Wallace108
Posts : 18265
Join date : 2011-04-03
Location : Y'Town, Ohio
 | | Subject: Harrison's loss shaped draft Sat Apr 27, 2013 11:28 am | |
| - Quote :
- By Ron Cook / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
During the first two days of the NFL draft, the Steelers did a nice job rallying from their awful start to the offseason. In the first round, they took Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, who is considered the best pass rusher in the draft. In the second, they took Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell, who is thought by many to be one of the top two at his position. In the third, they took Oregon State wide receiver Markus Wheaton, who adds much-needed depth after the free-agent loss of Mike Wallace. All three are excellent picks, considering the circumstances. The Steelers coaches sure talked 'em up. All three picks sound like they have a chance to be great on NFL lawns across the country.
It's just a shame the Steelers dug themselves such a hole before the draft.
It didn't have to be nearly so deep.
It all goes back to the botched negotiations with linebacker James Harrison. Both sides allowed personal feelings to get in the way of a business deal that would have benefited each party. First, it was Harrison, who refused to take a significant pay cut that the Steelers needed to get under the salary cap. Then, it was the team that refused to talk to Harrison again after it became clear he had misread his value on the open market. As a result, Harrison took less money to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals than he would have received to stay with the Steelers. The Steelers had to take Jones No. 1 to fill their most glaring need instead of using that pick on another great player.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/ron-cook/james-harrisons-loss-shaped-draft-685245/#ixzz2Rg63IUFE _________________  If you're going to be a smart ass, you'd better be smart. Otherwise, you're just an ass. | |
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