Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

[ikestops85]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

Clark is going to sign a fair deal with us.

Reason #1, his medical condition. Although, he has been pretty durable, that unfortunate reaction in Denver will scare off a lot of teams. Look at last year, the coaches benched him, in precaution in Denver. So that eliminates all of the AFCW and teams with games in Denver this year. Are there any other high altitude cities in the NFL?

Reason #2, his talent. I would say he is an average to above average FS, nothing special.

Reason #3, deep draft class of safeties. Probably find better talent and potential in this draft than what he can offer.

Reason #4, money talks, but he has a good thing going here in the Burgh playing with one of the best Safeties in the game, one of the best defenses in the game, and a possibility of more rings.

i'm with you on this one, Ryan Clark is an average to above average FS, nothing special at all. Instead of stepping up in Troy's absence, he was one of the DBs on the field when we surrendered all those 4th quarter leads. I just don't see us paying him big money.

I would rather look for another veteran S in free agency or wait until after the draft and see if we could pick Earl Thomas in the 1st round or Nate Allen in the 2nd.

I agree with you guys for the most part. He is not worth superstar money but he is one of those 'glue' type players that you have to have to win championships. He is smart, steady, does everthing well but nothing outstanding.

He certainly is replaceable but is not 'easily' replaceable. For example I don't think Rhodes would bring the same stability and cohesion to the defense that Clark does. He might have greater physical ability but he is also not as likely to sacrifice his stature for the team by going for a hard tackle instead of trying for the unlikely interception. I guess I'm saying he won't err on the side of caution but would be more likely to give up big plays while trying to make big plays. Clark on the other hand is satisfied with just knocking the snot out of receivers and letting Troy take care of the glory plays.

[NW Steeler]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

Personally, I think Kennan Lewis was drafted to play FS.

If he can actually play corner- then all the better.

The key question is: Is he ready in season 2, to be the starter??

IMO- Clark is given a mid to low offer, which he can vastly improve upon in the FA market.

So- I'd look for DeShae to be resigned to a very cap friendly deal- as insurance if Lewis isn't the guy- in either role.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Lewis is still seen as a corner and a corner only by the Steelers. I think it was in Bouchette's transcript a week or two ago.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

Personally, I think Kennan Lewis was drafted to play FS.

If he can actually play corner- then all the better.

The key question is: Is he ready in season 2, to be the starter??

IMO- Clark is given a mid to low offer, which he can vastly improve upon in the FA market.

So- I'd look for DeShae to be resigned to a very cap friendly deal- as insurance if Lewis isn't the guy- in either role.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Lewis is still seen as a corner and a corner only by the Steelers. I think it was in Bouchette's transcript a week or two ago.

Keenan Lewis will start camp at the CB position and will not be moved to FS. Also, Willie Colon will remain at RT and will not be moved to guard.

[ANPSTEEL]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

Personally, I think Kennan Lewis was drafted to play FS.

If he can actually play corner- then all the better.

The key question is: Is he ready in season 2, to be the starter??

IMO- Clark is given a mid to low offer, which he can vastly improve upon in the FA market.

So- I'd look for DeShae to be resigned to a very cap friendly deal- as insurance if Lewis isn't the guy- in either role.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Lewis is still seen as a corner and a corner only by the Steelers. I think it was in Bouchette's transcript a week or two ago.

I didn't see that, but

I'm not sure he has the speed to be a starting corner in the NFL.

He is the one player I am really looking forward to seeing progress in camp next season.

(well... i guess that is not entirely true... i think we'd all like to see Urbik and Hills actually contribute to something as well.)

[NorthCoast]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

Personally, I think Kennan Lewis was drafted to play FS.

If he can actually play corner- then all the better.

The key question is: Is he ready in season 2, to be the starter??

IMO- Clark is given a mid to low offer, which he can vastly improve upon in the FA market.

So- I'd look for DeShae to be resigned to a very cap friendly deal- as insurance if Lewis isn't the guy- in either role.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Lewis is still seen as a corner and a corner only by the Steelers. I think it was in Bouchette's transcript a week or two ago.

Keenan Lewis will start camp at the CB position and will not be moved to FS. Also, Willie Colon will remain at RT and will not be moved to guard.

I'm not convinced that either of these are a slam dunk. On Colon, I am hoping/wishing our new OL coach will truly evaluate player strengths like he did Buffalo. Lewis will end up where the greatest need is after the draft......we'll see how that turns out. I think our offense has shown it has enough stuff to keep pace with any team, so I am hoping we go heavy on Defense in this draft. I would not mind seeing picks 1-3 go that way.

[steelz09]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

I think Clarks agent is living in a dream world if he things the Steelers are going to dish out that type of money Clark.

imo... Clark is a similar player to Hope.

It's going to get veeerrryy interesting if the Steelers can't resign Clark or Hampton long term. If Hampton doesn't sign a 3 year deal then I see the Steelers drafting Williams if available. They almost have to at that point. A starting NT now adays is more difficult to find that a starting free safety. I truely believe that.

