Let's take a look at 3-4 OLB's on the roster

[BigRob]

Right now it is:

James "Silverback" Harrison
Lamarr "Gildon" Woodley
Jason "All" Worilds
Chris "No Nickname" Carter
Adrian "One-Trick Pony" Robinson

Who stays, who goes, do we need to draft one in RD1?

I'll go first:

Harrison is cut/restructured and comes back at a much lower rate

Adrian Robinson and Jason Worilds must have a big off-seasons. Robinson has to hit the weights like silverback and Worilds must stay healthy and have a full off-season of workouts.

Adrian Robinson has a very quick burst and must prove he can take the next step.

[Oviedo]

Just shows how thin we are at the most important position in a 3-4 defense and probably a good indication why we have one of the worst sack totals in the past two decades.

[BigRob]

Just shows how thin we are at the most important position in a 3-4 defense and probably a good indication why we have one of the worst sack totals in the past two decades.

We need one. I'm thinking the pick in the first round is going to be an OLB, CB, or OL. Got to get a pass rusher and stronger in the trenches.

Could also see us trading back and getting a WR like Terrance Williams or Deandre Hopkins.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

I know some here are afraid of mingo in the 1st, but will he be a candidate?

[phillyesq]

We need one. I'm thinking the pick in the first round is going to be an OLB, CB, or OL. Got to get a pass rusher and stronger in the trenches.

Could also see us trading back and getting a WR like Terrance Williams or Deandre Hopkins.

It's interesting. The OLB has been the key to the 3-4 defense in Pittsburgh for 20 years, and the only first rounder the Steelers have invested at the position was on Timmons, who was originally projected outside before the emergence of Harrison.

If there is a year to invest a first round selection here, this is it. I would love to see the OLBs next year as:

Harrison (restructured)
Woodley
Worilds
1st Rounder
Robinson

I'd give the draft choice time at both OLB spots and serve notice to Woodley that his poor conditioning and poor play won't cut it.

[lloydroid]

Right now it is:

James "Silverback" Harrison
Lamarr "Gildon" Woodley
Jason "All" Worilds
Chris "No Nickname" Carter
Adrian "One-Trick Pony" Robinson

Who stays, who goes, do we need to draft one in RD1?

I'll go first:

Harrison is cut/restructured and comes back at a much lower rate

Adrian Robinson and Jason Worilds must have a big off-seasons. Robinson has to hit the weights like silverback and Worilds must stay healthy and have a full off-season of workouts.

Adrian Robinson has a very quick burst and must prove he can take the next step.

Let's take a look at all the failed draft picks, that, had they hit on a few, we wouldn't be in this bad situation.

Chris Carter - stinks like a rotting rat.
Jason Worilds - Could still produce, led team in sacks.
Steve Sly - worthless
Mike Humpal - tried to convert to S, just sucks all around
Bruce Davis - I knew it was a bad pick immediately. Sucks total @$$
Rian Wallace - never did a damn thing.

[lloydroid]

I know some here are afraid of mingo in the 1st, but will he be a candidate?

A thin guy who can't defend the rushing game. I don't know.

[phillyesq]

Let's take a look at all the failed draft picks, that, had the hit on a few, we wouldn't be in this bad situation.

Chris Carter - stinks like a rotting rat.
Jason Worilds - Could still produce, led team in sacks.
Steve Sly - worthless
Mike Humpal - tried to convert to S, just sucks all around
Bruce Davis - I knew it was a bad pick immediately. Sucks total @$$
Rian Wallace - never did a damn thing.

Aside from Worilds and Davis, they were all late round picks. And Sylvester is not worthless - he is a solid special teams contributor.

Also, Sylvester, Humpal and Wallace were drafted as ILBs.

[BigRob]

I know some here are afraid of mingo in the 1st, but will he be a candidate?

Absolutely. I know a lot of people don't like him, but the upside is out of this world. He is also one of the LSU players that coaches said was very dedicated, unlike Sam Montgomery.

[supersteeler]

I wouldn't draft an OLB in the first round only my opinion nothing more.
I still believe we need a dominate NT before an OLB, when you have a NT that takes on Blocks and double teams it will free up Ziggy, Heyward and Keisel to get more pressure on the QB, but it also helps our LB'ers.

