Daily Links: Pressure on Pickett; Which Steelers Legend Would You Add to 2023 Team?

Alan Saunders |

Updated: May 17, 2023

Pro Football Focus: Sam Monson of PFF recently wrote an article where he added one former NFL legend to every 2023 roster. For the Steelers he picked “Mean” Joe Greene.

“Mel Blount would be a very compelling option at cornerback, a man so dominant they changed the rules to reduce his impact, but Mean Joe Greene in the modern era would be a sight to behold,” Monson wrote. “The best player on the dominant Steel Curtain defensive line, Greene won Defensive Player of the Year two times and was a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time team.

“The Steelers are at their best when their defense dominates, and Greene being added to the current roster would add some formidable steel to the likes of T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick.”

? Longtime Steelers scout Mark Gorscak https://twitter.com/gors55/status/1658519646960582656″>released

a statement on his retirement after 28 years with the organization. Gorscak said he’ll still be doing other football opportunities, but is looking forward to doing some new challenges and creative football projects.

? Cam Heyward thinks the NCAA should give Reggie Bush back his Heisman Trophy. “Yea, no doubt Reggie should have the trophy,” https://twitter.com/CamHeyward/status/1658623096545263616″>Heyward

responded on Twitter. As part of an investigation that concluded in 2010, Bush was stripped of his 2005 Heisman Trophy for accepting impermissible benefits while attending USC. He tried to get the award reinstated recently, but was ultimately denied by the Heisman Trust.

? CBS Sports: Cody Benjamin examined one thing we learned about every NFL team this offseason. For the Steelers, he believes Pickett is set up for success.

“Kenny Pickett suddenly has the tools to succeed,” Benjamin wrote. “After debuting behind a shoddy line in 2022, the second-year QB quietly has an improved supporting cast at every level, with Isaac Seumalo joining the trenches and Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson and TE Pat Freiermuth headlining an underrated skill group. Aided by Mike Tomlin’s perpetually resilient defense, Pickett could solidify himself as a fan favorite, even if his numbers aren’t always pretty.”

? Happy Birthday to former Steelers tight end Jay Riemersma, born on May 17, 1973 in Evansville, Indiana. Riemersma played two seasons for the Steelers (2003-04), recording 17 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Riemersma ruptured his right Achilles tendon on a 26-yard touchdown reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13 of the 2004 season. The nature and severity of the injury forced Riemersma to retire.

Former Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis also celebrates his 37th birthday today. Lewis was selected in the third round out of Oregon State by the Steelers in the 2009 NFL Draft. After a breakout 2012 season, Lewis signed a five-year, $26.3 million contract with his hometown New Orleans Saints in free agency. Lewis played three seasons in New Orleans before injuries derailed his career. On Aug. 19, 2016, Lewis was released by the Saints due to a lingering hip injury. The Steelers explored the possibility of bringing Lewis back in 2016 and 2017 but elected not to both times.

? On this date, May 17, 1996, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Bradshaw played at Louisiana Tech from 1966-69, where he threw for 4,459 yards and 39 touchdowns.