9 Linebackers on the Final Roster?

[hawaiiansteel]

Do we really know they had a 1st Round grade on Lee and that they weren't worried about his knee injury or did some reporter say that?

Gerry Dulac is very credible, he's not just going to make something like that up. also, the Steelers would not have had a first round grade on Sean Lee if they were that concerned about his previous knee injury.

Steelers' Worilds man of his word

March 28, 2012
By Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Jason Worilds had planned on spending the second night of the National Football League draft watching television and doing pushups, a reminder of the way he first started working out to build himself into a 6-foot-2, 262-pound defensive terror -- just doing pushups.

But when his name was called in the second round with the 52nd overall pick by the Steelers, it was a reminder and a salute to his mom, Sandra, who did everything for the youngest of her two sons, including being his prom date.

"We've always been close," Sandra Worilds said. "I always tried to instill in him to be positive and be respectful. I told him as long as you remain the person you are and respect people, they will respect you. Jason is a really good example of that."

Three years ago, the outside linebacker from Virginia Tech was known as Jason Adjepong, which was the legal name of his father. But, to honor his mom, he went to a Virginia courthouse and legally reclaimed the name -- Worilds (pronounced "worlds") -- he was given at birth before his father switched it.

That way, whenever his name was called on television or at the stadium -- and even during the NFL draft -- it would be a tribute to Sandra Worilds, who spent a lot of her time working in a hospital and at several private nursing jobs in Rahway, N.J., to help raise her sons.

"Whenever my name was called, I wanted it to say 'Worilds,' " he said Thursday, making his way through the Newark Airport to come to Pittsburgh for the three-day rookie minicamp that begins today. "That way it would honor my mom.

"I love my mom, I love the values she gave me. She did a lot for me. Everything I do in my life is for her."

That Worilds name was called by the Steelers was something of a surprise.

Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, who went to Upper St. Clair High School, appeared to be the player the Steelers were targeting in the second round after selecting Florida center Maurkice Pouncey with the 18th overall pick. They had a first-round grade on Lee and thought he fit the way they played better than any linebacker in the draft.

But, the Steelers did not think Lee would be available when it came their turn.

When he was, it seemed like an obvious choice. But coach Mike Tomlin really liked Worilds, an undersized defensive end in college who fit nicely as a disruptive outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense -- something the Steelers were lacking behind James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.

What's more, the return of Larry Foote in free agency gave the Steelers four inside linebackers, along with James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and Keyaron Fox. Even though Farrior is 35, the need for depth was more dire on the outside, not inside.

[URL]http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-worilds-man-of-his-word-244695/#ixzz1yAMN3cHm[/URL]

[RuthlessBurgher]

If the Steelers didn't pick Sean Lee because they liked Worilds and didn't think Lee would be available when it came their turn, then why did they pick DeCastro this year? Wouldn't they have followed the same Worilds pattern and settled for Dont'a Hightower instead of the guy they didn't think would be there like DeCastro? They made it abundantly clear in post-draft conferences that they didn't think DeCastro would be available when it came their turn, but they took less than a minute to make their selection when DeCastro fell to them.

[hawaiiansteel]

If the Steelers didn't pick Sean Lee because they liked Worilds and didn't think Lee would be available when it came their turn, then why did they pick DeCastro this year? Wouldn't they have followed the same Worilds pattern and settled for Dont'a Hightower instead of the guy they didn't think would be there like DeCastro? They made it abundantly clear in post-draft conferences that they didn't think DeCastro would be available when it came their turn, but they took less than a minute to make their selection when DeCastro fell to them.

most likely all the people in the war room were in agreement on the selection of DeCastro, whereas Tomlin was supposedly in love with Worilds and wanted to choose him over the higher ranked Sean Lee.

[hawaiiansteel]

Tomlin says no to Lee, Overrules War Room on Second Rounder

April 30th, 2010

Did anyone read the article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning? I did and now I have even more questions about the Steelers’ wretched second day.

