JJ said he needs to get bigger and stronger

[feltdizz]

Let's not forget, that for the vast majority of rookies, they are mostly lost their first year, and then add in the immense complexity that is Leboo's system, especially for the OLBs, and JJ not blowing it up should have been expected. I remember Bell (ILB from GA) came in and was productive as a rookie, but that was a fluke. I recall a story where Ben was watching Heath Miller at camp, looking all clueless, and Ben asked a coach "Did I look that lost last year?" and the response was "Very much so" or something like that. And that is coming from Ben, who did well as a rookie and he still said he was just clueless. I expect JJ to be a leader on D by next year, and 20 lbs heavier.

The difference is the OC reduced the playbook...

When Bell came in at ILB he had one assignment... blow sh!t up. JJ is being asked to do it all so he is a step slow.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

But Worilds had a burst from day 1 off the ball that I just don't see in JJ. I worry if JJ gets bigger/stronger, he might slow down even more. I know speed isn't everything, but it feels like a bit of a concern with JJ.

Worilds did seem more developed in his lower body coming out. He was a naturally more fluid athlete. JJ can work on lower body & will have to. Playing strength doesn't only mean upper body development. JJ will have to hit the squat rack & work on resistance running. This is stuff that all of them do in an NFL offseason program. Remember the leap AB took his first year with his explosion. The biggest leaps come in the first couple years because that is where you take the chunk of clay & start to mold. Another off season in Florida with Shaw should do wonders for JJ. If he is truly dedicated & spends time in Florida with Shaw...I would be willing to bet you we will see a noticeable difference in his first step starting next year. He was "the model" college athlete coming into the pros. When the light goes on for those players & they understand the "Game to Job" characteristic that needs to be adhered to...You see the BOOM. When they don't...You see the BUST. JJ is in a very good situation where I don't think he will be given an opportunity to explore the wrong path. That's one of the reasons I think it is very important for the Steelers to retain Worilds. He walked that same path early in his career. Harrison took him under his wing in the weight room & off-season programs. Worilds needs to do the same with JJ & serve as that mentor.

[sick beats]

But Worilds had a burst from day 1 off the ball that I just don't see in JJ. I worry if JJ gets bigger/stronger, he might slow down even more. I know speed isn't everything, but it feels like a bit of a concern with JJ.

PEDs, while adding mass, usually also make athletes quicker. Bigger, faster, stronger. We can rebuild him....with juice.

[hawaiiansteel]

Guest: In retrospect did the Steelers 'Reach' for Jarvis Jones?

Gerry Dulac: I think it is too early to make that determination, but there's no question he has to get stronger and develop an inside pass rush move to become a dominant player in the NFL. i think we have seen the instincts and abilities to make plays and be around the ball, not to mention making explosive tackles. Because of that, I think it is only fair to see what year two holds for him. But if he isn';t committed to getting in the weight room and getting stronge, then that pick won't look so good.

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