P-G: Missouri linebacker Steelers kind of player

[PSU_dropout43]

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

INDIANAPOLIS -- Sean Weatherspoon seems like a natural fit at inside linebacker for the Steelers. He chatters like Larry Foote, has played behind Ziggy Hood and even knows the difference between the buck and mack positions in their 3-4 defense.

And, like Hines Ward, he is smiling all the time.

"That's my thing, always talking, always having a good time," said Weatherspoon, a Missouri linebacker and one of the top inside prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I love football. It's not a right to play football. It's a privilege. The good Lord has blessed me with that privilege to be here, and I am excited. "

He might get another privilege: Eventually replacing James Farrior at inside linebacker in the Steelers' defense.

Of all the positions the Steelers might want to address in the NFL draft, perhaps none is in more need of attention than inside linebacker where Farrior, their captain, is 35 and without a young replacement behind him. That became even more apparent after nose tackle Casey Hampton, who will be 33 in September, signed a three-year, $21.3 million contract last week.

Weatherspoon is not considered the top linebacker in the draft. Right now, that distinction belongs to Alabama's Rolando McClain (6 feet 31/3, 254 pounds), who is bigger than Weatherspoon (6-1 1/4, 239) and played in the 3-4 defense in college with the national champion Crimson Tide.

But McClain might not get past the New York Giants, who have the 15th overall pick in the draft and are looking for a replacement for Antonio Pierce. Because of his size, McClain could also play middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

"I think me playing under coach [Nick] Saban kind of gave me an advantage, especially playing in his 3-4," McClain said. "His 3-4 is so complicated. He's coach Saban. He's one of the best defensive minds. I learned so much from him."

The Steelers have the 18th overall pick and, if they don't have a shot at McClain, might consider Weatherspoon, who played with last year's No. 1 pick -- Ziggy Hood -- at Missouri. Weatherspoon finished with more than 400 career tackles with the Tigers and is considered an inside linebacker in the 3-4 because of how well he runs to the ball.

Other teams, though, are looking at him as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Not the Steelers, who met with Weatherspoon Friday night.

"Coach [Mike] Tomlin said he saw me fitting in at either the mack or the buck," Weatherspoon said, referring to the positions played by Farrior (buck) and Lawrence Timmons (mack) in the Steelers' defense. "He was saying inside, that is what he talked about. I don't have a problem with that.

"If I've got to do the dirty work and take on the linemen to free up the other players for them to make plays, then I am all about that. I am all about just being a team guy and taking care of business."

And what if he got to play behind Hood again?

"That would be cool," Weatherspoon said.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10060/10 ... z0gtxUvfK8 (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10060/1039382-66.stm#ixzz0gtxUvfK8)

[hawaiiansteel]

Sean Weatherspoon tops my wish list for the Steelers' #1 round draft choice. He is a team leader as well as a tackling machine with over 400 career tackles while at Missouri and is great in pass coverage, a necessity in today's pass-happy NFL.

Weatherspoon would be a perfect replacement for James Farrior and would provide us some much-needed depth at ILB along with Timmons and Fox after Farrior retires.

[Shawn]

Ehh I don't know about an ILB in the first. The Steelers would have to think poorly of Fox in the starting role. From what I seen Fox can flat out play...physical...good in coverage...just a solid all around linebacker. I would rather have Micah Johnson in the 4th personally (if we are talking depth) and solidify our secondary with Thomas who can play DB, SS or FS.

If both Thomas and Weatherspoon are on the board at 18...I think the Steelers will have a tough decision. They certainly value a top notch LBr over FS...as well they should. But, if Fox can start and play well...its much less of a need than FS. I consider these guys equal in talent. Both can play ball. I say we draft Thomas.

[birtikidis]

I'm pretty sure that most people have the feeling that Fox isn't that good. I don't have a solid opinion on him. I'd rather have weatherspoon. I'd be fine with that pick. I'd prefer to trade down, but, if not that pick would be a good one.