Jason Worlids with limited play had 5 sacks, I wonder if he plays 16 games what his sack total would be, pressures, and tackles. He backs up Woodley, but couldn't he move over to where Harrison Plays should we lose James? I know we have Carter but for me Worlids is our best LB after Timmons, James, and Woodley.

Casey is on his down side, Mclendon is good but not dominate, he actually is better rushing the passer than stopping the run and taking up blocks, thats why we need that void filled at NT.
I think John Jenkins could fill that role, there are two rated above him on the draft board, but after reading everything about them I feel Jenkins is the best at NT.

Btw, If Reid is there in the second I'm confident we take him, we'll need a future starter at safety when either Troy or Clark retires, but also depth for next year. Allen is decent, but Mundy may have seen his last Sunday with the Steelers.

[lloydroid]

Aside from Worilds and Davis, they were all late round picks. And Sylvester is not worthless - he is a solid special teams contributor.

Also, Sylvester, Humpal and Wallace were drafted as ILBs.

Inside, outside...Timmons was drafted as an OLB. Point is, they have made many bad LB picks over all. Let's not forget Huey Richardson, if we want to talk about FAIL LB picks. And Woodley, based on this season, is FAIL. I know, he has had some good seasons, but ever since his big contract? He has been mostly worthless. They gonna pay him $13 mill next year? Yea, that seems really prudent.

[lloydroid]

One thing that has not been brought up in this thread: Since more teams are now running a 3-4, does that not make it more difficult to find the 2-3rd round picks to excel as OLBs? It must make it more difficult to find steals - just do the math. More teams looking for smallish DEs to convert into 3-4 OLBs means harder for us to find those guys after the first round.

[BigRob]

One thing that has not been brought up in this thread: Since more teams are now running a 3-4, does that not make it more difficult to find the 2-3rd round picks to excel as OLBs? It must make it more difficult to find steals - just do the math. More teams looking for smallish DEs to convert into 3-4 OLBs means harder for us to find those guys after the first round.

More college teams run hybrid defenses. Not buying this argument anymore. Half of the league still runs a 4-3 variant. It's been 50-50 for 10 years now.

[SidSmythe]

Let's take a look at all the failed draft picks, that, had they hit on a few, we wouldn't be in this bad situation.


Rian Wallace - never did a damn thing.

Not True. The guy returned an INT for a TD. Saw it w/ my own 2 eyes!!

[flippy]

Absolutely. I know a lot of people don't like him, but the upside is out of this world. He is also one of the LSU players that coaches said was very dedicated, unlike Sam Montgomery.

I think Tomlin will love him. His athleticism jumps off the chart.

He is also very oddly built at the same time. He looks like a CB/S that was too big and converted to OLB. We would really have a lot of speed and athleticism at the LB position with a lineup of Worlids, Timmons, Spence, and Bark.

Whether he meets his potential or not, teams would still have to game plan against him because of his athleticism and that frees up other guys to make plays.

[Oviedo]

I think Tomlin will love him. His athleticism jumps off the chart.

He is also very oddly built at the same time. He looks like a CB/S that was too big and converted to OLB. We would really have a lot of speed and athleticism at the LB position with a lineup of Worlids, Timmons, Spence, and Bark.

Whether he meets his potential or not, teams would still have to game plan against him because of his athleticism and that frees up other guys to make plays.

Take Mingo and expect three years of "not stout enough against the run" posts from those who think we still play 70s football. IMO he is more a fit for the 4-3, but then maybe we should take him!!!!!

[Dee Dub]

Let's take a look at all the failed draft picks, that, had they hit on a few, we wouldn't be in this bad situation.

Jason Worilds - Could still produce, led team in sacks.


Incorrect. Worilds had 5. James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons were tied for the team lead with 6.

