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***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2012 Thread (1 Viewer)

'JoeSteeler said:
So Im reading that Colbert said Adams sought out the FO and requested a face to face interview with Colbert, Tomlin, and Rooney after the positive drug test. Tomlin told him he's off their draft board, but gave him stipulations, and he met his criteria. Colbert says "we'll see" if he gets straightened out and will watch him on a day to day basis.I question the pick, but I give the FO the benefit of the doubt. Still shocked we took him will all the off-field issues and other highly rated positional need players on the board. Im with Colbert, we'll see.
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Any idea what the stipulations are? Reading he gave up part of his signing bonus?
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Think I heard delayed signing bonus.
 
'JoeSteeler said:
So Im reading that Colbert said Adams sought out the FO and requested a face to face interview with Colbert, Tomlin, and Rooney after the positive drug test. Tomlin told him he's off their draft board, but gave him stipulations, and he met his criteria. Colbert says "we'll see" if he gets straightened out and will watch him on a day to day basis.I question the pick, but I give the FO the benefit of the doubt. Still shocked we took him will all the off-field issues and other highly rated positional need players on the board. Im with Colbert, we'll see.
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Any idea what the stipulations are? Reading he gave up part of his signing bonus?
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reading conflicting stories on this. one says he called PIT and offered this stipulation -- deferred his sign bonus for 1.5 years. His agent is denying this.
 
Too bad they took DEs the last couple years, because Jared Crick would be a steal this late at 5-tech end. Some 3-4 team is going to get a quality starter in the 3rd/4th round just because the guy got hurt this past year.

 
'Evilgrin 72 said:
Too bad they took DEs the last couple years, because Jared Crick would be a steal this late at 5-tech end. Some 3-4 team is going to get a quality starter in the 3rd/4th round just because the guy got hurt this past year.
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Draft BPABut, think Ta'amu or Lamar Miller could be it.
 
Sean Spence, LB

OverviewSpence does everything he can to overcome lack of natural size and strength. He is already a coach on the field -- something teams may note for the future -- and shows amazing recognition skills that result from intense film analysis. Athletically, he reads and reacts quickly without wasted steps. Spence is not fooled often by play-action, and shows above average skills as a pass defender. At the Combine, he said "I think I am a three-down linebacker -- very fast, I can go sideline to sideline, I'm a smart, very instinctive player. ... I lead by example, and most of all I make plays." Indeed, Spence has been consistent throughout his athletic career, collecting more than 100 tackles as a senior on Miami Northwestern High School's 2007 National Championship team (chosen by USA Today). In 2008 he earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors at Miami and his career totals include 317 tackles (169 solo and 46 for a loss) and 10.5 sacks. However, he may be tagged as an overachiever based on his workout at the Combine, which included only 12 reps with 225 pounds on the bench press and a mediocre 4.71 seconds in 40 yards. He said afterward he had a bad shoulder and usually benches at least 19.AnalysisRead & React: Probably his best asset. Excellent diagnosing skills. Is rarely out of position even against quality play-action, though he can be too aggressive in attacking the hole, leaving cutback lanes for talented backs. Shoots gaps, escaping blocks of the behemoth offensive lineman to rack up tackles at (or often behind) the line of scrimmage. Sniffs out screens and draws quickly. High-effort player who hustles to the ball in pursuit. Is seemingly always around the action. Run defense: Makes a lot of plays against the run due to his instincts and athleticism. Shows surprising explosiveness in his upper body, which combined with his natural leverage advantage, makes him a tougher block for offensive linemen than he appears. Would rather elude blockers, however, and does so well, zipping through holes to often trip up ball carriers before they've built their momentum. Very good chase linebacker. Possesses good timed speed and good balance to keep his feet while wading through the trash. Takes good angles in pursuit. Pass defense: Gains good depth on his drops and trusts his eyes. Reads the quarterback and often gets a head start towards the receiver due to his instincts. Good agility and straight-line speed. Would like to see him be more physical in re-routing tight ends as they come off the line; instead he relies on his athleticism to mirror backs and tight ends. Lack of size hurts him in this area. Does not appear to have the loose hips to consider a move to a traditional safety role. Tackling: A bit inconsistent in this area despite his hype. Good lateral agility and balance to break down. Reads the action so quickly and relies so heavily on his burst to make plays before blockers can get to him that he has a tendency to lunge, resulting in some ugly missed tackles. Generates impressive momentum and can explode into ball carriers. Generally does a nice job of wrapping his arms around the legs of ball carriers, but his relatively short limbs and weak upper body lead to some ball carriers running through his arm tackles. Very good effort in pursuit. Spends too much time on the ground, but isn't there for long. Pass Rush/Blitz: An underrated element of his game. Does a nice job of anticipating the snap count and times his blitzes well. Great speed through gaps and has a legitimate burst to close on the quarterback. Doesn't rely strictly on his athleticism, as he has an effective swim move and good agility to elude blocks. Intangibles: Signed with Miami as a 195-pound linebacker. Honored by his teammates as Miami's Most Valuable Player following 2010 season and Defensive Outstanding Player in 2011. Projects best as a weak-side linebacker for the NFL, but played on the strong side for Miami. --Rob Rang
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'HellToupee said:
Spence going to end up inside or outside?
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He's WAY too small to be an edge rusher. He's more of a coverage guy. I'd say he'd be transitioned to safety before OLB. He's a guy I'd project to the Will slot in a 4-3, I'm not sure he has the hip flip to play centerfield, but maybe that's what they're thinking. I'd tend to think they're projecting him in Foote's role, though.
 
