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I've given my grades out to all the AFC North teams after the first wave of free agency was complete. Now, it's your turn.

Give me your grade and a two-line assessment (good, bad or indifferent) of how the Steelers have fared so far this offseason. You can also send your grade and comment to the AFC North mailbag.

This is our final installment of the week-long series, and I will post a fans' report card on Monday.

Here's a recap of the Steelers' offseason:

KEY PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

None

KEY PLAYERS ACQUIRED

None

KEY PLAYERS LOST

WR Hines Ward, LB James Farrior, DE Aaron Smith, CB William Gay, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, CB Bryant McFadden, WR Arnaz Battle, P Daniel Sepulveda.

We're handing out game balls after Week 5 and here is who's getting them:

OFFENSE: Steelers offensive line. After a dreadful start to the season, it's time to give this group some credit. Pittsburgh's offensive line opened up holes to allow backup running backs to gouge a tough defense in the Titans and protected a banged-up Ben Roethlisberger like he was the president. Not sure if the return of left tackle Max Starks was the miracle cure, but it certainly did stabilize this unit for at least a week.

DEFENSE: Bengals linebackers. With the game tied 7-7 in the second quarter, Andy Dalton's interception gave the ball to the Jaguars at the Cincinnati 2-yard line. But middle linebacker Rey Maualuga broke up a pass in the end zone on first-and-goal and outside linebacker Thomas Howard dropped Maurice Jones-Drew for a seven-yard loss on second down. It's the type of defensive stand you would expect from the top-ranked defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda. Even though he had a punt blocked later in the game, Sepulveda provided the turning point in the win over the Titans. With Pittsburgh up 7-3, Sepulveda completed a 33-yard pass on a fake punt, which continued the Steelers' momentum and eventually led to their second touchdown. The play was essentially the same one where Sepulveda completed a 32-yard pass during his 2007 rookie season.

Throughout the week, the AFC North blog has gone through every draft class of the past decade for the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. Now it's time to rank the best of the best.

In our final installment, here are the top three drafts in the division since 2000:

No. 3: Steelers class of 2007

Best picks: LB Lawrence Timmons (first round), LB LaMarr Woodley (second round), TE Matt Spaeth (third round), P Daniel Sepulveda (fourth round), CB William Gay (fifth round)

Analysis: Pittsburgh's 2007 class finished third overall with a good combination of stars and depth. Timmons and Woodley are projected to be key cogs in Pittsburgh's linebacking corps for a long time. And Spaeth and Gay both play key backup roles in Pittsburgh, last season's AFC champions. Sepulveda has been an interesting case, because he's a solid punter when healthy. But a pair of ACL tears have cut two seasons short.

No. 2: Ravens class of 2008

Best picks: QB Joe Flacco (first round), RB Ray Rice (second round), S Tom Zbikowski (third round), S Haruki Nakamura (sixth round)

Analysis: Flacco has led the Ravens to three consecutive playoff appearances. He is getting better every year and looks like the first long-term solution at quarterback for Baltimore in franchise history. Rice has already developed into one of the NFL's top running backs and has been to one Pro Bowl. He posted back-to-back seasons of at least 1,200 rushing yards in 2009 and 2010. Zbikowski and Nakamura are important reserves in the secondary and may compete for a starting job next season. Zbikowski started the first six games in 2010 and played solid football while Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed (hip) was on the physically unable to perform list.

No. 1: Bengals class of 2001

Best picks: DE Justin Smith (first round), WR Chad Johnson/Ochocinco (second round), RB Rudi Johnson (fourth round), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (seventh round)

Analysis: Surprise! The top draft class of the past decade in the division comes from the Bengals, whose infamous track record with personnel decisions have led to zero playoff victories in 21 years. But Cincinnati hit it big in 2001, landing four quality starters in Smith, Ochocinco, Johnson and Houshmandzadeh. This core led to Cincinnati's first of two playoff runs last decade in 2005. But the Bengals failed to take advantage and time eventually ran out for this stellar class. Smith, Johnson and Houshmandzadeh all bolted via free agency. Ochocinco remains the only player on the Bengals' roster from the 2001 draft, and he could be traded this offseason.

This week we kick off our series on the top draft classes in the AFC North of the past decade.

