Linebackers

Does anyone move inside?  

Adams, Keion LB 6-2 245 21 R Western Michigan
Blount, Akil LB 6-2 249 22 0 Florida A&M
56 Chickillo, Anthony LB 6-3 255 24 3 Miami (FL)
48 Dupree, Bud LB 6-4 269 24 3 Kentucky
Fanaika, Jason LB 6-3 270 24 0 Utah
54 Fort, L.J. LB 6-0 232 27 3 Northern Iowa
92 Harrison, James LB 6-0 242 38 15 Kent State
Huguenin, Farrington LB 6-4 268 24 1 Kentucky
51 Johnson, Steven LB 6-1 237 29 6 Kansas
Kelsey, Keith LB 6-0 233 R Louisville
44 Matakevich, Tyler LB 6-1 235 24 2 Temple
55 Moats, Arthur LB 6-0 246 29 8 James Madison
50 Shazier, Ryan LB 6-1 230 24 4 Ohio State
Watt, T.J. LB 6-4 252 22 R Wisconsin
98 Williams, Vince LB 6-1 233 27 5 Florida State

Nope, Shazier and Williams are the Starters. Matakevich, Fort and Johnson are depth. I think Blount ends up making the team over Johnson myself. Blount is bigger, younger, better athlete than Johnson, but lacks the experience.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Nope, Shazier and Williams are the Starters.  Matakevich, Fort and Johnson are depth.  I think Blount ends up making the team over Johnson myself.  Blount is bigger, younger, better athlete than Johnson, but lacks the experience.

Good point. I almost think of Blount as more of an OLB, although he did play pretty much every LB position at FAM. Just thinking of his range and type of play. But he's very athletic. Do you see him backing up Shazier? Not sure I see him as a Williams backup.

I would have bet money the Steelers would have drafted an ILB at some point. After all, they brought in Hightower and offered him a large contract.

kirklandrules wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Nope, Shazier and Williams are the Starters.  Matakevich, Fort and Johnson are depth.  I think Blount ends up making the team over Johnson myself.  Blount is bigger, younger, better athlete than Johnson, but lacks the experience.

Good point. I almost think of Blount as more of an OLB, although he did play pretty much every LB position at FAM. Just thinking of his range and type of play. But he's very athletic. Do you see him backing up Shazier? Not sure I see him as a Williams backup.

I would have bet money the Steelers would have drafted an ILB at some point. After all, they brought in Hightower and offered him a large contract.

6'2" and 245lbs, but runs a 4.60 and had 40" vertical. Steelers ILB Earl Holmes was his coach at Florida Atlantic. I think he can play inside as a big fast thumper, but also think his size could push him outside, although I don't think he is as good a pass rusher as you want in a 3-4. Something tells me he makes the 53 and can play the mack or buck.

Steelers offered him a contract last year as UDFA, but Miami had a better offer he said and were thinner at LB last season. He is my sleeper this year in camp.

Funny when I posted that they signed Blount a few cried nepotism. I also think he makes the 53 because of his size and athleticism as a backup. Camp will tell where he lines up but I think inside as a run stuffer in situations. We'll see.