UPDATE (7/29): Steelers Waive Shawn Lemon

KeepHarrisonTilHes92 wrote:

FrancoLambert wrote:

solardave wrote:

Drizztbob wrote:

Well if he ends up starting for the Steelers, let's hope he's not a Lemon...

Yeah if this guy turns out to be a stud we will have to come up with a name other than LEMON.

If he makes the roster.......Lemon-Aid.  

The E-Lemon-aider.

I hope he stands out, but honestly I don't think he will make the 53. I'm more inclined to think that Ian Wild makes a name for himself on special teams and backup safety.

I think Harrison, Jones, Dupree, Moats, Chickilo will be the top 5, but maybe Lemon makes it as #6 and they keep 10 LB's

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

I hope he stands out, but honestly I don't think he will make the 53.  I'm more inclined to think that Ian Wild makes a name for himself on special teams and backup safety.

I think Harrison, Jones, Dupree, Moats, Chickilo will be the top 5, but maybe Lemon makes it as #6 and they keep 10 LB's

They likely carry 5 OLB so it's Chickillo, Lemon and Howard Jones competing for 1 spot. My bet is on Jones. He's overlooked because of all the new comers but IMO his upside is the highest. I would be very suprise if Chickilo makes the 53 because he needs to learn the position change. Lemon is the wild card. I have no idea how he would adapt to NFL.

Lemon hopes to put squeeze on opposing QBs

By Mark Kaboly

Shawn Lemon is a big fan of Cameron Wake.

Wake wasn't drafted out of college and spent two years in the Canadian Football League, collecting 39 sacks. Wake, a former Penn State linebacker, was then signed by the Dolphins and made four Pro Bowls in six seasons.

“He has opened a lot of doors for us,” Lemon said. “I watch a lot of film on Cameron Wake, and I try to do some of the things that he does and some of the things I do and put it into one. What keeps you motivated every year in the CFL is knowing the NFL is looking for pass rushers.”

For Lemon, that door swung open in January when the Steelers signed the former Calgary Stampeders pass-rushing specialist to a 3-year deal worth $1.582 million. This after a breakout season in Canada in which Lemon had 13 sacks and a team-record seven forced fumbles.

Just like Wake, Lemon was in demand.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/8364354-74/lemon-cfl-steelers#ixzz3aBK7LAfP
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

kan_t wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

I hope he stands out, but honestly I don't think he will make the 53.  I'm more inclined to think that Ian Wild makes a name for himself on special teams and backup safety.

I think Harrison, Jones, Dupree, Moats, Chickilo will be the top 5, but maybe Lemon makes it as #6 and they keep 10 LB's

They likely carry 5 OLB so it's Chickillo, Lemon and Howard Jones competing for 1 spot. My bet is on Jones. He's overlooked because of all the new comers but IMO his upside is the highest. I would be very suprise if Chickilo makes the 53 because he needs to learn the position change. Lemon is the wild card. I have no idea how he would adapt to NFL.

Remains to be seen, but I think Chickillo has the size, motor, hand skills and better pass rush than Jones. Chickillo was MVP of the underarmour highschool game over Clowney, he was the defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine game. Yes, he has to learn to stand up and drop, but I think at 265 Lbs, he is better equipped to taken on RT's in the run game and pass game than Jones.

Anyone think Chick will stay at DE instead of OLB? They dropped Keisel, who only weighs 20 lbs. more. Walton was drafted to hopefully kick Cam Thomas off the roster, so that would leave 99's spot roster spot open, maybe for an extra OLB or hybrid player?

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

Anyone think Chick will stay at DE instead of OLB? They dropped Keisel, who only weighs 20 lbs. more. Walton was drafted to hopefully kick Cam Thomas off the roster, so that would leave 99's spot roster spot open, maybe for an extra OLB or hybrid player?

Chickillo was 6'3.3 271Lbs at the Shrine game. Weighed in at 267Lbs at the Senior Bowl. I don't think he has the frame to bulk up and play at 290Lbs as a DE. I think his best bet is to play at 265Lbs as an OLB or else there really isn't a position for him in the NFL. His combine numbers show a good short shuttle and 3-cone time, which indicates short area quickness.