We will hit one team each day, starting Monday with the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Friday, we will compile the best of the best and rank the top draft classes overall in the division.

Let's get it started.

No. 3: Class of 2003

Best picks: S Troy Polamalu (first round) and CB Ike Taylor (fourth round)

Analysis: The Steelers had a limited number of picks in this draft, because they traded up to get a player they really liked in Polamalu. Pittsburgh was confident Polamalu was special, and it was the right call. Polamalu, the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is putting together a Hall of Fame career and already has led Pittsburgh’s defense to three Super Bowl appearances and two titles. That pick alone makes this class worthy of consideration. But the Steelers also landed No. 1 cornerback Taylor in the fourth round, making this draft the hallmark of the team’s secondary for years to come. Pittsburgh only had five picks in 2003 and hit home runs on two.

No. 2: Class of 2002

Best picks: G Kendall Simmons (first round), WR Antwaan Randle El (second round), S Chris Hope (third round), LB Larry Foote (fourth round), DE Brett Keisel (seventh round)

Analysis: This class lacks the star power, but has a ton of depth with five starters. Arguably the best player to come out of this draft is Keisel, who was the final pick for Pittsburgh in 2002 and No. 242 overall. Keisel, 32, remains a longtime starter for the Steelers, and qualified for his first Pro Bowl as an alternate this past season. Hope and Simmons were both good players who eventually bolted for free agency. Hope has started for the Tennessee Titans the past five seasons. Randle El and Foote won three combined Super Bowl rings with the Steelers, and remain role players on the team.

No. 1: Class of 2007

Best picks: LB Lawrence Timmons (first round), LB LaMarr Woodley (second round), TE Matt Spaeth (third round), P Daniel Sepulveda (fourth round), CB William Gay (fifth round)


Analysis: The 2007 draft has stars and depth, making it Pittsburgh's best class of the past decade. The Steelers are never shy to draft linebackers, and they took Timmons and Woodley with back-to-back picks, building their foundation for years to come. Both are now starters entering their prime. Woodley already has one Pro Bowl and became the second Steeler to record three consecutive years of double-digit sacks. After hitting big in the first two rounds, Pittsburgh landed three role players in the middle rounds with Gay, Spaeth and Sepulveda. They each contributed to Pittsburgh's past two Super Bowl runs to varying degrees, although Sepulveda has mostly battled knee injuries in his career.

On Tuesday we will take an in-depth look at the draft classes of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed third-year punter Jeremy Kapinos, the team announced Tuesday. Kapinos will replace the injured Daniel Sepulveda, who was put on injured reserve with a torn ACL.

Kapinos punted for the Green Bay Packers last season and briefly this year with the Indianapolis Colts. He beat out Ricky Schmitt in a tryout with the Steelers on Monday.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC North:

• Jeremy Kapinos and Ricky Schmitt are vying for the Pittsburgh Steelers' punting job left vacant by the injured Daniel Sepulveda (knee).

Morning take: The Steelers have changed a new kicker and punter this season. Yet they continue to plug along with a 9-3 record.

• Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was fined $15,000 for his hit to the face on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Morning take: The hit looked unintentional, but the fine is in line with the way the NFL is protecting its quarterbacks. Roethlisberger also had surgery to fix his broken nose.

• Although Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme didn't thrown an interception against the Miami Dolphins, turnovers are still a concern.

Morning take: Delhomme was really lucky a fourth-quarter pass was dropped by Miami defensive back Nolan Carroll. That could have been the difference for the Dolphins.

• Cincinnati Bengals backup running back Bernard Scott is doing well in the return game.

Morning take: Scott is a young player who makes things happen. With nothing left to play for, Cincinnati should give Scott more touches on offense.

Here are the latest happenings Monday evening in the AFC North:

• Is Auburn University quarterback Cam Newton the answer to fixing the Cincinnati Bengals?
• Was veteran receiver Derrick Mason correct to criticize the Baltimore Ravens’ offense?
• The NFL plans to fine Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain for his hit on Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Heath Miller.
• As previously reported, Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda (knee) is officially out for the season.
• Games are starting to bounce the Cleveland Browns' way.

BALTIMORE -- The visiting locker room had emptied out at M&T Bank Stadium late Sunday night with the exception of one player.

