Home Jerseys Sweatshirts Ladies Apparel Ladies Accessories Jackets 2012 Schedule
Facebook

  •  Are You Truly A Dedicated Steeler Fan??

    Join the Steeler Fans Members Only Club

    Plus - Get Access to our FREE Steeler Fans Business Directory

  • Get a FREE Jersey

  • Give Your Opinions for Cash

  • Become a Fan

  • Categories

Ben Roethlisberger Hints that 49′ers Targeted His Ankle

By on Friday, May 18th, 2012 | 1 Comment

Steelers Quarterback Has Thoughts of Being a Target

Ben Roethlisberger hinted that there was some fishy stuff going on when the Steelers and 49′ers played in game 15 last Ben Roethlisbergerseason.   Big Ben got the feeling that the 49er defense was aiming at his badly injured ankle.

The 49′ers Aldon Smith went on record to say they did nothing wrong.

Read the articles and decide for yourself – make sure to leave a comment below!!

 

Ben Roethlisberger: 49ers targeted my ankle | Shutdown Corner …

From the blog Shutdown Corner: Ben Roethlisberger played on a gimpy ankle in Pittsburgh’s Week 15 clash against the San Francisco 49ers, and he did not play particularly well. He hobbled his way to a three-interception, …

 

Ben Roethlisberger wonders if 49ers targeted his injured ankle – Los Angeles Times

news.google.com

CBSSports.com (blog)Ben Roethlisberger wonders if 49ers targeted his injured ankleLos Angeles TimesBy Houston Mitchell Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has some interesting thoughts about being the target of players trying to injure …

 

 

From Twitter….

 

vipbox_tv

Aldon Smith: 49ers didn’t target Big Ben’s ankle: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has suggested the 49ers targete… http://t.co/yZT6AfTQ

Friday, May 18, 2012 1:27:23 PM

 

sportnews365

Aldon Smith says 49ers weren’t targeting Ben Roethlisberger’s ankle last season: Last week, Steelers QB Ben … http://t.co/tkKPIShJ #FB

Friday, May 18, 2012 12:53:16 PM

 

NFLTourOnline

Aldon Smith says 49ers weren’t targeting Ben Roethlisberger’s ankle last season http://t.co/2vYrvkIZ

Friday, May 18, 2012 12:53:16 PM

 

TheSteelersTrap

Ben Roethlisberger: Aldon Smith Proves QB’s Claims of Being Targeted Are Wrong http://t.co/WshJwAAu #nfl #steelers

Friday, May 18, 2012 1:00:09 PM

Willie Colon Changes Positions To Strengthen the Steelers Offense

By on Friday, May 18th, 2012 | No Comments

The Move From Tackle to Guard is Welcomed by Colon

Willie Colon has waited a long time to play guard.  His physic (6′ 3″ and 320 lbs) seem to fit better to be right next to the

Willie Colon Moves from Tackle to Guard

center.

His move allows Steelers #1 draft pick, David DeCastro, to step right into the lineup.

Read more below on e Colon and how the move will affect the Steelers and Colon.

 

Willie Colon Moving from Right Tackle to Left Guard – Behind the …

The many rumors from years past of moving Willie Colon from OT to G might have finally rung true.

 

Talkin’ More Offensive Line: Willie Colon’s Move to Left Guard …

More discussion on the overhaul of the Steelers’ offensive line. Colon’s move inside opens up a training camp battle between veteran Jonathan Scott and rookie Mike Adams.