[SS Laser]

Lets look at this from a different angle. Say the steelers can keep James cheap for 1 or 2 years. Woodley can stay healthy and produce like he did. Maybe even move to Harrisons side. Worilds sticks for back up and/or replace Woodley? Robinson grows and COULD be used on 3rd downs to rush in 2013? (Can he rush from either side? I remember him in preseason on Woodleys side?) Maybe Robinson or Woodley can be the replacement for James instead of a 1st rd pick? Maybe some here are right and we need a NT to help the rest be much better. Also is there a 2-7rd 3-4 OLB instead of using a 1st rd pick?
Thinking outside the box again. Because if James is still here for 2013 will a 1st rd OLB see the field much? Also a bad azz NT will help Timmons blitz and Spence if recovered. ( Hope he used all day AP's doctor). Will a NT help get us back to Blitz Burgh? Another question for you guru's. Who will/could blitz better between Timmons and Spence? Timmons from inside is a beast sometimes. But was Spence any good at blitzing in college?

[Slapstick]

The problem is this:

Right now, there are too many unknowns...

The only things we know are these:

1) We are paying Woodley a lot of money, so he will be here.
2) We are paying James Harrison too much money, so his status is in doubt.
3) Worilds can play, but is a FA.

Carter, Robinson, Spence and Sylvester may or may not pan out...

Basically, if the BPA is a LB, like Te'o or Mingo, can the Steelers go wrong?

[Chadman]

Not sure what Worilds has done wrong to be completely written off as a failure at this point. He looks just about on track to be peaking as James Harrison leaves the building.

Saying that Woodley is a 'fail' because he didn't play at his usual standard this season is like calling Hampton a 'fail' because he wasn't dominant this season. Woodley is fine. Injury is his biggest concern- always has been. Same with Troy, but you don't hear people clamoring to get rid of Troy.

Steelers have used a few 'measurables' at the combine to pinpoint their LB options over the last few years, so until we see how they measure up, it's too hard to even guess at who they would look at. That said, Ohio St's John Simon looks interesting as a 2nd round type prospect, or if they look later in the draft Nebraska's Eric Martin looks to have just the right amount of nasty in him. Could even add Florida's Lerentee McCray as a mid round option.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Not sure what Worilds has done wrong to be completely written off as a failure at this point. He looks just about on track to be peaking as James Harrison leaves the building.
Is Worilds a FA this year? I'd like to see the Steelers keep him on, albeit at a reasonable price. He seems to be getting better. I think that at this point, he's better than Woodley.


Saying that Woodley is a 'fail' because he didn't play at his usual standard this season is like calling Hampton a 'fail' because he wasn't dominant this season. Woodley is fine. Injury is his biggest concern- always has been. Same with Troy, but you don't hear people clamoring to get rid of Troy.
Woodley was a "fail" this season. He came in out of shape (inexcusable for a professional football player), and as a result, he couldn't get healthy the whole season. How helpful can he be if he's always at half-strength? Too much money tied up in a player who, unless he drastically changes his ways, will likely have more of the same problems with injuries as he gets older. As for Troy? He doesn't come in out of shape, and he's been fantastic in the past, but I have to wonder if he's reached the point of diminishing returns. The kind of athlete he is, and the way he plays, he's apt to have more of the same kinds of problems with injuries as he ages. I actually thought the secondary played pretty well when Allen took his place. And Allen's salary is a lot lower than Troy's. I'll add James Harrison to the conversation. I think he could still contribute to this team, and he's still the best OLB on the roster, but for the salary he's making, and at his age, you have to wonder if we can afford to keep him. I'd like to see him stay, but unless he takes a drastic pay cut, I would think the Steelers would need to give him his walking papers.


Steelers have used a few 'measurables' at the combine to pinpoint their LB options over the last few years, so until we see how they measure up, it's too hard to even guess at who they would look at. That said, Ohio St's John Simon looks interesting as a 2nd round type prospect, or if they look later in the draft Nebraska's Eric Martin looks to have just the right amount of nasty in him. Could even add Florida's Lerentee McCray as a mid round option.
It would be fine to try to find a good LB later in the draft, but if we're going to continue to run the defense we do, where the LB's are the focal point, seems to me we're going to have to spend a first or second round pick on one before long.

[Shawn]

Let me tell you something, drafting a guy like Zach Boren in the 4th as your thumper ILB is a great value. The guy was a fullback. After an injury this season, he begged the coaches to try him out. He was an insta-starter for the Buckeyes...and my favorite linebacker to watch play. He only has room to grow, and is just a beast. I believe with only a season of grooming he would start for the Steelers.

