Thoughts from OTA's........Marcus Gilbert

[SteelCrazy]

Gilbert feels left out

[URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/PIT"][/URL]

May 24, 2012 5:35 p.m. - by Chuck Finder OT [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1114672/marcus-gilbert"]Marcus Gilbert[/URL] would rather play the left side than the right, where he started most of 2011 and now in OTAs finds himself again. "I was kind of bummed out about it," Gilbert said Thursday of second-round choice [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1971668/mike-adams"]Mike Adams[/URL] being given the left-tackle slot. "I just can't control what the coach has in mind."

LT is Gilbert's 'passion' [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/PIT"][/URL] May 24, 2012 5:40 p.m. - by Chuck Finder Second-year vet [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1114672/marcus-gilbert"]Marcus Gilbert[/URL] prepared from February through April to move from right to left OT, where rookie [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1971668/mike-adams"]Mike Adams[/URL] is being given the opportunity to play on the first team. "I'd like to play left; that's my dream, my passion," Gilbert said Thursday. "Whatever will help the team." 'Why not' go with rookies, Gilbert says [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/PIT"][/URL] May 24, 2012 5:51 p.m. - by Chuck Finder [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1114672/marcus-gilbert"]Marcus Gilbert[/URL] knows all about starting as an NFL rookie on the OL, something he did for 13 games in 2011. In top two draft picks OG David DeCastro and OT [URL="http://www.planetsteelers.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1971668/mike-adams"]Mike Adams[/URL], "I think they're very capable, talented," Gilbert said. "If they're two of the five best around, why not put them" on the first team? [URL]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/PIT[/URL]

[RuthlessBurgher]

I'm sure the fact that left tackles typically get paid way more than right tackles has nothing to do with Gilbert's dream and passion to play on the left side.

[hawaiiansteel]

THURSDAY, 24 MAY 2012

WRITTEN BY ED BOUCHETTE

What happens if rookie Mike Adams goes through training camp and cannot cut the mustard at left tackle?

Trai Essex? Jonathan Scott, who opened their last season, or Marcus Gilbert.

Gilbert was pegged to be the left tackle this season right up until the Steelers drafted Adams on the second round. Gilbert played left tackle at Florida his final year and both he and Tomlin have called it his more natural position.

“I’m naturally the left,’’ said Gilbert, who was put there in his rookie training camp. “When they moved me over to the right tackle, it took me a week or two to get back in the groove. I got the hang of things. It’s all about preparation and repetition.”

[URL]http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/pro-sports/steelers/116487-ed-keenan-lewis-predicts-pro-bowl-for-himself[/URL]

[Crash]

My guess would be Gilbert back to LT and Essex would go to RT.

[RuthlessBurgher]

My guess would be Max Starks would be getting a phone call once again.

[hawaiiansteel]

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

by Dale Lolley


Week 2 of OTAs news and notes

Not a whole lot happening at OTAs this week.

I guess the biggest news was that Marcus Gilbert got some time at left tackle this week with rookie Mike Adams still unable to attend because of the class schedule at Ohio State.

Though the Steelers would prefer to keep Gilbert at RT, it's not a bad thing for him to get some work on the other side - even in shorts. As we have seen the past couple of years, what the planned line is and what it turns out to be a few weeks into a season, are often two different things.

Besides, as I've previously said, it's not the Steelers' way to simply hand a rookie a starting job.

So with Gilbert, Trai Essex and Jonathan Scott working at LT, there are still some bodies to climb over there.

I know, I know, you all hate Essex and Scott. But it says here that if push came to shove and Adams can't beat those guys out - which is always a possibility - the Steelers want to cover their bases.

Plus, there's still the possibility of bringing Max Starks back again. Starks, by the way, has been seen at the Steelers practice facility.

[URL]http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/[/URL]

[phillyesq]

If he is healthy, resigning Starks really is the best move that gives them the most flexibility.

That would give you, in some combination:

OT: Gilbert, Adams, Starks
OG: DeCastro, Colon, Foster
C: Pouncey, Legursky
Utility: Essex

Starks, especially if we signs at or near the minimum again, is not only a better player than Scott, but also a significant cost savings.

[Oviedo]

I'm sure the fact that left tackles typically get paid way more than right tackles has nothing to do with Gilbert's dream and passion to play on the left side.

No doubt!!!!!

[grotonsteel]

If he is healthy, resigning Starks really is the best move that gives them the most flexibility.