The Steelers drafted Jason Worilds in the second round. We all know that already, and many of us are underwhelmed by it. But what we didn’t know was that the Steelers War Room had a first round grade on Sean Lee ILB Penn State who just happened to be available with our selection. The room was sold on Lee as the pick and were ready to draft him but were told no at the last moment by Mike Tomlin. He preferred Worilds, who I said before had no better then fourth round grade on my board.

Even if the Steelers had a second round grade on Worilds, he was still not playing a position of need. James Farrior is on his last leg. Lee could have spent this year learning behind Farrior, one of the best MLBs we have ever had, on how to play the position. Some people may not agree with my opinion of Farrior. But when you consider Farrior’s’ size (225 on a good day after a heavy lunch) in today’s game, his ability to shed blocks, get in the hole, and make as many tackles as he does makes him one of the best MLBs to ever put on the pads in Pittsburgh.

This makes zero sense to me. I don’t care who else was on your board if you have a guy in the second half of the second round with a first round grade: YOU TAKE HIM. PERIOD! Especially at a position of need. Worilds may turn out to be great, but he may not play for another 3 or so years whereas Lee would be starting in 2011. If someone would like to explain the logic in that to me please do, because I don’t get it. This is not the first time we have heard of this either. I realize Mike Tomlin is the coach and he gets a say, but when you are outnumbered by the whole room, something is wrong. Sometimes, you need to get off your high horse and let the scouts decide.

That is why they were hired.

[URL]http://bleedblackandgold.com/blog/2010/04/30/tomlin-says-no-to-lee-overrules-war-room-on-second-rounder/[/URL]

[Oviedo]

most likely all the people in the war room were in agreement on the selection of DeCastro, whereas Tomlin was supposedly in love with Worilds and wanted to choose him over the higher ranked Sean Lee.

I doubt Tomlin was "in love" with Worilds but probably saw a player who he thought had a higher upside at a position of greater need than adding a fifth Inside LB to the roster. Even with Worilds at OLB we are still dangerously thin at OLB and IMO there has to be serious concerns about Harrison's health and ability to play 16 games. Agree or not, IMO Worilds did well last year in his spot time playing and IMO he does have the upside that Tomlin saw.

[Sugar]

I doubt Tomlin was "in love" with Worilds but probably saw a player who he thought had a higher upside at a position of greater need than adding a fifth Inside LB to the roster. Even with Worilds at OLB we are still dangerously thin at OLB and IMO there has to be serious concerns about Harrison's health and ability to play 16 games. Agree or not, IMO Worilds did well last year in his spot time playing and IMO he does have the upside that Tomlin saw.

Agreed. I'm interested to see what Worilds brings this year after a couple years in and a full regimen of off-season activities. As of now, I have no reason to complain about his being chosen.

[steelz09]

Tomlin says no to Lee, Overrules War Room on Second Rounder

April 30th, 2010

Did anyone read the article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning? I did and now I have even more questions about the Steelers’ wretched second day.

The Steelers drafted Jason Worilds in the second round. We all know that already, and many of us are underwhelmed by it. But what we didn’t know was that the Steelers War Room had a first round grade on Sean Lee ILB Penn State who just happened to be available with our selection. The room was sold on Lee as the pick and were ready to draft him but were told no at the last moment by Mike Tomlin. He preferred Worilds, who I said before had no better then fourth round grade on my board.

Even if the Steelers had a second round grade on Worilds, he was still not playing a position of need. James Farrior is on his last leg. Lee could have spent this year learning behind Farrior, one of the best MLBs we have ever had, on how to play the position. Some people may not agree with my opinion of Farrior. But when you consider Farrior’s’ size (225 on a good day after a heavy lunch) in today’s game, his ability to shed blocks, get in the hole, and make as many tackles as he does makes him one of the best MLBs to ever put on the pads in Pittsburgh.

This makes zero sense to me. I don’t care who else was on your board if you have a guy in the second half of the second round with a first round grade: YOU TAKE HIM. PERIOD! Especially at a position of need. Worilds may turn out to be great, but he may not play for another 3 or so years whereas Lee would be starting in 2011. If someone would like to explain the logic in that to me please do, because I don’t get it. This is not the first time we have heard of this either. I realize Mike Tomlin is the coach and he gets a say, but when you are outnumbered by the whole room, something is wrong. Sometimes, you need to get off your high horse and let the scouts decide.