 

Bleacher Report: Pittsburgh Steelers: Willie Colon’s Move to Guard …

Steelers News (no comments): Has the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line gone from rags to riches in just a few months? It may happen after …

 

Steelers inform Colon he’s switching to left guard – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

news.google.com

NBCSports.comSteelers inform Colon he’s switching to left guardPittsburgh Tribune-ReviewSteelers offensive line Willie Colon, Tony HIlls, Maurkice Pouncey and Ramon Foster against the Eagles at Heinz Field Aug. 18, 2011. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review) …

 

 

The Steelers, The Tackle Position, Willie Colon, and His Future Status – Nice Pick, Cowher

news.google.com

Nice Pick, CowherThe Steelers, The Tackle Position, Willie Colon, and His Future StatusNice Pick, CowherYet with all of the new and talented faces in town, there is one once-starting member of the Steelers’ Offensive Line whose current status is a bi …

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 Players Most Responsible for Success or Failure in 2012 – Bleacher Report

news.google.com

Bleacher ReportPittsburgh Steelers: 10 Players Most Responsible for Success or Failure in 2012Bleacher ReportIf the Steelers are indeed planning to move Willie Colon inside to guard, then Adams should be the favorite to become the starter at left tac …

Limas Sweed – Pittsburgh Steelers Bust

By on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 | No Comments

Ex-Pittsburgh Receiver, Limas Sweed, Is Trying the Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been toughted as having one of the best, if not THE best, draft in 2012.  Not too long ago, the Steelers felt they got a steal when Texas receiver, Limas Sweed was drafted #53 overall.  Sweed never produced and is now being touted as possibly the biggest bust in recent Steeler draft history.

Read below and make sure to leave a comment or two!

 

Former Steelers WR Limas Sweed Has Tryout with New York Giants …

Short of possibly getting another look somewhere in training camp, Sweed’s chances of playing in the NFL in 2012 or beyond are circling the drain.

 

Wide Receiver Limas Sweed, Center Jamaal Jackson Battling For …

Limas Sweed, a former second-round pick of the Steelers in the 2008 NFL Draft, is attempting to return to the NFL, and he has the Super Bowl Champion Giants in his focus.

 

Is Limas Sweed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Biggest NFL Draft Bust of All-Time … – Yahoo! Sports

news.google.com

The Star-Ledger – NJ.comIs Limas Sweed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Biggest NFL Draft Bust of All-Time …Yahoo! SportsWith every high pick in the NFL Draft, Steelers’ fans just hope he’s not another Limas Sweed. Often we tend to put a bigger emphasis on …

 

 

Limas Sweed likely won’t catch on here

news.google.com

Limas Sweed likely won’t catch on hereNewsday (subscription)Giants Newsday > Sports > Football > Giants T-Rock’s Take on the Giants PrintAa Limas Sweed likely won’t catch on here Saturday May 12, 2012 5:20 PM By Tom Rock Offensive coordinator Kevin G …

 

From Twitter…

 

SpotPlays

#NFL news – Is Limas Sweed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Biggest NFL Draft Bust of All-Time? Fan’s Opinion http://t.co/DmmXeb0v

Monday, May 14, 2012 8:38:46 PM

 

wilkins_pete

Is Limas Sweed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Biggest NFL Draft Bust of All-Time … http://t.co/JFheM6Wf

Monday, May 14, 2012 8:28:15 PM

 

Towanda_Vlloa

#Google #Hot #News Is Limas Sweed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Biggest NFL Draft Bust of… http://t.co/L68DroTh #InstantFollowBack YCNews

Monday, May 14, 2012 4:51:19 PM

Is Sean Spence the Next Troy Polamalu?

By on Sunday, May 6th, 2012 | No Comments

Sean Spence Drafted as Linebacker..  Or WAS He?

Miami’s Sean Spence was drafted in the third round as a linebacker.   It makes a lot of sense, since the Steelers are a little sean spence pittsburgh steelersshort on outside linebackers (Worilds is the only backup as to Harrison and Woodley).   But why would the Steelers pick someone who play at 217 pounds last year with the Miami  Hurricanes??

Maybe the Steelers have something else in mind for Spence!

Read the articles below on Sean Spence.    The Bleacher Report article may be right on and really makes a lot of sense.

What do YOU think??   Make sure you post your comment!

