If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

i watched that interview with Spoon at the Senior Bowl and the interviewer asked him where scouts had him projected to play in the NFL.

Spoon's answer was that NFL teams were telling him he would be an ideal fit at the weakside OLB position in the 4-3 or the inside Mack position in a 3-4 which Timmons currently plays.

this would then require a position change for Timmons, would he be better at the Buck position (replacing Farrior) than he is at the Mack?

You better listen again to the link. He said in a 3-4 possibly the "Mike" which is the LILB....Farrior's spot. Timmons plays the Mac...RILB.

In the 3-4 the left inside linebacker is also called the “MIKE linebacker”. He closely resembles his counterpart in the 4-3 except that he aligns himself in a “two technique” over the guard to the tight end side. The right inside linebacker, referred to as the “MAC Linebacker” also aligns himself in a “two technique” except he is on the “weak side” away from the tight end. In the 3-4’s most basic form both the “MIKE” and “MAC” linebackers have “A and B gap” responsibility, so like the middle linebacker of the 4-3 they must play the run from the inside out. However, in many of the 3-4 scheme’s ran in the NFL today you see the “MAC backer” playing more of a weak side linebackers role and the “MIKE” can likewise find himself in the strong side role.

i listened to the link again and you are absolutlely correct, Spoon said the "Mike" position...so that would actually make me feel even better about drafting Spoon because he would replace Farrior in the Mike and Timmons could just stay where he is.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

Weatherspoon is similar in size and abilities to Timmons.

While he is impressive, I don't think we want two Timmonses (?) at ILB. We would be better off with one athletic speciman and one thumper instead of two athletic specimen.

Graham would be more of a thumper, but he is similar in size and abilities to Woodley. He should be an excellent pass-rushing 3-4 OLB like his ex-Wolverine teammate is, but I don't see him transitioning inside. It just doesn't match his skill set.

I'm fine with Timmons, Farrior, and Fox rotating in the middle for the time being, while adding a ILB prospect on day 3 of the draft such as Micah Johnson or Joe Pawelek or Boris Lee for depth and special teams, instead of spending an early pick there.

[NJ-STEELER]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

if we would draft graham, groom him for debo's spot in 2 years or so

covering mcluster deep in the senior bowl, it didn't look like spoon was 6'1 230lbs. i wonder if he's listed higher then he is. if so, we cant afford the lack of size he and timmons would have on the inside

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

Weatherspoon is similar in size and abilities to Timmons.

While he is impressive, I don't think we want two Timmonses (?) at ILB. We would be better off with one athletic speciman and one thumper instead of two athletic specimen.

Graham would be more of a thumper, but he is similar in size and abilities to Woodley. He should be an excellent pass-rushing 3-4 OLB like his ex-Wolverine teammate is, but I don't see him transitioning inside. It just doesn't match his skill set.

I'm fine with Timmons, Farrior, and Fox rotating in the middle for the time being, while adding a ILB prospect on day 3 of the draft such as Micah Johnson or Joe Pawelek or Boris Lee for depth and special teams, instead of spending an early pick there.

I don't know if I would say he is similiar in build to Timmons. I would say he is a taller version of Harrison. He is really put together and I would put him in that thumper class. He actually dropped about 10 pounds for the Senior Bowl weigh in. He weighed in at 242 and he played at 250+ most of the year.

Farrior had a good career here. If you make a visual comparison between the two...Spoon looks the part.

[Shawn]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

Speculation and I believe poor speculation at that. First, just because we franchise Hampton it doesn't mean we won't draft his replacement in the first. Second, we already have Farrior's replacement...Timmons. I believe this to be the year to slide him into the buck. So that leaves us with a need in the mack which I believe Fox will fill nicely. The Steelers would have to think alot less of Fox than I do to draft an ILB in the first. The only way we go with a ILB in the first is if the Steelers have no confidence that Fox can be a quality starter. They have more info than I do...but Fox was very impressive last season. He hits like a house...has a nose for the ball and sorts through traffic well. He even has coverage skills. I believe him to be the real deal.

Shawn, although I agree with you for the most part the Steelers have absolutely no one behind Fox and Timmons once Farrior retires. An ILB needs to be added to provide some depth and add competition to the ILB position.