That is why they were hired.

[URL]http://bleedblackandgold.com/blog/2010/04/30/tomlin-says-no-to-lee-overrules-war-room-on-second-rounder/[/URL]

But I thought Colbert had the final say?

[Chadman]

Worilds was a beast in college, has a great build for the position, is athletic & has been given time to develop.

Chadman thought Worilds was actually pretty good last year on a banged-up defense. Ok, he didn't dominate, but he didn't stand out as the weak link either. Some guys are ready to go early. Some take a little longer. Going to trust the coaches on this one, as they seem to be right more often than not.

Sean Lee is kind of like Pozslusny was- a very solid footballer. But being 'solid' is perhaps the biggest weakness- neither guy looks like they will ever be 'special'. It's much the same argument we've had with Timmons vs Poz...Poz was further along in his development, but the ceiling on Timmons was much higher. Going to say that Worilds vs Lee could be a very similar situation.

[Oviedo]

Worilds was a beast in college, has a great build for the position, is athletic & has been given time to develop.

Chadman thought Worilds was actually pretty good last year on a banged-up defense. Ok, he didn't dominate, but he didn't stand out as the weak link either. Some guys are ready to go early. Some take a little longer. Going to trust the coaches on this one, as they seem to be right more often than not.

Sean Lee is kind of like Pozslusny was- a very solid footballer. But being 'solid' is perhaps the biggest weakness- neither guy looks like they will ever be 'special'. It's much the same argument we've had with Timmons vs Poz...Poz was further along in his development, but the ceiling on Timmons was much higher. Going to say that Worilds vs Lee could be a very similar situation.

Totally agree except I would add that right now it is preety even between them so it is only logical to take the player with the higher potential ceiling. The only thing that make the Lee vs Worilds lean towards Lee is that Leee is a starter but think about who he has had to compete against...no one. Then look who is ahead of Worilds and the philosophy of the DC regarding playing guys early in their careers.

[phillyesq]

Worilds was a beast in college, has a great build for the position, is athletic & has been given time to develop.

Chadman thought Worilds was actually pretty good last year on a banged-up defense. Ok, he didn't dominate, but he didn't stand out as the weak link either. Some guys are ready to go early. Some take a little longer. Going to trust the coaches on this one, as they seem to be right more often than not.

Sean Lee is kind of like Pozslusny was- a very solid footballer. But being 'solid' is perhaps the biggest weakness- neither guy looks like they will ever be 'special'. It's much the same argument we've had with Timmons vs Poz...Poz was further along in his development, but the ceiling on Timmons was much higher. Going to say that Worilds vs Lee could be a very similar situation.

Worilds was pretty good last year. He was something like third on the team in pressures despite limited snaps. He needs to turn some of those pressures into sacks, but he wasn't as bad as he was made out to be.

I still think it is an interesting question - would you prefer Lee / Timmons inside, or Worilds as the top backup on the outside, with Foote/Timmons inside and Spence waiting in the wings? If Lee was drafted, I would imagine that the Steelers would have looked elsewhere for a developmental OLB - perhaps the Spence pick, or perhaps somebody in previous years.

I would prefer Lee inside with another project on the outside. The development of Spence and the continued development of Worilds may change that, but going into this season, I'd prefer Lee over Foote as a starting ILB.

[hawaiiansteel]

WILL THE REAL LAWRENCE TIMMONS PLEASE STAND UP?

WRITTEN ON JUNE 21, 2012 BY SYNDICATED SOURCES



Nothing is worse in Dynasty leagues than having a player who was a bona fide stud one year fall on his face the next. You get your hopes up and consider him a core player, a sure fire every week starter, then without warning or explanation he hits a slump so nasty that you want to drive to their city and beat them with a dead car battery. Having said that…

Will the real Lawrence Timmons please stand up?

In 2010, Timmons finished the year ranked as the LB7 in IDP leagues. He was machine of destruction. Through the first seven games he had racked up 56 solo tackles, 18 assists and three sacks. Nobody started off hotter! Then, something happened. Through the next six games he totaled just 20 solos, 17 assists, and zero sacks. He wasn’t hurt, there was no position change, and it wasn’t bad match-ups. It was like there was an imposter in his uniform. Timmons finished the year strong with 20 solos, seven assists, and a sack the final three weeks so everything was forgiven.

