*** 2013 Official Pittsburgh Steelers Off & ON Season Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Cookiemonster]

WR Emmanuel Sanders Says #Steelers Expecting 70 Catches,1,000 Yards From Him In 2013

Well that would be nice.

Time will tell if he steps it up. Sanders fell short last season imho. I am pulling for him to turn the corner.

He talked a lot about everybody getting on the same page. That last year they were all learning, and didn't always read things the same way. Now they understand the scheme better, and it's all starting to click. Several times Sanders and Ben seemed to be on different pages. I think a year in the system will improve things.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I dont think "#Steelers" are "expecting" 70/1000, but Im sure Sanders is praying for that statline.

 

[3C's]

This sounds nice. If he performs as well second round might be a steal.

http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2013/04/nfl_veteran_rb_steven_jackson.html

 

[cstu]

Rd 6 pick:

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_player_scouting_report.html&player=40317

JUSTIN BROWN WR, Oklahoma

HT: 6-3 WT: 209

STRENGTHS - Brown gets a clean release off the LOS and uses his hands quickly in order to break from jam coverage. He has good hands and is able to make some tough catches. Brown is stronger than he looks on tape and can be a tough guy to bring down, enabling him to gain a couple of extra yards. When asked to block he does show and does so well. He shows very good blocking technique without penalty and blocks with effort.

WEAKNESSES - Brown's route running will need to become more crisp and tends to round his cuts which enable the DB/LB to maintain coverage and not bite on head fakes. He is not very quick and does not show a great deal of speed and therefore is unable to create much separation. When he catches the ball he does not show the ability to catch and turn quickly and therefore is unable to turn up the field with great success.

SUMMARY - Brown was a very good receiver in his first season at Oklahoma after transferring from Penn State. He has dependable hands and can go and make the tough catches. He has quick hands and is able to separate enough off of jam coverage, however he does not have the quickness / speed or footwork to create enough separation to be a consistent enough deep threat. Brown is not afraid to go over the middle, however he is not able to turn off the catch quickly enough to get up the field with great success. His route running suffers due to his inability to make clean cuts and head fakes combined with his lack of quickness. Brown plays stronger than he looks on tape and he has the ability to gain the few extra yards by keeping his legs moving and can be difficult to bring down at times. He is a solid blocker in the open field and will block with a great deal of effort and does not seem to give up. Overall, Brown is a very solid pass catcher, who plays with effort. However, he does not have the elite athletic ability to have much success at the next level.

I didn't even look at him prior to the draft but he looks like a nice pick. I doubt he'll have much of an impact for fantasy due to his lack of speed but he's a solid possession receiver and willing blocker. Poor man's Hines Ward possibly.

 

[Godsbrother]

Rd 6 pick:

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_player_scouting_report.html&player=40317

JUSTIN BROWN WR, Oklahoma

HT: 6-3 WT: 209

STRENGTHS - Brown gets a clean release off the LOS and uses his hands quickly in order to break from jam coverage. He has good hands and is able to make some tough catches. Brown is stronger than he looks on tape and can be a tough guy to bring down, enabling him to gain a couple of extra yards. When asked to block he does show and does so well. He shows very good blocking technique without penalty and blocks with effort.

WEAKNESSES - Brown's route running will need to become more crisp and tends to round his cuts which enable the DB/LB to maintain coverage and not bite on head fakes. He is not very quick and does not show a great deal of speed and therefore is unable to create much separation. When he catches the ball he does not show the ability to catch and turn quickly and therefore is unable to turn up the field with great success.

SUMMARY - Brown was a very good receiver in his first season at Oklahoma after transferring from Penn State. He has dependable hands and can go and make the tough catches. He has quick hands and is able to separate enough off of jam coverage, however he does not have the quickness / speed or footwork to create enough separation to be a consistent enough deep threat. Brown is not afraid to go over the middle, however he is not able to turn off the catch quickly enough to get up the field with great success. His route running suffers due to his inability to make clean cuts and head fakes combined with his lack of quickness. Brown plays stronger than he looks on tape and he has the ability to gain the few extra yards by keeping his legs moving and can be difficult to bring down at times. He is a solid blocker in the open field and will block with a great deal of effort and does not seem to give up. Overall, Brown is a very solid pass catcher, who plays with effort. However, he does not have the elite athletic ability to have much success at the next level.

I didn't even look at him prior to the draft but he looks like a nice pick. I doubt he'll have much of an impact for fantasy due to his lack of speed but he's a solid possession receiver and willing blocker. Poor man's Hines Ward possibly.

At 6' 3" he is a tall man's Hines Ward!

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Rd 6 pick:

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_player_scouting_report.html&player=40317

JUSTIN BROWN WR, Oklahoma

HT: 6-3 WT: 209

STRENGTHS - Brown gets a clean release off the LOS and uses his hands quickly in order to break from jam coverage. He has good hands and is able to make some tough catches. Brown is stronger than he looks on tape and can be a tough guy to bring down, enabling him to gain a couple of extra yards. When asked to block he does show and does so well. He shows very good blocking technique without penalty and blocks with effort.

WEAKNESSES - Brown's route running will need to become more crisp and tends to round his cuts which enable the DB/LB to maintain coverage and not bite on head fakes. He is not very quick and does not show a great deal of speed and therefore is unable to create much separation. When he catches the ball he does not show the ability to catch and turn quickly and therefore is unable to turn up the field with great success.