In the first? That's the title. I mean if Fox is the real deal you don't draft an ILB in the first. You wait and grab depth in rounds 4-7.

[Shawn]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

i watched that interview with Spoon at the Senior Bowl and the interviewer asked him where scouts had him projected to play in the NFL.

Spoon's answer was that NFL teams were telling him he would be an ideal fit at the weakside OLB position in the 4-3 or the inside Mack position in a 3-4 which Timmons currently plays.

this would then require a position change for Timmons, would he be better at the Buck position (replacing Farrior) than he is at the Mack?

You better listen again to the link. He said in a 3-4 possibly the "Mike" which is the LILB....Farrior's spot. Timmons plays the Mac...RILB.

In the 3-4 the left inside linebacker is also called the “MIKE linebacker”. He closely resembles his counterpart in the 4-3 except that he aligns himself in a “two technique” over the guard to the tight end side. The right inside linebacker, referred to as the “MAC Linebacker” also aligns himself in a “two technique” except he is on the “weak side” away from the tight end. In the 3-4’s most basic form both the “MIKE” and “MAC” linebackers have “A and B gap” responsibility, so like the middle linebacker of the 4-3 they must play the run from the inside out. However, in many of the 3-4 scheme’s ran in the NFL today you see the “MAC backer” playing more of a weak side linebackers role and the “MIKE” can likewise find himself in the strong side role.

i listened to the link again and you are absolutlely correct, Spoon said the "Mike" position...so that would actually make me feel even better about drafting Spoon because he would replace Farrior in the Mike and Timmons could just stay where he is.

Which would suck because Timmons is clearly out of place.

[NW Steeler]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

I don't think Fox was ever seen as a full-time player. A great back-up and special teams player? Hell yeah. How much did he start in KC, one year maybe?

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

i watched that interview with Spoon at the Senior Bowl and the interviewer asked him where scouts had him projected to play in the NFL.

Spoon's answer was that NFL teams were telling him he would be an ideal fit at the weakside OLB position in the 4-3 or the inside Mack position in a 3-4 which Timmons currently plays.

this would then require a position change for Timmons, would he be better at the Buck position (replacing Farrior) than he is at the Mack?

You better listen again to the link. He said in a 3-4 possibly the "Mike" which is the LILB....Farrior's spot. Timmons plays the Mac...RILB.

In the 3-4 the left inside linebacker is also called the “MIKE linebacker”. He closely resembles his counterpart in the 4-3 except that he aligns himself in a “two technique” over the guard to the tight end side. The right inside linebacker, referred to as the “MAC Linebacker” also aligns himself in a “two technique” except he is on the “weak side” away from the tight end. In the 3-4’s most basic form both the “MIKE” and “MAC” linebackers have “A and B gap” responsibility, so like the middle linebacker of the 4-3 they must play the run from the inside out. However, in many of the 3-4 scheme’s ran in the NFL today you see the “MAC backer” playing more of a weak side linebackers role and the “MIKE” can likewise find himself in the strong side role.

i listened to the link again and you are absolutlely correct, Spoon said the "Mike" position...so that would actually make me feel even better about drafting Spoon because he would replace Farrior in the Mike and Timmons could just stay where he is.

Which would suck because Timmons is clearly out of place.

I think Timmons might move to ROLB after Harrison leaves and play cover backer in the nickel & dime like Porter did.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

i watched that interview with Spoon at the Senior Bowl and the interviewer asked him where scouts had him projected to play in the NFL.

Spoon's answer was that NFL teams were telling him he would be an ideal fit at the weakside OLB position in the 4-3 or the inside Mack position in a 3-4 which Timmons currently plays.

this would then require a position change for Timmons, would he be better at the Buck position (replacing Farrior) than he is at the Mack?

You better listen again to the link. He said in a 3-4 possibly the "Mike" which is the LILB....Farrior's spot. Timmons plays the Mac...RILB.