[Shawn]

I'm pretty sure that most people have the feeling that Fox isn't that good. I don't have a solid opinion on him. I'd rather have weatherspoon. I'd be fine with that pick. I'd prefer to trade down, but, if not that pick would be a good one.

Yeah but you base your observation on the fact that he didn't start at KC. I base my evaluation on what I seen. When did you see him miss a tackle or get burned? He was were he was supposed to be...making tough physical plays. Which game do you believe he played poorly in...I should go back and take a look.

If the Steelers do think poorly of Fox they will definitely grab Weatherspoon if he is there. I think that's a no brainer because FS is an easier spot to fill in our D.

But, if they do think Fox can start...then Thomas is the no brainer. I mean a ball hawk with terrific coverage skills that can play CB, SS and FS? Come on that's a dream come true for a D that was pathetic without Troy...who's #2 DB sucks hard and who has no real replacement for Ryan Clark "the best FS in the game"...lol.

If we do re-sign Clark...then I will change my mock draft.

[hawaiiansteel]

I'm pretty sure that most people have the feeling that Fox isn't that good. I don't have a solid opinion on him. I'd rather have weatherspoon. I'd be fine with that pick. I'd prefer to trade down, but, if not that pick would be a good one.

Yeah but you base your observation on the fact that he didn't start at KC. I base my evaluation on what I seen. When did you see him miss a tackle or get burned? He was were he was supposed to be...making tough physical plays. Which game do you believe he played poorly in...I should go back and take a look.

If the Steelers do think poorly of Fox they will definitely grab Weatherspoon if he is there. I think that's a no brainer because FS is an easier spot to fill in our D.

But, if they do think Fox can start...then Thomas is the no brainer. I mean a ball hawk with terrific coverage skills that can play CB, SS and FS? Come on that's a dream come true for a D that was pathetic without Troy...who's #2 DB sucks hard and who has no real replacement for Ryan Clark "the best FS in the game"...lol.

If we do re-sign Clark...then I will change my mock draft.


If Weatherspoon and Thomas are both available when we pick at #18, I take Spoon and look to draft Chad Jones or Nate Allen in the second round.

If Weatherspoon is gone, Earl Thomas would be a great selection and then look to draft ILB Brandon Spikes or Daryl Washington in Round 2 or one of the many CBs available.

[birtikidis]

how do you get my opinion on fox, when i say that i don't have a solid opinion of him? what i meant by that is that i don't have enough to draw a conclusion. I've really only seen him in spot duty with a handful of starts. gay looked good in a handful of starts last year, and seeing how he did as the long term starter... not saying fox is the same as gay, but once bitten twice shy...

[NJ-STEELER]

playing a lil devils' advocate

do we really need to spend a number 1 on inside LB when we have a

young pro bowler (woodley) a year removed defensive MVP (debo) and a pretty high #1 pick (timmons) playing along side of them


with lloyd, greene, kirkland....should have we upgraded with a 1st rounder instead of playing jerry O.

i think we can find a guy later that would be good enough and we can improve a much greater need in the secondary or OC.

FWIW, i would take mcclain, cause i think he's gonna bve special

[Shawn]

how do you get my opinion on fox, when i say that i don't have a solid opinion of him? what i meant by that is that i don't have enough to draw a conclusion. I've really only seen him in spot duty with a handful of starts. gay looked good in a handful of starts last year, and seeing how he did as the long term starter... not saying fox is the same as gay, but once bitten twice shy...

Yeah I cant see how Fox relates to Gay. But, I thought you were the one saying he probably sucks because he didnt start at KC. From what I have seen Fox is the real deal. With that said, the Steelers have seen alot more of him than myself. I'm not saying the Steelers agree with me. If they don't Weatherspoon will be the pick as the ILB position is more important to our scheme and harder to fill. The only way we roll with Iupati is if Thomas and Weatherspoon are gone. I can't see anyway the Steelers pass on a FS with DB coverage skills...who is a true ball hawk...or Weatherspoon who is a tackling machine who can also cover.