 

How Sean Spence Will Eventually Replace Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh Steelers – Bleacher Report

news.google.com

Bleacher ReportHow Sean Spence Will Eventually Replace Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh SteelersBleacher ReportWhen the Pittsburgh Steelers used their third-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft to select Sean Spence, it was believed that he was intended …

 

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers: 2012 Draft Pick Highlights – Bleacher Report

news.google.com

Bleacher ReportPittsburgh Steelers: 2012 Draft Pick HighlightsBleacher ReportIf the Pittsburgh Steelers can get the most out of Adams, they will have pulled off two monumental steals in this draft. Sean Spence is a dynamic pass-rusher who fits right …

 

 

Sean Spence headed to Steelers, drafted in third round – Sun-Sentinel

news.google.com

Nice Pick, CowherSean Spence headed to Steelers, drafted in third roundSun-SentinelMiami outside linebacker Sean Spence was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday night. Spence was the 23rd pick of the round …

 

From Twitter….

 

griffinlutsukth

How Sean Spence Will Eventually Replace Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh Steelers

Saturday, May 05, 2012 9:23:27 PM

 

news_pittsburgh

#Pittsburgh How Sean Spence Will Eventually Replace Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh Steelers http://t.co/1mjEyVB9

Saturday, May 05, 2012 8:54:07 PM

 

SteelersFanZone

#TwitNewsNow How Sean Spence Will Eventually Replace Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh Steelers http://t.co/4E1SffET #NFL

Saturday, May 05, 2012 8:52:03 PM

 

ThePGHSteelers

#Steelers News: How Sean Spence Will Eventually Replace Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh Steelers http://t.co/I5R7KF7j #fb

Saturday, May 05, 2012 6:38:43 PM

 

gbpackersfan_

How Sean Spence Will Eventually Replace Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh Steelers: When the Pittsburgh Steelers used… http://t.co/n25oP5U1

Saturday, May 05, 2012 6:33:32 PM

Terrell Suggs Suffers Achilles Injury

By on Friday, May 4th, 2012 | No Comments

Ravens Pro Bowl Lineback, and Steeler Hater, Suffers Injury While Playing Basketball

Terrell Suggs has been very open about hating the Steelers.   In his case, his hatred probably stems from the Steelers terrell suggs tears achillesknocking out the Ravens in recent years to make it to the Super Bowl.   Last year the Ravens got the best of the Steelers, but his “hatred” for the Steelers and, especially Hines Ward, is well documented.

Now it appears that Suggs will be out for the 2012 season.   While Steeler fans generally don’t care for the Ravens at all (the feeling is mutual), I think we would all rather beat the Ravens at full strength.    Looks like 2013 before we get to beat the Ravens with Sugg playing!

Make sure to leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

 

Terrell Suggs Injury: Ravens LB Claims Injury Suffered During …

We provide an update on Terrell Suggs Achilles injury and how much time he might miss.

 

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs Tears Achilles – Dawgs By Nature

According to reports, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs suffered a torn Achilles and “will likely miss the 2012 season.”

 

Measuring the Impact of Terrell Suggs‘ Achilles Injury | The Big Lead

History would say that there will be an impact, and whether someone develops to fill that role will dictate just how much. It’s been more than a field goal for the other cases of a team losing a star defender for most of the year.

 

Terrell Suggs tears Achilles tendon, will likely miss 2012 season – Yahoo! Sports (blog)

news.google.com

Yahoo! Sports (blog)Terrell Suggs tears Achilles tendon, will likely miss 2012 seasonYahoo! Sports (blog)Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles tendon while training in Arizona and is expected to miss the entire 2012 season. The …

 

 

Ravens LB Suggs tears Achilles tendon – Greenwich Time

news.google.com

Ravens LB Suggs tears Achilles tendonGreenwich Time1, 2012 file photo, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham, left, fumbles the ball as he is hit by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs in the second half of an NFL football game, in Cinc …

 

Ravens Terrell Suggs suffers ‘partial tear’ of Achilles tendon playing basketball – CBS sports.com (blog)

news.google.com

CBS sports.com (blog)Ravens Terrell Suggs suffers ‘partial tear’ of Achilles tendon playing basketballCBS sports.com (blog)By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger With their defense aging and Joe Flacco’s contract expiring, the Ravens are in “win now” m …

 

 

From Twitter…

 

SportsCenter

Breaking: Sources: @Ravens LB Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles tendon playing basketball, likely to miss ’12 season http://t.co/XTOlDxEJ

Thursday, May 03, 2012 10:05:30 AM

 

PeytonsHead

Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles while hooping at the gym. Guess he balls TOO hard.

