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Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette takes a quick, position-by-position look at the team
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QUARTERBACKS
2.
Brian St.Pierre
On-again, off-again relationship as No.3.
5.
Bryan Randall
Wants to show he can be No.3 on practice squad.
7.
Ben Roethlisberger
Quiet offseason should benefit a big rebound.
16.
Charlie Batch
Reliable backup and veteran presence.
RUNNING BACKS
30.
Larry Croom
Signed in July as possible practice squader.
33.
Kevin Barlow
May be new third-down back, and No.2.
34.
Verron Haynes
Serious knee injury derailed him last season.
35.
Dan Kreider
Has been only FB on team for number of years.
36.
Carey Davis
Barry Foster-like size and carries a punch.
39.
Willie Parker
Had one of best seasons in Steelers history in '06.
41.
Gary Russell
Once bright prospect must prove himself.
42.
John Kuhn
Hard-worker who made roster late in season.
44.
Najeh Davenport
A year in system should benefit him.
WIDE RECEIVERS
10.
Santonio Holmes
Became starter; his 49 catches led AFC rookies.
11.
Rasheed Marshall
Former WVU QB trying the Randle El route.
13.
Dan Sheldon
Signed in July to compete as return man.
14.
Chris Jackson
Nice-sized rookie free agent from tiny Millsaps
15.
Willie Reid
Punt-returner and possible 5th wide receiver.
18.
Walter Young
Perennial bid to make the roster.
80.
Cedrick Wilson
Former starter bidding for No.3.
81.
Dallas Baker
Big rookie with many catches at Florida.
82.
Eric Fowler
Undrafted rookie from Division 2 school.
85.
Nate Washington
Hands were biggest problem as No.3 last season.
86.
Hines Ward
Rolex in a Timex body.
TIGHT ENDS
48.
Cody Boyd
Tallest receiver in camp at 6-foot-8.
83.
Heath Miller
His ability as a receiver should shine.
84.
Jerame Tuman
Among team's oldest veterans at 31.
88.
Jon Dekker
Practice-squader on the verge of making it somewhere.
89.
Matt Spaeth
Could join Miller as tough 1-2 red zone punch.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
56.
Chukky Okobi
In fight of his career for starting C job.
61.
Sean Mahan
Only real UFA signing; can play C/G.
62.
Marvin Philip
Pure C kept as No.3 man as a rookie.
66.
Cameron Stephenson
Fifth-round pick as a guard.
67.
Jason Capizzi
6-9 T, former Pitt and IUP player.
68.
Chris Kemoeatu
Knocking on Kendall Simmons' door.
71.
Brandon Torey
First-year player looking at practice squad.
72.
Darnell Stapleton
Rookie from Rutgers, can play G/C.
73.
Kendall Simmons
Veteran starter, had great spring.
74.
Willie Colon
Competing with Starks at RT.
77.
Marvel Smith
Quiet, underrated LT.
78.
Max Starks
Trying to hold off Colon in final year.
79.
Trai Essex
Has slipped down the depth chart.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
67.
Derrick Jones
That's Derrick, not Deacon.
74.
Scott Paxson
Former Penn Stater with some potential.
76.
Chris Hoke
Dependable backup with new contract.
90.
Travis Kirschke
Most experienced backup end.
91.
Aaron Smith
Among the league's best ends.
93.
Nick Eason
Signed late, vet could provide backup help.
95.
Ryan McBean
Fourth-round rookie pick.
96.
Shaun Nua
Back and forth on Steelers roster.
98.
Casey Hampton
Perennial Pro Bowler, perfect for 3-4.
99.
Brett Keisel
End who will move all around on defense.
LINEBACKERS
40.
Derek Rahage
Only hope is on practice squad.
46.
Richard Koonce
Ditto.
47.
Ron Stanley
Made roster late last season.
49.
Marcello Church
Injury kept him on college sideline in '06.
50.
Larry Foote
Developed into top run-stopper.
51.
James Farrior
Versatile 32-year-old captain.
53.
Clark Haggans
Starting LOLB who may sit on passing downs.
54.
Rian Wallace
Can play inside or outside.
55.
LaMarr Woodley
Impressive first spring, could rush on dime.
57.
Clint Kriewaldt
Impressive backup ILB and special-teams captain.
92.
James Harrison
Longtime backup ticketed to replace Joey Porter.
94.
Lawrence Timmons
Top rookie out all spring with groin injury.
97.
Arnold Harrison
Backup OLB, season ended with knee injury.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
20.
Bryant McFadden
Will compete for starting job.
21.
Ricardo Colclough
The bloom is off his rose.
22.
William Gay
Fifth-round draft pick from Louisville.
23.
Tyrone Carter
Small, tough veteran safety.
24.
Ike Taylor
Out of the doghouse and into the starting lineup.
25.
Ryan Clark
Trying to hold onto his starting job at FS.
26.
Deshea Townsend
He and McFadden will compete at CB.
27.
Anthony Smith
Pressing Clark to start at FS.
28.
Jovon Johnson
CB from Erie, on roster late last season.
29.
Chidi Iwuoma
Special teams player re-signed at midseason.
30.
Harrison Smith
Tallest CB on the roster at 6-2.
37.
Anthony Madison
Little CB who played in 13 '06 games.
41.
Grant Mason
Free agent CB trying to make practice squad.
43.
Troy Polamalu
Should have new deal in place soon.
45.
Mike Lorello
WVU product back for another try at S.
SPECIALISTS
3.
Jeff Reed
Reliable kicker slightly off last season at home.
4.
Connor Hughes
Extra kicker for camp duties.
6.
Mike Barr
Punter in fourth camp with Steelers.
9.
Daniel Sepulveda
Highest punter drafted in 29 years.
60.
Greg Warren
Dependable long snapper.
First Published July 21, 2007 11:51 pm