One scouting report hacks him as a guy with no real position, a tweener. The classic undersized DE tweener is a guy the Steelers used to turn into an OLB. I think Chickillo is going to be a real find.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

Anyone think Chick will stay at DE instead of OLB? They dropped Keisel, who only weighs 20 lbs. more. Walton was drafted to hopefully kick Cam Thomas off the roster, so that would leave 99's spot roster spot open, maybe for an extra OLB or hybrid player?

Chickillo was 6'3.3 271Lbs at the Shrine game.  Weighed in at 267Lbs at the Senior Bowl.  I don't think he has the frame to bulk up and play at 290Lbs as a DE.  I think his best bet is to play at 265Lbs as an OLB or else there really isn't a position for him in the NFL.  His combine numbers show a good short shuttle and 3-cone time, which indicates short area quickness.  

One scouting report hacks him as a guy with no real position, a tweener.  The classic undersized DE tweener is a guy the Steelers used to turn into an OLB.  I think Chickillo is going to be a real find.

I think Chickillo can play DE when the Steelers play a 4-3...

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

Anyone think Chick will stay at DE instead of OLB? They dropped Keisel, who only weighs 20 lbs. more. Walton was drafted to hopefully kick Cam Thomas off the roster, so that would leave 99's spot roster spot open, maybe for an extra OLB or hybrid player?

Chickillo was 6'3.3 271Lbs at the Shrine game.  Weighed in at 267Lbs at the Senior Bowl.  I don't think he has the frame to bulk up and play at 290Lbs as a DE.  I think his best bet is to play at 265Lbs as an OLB or else there really isn't a position for him in the NFL.  His combine numbers show a good short shuttle and 3-cone time, which indicates short area quickness.  

One scouting report hacks him as a guy with no real position, a tweener.  The classic undersized DE tweener is a guy the Steelers used to turn into an OLB.  I think Chickillo is going to be a real find.

I think Chickillo can play DE when the Steelers play a 4-3...

First they need to get a big RB.

so our best off season signing will be cut before the leaves are off the trees @teegree?

Possible depth, and added competition.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

Anyone think Chick will stay at DE instead of OLB? They dropped Keisel, who only weighs 20 lbs. more. Walton was drafted to hopefully kick Cam Thomas off the roster, so that would leave 99's spot roster spot open, maybe for an extra OLB or hybrid player?

Chickillo was 6'3.3 271Lbs at the Shrine game.  Weighed in at 267Lbs at the Senior Bowl.  I don't think he has the frame to bulk up and play at 290Lbs as a DE.  I think his best bet is to play at 265Lbs as an OLB or else there really isn't a position for him in the NFL.  His combine numbers show a good short shuttle and 3-cone time, which indicates short area quickness.  

One scouting report hacks him as a guy with no real position, a tweener.  The classic undersized DE tweener is a guy the Steelers used to turn into an OLB.  I think Chickillo is going to be a real find.

Sounds exactly like Keisel, who was undersized, then bulked up, played special teams, etc. I do agree this kid will find a place on the roster though. Still makes me wonder what would've happened if Mauro would've stuck last year, instead of getting plucked by the stupid Cardinals.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

Anyone think Chick will stay at DE instead of OLB? They dropped Keisel, who only weighs 20 lbs. more. Walton was drafted to hopefully kick Cam Thomas off the roster, so that would leave 99's spot roster spot open, maybe for an extra OLB or hybrid player?

Chickillo was 6'3.3 271Lbs at the Shrine game.  Weighed in at 267Lbs at the Senior Bowl.  I don't think he has the frame to bulk up and play at 290Lbs as a DE.  I think his best bet is to play at 265Lbs as an OLB or else there really isn't a position for him in the NFL.  His combine numbers show a good short shuttle and 3-cone time, which indicates short area quickness.  

One scouting report hacks him as a guy with no real position, a tweener.  The classic undersized DE tweener is a guy the Steelers used to turn into an OLB.  I think Chickillo is going to be a real find.

its safer to have him drop a pound or 2 and hope he turns into the next mike vrabel, than to add 25 lbs and expect him to be the next brett keisel kicking veterans off the roster.

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

Anyone think Chick will stay at DE instead of OLB? They dropped Keisel, who only weighs 20 lbs. more. Walton was drafted to hopefully kick Cam Thomas off the roster, so that would leave 99's spot roster spot open, maybe for an extra OLB or hybrid player?