If Clark isn't resigned either then what do you do? You almost have to pass up on Thomas and Mays to draft Williams.

Is it possible that Mays could drop into the 2nd round?

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

I think Clarks agent is living in a dream world if he things the Steelers are going to dish out that type of money Clark.

imo... Clark is a similar player to Hope.

It's going to get veeerrryy interesting if the Steelers can't resign Clark or Hampton long term. If Hampton doesn't sign a 3 year deal then I see the Steelers drafting Williams if available. They almost have to at that point. A starting NT now adays is more difficult to find that a starting free safety. I truely believe that.

If Clark isn't resigned either then what do you do? You almost have to pass up on Thomas and Mays to draft Williams.

Is it possible that Mays could drop into the 2nd round?

A dominant starting NT for a 3-4 team now adays is as important to have as a franchise QB, they are both cornerstones you build around.


If Hampton does not sign a long-term deal I believe the Steelers will find it very difficult to pass on Dan Williams if he is still available at #18.

A good safety such as Nate Allen or Chad Jones can still be had in the second round. There's no way Taylor Mays makes it to us in Round 2 in my opinion, especially if he blows everyone away at the Combine with his athleticism.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

what about Arizona Cardinals S Antrel Rolle if he is released?


Cardinals | Rolle could get released

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:25

Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, speculates Arizona Cardinals S Antrel Rolle might be released from the team as Rolle is due a $4 million roster bonus due in March that the Cardinals do not want to pay.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

i like safeties that are smart, guess some NFL teams worry he may be too smart...



Myron Rolle's off-field success could hurt in the draft

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 21, 2010 7:29 PM ET


ESPN's Outside the Lines ran a story Sunday morning about Myron Rolle, the Florida State defensive back who became a Rhodes Scholar and is now a prospect in the 2010 NFL draft.

The whole segment is worth watching, and the companion piece by Wright Thompson at ESPN.com is worth reading, but the Outside the Lines segment ended on an odd note, citing ESPN's draft experts as saying Rolle's off-field pursuits would actually hurt his stock among NFL teams.

The thinking, according to ESPN, is that NFL teams want to draft guys who need to play football and want to study nothing more than a playbook -- not guys like Rolle, who wants to become a doctor and enjoys studying the latest developments in stem cell research. The report said Rolle has dealt with this mentality before when his defensive coordinator at Florida State, Mickey Andrews, told Rolle that he was spending too much time on school and not enough time on football.

It's kind of a sad commentary: After a great piece about what a fine young man Rolle is, ESPN felt the need to point out that being a fine young man could, in Rolle's case, actually count against him on NFL teams' draft boards.

But it's surely true that Rolle could decide at any time to walk away from football and find greater success in another field. As far as NFL teams are concerned, that's not a good quality in a draft prospect.

[stlrz d]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

i like safeties that are smart, guess some NFL teams worry he may be too smart...



Myron Rolle's off-field success could hurt in the draft

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 21, 2010 7:29 PM ET


ESPN's Outside the Lines ran a story Sunday morning about Myron Rolle, the Florida State defensive back who became a Rhodes Scholar and is now a prospect in the 2010 NFL draft.

The whole segment is worth watching, and the companion piece by Wright Thompson at ESPN.com is worth reading, but the Outside the Lines segment ended on an odd note, citing ESPN's draft experts as saying Rolle's off-field pursuits would actually hurt his stock among NFL teams.

The thinking, according to ESPN, is that NFL teams want to draft guys who need to play football and want to study nothing more than a playbook -- not guys like Rolle, who wants to become a doctor and enjoys studying the latest developments in stem cell research. The report said Rolle has dealt with this mentality before when his defensive coordinator at Florida State, Mickey Andrews, told Rolle that he was spending too much time on school and not enough time on football.

It's kind of a sad commentary: After a great piece about what a fine young man Rolle is, ESPN felt the need to point out that being a fine young man could, in Rolle's case, actually count against him on NFL teams' draft boards.

But it's surely true that Rolle could decide at any time to walk away from football and find greater success in another field. As far as NFL teams are concerned, that's not a good quality in a draft prospect.

[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_%28American_football%29"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smi ... ootball%29[/url]

Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972 in Euclid, Ohio) is a former American football running back who played with the Ohio State Buckeyes and later with the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. While in college, he openly criticized the Ohio State football staff for not allowing him to concentrate on academics. He declared for the NFL draft shortly after his sophomore year (counting his redshirt his third academic year) leaving many of his fans perplexed. (He also starred in track and field while at Ohio State. Smith had been the only player to ever win Ohio's Mr. Football Award twice (in 1988 and 1989). Erick Howard has since won the award twice (in 2008 and 2009).

Smith played 8 seasons in the NFL and bailed. I'm sure teams are worried Rolle might bail while he's still got something left in the tank.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

i like safeties that are smart, guess some NFL teams worry he may be too smart...



