Vaccaro could be on the Steelers’ radars. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately for Vaccaro (6′ 214 lbs.), he was limited during workouts due to a hip flexor tendon injury.  In spite of his ailment, Kenny still performed his positional drills yesterday according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com.

Although I am a bit more partial to Matt Elam of Florida and D.J. Swearinger of South Carolina, I would still be happy to see the Steelers draft the former Longhorn.  A starter for two and a half years during his career at Texas, the safety performed in a variety of roles in Texas’ defensive backfield.  Kenny started games at free safety, strong safety, and even helped to cover slot receivers in man-coverage.  A tough tackler and a solid “in-the-box” defender against the pass and run, Vaccaro led the team in said category last year with 107 last year and forced 5 turnovers total (2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles).

Granted, Vaccaro is not likely to wow anybody with his straight-line speed (4.63 40 time at The Combine).  Furthermore, he is not what one would consider an instinctive “centerfielder” type of safety who can roam freely on the back-end of the defense and collect turnovers.  Nevertheless, what Kenny can bring to the table in terms of his skill-set is not only impressive, but it could give the Steelers’ defense a much needed “added-dimension.”

Vaccaro can pack a wallop as a tackler, cover shifty pass-catchers (especially in man situations) in the slot (4.06 20 yard shuttle at The Combine), and line up in a number of places in “Big Nickel” schemes to counteract opposing tight ends.  At least to me, Vaccaro has the potential to give the Steelers a legitimate chess piece to employ in sub-packages in the present, and then again at strong safety once Polamalu retires.

While Vaccaro has garnered quite a bit of attention from Steelers fans over the offseason, do not discount Alex Okafor (6’4.75″ 265 lbs.) as a player who is on Pittsburgh’s radars right now either.  In my opinion, I feel like the former Longhorn defensive end is a Top 40 prospect who has the potential to be an effective pass-rusher at the next level.

Like Vaccaro, Okafor started for two and half years as a Longhorn and shined during his junior and senior campaigns.  In 2011, the defensive end recorded 58 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.  Last season though, Alex racked up 68 tackles, 18.0 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception!  What made last season’s numbers even more impressive for Okafor was the fact that he set or tied career highs in those categories while his fellow defensive end, Jackson Jeffcoat, spent most of the season on the sideline due to a pectoral injury.

Okafor had a solid senior season. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Although Alex is not a Barkevious Mingo type of player as a “speedster pass rusher,” he still possesses enough speed (4.88 40 yard, 4.40 short shuttle times at Pro Day) and quickness to collapse the pocket from the outside for a player his size.  Okafor is at his best when he uses his strength and larger frame to his advantage to gain leverage against opposing offensive linemen when he goes after the opposing signal-caller though.

While some scouts believe that Okafor is better suited to stay as a down-lineman at the pro level, I feel that he could still be an effective player as a strongside outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme (see his Sacks against Oregon State in the Alamo Bowl).  Of course, Okafor must prove that he can consistently anchor himself better and set the edge against the run game.  Moreover, Alex must also show that he can be a non-liability in pass-coverage, and illustrate that he can cover an ample amount of ground in zone schemes.

I should also add that the Steelers would benefit from adding a player like Okafor to their roster for one important reason: LaMarr Woodley has been nothing short of an injury-prone failure since he inked his 6 year $61.5 million dollar deal during the summer of 2011.

Woodley will not only turn 29 in November of this year, but his bloated contract is an enormous salary-cap destroying  “albatross” which hangs around the franchise’s neck.  If the Steelers unable to get any production from the former Wolverine in 2013 or 2014, I would hope that Colbert & Co. would do the smart thing and release the underachieving pass-rusher who was deemed “awful” by an unnamed teammate last year.  In the event that LaMarr has nothing left to contribute, drafting a player like Okafor would give Pittsburgh’s defense some much needed insurance at strongside outside linebacker if and when the former Pro Bowler fails to perform up to par once more.

Final Thoughts

Vacarro could and likely will garner a large amount of interest from teams in front of and behind the Steelers in Round 1 due to his versatility and skill-set.  If he is available for Pittsburgh to take at #17 overall, I would have to believe that the Steelers’ brass would make him their pick.  As far as Okafor is concerned, if he is around early in Round 2, I would have no qualms if Pittsburgh traded up to acquire him to help their inconsistent pass-rush.