Fast forward to 2011 where all the “experts” had Timmons locked in as an elite tier, can’t miss, top five linebacker. There was very little reason to believe Timmons wasn’t going to build on his 2010 numbers. He was “The Man” in Pittsburgh – the next great Steelers linebacker following in the footsteps of all-time greats. Week one rolls around and he blows the stat sheet up against the Ravens with ten solos and two assists. Everything seemed on track as the LB1 we drafted was panning out. The next week, five solos and three assists – an average game, nothing to worry about. Week three versus the Colts was a snooze fest. It was three and out after three and out, so the stat sheet was not kind to the IDP players. One solo, two assists was all Timmons could tally. Just a bad match up, nothing to worry about, right?

From weeks five through eight, things got real interesting for Timmons’ owners. James Harrison, Pro Bowl outside linebacker, went down with an injury and Timmons was shifted into his spot. During those four games he TOTALED seven solos and five assists, including a week six goose egg. Everyone held their heads up though, Harrison was coming back in week nine and the Steelers were gonna get their uber-stud back on track. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Timmons slid back to his inside linebacker spot and continued his disappearing act. Only one more time in the 2011 season did he break double digit total tackles, which was in week 16.

Let’s look at his overall numbers from the past two seasons:

Season Tackles Tackles for Loss Assists Fum Recovered Fumbles Forced INTs Sacks Passes Defensed

2011 68 4 25 0 1 1 2 5
2010 96 10 39 2 2 2 3 10

As you can see, his numbers were down across the board. His total tackles dropped by 30% – that’s an insane amount. For playing four games as an outside linebacker, his big play numbers dipping in every category is also alarming. Simply put, he was invisible in almost every aspect of the game.

The thing that confuses me the most is the fact the Steelers drafted Jason Worilds as the heir apparent to James Harrison, but when Harrison went down, Worilds was left on the bench for an out-of-position Timmons. Furthermore, the Steelers have Stevenson Sylvester and Sean Spence on the roster learning the inside linebacker positions. That makes me wonder if the Steelers view their best option as Timmons and LaMarr Woodley as the future outside linebackers and Sylvester and Spence as the inside linebackers.

Timmons’ versatility makes him a great NFL player and a risky IDP investment. In Dynasty leagues, the investment is already made and his value is at an all-time low. So, there is no value in trying to move him now. He is just 26 years old, so there is plenty of time for him to bounce back. Maybe 2011 was shot simply because he couldn’t get into a groove switching back and forth between linebacker spots. It’s possible the lost off-season due to the lockout affected him negatively as well. Maybe 2010 was the reality and 2011 was the fluke?

Fantasy Football is a “what have you done for me lately?” business and Timmons will either be a phenomenal value in 2012 or continue to be an enigma. I would be too nervous trusting him as my LB1 in Dynasty start ups. In a 12 team league, I consider him a low-end LB2 and would honestly be more comfortable having him as my LB3 with upside. In a perfect world, I would group him with a top seven linebacker and an aging London Fletcher/Ray Lewis type to protect myself, just in case the 2010 season was the fluke.

All I can ask is will the real Lawrence Timmons please stand up?

[URL]http://network.yardbarker.com/author/article_external/11063888?headline=will_the_real_lawrence_timmons_p lease_stand_up&sport_name=nfl[/URL]

[hawaiiansteel]

Next Few Months Key For the Steelers Chris Carter

Jun 30th, 2012 by DomSteelers



As most of you probably know, the Steelers have arguably one of the best 3-4 Outside Linebacker rotations in the National Football League. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are established Pro Bowl players, and Jason Worilds is a solid backup behind both of the starters. While these three aforementioned players sit atop Pittsburgh’s depth chart, there is not a whole heck of a lot of experienced depth (3-4 scheme-wise) behind them. Chris Carter however is one player on the Steelers’ roster though that will be hungry to take hold of the other top backup spot at the Outside Linebacker position as he begins his second year in the League. So today I would like to discuss Carter’s career so far, and why his development over the next few months and the 2012 season are so important for him, the Outside Linebacker position, and the Defense as a whole.

