It’s hard to believe it, but its been since June when myself and Eric Herrmann made our “way too early” predictions for the 2016 season.

Sometimes those predictions turn out to be way off the mark, while other times, we can give ourselves a high-five for hitting the bullseye. We had a little bit of both, where some of our predictions were good, and others, not so much.

Below are the categories and players we picked.

Biggest Addition?

Who will be the biggest acquisition for the Steelers offense in 2016?

• Joe – Ladarius Green
• Eric – Ladarius Green

It was a light offseason in regard to offensive acquisitions, so naturally Eric and I both chose the Steelers biggest free agent signing, TE Ladarius Green.

Green had an impact, but it took him awhile after starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, and then ending it in the concussion protocol. Regardless, he may have been the biggest addition, if you want to counter that WR Eli Rogers was technically a second-year player (he was on Injured Reserve his entire rookie season) and that no other major additions were made. (You could also make an argument for WR Cobi Hamilton, but was he that “big” of an addition?)

Overachiever

Who will rise above the level expected of them?

• Joe – Alejandro Villanueva
• Eric – Darrius Heyward-Bey

DHB’s season suffered from some nagging injuries, while LT Alejandro Villanueva’s stock surged as the season progressed. Big Al was the only offensive player to play every snap during the regular season, while Hey-Bey made some big plays, including touchdown catches (Patriots) a rushing touchdown (Dolphins) and a forced fumble following an interception (Browns).

In this regard, both players likely achieved more than what was expected of them heading into the season.

Underachiever

Which offensive player will fail to live up to fans’ expectations?

• Joe – DeAngelo Williams
• Eric – Sammie Coates

The only reason I had picked D-Will for this category, is that we knew Le’Veon Bell would be back after three games. For the most part, I think D-Will lived up to what was expected of him; it was the fan expectations that I was curbing with placing the running back in this category.

As for Coates, he didn’t live up to filling in for Martavis Bryant for a variety of reasons, which all appear to be injury related.

Hot Seat

Which Steeler is under the most pressure to perform this season?

• Joe – Markus Wheaton
• Eric – Alejandro Villanueva

In a contract year during 2016, Markus Wheaton has the most to lose, and he did. A big year for Wheaton may have meant a big contract, even if it wasn’t with the Steelers. Instead, he lost most of the season, and could be in free agency limbo when it comes to finding a job; even his old one with the Steelers.

Eric felt that Villanueva might have big shoes to fill at left tackle, and should he not be up to task, the former Army Ranger may have been in danger of losing his job to free agent signee Ryan Harris, or fourth round pick Jerald Hawkins.

As it turned out, neither of those tackles were able to make an impression in 2016, with Villanueva impressing everyone with his play.

Roster Bubble

Which player is at most jeopardy of losing their roster spot?

• Joe – David Johnson
• Eric – Matt Spaeth

Eric nailed his pick, as Spaeth failed a physical, was released, and subsequently retired from the NFL within a month of the article being published.

David Johnson, on the other hand, filled a role left behind when Green (mentioned above) and FB Roosevelt Nix, were unable to play throughout the season. It was initially thought that there wouldn’t be enough spots for Johnson to make the 53-man roster following the preseason, and he could be a casualty, after bouncing from his first stint with the Steelers, over to the Chargers, and then back to Pittsburgh on a minimum one-year deal.

DJ’s presence wasn’t noticeable, which means he performed his job quietly and effectively. So much so, I’d predict we see him return in 2017.

X-Factor

Who will be the breakout star with the Steelers offense this season?

• Joe – Sammie Coates
• Eric – Markus Wheaton

We both misfired on this one. Eric felt that Wheaton would be playing for a new contract, while I had felt Coates could step in for Martavis Bryant and keep the offense humming.

The latter actually happened to start the season, with Sammie having five consecutive games with a catch of 40 or more yards. Unfortunately, he injured his hand (reportedly broken fingers) and his season stalled shortly after that fifth game.

Listen in for more of our comments

We also dedicated an entire episode of the Steel City Underground Podcast to this topic. Listen using the YouTube clip below, or subscribe to the SCU Podcast with your favorite service.