Chickillo was 6'3.3 271Lbs at the Shrine game.  Weighed in at 267Lbs at the Senior Bowl.  I don't think he has the frame to bulk up and play at 290Lbs as a DE.  I think his best bet is to play at 265Lbs as an OLB or else there really isn't a position for him in the NFL.  His combine numbers show a good short shuttle and 3-cone time, which indicates short area quickness.  

One scouting report hacks him as a guy with no real position, a tweener.  The classic undersized DE tweener is a guy the Steelers used to turn into an OLB.  I think Chickillo is going to be a real find.

Sounds exactly like Keisel, who was undersized, then bulked up, played special teams, etc. I do agree this kid will find  a place on the roster though. Still makes me wonder what would've happened if Mauro would've stuck last year, instead of getting plucked by the stupid Cardinals.

Keisel was 6'5" and had a frame to add more weight and play at 290 Lbs if needed. Chickillo is 6'3" and isn't likely to bulk up to 290 and play DE. Interesting comparison is to look at combine #'s of Nate Orchard and Chickillo and essentially Chickillo has similar numbers, but slightly better quickness than Orchard.....but Chick is 17 Lbs heavier.

Yeah, Mauro or Williams would have been better to not have exposed and have in the rotation this year, but instead we kept guys like DHB, Terrence Garvin and BW Webb on the roster, who have no long term shot with the team.

I don't get the hate for DHB personally. Garvin has been on/off the roster. Webb was a waiver pickup. All has to do with needs. Mauro wasn't going to play special teams and doesn't fit as a replacement (by sheer numbers) for the 3 mentioned. What if a WR gets injured? Can't put a DE out there for him. Same with corner. They'd still have to cut/sign to fill that void, so I understand it, even if those decisions aren't popular ones.

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

I don't get the hate for DHB personally. Garvin has been on/off the roster. Webb was a waiver pickup. All has to do with needs. Mauro wasn't going to play special teams and doesn't fit as a replacement (by sheer numbers) for the 3 mentioned. What if a WR gets injured? Can't put a DE out there for him. Same with corner. They'd still have to cut/sign to fill that void, so I understand it, even if those decisions aren't popular ones.

It makes no sense to me to pay a veteran who is on the downward side of his career to catch 3 passes, fumble 1 ball and make 5 special team tackles the entire season IMO. Could have paid a rookie free agent to do that and at least the kid might have upside. That is why I never and still don't like the DHB signing.

Can always find a #5 or #6 WR off the waiver wire or practice squad if you need one, but where are all the young promising 3-4 DE's sitting on the sofa waiting for an NFL team to call??

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Can always find a #5 or #6 WR off the waiver wire or practice squad if you need one, but where are all the young promising 3-4 DE's sitting on the sofa waiting for an NFL team to call??

They tried that with Derek Moye (UDFA) Justin Brown (6th rd, 2013) and Toney Clemons (7th, 2012) and none of those guys could play offense or special teams. We can list the RBs they've attempted this with too, including Dri Archer, Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Rainey, etc.

Special teams stats for tackles, etc. are like punting stats, where total yards or net yards don't quantify whether a punter is actually good or not.

And for everyone wanting to hang DHB over a fumble, I don't see Heath Miller going anywhere...

I think the draft went well, but in reality we will be lucky if 3-4 of them make the 53 man roster. I dont think chickillo but you never know. If i had to guess id say Dupree, Golson, James and Holliman will make the roster.

I know a lot would disagree with Holliman making it, but if he can learn to tackle he will be a huge asset for our secondary. Hes actually got the size and speed to be a DE, but I doubt that will be an option.

Grant will probably make it over a BW Webb or Kevin Fogg. I don't see the Steelers paying Blake after this season, if he should get the McCain type of interest in free agency.

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Can always find a #5 or #6 WR off the waiver wire or practice squad if you need one, but where are all the young promising 3-4 DE's sitting on the sofa waiting for an NFL team to call??

They tried that with Derek Moye (UDFA) Justin Brown (6th rd, 2013) and Toney Clemons (7th, 2012) and none of those guys could play offense or special teams. We can list the RBs they've attempted this with too, including Dri Archer, Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Rainey, etc.

Special teams stats for tackles, etc. are like punting stats, where total yards or net yards don't quantify whether a punter is actually good or not.

And for everyone wanting to hang DHB over a fumble, I don't see Heath Miller going anywhere...