Carter’s College Career and Rookie Season

Like almost all of the Outside Linebackers which have starred for the franchise over the last two decades, Carter lined up as a Defensive End in at Fresno State. A pass-rush specialist, Carter tore up the WAC off the edge, and really showcased his skills at getting to the Quarterback over his collegiate career. And as three year starter for the Bulldogs, Carter really emerged during his last two seasons with the team.

The 6’1” 248 lb. Carter earned All-WAC honors in 2009 and 2010, and was named Conference Defensive Player of the Year his Senior campaign where he racked up 11.0 Sacks, 16.5 Tackles For Losses, and 4 Forced Fumbles. Considered a smaller pass-rushing tweener (DE/OLB hybrid) coming out of college, Carter was thought to be a solid mid-Round selection for a 3-4 team looking to develop an Outside Linebacker.

Always on the lookout to bolster their pass-rush, the Steelers were one of those teams looking for a player with a skill-set like Carter’s to develop, and selected him up in the 5th Round last season.

After starring in college, Carter had a somewhat difficult Rookie season in Pittsburgh. Like almost all first year players on the Defensive side of the ball, Carter saw almost zero time during his Rookie season (3 Tackles, 1 Tackle For Loss Total in 2011). It is hard enough for many Rookies to transition to Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau’s Defensive schemes, but Carter was faced with a hamstring injury and limited to only 8 games, he had to learn a new position (3-4 OLB), and he did not have the luxury of OTA’s and minicamps during his first offseason to boot. Due to the lockout, Linebackers Coach Keith Butler described how difficult it was for Carter, as well as the team’s other young Linebackers (specifically Worilds and Stevenson Sylvester) to continue/begin their development and transition to their new positions the Steelers 3-4 scheme. Thus, to say that Carter’s first season was a tad rocky is somewhat of an understatement.

Carter’s Chances of Seizing Roster Spot

Over the next few months though, the 23 year-old Carter will have his best chance to put his skills on display and outplay the competition which will be after his backup job. Lucky for Carter, his top competition is a bit thin at the moment as he will likely have to fend off former Bengals newcomer Brandon Johnson (who will likely be used in Pass Coverage and Special Teams), UDFA tweener from Temple Adrian Robinson, 2011 UDFA Brandon Hicks from Florida, and possibly even newly acquired UDFA Ryan Baker and recently injury-waived UDFA tweener Brandon Lindsey of Pitt if he comes back healthy or clears waivers.

Despite the numbers of players competing for his job, Carter should have the best chance to win the 2nd string job opposite Worilds for two important reasons. First, he has the most experience in the LeBeau Defense, and second, he has extended experience on the Special Teams units. Plus, as Butler alluded to in the video I linked above, Carter has been given somewhat of a benefit of the doubt because he has yet to have a full offseason of OTA’s and minicamps to impress the coaching staff and show off his skills and the knowledge he has picked up so far of the Defensive system. While he may have some important advantages, Carter will still need to put his skills on display and impress the Coaching Staff over the next few months, and put his stamp on the backup job as quickly as possible. With an impressive training camp and preseason, there should be no reason Carter is left off of the roster.

Why Carter’s Emergence/Development Is Specifically Important:

Overall Pass-Rushing Depth

As a whole, depth and help as a pass-rusher would be the two biggest things Carter could bring to the table if he realizes his potential and continues to develop. Sure, the Steelers currently have some of the best pass-rushers in the game, and Carter will likely be relegated to Special Teams duty this season. Yet the injury-bug has not been kind to the Steelers and their Outside Linebackers over the last couple of seasons, and other issues also could be causes for alarm for the team in the not too distant future.

