Steve McLendon (UFA Jets, $10.5 million, three years). Daniel McCullers, a sixth-round draftee in 2014, will get a chance to replace McLendon.
On the other side of the ledger, the Steelers’ big free-agent signing was tight end Ladarius Green (Chargers) for $20 million over four years with a $4.75 million signing bonus. He is tall, talented and can serve as a quasi-wide receiver.
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Steelers’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, 7/27, 7/28
2015 RECORD: 11-7
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 3-3
COACH: Mike Tomlin
10th season as Steelers/NFL head coach
98-57 overall; 6-5 postseason
STARTERS RETURNING:
16: 8 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
–Roethlisberger was crisp this spring and it is evident his chemistry with Antonio Brown is as good as ever. He dropped some weight and appears intent on trying to stay healthy in 2016.
The 2015 season saw Roethlisberger miss four games and parts of four others with injuries. And while he led the Steelers to the playoffs, it wasn’t his best statistical season. One season after throwing 32 touchdowns and only nine interceptions, Roethlisberger threw 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, the second-most of his career.
Roethlisberger is committed to playing well into his late 30s. He is signed through the 2019 season. Other than Brown, Roethlisberger is working with a young receiving corps and spent most of the spring trying to develop chemistry with some players who are expected to be key players next season.
Sammie Coates, a third-round pick in 2015, is expected to take over for Martavis Bryant and become the team’s top deep threat. He’s also trying to break in a slot receiver in either Eli Rogers or Demarcus Ayers. With Markus Wheaton entering the final season of his rookie contract, the development of Rogers and/or Ayers is important. One will make the team and the other will be a good candidate to join the practice squad.
As Roethlisberger has grown older he’s taken pride in developing young receivers who eventually fill big roles when they’re called upon.
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Steelers’ picks (7):
–Round 1/25 — Artie Burns, CB, 6-0, 197, Miami
Burns has the size and speed (4.4) the Steelers coveted in a cornerback. And although they would have selected William Jackson III had Cincinnati not picked him one spot before them, general manager Kevin Colbert said it was an “easy” selection to make and that the Steelers were “fortunate” Burns was still available. Not everyone is in agreement with Colbert. Several draft analysts had second- and third-round grades on Burns, who turned 21 on Sunday. Head coach Mike Tomlin described Burns as a “moldable piece of clay.”
–Round 2/58 — Sean Davis, S, 6-1, 201, Maryland
Versatile defensive back with 40 career starts for the Terrapins — 25 at safety and 15 at cornerback. Will play strong safety for the Steelers to start and compete with veteran Robert Golden for the starting job this summer. Recorded over 300 tackles in college and led NCAA Division I with five forced fumbles last season. He also tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Davis was first among defensive backs at the Scouting Combine in the bench press (225 pounds for 21 reps) and the broad jump (126 inches). He was second among defensive backs in the three-cone drill and third in the shuttle run. “This guy is an exceptional athlete,” Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake said.
–Round 3/89 — Javon Hargrave, DT, 6-1, 307, South Carolina State
Defensive line coach John Mitchell was not scared off by the level of competition Hargrave faced in Division I-AA. “He didn’t play down to the talent,” Mitchell said. “He played up to his talent.” Hargrave dominated the MEAC, recording 37 career sacks, including 13.5 as a senior last fall. Mitchell said Hargrave was exactly the type of player they were looking for — an interior lineman who can play nose on first down, but is versatile enough to play in nickel packages to spell starting defensive ends Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt.
–Round 4/123 — Jerald Hawkins, T, 6-6, 305, Louisiana State
Hawkins was told by the NFL advisory board to remain in school, but he decided to come out after his junior season. General manager Kevin Colbert acknowledged Hawkins should have remained in school, but believes he has potential. Hawkins is now part of a crowded tackle group. The Steelers have five tackles on the roster, including starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert, left tackles Ryan Harris and Alejando Villanueva, Mike Adams and now Hawkins.
–Round 6/220 — Travis Feeney, OLB, 6-4, 226, Washington
Outside linebackers coach Joey Porter believes the Steelers added a quality special teams player in Feeney, who has potential to add some pass-rushing punch at a position that has some uncertainty beyond the 2016 season. James Harrison is 38 and is likely to retire after the season. And the Steelers have until Monday to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Jarvis Jones.
–Round 7/229 — Demarcus Ayers, WR/PR, 5-11, 190, Houston
Ayers was the Steelers’ highest-rated punt returner and they were happy to add him at this point in the draft. The Steelers tried to relieve All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown of the punt-return duties last season, but after Jacoby Jones was ineffective, they had to go back to Brown. If Ayers makes the roster, it’s likely as a specialist.
–Round 7/246 — Tyler Matakevich, ILB, 6-1, 235, Temple
Matakevich was a highly productive player for the Owls with 493 career tackles. He won the Chuck Bednarik Award after last season and could make a push for a roster spot at a position where the Steelers lack depth. Matakevich was the only player in NCAA Division I last season to lead his team in tackles every game.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–TE Ladarius Green: Tall, fast UFA who will be used almost as a wide receiver unlike previous tight end.
–T Ryan Harris: Started all 16 games for champion Broncos last season. Will compete to start at left tackle.
–TE David Johnson: Expected to compete for depth at the position.
–LB Steve Johnson: Four-year vet with two teams; signed as a backup and special teams player.
–DE Ricardo Mathews: Free agent signed after seven starts with Chargers in 2015. Adds depth at end.
KEY LOSS: WR Martavis Bryant (11/5)*
–Bryant complemented Antonio Brown as a home-run threat, averaging 17.3 yards on 76 receptions in his first two seasons. He was suspended for 2016 for multiple failed drug tests.
OTHER LOSSES:
–CB Cortez Allen (1/0), S Will Allen (13/13), T Kelvin Beachum (6/6), CB Antwon Blake (16/16), CB Brandon Boykin (16/1), LB Terence Garvin (12/0), DE Clifton Geathers (0/0), FB Will Johnson (16/4), G/C Doug Legursky (11/0), NT Steve McLendon (16/9), TE Heath Miller (15/15), LB Sean Spence (15/4), T Byron Stingily (0/0), K Shaun Suisham (0/0), DE Cam Thomas (16/1), RB Jordan Todman (11/0), QB Michael Vick (5/3)*
Total games played/started lost: 169/72
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015
— Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 26th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX’s network of NFL insiders provided information for this report.