[birtikidis]

wow shawn you got a MD without being able to read? at no point did i say ANYTHING about KC. and how does it relate? both looked decent in spot duty and part time starters. as a full time starter gay looked bad. as a full time starter fox will look bad. get it?

[Shawn]

wow shawn you got a MD without being able to read? at no point did i say ANYTHING about KC. and how does it relate? both looked decent in spot duty and part time starters. as a full time starter gay looked bad. as a full time starter fox will look bad. get it?

No need to get your panties in a bunch. Someone said that in a previous debate and I thought it was you. And no I don't get it. Guess Im slow or your logic is faulty. I can't see how Gay looking good or bad has anything to do with Fox.

[stlrz d]

wow shawn you got a MD without being able to read? at no point did i say ANYTHING about KC. and how does it relate? both looked decent in spot duty and part time starters. as a full time starter gay looked bad. as a full time starter fox will look bad. get it?

I disagree. I don't think he'll be a star in the NFL but he certainly won't look bad.

And the point Shawn makes is correct...Gay has nothing to do with Fox.

By your logic we need to draft at every position because no one on the roster will be able to replace the guy ahead of them ever.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

My boy SPOON making me look good! 34 on the bench. "Get off me OL!"

http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/02/28/butler- ... -in-bench/ (http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/02/28/butler-leads-way-for-linebackers-in-bench/)

[Oviedo]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.

[steelblood]

Ehh I don't know about an ILB in the first. The Steelers would have to think poorly of Fox in the starting role. From what I seen Fox can flat out play...physical...good in coverage...just a solid all around linebacker. I would rather have Micah Johnson in the 4th personally (if we are talking depth) and solidify our secondary with Thomas who can play DB, SS or FS.

If both Thomas and Weatherspoon are on the board at 18...I think the Steelers will have a tough decision. They certainly value a top notch LBr over FS...as well they should. But, if Fox can start and play well...its much less of a need than FS. I consider these guys equal in talent. Both can play ball. I say we draft Thomas.


I'd take Thomas in that scenario. Thomas is undersized, but he has a chance to be very special. I also think Thomas could be a very good starting corner (if we resign Clark). Weatherspoon is a good player, but I didn't like the way he played vs Navy in the bowl game. He got fooled to often and had real trouble breaking free from some very average offensive linemen. Weatherspoon would be a better value later in the first or early second, imho.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


Spoon is not the Timmons "LITE". He weighs more than Timmons coming out. Spoon put up 9 more reps than Timmons. Timmons put up 1 more rep than McClain. Timmons never had the strength of Spoon and nowhere close to the resume. Spoon had over 100 tackles his last three years. 155 his Junior year.

We here all of this negativity about Spoon being the small athletic LB and he isn't a good fit replacing Farrior. He isn't small...He just not a 250 LB thumper. But how many of them are running around in the NFL? Farrior never had Spoons athleticism, SPoons strength, or Spoons size. Farrior told everyone he played at 225 at the end of the SB year. So who is everyone comparing him to? It isn't the James Farrior playing for the Steelers.

Just for reference. Spoon is the same size as Willis coming out. Spoon put up 12 more reps than Willis. I will keep looking at the comparison. But how many of us would love to have seen Willis as a Steeler? As much as having Troy on the field gives the secondary flexibilty...Having Spoon & Timmons in the middle will add to that. When you have 2 MLBs that could run with the RBs & TEs in man or handle WRs in their intermediate zone...I can only imagine what DL will come up with.

[Shawn]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


Spoon is not the Timmons "LITE". He weighs more than Timmons coming out. Spoon put up 9 more reps than Timmons. Timmons put up 1 more rep than McClain. Timmons never had the strength of Spoon and nowhere close to the resume. Spoon had over 100 tackles his last three years. 155 his Junior year.

