DeCastro, Adams have to earn their jobs

DeCastro, Adams have to earn their jobs
July, 30, 2012
By Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com

The expectation is for the Steelers' top two picks in the 2012 draft, guard David DeCastro and tackle Mike Adams, to start this season.

Pittsburgh, however, isn't going to give the starting jobs to rookies. They will have to earn it.

In his weekend visit to Steelers training camp, ESPN's John Clayton points out that DeCastro and Adams are working with the second-team offense. Here is Clayton's take on the situation:
DeCastro should excel on running downs and learn how to be a good pass-blocker. Adams looks natural when he's going one-on-one against a pass-rusher. But a rookie tackle can be counted on to give up eight to 10 sacks. For example, look at the 49ers when they drafted Mike Iupati at guard and Anthony Davis at right tackle. The 49ers gave up 44 sacks that year. Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked an average of 43.5 times a season the past six seasons. Willie Colon should do well at left guard if he stays healthy. Maurkice Pouncey is already one of the best centers in football. The Steelers just have to make sure DeCastro and Adams are ready.

(Read More:) http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/51555/decastro-adams-have-to-earn-their-jobs

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Although I'm extremely excited to see these two guys on the field and improving this o-line, I agree that they should be forced to earn their spots. Make them prove that they were worth the high draft picks and push them to work hard for it. They shouldn't be coming in with a sense of inevitability or entitlement. Some work with the second team should instill some humbleness and work ethic in them early.

By all means, I want the best men for the job even if that means Essex, Foster, Legursky, or someone else are one or more of them. It's about winning (as Charlie Sheen would say) and whoever gives us the best chance this year is who I want starting for us.... even if I have to curtail my eagerness to see the new guys as starters until next season. With at least one of them, I don't think I'll need to.

And they better! We need them up front.

bayz101 wrote:

And they better! We need them up front.

I like it, don't let them win by default..let them earn starting spots! DeCastro shouldn't have a problem..Adams might, but would love to see them both starting.