KDKA-Essex to start at LT

[figg]

for Marvel Smith http://kdka.com/video

[BB2W]

<------ gulp...

[BlitzburghRockCity]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05323/609327.stm

Steelers high on Essex


Some scouts and NFL personnel had left tackle Trai Essex projected as a fourth- or fifth-round pick in the draft. The Steelers, though, had him rated as the 29th-best player in the draft and took him in the third round after picking tight end Heath Miller and cornerback Bryant McFadden, players they had rated Nos. 18 and 21, respectively.

Essex, who has not dressed for a game this season, probably will make his first NFL start tomorrow because Marvel Smith (ankle/questionable) has not practiced all week.

Cowher rarely starts a player who doesn't practice all week. But, because of the importance of the position, he will wait until tomorrow before deciding if Smith will play against the Ravens.

"I've learned a lot just from watching the vets and blocking Kimo [von Oelhoffen] and Aaron Smith every day in practice," said Essex, a three-year starter at Northwestern. "Going against the best defense in the NFL, you can't do anything but get better. I've gotten leaps and bounds better since summertime."

Asked about facing Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs, who has only two sacks after having 10.5 in 2004, Essex said, "He's good, but I think I'm pretty good, too."

Pro Bowl linebacker James Farrior (knee/questionable) also did not practice all week and will not play against the Ravens. It is the second game in a row Farrior will miss.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

they'll be sure and keep Heath over on that side alot to help out, plus you're liable to see sidecar on passing downs stay to Trai's said to help out..

[AvoidLLoyd95]

Let's see what he can do for them first. He wouldn't be on the team if he weren't any good.

[Suitanim]

A lot of people knocked this draft pick pretty hard, but I think the Steelers saw something they liked. He does move pretty good for a big guy. I certainly feel better about him than Barrett Brooks.

[soniczilla]

Originally Posted by Suitanim

A lot of people knocked this draft pick pretty hard, but I think the Steelers saw something they liked. He does move pretty good for a big guy. I certainly feel better about him than Barrett Brooks.

If they had him ranked #21 overall, I hope there truly is something to the guy. I'm sure he'll do fine.

[Suitanim]

He looked good in training camp, and I thought he looked pretty good in the Maimi preseason game...Hell, on the way back to Ohio after that game I called into Savran and asked what he thought. He said Essex looked fine but that the Steelers were more wiorried about his youth and inexperience than any lack of talent...looks like we'll find out Sunday at 1!

[Atlanta Dan]

Originally Posted by Suitanim

A lot of people knocked this draft pick pretty hard, but I think the Steelers saw something they liked. He does move pretty good for a big guy. I certainly feel better about him than Barrett Brooks.

Yep - Essex at least has potential, as opposed to a stiff like Brooks, who came into the league in 1995 and has not started a game since 2000 when he was with the Lions. As I recall, Brooks only noteworthy play this season was being called for illegal procedure on a field goal.

That having been said, there certainly could be a better time for breaking in a new left tackle than when the immobile Tommy Gun is under center. Smith not playing is one more reason to keep Ben off the field tomorrow.

[clevestinks]

Well if we need to rest starters for injuries, then this would be the week.