SUMMARY - Brown was a very good receiver in his first season at Oklahoma after transferring from Penn State. He has dependable hands and can go and make the tough catches. He has quick hands and is able to separate enough off of jam coverage, however he does not have the quickness / speed or footwork to create enough separation to be a consistent enough deep threat. Brown is not afraid to go over the middle, however he is not able to turn off the catch quickly enough to get up the field with great success. His route running suffers due to his inability to make clean cuts and head fakes combined with his lack of quickness. Brown plays stronger than he looks on tape and he has the ability to gain the few extra yards by keeping his legs moving and can be difficult to bring down at times. He is a solid blocker in the open field and will block with a great deal of effort and does not seem to give up. Overall, Brown is a very solid pass catcher, who plays with effort. However, he does not have the elite athletic ability to have much success at the next level.

I didn't even look at him prior to the draft but he looks like a nice pick. I doubt he'll have much of an impact for fantasy due to his lack of speed but he's a solid possession receiver and willing blocker. Poor man's Hines Ward possibly.

At 6' 3" he is a tall man's Hines Ward!

I am very excited about this pick. He has the potential to be a very good starter in the NFL. He doesn't have a lack of speed. I would say he is average speed for an NFL WR, but for a guy his size that is good. If you look at his productivity last year, he was great once he settled into his new team. If he had another year, he would have been a first or second day pick.

 

[3C's]

Steelers LB Sean Spence Unlikely To Ever Play AgainSaturday, April 27th, 2013 at 6:52 pm by Dave Bryan

Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler delivered some real bad news on Saturday about linebacker Sean Spence, the teams third round draft pick from last year, when asked if he would be back this year.

"I don’t think he is going to be. It will be miraculous if he does come back. It will be miraculous if he comes back next year. We are going to take a chance on him and see if he can come back. To me, he is worth every bit of that."

Butler was asked if it would be gravy if Spence every does return and his response was not surprising.

"I hope he’s gravy, said Butler. "I really do, because this kid is a great kid. He’s not only a very intelligent football player but he is going to provide some intangibles in our locker room that we desperately need, I think. We’re going to ride with him for another year I think. Hopefully his knee will respond and he can play again."

Spence shredded his left knee last preseason against the Carolina Panthers and it is believed that he did damage to the peroneal nerve, which could cause a condition known as drop foot.

Butler really sounded down about Spence, who he believes is a very solid kid and a good football player.

Best of luck to you Mr Spence.

This is a damn shame. I am holding out hope that he makes a miraculous recovery and can come into camp in 2014 and compete for a job.

"All of the rehab is going according to plan and really no new news there," said Tomlin. "I did hear the opinion regarding Spence, my opinion differs. I think he's going to have a full recovery, but now you have two opinions, neither of which are expert medical opinions, so do with it what you wish."

 

[3C's]

Reggie Dunn is really fast.

 

[Franknbeans]

Over and Dunn

 

[3C's]

Over and Dunn

If LSH was supposed to make the team mostly because of kickoff returns it would seem Dunn would be a better option.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Reggie Dunn is really fast.

 

[cstu]

(TheHuddle)Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said TE Heath Miller (knee) is on schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Analysis: Miller enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012, hitting career highs in receiving yards (816) and TD catches (8) before injuring his knee in Week 16. With the Steelers not seriously addressing the position in free agency or the draft, Miller will be counted on again in 2013.

Since the Steelers didn't draft a TE and only drafted Wheaton and Justin Brown to replace Wallace I assume this is a good sign for him this year?

 

[3C's]

(TheHuddle)Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said TE Heath Miller (knee) is on schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Analysis: Miller enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012, hitting career highs in receiving yards (816) and TD catches (8) before injuring his knee in Week 16. With the Steelers not seriously addressing the position in free agency or the draft, Miller will be counted on again in 2013.

Since the Steelers didn't draft a TE and only drafted Wheaton and Justin Brown to replace Wallace I assume this is a good sign for him this year?

I don't think he misses the whole year or even goes on 6 week PUP. Might miss a game or two at the start of the year but he'll work his butt off to get back on the field.

 

[Godsbrother]

(TheHuddle)Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said TE Heath Miller (knee) is on schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Analysis: Miller enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012, hitting career highs in receiving yards (816) and TD catches (8) before injuring his knee in Week 16. With the Steelers not seriously addressing the position in free agency or the draft, Miller will be counted on again in 2013.

Since the Steelers didn't draft a TE and only drafted Wheaton and Justin Brown to replace Wallace I assume this is a good sign for him this year?

I don't think he misses the whole year or even goes on 6 week PUP. Might miss a game or two at the start of the year but he'll work his butt off to get back on the field.

No idea when he comes back or how many games (if any) he misses but I am 100% sure of the bolded.

 

[Godsbrother]

Over and Dunn

Okay I am officially excited about this guy.

 

[belljr]

i swore i posted in here, this is just my black dot but i thought it was a good draft and i too am pulling for golic

 

[JoeSteeler]

Here's the rundown from SCI's Jim Wexell on the Steelers' first rookie practice of the 2013 spring season:
First-year players with less than four games on an active roster, rookies, and eight tryout players took the practice field Friday in the first official Steelers practice of the 2013 season. These were my observations:

* Fourth-rounder Shamarko Thomas stood out immediately with his thick, squat, muscular body, all the way down to calves that popped out of his uniform like the arms on sixth-round middle linebacker Vince Williams.

* Both of the Joneses, Jarvis and Landry, struck me as shorter than expected, while seventh-rounder Nick Williams stood out because of his size and fitness.

