Reader Homework: Keith Butler Talks Linebackers & You Listen

On thing I took away, from the clip on Sly, is that the Steelers aren’t looking for a 265lb inside linebacker. Sounded like Butler has a lot of confidence in Larry Foote, and even more confidence in the development in Sly. There was also a lot of emphasis on the phrase “movement skills”. Butler also stated repeatedly, that the development time for his LB’s, is a couple of years.

When talking about Worilds, I heard the words “depth” and “special teams” used a lot.

You all get an A+ so far. Especially you Greig. More people, more…

Personally not buying the Worilds move. Love Dave-Te, but he is a bit flighty at times. we shall see

Not convinced at all – again – we need to use the word “need” less and BPA more. This has been the steelers MO over the years and who can argue with our success?

Now – I’m going to stir the pot a little and throw a name at ya for #24.. A kid that totally dominated the North Offensive Linemen at the senior bowl and may have been the best defensive line player at the Senior bowl.. Also throw in Ziggy Hood and his seeming not to be the 3-4 DE we thought he was going to develop into.. and the fact that your list of 10 players that you had slated at #24 – each one we can find an area that makes us uncomfortable with the pick.. like Poe’s motor, Hightower’s ACL and coverage skills, Mercilus one year wonder, etc.. and this kid suddenly becomes real attractive to me. Especially with the non-devleopment of Ziggy ( who is a player I think better suited for a 4-3 DT).

Kendall Reyes DE/DT
6’4″ 299lbs
40 – 4.79
reps – 36

We have seen Keisel drop in coverage – with his type of speed , faster than some of the LB’s in the draft, and size. something to think about…

I’ve seen the 3-4 DE ranked Fletcher Cox, Brockers, Reyes.. I like Reyes over Brockers. He’s stronger, faster and there is way more really good film on Reyes.

food for thought.

Sounds to me that Sylvester could fit in to be the primary ILB next yr…… And that there content with Foote and Sylvester this yr. And they seem to draft BPA period……. But I do believe after listening they will bring in someone either Draft or FA to compete….. They want competion at every position….. And Sylvester and Foote will probably battle it out for the spot… And it sounds to me if Worilds lives up to expectation he will be a good replacement for harrison but if he doesn’t have a good yr. this yr. I don’t think he will be around next….. Carter I don’t think will ever start unless there are major injuries….. But after all I’ve heard It’s a throw up to who they take in round 1 because sounds like they got 2 guys that are unproven and want to see what they can do…… So I don’t think they will draft Hightower…… He says he felt good with the players he had so far, But that was with Farrior there as well but I don’t think they will be looking for there next 10 yr. starting ILB in this draft by what I heard….. I like how u put these up….. If you get a chance do some more on other positions.. Maybe Corner and Safety….

And the main thing they don’t start Rookie LB’s period…… So they will move forward with Foote and Sylvester…… I am surpirsed Foote didn’t take some what of a pay cut though.. But maybe they want to see if Sylvester can cut it and if not bring Foote back for a couple yrs..

OK knowing their draft history of taking the BPA regardless of need, who do you have listed as the Steelers board of BPA when the 1:24 selection rolls around? and who IS the BPA of that group?

I think the Steelers have their sites on Mike Martin.

Things that were said (and not said) that play into the 2012 draft, I believe was the solicitation. I kept hearing about actual game film as the primary consideration, then interviews and personal workouts with the Steelers. If The Combine was mentioned, it was only in passing. GAME FILM !!! Also with respect to the draft, particularly with Butler mentioning several times that they allow a couple of years for development, I think they are high enough on Sylvester that the selection of Hightower will not occur, especially considering the perceived negatives of his coverage skills and injury. One take away for me of which I was aware, but he really drove home the point, was the alignment of the front 7. Farrior’s understanding and ability in this area is no doubt what bought him an extra year or two despite his obviously diminished physical abilities. Looks like Foote will start the season because of his knowledge of the defense and they will provide intense study for Sylvester, hoping he can take over as the starter during the season. Sylvester obviously has the better physical talents but Foote currently has better comprehension of how the coaches want the set. Sylvester’s opportunity to start will depend on his learning curve, not his physical prowess.

Worilds and Carter may not be panning out the way they had hoped, and thus the interest in some new blood at OLB fairly early in the draft. If the front office has indeed approached Worilds about playing ILB, it could be because they don’t see his future at OLB. I don’t see it at ILB.

We all easily say the delay in the start of training last year hindered the development of some of the new guys, but words cannot do it justice for those of us not actually involved with the team. What gets exposed in the unfolding of this year’s pre-season activities will be as entertaining as any year in the past.

Lastly, why is Butler not a Head Coach somewhere? This is the first opportunity I have had to hear him speak and the man reeks of football presence and gravitas. When Mr. LeBeau decides to move on, I have to believe our beloved defense will be in good hands.