Steelers Like FSU's Timmons

83-Steelers-43 · 03-31-2007, 08:44 AM

FSU LB appears on Steelers' draft radar

By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, March 31, 2007

So much for rumors and innuendo.

The Steelers will leave the speculation and guesswork of next month's NFL Draft to prying media members and the team's vast legion of fans. The Steelers deal in facts, and the facts tell them Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons is a strong candidate to be taken with their first-round pick (No. 15 overall).

How much do the Steelers think of Timmons? Count the ways:

? Steelers coaches, scouts and front-office staff observed Timmons at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

? Coach Mike Tomlin and director of football operations Kevin Colbert observed Timmons at Florida State's Pro Day on March 15.

? Several general managers were present when Timmons worked out two weeks ago, but Tomlin was the only head coach to attend, and Tomlin and Colbert were the only head coach/GM tag-team there.

? Oh, and did we mention that Timmons is expected to visit Pittsburgh to meet with team officials one final time prior to the April 28-29 draft?

Tomlin's presence at Florida State's Pro Day less than a month after the Combine is significant.

Tomlin could have simply gone back and watched more of Timmons on game tape or viewed his Combine performance until he needed a case of Visine, but he saw something that piqued his interest and made him want to see Timmons again in person.

Drew Rosenhaus, agent to the stars who represents Timmons, saw the same thing.

"The draft is very difficult to project. It's just too early to place Lawrence with a team. But it's always a good sign when the general manager and the head coach come and watch a player work out. It's exciting for us to see the Steelers' organization express that kind of interest in Lawrence," Rosenhaus said.

So, is the Steelers' interest in Timmons genuine, a smokescreen, or pure coincidence?

After all, the Steelers evaluate all of the top draft-eligible players thoroughly. They have to check out everybody, because you never know when a player you didn't expect to be available might fall into your lap.

However, for high-ranking members of the Steelers to schedule at least three visits with Timmons after the season -- not to mention also scouting his college games -- says a lot about Timmons as a player, and even more about the Steelers' having a legitimate interest in drafting him.

Last season, Timmons recorded 79 tackles (including 18 tackles for a loss), five sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and two blocked kicks. He's a big hitter with the versatility to play the run, pressure the quarterback and drop into coverage.

He's comfortable playing in the 3-4 or 4-3 formation, which, coincidentally, is what the Steelers are expected to play under Tomlin.

Timmons told reporters attending the Combine that he played the 3-4 about 25 percent of the time at Florida State. He prefers the 3-4 because he can rush the quarterback from the end position.

Timmons, who left school with a year of eligibility remaining, would fill an eventual need at outside linebacker for the Steelers, who released Joey Porter and replaced him with James Harrison, who turns 29 in May.

Clark Haggans, the other starting outside linebacker, is 30.

Timmons turns 21 in May.

"Leaving early as a junior, most people still think you're a kid," Timmons said. "I just want to let them know I'm professional, and I can do anything and everything they want me to."

Tomlin seems convinced. Even after Timmons posted pedestrian times of 4.63 and 4.71 in the 40 and appeared winded between drills at Florida State's Pro Day, Tomlin came to Timmons' defense.

"The (game) tape is his walking-and-talking resume," Tomlin told the Tallahassee Democrat. "Sometimes people get enamored with workouts and things of that nature. The No. 1 thing is the tape. And his tape is his biggest ally."

No idle chatter, this.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_500438.html

***Atlanta Dan*** · 03-31-2007, 08:53 AM

Even after Timmons posted pedestrian times of 4.63 and 4.71 in the 40 and appeared winded between drills at Florida State's Pro Day, Tomlin came to Timmons' defense.

"The (game) tape is his walking-and-talking resume," Tomlin told the Tallahassee Democrat. "Sometimes people get enamored with workouts and things of that nature. The No. 1 thing is the tape. And his tape is his biggest ally."

The tape is his biggest ally unless he has kept his motor running to make the pros and then plans to turn it off once he gets that first big payday - it has been known to happen.

For example, Lendale White played well his senior year at USC, slacked off in the draft workouts, and now allegedly has reported to Titans mini-camp after having the starting RB job handed to him at a Bettis like 260 pounds. The warning signs all were there in his pre-draft workouts.

For similar reasons, Timmons getting winded in workouts and having slow times in the 40 are red flags to me. Sometimes a coach falls in love with a player and is blind to the player he saw on tape not being the player that actually is drafted.

BettisFan · 03-31-2007, 09:52 AM

he is good what round would we get him in?

The Duke · 03-31-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParkerFan

he is good what round would we get him in?