* Maybe your child has taken part in a team’s side session called “small groups.” Well, with only 41 in attendance here on the South Side, these players are in “small, small groups.”

* Veteran LBs coach Keith Butler worked with only two outside backers, Jones and Alan Baxter. RBs coach Kirby Wilson stood on the far field with only two runners, 6-1½ Le’Veon Bell and 5-7 undrafted free agent Curtis McNeal out of USC. They were the Mutt and Jeff of the practice field.

* Speaking of Baxter, he’s one of the undrafted free agents held in high esteem by the Steelers. The 6-0½, 238-pound OLB with the 4.76 40 time had 9 sacks last year for Northern Illinois. His motor as a pass-rusher is his strength; his size is the reason he wasn’t drafted.

* “Man,” one scout said as he looked at Williams, the rookie DE, “I wish I was 315 with washboard abs.”

* “Too high, too high, too high,” DL coach John Mitchell was telling Williams over at the blocking sled, as yet another project began his process.

* Ben Roethlisberger and three of his body guards – Marcus Gilbert, Ramon Foster and Maurkice Pouncey – sat on the benches outside the weight room and watched practice. They were dressed as if they had just finished a workout. Roethlisberger seemed preoccupied with the quarterbacks throwing on the far field.

* From a distance, Landry Jones and tryout QB Caleb Terbush of Purdue seem statuesque and strong of arm. Up close, Terbush seems to have the stronger arm as some of Jones’ passes wobble and struggle to cut the strong wind.

* Another of the tryouts, tight end Will Shaw, has those soft hands that don’t make a sound when they meet the ball. He’s 6-1½, 242 and ran a 4.73 40 at his pro day. Shaw caught 35 passes for 429 yards and 5 touchdowns last season at Youngstown State, a season that began with his 2 touchdown catches in the upset of Pitt.

* WR Markus Wheaton’s explosiveness is obvious, even in skeleton passing drills. He’s quick into and out of his breaks and is showing good hands.

* I stood in the back of the end zone as Wheaton came up empty while diving for a deep pass in the end zone. He skidded to my right and the ball skipped to my left.

* That blur during a special-teams gunner drill was No. 13 Reggie Dunn, the tiny wide receiver/return specialist from Utah. I can tell you that his 4.25 40 time is no lie as I watched him sprint down the field.

* During another drill that taught kick coverers how to come off blocks, Shamarko Thomas came off a block and wrapped up the runner so suddenly that assistant coach Jerry Olsavsky couldn’t help but be impressed. And Jerry O isn’t the type to let rookies know he’s impressed on the very first day.

* Pencil in Thomas for a special-teams spot in the opener.

* No, put it in ink.

* New special teams coach Danny Smith has this session in up-UP-tempo mode. There isn’t a ball-on-a-stick in sight and he’s swearing up a storm. I like him already.

* It seems that more emphasis is being put on stripping the ball this season. “You’re going to GET that ball Jarvis!” Smith hollered, but Jones did not.

* The first snap from scrimmage sure took a long time to come off. First, left tackle Mike Golic Jr. jumped and sent everyone back to their huddles, and then a defensive lineman jumped to send them back again. When Landry Jones finally took the snap, he handed it off to Bell.

* So if you’re looking for symbolism, or omens, or whatever, it went like this: hi-diddle-diddle, Bell up the middle.

* Jones might sound like Roethlisberger while barking signals under center, but when the pocket broke down before his second pass attempt he of course didn’t scramble and throw like Ben. No, that scouting report on Jones is on the money so far.

* Bell showed a lot of wiggle and shake, and that really wasn’t a part of his scouting report.

* Jarvis Jones is showing plenty of that, too. He can really sort through the trash while crashing down the line in pursuit of ball carriers. Jones certainly doesn’t stand out on the field, physically, the way you would expect from a first-rounder, but that Chad Brown “slither” is obvious.

* If you’re too young to remember – or were drinking heavily back in 1996 – you may not remember the snake man, Chad Brown, who moved from inside to outside backer and became a pass-rushing sensation before leaving at the end of the season as a free agent. Brown and Jones are the same size, and from the looks of the first spring practice could be a valid comparison.

* Another reporter mentioned toward the end of the scrimmage that Landry Jones hadn’t completed a pass. I wasn’t counting, but trust that the comment was either true or very close to it.

* One safety-valve attempt to TE Shaw was broken up by OLB Jones.

* QB Jones did throw a bomb in the 7-on-7 passing drill that wobbled through the stiff wind. Derek Moye burst past Isaiah Green to make the touchdown catch.

* In the final scrimmage series, Kashif Moore, who played at UConn in 2011, made a diving catch along the sideline to win the very first Catch of the Day.

http://pit.scout.com/2/1289216.html

 

[JoeSteeler]

Landry Jones had another bad day at the Steelers’ rookie minicamp, but there may be a good reason. First, these notes, quotes, anecdotes from Day 2:
* Carnell Lake spent a significant amount of time working on his defensive backs’ backpedals, and I’m told it’s because that fundamental skill is becoming a lost art in college football. “They all turn and run anymore,” said one scout. “Turn and run, or settle, or cover-2.”

* Sure enough, as I watched fifth-round pick Terry Hawthorne closely I could tell that he’s uncomfortable in off coverage. He clearly prefers to get up on the line and jam the receiver before he turns and runs.

* That said, Hawthorne is expected to be in the thick of the roster chase at training camp.