Before boarding the team bus, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin took one last peek inside the room and noticed a large group of media was still hovering around a locker while the shower was still running in the bathroom.

"You all waiting on Troy Polamalu to wash his hair?" asked a smiling Tomlin. "It's going to be a while."

Tomlin then walked over to the bathroom and screamed in the shower to Polamalu: "Are you washing your hair? I'm not leaving you, man. Take your time."

The entire Steelers team and the media were willing to wait for Polamalu, because he's always on time when it counts during the game.

Polamalu made another huge play Sunday night, forcing a fourth-quarter fumble by quarterback Joe Flacco that led to Pittsburgh's 13-10 come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers (9-3) now have the inside track to win the AFC North over the Ravens (8-4) with a month left in the season.

Trailing 10-6 and with the Ravens facing second-and-5 from their 38-yard line, Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau called a "Cover Zero," which is a blitz with no safety help over the top. It was a gutsy call that could have resulted in a big play for Baltimore or Pittsburgh. But thanks to Polamalu, the game swung in Pittsburgh's favor.

The Steelers said they were anticipating a running play by the Ravens, who already led and could have run more time off the clock. But when Flacco dropped back to pass, Polamalu shot in unblocked on the quarterback's blind side and forced the ball out. Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley recovered and took it to the Baltimore 9, and Pittsburgh took the lead three plays later on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Issac Redman.

Polamalu's well-timed blitz could be the biggest play in Pittsburgh's regular season. It also could be the sequence that gives Pittsburgh at least one postseason game at Heinz Field and potentially a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Many players can make plays. But very few can make them consistently when the game is on the line.

That is the rare category that Polamalu is in.

"That's the thing; that's what makes him a star," Steelers safety Ryan Clark said of Polamalu, who had five tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

"He watches film like no other player," said Steelers defensive end Ziggy Hood. "In practice, you can see that he knows exactly what to do. And when you see him flying around in practice, you just know he's going to do it in the game."

While Polamalu's teammates boarded the bus in a celebratory mood, Polamalu walked to his locker and the flock of media as though nothing happened. Polamalu expects to make special plays and spent his time crediting others.

"It was all Coach LeBeau," Polamalu said in a very quiet voice. "We were anticipating run, but Coach LeBeau remained a step ahead."

That's about all you're going to get out of Polamalu in terms of his personal greatness.

Last week, Polamalu saved the Steelers with a fourth-quarter interception that helped force overtime against the Buffalo Bills. This week he caused the fumble that may have won the division.

Few expected the Steelers to be in this position, especially after quarterback Ben Roethlisberger began the season on a four-game suspension. Now the Steelers control the AFC North with four games to go, thanks to No. 43.

"They were doubting us then [at the beginning of the season], and from what I hear the talking heads were doubting us [Sunday]," Clark said. "Nobody gave us a chance to win. I don't see how you do that, but they did. We like to fly under the radar and just play football."

Here are some other notes from Pittsburgh's win over the Ravens:

Should Baltimore have kicked a field goal? There will be a lot of debate this week about whether the Ravens should have attempted the potential game-tying field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-2 with less than a minute remaining in the game. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh declined to try about a 48-yard field goal and instead Flacco threw an incomplete pass. Harbaugh felt kicker Billy Cundiff needed a closer distance considering the weather.

"It was just a tough wind up there," Harbaugh said. "It was really outside of our range, as we designated going in. We felt like we had a better chance to get the first down."

Sepulveda likely done for the season: I talked with Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda after the game and he suspects he has a torn ACL in his right knee, which would sideline him for the season. The Steelers on Monday will have to confirm the severity of the injury. But Sepulveda said he knows exactly how the injury feels, because he has experienced it twice before. He was hurt in the first half and kicker Shaun Suisham had to punt for the remainder of the game.

More injuries: According to Tomlin, Roethlisberger suffered a broken nose after being hit in the face by Ravens Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata; Steelers tight end Heath Miller suffered a concussion and will have to be monitored before next week’s game; Pittsburgh right tackle Flozell Adams has a high ankle sprain; and Ravens tight end Todd Heap has a hamstring injury.

