OLB's drying up....

[Chadman]

Is it now safe to re-think the possibility of moving Shazier to OLB?

Ask yourself this.. is Shazier a BETTER option at OLB than guys like Sam Acho or O'Brien Schofield?

Would the move, coupled with Moats re-signing & the drafting of a premier OLB in the draft (pick your poison at #22...Dupree perhaps?) at least give the Steelers a direction to start the year with?

If Shazier isn't a lock to start at ILB because of the play of Spence & Williams, why the Hell isn't it at LEAST a thought?

[hawaiiansteel]

Is it now safe to re-think the possibility of moving Shazier to OLB?

the Steelers are not going to move Shazier outside, he and Timmons are going to be the Day 1 starting ILBers.

[Chadman]

If the Steelers don't play their best combination of LB's, that's just silly.

I like Moats, but he isn't a superior player compared to Vince Williams in my opinion.

[Iron City Inc.]

Shazier will be starting inside in 15. His skill set is simply off the charts. Spence made a great comeback and has good quicks but not much explosion and Williams is a nice 2 down backer but doesn't play well in space so while having them is productive they have some limitations. Could Shazier be used like a big nickle safety in the slot or off the edge as suggested I say yes. He demonstrated that at OSU.
Dupree at 22 sure could be the selection. Pass rushers always seem to go so early so I'm 50-50 on him even being there for us.
Orakpo is still available and he will only be 29 this year. When healthy, which is the issue, he has been a 10 sack guy. He should be able to be had at a bargain price and a short term deal.

[Slapstick]

Ooooooo....

Given what the Steelers ask each LB to do, I'm not convinced that Shazier outside/Williams inside is a stronger combo than Moats outside/Shazier inside...if they ran a more traditional 4-3, Williams could possibly be one of the best fits...

[papillon]

Don't forget about Jarvis.

Pappy

[Oviedo]

Don't forget about Jarvis.

Pappy

Jones has made it easy to forget about him I just hope that doesn't continue, but think it may. IMO Shazier may be a better option on the outside especially if we see more 4-3 looks like Butler intimated. Would be able to keep Shazier on the field.

[K Train]

Its an interesting discussion for a few reasons...mostly because we do not know exactly what the defense is going to look like. Butler and Tomlin said we have to be more "multiple" which given our current lineup is a great thing.

Shazier cannot hold up on the outside aside from blitzing. But he can be a weakside LB in 43 looks quite easily, and Jarvis would be a great option at strong side.

It is make or break for Jones, first and foremost he needs to stay healthy...he looked fine in the first 2 games last year, had 2 sacks, aside from mcclendon was the only competent run defender (idk if everyone recalls how poorly timmons, heyward, and worilds started the season) but he could not get on the field even when he was "healthy" after dislocating his wrist, which given the nature of his position is a tough injury. Plus harrison gave no reason to take him off the field by then.

Spence was not very good last year, he was ok from time to time in spot duty. Williams was a pleasant surprise after being pretty horrible as a rookie starter. I fully expect them to sign an OLB (i dont get the hate for Moats, hes a high end backup at the position), but they will likely take an OLB in rounds 1 or 2

This is really an excellent year to trade up if they wanted to make a move for Beasley, Ray, Gregory, or Folwer. If they sit tight they might get a shot at Dupree who is physically freakish but not much of a natural pass rusher, and I would imagine Harold will be there at 22

In round 2 it gets much thinner....Hunter, Orchard have solid second round grades to me, in 3 theres Golden, Mauldin

[phillyesq]

Shazier looks like a safety on the field. I can't fathom why you'd want a guy that small locking horns with offensive tackles play after play. Let him stay inside where he can use his side and send him on the occasional blitz where he can use his speed around the corner.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Trade Vince Williams or Sean Spence and a late round pick to New Orleans for Keenan Lewis. Draft an OLB with an early pick.

[K Train]

Tomlin and Porter are at kentucky today to check out Dupree and Smith.

Tomlin was at Louisville yesterday to see Holliman and mauldin

[Slapstick]

Don't forget about Jarvis.

Pappy

Nobody forgot about him. The discussion is regarding the starter opposite him. He won the job in camp last year and performed well until injured. As long as he is able to stay healthy, that side isn't the problem.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

If the Steelers don't play their best combination of LB's, that's just silly.

I like Moats, but he isn't a superior player compared to Vince Williams in my opinion.

I'm totally with you Chadman. Been saying the same - i think he could be a special OLB. And solid ILB's are easier to find.

[papillon]

Nobody forgot about him. The discussion is regarding the starter opposite him. He won the job in camp last year and performed well until injured. As long as he is able to stay healthy, that side isn't the problem.

I was just stirring the pot as you can see by the smiley. He has to stay healthy though to be "the guy" and force Harrison into retirement.

Pappy

[K Train]

Tomlin had dinner with Mauldin last night...for those of you who dont know, he is a bad bad man