* Shamarko Thomas is much more polished and is expected to not just make the team and play special teams, but join the safety rotation once he learns “the language” and begins communicating on the field. That’s always a process.

* Caleb Terbush is the team’s No. 5 QB as one of the eight tryout players in for the weekend. At 6-5 he’s taller than Jones, more mobile, and appears to have the stronger arm. In 2011, Terbush replaced two injured players ahead of him on the Purdue depth chart and started all 13 games. He completed 62 percent of his passes with a TD-Int ratio of 13-6. He was named captain in the spring of 2012, and that’s when it all began to fall apart. He was suspended the day before the opening game. He returned and was in and out of the lineup all season. The scouting report is that he throws well against air, or in other words only looks the part. No one expects him to last long here, but he really does look the part.

* The undrafted rookie with the best chance of making the team is WR/RS Reggie Dunn. I wrote yesterday about that 4.25 speed he showed off during gunner drills, and I wrote on draft day about his 5 100-yard kickoff returns. Turns out his father and former Steelers great Louis Lipps have been best friends for … for … well, I have Reggie’s number and will get the rest of the story this week.

* Offensive guard Nik Embernate is another undrafted rookie with high expectations. The Steelers also like UAB guard Chris Hubbard, who stands 6-4 but weighs only 286.

* The Steelers put their money into the offensive line after the draft, as expected. They also tried to prioritize defensive linemen, but didn’t have as much luck.

* With the 90-man rosters, I’m told it’s more difficult than ever to find talented players after the draft.

* Remember that the next time someone tells you those 7th-round comp picks are throwaways.

* For being the “big receiver” of their draft, as dubbed by GM Kevin Colbert, sixth-rounder Justin Brown struck me as a medium-sized skinny kid as he walked past. Of course, he was in shells. Shoulder pads can change the perception quickly. So, too, can the fact he’s a full helmet taller than the “speed receiver” of the draft, third-rounder Markus Wheaton.

* Dunn, the return specialist, runs much better deep routes than does Brown, but Brown consistently bailed out Jones – his once and future QB – with slants over the middle.

* Not that the two connected on a third down. That was the theme of the first scrimmage, third downs, but the offense rarely – if ever – converted.

* A fumbled snap, a wildly errant shotgun snap, poor passes and a dropped pass by tight end Will Shaw all contributed to Mike Tomlin grumbling about the third-down offense.

* Moving on to the 7-on-7 passing drill, Wheaton lined up in the slot and was covered by Thomas. Go ahead, make your prediction. I’ll wait. ... a little longer ... OK, Wheaton easily circled past Thomas and had a couple of steps deep, but the QB didn’t see him.

* The QB, Terbush, didn’t see Isaiah Green, either. The street free agent with the 4.2 speed stepped in front of Kashif Moore for the interception.

* In trouble, Jones had no problem finding Brown in the middle of the field. I guess Brown does have some size to him.

* On the next snap, Jones looked right and threw a 3-yard pass directly into the chest of Terence Garvin, the lanky ILB from WVU, who returned it for an easy touchdown.

* Undaunted, Jones wobbled a 25-yarder to Wheaton, who cut across the middle of the field to catch the pass at the sideline. “Good route 11!” was the exclamation from one of the coaches.

* Jones tried to throw short to Dunn, but the little guy couldn’t escape Hawthorne’s press.

* Jones continued to struggle in the final full scrimmage. On the first snap he rolled right and threw a short pass just across the line that was nearly intercepted by Alan Baxter. A few plays later, Jones was intercepted by safety Jarred Holley after overthrowing tight end Jamie McCoy. McCoy kept running and inadvertently slammed into Holley, who held on to the ball for the Catch of the Day.

* Not that I had many others from which to choose.

* Le’Veon Bell showed some more of that wiggle about which I wrote the previous day. This time he – in the words of another reporter – “broke a defender’s ankle” by leaving him alone and broken-hearted in the middle of the field.

* Bell finishes his runs, an old Steeler practice staple, and one time, while Bell was running down the sideline fending off Thomas, I heard the two players giggling. It reminded me of Jerome Bettis and James Farrior, just to pick out a few names of players who just loved to play football, whether it be spring practice or the Super Bowl.

* At this early juncture, Bell is clearly the Steelers’ favorite for Rookie of the Year.

* Team, certainly, but maybe even league.

* On my way through the hallway after practice, I spotted Landry Jones coming out of the trainer’s room with a wrap on his right arm that went from his shoulder to his elbow. My guess is the poor guy’s trying to get through this weekend with a sore arm, and he isn’t

http://pit.scout.com/2/1289368.html

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Great stuff, JoeSteeler !

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Indeed. Thanks for that.

 

[The Hank]

Steelers signed veteran OT Guy Whimper and rookie UDFA LB Terrance Garvin today.

Most beat writers/talking heads have declared that this move marks the end of the Max Starks era in PIT

Ben will perform his pre-seasonal ritual and don #78 soon in practices I'm sure

 

[3C's]

Steelers signed veteran OT Guy Whimper and rookie UDFA LB Terrance Garvin today.

Most beat writers/talking heads have declared that this move marks the end of the Max Starks era in PIT

Ben will perform his pre-seasonal ritual and don #78 soon in practices I'm sure

I wouldn't think so: Whimper, 30, shouldn't be in the league anymore. Pro Football Focus charged Whimper with a league-high 14 sacks allowed in 2011, and he graded out 74th-of-80 qualifying offensive tackles last season in Jacksonville.