We here all of this negativity about Spoon being the small athletic LB and he isn't a good fit replacing Farrior. He isn't small...He just not a 250 LB thumper. But how many of them are running around in the NFL? Farrior never had Spoons athleticism, SPoons strength, or Spoons size. Farrior told everyone he played at 225 at the end of the SB year. So who is everyone comparing him to? It isn't the James Farrior playing for the Steelers.

Just for reference. Spoon is the same size as Willis coming out. Spoon put up 12 more reps than Willis. I will keep looking at the comparison. But how many of us would love to have seen Willis as a Steeler? As much as having Troy on the field gives the secondary flexibilty...Having Spoon & Timmons in the middle will add to that. When you have 2 MLBs that could run with the RBs & TEs in man or handle WRs in their intermediate zone...I can only imagine what DL will come up with.

I'm starting to hop on the Spoon bandwagon. The guy is an athletic marvel. I just didn't see him fitting. But, I think my logic was faulty and I think there is a strong chance that we draft him. I wouldn't be unhappy with that selection.

[Oviedo]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


Spoon is not the Timmons "LITE". He weighs more than Timmons coming out. Spoon put up 9 more reps than Timmons. Timmons put up 1 more rep than McClain. Timmons never had the strength of Spoon and nowhere close to the resume. Spoon had over 100 tackles his last three years. 155 his Junior year.

We here all of this negativity about Spoon being the small athletic LB and he isn't a good fit replacing Farrior. He isn't small...He just not a 250 LB thumper. But how many of them are running around in the NFL? Farrior never had Spoons athleticism, SPoons strength, or Spoons size. Farrior told everyone he played at 225 at the end of the SB year. So who is everyone comparing him to? It isn't the James Farrior playing for the Steelers.

Just for reference. Spoon is the same size as Willis coming out. Spoon put up 12 more reps than Willis. I will keep looking at the comparison. But how many of us would love to have seen Willis as a Steeler? As much as having Troy on the field gives the secondary flexibilty...Having Spoon & Timmons in the middle will add to that. When you have 2 MLBs that could run with the RBs & TEs in man or handle WRs in their intermediate zone...I can only imagine what DL will come up with.

I'm starting to hop on the Spoon bandwagon. The guy is an athletic marvel. I just didn't see him fitting. But, I think my logic was faulty and I think there is a strong chance that we draft him. I wouldn't be unhappy with that selection.


I don't think that Weatherspoon would be a bad selection at #18. I think he would be one of my top 5 along with: Mays, Spiller, Odrick and Iupati.

I also think we will hear bemoaning about his stoutness against the run because he is in fact very much more a speed player than a thumper much like Timmons. I'm not saying that is bad because I think that with OT's being allowed to hold with relative impunity having two players on the inside that can blitz will become more critical.

[Dee Dub]

....If we do re-sign Clark...then I will change my mock draft.

That means your draft would be based on need?? Stick to your guns Shawn. Take best player available. If Thomas is rated highest on the Steelers board at 18...then that sould be the pick. Regardless if Clark is signed.

[Dee Dub]

....I also think we will hear bemoaning about his stoutness against the run because he is in fact very much more a speed player than a thumper much like Timmons....

34 reps at 225?? I think he's got a little thump in him. :wink:

[birtikidis]

shwan my point was: I'm leery of expecting a back up to come in and start and look good. I compared the scenario to gay. gay looked good in spot duty, good enough to let mcfad walk and for us not to look at other options. I feel that fox is the same kind of player. good in spot duty but not a full time starter. imo it's relatively easy to come off the bench and look decent for a game or two since other teams (and their players) don't know your tendencies.
and stlrz d why would i think we have to draft at every position? seriously, I'm looking for a starter, not a real good backup that looks good in spot duty. I've stated what I think we need, where we need to draft them and why. I would say that we need to start getting younger on d. all over the place.

