Steelers/NFL
Deadline-Day Again for NFL
Tick…Tick….Tick…It is deadline day once again for the NFL and NFLPA as the CBA expires at 11:59 p.m. tonight. There is no chance for a new CBA to be agreed upon and for another extension to be put in place, the NFL will reportedly have to make several concessions and open up the books.
The NFLPA is prepared to decertify and take it to the courts as the NFL will not give up particular financial documents that the NFLPA is seeking.
In a couple hours we’ll find out if the NFL balks under pressure and make the concessions needed for another extension to happen.
Steelers President Art Rooney is among the high profile owners in attendance for today’s meetings.
Tomlin/Scouting Buzz
Over the past couple seasons, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin only attends about 4-to-5 pro-days per off-season and when Tomlin attends a pro-day it often of some significance.
One of the few pro-days Tomlin attended last season was Florida University, meeting with 1st round pick Maurkice Pouncey and linebacker Brandon Spikes.
Tomlin and members of his staff spent two days in Miami this week, meeting with Miami University NFL draft prospects, most notably cornerback Brandon Harris who Tomlin met with on Wednesday evening, according to a league source, than attended Harris’ workout on Thursday during Miami’s pro-day.
Harris regarded as an excellent cover corner, is projected as a late 1st round, early second round pick.
As expected, cornerback is at the top of the Steelers priority list going into April’s draft.
Under Tomlin, the Steelers have targeted a particular position in the 1st round and accomplished their goal in each of the past four drafts.
In 2007, linebacker was the targeted position and the team selected Lawrence Timmons in the 1st round; In 2008, running back was targeted position and the team selected Rashard Mendenhall in the 1st round; In 2009, defensive end was the targeted position and the team selected Ziggy Hood in the 1st round; In 2010, offensive line was the targeted position for several weeks leading into the draft and the Steelers selected Pouncey with the 18th overall selection who was the team’s top target.
Some feel this is the year the Steelers turn their attention solely on the cornerback position.
No Chance on Tiki Barber
The agent for Tiki Barber is leaking to the New York media that the Steelers are interested in running back Tiki Barber whose making a comeback. One report even called them the front runners for Barber.
The facts are that Barber wants to play for head coach Mike Tomlin, which has led to some leaks from Barber’s camp but the Steelers won’t even consider bringing him in for a workout.