I'd think at best he's line depth. Adams or Gilbert will be the end of Starks.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Oh Christ....there is going to be a lot of teeth gnashing from some corners if Starks doesn't come back. No doubt Ben will probably be on the campaign trail, or start wearing all black all of the time, or something.

I think Max turned himself into an okay finesse LT, but I regularly deal with some Steelers fans who think that the sun rises and sets on that dude's a$$. Was almost rooting for his return just so I could be spared the ripping of the sackcloth and the lamentations of the women.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I'm not a big Max Starks fan or anything, but why doesn't he merit a veteran minimum contract over this bum?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

My guess would be that Max doesn't want to play for the vet minimum.

 

[Blick]

Oh Christ....there is going to be a lot of teeth gnashing from some corners if Starks doesn't come back. No doubt Ben will probably be on the campaign trail, or start wearing all black all of the time, or something. I think Max turned himself into an okay finesse LT, but I regularly deal with some Steelers fans who think that the sun rises and sets on that dude's ###. Was almost rooting for his return just so I could be spared the ripping of the sackcloth and the lamentations of the women.

Say what you want, but Max has been one of our most consistent O-linemen over the last several years. I guess that could have more to do with the horrid lines we've had than the quality of his play.

 

[Godsbrother]

Oh Christ....there is going to be a lot of teeth gnashing from some corners if Starks doesn't come back. No doubt Ben will probably be on the campaign trail, or start wearing all black all of the time, or something. I think Max turned himself into an okay finesse LT, but I regularly deal with some Steelers fans who think that the sun rises and sets on that dude's ###. Was almost rooting for his return just so I could be spared the ripping of the sackcloth and the lamentations of the women.

Say what you want, but Max has been one of our most consistent O-linemen over the last several years. I guess that could have more to do with the horrid lines we've had than the quality of his play.

Agreed. Max isn't Anthony Munoz reincarnated but he's been pretty reliable on what has been a very unreliable offensive line in recent years. My guess is that Starks wants more than the Steelers (and any other team) are willing to pay and is content to wait it out.

Most of what I am reading about Whimper is not very good but I assume he signed a 1-year deal for league minimum so there is no harm in bringing him for a look-see. If he sucks then cut him before week 1 ...

 

[treat88]

I wonder if Starks simply doesn't fit the more ZBS oriented approach they are supposedly moving towards.

Foster doesn't fit that either IMO, so I question how committed they are to actually implementing a true ZBS....but that is what the tea leaves are apparently saying.

Plus they aren't getting anything done with starting caliber players til post June 1.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Can someone talk to me about downside/cons with Shamarko Thomas? he's too short, and concussion history is all I've really seen so far, and everyone is nutting over the pick and his play thus far. Why did he last until the 4th round?

 

[treat88]

Can someone talk to me about downside/cons with Shamarko Thomas? he's too short, and concussion history is all I've really seen so far, and everyone is nutting over the pick and his play thus far. Why did he last until the 4th round?

Great question. I don't see anything other than his height that made him slip to the 4th and even that is questionable as to why he fell so far.

Some interesting comparisons:

Bob Sanders: 5'9 - 204 pounds - 4.35 40 - 41.5 vert - 128" broad - 15 bench reps (2nd round)Shamarko: 5'9 - 213 pounds - 4.42 40 - 40.5" vert - 133" broad - 28 bench reps (4th round)Matt Elam: 5'10 - 208 pounds - 4.54 40 - 35.5" vert - 118" broad - 17 bench reps (1st round)Earl Thomas: 5'10 - 204 pounds - 4.43 40 - no vert - 113" broad - 21 bench reps (1st round)

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Can someone talk to me about downside/cons with Shamarko Thomas? he's too short, and concussion history is all I've really seen so far, and everyone is nutting over the pick and his play thus far. Why did he last until the 4th round?

Last week I posed a question in the Audible thread about the trade with the Browns and was hoping they would chime-in on Shamarko but they never got around to that. Capers typically doesn't like to play rookies so I wouldn't be concerned if he doesn't see a lot of time his rookie season. I would have to guess the reason he fell is concussions and the new emphasis the league has placed on guys with a history of concussions. Also a shorter safety can be a hinderance with the matchups against taller TEs and WRs. I mean even a guy like CB Joe Haden at 5'11 has trouble overcoming the height advantage of the 6'4 AJ Green. Shamarko will be covering TEs like, 6'5 Jermaine Gresham , 6'5 Tyler Eifert, 6'4 Dennis PIta, 6'4 Ed Dickson, and 6'5 Jordan Cameron, just within the AFCN. He's got good speed and he's strong but he may not see the field much his rookie season unless the Steelers get dinged with injuries in the defensive backfield. He looks like he'll be a solid addition to special teams this year and get 'some' PT. Capers typically sits rookies so if you had to make an educated guess you would probably believe Dom's schedule is that he will get Shamarko more playing time on his defense next year.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

He plays out of control at times. That's the biggest, and pretty much only, negative I've seen reported. He'll bite on fakes/etc. because of it.

I think the biggest reason he was a 4th is that the S class was deep.

 

[The Hank]

Can someone talk to me about downside/cons with Shamarko Thomas? he's too short, and concussion history is all I've really seen so far, and everyone is nutting over the pick and his play thus far. Why did he last until the 4th round?