I would say Round 1, since we released Porter i've been thinking the steelers will draft him. But then who would start him or Harrison?

BettisFan · 03-31-2007, 10:43 AM

we would have to wait till after training camp

MasterOfPuppets · 03-31-2007, 05:54 PM

i'd fell better about poslunszy

1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State, 6-2, 238: He has a rare combination of instinct, athleticism and toughness. Posluszny is stout enough to take on and shed a lead blocker to get to a runner and fluid enough to be effective in pass coverage. NFL Hall of Famer Jack Ham called him "the best linebacker ever to play at Penn State." High praise considering Penn State is known as "Linebacker U." Posluszny's toughness was reflected by his request for a shot to numb the pain, so he could return to the field after tearing knee ligaments in the Orange Bowl during his junior season. He might move inside at the next level.

***tony hipchest*** · 03-31-2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets

i'd fell better about poslunszy
.

so would carolina at #14

SteelCzar76 · 03-31-2007, 06:12 PM

Timmons is certainly an athlete. But IMO not only does he have trouble 'shedding blocks' but he's very undersized at 6'0 234 lbs. (That's smaller than Larry Foote) And when exactly did we become the Colts ???
And as mentioned earlier his 'training ethic'(or lack thereof) could possibly be a major 'Red Flag'.
With that said,...is he of first round value ? Perhaps,....very late. But i think it would be borderline lunacy to take him with the 15th pick.

MasterOfPuppets · 03-31-2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelCzar76

Timmons is certainly an athlete. But IMO not only does he have trouble 'shedding blocks' but he's very undersized at 6'0 234 lbs. (That's smaller than Larry Foote) And when exactly did we become the Colts ???
And as mentioned earlier his 'training ethic'(or lack thereof) could possibly be a major 'Red Flag'.
With that said,...is he of first round value ? Perhaps,....very late. But i think it would be borderline lunacy to take him with the 15th pick.

he's very undersized at 6'0 234 lbs

and still bigger than greg lloyd.

DACEB · 03-31-2007, 06:40 PM

hell, if he can get after the QB like Lloyd then sign him. But I would say if your going to take a LB at 15 it should be Willis. Not that that's who I want. I say trade down and get at least three picks in the 2nd, then we can get OL, LB and RB

03-31-2007, 08:53 AM	#2
*Atlanta Dan* Resigned Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9,919 Member Number: 728 Thanks: 74 Thanked 202 Times in 130 Posts	Re: Steelers Like FSU's Timmons Even after Timmons posted pedestrian times of 4.63 and 4.71 in the 40 and appeared winded between drills at Florida State's Pro Day, Tomlin came to Timmons' defense. "The (game) tape is his walking-and-talking resume," Tomlin told the Tallahassee Democrat. "Sometimes people get enamored with workouts and things of that nature. The No. 1 thing is the tape. And his tape is his biggest ally." The tape is his biggest ally unless he has kept his motor running to make the pros and then plans to turn it off once he gets that first big payday - it has been known to happen. For example, Lendale White played well his senior year at USC, slacked off in the draft workouts, and now allegedly has reported to Titans mini-camp after having the starting RB job handed to him at a Bettis like 260 pounds. The warning signs all were there in his pre-draft workouts. For similar reasons, Timmons getting winded in workouts and having slow times in the 40 are red flags to me. Sometimes a coach falls in love with a player and is blind to the player he saw on tape not being the player that actually is drafted.

03-31-2007, 09:52 AM	#3
BettisFan Team Owner Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,677 Gender: Male Member Number: 5206 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Steelers Like FSU's Timmons he is good what round would we get him in? __________________ Vist My blog at www.moesportsblog.com

03-31-2007, 10:43 AM	#5
BettisFan Team Owner Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,677 Gender: Male Member Number: 5206 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Steelers Like FSU's Timmons we would have to wait till after training camp __________________ Vist My blog at www.moesportsblog.com

03-31-2007, 05:54 PM	#6
MasterOfPuppets Living Legend Apple Shooter Champion! Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 11,807 Gender: Male Member Number: 1990 Thanks: 14 Thanked 94 Times in 59 Posts	Re: Steelers Like FSU's Timmons i'd fell better about poslunszy 1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State, 6-2, 238: He has a rare combination of instinct, athleticism and toughness. Posluszny is stout enough to take on and shed a lead blocker to get to a runner and fluid enough to be effective in pass coverage. NFL Hall of Famer Jack Ham called him "the best linebacker ever to play at Penn State." High praise considering Penn State is known as "Linebacker U." Posluszny's toughness was reflected by his request for a shot to numb the pain, so he could return to the field after tearing knee ligaments in the Orange Bowl during his junior season. He might move inside at the next level.