If they are going to play him next to Timmons, it makes me wonder if they ever had an interest in Hightower. They're polar opposites.

My guess is he only plays in nickel packages and on ST this year.

 
Sean Spence, OLB, Miami(FL)

Height: 5’11″

Weight: 231

40 Time: 4.56

Arms: 31 1/2″ Hands: 9 1/4″

Vertical: 33.5″ Broad: 9’11″ 3 Cone: 7.46 Short Shuttle: 4.28 Bench: 12

Strengths: Undersized but athletic OLB prospect – Spence is a very instinctual player, is able to make pre-snap reads and diagnoses the play faster than any other defender on the field – Run and chase type linebacker, makes plays from sideline to sideline – Good quickness and lateral ability, has a good first step and is able – His quick reads allow him to beat blockers to the spot and make a lot of plays – Good tackler, doesn’t show any hesitation and is willing to put his body on the line – Emotional leader of the defense – Has had four years of quality production – Spence just understands how to play football, despite his physical limitations – Has good instincts in coverage – Can cover the flats and break on routes that are in front of him – Can turn and run and exhibits good hips – What separated Spence from other undersized linebackers is his ability to quickly diagnose and get there, his game all revolves around that.

Weaknesses: Size is a major concern, built more like a safety than a OLB – Strength is also a concern only able to do 12 reps on the bench, which is well below average for the position – Will struggle when the game gets physical – Biggest question mark for me besides size is his ability to get off blocks and play in the box – He struggled in college to free himself from blockers and it will only be more difficult in the pros – Plays undisciplined at times, over runs plays, bites on play fakes and takes a false step – Can certainly improve his hands – Not much of an edge rusher, not strong enough to beat most OT – Plays fast, but at the combine, he didn’t test out as the kind of athlete I expected – Not a fit for many NFL teams, going to have to play in a Tampa-2 type scheme where he is allowed to run free and play in space.

 
Looks to be a very good coverage and smarts linebacker.

4 year starter and captain of the Miami Hurricanes. Fast and agile.

Remember, Farrior was playing down at 220. Spence sits at 230+.

 
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'Evilgrin 72 said:
If they are going to play him next to Timmons, it makes me wonder if they ever had an interest in Hightower. They're polar opposites.My guess is he only plays in nickel packages and on ST this year.
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Pretty much the exact thought I had when I saw the pick. They have to being seeing him as a packages type guy to slug in to the nickle next to Timmons. Given the proliferation of passing offenses, and the fact that the Steelers have been getting jobbed in the short zone for a couple years due to Farrior's decline in coverage. maybe they're over it? Who know. I have seen Spence play a little bit. He can certainly cover(particularly good in the short zone) and he moves pretty well. Pretty instinctive. I think he was worthy of the selection at that part of the draft, but I question how great of a fit he may be for the scheme. The reported strong character and work ethic he's got weighed in his favor, I'm sure. Lot of experience too. I don't hate the player, he just seems like a rhombus shaped peg trying to fit into a hexagonal shaped hole.The Safety angle....dunno about that. He'd need to drop some serious weight, and if dropping the weight didn't improve his speed he'd be a pretty big liability against some of these move TEs.
 
