Steeler LB Corp is rated only #12 in the NFL

[Oviedo]

[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3488158"]http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/ ... id=3488158[/url]

I think that Woodley and Timmons moves this rating up significantly. BTW the Cowboys and the Chargers are rated #1 and #2.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers
James Harrison exceeded expectations in taking over for Joey Porter at right outside linebacker. He is tenacious and nasty. Harrison uses his power and leverage to his advantage and is a force in all aspects of his position. Opposite Harrison, second-year player LaMarr Woodley will replace Clark Haggans. In limited views, Woodley was extremely impressive. He is big and thick with natural pass-rushing skills. Woodley could be a breakout player this year with more time on the field and should be an instant upgrade over the departed Haggans. College DE Bruce Davis will be converted to outside linebacker and may see the field some in throwing situations this season as Woodley did a year ago. James Farrior and Larry Foote are the incumbent starters on the inside, but last year's first-round selection Lawrence Timmons will challenge Foote on the weak side. Even if he doesn't win the starting job, the versatile and gifted Timmons will have a prominent role in the sub-package defenses. Foote is proven and solid, but not the ideal athlete for this spot. It wouldn't be shocking to see Timmons go past him during the season. Farrior remains a rock for the Steelers. He is tough and physical at the point of attack. While his age is catching up to him and he isn't the top-notch athlete he was when drafted high in the first round, he remains very steady and important to this team. This ranking surely will fluctuate in accordance to how Woodley and Timmons perform.

[NorCal-Steeler]

I'm looking for Farrior to have a big season this year with teams shifting protection to Woodley, Harrison and Timmons.

[blacknblue80s]

Its funny, we have all been talking about how good the offense will be,
but this defense ranked #1 last year. Just imagine with the additions of Woodley, Timmons and Davis getting some time, they should be much improved.

My prediction is that our defense will outshine the offense this season as long as Aaron Smith stays healthy.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

I think that article is right on the mark! Too many questions with Woodley & Timmons AS OF RIGHT NOW! I would say by years end...They will be in the Top5! Woodley & Harrison will have double digit sacks. Timmons will be starting by the break. He will end up with 90 tackles, 6 sacks, & 4 ints! Farrior will break 100 tackles again. Foote & Davis will also play important parts. Stay tuned Steeler fans...The "Just-Plain-Nasty" defense is back in the Steel City...minus #95 of course!

[BIG FAN]

Hopefully the media runs out of lists, or else we will have to plod through top 20 waterboys, chain holders and concessions clerks. Although those are probably the only ranking that would remain consistent once the season starts.

[NKySteeler]

...as long as Aaron Smith stays healthy.

Exactly! ... My only concern is a "lack of depth" on the line.

[Shawn]

I think that article is right on the mark! Too many questions with Woodley & Timmons AS OF RIGHT NOW! I would say by years end...They will be in the Top5! Woodley & Harrison will have double digit sacks. Timmons will be starting by the break. He will end up with 90 tackles, 6 sacks, & 4 ints! Farrior will break 100 tackles again. Foote & Davis will also play important parts. Stay tuned Steeler fans...The "Just-Plain-Nasty" defense is back in the Steel City...minus #95 of course!

I agree with 100% of that statement. First, 12th is about right. Haggans sucked. Harrison is a beast but I still believe he belongs on the inside. Farriors play certainly dropped off...shoot the guy is like 70 y/o. And Foote is a solid average. I know Woodley instantly makes this LB core better. Woodley is a freak! 12+ sacks this season. Timmons ehhh....lets wait and see.

I will say this...I fully expect Harrison to move to Footes position, Timmons to slide to Farriors and Davis to take over Harrisons spot next season. That would be a beastly LB crew.

[Oviedo]

I think that article is right on the mark! Too many questions with Woodley & Timmons AS OF RIGHT NOW! I would say by years end...They will be in the Top5! Woodley & Harrison will have double digit sacks. Timmons will be starting by the break. He will end up with 90 tackles, 6 sacks, & 4 ints! Farrior will break 100 tackles again. Foote & Davis will also play important parts. Stay tuned Steeler fans...The "Just-Plain-Nasty" defense is back in the Steel City...minus #95 of course!

