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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Looking at the URFAs

The Steelers picked up a couple of young defensive linemen as rookie free agents in Martavius Prince of Southern Mississippi and Jordan Reffett of Washington, but I wouldn't expect either to make a push to make this team as anything except as practice squad players.

My opinion may change once I see them practice - starting this weekend - but that's the feeling for now, as both went undrafted in what was considered a so-so defensive line draft.

Then again, they are just trying to beat out Nick Eason.

The two guys the Steelers did get as undrafted rookies who I like are wide receiver Micah Rucker of Southern Illinois and center Doug Legursky of Marshall.

Rucker is a 6-6 receiver with some speed who had an outstanding season at Southern Illinois last year. He caught two touchdowns working against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – a first-round draft pick – when those two squared off.

Legursky has good size and I felt he had a good chance to be drafted. But there isn't always a strong push to draft centers. He also may be able to play some guard.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised the Colts didn't take Legursky, they drafted three centers!

Anonymous said...

I think you said it all when you referred to the D linemen only having to beat out Eason. If nobody can take his spot our depth is really sorry.

I also like the Dorien Bryant signing. If he can show he is willing to work hard and earn a spot, he could be a huge steal. He has nice hands and blazing speed.

Anonymous said...

Micah Rucker had an amazing Pro Day & performed well at a lower level school (Eastern Illinois). I'm excited to see what he can do.

But why the heck would the Steelers sign a 6'2" TE? Are they looking at him as a FB? His blocking must be incredible because he only had 1 catch last year for 10 yards. 8 catches total over his 4 years at Miss. St.

Dale Lolley said...

The tight end is a camp body who will be looked at as a blocker. They've already got 6-5 and 6-7 tight ends. If the guy makes the team, it wouldn't be as a pass catcher.