That would give you, in some combination:

OT: Gilbert, Adams, Starks
OG: DeCastro, Colon, Foster
C: Pouncey, Legursky
Utility: Essex

Starks, especially if we signs at or near the minimum again, is not only a better player than Scott, but also a significant cost savings.

+1

Ben is also comfortable with Max Starks at LT. Let Mike Adams beat Max instead of handing him the LT position on a platter.

[RuthlessBurgher]

+1

Ben is also comfortable with Max Starks at LT. Let Mike Adams beat Max instead of handing him the LT position on a platter.

Yeah...with Adams vs. Starks for LT, the kid would have to really work his butt off and impress the coaches in order to start. I'd much rather see him truly have to work for it than for anything to be handed to him (for all intents and purposes). On the other hand, Adams vs. Jon Scott and/or Trai Essex is like a bug vs. windshield competition. No one other than Scott's and Essex's mothers want those guys anywhere near the starting lineup at left tackle.

[hawaiiansteel]

I found this to be interesting:


Friday, 01 June 2012 08:28

Written by Ed Bouchette

--- Just got off 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore, where many are upset at the large number of absentees of the Ravens in OTAs. They said there were about 20 missing this week, led by Ray Lewis. Here, many are upset over one missing Steelers player, Mike Wallace, I told them. What to make of why so many Ravens are missing? Hard to tell, as it is equally hard to determine if it will have any effect on them next season.

[URL="http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/pro-sports/steelers/116575-ed-retirement-already-looking-good-on-ward"]http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/i...g-good-on-ward[/URL]

[RuthlessBurgher]

And considering that Ray Lewis's defensive coordinator is now the head coach of the Colts, he'll need to adjust to a new D.C. Guess Ray Lewis is not a team player either...

[Keyplay1]

We should be able to get a look at Adams at the mandatory mini camp June 12, 13, 14. This would be a big plus for him.

The Ohio State's spring quarter ends next week and they have commencement on June 10th so I suppose he will be available for that final sping session.

Incidentally, this is the last time OSU will have a spring quarter since they are now going on some kind of semester schedule. Their players should be available for NFL spring practices in the future.

There was some speculation that these players could take their final exams earlier and be able to be here next week, but I have not seen any more about that. Below is the academic schedule.

Initial fee payment deadline	March 29 (M)	March 28 (M)	March 19 (M)
Classes begin	March 29 (M)	March 28 (M)	March 26 (M)
Enrollment census date	April 12 (M)	April 11 (M)	April 9 (M)
Memorial Day - no classes, offices closed	May 31 (M)	May 30 (M)	May 28 (M)
Last day of regularly scheduled classes	June 4 (F)	June 3 (F)	June 1 (F)
Final examinations	June 7-10 (M-R)	June 6-9 (M-R)	June 4-7 (M-R)
Spring commencement	June 13 (Sun)	June 12 (Sun)	June 10 (Sun)

The 3rd column is this years schedule.

I am looking forward to seeing this player. The official site has some excellent OTA video coverage. I am really surprised. That is just about the best video player I have run across in some time. And the content is also excellent. Check it out! If Mike Adams can attend that final session that would be a big plus for him and also us fans.

[Shawn]

Right now, no doubt in my mind Adams can't beat Starks. I would really like to see Adams get a season or two of grooming before protecting Ben's backside.

[Keyplay1]

SPRING QUARTER	Spring 2010	Spring 2011	Spring 2012
Initial fee payment deadline	March 29 (M)	March 28 (M)	March 19 (M)
Classes begin	March 29 (M)	March 28 (M)	March 26 (M)
Enrollment census date	April 12 (M)	April 11 (M)	April 9 (M)
Memorial Day - no classes, offices closed	May 31 (M)	May 30 (M)	May 28 (M)
Last day of regularly scheduled classes	June 4 (F)	June 3 (F)	June 1 (F)
Final examinations	June 7-10 (M-R)	June 6-9 (M-R)	June 4-7 (M-R)
Spring commencement	June 13 (Sun)	June 12 (Sun)	June 10 (Sun)

Most of this thread is about Adams so I figured I would put this info here.

I am just guessing that Adams will be here for the final mini-camp. But why not? Those few days of practice will give him plenty to work on before the TC starts and also give us fans a chance to get a look at him. Like I said that official site [steelers .com] has really excellent video coverage of these OTA's. Even better IMO than the very good stuff that used to be on FSN[Fox?] before they decided to trash the Steelers. [Incidentally, I have not watched that channel since]