[Oviedo]

Let me tell you something, drafting a guy like Zach Boren in the 4th as your thumper ILB is a great value. The guy was a fullback. After an injury this season, he begged the coaches to try him out. He was an insta-starter for the Buckeyes...and my favorite linebacker to watch play. He only has room to grow, and is just a beast. I believe with only a season of grooming he would start for the Steelers.


I'm think Jon Bostic from Florida would look great next to Timmons. Guy can fly around the field.

[Chucktownsteeler]

I think we need to seriously look at LB in the first round, but it will always come to BPA. I think Hightower was the pick last season until David DeCastro fell in our laps.

No one, including the Steelers thought DeCastro would be there.

[Slapstick]

John Simon is a relentless, high motor player...props to Chadman for recognizing...

Simon has also played a stand-up role in pass rushing...he wasn't asked to drop much at all, but I bet he would be as effective as a LaMarr Woodley in the short area...

Zach Boren has LB instincts as good as any I've seen...to be so effective after playing FB for years is amazing...

[Shoe]

Not sure what Worilds has done wrong to be completely written off as a failure at this point. He looks just about on track to be peaking as James Harrison leaves the building.

Saying that Woodley is a 'fail' because he didn't play at his usual standard this season is like calling Hampton a 'fail' because he wasn't dominant this season. Woodley is fine. Injury is his biggest concern- always has been. Same with Troy, but you don't hear people clamoring to get rid of Troy.

How can you say Woodley isn't a FAIL? Here are his average numbers over the last five years B.C. (Before Contract), and A.D. (After Deal :P)

Games played
BC: 15.33
AD: 11.5

Sacks
BC: 11.67
AD: 6.5

Forced Fumbles
BC: 2
AD: 0.5

If you look at this production, and take into account his physical condition, he looks like your classic Shaun Alexander, take-the-money-and-run type player.

[Oviedo]

How can you say Woodley isn't a FAIL? Here are his average numbers over the last five years B.C. (Before Contract), and A.D. (After Deal :P)

Games played
BC: 15.33
AD: 11.5

Sacks
BC: 11.67
AD: 6.5

Forced Fumbles
BC: 2
AD: 0.5

If you look at this production, and take into account his physical condition, he looks like your classic Shaun Alexander, take-the-money-and-run type player.

It looks like a natural 4-3 DE who is being required to play as a 3-4 OLB and his body isn't holding up to the constant running covering receivers. Therefore we see the numerous and repeated leg injuries.

[Shoe]

It looks like a natural 4-3 DE who is being required to play as a 3-4 OLB and his body isn't holding up to the constant running covering receivers. Therefore we see the numerous and repeated leg injuries.

That is a ridiculous notion. First of all, if he was doing his job as a rusher, they wouldn't make him drop into coverage as much as he does. Did you ever see Kevin Greene drop into coverage? No, because a) he wasn't good at it, and b) he was getting to the quarterback anyway. I'm not saying that I don't agree that he should be a DL--I do. But he's not getting to the QB. That's why they're dropping him more.

Second, the main part of his body failing him is his hamstrings. I've pulled my hamstring once in my life. It happened at a time when I was out-of-shape and overweight. Never did it happen when I was in-shape (not overweight). A fat guy is way more likely to pull a hammy. If he doesn't want to pull a hammy, lose weight (i.e. fat).

[BigRob]

John Simon is a relentless, high motor player...props to Chadman for recognizing...

Simon has also played a stand-up role in pass rushing...he wasn't asked to drop much at all, but I bet he would be as effective as a LaMarr Woodley in the short area...

Zach Boren has LB instincts as good as any I've seen...to be so effective after playing FB for years is amazing...

Simon has alligator arms, no thank you. He's going to struggle in the pros. I am interested to see him in the Senior Bowl.

Strike me interested in Boren late in the draft or as an UDFA.

[SuperSize]

Not sure what Worilds has done wrong to be completely written off as a failure at this point. He looks just about on track to be peaking as James Harrison leaves the building.

Saying that Woodley is a 'fail' because he didn't play at his usual standard this season is like calling Hampton a 'fail' because he wasn't dominant this season. Woodley is fine. Injury is his biggest concern- always has been. Same with Troy, but you don't hear people clamoring to get rid of Troy.

