Supposedly the Steelers are very interested in Jones, who played quarterback at Arkansas. Jones is an athletic 6'6" and 240 pound speedy ball of clay, which Cowher and Company to mold into whatever form they want. Some see Jones as a wide-out; others see him as a tight end (which would be good, because the Steelers released Jay Riemersma).
Regardless of which position he plays in the NFL, he is a lock to be drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the draft. "Why?" you ask. Well, Jones had a great Senior Bowl, and in the past four drafts, the Steelers have drafted a Senior Bowl stand-out in the second round: Kendrell Bell, Antwaan Randle El, Alonzo Jackson, and Ricardo Colclough. Again, Jones is a lock for Round 2.
The other rounds are anybody's guess. The first round is a hot topic amongst Steelers fans. Some want a cornerback. Others want to improve the pass-rush, to which I proposed the idea of moving "Chris Hoke to defensive end." Alas, that idea must not have reached Cowher; either he has not checked his email, or he changed servers. Regardless, it appears that Shaun Cody might be the Steelers' first round pick (assuming Cody is still there), or they will draft the best available cornerback.
Speaking of cornerbacks, Chad Scott was released. I know that I am as guilty as the next Steelers fan of making the perfunctory Berman-ism about the guy (e.g. Chad "The Other Team's MVP" Scott), but I really wanted him to stick around as the nickel-back. Alas, that would have cost too much. Instead, the Steelers re-signed Willie "Never Too Old" Williams to a two year deal. (note: the Berman-isms do not come as naturally for Willie...but I guess I will have to make do.)
Speaking of old guys, Jerome Bettis restructured his deal so that he will only make $1.5 million next season. When I first heard that he had a new deal, I was ecstatic. Then, I realized that Jerome was merely helping the Steelers out with their cap figures, and he has not yet made his actual decision (about retirement). Bettis said he will let the Steelers know his decision by June, but my bet is that Cowher will know come draft day (although, I am sure that Cowher will keep it a secret until after the draft).
I almost forgot: the Steelers re-signed their kicker, Jeff Reed, to a five year deal. For most fans in most cities, this would not be big news, but in Pittsburgh, where Heinz Field is a nightmare for those wearing single-barred face-masks, this is indeed huge.
Once again, do not expect the Steelers to make any drastic moves in free agency, other than re-signing their own players. Hence, until draft day, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to settle with reading headlines about other teams....which suits me just fine, because, personally, I much prefer reading about the Steelers come January.