Myron Rolle's off-field success could hurt in the draft

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 21, 2010 7:29 PM ET


ESPN's Outside the Lines ran a story Sunday morning about Myron Rolle, the Florida State defensive back who became a Rhodes Scholar and is now a prospect in the 2010 NFL draft.

The whole segment is worth watching, and the companion piece by Wright Thompson at ESPN.com is worth reading, but the Outside the Lines segment ended on an odd note, citing ESPN's draft experts as saying Rolle's off-field pursuits would actually hurt his stock among NFL teams.

The thinking, according to ESPN, is that NFL teams want to draft guys who need to play football and want to study nothing more than a playbook -- not guys like Rolle, who wants to become a doctor and enjoys studying the latest developments in stem cell research. The report said Rolle has dealt with this mentality before when his defensive coordinator at Florida State, Mickey Andrews, told Rolle that he was spending too much time on school and not enough time on football.

It's kind of a sad commentary: After a great piece about what a fine young man Rolle is, ESPN felt the need to point out that being a fine young man could, in Rolle's case, actually count against him on NFL teams' draft boards.

But it's surely true that Rolle could decide at any time to walk away from football and find greater success in another field. As far as NFL teams are concerned, that's not a good quality in a draft prospect.

[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_%28American_football%29"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smi ... ootball%29[/url]

Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972 in Euclid, Ohio) is a former American football running back who played with the Ohio State Buckeyes and later with the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. While in college, he openly criticized the Ohio State football staff for not allowing him to concentrate on academics. He declared for the NFL draft shortly after his sophomore year (counting his redshirt his third academic year) leaving many of his fans perplexed. (He also starred in track and field while at Ohio State. Smith had been the only player to ever win Ohio's Mr. Football Award twice (in 1988 and 1989). Erick Howard has since won the award twice (in 2008 and 2009).

Smith played 8 seasons in the NFL and bailed. I'm sure teams are worried Rolle might bail while he's still got something left in the tank.

Robert Smith is a very good analogy to Myron Rolle...

however, if we were able to draft Rolle in say the fifth round and have him play for the Steelers for 8 years i would be satisfied with that.

[Oviedo]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

I think Clarks agent is living in a dream world if he things the Steelers are going to dish out that type of money Clark.

imo... Clark is a similar player to Hope.

It's going to get veeerrryy interesting if the Steelers can't resign Clark or Hampton long term. If Hampton doesn't sign a 3 year deal then I see the Steelers drafting Williams if available. They almost have to at that point. A starting NT now adays is more difficult to find that a starting free safety. I truely believe that.

If Clark isn't resigned either then what do you do? You almost have to pass up on Thomas and Mays to draft Williams.

Is it possible that Mays could drop into the 2nd round?

For this year Hampton will not factor into this issue because he will be tagged and won't be playing anywhere else until 2012 (assume lockout). That means we will not have to get a NT in Round 1 and can get a NT in Round 2 (Cam Thomas) or Round 3 (Torrell Troup). "Mount Lard" Cody may even fall far enough into Round 2 that we could get him but I still wouldn't touch him.

If Clark is allowed to leave we can still get a good safety prospect in Round 2 or 3. This draft is very deep at the safety position.

Colbert will operate as he always does and take the best player on the board in Round 1 regardless of position.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

I think Clarks agent is living in a dream world if he things the Steelers are going to dish out that type of money Clark.

imo... Clark is a similar player to Hope.

It's going to get veeerrryy interesting if the Steelers can't resign Clark or Hampton long term. If Hampton doesn't sign a 3 year deal then I see the Steelers drafting Williams if available. They almost have to at that point. A starting NT now adays is more difficult to find that a starting free safety. I truely believe that.

If Clark isn't resigned either then what do you do? You almost have to pass up on Thomas and Mays to draft Williams.

Is it possible that Mays could drop into the 2nd round?

For this year Hampton will not factor into this issue because he will be tagged and won't be playing anywhere else until 2012 (assume lockout). That means we will not have to get a NT in Round 1 and can get a NT in Round 2 (Cam Thomas) or Round 3 (Torrell Troup). "Mount Lard" Cody may even fall far enough into Round 2 that we could get him but I still wouldn't touch him.

If Clark is allowed to leave we can still get a good safety prospect in Round 2 or 3. This draft is very deep at the safety position.

Colbert will operate as he always does and take the best player on the board in Round 1 regardless of position.

i agree about Colbert taking the BPA, and if Williams is the best player on the Steelers' board when we pick in Round 1 they will take him and then address FS in a later round.

[Chadman]

Re: Time is now for Steelers' Ryan Clark

In relation to Rolle- if a team drafts him in say, the 4th round onwards, and he decides to only play, say 3 years of football- is it a bad investment?

Really, most mid to late picks are 50-50 to have a decent NFL career anyway.

Worth a flyer, if you ask Chadman.