52 players have been kept on the roster and your last pick is between Josh Mauro and DHB? My question to SX posters is who do you keep?

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Can always find a #5 or #6 WR off the waiver wire or practice squad if you need one, but where are all the young promising 3-4 DE's sitting on the sofa waiting for an NFL team to call??

They tried that with Derek Moye (UDFA) Justin Brown (6th rd, 2013) and Toney Clemons (7th, 2012) and none of those guys could play offense or special teams. We can list the RBs they've attempted this with too, including Dri Archer, Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Rainey, etc.

Special teams stats for tackles, etc. are like punting stats, where total yards or net yards don't quantify whether a punter is actually good or not.

And for everyone wanting to hang DHB over a fumble, I don't see Heath Miller going anywhere...

52 players have been kept on the roster and your last pick is between Josh Mauro and DHB?  My question to SX posters is who do you keep?

It's not that simple. By semantics alone, the team didn't need another DE. They needed a WR or RB capable of being a gunner on special teams. There was enough speculation about how many WRs and DBs they'd roster last year. Same goes with OL, due to the devastating injuries of the few years prior. Almost everyone thought they'd can Landry Jones, but he made the 53-man roster last year.

So by that token, the need is for DHB's position. Let's make the case about needing a 3rd QB who never dressed on Sundays, over a DE then...

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Can always find a #5 or #6 WR off the waiver wire or practice squad if you need one, but where are all the young promising 3-4 DE's sitting on the sofa waiting for an NFL team to call??

They tried that with Derek Moye (UDFA) Justin Brown (6th rd, 2013) and Toney Clemons (7th, 2012) and none of those guys could play offense or special teams. We can list the RBs they've attempted this with too, including Dri Archer, Jonathan Dwyer, Chris Rainey, etc.

Special teams stats for tackles, etc. are like punting stats, where total yards or net yards don't quantify whether a punter is actually good or not.

And for everyone wanting to hang DHB over a fumble, I don't see Heath Miller going anywhere...

52 players have been kept on the roster and your last pick is between Josh Mauro and DHB?  My question to SX posters is who do you keep?

It's not that simple. By semantics alone, the team didn't need another DE. They needed a WR or RB capable of being a gunner on special teams. There was enough speculation about how many WRs and DBs they'd roster last year. Same goes with OL, due to the devastating injuries of the few years prior. Almost everyone thought they'd can Landry Jones, but he made the 53-man roster last year.

So by that token, the need is for DHB's position. Let's make the case about needing a 3rd QB who never dressed on Sundays, over a DE then...

Keisel and Cam Thomas were not going to be long term answers at DE. Made a ton of sense to protect either Nick Williams or Josh Mauro on the 53 as they have upside.

Gradkowski is not long term answer at #2 QB and the Steelers kept the 2nd year QB Jones as they believe he has upside.

DHB is a declining veteran WR who could have been released to make a spot for a DE like Williams or Mauro. Same with Garvin at ILB. Josh Mauro or Nick Williams would be much larger contributors to this team this year than DHB or Terrence Garvin.

Alex Kozora @Alex_Kozora -

Shawn Lemon has worn a lot of jerseys. He's hoping Pittsburgh is his last. #Steelers

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2015/05/well-traveled-shawn-lemon-hopes-to-find-home-in-pittsburgh/

This answers a lot of the questions about using a special teams slot on a guy who plays mostly special teams (like DHB)

On defense, Ross Ventrone would play safety, not cornerback, but if he continues to be the kind of special teams player he was during the 2014 season, that alone can be good enough to keep him on the 53-man roster. Ventrone had two special teams tackles in the 2014 preseason, which got him a spot on the practice squad. Then after getting added to the roster, he was in uniform for nine regular season games, during which he had seven special teams tackles. Ventrone actually had two special teams tackles in each of his first two regular season games in a Steelers uniform. In the Wild Card Round game vs. the Ravens he had two more special teams tackles to up his total to 11. Coach Mike Tomlin tells players that special teams is an important part of winning football, and he means what he says. If Ventrone continues to make an impact on special teams, there will be a roster spot for him just because of that.

http://www.steelers.com/news/asked-and-answered/article-1/Asked-and-Answered-June-2/a70e6e6e-18f0-4f50-93ce-6b3f73f9bf8b