[NW Steeler]

shwan my point was: I'm leery of expecting a back up to come in and start and look good. I compared the scenario to gay. gay looked good in spot duty, good enough to let mcfad walk and for us not to look at other options. I feel that fox is the same kind of player. good in spot duty but not a full time starter. imo it's relatively easy to come off the bench and look decent for a game or two since other teams (and their players) don't know your tendencies.
and stlrz d why would i think we have to draft at every position? seriously, I'm looking for a starter, not a real good backup that looks good in spot duty. I've stated what I think we need, where we need to draft them and why. I would say that we need to start getting younger on d. all over the place.

I agree. Fox looks petty decent in spot duty, but I think there is a reason that he has never really been a full-time starter. I think he started some in KC, but let him go, and they needed a LOT of help on D.

[Shawn]

....If we do re-sign Clark...then I will change my mock draft.

That means your draft would be based on need?? Stick to your guns Shawn. Take best player available. If Thomas is rated highest on the Steelers board at 18...then that sould be the pick. Regardless if Clark is signed.

I'm saying they are equal players...and yes need does come into play. Even the Steelers have been quoted as saying so. Need always plays into the equation. If you have two grounded starters at ILB...why draft another just because he is BPA? Makes no sense. That would make as much sense as drafting a QB in the first. So, the guns are stuck. ;)

[Shawn]

shwan my point was: I'm leery of expecting a back up to come in and start and look good. I compared the scenario to gay. gay looked good in spot duty, good enough to let mcfad walk and for us not to look at other options. I feel that fox is the same kind of player. good in spot duty but not a full time starter. imo it's relatively easy to come off the bench and look decent for a game or two since other teams (and their players) don't know your tendencies.
and stlrz d why would i think we have to draft at every position? seriously, I'm looking for a starter, not a real good backup that looks good in spot duty. I've stated what I think we need, where we need to draft them and why. I would say that we need to start getting younger on d. all over the place.

I agree. Fox looks petty decent in spot duty, but I think there is a reason that he has never really been a full-time starter. I think he started some in KC, but let him go, and they needed a LOT of help on D.

The Steelers have been quoted as being very please with his play. He wasn't a FT starter here because of Farrior and Timmons. And as we know some players need time to develop...who knows if he got in a dog house, wasnt ready at KC or that KC is just that poor at scouting their own talent. Wasn't Bettis benched when playing for the Rams?

[Shawn]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


What's even more curious is the fact that I have heard zero info on their desire to draft Thomas. We have serious needs in our secondary and this guy is elite talent. I don't even think we spoke to Mendenhall last season before we drafted him...he wasn't on anyones radar.

[Oviedo]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


What's even more curious is the fact that I have heard zero info on their desire to draft Thomas. We have serious needs in our secondary and this guy is elite talent. I don't even think we spoke to Mendenhall last season before we drafted him...he wasn't on anyones radar.

They may not agree that Thomas is elite talent. On a number of boards (for what they are worth) he has been dropping on questions whether he is physical enough to be successful against an NFL running game and be durable.

The safeties in the Steelers defensive scheme do not play the same way the Safeties do in other schemes especially with Troy freelancing like does. Many times the FS in our defense has to play like a SS. That is why I take Taylor Mays over Thomas.

[Shawn]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


What's even more curious is the fact that I have heard zero info on their desire to draft Thomas. We have serious needs in our secondary and this guy is elite talent. I don't even think we spoke to Mendenhall last season before we drafted him...he wasn't on anyones radar.

They may not agree that Thomas is elite talent. On a number of boards (for what they are worth) he has been dropping on questions whether he is physical enough to be successful against an NFL running game and be durable.

The safeties in the Steelers defensive scheme do not play the same way the Safeties do in other schemes especially with Troy freelancing like does. Many times the FS in our defense has to play like a SS. That is why I take Taylor Mays over Thomas.