Last week I posed a question in the Audible thread about the trade with the Browns and was hoping they would chime-in on Shamarko but they never got around to that. Capers typically doesn't like to play rookies so I wouldn't be concerned if he doesn't see a lot of time his rookie season. I would have to guess the reason he fell is concussions and the new emphasis the league has placed on guys with a history of concussions. Also a shorter safety can be a hinderance with the matchups against taller TEs and WRs. I mean even a guy like CB Joe Haden at 5'11 has trouble overcoming the height advantage of the 6'4 AJ Green. Shamarko will be covering TEs like, 6'5 Jermaine Gresham , 6'5 Tyler Eifert, 6'4 Dennis PIta, 6'4 Ed Dickson, and 6'5 Jordan Cameron, just within the AFCN. He's got good speed and he's strong but he may not see the field much his rookie season unless the Steelers get dinged with injuries in the defensive backfield. He looks like he'll be a solid addition to special teams this year and get 'some' PT. Capers typically sits rookies so if you had to make an educated guess you would probably believe Dom's schedule is that he will get Shamarko more playing time on his defense next year.

Dom Capers?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Bracie Smathers, on 10 May 2013 - 13:30, said:

AhrnCityPahnder, on 10 May 2013 - 13:06, said:Can someone talk to me about downside/cons with Shamarko Thomas? he's too short, and concussion history is all I've really seen so far, and everyone is nutting over the pick and his play thus far. Why did he last until the 4th round?

Last week I posed a question in the Audible thread about the trade with the Browns and was hoping they would chime-in on Shamarko but they never got around to that.Capers typically doesn't like to play rookies so I wouldn't be concerned if he doesn't see a lot of time his rookie season.I would have to guess the reason he fell is concussions and the new emphasis the league has placed on guys with a history of concussions. Also a shorter safety can be a hinderance with the matchups against taller TEs and WRs. I mean even a guy like CB Joe Haden at 5'11 has trouble overcoming the height advantage of the 6'4 AJ Green.Shamarko will be covering TEs like, 6'5 Jermaine Gresham , 6'5 Tyler Eifert, 6'4 Dennis PIta, 6'4 Ed Dickson, and 6'5 Jordan Cameron, just within the AFCN.He's got good speed and he's strong but he may not see the field much his rookie season unless the Steelers get dinged with injuries in the defensive backfield. He looks like he'll be a solid addition to special teams this year and get 'some' PT.Capers typically sits rookies so if you had to make an educated guess you would probably believe Dom's schedule is that he will get Shamarko more playing time on his defense next year.

Dude, Dom Capers is loooooong gone. **** LeBeau's been around for a while now.But you're right, Thomas isn't likely to play much, if at all, unless there are injuries or he picks up the defense at a record pace. Even Polamalu didn't do much his rookie year, and he was 5 times the prospect Thomas is.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Dom Capers?

The Pittsburgh DC isn't foremost on my conciousness nor is Evan Silva so you get a giggle point.

If you want to take another shot at why not pull up the Eric Silva thread and message girlish giggle who has your mindset?

The clever reparte that you bring makes the board go round so I'm glad to have added to your entertainment.

 

[Copeman]

I can't wait to see what Le'Veon Bell does in Joe Walton's offense this year.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I can't wait to see what Le'Veon Bell does in Joe Walton's offense this year.

Only what Chuck Noll will allow him to.

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

The more I read about those first three picks, the better I feel about this team. I think Worlds ((I don't care how he spells it) still will start. Jones will get more snaps though than our previous defensive early picks and may take over by the end of the season. Bell should start from day one. It seems like the kid has a great attitude and work ethic. I love how he tailored his pro-day to show off his other skills. He's a 3 down back, buy will get those short punch ins that have lacked of late. LSH should be a nice COP as well for him. Wheaton seems to be a nice fit for Haley's offense. As a 4 year starter who also lined up at RB, it seems he should be able to pick things up quickly. With Heath out, I'm assuming the Steelers will be 3 and 4 wide more often. Bell in the backfield though should keep teams honest. I like it.

So, what does Wheaton and Brown mean for Plex and Cotch? What do you think the WR depth chart is now?

haha wow... i totally read that as Crotch initially... laughed a little louder than I liked and nearly got caught at work reading an FBG message board while being clocked in...

disaster averted...

I do agree with your assessment... I feel better the more that I read.

I think Plex & Cotch are both depth and not too excited about their prospects of making the team... I think 1 of them gets cut but not sure which one just yet. Neither offer special teams acumen although I think Cotch has helped there earlier in his career but typically vets like that aren't asked to do that too much.

 

[The Hank]

Dom Capers?

The Pittsburgh DC isn't foremost on my conciousness nor is Evan Silva so you get a giggle point.

If you want to take another shot at why not pull up the Eric Silva thread and message girlish giggle who has your mindset?

The clever reparte that you bring makes the board go round so I'm glad to have added to your entertainment.

Bracie It's just that Dom Capers hasnt been a member of the Steelers coaching staff in almost 2 decades (1994-1995 season, and only coached for 3 seasons in PIT), so I thought it humorous that you would reference him not once, not twice, but thrice in the same paragraph. Just a friendly joust, but I suppose I was unaware that someone had a sad bear day.

In regards to Shamarko, I dont anticipate him starting, but based on what Carnell Lake has post-draft, he strongly indicated that he could see time as a nickel CB in case of emergency (Carnell was most impressed with Shamarko shadowing Robert Woods in a recent game vs. USC). It is my opinion that position flexibility is a big reason why we moved up to get him (maybe other teams didnt feel as strongly about his position flexibility); perhaps he is a bit undersized but Im guessing the Steelers are gambling that his intangibles can make up for the lack of height. The hope is that he is more Bob Sanders than Anthony Smith (whose comparables are similar).