Even if the Steelers are not interested in Okafor or Vaccaro though, I am sure that Colbert & Co. will try to acquire a safety and an outside linebacker at some point in next month’s Draft.

Stats and Measurements Courtesy of: Texas and ESPN.com

Wilcox transitioned well from Offense to Defense. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Wilcox’s Journey to the Safety Position

If you readers are not familiar with the Georgia Southern Safety, his journey to the Safety position throughout his college career is somewhat unique.  In fact, Wilcox did not even play in the Defensive Backfield until his Senior year of college!  From 2009-2011, Wilcox actually played Slotback and Wide Receiver on Offense as a key-cog in G.S.U.’s Triple-Option attack.

During his first three years, the 6′ 215 lb. Wilcox played in 36 Games, started 26 of them, and helped the Eagles in a “Swiss-Army knife” manner as a pass-catcher and runner who could make big plays with the ball in his hands.  Overall, J.J. found success on the ground to the tune of 985 Yards on 137 Carries with 13 TD’s.  In addition to his prowess as a runner, Wilcox proved to be just as dangerous as a pass catcher as he hauled in 45 balls for 898 Yards and 4 TD’s during that time frame too.

Before last season began though, the Eagles were hurting for depth and leadership in the Secondary, and G.S.U. Head Coach Jeff Monken turned to his Senior Slotback for help.  In a completely “team-player” move, J.J. accepted his new role and switched from Slotback to Strong Safety to help the Eagles’ Defense in their time of need.  Well, it did not take J.J. long to find success in the Defensive Backfield, and the Senior burst out in a big way during the 2012 season.

Overall, Wilcox started 13 of G.S.U.’s 14 games, finished with 88 Tackles, 5 Passes Defended, and 2 Interceptions during his first season ever Defensive Back!  Of course the Eagles weren’t going to just take a play-maker out of situations in which he could handle the football.  So when the versatile Wilcox was asked to return Kickoffs, he shined in that capacity too (31 Returns, 780 Yards, 25.2 YPR).

After his successful season, scouts finally began to take notice of Wilcox, and he was given an invitation to The Senior Bowl.  It was in Mobile, AL where J.J. used his chance to his advantage as he showed off his versatile and athletic skill-set to pro scouts around the League.  Since late January, Wilcox has also performed at The Combine, and is currently drawing buzz from Safety-needy teams League-wide.

Wilcox’s Transition to the Professional Level

Although Wilcox’s move to the Defensive side of the ball came late during his college career, the former Eagle sees it as more of a blessing in disguise.  In a recent article by Mike Jones of The Washington Post, Wilcox was quoted as saying the following:

Having played offense is a plus,…Route-running, route-stemming and ball skills, playing receiver and running back, you have to have great ball skills.  Playing running back and receiver, you have to have that.  And so, I know how to read defenses, I know how to read offenses.  That definitely helps me.

 

Wilcox also appears to be quite the driven and knowledge-hungry player as well, and states his thoughts on staying at the Safety position below in a quote from the same article:

It would make my game better.  But at the same time, when you’re playing from behind like I am, it motivates you and challenges you more to work to show that you can play no matter what scheme you put up, no matter where you put me at, that gives me my drive.

 

J.J.’s thirst for knowledge to better himself at the Safety position and as a student of the game is also evident too:

 

You can never know too much about the game.  Every day I learn something new.  I just want to learn how to be the best safety there is in the NFL,…I study all the safeties in the NFL.  I was a big Sean Taylor fan, just always around the ball.  Ed Reed.  I love Ed Reed, just because he’s a ball hawk.  Ryan Clark, I could go on.  I love NFL,  I sleep NFL.  My TV stays on NFL Network.  I can talk your ear off all day about NFL.

 

It certainly seems that Wilcox is not only a smart player, but a dedicated and driven one to boot.  I am sure that he also understands full well that he is likely to fall down draft boards because he is a bit “behind the game” in terms of the competition he faced at the collegiate level.  Heck, he probably knows more than anybody that his skill-set as a Defensive Back is raw and he will need to fine-tune all aspects of his game from tackling to turning his hips.  I also would not doubt that he knows that the questions surrounding his lack of experience on the Defensive side of the ball are probably going to come up in future interviews with N.F.L. teams too.

