UDFA

[Chadman]

Re: UDFA

Looking at the list, I'd say Clay, Harvey, Saunders, Gray & Brett Greenwood are the ones to watch.

Clay will battle Dwyer for a roster spot. If the Steelers carry 4 RB's into the season, I'd give Clay a 50% chance of being on the roster.

Saunders might have the easiest ride now that Speath is gone. He could, realistically, be the 2nd best TE on the roster right now. If no FA's are brought in- I'd say he'll get a helmet.

Harvey will have to hope Sylvester moves up the pecking order. If Sylvester can assume the #3 ILB role, Foote might be considered too pricey & be released, opening up a spot for Harvey. I'd say PS for Mario at this point.

Gray is probably the #2 NT on the team at the moment as Hoke is unsigned. Guess Hoke's signing/non-signing will determine Gray's roster spot. Gray might have a better chance at being on the roster than we expect.

Greenwood will have to beat either Will Allen or Mundy to a roster spot while fighting of Cromartie-Smith & possibly Cortez Allen (who I suspect may play CB anyway). Not easy. But if he proves enough, no Safety outside of the Starters is really a lock for a roster spot.

[grotonsteel]

Re: UDFA

Steelers sign another UDFA Corbin Bryant, DE



A 21st undrafted free agent player was signed by the Steelers this morning as Northwestern defensive lineman Corbin Bryant was signed. The Steelers had some interest in Bryant prior to the draft as he reportedly was one of the 30 players they had in for a pre draft visit.

The 6-foot-4, 298-pound Bryant ran the 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds at his Pro Day workout bench pressed 225 pounds 31 times as 28 NFL teams attended the workout. He also ran a 4.55 short shuttle, a 7.34 three-cone drill and turned in a 27 1/2 inch vertical leap and an 8 foot 6 broad jump.

Bryant recorded eight tackles for losses last year, one interception, six quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble and was named honorable-mention All-Big Ten Conference for his play.

[insanesteelersfan]

Re: UDFA

Steelers sign another UDFA Corbin Bryant, DE



A 21st undrafted free agent player was signed by the Steelers this morning as Northwestern defensive lineman Corbin Bryant was signed. The Steelers had some interest in Bryant prior to the draft as he reportedly was one of the 30 players they had in for a pre draft visit.

The 6-foot-4, 298-pound Bryant ran the 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds at his Pro Day workout bench pressed 225 pounds 31 times as 28 NFL teams attended the workout. He also ran a 4.55 short shuttle, a 7.34 three-cone drill and turned in a 27 1/2 inch vertical leap and an 8 foot 6 broad jump.

Bryant recorded eight tackles for losses last year, one interception, six quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble and was named honorable-mention All-Big Ten Conference for his play.

Thanks. But I saw where Bryant was signed by the Bears once the lock out was over...what, did the Bears release him already ?

[grotonsteel]

Re: UDFA

Steelers sign another UDFA Corbin Bryant, DE



A 21st undrafted free agent player was signed by the Steelers this morning as Northwestern defensive lineman Corbin Bryant was signed. The Steelers had some interest in Bryant prior to the draft as he reportedly was one of the 30 players they had in for a pre draft visit.

The 6-foot-4, 298-pound Bryant ran the 40-yard dash in 5.02 seconds at his Pro Day workout bench pressed 225 pounds 31 times as 28 NFL teams attended the workout. He also ran a 4.55 short shuttle, a 7.34 three-cone drill and turned in a 27 1/2 inch vertical leap and an 8 foot 6 broad jump.

Bryant recorded eight tackles for losses last year, one interception, six quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble and was named honorable-mention All-Big Ten Conference for his play.

Thanks. But I saw where Bryant was signed by the Bears once the lock out was over...what, did the Bears release him already ? [/quote

Yeah i thought he had signed with Bears but that did not happen. Nnot sure why though.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: UDFA

Bryant to Chicago was probably an unconfirmed thing like last year when we supposedly signed LSU OT Ciron Black as a UDFA, but never actually did.

[steelblood]

Re: UDFA

Corbin Bryant has NFL skill. I was very impressed with him at the Texas v the Nation game. Here are my notes...

98 Corbin Bryant DT Northwestern. 6’4 300. pancakes OG on pass rush. ¾ DE prospect. Good quickness to shot a gap and chase down RB for TFL. Runs really well. Qb pressure beating OT Jarriel King. Fights through G and RB for sack. Highly disruptive.


.................................................. ..........
I know he has no chance to make the top for DEs on this team (barring a preseason injury). But if we keep 7 DL as we often do, he could make the team. Hopefully, we'll be able to stash him on the PS for the year (or until Smith's arm falls off again). He really looks like he could have some pass rush potential in 4 man nickel/dime fronts.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: UDFA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2011

Tuesday news and notes

© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.

Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.

posted by Dale Lolley

[url="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/"]http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/[/url]

[flippy]

Re: UDFA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2011

Tuesday news and notes

© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.

Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.

posted by Dale Lolley

[url="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/"]http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/[/url]

I've got him penciled in as leading candidate for ROY. It's gonna be a tough year for rookies to contribute and I have a feeling Harvey was built to be a ST demon.

[Chadman]

Re: UDFA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2011

Tuesday news and notes

© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.

Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.

posted by Dale Lolley

[url="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/"]http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/[/url]

That will depend heavily on if Sylvester can beat out Foote for the #3 ILB spot. If he can, Foote may be too expensive a #4 ILB...enter Mario...

I've got him penciled in as leading candidate for ROY. It's gonna be a tough year for rookies to contribute and I have a feeling Harvey was built to be a ST demon.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: UDFA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2011

Tuesday news and notes

© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.

Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.

posted by Dale Lolley

[url="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/"]http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/[/url]

I've been trying to find a weakness in Harvey...a reason why he went undrafted. Dude's tough, quick, strong, hardhitting, a leader, and a tackling machine on the field.

Someone like N.C. State's Nate Irving gets drafted in the early 3rd round by Denver, even though Irving is about 15 lbs lighter and ran a 4.76 40 (compared to a 4.43 40 for Harvey). What gives?

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: UDFA

Two things I noticed at positional value. His height, but not really that big of an issue if he could sharpen his instincts and limit false steps. He's within an inch of many ILB but just generally you like them 6'1 and under 6'4. You want them big enough to have a good line of sight over the LOS but not to big to loose the leverage battle when becoming engaged. LBs are reading through players looking into the backfield and when you are upright or taller you open yourself up to a blocker getting underneath you and taking you deeper.

The more noticeable thing is his lack of ability at times to get off blocks. This is a bigger concern but the reasoning is simply not easy to pin point. Some lack the arm length. Some lack the upper body strength. Some lack the instincts and get themselves out of position by false steps or being caught flat footed allowing the blockers to get angles. Some just try to use there athelticism because that is what they have done there whole life and as the level of play increases...The drop off begins. This area is very hard to gauge when evaluating a ILB because allot of it isn't coachable.

What I saw in Harvey is when he went against some good competition like Ohio State he struggled getting off blocks and took himself out of plays by taking false steps or bad angles running around blocks. He wasn't good getting through the garbage. He showed closing speed and some ability in coverage. Also showed good ST play. He looked better against lesser competition so I'm sure the scouts noticed that since he went undrafted. He has great measurables in his workouts and nice college stats but he will start at the bottom to earn a spot. What I do see is a missile on ST early in his career. I think he could earn a spot on the 53 by that alone. Then they could see what part of his game he lacks is coachable. I do believe he has a fall back plan. He shows nice ability on the outside when asked to rush the passer. They might look at him there to add some positional value if he gets a roster spot. One thing for certain is he needs as much game time as possible to make his ST mark. Hurts he won't play Friday but hopefully he makes an impact game #2.

[Slapstick]

Re: UDFA

When I look at Harvey, I see the same body type as James Harrison...I can also see him earning a spot on special teams like Harrison while he learns the playbook and develops his craft...

Harrison, as you recall, was cut four times before he was given an opportunity due to injury and Joey Porter losing his cool...

Nobody will ever duplicate Harrison's career (from UDFA to DPOY), but Harvey can find a place on the roster...

[Oviedo]

Re: UDFA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2011

Tuesday news and notes

© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.

Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.

posted by Dale Lolley

[url="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/"]http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/[/url]

I've been trying to find a weakness in Harvey...a reason why he went undrafted. Dude's tough, quick, strong, hardhitting, a leader, and a tackling machine on the field.

Someone like N.C. State's Nate Irving gets drafted in the early 3rd round by Denver, even though Irving is about 15 lbs lighter and ran a 4.76 40 (compared to a 4.43 40 for Harvey). What gives?

I've heard that 6' is "generous" as far as listing Harvey's height. That is probably what dropped him because lack of height becomes a liability for LBs in pass coverage.

I think Harvey will make the final 53 and be a special teams ace. We'll see what they have him doing starting tonite and over the next couple of preseason games. If he is getting noticed alot on special teams that will be very good for him.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: UDFA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2011

Tuesday news and notes

© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.

Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.

posted by Dale Lolley

[url="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/"]http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/[/url]

I've been trying to find a weakness in Harvey...a reason why he went undrafted. Dude's tough, quick, strong, hardhitting, a leader, and a tackling machine on the field.

Someone like N.C. State's Nate Irving gets drafted in the early 3rd round by Denver, even though Irving is about 15 lbs lighter and ran a 4.76 40 (compared to a 4.43 40 for Harvey). What gives?

I've heard that 6' is "generous" as far as listing Harvey's height. That is probably what dropped him because lack of height becomes a liability for LBs in pass coverage.

I think Harvey will make the final 53 and be a special teams ace. We'll see what they have him doing starting tonite and over the next couple of preseason games. If he is getting noticed alot on special teams that will be very good for him.

At this point wouldn't his height and weight be based on his combine numbers?