The most ardent of Steeler fan will know that Troy/Clark are not exactly the most durable S's around, and are likely to miss some time - Shamarko should be top dog at backup S when the dust settles in St. Vincent's.

Conversely, I still worry about our lack of depth at S and would like the team to add to the depth in FA (Golden/Cromartie-Smith are your backup S's on roster currently, some scuttlebutt that Gay could play at S, but I digress). There will obviously be an adjustment period for Shamarko and all Steelers defensive rookies, we all know that the Dom Capers **** LeBeau 2013 defense has a stiff learning curve, especially at the Safety position(s), as Bracie stated earlier. But with the lack of options, Thomas could play alot his freshman season -- will likely start next year in place of Clark in 2014.

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

Dom Capers?

The Pittsburgh DC isn't foremost on my conciousness nor is Evan Silva so you get a giggle point.

If you want to take another shot at why not pull up the Eric Silva thread and message girlish giggle who has your mindset?

The clever reparte that you bring makes the board go round so I'm glad to have added to your entertainment.

hmmm... good stuff here... are you sure you're a Browns fan? Seems like this was a well thought out post and Im not used to that from Browns fans...

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

Dom Capers?

The Pittsburgh DC isn't foremost on my conciousness nor is Evan Silva so you get a giggle point.

If you want to take another shot at why not pull up the Eric Silva thread and message girlish giggle who has your mindset?

The clever reparte that you bring makes the board go round so I'm glad to have added to your entertainment.

Bracie It's just that Dom Capers hasnt been a member of the Steelers coaching staff in almost 2 decades (1994-1995 season, and only coached for 3 seasons in PIT), so I thought it humorous that you would reference him not once, not twice, but thrice in the same paragraph. Just a friendly joust, but I suppose I was unaware that someone had a sad bear day.

In regards to Shamarko, I dont anticipate him starting, but based on what Carnell Lake has post-draft, he strongly indicated that he could see time as a nickel CB in case of emergency (Carnell was most impressed with Shamarko shadowing Robert Woods in a recent game vs. USC). It is my opinion that position flexibility is a big reason why we moved up to get him (maybe other teams didnt feel as strongly about his position flexibility); perhaps he is a bit undersized but Im guessing the Steelers are gambling that his intangibles can make up for the lack of height. The hope is that he is more Bob Sanders than Anthony Smith (whose comparables are similar).

The most ardent of Steeler fan will know that Troy/Clark are not exactly the most durable S's around, and are likely to miss some time - Shamarko should be top dog at backup S when the dust settles in St. Vincent's.

Conversely, I still worry about our lack of depth at S and would like the team to add to the depth in FA (Golden/Cromartie-Smith are your backup S's on roster currently, some scuttlebutt that Gay could play at S, but I digress). There will obviously be an adjustment period for Shamarko and all Steelers defensive rookies, we all know that the Dom Capers **** LeBeau 2013 defense has a stiff learning curve, especially at the Safety position(s), as Bracie stated earlier. But with the lack of options, Thomas could play alot his freshman season -- will likely start next year in place of Clark in 2014.

I like your thoughts one Shamarko, however, is the bolded schtick?

(please note: im feeling like a jerk today so I apologize... its FRIDAY)

 

[The Hank]

Dom Capers?

The Pittsburgh DC isn't foremost on my conciousness nor is Evan Silva so you get a giggle point.

If you want to take another shot at why not pull up the Eric Silva thread and message girlish giggle who has your mindset?

The clever reparte that you bring makes the board go round so I'm glad to have added to your entertainment.

Bracie It's just that Dom Capers hasnt been a member of the Steelers coaching staff in almost 2 decades (1994-1995 season, and only coached for 3 seasons in PIT), so I thought it humorous that you would reference him not once, not twice, but thrice in the same paragraph. Just a friendly joust, but I suppose I was unaware that someone had a sad bear day.

In regards to Shamarko, I dont anticipate him starting, but based on what Carnell Lake has post-draft, he strongly indicated that he could see time as a nickel CB in case of emergency (Carnell was most impressed with Shamarko shadowing Robert Woods in a recent game vs. USC). It is my opinion that position flexibility is a big reason why we moved up to get him (maybe other teams didnt feel as strongly about his position flexibility); perhaps he is a bit undersized but Im guessing the Steelers are gambling that his intangibles can make up for the lack of height. The hope is that he is more Bob Sanders than Anthony Smith (whose comparables are similar).

The most ardent of Steeler fan will know that Troy/Clark are not exactly the most durable S's around, and are likely to miss some time - Shamarko should be top dog at backup S when the dust settles in St. Vincent's.

Conversely, I still worry about our lack of depth at S and would like the team to add to the depth in FA (Golden/Cromartie-Smith are your backup S's on roster currently, some scuttlebutt that Gay could play at S, but I digress). There will obviously be an adjustment period for Shamarko and all Steelers defensive rookies, we all know that the Dom Capers **** LeBeau 2013 defense has a stiff learning curve, especially at the Safety position(s), as Bracie stated earlier. But with the lack of options, Thomas could play alot his freshman season -- will likely start next year in place of Clark in 2014.

I like your thoughts one Shamarko, however, is the bolded schtick?