Thursday, May 03, 2012 9:53:04 AM

 

AdamSchefter

Blow to Baltimore: Ravens LB Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles playing basketball.

Thursday, May 03, 2012 9:46:02 AM

 

SteelersMobile

Terrell Suggs Injury: What It Means for the Pittsburgh Steelers: If Ben Roethlisberger gets any p… http://t.co/GtaGOCmD SteelersMobile

Thursday, May 03, 2012 10:05:25 PM

 

Junior Seau Found Dead

By on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 | No Comments

Pro Bowl Lineback Dead from Self Inflicted Gunshot

Junior Seau, the long term pro bowl linebacker, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.   While it is still very early, many are suspecting that concussions had something to do with this.  Junior Seau

Junior Seau had a great career.   The NFL and fans everywhere are saddened and we hope that his death will encourage the NFL to continue their efforts on concussions.

Read more about Junior Seau below, and please make sure to leave a comment if you are inspired.

 

Junior Seau Dead — Cops Suspect Death Was Suicide | TMZ.com

4:09 PM PDT — Law enforcement tells us … investigators discovered a revolver at the scene. It’s unclear who the gun belongs to. 1:52 PM PDT — The…

 

Junior Seau — Cops Investigating Shooting Involving NFL Star | TMZ …

TMZ has confirmed … Junior Seau is dead. Cops suspect suicide.Cops in Oceanside, CA are investigating a possible shooting involving former NFL star…

 

Junior Seau — Ex-Teammate Marcellus Wiley Breaks Down … ‘I …

Junior Seau’s former teammate broke down in tears, live on the radio, moments after hearing about his death — and wished he could have done something to…

 

Junior Seau Dead: Police Investigate Suspected Suicide At Home Of …

Former NFL player Junior Seau has died in a shooting at his home, according to reports by TMZ, 10News, the San Diego Union-Tribune and various media outlets.

 

Junior Seau, Famed NFL Linebacker, Dies at 43; Suicide Is Suspected – New York Times

news.google.com

MiamiHerald.comJunior Seau, Famed NFL Linebacker, Dies at 43; Suicide Is SuspectedNew York TimesIt waited to collect the body of Junior Seau, a linebacker among the most feared in NFL history, father to three teenagers, son to the mother who wailed l …

 

 

Junior Seau’s death shocks mother and San Deigo community – NFL News

news.google.com

Junior Seau’s death shocks mother and San Deigo communityNFL NewsBy NFL.com In Oceanside, Calif. an inconsolable mother of legendary San Diego Charger Junior Seau cried out in shock with the San Diego community in reaction to the sudden death of her …

In New England, Junior Seau was one of a kind, both on and…

news.google.com

WEEI.comIn New England, Junior Seau was one of a kind, both on and…WEEI.comWhen it came to Junior Seau, he had a guitar (occasionally augmented with a ukulele), and could often be seen strumming away softly in the corner of the locker room. Seau’s …

 

 

From Twitter…

ochocinco

My prayers and condolences to the family of one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers to ever play the game.. Junior Seau.. R.I.P

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 2:17:01 PM

 

TheeMrMiller

I can’t even believe the news I heard about Junior Seau. Guys I am saddened. He was one of my favorite players. This is a tragic day.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 10:20:16 PM

 

LtLuvmuffin

RT @AP: Junior Seau is the eighth player from Chargers’ 1994 Super Bowl team to die; all died before age 45: http://t.co/x6CJd94B -CC

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 10:20:13 PM

 

CloudTex

RT @ArmandoSalguero: Zach Thomas calls Junior Seau ‘the greatest linebacker to ever play the game…”

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 10:20:14 PM

Hines Ward Meets with Networks Today

By on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 | No Comments

Ward Contemplates Next Career as Broadcaster

According to sports writer, Mark Kaboly, Hines Ward met with the networks over the weekend to discuss a new career for hines ward sportscasterhim – TV Analysis.   This would be a great move for Ward, as he definitely knows that game and is extremely popular by all football and non-football fans alike.

