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Strackbein Says: There’s no predicting the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason

By Noah Strackbein

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sidelines in the first half during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sidelines in the first half during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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I don’t know who spilled Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin’s cereal, but they’re angry, and it’s going to bring a ring to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“The Steelers are too conservative.”

“Pittsburgh isn’t going to make a move like that.”

“It’s the Steelers, you can’t expect much.”

Insert poking stick meme nudging the Steelers to do something.

Year after year, this is how Pittsburgh fans wait out the offseason. Little moves, predictable draft picks, sitting on the couch waiting until training camp, was the life of a Steelers lover from February until July.

But it’s over. This year, no one knows why, but there’s an urgency. Ben Roethlisberger is counting down the games by the week. Le’Veon Bell may or may not be a Steeler in 2019. And for the first time in years, this defense is something to be excited about. Like Pittsburgh standard excited.

Now, don’t take this as the Steelers coming out of nowhere to sign these big name free agents. This has been years in the making to get to this point. Tomlin and Colbert have slowly developed the moxie to attack top tier players.

It all started with Mike Mitchell, went to Ladarius Green, then Vance McDonald and worked its way to Morgan Burnett and Jon Bostic. Dipping their toes in the water, first, Tomlin and Colbert have changed their offseason approach slowly, knowing time for a ring is running out with every year.

Bringing us to the 2018 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh has been more than predictable in all but the 2017 second-round pick of JuJu Smith-Schuster. Outside of the fun-loving wideout, you could guess every one of the Steelers’ draft picks dating back to Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.

But if you say you know what they’re going to do with the 28th pick, you’re a filthy lier. This team has more options at the bottom of the first round than anyone expected a month ago. Before Bostic, it was an inside linebacker. Then, for a week, it was Ronnie Harrison. Now, it could be Le’Veon Bell’s replacement for all we know.

That’s how unpredictable this team is right now. Their primary offseason needs are filled, allowing them to search outside the box. That could mean Mason Rudolph to prepare as Roethlisberger’s successor, or Derrius Guice to move on from a nagging running back asking for too much money and complaining when he doesn’t get it.

So, when you’re sitting at the bar talking to the random guy who knows all there is to know about Pittsburgh, remember – he doesn’t. No one saw anything they’ve done thus far happening, and no one has any idea what’s coming next.

Next: Le'Veon Bell is playing a dangerous game with the Steelers

All we know right now is that the table is wide open. A draft loaded with talent is 22 days away, and the Steelers have options. But free agency isn’t over yet, and if you think you’re back to knowing this team’s next move, you’re wrong. Because this year, no one does.

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