Ehhh...hold it right thur O. I think you got it mixed up. Because of the way Troy plays...the safety is responsible for being the centerfielder...more coverage responsibilities. Thomas is light years ahead of Mays in coverage. Thomas fits a centerfielder better than Mays. Not to mention Thomas is very physical...but yes teams wonder about his durability because of his size. Now Mays is interesting...if we brought him in...it would be because they want to extend Troy's career. Allowing Mays to be the missle wouldn't be a bad idea.

[Lebsteel]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


What's even more curious is the fact that I have heard zero info on their desire to draft Thomas. We have serious needs in our secondary and this guy is elite talent. I don't even think we spoke to Mendenhall last season before we drafted him...he wasn't on anyones radar.

They may not agree that Thomas is elite talent. On a number of boards (for what they are worth) he has been dropping on questions whether he is physical enough to be successful against an NFL running game and be durable.

The safeties in the Steelers defensive scheme do not play the same way the Safeties do in other schemes especially with Troy freelancing like does. Many times the FS in our defense has to play like a SS. That is why I take Taylor Mays over Thomas.
Thomas may have heard of that criticism. He weighed in at 5'10" and 208 lbs. The same size as Troy. Also, he did 21 reps in the BP. Only three less than Taylor Mays and the same number as Myron Rolle. That is impressive. I can't wait to see his 40 time and cone drill times.

[Steel Life]

My thought about Thomas & why I doubt their interest, is that if they are saying that they may not be able to sign Clark because the team has so much money tied up position with Troy's contact, then why would they draft a safety in the 1st considering the dollars that it would command?

Spoon, regardless of where he's drafted, would be a great asset to the team & the thought of having two big-hitting, heat-seeking missiles as our LBs should bring a smile to any Steeler fan's face.

[Shawn]

I really hope dollars don't keep the Steelers from drafting the guy who could be the best in this class. Check out this write up from a recent article.

Next stop, Earl Thomas from the University of Texas -- another complete defensive back. Here's a guy that plays the piano and saxophone off the field, and on the field drives quarterbacks crazy trying to figure out where he lines up and what his responsibility really is on a given play. Some would argue he's ahead of Berry on draft boards. I asked Thomas if he was the best defensive back in the draft, but he was way too humble to answer that question. Instead, he went on to talk about how he prepares for football and opponents, and when the coaches at the combine hear him talk they all are going to want him on their team. He told me how his family lost its home in a hurricane and why it's time to help out by going to the NFL.

When I asked him about press coverage techniques, his response was, "My dad played arena football and I've been pressing guys since elementary school." Thomas can line up anywhere in the secondary and play well. I circled back to the piano at the end of our conversation and asked him how he got started with playing. "Our family was at church one Sunday and the choir was singing and no one was on the piano," he explained. "So my dad said, 'Go up there and play along.'" With no training at all, Thomas went up and tried to play. Earl Thomas can do it all!

[papillon]

Jim Wexell is not a fan of drafting Weatherspoon as described below. He usually has pretty accurate info so I wonder if interest in Weather spoon is a "smokescreen?"



In 2007, I raged – initially – at the drafting of Lawrence Timmons with the 15th pick. I was surprised that the Steelers were calling him an outside linebacker for their scheme when in reality he was a 4-3 will backer.

Well, the Steelers moved him inside to replace their weakest linebacker and now it appears they have their pass-downs coverage backer for the next several years. Fine.

But the Steelers are looking at Lawrence Timmons II at this combine. His name is Sean Weatherspoon. Like Timmons, he’s really a 4-3 will backer with similar size and speed.

Weatherspoon had an admittedly uneven senior season, and played poorly when moved inside against Navy in Missouri’s bowl loss. But, at the Senior Bowl, he played his best football of the season as a middle backer. Weatherspoon dropped fluidly and quickly into coverage and shot gaps to take down ballcarriers. And he did it all loudly, since he’s an enthusiastic and passionate leader. But, at his size, he doesn’t take on blocks. He runs around them, so I still feel he’d fit better as a 4-3 will backer. He’s Timmons Lite.

