The Steelers had an interesting second day to the draft, starting with the selection of Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams.
I didn't like Adams as a possible first-round pick because of his off-field issues and I just didn't see enough consistency in his play for the Buckeyes.
But as a second-round pick - particularly a late second-round pick - I'm OK with it. In fact, it's reminiscent of when they took Marvel Smith in the second round.
Smith had off-field issues at Arizona State and questions about his toughness. He become a long-time starter after the Steelers took him in the second round.
The Steelers have already laid out some conditions for Adams. He's already getting his second chance with them. There won't be a third. You can bet that they will set him up with former teammate Cameron Heyward as a mentor.
I didn't have Adams on my second-round because I didn't think he would still be available.
As for linebacker Sean Spence, if you've seen Miami play in the past couple of seasons, you know who he is. Spence is a tough, tough linebacker who has a good feel for the game.
Is he undersized at 5-11, 232 pounds? Yes. But the Steelers aren't lining him up outside. He's going to be an inside linebacker in this defense. I viewed Spence as more of a fourth-round prospect, but he'll immediately help on special teams and was one of the best linebackers available.
Now, the Steelers can target a nose tackle in round four.
18 comments:
I guess Adams was just too good of a value to pass up so just hoping he matures and takes advantage of this opportunity. I was thinking a DL would be the second round pick I mean what if Hampton goes down??
Steelers should trade up to get Ta'amu from the Huskies or Josh Chapman from Alabama for NT. Fangupo from BYU is another option. I am surprised by the Spence pick, but the Steelers usually know what they are doing when drafting LBs (Bruce Davis not withstanding).
With the picks of DeCastro and Adams, we have 2 guys who will never where there college numbers as Steelers.
DeCastro and Adams were money picks. I don't get Spence, though. Colbert talked about how important it was to hit on their first 3 picks, so I don't see the value in selecting a backup for Timmons in the third round when they need to find successors to Hampton, Foote, Harrison, Clark, Taylor and Troy.
...Unless Butler was just BS-ing in the press conference and they actually think Spence can eventually play Foote's position.
Spence to me seems like Carnell Lake Jr. An undersized LB who they might try to convert to safety if he is too small for linebacker. Spence studies tape like a madman and reads offenses and is hardly fooled (except on running back cutbacks). Teammates see him as one of the coaches (like Lake). I think he will be an asset to our team, and become a leader. I am just not sure it will be at ILB.
Mrs. Isaac Redman
I appreciate the assessment of Mike Adams, but those here in Columbus who follow the Buckeyes know theat the discipline and coaching went south in the last two years, Mike got caught up in it with the rest of the team. The first thing that Urban Meyer said about the team when he got here was that the linemen where fat and out of shape and that the weight program was lacking. He said he needed to change the bodies of the O-linemen that they just looked fat.
Point is how good will Mike be at the pro level? Hard to say, but he was a pretty dominant LT when he wanted to be and you can not teach 6'8".
He is long and athletic and was a 5 star recruit out of HS here in my hometown of Dublin OH, rated the best Tackle in the country. I can not tell you how excited I am to see what happens to him with Kugler coaching him, as good as he is, he still has a lot of upside.
He is a good kid and I hope he has learned his lesson. He truly got sucked into a bad culture with the likes of Preyor and company. Cam Heyward will straighten him out.
I think they panicked a little and reached based on need when they took Spence.
It's funny to hear everyone bash Spece when so many were high on the Cal linebacker in the second. I know the cal guy has a much better 40 time and bench but the difference in size is a few burgers at most.
I like the pick because we need small fast ILB's to cover the pass catching TE and RB's. I think the adjustment we need to see to the 3-4 in this day and age is two small fast ILB's who can cover instead of having one be a big run stopper.
I can't remember if it was Bouchette or Wexell or someone else being interviewed, but that person said the Steelers really, really liked what Flozell Adams brought to the OL with his size at RT. Like it was a revelation to them. Mike Adams seems a very similar player.
Emac2 is right, Spence isn't much lighter than Michael Kendryck. He may be a tick slower in the 40 but his smarts, instincts and knack for finding the ball carrier make him an intruiging prospect. Those that think he will be a future Safety are off the mark, this guy is a linebacker.
Pgh traded up to take the NT from U of Washington.
How about Timmons moving over to Farrior's position at some point? Options, options, options for Spence.
I remember reading one article about a year ago, probably from the post gazette, in which the writer mentioned that he saw Timmons best fit for the Buck position. It was the only time I heard about it but now that you mentioned something similar, it came to mind. Dale, any chance of this happening?
I really like the idea of having Pence and Timmons on the field in various passing situations. Never mind 3-down backs, I'd be happy with Foote on the first two downs and then Spence on third down only of he can pick things up. Great draft so far!
I was mad about the Adams pick, but there was really no one else left. If the Steelers were serious about getting a tackle.
Spence will put on weight. Hope it won't slow him down. They got the DT in the 4th, so it worked out.
Spence is 232. Doesn't need to put on a lot of weight. Farrior played at 220 to 225 the past few years. Foote is 230 on a good day.
Burfict in round 7 would be great insurance at ILB.. could be a wake-up call for the kid and he'd come in hungry and eager to show the talent that had him pegged as a potential 2nd-3rd rounder. WIth 4 7th round picks whats the harm?
Other than the fact that Burfict can't play and has a terrible attitude, you're right.
He stinks.
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