defense next year

[WokeUpWithaWoodley]

Originally Posted by harrison'samonster

SteelersCanada, you should have read the rest of the article, because it goes on to say what type of size LB's are trending towards.

You say that Willis is the new generation linebackers, I see him more as a physical phenom that won't be able to be doubled. Timmons is also on you list of top 5 ILB's, and to use him properly a player like Spence would come in handy.

Yeah I won't even comment back to his post. He missed the important part of that article, not worth my time

[SteelersCanada]

Originally Posted by harrison'samonster

SteelersCanada, you should have read the rest of the article, because it goes on to say what type of size LB's are trending towards.

You say that Willis is the new generation linebackers, I see him more as a physical phenom that won't be able to be doubled. Timmons is also on you list of top 5 ILB's, and to use him properly a player like Spence would come in handy.

I did go back and read it, but it doesn't make any sense. The guy is talking like the new generation of Linebackers doesn't include Willis. You say he's a physical specimen, I say guys like him are going to become more and more common. Look at someone like Bowman - drafted only a couple years ago and is now one of the best Linebackers in the game. Guys like Cushing just reinforce this point. The same could be said for Stephen Tulloch. These younger guys are the prototypical Linebackers and this isn't going to change.

He has a point, but he needs to be talking about OLBs, not ILBs. OLBs are becoming leaner, faster and bigger which is true, but the prototypical ILB is still here and is going to be here for a while.

Look, I get and understand that having someone like Spence would allow Timmons to finally play his game which would be a wonderful thing. But, you guys also have to realize that Spence would be a liability in the run game or when he's asked to blitz. He's the definition of a one-trick pony. He's not strong and lacks elite size, but we're all exciting over the prospect of him? He excels in one area, albeit an area that would let Timmons become a top 3 'Backer, but one area. I'd much rather have a well rounded, more physical and better overall prospect than Spence. Guys like Ogletree, Arthur Brown even Johnson are all better prospects and are good in all areas of the game.

I very much doubt that you, WokeUp and I are ever going to see eye-to-eye on this and that's fine, it's what makes this forum interesting. I get what you guys are saying, I really do. I just hope you guys see where I'm coming from.

Originally Posted by WokeUpWithaWoodley

Yeah I won't even comment back to his post. He missed the important part of that article, not worth my time

It's not worth your time? You do realize that you're talking about the minority here and are acting like it's going to be a booming thing. Great, there's smaller, faster Linebackers and they're on the upswing but says who? Says this guy? The only guy I see right now that fits this guys mold is Luke Kuechly, and he had trouble making plays in the backfield this year. He's fast and explosive from sideline-to-sideline, but had trouble against bigger Running Backs.

Everything I've said goes directly against what that guy is coming with. What you and he fail to realize is that the 6'0+ 240+ inside Linebacker is here to stay and is always going to be here. Guys like Willis, Bowman, Cushing, Tulloch, Timmons, Posluszny and Sean Lee aren't the 'new generation' of Linebackers? Tell me, who is? Oh, you're right, it's a guy that put up 225 12 times at the combine. It's the guy that doesn't have elite size or strength and struggled bringing down bigger Running Backs and TEs in college. You're right, Sean Spence is the new generation of Linebacker.

Do you see why this makes absolutely no sense? The guy is cherry picking certain arguments that fit with his ideology and not seeing the grand scheme of things - Spence is a specialist player and can only be on the field in specific packages. The prototypical Linebacker is here and is going to be here.

Tell me, am I missing your point now? What is your point, even? That faster and more speedy Linebackers are the 'new generation' (they aren't, but that's besides the point right now)? Ok, that's fine, but Linebackers that put up 225 12 times at the combine aren't. Luke Kuechly is 6'0 235, which is around Spence's weight / height. He put up 225 27 times. He more than doubled Spence's numbers. Spence isn't strong and for him to put on muscle it would ultimately take away from his one asset.

Tell me, am I hitting your point now?

[harrison'samonster]

I think it makes sense if you look at it in the context of defending against a more and more precise passing game attack. A player like Spence might allow a defense to become more dynamic and creative.

Will it hurt in the run game defense? You have a good point but I can't say that it definitely will.

Is Spence the answer? He might not be ready to go next year but I think his speed gives our defense a chance to try something new.

[steeltheone]

Spence looks like a big " reach" at pick 3. I should look back and see who we missed out on for him.

[Hawaii 5-0]

Originally Posted by steeltheone

Spence looks like a big " reach" at pick 3. I should look back and see who we missed out on for him.

QB - Nick Foles and Kirk Cousins

RB - Robert Turbin

WR - T Y Hilton

[bornaSteelersfan]

Sean Spence has an intangible talent that none of you have touched on. Yes, he is smallish, yes he is fast, yes, he is not strong. All of those things can be overcome with training and strength conditioning. More weight does not necessarily mean less speed (Look at how fast Timmons is). The thing Spence has is the ability to read plays, being aware of where the ball is and where it's going, and adjust immediately to it. Those things cannot be taught and it is rare. That is why he was picked.

I have said it before and I will say it again. Due to that ability, he will very likely become a safety for us. Not many agree, but his size and ability project it.

At this point, I am more concerned about the injury. It looked pretty bad at the time.

[lloydwoodson]

Oh, you're right, it's a guy that put up 225 12 times at the combine. It's the guy that doesn't have elite size or strength and struggled bringing down bigger Running Backs and TEs in college. You're right, Sean Spence is the new generation of Linebacker.

Spence was injured at the combine...

"In the Senior Bowl I had a deep bone bruise (in the shoulder)," Spence said. "I wanted to show the scouts I wasn't scared to compete. I pushed out 12, but I know I can get more. As soon as I get healthy I'll do it again, videotape it and show whoever wants to see it."

[steelfury02]

after reading through, I think we can all agree on one thing - this defense needs to start seeing more out of its draft picks - sooner rather than later

We can't afford for the defense to go to shit and have to spend 2-3 games re-adjusting to a weakness. If you look at the two SB teams this year they have 1 thing I think we haven't had since 2010 - quality, starter-ready D_E_P_T_H.

I'm not saying we don't have that - but to wait for injury to see a guy tested is a big mistake going forward IMO.

Knowing your assignment and not being a hero is great when everything is clicking - but right now, I'm seeing an opportunity to let some young guys make some mistakes and possibly learn that we have another player(s) capable of wreaking havoc and doing it in a new, creative way that we might not have had if we didn't see them out there - depth and element of surprise from a host of guys is key.

I'm wondering with Colberts comments if they realize they need to loosen the reigns because they know they can't be worse off in general - might as well see what you got. If you're winning and making mistakes early in the season - IMO, it can only get better and these new guys could have added benefits down the stretch.

[kent]

Size and strength are important but they are not everything. That's why you see so many workout warriors and prototypes turn out to be busts. All that matters is if you can play football.

[lloydwoodson]

Originally Posted by kent

Size and strength are important but they are not everything. That's why you see so many workout warriors and prototypes turn out to be busts. All that matters is if you can play football.

Does anyone know if Vernon Gholston is available?