So why draft a second Timmons? Why draft an inside coverage backer who’ll have to be taken off the field on third downs because you already have one of those?

It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll watch Weatherspoon go through the paces at the combine today. And I’ll also watch Brandon Spikes, who, with his physical inside presence and third-down pass-rushing ability off the edge, makes more sense as James Farrior’s eventual replacement.

That is, of course, if Rolando McClain is already drafted in the first 17 picks, as expected.


What's even more curious is the fact that I have heard zero info on their desire to draft Thomas. We have serious needs in our secondary and this guy is elite talent. I don't even think we spoke to Mendenhall last season before we drafted him...he wasn't on anyones radar.

I think he was on their radar, but they didn't realistically believe he would be there when they were on the clock, same with Sweed, they thought Christmas came early with both of those picks, iirc.

Pappy

[williar]

I'm in love with this kid too. He seems just what the dr. ordered for our aging, lackluster defense. Athletic, vocal, and emotional leader, and playmaker. Sign me up!

[SS Laser]

Ok I have an idea here guys. If we were to pick weatherspoon. Could this be the new 3-4 defense. Tomlin's idea could be to have more athletic LB like a tampa 2 LB. With a little different guys for the d-line ala ziggy hood? Instead of changing to a 4-3/tampa 2 defense maybe the idea is to change the 3-4 a touch with the type of players? Or will the whole league change some because of the pass happiness? And it seems the increase in speed that even running backs have now. I might be nuts?

It seems funny on the money side of this. Already have big money in a safety and will at ILB. Both 1st round picks. Look were the first round picks are:
QB,RB,WR,S,ILB,DE,NT. Were do you put that next big payday? How much does the dollar figure effect the 1st rd pick? Do they even look ahead to the money a 1st rd player will be looking for in his second contract. Not sure how the CBA affects this.

As a side note Mayock even said today how surprised he is in the 40 times that are coming out every year.

[NJ-STEELER]

My thought about Thomas & why I doubt their interest, is that if they are saying that they may not be able to sign Clark because the team has so much money tied up position with Troy's contact, then why would they draft a safety in the 1st considering the dollars that it would command?

Spoon, regardless of where he's drafted, would be a great asset to the team & the thought of having two big-hitting, heat-seeking missiles as our LBs should bring a smile to any Steeler fan's face.


by that token, how much can we invest in the LB position.

debo is making big money, woodley is gonna get big money, timmons is getting 1st RD moohla

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

[quote="Steel Life":pi6l1npa]My thought about Thomas & why I doubt their interest, is that if they are saying that they may not be able to sign Clark because the team has so much money tied up position with Troy's contact, then why would they draft a safety in the 1st considering the dollars that it would command?

Spoon, regardless of where he's drafted, would be a great asset to the team & the thought of having two big-hitting, heat-seeking missiles as our LBs should bring a smile to any Steeler fan's face.


by that token, how much can we invest in the LB position.

debo is making big money, woodley is gonna get big money, timmons is getting 1st RD moohla[/quote:pi6l1npa]
Honestly, wouldn't that be one of the reasons you do draft a LB? Shedding Farrior's & Harrison's contract over the next 2 years with a 1st round draft pick is alot cheaper than going out in FA and trying to fill holes in 2 years. It is that ever turning process. Farrior & Harrison are getting paid while the draft picks Timmons & Woodley earn their next contract. Woodley & Timmons = Harrison & Farrior going into 2011. We need to look for the new Timmons & Woodley. Maybe the new Timmons & Woodley will be Spoon & "fill in the blank".

[NJ-STEELER]

Ruth brought up the same thing for safety with troy

its gonna be his 8th yr.


by the time a new saftty's contract is up, troy might be retiring also