Lets talk ILB

[WB Tarleton]

Some premature thoughts on shazier in this thread...id say theres a good chance his career is over but im not gonna count the guy out.

That said, they will almost certainly look at MLB early this year and not go after any high priced free agents. Roquon Smith (UGA), Josh Allen (Kentucky), and Josey Jewell (Iowa) are guys i like in round 1 or 2...all seem like the kind of MLBs we would target (first 2 could probably hold up on the outside as well)

Premature? More like "sickeningly speculative." He and his doctors may not even know yet.

[NorthCoast]

Some premature thoughts on shazier in this thread...id say theres a good chance his career is over but im not gonna count the guy out.

That said, they will almost certainly look at MLB early this year and not go after any high priced free agents. Roquon Smith (UGA), Josh Allen (Kentucky), and Josey Jewell (Iowa) are guys i like in round 1 or 2...all seem like the kind of MLBs we would target (first 2 could probably hold up on the outside as well)

I don't know what chance Shazier will have to play football again, but the reality is the Steelers have to make plans for football without him, as they have already begun doing. Not sure I see an ILB with Shazier's athleticism in next year's draft so maybe look to convert a stout safety?

[RuthlessBurgher]

Also really like Oklahoma Lb Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

Ooo... hopefully he has a better career than former UCLA LB Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who many on this board were smitten with a couple years ago (and is already out of football).

[feltdizz]

I don't know what chance Shazier will have to play football again, but the reality is the Steelers have to make plans for football without him, as they have already begun doing. Not sure I see an ILB with Shazier's athleticism in next year's draft so maybe look to convert a stout safety?

yup. While it would be awesome for Shazier to play again the chances are slim to none and we have to make plans based on today and not on God's time.

[Oviedo]

Some premature thoughts on shazier in this thread...id say theres a good chance his career is over but im not gonna count the guy out.

That said, they will almost certainly look at MLB early this year and not go after any high priced free agents. Roquon Smith (UGA), Josh Allen (Kentucky), and Josey Jewell (Iowa) are guys i like in round 1 or 2...all seem like the kind of MLBs we would target (first 2 could probably hold up on the outside as well)

I disagree. I think guys, me included, are just being realistic about the chances that Shazier could come back and be the player he was. He had a very serious spinal injury and that is nothing in any profession you come back 100% from let alone a collision sport like football. I will continue to pray for a miracle but recognize it is highly unlikely to occur.

[Oviedo]

In the past most of our talent on the defensive side of the ball was in the linebacker corp. Now I'd say that talent marker swings toward the defensive linemen side of things. Having said that going forward I'd love to see them start looking at the 4-3. You're welcome Ovi. It would just be the base defense which they really don't play often anymore but it does seem to fit the players we have now.

Just think how far along we would be right now if I was just listened to????? I said years ago our downfall was going to be restocking at linebacker. Well that isn't where our elite talent is especially losing Shazier. Go all in on the 4-3.

[Slapstick]

Just think how far along we would be right now if I was just listened to????? I said years ago our downfall was going to be restocking at linebacker. Well that isn't where our elite talent is especially losing Shazier. Go all in on the 4-3.

Of course, you could foresee losing Shazier...

[Eddie Spaghetti]

when was the downfall?

did I miss it?

[RuthlessBurgher]

Just think how far along we would be right now if I was just listened to????? I said years ago our downfall was going to be restocking at linebacker. Well that isn't where our elite talent is especially losing Shazier. Go all in on the 4-3.

Our base should be 3-3-5 now. I'd rather have Mike Hilton on the field as a 3rd CB in the slot than Spence or Fort or Dirty Red as a 2nd ILB. Rush Heyward, Hargrave, and Tuitt, and then keep the other team guessing whether the 4th rusher will be Watt, Vince, Bud, or Hilton.

[Slapstick]

...or Davis, Burns, or even Haden...all have sacked or pressured a QB this season...

Interestingly enough, that alignment was the defense Butler really cut his teeth running as a coach...

[K Train]

Ooo... hopefully he has a better career than former UCLA LB Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who many on this board were smitten with a couple years ago (and is already out of football).

Admittedly...loved that man.

He was so violent and strong....thought he was going to be amazing