Read more about Hines’ meetings with the networks below – make sure to leave a comment.

 

Hines Ward Considering Post-Steelers Career As NFL Analyst – SB Nation (blog)

news.google.com

SB Nation (blog)Hines Ward Considering Post-Steelers Career As NFL AnalystSB Nation (blog)by Charlie Wilmoth • May 1, 2012 1:24 PM EDT Retired #Steelers WR Hines Ward met with NBC, CBS and ESPN over the weekend about joining them as an NFL analyst fo …

 

 

From Twitter…

 

MarkKaboly_Trib

Retired #Steelers WR Hines Ward met with NBC, CBS and ESPN over the weekend about joining them as an NFL analyst for the upcoming season.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012 9:57:18 AM

 

BurghSoxFanInAZ

RT @MarkKaboly_Trib: Retired #Steelers WR Hines Ward met with NBC, CBS and ESPN over the weekend about joining them as an NFL analyst for the upcoming season.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012 12:04:26 PM

 

ThirdandLongNFL

RT @MarkKaboly_Trib: Retired #Steelers WR Hines Ward met with NBC, CBS and ESPN over the weekend about joining them as an NFL analyst for the upcoming season.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012 10:56:36 AM

 

ThirdandLongNFL

RT @MarkKaboly_Trib: Retired #Steelers WR Hines Ward met with NBC, CBS and ESPN over the weekend about joining them as an NFL analyst for the upcoming season.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012 10:56:36 AM

2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Choices

By on Sunday, April 29th, 2012 | No Comments

The 2012 Draft is Over – Here are The Steeler’s Picks

The 2012 NFL Draft is over.  The Steelers attacked the draft and picked up some offensive line talent, a linebacker that may be converted to strong safety, a defensive tackle that could eventually take over for all pro Casey Hampton, as well as other players who will be fighting for positions and playing time.

DeCastro and Adams appear to be great choices given the Steeler’s weaknesses.

Look over the draft summaries below and make sure to leave a comment on how you think the Steelers did!

 

Round 1, Pick 24 (24) David DeCastro G 6’5″ 316 Stanford 92.5  
Pick Analysis: Mayock’s take: “He’s a natural Pittsburgh Steeler. He’s a plug-and-play guard. The Steelers have had all kinds of problems up front, and this kid fits in Pittsburgh.”
Round 2, Pick 24 (56) Mike Adams OT 6’7″ 323 Ohio St. 86.0  
Pick Analysis: Mayock’s take: “He would’ve been a first-round pick had he not failed the drug test at the combine. He’s got left-tackle feet. There’s some off-the-field issues, but he’s a gifted left tackle. Now with him and David DeCastro in the first round, this is a completely different offensive line.”
Round 3, Pick 23 (86) Sean Spence LB 5’11″ 231 Miami 80.2  
Pick Analysis: Mayock’s take: “One of my favorite football players on tape. He’s one of the more instinctive linebackers in this draft. In the 3-4 scheme in Pittsburgh, he’s going to have to play outside or that Will linebacker inside. Either way, I don’t care, because I really like the way he plays.”
Round 4, Pick 14 (109) (From Raiders through Redskins) Alameda Ta’amu DT 6’3″ 348 Washington 77.0  
Pick Analysis: Bucky Brooks’ take: The Steelers find a capable replacement for Casey Hampton in Ta’amu. He is immovable off the point and routinely wins against double teams.
Round 5, Pick 24 (159) Chris Rainey RB 5’8″ 180 Florida 71.7  
Pick Analysis: Bucky Brooks’ take: The Steelers needed a change-of-pace runner with burst and explosiveness. Rainey is an accomplished track athlete with real speed and he will upgrade Pittsburgh’s backfield rotation.
Round 7, Pick 24 (231) Toney Clemons WR 6’2″ 210 Colorado 51.2
Pick Analysis: Bucky Brooks’ take: Clemons is a tall, rangy pass catcher with solid skills. He gives the Steelers a bigger receiver to target over the middle.
Round 7, Pick 33 (240) (Compensatory selection) David Paulson TE 6’3″ 245 Oregon 54.5  
Pick Analysis: Bucky Brooks’ take: Paulson is an underrated pass catcher with good skills. He could emerge as a surprise contributor as a backup player.
Round 7, Pick 39 (246) (Compensatory selection) Terrence Frederick CB 5’10″ 187 Texas A&M 66.0  
Pick Analysis: Bucky Brooks’ take: Frederick will compete for playing time as backup/special teams player. He must stand out quickly in workouts to crack a deep rotation at the position.
Round 7, Pick 41 (248) (Compensatory selection) Kelvin Beachum T 6’2″ 303 SMU 49.2  
Pick Analysis: Bucky Brooks’ take: Beachum joins a competitive situation at offensive tackle as a backup candidate. He has developmental potential, but will need to make strides in several areas to crack the final roster.