Steelers have used a few 'measurables' at the combine to pinpoint their LB options over the last few years, so until we see how they measure up, it's too hard to even guess at who they would look at. That said, Ohio St's John Simon looks interesting as a 2nd round type prospect, or if they look later in the draft Nebraska's Eric Martin looks to have just the right amount of nasty in him. Could even add Florida's Lerentee McCray as a mid round option.

I think both of these would fit into LeBeau's 3-4. Martin is a Harrison clone, 6'-0" & 250, & McCray plays pretty well in space.


Pete

[Shawn]

John Simon is a relentless, high motor player...props to Chadman for recognizing...

Simon has also played a stand-up role in pass rushing...he wasn't asked to drop much at all, but I bet he would be as effective as a LaMarr Woodley in the short area...

Zach Boren has LB instincts as good as any I've seen...to be so effective after playing FB for years is amazing...

you certainly nailed it. Both of these guys I would love to see on the Steelers. Shoot, I would be on cloud 9 if the draft looked like Hankins, Simons, Boren in the first 3 rounds.

[Shawn]

Simon has alligator arms, no thank you. He's going to struggle in the pros. I am interested to see him in the Senior Bowl.

Strike me interested in Boren late in the draft or as an UDFA.
Doubt Boren gets out of the 4th at the latest.

[NorthCoast]

It looks like a natural 4-3 DE who is being required to play as a 3-4 OLB and his body isn't holding up to the constant running covering receivers. Therefore we see the numerous and repeated leg injuries.

Apparently it's in Woodley's DNA to be a 4-3 DE. He can't do anything about it.

What a silly statement.

[phillyesq]

Apparently it's in Woodley's DNA to be a 4-3 DE. He can't do anything about it.

What a silly statement.

The suggestion that Woodley gets hurt because he drops into coverage (and not because of poor conditioning) is absolutely absurd.

[NJ-STEELER]

weren't we #1 in defense this year (as well as being very high in the rankings the last few years)


and wasnt the offense pretty bad statistically?

next year we might lose 2 more weapons on the offense in mendy and wallace


so, is drafting another defensive player at #1 wise?

[Mister Pittsburgh]

weren't we #1 in defense this year (as well as being very high in the rankings the last few years)


and wasnt the offense pretty bad statistically?

next year we might lose 2 more weapons on the offense in mendy and wallace


so, is drafting another defensive player at #1 wise?

No, I think with the desires of ownership in mind, we should draft Chance Warmack in the first round if he is there and a RB between rounds 2 through 4 and a mid round WR/ pass catching TE as well.

[hawaiiansteel]

I predict that Woodley gets himself in shape and rebounds with a good season, James Harrison returns after taking a pay cut and Jason Worilds is waiting for his opportunity to finally play and shine just like Keenan Lewis finally go to do this season.

our situation is not that dire at OLB...

[Sugar]

No, I think with the desires of ownership in mind, we should draft Chance Warmack in the first round if he is there and a RB between rounds 2 through 4 and a mid round WR/ pass catching TE as well.

Why not draft the top TE coming out first (since Heath is recovering) and then get an OL in 2-4? We'll have another OL for depth, but a TE for the future and to team with Heath when he returns. The bonus is that Haley might know how to use both TE's.

[Oviedo]

Why not draft the top TE coming out first (since Heath is recovering) and then get an OL in 2-4? We'll have another OL for depth, but a TE for the future and to team with Heath when he returns. The bonus is that Haley might know how to use both TE's.


We will need an OL to start and play not for depth if we lose Starks and Foster.

[BigRob]

Doubt Boren gets out of the 4th at the latest.

I'll trust your judgement as you have watched more Ohio State than me. Very interesting prospect.

[BigRob]

The suggestion that Woodley gets hurt because he drops into coverage (and not because of poor conditioning) is absolutely absurd.


Keith Butler has been pretty clear he thinks Woodley gets hurt because of his conditioning. He is at that point in his career where he needs to ask himself this question: Do I have the desire to be the best pass rusher in the league?

If he answers yes, one of the only things that is holding him back is his conditioning.