I'm really kind of puzzled by the Spence pick. I just don't know how he isn't a major liability against the run. I wonder if they're thinking safety.

 
'5-ish Finkle said:
'Evilgrin 72 said:
If they are going to play him next to Timmons, it makes me wonder if they ever had an interest in Hightower. They're polar opposites.My guess is he only plays in nickel packages and on ST this year.
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Pretty much the exact thought I had when I saw the pick. They have to being seeing him as a packages type guy to slug in to the nickle next to Timmons. Given the proliferation of passing offenses, and the fact that the Steelers have been getting jobbed in the short zone for a couple years due to Farrior's decline in coverage. maybe they're over it? Who know. I have seen Spence play a little bit. He can certainly cover(particularly good in the short zone) and he moves pretty well. Pretty instinctive. I think he was worthy of the selection at that part of the draft, but I question how great of a fit he may be for the scheme. The reported strong character and work ethic he's got weighed in his favor, I'm sure. Lot of experience too. I don't hate the player, he just seems like a rhombus shaped peg trying to fit into a hexagonal shaped hole.The Safety angle....dunno about that. He'd need to drop some serious weight, and if dropping the weight didn't improve his speed he'd be a pretty big liability against some of these move TEs.
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Agreed on all counts. I have no idea what they're thinking here. The guy's a linebacker, not a safety, but he's a guy I never thought the Steelers would have picked. He almost HAS to play in a 4-3 where he can be covered up. I have visions of NFL backs running him over when he's plugging the gap.
 
'Evilgrin 72 said:
'5-ish Finkle said:
'Evilgrin 72 said:
If they are going to play him next to Timmons, it makes me wonder if they ever had an interest in Hightower. They're polar opposites.

My guess is he only plays in nickel packages and on ST this year.
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Pretty much the exact thought I had when I saw the pick. They have to being seeing him as a packages type guy to slug in to the nickle next to Timmons. Given the proliferation of passing offenses, and the fact that the Steelers have been getting jobbed in the short zone for a couple years due to Farrior's decline in coverage. maybe they're over it? Who know.

I have seen Spence play a little bit. He can certainly cover(particularly good in the short zone) and he moves pretty well. Pretty instinctive. I think he was worthy of the selection at that part of the draft, but I question how great of a fit he may be for the scheme. The reported strong character and work ethic he's got weighed in his favor, I'm sure. Lot of experience too. I don't hate the player, he just seems like a rhombus shaped peg trying to fit into a hexagonal shaped hole.

The Safety angle....dunno about that. He'd need to drop some serious weight, and if dropping the weight didn't improve his speed he'd be a pretty big liability against some of these move TEs.
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Agreed on all counts. I have no idea what they're thinking here. The guy's a linebacker, not a safety, but he's a guy I never thought the Steelers would have picked. He almost HAS to play in a 4-3 where he can be covered up. I have visions of NFL backs running him over when he's plugging the gap.
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I dont think run defense is their major concern. Its a new era.As I stated, he weighs more then Farrior did the last 3+ seasons.

And during those 3 seasons our rush defense has been #1, #1, #3.

He can cover, is a leader, a highly football intelligent play caller that is a solid tackler.

Seems pretty obvious what they are thinking.

 
Where was Spence supposed to go?

Indifferent on the pick right now because I dont know enough about him, but the pick came out of nowhere it seemed. So he wouldnt have been there in the 4th or later?!

 
Linebackers coach Keith Butler says he sees Spence eventually working behind Timmons and is impressed with Spence's speed, which should be a plus on special teams.
 
'Kenny Powers said:
Where was Spence supposed to go? Indifferent on the pick right now because I dont know enough about him, but the pick came out of nowhere it seemed. So he wouldnt have been there in the 4th or later?!
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Third round was probably about right. Just confusing because he was almost universally seen as restricted to a 4-3 weakside linebacker and not really a fit in a 3-4, so that left me wondering if they were planning on trying to convert him to sagety. apparently not, though, he'll be a special teams guy and a back-up ILB that may see some time in nickel packages.
 
'Kenny Powers said:
Where was Spence supposed to go?

Indifferent on the pick right now because I dont know enough about him, but the pick came out of nowhere it seemed. So he wouldnt have been there in the 4th or later?!
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Great blue had him at #89 overall. 3rd.Walter football said 4th with a chance at 3rd.