.
*Source for draft information…. NFL.com

Pittsburgh Steelers Select Mike Adams from Ohio State

By on Saturday, April 28th, 2012 | No Comments

Steelers Pick OT Adams and Build Up Their Offensive Line

Mike Adams

 

With the 56th overall pick, the Steeler continue to build up their ailing offensive line from last year.   Mike Adams, from Ohio State, comes in at 6′ 7″ and 323 lbs. 

Adams was part of the Ohio State memorabilia issue that ended up with Ohio State losing their coach.   While he has made some poor decisions off the field, his play on the field was dominant.

Mike Adams appears to have the tools to be terrific at left tackle for the Steelers, but he is going to have some work to do.   He has been been characterized by inconsistency but with a little coaching and motivation, he could become a very good tackle.

 

Here are the scouting reports from CBS Sports:

Mike adams OT

Overview

At this point Adams lacks the great technique that would make him a reliable left tackle to protect a right-handed quarterback’s blind side. Given time he certainly could learn. Meantime, Adams already moves well enough to get into linebackers on the second level. He has a substantial frame with conspicuous muscle in the right places and the footwork of a dancer, albeit more like hip hop than ballet. On film he did well handling Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt (drafted No. 11 overall by Texas last year), but was befuddled by the nifty moves of Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan (drafted No. 16 overall by Washington last year). In his final two seasons as a starter, Adams had issues on and off the field.
He underwent shoulder surgery and then a season-ending left foot injury, both in 2008. Adams missed five games in 2009 with knee injury and was suspended for two games the same year for violating team rules. He as one of five players suspended first five games last year for receiving benefits from selling collectibles through a tattoo parlor and had to pay back $1,000 he received for a ring.

Analysis

Pass blocking: Tall, long, athletic pass protector. Generally gets out of three-point stance with good knee bend and a wide base. Improving his ability to use his hands to redirect rushers and late blitzers away from the pocket. Power rushers lose most battles. Has an adequate anchor in close quarters, will reset hands and move feet to sustain. Stops his feet after initial contact, relying on length but allowing defender to get the corner or spin inside. Run blocking: Solid positional run blocker who flashes the nasty demeanor and killer instinct scouts covet. Attacks when necessary, though he won’t consistently dominate and can lose balance when overextending. Quick feet to get inside of defensive tackles to wall off inside and reach
linebackers at the second level. Nice punch which he uses to knock down smaller defenders with one extension. Height can be a detriment in short-yardage, defender can get under his pads to hold the line. Flashes the ability to move his man with his hands, but is not yet consistent in this area. Pulling/trapping: Best on the outside because of his height and athleticism, but is capable of blocking on the move. Effective in space and usually drops his hips to get leverage and sustain against shorter defenders. Initial Quickness: Excellent quick-twitch movement off the snap in pass protection and as a run blocker. Finds defenders with his hands immediately and gets feet moving to engage and sustain. Can be beat off the edge coming out of his stance lunging to reach speedy wide rushers. Downfield: Quick out of his stance with the footwork to be effective in front of screens. Willing to get out in front of ballcarriers to take out defensive backs and linebackers. Used at tight end on unbalanced lines. Intangibles: Suspended the first two games of the 2009 season for violating team rules, cited in January 2009 for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia (charges were eventually dropped) after being stopped for running a stop sign. One of five players suspended for first five games of 2011 season for receiving benefits from a tattoo parlor owner, selling championship rings, jerseys and awards; Adams was required to pay back $1,000 for the ring he sold.