Upcoming schedule: Expect both teams to watch the standings closely. The Steelers and Ravens each play one team with a winning record in the final month, on Dec. 19. That week Pittsburgh plays host to the New York Jets (9-2), and Baltimore will play host to the New Orleans Saints (9-3). In their other remaining games, both teams will be heavily favored to win.

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Andre Smith returned to practice for the first time since January.

Morning take: Smith has dealt with foot and conditioning issues, and the latter put the 2009 first-round pick in coach Marvin Lewis' doghouse. The good news is Smith still has time to round into shape before the regular season.

• Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy is looking to have a better preseason performance Saturday against the St. Louis Rams.

Morning take: Two interceptions in limited playing time wasn't a good start. But all the Browns want to see at this point is improvement from the rookie.

• Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the team is not in trade talks with the Denver Broncos to acquire a cornerback.

Morning take: There has been some speculation with these two teams because of its personnel. But it appears the Ravens will wait and see if they can get healthy at the position before making a move.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers are experimenting with punter Daniel Sepulveda performing kickoffs.

Morning take: At the very least, we know Sepulveda can tackle better than this. Considering Pittsburgh's coverage issues, this isn't a bad idea.

Baltimore Ravens

Potential unrestricted free agents: DL Justin Bannan, DL Dwan Edwards, CB Corey Ivy, WR Derrick Mason, TE L.J. Smith, WR David Tyree, CB Frank Walker, WR Kelley Washington

Potential restricted free agents: OT Jared Gaither, K Billy Cundiff, S Dawan Landry, CB Fabian Washington, P Sam Koch, OG Chris Chester, QB John Beck, QB Troy Smith, OT Tony Moll, FB Le'Ron McClain, LB Prescott Burgess, WR Mark Clayton, WR Demetrius Williams

Franchise tag: None

What to expect: The Ravens have a ton of quality free agents. It will be interesting because Baltimore is the only division team which has to abide by the "Final Eight Plan" for making the divisional playoffs. This will restrict Baltimore from making a lot of moves. Therefore, expect the team to keep most of its key restricted free agents while trying to explore the trade market. On the unrestricted side, the Ravens are negotiating with receiver Derrick Mason and are expected to keep him. But two players who could get some interest in the open market are defensive linemen Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan. Baltimore likes both players but could lose at least one.

Cincinnati Bengals

Potential unrestricted free agents: K Shayne Graham, FB Jeremi Johnson, RB Larry Johnson, DT Tank Johnson, TE Reggie Kelly, OG Bobbie Williams, S Roy Williams, TE J.P. Foschi

Potential restricted free agents: LB Brandon Johnson, LB Rashad Jeanty, OL Evan Mathis, C Kyle Cook, DE Frostee Rucker, CB David Jones, LB Abdul Hodge, QB Jordan Palmer, TE Daniel Coats, DT Shaun Smith

Franchise tag: None

What to expect: The Bengals have yet to announce their tenders, so this list could change by Thursday evening. But traditionally they are not big spenders in free agency and will stay true to that even with an uncapped year. Cincinnati could make one or two decent outside signings that may help the team. Finding a receiver would be the most likely target. The most interesting in-house name is offensive guard Bobbie Williams, who likely will test the market. Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also would like to keep veteran Roy Williams and Tank Johnson. But the team hasn't made a major push for either player before they're let loose Friday.

Cleveland Browns

Potential unrestricted free agents: WR Mike Furrey, TE Michael Gaines, OG Rex Hadnot, CB Hank Poteat, OL Ryan Tucker, OG Billy Yates

Potential restricted free agents: RB Jerome Harrison, LB D'Qwell Jackson, FB Lawrence Vickers, S Brodney Pool, S Abram Elam, DE Matt Roth

Franchise tag: None

What to expect: Cleveland has the money to spend and the biggest talent deficit. So look for the Browns to attempt to make up ground in free agency. Major names like defensive end Julius Peppers and tailback Thomas Jones have been mentioned as possibilities for Cleveland, but that remains to be seen. Internally, the Browns should be interested in keeping Harrison and Vickers in their backfield. Jackson also has value. None of their unrestricted players are priorities for the team and will be allowed to hit free agency.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Potential unrestricted free agents: QB Charlie Batch, LB Rocky Boiman, S Tyrone Carter, S Ryan Clark, DE Nick Eason, WR Joey Galloway, DE Travis Kirschke, RB Willie Parker, CB Deshea Townsend , FB Carey Davis, OG Darnell Stapleton