I agree with 100% of that statement. First, 12th is about right. Haggans sucked. Harrison is a beast but I still believe he belongs on the inside. Farriors play certainly dropped off...shoot the guy is like 70 y/o. And Foote is a solid average. I know Woodley instantly makes this LB core better. Woodley is a freak! 12+ sacks this season. Timmons ehhh....lets wait and see.

I will say this...I fully expect Harrison to move to Footes position, Timmons to slide to Farriors and Davis to take over Harrisons spot next season. That would be a beastly LB crew.

Agree Harrison needs to be inside. Agree Woodley is double digits in sacks. I think in the right role Farrior is a stud. Timmons on the inside will help Farrior by taking over pass coverage responsibilities and letting Farrior control the LOS.

I hope Davis gets the reps Woodley got last season.

Woodley-Harrison-Timmons-Davis would be awesome. However, I would not count out Farrior. Just seems like the type of guy who would take a Bettis discount to stay.

[ANPSTEEL]

I think that article is right on the mark! Too many questions with Woodley & Timmons AS OF RIGHT NOW! I would say by years end...They will be in the Top5! Woodley & Harrison will have double digit sacks. Timmons will be starting by the break. He will end up with 90 tackles, 6 sacks, & 4 ints! Farrior will break 100 tackles again. Foote & Davis will also play important parts. Stay tuned Steeler fans...The "Just-Plain-Nasty" defense is back in the Steel City...minus #95 of course!

I agree with 100% of that statement. First, 12th is about right. Haggans sucked. Harrison is a beast but I still believe he belongs on the inside. Farriors play certainly dropped off...shoot the guy is like 70 y/o. And Foote is a solid average. I know Woodley instantly makes this LB core better. Woodley is a freak! 12+ sacks this season. Timmons ehhh....lets wait and see.

I will say this...I fully expect Harrison to move to Footes position, Timmons to slide to Farriors and Davis to take over Harrisons spot next season. That would be a beastly LB crew.

That is an interesting idea- (in respect to next year) and i agree with the concept of moving Harrison and Timmons.

but it is dependent upon a couple items-
1. Davis will need to put on some weight / muscle
2. can davis drop into coverage

If the answer to #2 is yes- i'd flip Woodley and Davis.

just my thoughts

[Shawn]

I think that article is right on the mark! Too many questions with Woodley & Timmons AS OF RIGHT NOW! I would say by years end...They will be in the Top5! Woodley & Harrison will have double digit sacks. Timmons will be starting by the break. He will end up with 90 tackles, 6 sacks, & 4 ints! Farrior will break 100 tackles again. Foote & Davis will also play important parts. Stay tuned Steeler fans...The "Just-Plain-Nasty" defense is back in the Steel City...minus #95 of course!

I agree with 100% of that statement. First, 12th is about right. Haggans sucked. Harrison is a beast but I still believe he belongs on the inside. Farriors play certainly dropped off...shoot the guy is like 70 y/o. And Foote is a solid average. I know Woodley instantly makes this LB core better. Woodley is a freak! 12+ sacks this season. Timmons ehhh....lets wait and see.

I will say this...I fully expect Harrison to move to Footes position, Timmons to slide to Farriors and Davis to take over Harrisons spot next season. That would be a beastly LB crew.

That is an interesting idea- (in respect to next year) and i agree with the concept of moving Harrison and Timmons.

but it is dependent upon a couple items-
1. Davis will need to put on some weight / muscle
2. can davis drop into coverage

If the answer to #2 is yes- i'd flip Woodley and Davis.

just my thoughts

I would think that Davis would be better in coverage than Woodley. Davis looks like he is built more like a SS than a LB. I'm not sure if that translates to coverage but Woodley won't be mistaken for Rod Woodson anytime soon. Woodley is a pass rushing machine and needs to be rushing the passer. So, I agree...if Davis can cover let him do so.