Dirty red

[hawaiiansteel]

RED has proven that he isn't capable of being a starter caliber ILB... mainly due to his limited athleticism. If the Steelers didn't think Gilbert had a high ceiling (and could potentially replace RED), then why draft him?

maybe they hope he could potentially replace Mark Barron in a year or two?

[Ernie]

Not rooting for or against anyone but 4.4 speed means little once the pads are on. He still had to show he can get through the trash to finish plays.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about upgrading positions and hope what we drafted is better than what we currently have on the roster.

an ILB in todays game is normally much better suited for the position with 4.4 speed. Weve certainly seen what 4.9 speed does in terms of limiting production.

[Ernie]

maybe they hope he could potentially replace Mark Barron in a year or two?

My guess is (given what we just paid barron).. He is ahead of Red on the depth chart. I think we are all hoping Gilbert is good enough to take Barons place once his contract is up.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Players' 40 times are way overrated. Times in the 3 cone drill and shuttle runs are much more important. You need to know about change of direction abilities moreso than running in a straight line from a track stance.

[Ernie]

Players' 40 times are way overrated. Times in the 3 cone drill and shuttle runs are much more important. You need to know about change of direction abilities moreso than running in a straight line from a track stance.

i wont disagree with that.. however... think of the top 5 ilbs i the game right now.. now tell me their 40 time. what was shaziers prior to his injury? how bout luke kuechly?

[RuthlessBurgher]

Shazier ran an unofficial 4.36 at his pro day. That's just ridiculous. That's blazing for a WR or CB, never mind a LB.

Kuechly ran a 4.58 40 at the combine.

[phillyesq]

You've gotta give Red credit... he is making the most of his abilities. With that being said, hopefully Gilbert and Smith progress to the point of making Red expendable. Smith seems to have Red's mentality, but is a heck of a lot more athletic. I would see him taking Red's place on Sp Teams in time.

I'd like to see both guys stick on the roster. Matakevich is slow, no doubt. But he may be the best wrap-up tackler on the team. His performance on special teams (one of the leaders in the league in ST tackles) speaks for itself. There is room for a player like Matakevich.

Gilbert, based on his speed, has a higher upside. Or he might not make it out of camp. I'd love to see him show a lot of potential and have everybody stick on the roster.

[Ernie]

Shazier ran an unofficial 4.36 at his pro day. That's just ridiculous. That's blazing for a WR or CB, never mind a LB.

Kuechly ran a 4.58 40 at the combine.

and the top 2 ILB's taken in this year's draft run 4.4s. I agree that the 3 cone drill and other short burst, change of direction agility drills are just as relevant as the 40 yard dash. Usually the top tier ILBs excel in all of those tests.

[Oh wow]

Shazier was scary fast. Sometimes I think we forget what he meant to our defense when complaining about how we fail to field good teams.

Imagine losing Troy right when he was getting ready to hit his stride?

[Ernie]

Shazier was scary fast. Sometimes I think we forget what he meant to our defense when complaining about how we fail to field good teams.

Imagine losing Troy right when he was getting ready to hit his stride?

Agreed.... good comparison.

Changes the complexion for sure in both scenarios.