NFLDraftscout had him as a 3rd.

Mike Mayock had him at #81, 3rd. ("I love Sean Spence," Mayock said. "Someone is going to get a hell of a player.")

Strengths:

Blazing speed, sideline-to-sideline with ease

Excellent instincts

Reliable tackler with good technique

Very athletic

Gets deep in his pass drop

Covers a lot of ground in zone

Read-and-react skills

Fabulous pursuit linebacker

Can flip his hips to run with receivers

Quality blitzer

Three-down linebacker

Durable

Experienced 2-year starter

Team leader despite suspension

Could star on special teams

Weaknesses:

Extremely undersized

Taking on blocks

Shedding blocks

Can't stay at middle; has to move to the outside

Suspended in Miami scandal

Summary: Spence is a linebacker who is impossible to ignore when watching Miami film. He was all over the field and was constantly around the football. Spence had 106 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble in 2011. He played very well against Georgia Tech and many other opponents after being suspended for the season opener against Maryland.

Spence has good instincts with the speed to run from sideline-to-sideline. He played middle linebacker for the Hurricanes, but he will have to move outside in the pros. He'll have some issues with taking on and shedding blocks, so the move to the outside will be able to decrease the number of linemen he takes on. However, Spence is going to to have to improve there because it is a major weakness. He can't run around blockers in the NFL, as that will allow some open gaps for offenses to exploit.

There is no doubt that Spence can run down backs and make tackles in pursuit. He is a reliable tackler and can take on bigger backs. His instincts consistently get him in position to make plays.

Spence has a number of strengths in pass coverage. He has the speed to cover a lot of ground and get deep in his drops. Spence also has the quickness and athletic ability to cover backs out of the backfield, or be a good spy on the quarterback. He also is a quality blitzer.

Spence's size is the major hurdle, and he just has to overcome it. Some great NFL players have overcome being undersized, while the majority don't make it. He was a superb college player, but may just be too small for the NFL. Because of the size issues, Spence figures to be a mid-round pick.
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Get this... think of the stupendous linebacking history of the Miami Hurricanes and that "Spence finished with the most tackles for losses in program history (47)"

 
The more I think about it, that pick could be in some part a reaction to all the fast TE threats popping up all over the place. He's a guy that could cover some of these freak TEs.

 
'Evilgrin 72 said:
'Kenny Powers said:
Where was Spence supposed to go? Indifferent on the pick right now because I dont know enough about him, but the pick came out of nowhere it seemed. So he wouldnt have been there in the 4th or later?!
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Third round was probably about right. Just confusing because he was almost universally seen as restricted to a 4-3 weakside linebacker and not really a fit in a 3-4, so that left me wondering if they were planning on trying to convert him to sagety. apparently not, though, he'll be a special teams guy and a back-up ILB that may see some time in nickel packages.
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So why are we taking a backup ILB and STer in the 3rd again?!
 
I think a major problem for the Steelers LB's the past few years has been the inability for anyone to wrap up and make a tackle. While Potsie was great against the run, he was a liability vs. the pass. He was routinely beat by faster TE's and slot WR's when going into zone.

Spence pick makes total sense in that he is known as a superb tackler, agile, and able to go into coverage.

At first, I wasnt sure, but after watching his highlights, along with his writeups and Butler's comments; I like this pick alot.

 
The more I think about it, that pick could be in some part a reaction to all the fast TE threats popping up all over the place. He's a guy that could cover some of these freak TEs.
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Also occurred to me after letting it simmer a bit. How many times were the Steelers jobbed in that short middle zone the past couple years? That answer is "a lot."I mentioned earlier, he may only be viewed as a packages player for the near future, but as much as teams pass in this era of the NFL a "packages player" may well wind up seeing a majority of snaps any given week. I don't think any of us want to see Larry Foote trying to cover a move TE, do we?I will withhold judgement, but if Butler thinks he can hang on the inside that is good enough for me. He's developed enough LBs in this scheme for me to take his word for it and see what happens.
 
'5-ish Finkle said:
he may only be viewed as a packages player for the near future, but as much as teams pass in this era of the NFL a "packages player" may well wind up seeing a majority of snaps any given week. I don't think any of us want to see Larry Foote trying to cover a move TE, do we?
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Over the past 4 seasons Spence has gone from 202 lbs out of high school, to 231 pounds at the combine. That's 7 lbs a year on average. And last year he was 224 before his senior season began. Thats pretty steady growth. Hopefully he continues to grow and get stronger.
 
