The Cuts: Not Many Surprises

The only real surprises with the Steelers final roster moves were the cuts of both backup centers, Chucky Okobi and Marvin Philip, and that neither Cameron Stephenson or Jason Capizzi made the practice squad. Okobi and Haynes were biggest names to get cut, but neither was a big surprise. Since the team signed Sean Mahan, it was pretty easy to figure out that Okobi’s job was in trouble.

The biggest move by the team was the long term signing of Kendall Simmons. Unless new contracts can get done before Sunday, it looks like Alan Faneca, Clark Haggans, Max Starks, and Dan Kreider will play as Steelers for the last time this season. It would be nice if the team could get something done with Faneca and Haggans, but it seems unlikely. For some reason, Starks has fallen from his starter role and is now a backup. Kreider’s position was in doubt as the final cuts were made, but he did make the team. He’s the best fullback in the league and deserves the spot. Now, depending on how the new offense functions this year, a pure fullback may not have a role on the team next year.

Overall, the 2007 Steelers roster is strong. The team has very good depth at all positions. Hopefully, the offensive line can come together as the team’s success will ride on this group’s performance. This is a playoff team.