Potential restricted free agents: OT Willie Colon, CB William Gay, P Daniel Sepulveda, TE Matt Spaeth

Franchise tag: K Jeff Reed

What to expect: The Steelers are pretty predictable. Pittsburgh intends to keep all of its restricted free agents, get a long-term deal complete with Reed, who has the franchise tag, and let nearly all of their unrestricted free agents test the market. The exception is Clark, who the Steelers targeted as a priority but has yet to reach a long-term extension before Friday's deadline. Negotiations have been ongoing and should go to the final hour to decide whether both sides can come to an agreement or allow Clark to test the market.

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC North:

• After posting disappointing 40 times of 4.57 and 4.60, are the Cleveland Browns no longer interested in Florida cornerback Joe Haden?

Morning take: It sounds unfair, but poor 40 times will cast some doubt. Haden's Pro Day before the draft will be huge to show he can beat those times.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers tendered offensive tackle Willie Colon and punter Daniel Sepulveda.

Morning take: The Steelers are looking to keep both restricted free agents and probably will.

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco could miss some workouts participating on Dancing With The Stars.

Morning take: As long as Ochocinco shows up in shape, which he did last year, this won't be a big deal. Chances of injury seem slim for this type of show.

• The Baltimore Ravens will have some options at wide receiver.

Morning take: Look for Baltimore to turn over every rock. The best receivers are available in the trade market. So it will be interesting to see if the Ravens can pull something off to better the team.

I thought this e-mail from our AFC North inbox was pretty entertaining this week.

• Dale Wamsley from Indianapolis, Ind., writes: I realize this is a small thing compared to other highlights of the game. However when Pittsburgh Steelers' kicker, Jeff Reed, had a chance to stop [Cincinnati Bengals returner Bernard Scott], Reed sort of runs in front of the return man like he hopes maybe he'll run into him. As a coach of an NFL team, if I have a kicker who doesn't know how, or worse, won't tackle, either he learns or is cut. I'd like your opinion. A kicker is part of the team. Shouldn't he make a genuine effort to tackle on a return?

Dale, I agree that Reed’s tackling display on Scott’s kickoff return was one of the worst I’ve seen in an NFL game. However I don't believe it is grounds to be cut. Reed doesn't practice tackling and he's being paid to kick, which he is very good at. He made four field goals against the Bengals. Perhaps the biggest irony is that Pittsburgh's punter, Daniel Sepulveda, is a great tackler and with the same opportunity may have de-cleated Scott.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

PITTSBURGH -- With Troy Polamalu’s knee injury and the Steelers’ overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans, there were several things I was unable to get to late Thursday night.

So now that I’ve had more time to reflect on the game, here are several additional observations on the Steelers:

	Scott Boehm/Getty Images
	Santonio Holmes was a reliable target Thursday night, hauling in nine passes for 131 yards.

• Let’s start with the good: Santonio Holmes looks primed for a 1,000-yard season. Against the Titans he had nine receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown -- the same total from his Super Bowl MVP performance. The difference I’m seeing now from Holmes is he’s making all the routine plays in addition to the spectacular ones. Holmes didn’t leave any opportunities on the field Thursday. He was thrown to 11 times and nine were receptions. The other two were uncatchable balls by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, including one interception. The Steelers won’t pass 43 times every week (at least I don’t think they will). But it’s clear Holmes is capable of putting up big numbers when needed.
• As indicated in the preseason, the Steelers were much improved on special teams against the Titans. In a field-position battle, punter Daniel Sepulveda turned out to be one of Pittsburgh’s most important players. He punted seven times for an average of 42.7 yards per punt. But most importantly, he placed four kicks inside the 20. Stefan Logan added 127 yards in returns and a blocked field goal by defensive end Aaron Smith made a huge difference in a close game. Veteran Jeff Reed also made two clutch kicks in the fourth quarter and overtime to seal the victory, capping a banner night for Pittsburgh's third phase of the game.
• The Steelers really needed this win over Tennessee. Pittsburgh goes on the road two straight weeks, against the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals, and doesn’t return to Heinz Field until October. Playing the next three to six weeks without Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu also will be a challenge for the Steelers. But it’s a little easier when you’re the first NFL team to get in the win column this season.
• Now for the bad: Loyal readers of the AFC North blog know I’ve been skeptical of Pittsburgh’s offensive line entering the season and Thursday’s performance confirmed my skepticism. Roethlisberger was sacked four times by the Titans. By my account, two were on Roethlisberger for holding the football and scrambling too long, and two were from lack of protection. But what jumped out most Thursday was the run blocking. The Steelers weren’t physical and couldn’t hold their blocks very long. They have nine days to straighten out those issues. Of Pittsburgh's five up linemen, I thought starting guard Trai Essex had the most problems against Tennessee.
• Finally, I’m going to offer the Steelers some free advice: Call up Isaac Redman from the practice squad. After watching Pittsburgh’s running backs get stuffed at the line of scrimmage time after time, I’m convinced “Redzone” is the best short-yardage option the team has. It’s not the end of the world to carry four tailbacks, and Redman rightfully won’t be the primary option. But even if he gets two carries a game that result in two first downs, he's worth the roster spot. The Steelers cannot expect to win every week going 4 of 14 on third-down conversions.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