(please note: im feeling like a jerk today so I apologize... its FRIDAY)

NTTAWWT

 

[H8fulHuck]

Hey diddle diddle. Bell up the middle. The improved running game should really help Tommy Maddox with the play action pass. This could be the season Maddox throws for 5,000 yards!!!

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I still think cutting Unitas will be a mistake

 

[Tyranny]

Jack Butler Passes

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/sports-nfl/20130511/20130511151415576015208/

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

You know who I really miss?

Kordell Bradshaw and Byron "Bam Bam" Foster!!

Man could they play!!

 

[Franknbeans]

Can someone talk to me about downside/cons with Shamarko Thomas? he's too short, and concussion history is all I've really seen so far, and everyone is nutting over the pick and his play thus far. Why did he last until the 4th round?

I read that Carnell Lake said if he was 2" taller, he would have gone in the first.

 

[apalmer]

Dom Capers?

The Pittsburgh DC isn't foremost on my conciousness nor is Evan Silva so you get a giggle point.

If you want to take another shot at why not pull up the Eric Silva thread and message girlish giggle who has your mindset?

The clever reparte that you bring makes the board go round so I'm glad to have added to your entertainment.

Bracie It's just that Dom Capers hasnt been a member of the Steelers coaching staff in almost 2 decades (1994-1995 season, and only coached for 3 seasons in PIT), so I thought it humorous that you would reference him not once, not twice, but thrice in the same paragraph. Just a friendly joust, but I suppose I was unaware that someone had a sad bear day.

In regards to Shamarko, I dont anticipate him starting, but based on what Carnell Lake has post-draft, he strongly indicated that he could see time as a nickel CB in case of emergency (Carnell was most impressed with Shamarko shadowing Robert Woods in a recent game vs. USC). It is my opinion that position flexibility is a big reason why we moved up to get him (maybe other teams didnt feel as strongly about his position flexibility); perhaps he is a bit undersized but Im guessing the Steelers are gambling that his intangibles can make up for the lack of height. The hope is that he is more Bob Sanders than Anthony Smith (whose comparables are similar).

The most ardent of Steeler fan will know that Troy/Clark are not exactly the most durable S's around, and are likely to miss some time - Shamarko should be top dog at backup S when the dust settles in St. Vincent's.

Conversely, I still worry about our lack of depth at S and would like the team to add to the depth in FA (Golden/Cromartie-Smith are your backup S's on roster currently, some scuttlebutt that Gay could play at S, but I digress). There will obviously be an adjustment period for Shamarko and all Steelers defensive rookies, we all know that the Dom Capers **** LeBeau 2013 defense has a stiff learning curve, especially at the Safety position(s), as Bracie stated earlier. But with the lack of options, Thomas could play alot his freshman season -- will likely start next year in place of Clark in 2014.

I'm afraid Kosar will be able to really pick on a rookie safety.

 

[Godsbrother]

Dom Capers?

The Pittsburgh DC isn't foremost on my conciousness nor is Evan Silva so you get a giggle point.

If you want to take another shot at why not pull up the Eric Silva thread and message girlish giggle who has your mindset?

The clever reparte that you bring makes the board go round so I'm glad to have added to your entertainment.

Bracie It's just that Dom Capers hasnt been a member of the Steelers coaching staff in almost 2 decades (1994-1995 season, and only coached for 3 seasons in PIT), so I thought it humorous that you would reference him not once, not twice, but thrice in the same paragraph. Just a friendly joust, but I suppose I was unaware that someone had a sad bear day.

In regards to Shamarko, I dont anticipate him starting, but based on what Carnell Lake has post-draft, he strongly indicated that he could see time as a nickel CB in case of emergency (Carnell was most impressed with Shamarko shadowing Robert Woods in a recent game vs. USC). It is my opinion that position flexibility is a big reason why we moved up to get him (maybe other teams didnt feel as strongly about his position flexibility); perhaps he is a bit undersized but Im guessing the Steelers are gambling that his intangibles can make up for the lack of height. The hope is that he is more Bob Sanders than Anthony Smith (whose comparables are similar).

The most ardent of Steeler fan will know that Troy/Clark are not exactly the most durable S's around, and are likely to miss some time - Shamarko should be top dog at backup S when the dust settles in St. Vincent's.

Conversely, I still worry about our lack of depth at S and would like the team to add to the depth in FA (Golden/Cromartie-Smith are your backup S's on roster currently, some scuttlebutt that Gay could play at S, but I digress). There will obviously be an adjustment period for Shamarko and all Steelers defensive rookies, we all know that the Dom Capers **** LeBeau 2013 defense has a stiff learning curve, especially at the Safety position(s), as Bracie stated earlier. But with the lack of options, Thomas could play alot his freshman season -- will likely start next year in place of Clark in 2014.

I'm afraid Kosar will be able to really pick on a rookie safety.

Nonsense. Donnie Shell is not a rookie.

All seriousness aside, I do think Shamarko is going to get plenty of P/T. As Hank said, Polamalu & Clark are not paragons of health and the depth behind them is putrid. I fully expect Shamarko to be ahead of DaMon Cromartie-Smith and Robert Golden on the depth chart by the start of the season if he isn't already there now.

 

[pghrob]

Don't ask me where this thought came from, but when I think of Shamarko, I think of former Steelers safety Thomas Everett. Certain references had him playing at 5'9" 190 lbs. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EverTh00.htm

I enjoyed watching him play along with Woodson and Beltin' Delton Hall back in the late 80's at the end of the Noll era.