Steelers Choose David DeCastro – Offensive Lineman in First Round

By on Friday, April 27th, 2012 | No Comments

Steelers Once Again Surprise All With Their Pick

While many believed the Steelers would pick Dont’a Hightower, the star linebacker from Alabama, they surprised everyone David DeCastroand picked David DeCastro from Stanford.

Here are the stats on David DeCastro from CBS Sports

Overview

Some NFL scouts believe Stanford guard David DeCastro may be an even better interior line prospect than Maurkice Pouncey of Florida, who was drafted 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010 and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Coaches and teammates believe DeCastro’s serious attitude and penchant for perfection were as important as his innate physical abilities in making him as good as he is. “He arrives angry and focused and expects everybody else to be the same,” said Stanford Coach David Shaw. “If he thinks something needs to be said, he says it and when he speaks the players listen.” “He is so serious he sometimes thinks a high five after a touchdown is too frivolous because it might break concentration,” offered Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. “But the person he is hardest on is himself.” Sure enough, after earning nothing but praise and honors for the last three seasons at Stanford, DeCastro’s most vivid memory is one play as a redshirt freshman in 2009. It was The Sack — the only one he gave up in his college career. “Brian Price of UCLA,” DeCastro recited. “I set outside and he came back and countered inside. He sacked Andrew.” Scouts think DeCastro’s serious attitude and penchant for perfection will work well for him, especially packaged with his size, strength, quickness and ornery attitude on the field. It also helped that he flourished in a pro-style offense at Stanford, where he not only pass blocked for Luck, but was a key reason the Cardinal rushing game was one of the best in college football. Although his father and grandfather were both rugby stars in South Africa, DeCastro credits his size and study habits to his mother, Jennifer, who is taller than six-feet and has three degrees, including a Ph.D. in audiolgy. Still, DeCastro admits that although he loves academics he “hates to read,” unless it is a playbook. Based on projections for his near future, that may be all he needs to read.

Analysis

Pass blocking: Doesn’t get beat. Has enough of an anchor and resets hands to get leverage if beaten initially. Keeps feet churning and his head up. Capable of blocking down with one hand and sliding to help tackle. Very aware of late blitzers, can stonewall them or ride them out of the pocket. Usually keeps arms extended in pass pro to maintain distance with his man. Loses the hand-to-hand battle occasionally but works to quickly counter. Run blocking: Excels as a run blocker in power, zone and on the move. Plays with his eyes up. Takes defenders to the ground and doesn’t let up. Rarely allows defenders to sidestep. Not dominant as a drive blocker but grinds to the whistle.
Defensive tackles with elite power can anchor or move him off the snap. Pulling/trapping: Dominant leading on pulls outside and traps inside. Reaches second level instantly, has natural bend and flexibility to get correct angle. Does not always dominate smaller defenders after initial contact, falling off instead of latching on, but can take out multiple targets when he squares. Will miss inside target on occasion, giving max effort to cut or reach the linebacker. Initial Quickness: Very good off the snap. Gets hands up immediately, rarely beaten with an initial pass-rush move. Swims to reach second-level defenders. Generates push in goal-line situations, firing off hard and low. Downfield: Has enough — but not great — speed. Very effective negating targets seven or eight yards downfield. Inconsistent sustaining blocks against powerful linebackers and defensive backs, lowering his head to easily be disengaged. Intangibles: Solid work ethic and character. Known for his work on the practice field and weight room. Durable; could play every snap in any scheme. Chose Stanford for its academic standards.
« Older Entries

  • Make Extra Money with Your Opinions