Wednesday, 27 February 2013 13:47

Written by Gerry Dulac

Gerry Dulac: OK, I'm back from the combine and ready for your questions. Don't forget, you can follow me at @gerrydulac on Twitter. All right, let's go....

Timbo: Gerry, you said in a blog post on 2/21 that if the Steelers go to more zone blocking schemes that Redman and Dwyer will not be as good of fits. Can you explain this some more? I'm not clear on what you mean exactly. THank you.

Gerry Dulac: The reason why is because they are bigger, more physical backs who like to run inside the tackles. They don't have the type of speed, patience or, maybe most important, the ability to quickly cut back through a gap -- something required of a zone-blocking scheme. They are better fits for the type of inside running the Steelers do with their counter plays. Rashard Mendenhall is a perfect fit for a zone blocking scheme because he has those qualities I mentioned.

Carl: How was the combine? Who really impressed? Who didn't?

Gerry Dulac: I think the most impressive players who helped their cause were Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert, Oklahoma T Lane Johnson, Arkansas RB Knile Davis, WVU WR Tavon Austin, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, DE/OLB Ziggy Ansah. Those were probably the top players who did nothing to hurt their chances. Eifert might be best prospect I saw.

Yo: Gerry, in his slog today Ed said that A. He was older than you and that B. you were British. Are either of those true? I thought you were in your 90s.

Gerry Dulac: A.

Timbo: Gerry, did you watch the Oscars and, if so, what were your impressions?

Gerry Dulac: I thought Manti Te'o should have won best actor

JamesinNYC: Any thoughts on Justin Hunter, WR Tenn?...I know it is kind of specific but to me he is similar to Heath Miller in hurt and bouncing back...could be super value in 2nd round.

Gerry Dulac: I agree. Hunter has good size and good speed, but I do not know what his medical report was.

Curry Man: Who are the best tall WR prospects in this draft? I want a TALL WR!!!!

Gerry Dulac: Well, I think the best two are Keenan Allen of Cal and Cordarrelle Patterson of Tennessee, both of whom are tall receivers. That's probably the reason they are rated 1-2, for the most part. Allen didn't work out at the combine because of injury and will hold his pro day next month in Charlotte. Patterson ran well at he combine and only enhanced his chances. The Steelers should have a chance at one or both of these guys.

eminem: Can you mention the names of some of the players that the Steelers had in for the special one on one interviews at the combine? thank you

Gerry Dulac: I do not because the Steelers do not confirm the identity of players with whom they met. And they don't let me sit in on those sessions.

Gerry Dulac: Dysert didn't run at the combine because of a hamstring injury, not that that will matter. I think Dysert is the type of quarterback the Steelers will target in the draft, someone in the middle rounds but no higher than fourth or fifth. The Steelers have so many needs they may want to wait to use a pick on a player who is not going to play right away, or even ever, barring injury.

Let me say this, the QB they draft, if they do draft one, will not be Ben's heir apparent. He will only be a backup at best, for the most part.

JamesinNYC: Anyone you take a liking too from a personality standpoint?

Gerry Dulac: Barkevius Mingo. Ziggy Ansah. John Clayton.

steelers dude: I keep hearing Zac Dysert's name as a possible backup QB target for Steelers. Any thoughts on this?

Gerry Dulac: See above. I think he's a possibility

Donald: If Mendenhall is perfect why not work it out? Are the egos to big?

Gerry Dulac: Well, I think it's because the Steelers concerns don't have to do with ego, they have to do with Mendenhall's passion for the game and commitment to his profession.

Last year's episode wasn't the first time Mike Tomlin had to discipline him for his approach to the game. If you recall, he benched him a couple years ago before a Bengals game because he didn't like the way he prepared for the game. In other words, a lackadaisical attitude. Those are things as a coach and GM you just can't dismiss easily.

I think it's possible the Steelers could re-sign him, but for right now, only to some type of one-year deal. But even the odds of that aren't very good. If he goes on the market as an unrestricted free agent, someone will sign him, possibly even the Arizona Cardinals.

Donald: Will Tomlin unleash Haley next season?

Gerry Dulac: He's already unleashed. Tomlin doesn't put leashes on his coaches. He hired Haley for a reason and he's letting him do his job.

Gerry Dulac: Well, that's all the time we have today, kids. Thanks for the questions.