- Bonus pick: One name that keeps coming up when talking about the 2016 NFL Draft, is a player already on the Steelers roster. Cornerback Senquez Golson, the Steelers No. 2 pick in 2015 who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury, is a player the team feels is almost like having a bonus draft pick this year.
"We are excited about getting Senquez Golson back in the mix," said Tomlin. "I think oftentimes he is forgotten about. We were excited about him a year ago when we drafted him. I still share that same level of excitement. I can't wait to get him back on the field."
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Not so satisfied: **The Steelers are a team set at starting quarterback with Ben Roethlisberger, but beyond him there isn't a lot of experienced depth. Bruce Gradkowski and Mike Vick are both unrestricted free agents, and Landry Jones is the only one with playing experience behind Roethlisberger. Coach Mike Tomlin was asked if he was satisfied with Jones' progress, and the answer was simple.
"Satisfied is a dangerous word," said Tomlin. "I like the progress he made in 2015. I look forward to him taking another significant step, in terms of proving he's a consistent and reliable contributor for us. I thought he really grew, in terms of his approach to it. I'm optimistic that he will continue to be a guy on the rise. Am I satisfied with where he is? No. Is he satisfied with where he is? No. Those are okay statements."
Safety valve: The Steelers have always believed in re-signing their own free agents when possible, and that was the case for safety Robert Golden. Golden, who has been a special teams standout, will be given the opportunity to compete for a starting job this season.
"We have a lot of confidence in Robert," said Tomlin. "I think we displayed that by utilizing him more on defense, particularly as the season went on in sub-package ball and a variety of fashions. He's been around us, he's a pro, he knows what he's doing and he brings a lot of positive things to the table. He's grown as a defender. He's obviously been a top-flight special teamer for a number of years but he's really done a nice job, in terms of growing as a defender. And hopefully, that continues."