As it stands now, James Harrison is 34, has had back issues, and is not what you would call “BFF” with The Commissioner of the sport. Deebo might have another couple of seasons left in the tank, but back injuries are never the easiest to sustain and continue a high level of play with in one’s mid 30’s. Plus, after he was benched for one game last season after a perfectly legal hit on Colt McCoy, there is no telling what his punishment will be the next time he lights some poor guy up that decides to put his body in harm’s way. Granted, Jason Worilds has played well when given his chances over his three seasons with the team. Still, Worilds has missed multiple games over his short career with various injuries, and will reach Restricted Free Agent status after this season ends. Finally, despite the fact that he came on strong after a quiet and unimpressive start, LaMarr Woodley still missed significant time with a hamstring injury last season, and looked less than 100% towards the end of the season after he came back to the starting lineup.

Unlike Harrison though, I am sure Woodley will be fine and in tip-top shape in 2012 and beyond, and his health and long-term productivity are not causes for concern. But in the event that Harrison retires after the next couple of seasons and Worilds continues to get injured or leaves as a Free Agent, the Steelers still will need another pass-rusher or two to step-up and pick up some of the slack. Thus, Carter could be called upon to eventually fill that role come late 2013 or 2014 and give the Steelers another viable pass-rushing threat to pair with Woodley, and possibly even Worilds too if he decides to stay.

What to Look for This Season

As I alluded to before, Carter will likely not be thrust into the starting lineup unless a rash of injuries strike the Outside Linebacker position at such a high rate like they did last season. Nevertheless, the continued development of Carter as a stand-up pass-rusher might be important for this team over the coming seasons, and Training Camp and the preseason will be the places for us fans to keep a close eye on the former Fresno State Bulldog.

Like James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, and it seems like all other Linebackers (especially tweeners) before him, Carter will likely be slated for another season on the Special Teams units as he learns the tricks of the trade from the Coaching Staff and the veterans at his position. There are few in the League which have the luxury of learning from some of the best at their craft (Harrison and Woodley), can be pushed by other young talent like Worilds, and getting some of the best coaching (Butler and LeBeau), all at the same time during their second year like Carter can. So if everything works out well, Carter, along with the other young LB’s, Worilds and Sylvester, should be able to take advantage of a full offseason of work and continue to improve each and every day at their respective positions.

Final Thoughts

I cannot wait for Training Camp, and I cannot wait to see what ends up happening with the Outside Linebacker situation over the next few seasons. As I stated before, Woodley is and will be a lock to start at one of the spots, but as far as Harrison and Worilds go, their futures’ with the franchise post 2013 could be a bit of a mystery.

At least to me, the backup roster spot and chance to develop into the next in line of the Steelers’ OLB’s should be Carter’s to lose over the next few months. My hope is that Carter can develop in a way similar to another former WAC tweener drafted in the 5th Round by the franchise who had a number of nice seasons for the Steelers: Clark Haggans. Like Haggans, hopefully Carter can emerge after a few seasons on Special Teams and become a solid Outside Linebacker if and when he is finally called upon to contribute.

All we can do though now is wait, and see what unfolds over the next few months.

[URL]http://nicepickcowher.com/2012/06/30/next-few-months-key-for-the-steelers-chris-carter-draft/[/URL]

[hawaiiansteel]

By Ralph N. Paulk

Published: Thursday, August 9, 2012

• Linebacker Brandon Johnson raised his stock by disrupting Philadelphia’s offense in the second quarter. He had two tackles and a quarterback pressure that enabled defensive end Al Woods to intercept a pass he returned 51 yards to the Philadelphia 4-yard line.

[URL]http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/2371819-85/yard-philadelphia-injury-johnson-pass-adams-knee-leftwich-quarterback-returned[/URL]

[RuthlessBurgher]

Brandon Johnson gives us a solid veteran presence amidst a bunch of young'uns at OLB while Harrison and Worilds are on PUP. But once they are back in the fold, Johnson should be playing almost exclusively on special teams (if he even ultimately makes the team...Chris Carter and Adrian Robinson have both been bright spots in Harrison and Worilds' absenses).

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Is it possible that Worillds is the odd man out? He was not called upon when JH went down last season, instead opting to use an unproductive Timmons out of position and simultaneously weaken the inside backer position. Now he is hurt and has not been able to show anything this summer. What are the chances that he is either cut or continues to be injured and players like Carter (who has received rave reviews so far) and Robinson vie for the backup spots?