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RFA Mike Wallace for a First Round Pick?.....................
Would you make a run at Mike Wallace?
Steelers WR could be available for a first-round pick. Matt Bowen
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Print This February 22, 2012, 05:30 AM EST
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When breaking down Mike Wallace I see a WR that has elite deep ball speed, can make plays after the catch and when put in a one-on-one situation will eat up the cushion of a DB on a consistent basis.
ICONMike Wallace is worth the value of a mid to late first round pick.
Think of the deep post vs. Cover 2 or the straight 9 (fade) route vs. a CB in a press-man alignment with Wallace. Plus you can throw the curl, slant and one-step hitch and get production in the open field. An experienced player that will put up numbers in multiple offensive systems because of his ability to align outside of the numbers and in the slot.
And he could be available—if you are willing to part with a first round pick.Wallace is scheduled to be a Restricted Free Agent in three weeks and the new CBA rules reduce the highest compensation level to a first round pick to clubs that lose a RFA.
Add in the Steelers cap issues and the WR could leave Pittsburgh this offseason if a another team signs him to an offer sheet. That’s a reasonable price to pay for true talent at the WR position if you can give up a mid to late first round pick and present Wallace with a new deal.
Take a look at these teams (along with their first round position) that I believe should entertain the idea of making a play for Wallace if it fits within their salary cap.
Cincinnati (No. 17, No.21)
Chicago (No.19)
Cleveland (No.22)
New England (No.27, No.31)
Baltimore (No.29)
San Francisco (No.30)
And looking at the draft, what rookie WRs are left on the board when those six teams are on the clock? Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon will be gone and I don’t see how Baylor’s Kendall Wright is still hanging around waiting for a team to call.
That leaves you with possibly a prospect such as Michael Floyd out of Notre Dame. Is he an upgrade in talent over Wallace? I don’t see it.
Plus, with rookie WRs, you never know what you are going to get. Can they beat press-man, separate down the field, win vs. NFL DBs and transition (quickly) to the pro game? Too many questions for me if I have the opportunity to bring in a proven NFL talent like Wallace. That’s real value.
We still have to see how this plays out with the Steelers first. But if Wallace isn’t signed to a long-term deal in Pittsburgh, then he might be the best option for teams looking to add a WR that can come into camp and produce on day one.
Follow me on Twitter: @MattBowen41
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. 
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Originally Posted by
soulman 
Would you make a run at Mike Wallace? Steelers WR could be available for a first-round pick.
Matt Bowen Share Print This February 22, 2012, 05:30 AM EST
4 Share Email1
When breaking down Mike Wallace I see a WR that has elite deep ball speed, can make plays after the catch and when put in a one-on-one situation will eat up the cushion of a DB on a consistent basis.
ICONMike Wallace is worth the value of a mid to late first round pick.
Think of the deep post vs. Cover 2 or the straight 9 (fade) route vs. a CB in a press-man alignment with Wallace. Plus you can throw the curl, slant and one-step hitch and get production in the open field. An experienced player that will put up numbers in multiple offensive systems because of his ability to align outside of the numbers and in the slot.
And he could be available—if you are willing to part with a first round pick.
Wallace is scheduled to be a Restricted Free Agent in three weeks and the new CBA rules reduce the highest compensation level to a first round pick to clubs that lose a RFA.
Add in the Steelers cap issues and
the WR could leave Pittsburgh this offseason if a another team signs him to an offer sheet. That’s a reasonable price to pay for true talent at the WR position if you can give up a mid to late first round pick and present Wallace with a new deal.
Take a look at these teams (along with their first round position) that I believe should entertain the idea of making a play for Wallace if it fits within their salary cap.
Cincinnati (No. 17, No.21)
Chicago (No.19)
Cleveland (No.22)
New England (No.27, No.31)
Baltimore (No.29)
San Francisco (No.30)
And looking at the draft, what rookie WRs are left on the board when those six teams are on the clock?
Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon will be gone and I don’t see how Baylor’s Kendall Wright is still hanging around waiting for a team to call.
That leaves you with possibly a prospect such as Michael Floyd out of Notre Dame. Is he an upgrade in talent over Wallace? I don’t see it. Plus, with rookie WRs, you never know what you are going to get. Can they beat press-man, separate down the field, win vs. NFL DBs and transition (quickly) to the pro game?
Too many questions for me if I have the opportunity to bring in a proven NFL talent like Wallace. That’s real value.
We still have to see how this plays out with the Steelers first.
But if Wallace isn’t signed to a long-term deal in Pittsburgh, then he might be the best option for teams looking to add a WR that can come into camp and produce on day one.
Follow me on Twitter:
@MattBowen41
The potential problem I see here is that there may be a bidding war for his services with teams like the Pats and Ravens in the mix so the price may just be too high at that point and may have to include a "Poison Pill" in any contract if we really want him. We do have the best 1st round pick though.
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Originally Posted by
omc1969 The potential problem I see here is that there may be a bidding war for his services with teams like the Pats and Ravens in the mix so the price may just be too high at that point and may have to include a "Poison Pill" in any contract if we really want him. We do have the best 1st round pick though.
I'd think they'd want him out of the AFC and not going to teams they would face nearly every year. We could avoid that with a sign and trade deal but man I hate giving up a first for anyone. But I do admit I'd much rather have a Mike Wallace and know what I have than a Michael Floyd and not know for another year or two. No doubt Wallace is in his prime and would make a great partner for Bennett. Lack of height is the only detraction but with his speed I'm thinking Cutler could learn to live with that.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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High Fives / Like - 1 BEAR DOWN!, 0 Dislikes
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For Jay, size matters. I think we need a bigger target. We have enough speed.
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High Fives / Like - 1 BEAR DOWN!, 0 Dislikes
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Originally Posted by
soulman I'd think they'd want him out of the AFC and not going to teams they would face nearly every year. We could avoid that with a sign and trade deal but man I hate giving up a first for anyone. But I do admit I'd much rather have a Mike Wallace and know what I have than a Michael Floyd and not know for another year or two. No doubt Wallace is in his prime and would make a great partner for Bennett. Lack of height is the only detraction but with his speed I'm thinking Cutler could learn to live with that.
If Emery gets Jay a taller WR in FA I'd be on board with getting Wallace as well and then turn attention to filling the rest of the holes in the draft.
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Originally Posted by
BigClaws For Jay, size matters. I think we need a bigger target. We have enough speed.
Well that's what he says but if there was any possibility of dealing for him I'd sure check in Jay to get his input. The nice thing about Wallace is that he isn't just a "one trick pony" downfield guy. He can pretty well run the entire route tree from different positions.
We'll have Davis back in the passing game this year so that adds one bigger target and if we could grab another taller guy to develop he'll probably get some snaps in the red zone. I worry less about his height than I do about giving up our 1st pick for him. Be nice if the price we lower.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Originally Posted by
soulman Well that's what he says but if there was any possibility of dealing for him I'd sure check in Jay to get his input. The nice thing about Wallace is that he isn't just a "one trick pony" downfield guy. He can pretty well run the entire route tree from different positions.
We'll have Davis back in the passing game this year so that adds one bigger target and if we could grab another taller guy to develop he'll probably get some snaps in the red zone. I worry less about his height than I do about giving up our 1st pick for him. Be nice if the price we lower.
I also worry about Drake being to develop ANY WR that we draft but anything is possible I guess.
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I think we all do bro. Drake hasn't done it yet. Knox is about as close as it comes and he still hasn't broken him of his bad habits even to the point of wearing the right cleats so he doesn't fall on his ass and get our QB hurt. If we pick the right guy and use him efficiently we should be okay. I'm wondering if this kid Quick from that DivII school maybe another Jordy Nelson type and he's rated for the 3rd round right now.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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