03-31-2007, 06:12 PM	#8
SteelCzar76 Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,233 Gender: Male Member Number: 2498 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Steelers Like FSU's Timmons Timmons is certainly an athlete. But IMO not only does he have trouble 'shedding blocks' but he's very undersized at 6'0 234 lbs. (That's smaller than Larry Foote) And when exactly did we become the Colts ??? And as mentioned earlier his 'training ethic'(or lack thereof) could possibly be a major 'Red Flag'. With that said,...is he of first round value ? Perhaps,....very late. But i think it would be borderline lunacy to take him with the 15th pick.

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03-31-2007, 08:44 AM	#1
83-Steelers-43 Living Legend Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 12,993 Gender: Male Member Number: 1009 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Steelers Like FSU's Timmons FSU LB appears on Steelers' draft radar By John Harris TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, March 31, 2007 So much for rumors and innuendo. The Steelers will leave the speculation and guesswork of next month's NFL Draft to prying media members and the team's vast legion of fans. The Steelers deal in facts, and the facts tell them Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons is a strong candidate to be taken with their first-round pick (No. 15 overall). How much do the Steelers think of Timmons? Count the ways: ? Steelers coaches, scouts and front-office staff observed Timmons at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. ? Coach Mike Tomlin and director of football operations Kevin Colbert observed Timmons at Florida State's Pro Day on March 15. ? Several general managers were present when Timmons worked out two weeks ago, but Tomlin was the only head coach to attend, and Tomlin and Colbert were the only head coach/GM tag-team there. ? Oh, and did we mention that Timmons is expected to visit Pittsburgh to meet with team officials one final time prior to the April 28-29 draft? Tomlin's presence at Florida State's Pro Day less than a month after the Combine is significant. Tomlin could have simply gone back and watched more of Timmons on game tape or viewed his Combine performance until he needed a case of Visine, but he saw something that piqued his interest and made him want to see Timmons again in person. Drew Rosenhaus, agent to the stars who represents Timmons, saw the same thing. "The draft is very difficult to project. It's just too early to place Lawrence with a team. But it's always a good sign when the general manager and the head coach come and watch a player work out. It's exciting for us to see the Steelers' organization express that kind of interest in Lawrence," Rosenhaus said. So, is the Steelers' interest in Timmons genuine, a smokescreen, or pure coincidence? After all, the Steelers evaluate all of the top draft-eligible players thoroughly. They have to check out everybody, because you never know when a player you didn't expect to be available might fall into your lap. However, for high-ranking members of the Steelers to schedule at least three visits with Timmons after the season -- not to mention also scouting his college games -- says a lot about Timmons as a player, and even more about the Steelers' having a legitimate interest in drafting him. Last season, Timmons recorded 79 tackles (including 18 tackles for a loss), five sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and two blocked kicks. He's a big hitter with the versatility to play the run, pressure the quarterback and drop into coverage. He's comfortable playing in the 3-4 or 4-3 formation, which, coincidentally, is what the Steelers are expected to play under Tomlin. Timmons told reporters attending the Combine that he played the 3-4 about 25 percent of the time at Florida State. He prefers the 3-4 because he can rush the quarterback from the end position. Timmons, who left school with a year of eligibility remaining, would fill an eventual need at outside linebacker for the Steelers, who released Joey Porter and replaced him with James Harrison, who turns 29 in May. Clark Haggans, the other starting outside linebacker, is 30. Timmons turns 21 in May. "Leaving early as a junior, most people still think you're a kid," Timmons said. "I just want to let them know I'm professional, and I can do anything and everything they want me to." Tomlin seems convinced. Even after Timmons posted pedestrian times of 4.63 and 4.71 in the 40 and appeared winded between drills at Florida State's Pro Day, Tomlin came to Timmons' defense. "The (game) tape is his walking-and-talking resume," Tomlin told the Tallahassee Democrat. "Sometimes people get enamored with workouts and things of that nature. The No. 1 thing is the tape. And his tape is his biggest ally." No idle chatter, this. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_500438.html __________________

03-31-2007, 06:40 PM	#10
DACEB Banned Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,480 Gender: Male Member Number: 2911 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Steelers Like FSU's Timmons hell, if he can get after the QB like Lloyd then sign him. But I would say if your going to take a LB at 15 it should be Willis. Not that that's who I want. I say trade down and get at least three picks in the 2nd, then we can get OL, LB and RB

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