Three quick hits on the Pittsburgh Steelers:

1. For the past few seasons, the offensive line has been the biggest question in Pittsburgh and that remains so this year. Statistically, the Steelers’ pass protection has ranked among the league’s worst in allowing sacks. Ben Roethlisberger’s penchant for holding the ball too long has contributed to those numbers, but the offensive line certainly isn’t without blame. The coaching staff feels this unit will improve with another year together, but that remains to be seen. The loss of guard Darnell Stapleton (knee), who was put on injured reserve, hurts the team’s depth.

Football Outsiders The Football Outsiders use their unique brand of analysis to break down each of the league's 32 teams. Pittsburgh Steelers

2. If the preseason is any indication, Pittsburgh’s special teams will be better. Kicker Jeff Reed and the coverage teams were solid a year ago, but the return game and punting were horrible most weeks. A healthy Daniel Sepulveda is a significant upgrade at punter, and after bringing in a host of returners via the draft and free agency, CFL import Stefan Logan proved to be the best of the lot. Logan has been electric returning kicks this preseason and should help Pittsburgh win the field-position battle.

3. The Steelers must figure who their short-yardage and goal-line tailback will be. Running backs Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore and Frank “The Tank” Summers are vying for that role. A case can be made that Pittsburgh’s best short-yardage option might be on the practice squad in Isaac Redman, who was successful in getting tough yards in the preseason. But with Redman inactive, the coaching staff must hope someone emerges.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers safety Ryan Clark got a good chuckle at the sudden media attention his newest teammate, Stefan Logan, received in the locker room recently, which included a certain reporter in attendance.

	Bob Donnan/US Presswire
	Pittsburgh’s Stefan Logan won’t be an unknown for long.

“That’s going to be all over ESPN’s AFC North blog,” Clark said smiling.

At the moment Logan, a 5-foot-7 CFL import, is enjoying life as Pittsburgh’s best-kept secret. But as Clark warned, it may not last for long.

Logan has been electric in returning kicks in the preseason for the reigning champs. He will get several opportunities to impact Thursday’s primetime season opener against the Tennessee Titans.

“I want to be a best-kept secret,” Logan said. “That’s fine with me. I know guys are going to be game-planning to try and stop the special teams, but we’re going to game-plan, too.”

Pittsburgh’s special teams were average last season. The coverage units and kicker Jeff Reed did their part, but the punting and both returns were glaring weaknesses.

Although it didn’t impact the Steelers’ Super Bowl run, they still addressed those holes in the offseason with a healthy return of punter Daniel Sepulveda from a knee injury and adding a host of return prospects via the draft and free agency.

In the end, Logan stood out most among the group.

“Every time he catches the ball I hold me breath,” Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “You don’t know what he’s going to do, and it’s a great feeling.”

After making the team, Logan changed his number from 41 to 11 to fit more with Pittsburgh’s receivers. That’s fine with Logan, who started training camp as a long shot and played his way on the Steelers' 53-man roster.

“It’s a blessing for me to be here with the Super Bowl champs,” a happy Logan said. “When I found out that I made the roster, it was kind of a touching moment.”