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Adams, who is 6 feet 7 1/4, 322 pounds, apparently was mortified when he learned he had tested positive. A native of Farrell, Pa., and a lifelong Steelers fan he said, according to his agent, Monroeville native Eric Metz, "I blew it. I blew my chance of being a Steeler."

Metz said he told him: "If you were my son, I'd tell you to get in the car, drive up there, see them face to face like a man and tell them you screwed up. He got in his car and drove over there. It was important to him, he wanted to be a Steeler."

When he arrived, he met with Colbert, coach Mike Tomlin and president Art Rooney.

"We told him he was off our draft board," Colbert said.

But the fact that Adams made that drive, which the Steelers appreciated, led to circumstances that culminated in them drafting him Friday night.

"For me, it was more about trying to get back in their good graces," Adams said. "I knew I screwed up, I was a lifelong Steelers fan. I wanted to show my remorse and let them know I love that organization and will do anything to be part of it."

The Steelers laid out some stipulations for Adams to get back on their draft board, which included counseling. Colbert said he met them all, and they gave him a first-round grade on their board.

Adams laid out what he must do now: "Do the things I'm supposed to do, make the right decisions and produce on the field. As long as I do the right things, I think everything will be OK."

Colbert admitted Adams was a risky pick, but said all draft picks are risks, and that Adams showed them he is serious about making up for his mistake.

As Metz said, "He ate a big piece of humble pie and he's ready to move on with his life."

If he can put the marijuana issue behind him -- he also was suspended for five games last season after getting caught up in the Buckeyes' "tattoogate" -- then the Steelers might have gotten another steal as they pour another high pick into the rebuilding of their offensive line.
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Additionally, the article suggests Adams will begin as a backup at either tackle, and that the "delayed bonus" story was inaccurate.
 
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Love what you guys have done so far. Well, as an NFL fan I do; as a Ravens fan, not so much :P

I really like the Adams pick. If there's any culture that can get him straight, it Pittsburgh's. And if he does get his head right, he's gonna be a monster.

Who turned on the lightbulb in Cincy? I think they made a mistake by passing on DeCastro in favor of the other kid, but he's going to be a good player in his own right.

Not sure what to think about the Browns draft right now, but Richardson is going to be a royal PITA to deal with for the other AFCN teams.

And the Ravens.......love the Upshaw pick, though I really wanted some OL help there. He's a mean, tough, nasty individual. The OL they took later in the 2nd seems to need a kick in the butt, but he's got talent.

I think the whole AFCN has gotten a lot better in the last couple of days.

 
'Kenny Powers said:
'Evilgrin 72 said:
'Kenny Powers said:
Where was Spence supposed to go? Indifferent on the pick right now because I dont know enough about him, but the pick came out of nowhere it seemed. So he wouldnt have been there in the 4th or later?!
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Third round was probably about right. Just confusing because he was almost universally seen as restricted to a 4-3 weakside linebacker and not really a fit in a 3-4, so that left me wondering if they were planning on trying to convert him to sagety. apparently not, though, he'll be a special teams guy and a back-up ILB that may see some time in nickel packages.
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So why are we taking a backup ILB and STer in the 3rd again?!
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because he's going to be a great player for the Steelers? Seriously guys, sometimes you overthink things. It matters not what round we took him in if he pans out.I look at it this way, we already got essentially two first round picks who were not only the best players available but also filled a huge need on the team. It is sounding like Spence may turn out to fit in that category also.Mayock's take: "One of my favorite football players on tape. He's one of the more instinctive linebackers in this draft. In the 3-4 scheme in Pittsburgh, he's going to have to play outside or that Will linebacker inside. Either way, I don't care, because I really like the way he plays."
 
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anyone else get the sneaking suspicion that tomlin/lebeau are transitioning to a 4-3 possibly as early as 2013? for the past few years we've been clamoring for a NT to groom to take Hampton's spot and instead we draft Ziggy Hood and Heyward who, to me, both seem suited to the 4-3 switch and now with the Spence pick, it got me thinking again that a phase-out of the 3-4 may be on the horizon.

 
Tattogate: OSU players got free tats and stuff from local artist because they were football players. They got caught and suspended for it.

 
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