Mr. Scot

I don't honestly remember the discussion. I would say right now that while this team certainly has talent in spots (this year's receiver group would definitely trump the 2015 bunch) the coaching staff is...deficient.

It does when you consider they were exactly the kind of lineman that Matt Rhule wanted. (which is actually one of the roots of the problem)

Dorsey or Brian Schottenheimer would be OC options. DC? He could get Patrick Graham, Bob Babich or Ed Donatell. Could also conceivably get Mike Zimmer if the Vikes fire him (he's worked with Zimmer's son Adam before).

They ain't great.

This is correct.

Also know how he feels about guys he's recruited before. We'll have to wait and see which feeling is stronger.

Would you be optimistic about Kenny Pickett? Disagree on fullback. I think we need a true sledgehammer blocking fullback on the roster (but I'm old school).

From Gantt's latest "Ask the Old Guy" article regarding Brown... There are a few cats up front who are getting some work now that will help with their development, namely rookie Brady Christensen. I'm still not sure what position he ends up playing in a few years, but I feel more confident now that he'll be playing one of them. And with Deonte Brown added back to the active roster Tuesday, there's another guy who will get needed practice (and possibly game) reps.

It's possible, but he's honestly already pretty high up in the food chain and there's not much in the way of open spots.

A word about Khary Darlington, the scout referenced in the first article... He was considered a rising star in the scouting department but he disappeared from the Panthers (and pretty much the world) mid 2017. The timing makes it seem a strong likelihood that Darlington was the employee whom Jerry Richardson used a racial slur against, and that he subsequently took a settlement with a non-disclosure agreement. That would explain his falling off the face of the earth right when it looked like he was headed for great things. Thanks again, Jerry

I can't get on board with that... ...but I could see Matt Rhule doing it.

The Steelers never fire head coaches. Plus from what I've read, Tomlin has a lot of sway there. Plus they can put a lot of blame on Roethlisberger hitting the wall. I think it's more likely Kevin Colbert retires than it is that Tomlin is gone.

Given our current lack of picks this year, can't say I'd be surprised. It's likely either that or overspend in free agency.

I'd love to. I'm just not getting my hopes up for it.

FYI on Suleiman: there's been some speculation he might get a GM job this offseason.

Person discusses Brugler's prediction and takes a further look at Pickett (link). Excerpts below: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Why Pickett? Why not Pickett? Person's take

Good luck with that...

My preference: Nathaniel Hackett My expectation: Brian Daboll

When a head coach is fired, the team generally lets the assistants go too unless there's someone they prefer to keep (like happened with Jake Peetz when Rhule was hired). I imagine the guys who've followed Rhule over his last three jobs would follow him to his next one as well.

Quoting from the article... The fact that none of those injuries is related would seem to bolster the argument that McCaffrey can’t stay healthy. Since McCaffrey returned from his hamstring injury, the Panthers have been careful to limit his reps. And his most recent ankle issue wasn’t an overuse injury: Sources said McCaffrey was hurt when a lineman fell on his ankle.

I tend not to buy into absolutes when it comes to the draft (this one included).

I mean, the pre-extension article comes down pretty hard on the side of McCaffrey being the right choice. The second one? I don't know if you can say he's suggesting that we should have taken Fournette (he doesn't say that anywhere) but he does criticize the extension, including pointing out that Fournette is still going and at a much lower price. Much as I hate to say it, that's a valid point.

Granting that Christensen is still largely an unknown, I still definitely don't think that's true.

Agreed. I know he has big fans here, but objectively speaking Pittsburgh is a way better landing spot.

Skill wise, McCaffrey blows Fournette away. Doubt anyone would argue that. As far as availability though, Tampa is using Fournette smarter than we are McCaffrey. (and to be fair, getting more consistent results)