In the 3-4 the left inside linebacker is also called the “MIKE linebacker”. He closely resembles his counterpart in the 4-3 except that he aligns himself in a “two technique” over the guard to the tight end side. The right inside linebacker, referred to as the “MAC Linebacker” also aligns himself in a “two technique” except he is on the “weak side” away from the tight end. In the 3-4’s most basic form both the “MIKE” and “MAC” linebackers have “A and B gap” responsibility, so like the middle linebacker of the 4-3 they must play the run from the inside out. However, in many of the 3-4 scheme’s ran in the NFL today you see the “MAC backer” playing more of a weak side linebackers role and the “MIKE” can likewise find himself in the strong side role.

i listened to the link again and you are absolutlely correct, Spoon said the "Mike" position...so that would actually make me feel even better about drafting Spoon because he would replace Farrior in the Mike and Timmons could just stay where he is.

Which would suck because Timmons is clearly out of place.

just curious, why do you think Timmons would be better at the Buck position? wouldn't he get over-powered even more versus the run against the strong side of the offensive formation?

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

it will be interesting to see the numbers on the Wilfork deal if/when it happens and how that will affect the Hampton negotiations...


Patriots | Owner says deal with Wilfork close

Wed, 24 Feb 2010

Ian Rapoport, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said the Patriots are close to a long-term deal with franchise free-agent DT Vince Wilfork.

[NKySteeler]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

Regardless whether Hampton is signed/tagged... He replacement needs to be drafted, and picked early-on... Delay or procrastination will only result in a defeciency down the road IMO... Tag him, draft his replacement first off, and groom him to step-in after 1 season.

[Steel Life]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY][quote="Dee Dub":1t474rhj][quote="NW Steeler":1t474rhj]So, Weatherspoon or Spikes then? Sounded like the Steelers really liked 'Spoon.[/quote]

I dont understand where everyone keeps getting this?? Weatherspoon is not an ILB. He is better suited to play OLB. Youa re asking for too much to put him inside next to Timmons.[/quote:1t474rhj]

I like Spoon better than McClain...I have discussed this in another thread. Spoon played ILB at the Senior Bowl and scouts & GMs told him LILB in a 3-4 and ROLB in a 4-3. See below.

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63XBIV-ptmw"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63XBIV-ptmw[/url][/quote:1t474rhj]
I'm with you Nasty, Spoon is a player to watch if all the other options the team wants are off the board or they trade down. There's really not much to dislike about the kid...

[Chadman]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

Chadman would be very happy with Sean Weatherspoon. People make too much of this 'thumper' tag we give LB's. Farrior is smaller than Weatherspoon- Weatherspoon just happens to be faster & more athletic to go with it.

there are several ways to build a strong defense.

One is through power- where a true 'thumper' is useful.

Another is through speed & explosiveness- this appears to be the direction Tomlin wants this defense to go.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

Chadman would be very happy with Sean Weatherspoon. People make too much of this 'thumper' tag we give LB's. Farrior is smaller than Weatherspoon- Weatherspoon just happens to be faster & more athletic to go with it.

there are several ways to build a strong defense.

One is through power- where a true 'thumper' is useful.

Another is through speed & explosiveness- this appears to be the direction Tomlin wants this defense to go.

yes, i first noticed this fact when Tomlin/Colbert chose Lawrence Timmons to be the LB of the future. with NFL teams passing more and more you better make sure your "Thumper" is equally adept in pass coverage because if he isn't NFL teams today will find him and attempt to intentionally isolate one of their quicker players against him. Other teams this past season were targeting Farrior whenever they caught him in pass coverage, this was the first time that i ever noticed how Farrior had lost a step and a half...

Sean Weatherspoon is very good in coverage, I don't find anything wrong with both starting ILBs being able to cover proficiently. Spoon is also a vocal leader, I think he could make a big contribution immediately replacing Farrior on obvious passing downs and being the eventual heir to Farrior's ILB position and role as a team leader for our Steelers.

Add in Fox who I really like and next year's ILB position will be a team strength, not the potential weakness it is being viewed as right now.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: If Hampton signs, Steelers may select ILB in Round 1

saw this posted on kffl.com, after how Darrelle Revis got snatched away from us by the Jets when they traded right in front of us do you really believe we would make our choice this obvious? or is everything you read and hear from the Steelers between now and the draft probably just another smokescreen?


Steelers | Could look at ILB with first pick
Wed, 24 Feb 2010

Gerry Dulac, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers may decide to take an inside linebacker with their first-round draft choice.