Nevertheless, I am positive that Wilcox also knows he possesses the type of frame (6′, 215 lbs., 31″ arms), athletic ability, and speed (4.57 40 Yard Dash) to compete at football’s highest level at the Safety position with a year or two of development.  From what he said above, he understands the type of work and work-ethic that must go into making him a better player, and appears to welcome the challenge of professional football.  Overall, Wilcox appears to be mature and hungry Safety prospect who wants to contribute to a team’s success by helping them in any sort of capacity. You know, a player that a team like Pittsburgh could definitely stand to have on their roster.

Final Thoughts

Wilcox could be a Day 2 “sleeper prospect,” and do not be surprised if the Steelers bring him in for an interview at some point over the next two months.  Although Wilcox will probably need a year or two of development before he can assume a starting role, he will not need to chip in heavily at either Safety spot if Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu are able to stay healthy.  A big “if,” I know.  Yet both veterans should still have another season or two of productive football left in each of their tanks’, and this should allow for young prospects to be groomed behind them as the future at the Free and Strong Safety positions.

Health of the veterans aside, the former Eagle Safety could immediately contribute to the team’s success as a Kick Returner now that Chris Rainey is out of town.  Moreover, I am sure that he would be utilized to his fullest extent on Pittsburgh’s Kickoff and Punt Coverage units early in his career while he learns the Steelers’ Defensive scheme from some of the best in the business.

I should also mention that if Wilcox is as thirsty for knowledge about playing Defense and the Safety position as he appears to be, him coming to Pittsburgh would be a perfect fit.  As far as the players that J.J. would get to be around, I would say that working with a future Hall of Famer in Polamalu, and a soon to be 12 year veteran in Ryan Clark would be an amazing opportunity.  In addition, Wilcox would also receive the chance to learn from Defensive Backs Coach and successful N.F.L. Safety Carnell Lake, and Hall of Fame Cornerback/”Best Defensive Coordinator Ever” Dick LeBeau.

Although this year’s Safety Class has numerous talented players, I really hope that the Steelers are interested in Wilcox as a potential Day 2 selection if they do not make a move for Kenny Vaccaro or Matt Elam on Day 1.  Granted, the former G.S.U. star might not possess the type of experience at the Safety position, or at the FBS level, as some of the players I alluded to at the beginning of this post.  But Wilcox does possess the type athletic ability and work-ethic to be a fantastic developmental prospect for a team in need of one at both Free and Strong Safety.

Readers: Should the Steelers consider taking J.J. Wilcox on Day 2?  Do you believe that he would be a good fit in Pittsburgh?  Why or why not?

Stats Courtesy of: Georgia Southern

Measurements Courtesy of: NFL Combine Page

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT (Texas A&M)

Could the Chiefs use a Quarterback right now?  Of course they could, but sadly for them, the 2013 Draft Class does not seem to be as full of top-tier “franchise Quarterbacks” as last year’s.  If Kansas City does not elect to trade down or select a Quarterback, they could definitely use an upgrade along their Offensive Line next year.  Not only did the Chiefs’ O-Line surrender 40.0 Sacks during the 2012 campaign, their Left Tackle Branden Albert will be an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) this March.  Kansas City would be wise to address their QB-needs through Free Agency or later Rounds in the Draft while they shore up their Left Tackle spot with the Aggies’ blind-side protector throughout his three-year stint in College Station (39 Games, 39 Starts).  The 6’6″ 310 lb. Joeckel was the 2012 Outland Award winner, a 2012 consensus All-American, and could be just the player the Chiefs need to begin their rebuilding process under Andy Reid and his pass-heavy Offense.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Damontre Moore DE/OLB (Texas A&M)

Although the Jason Babin signing helped, Jacksonville would be wise to bolster their pass-rush early in this year’s Draft.  The Jaguars ranked last in the League with a total of 20.0 Sacks last year, and had their fair share of issues putting consistent pressure on opposing Quarterbacks.  Jacksonville’s pass-rush was so anemic that Defensive Tackle Tyson Alualu led the team with 3.5 Sacks.  Moore (6’4″ 250 lbs.) led the Aggies last year in Tackles (85), Tackles for Loss (TFL’s) 21.0, Sacks (12.5), and even blocked 2 Kicks.  Pairing a pass-rusher like Moore with Babin would give the Jaguars’ Defense at least some hope for the future. 

3. Oakland Raiders: Star Lotulelei (Utah)

Without Al Davis running things, General Manager Reggie McKenzie will be able to upgrade the interior of Oakland’s Defensive Line with the best Defensive Tackle in this year’s class.  Tommy Kelly has proved to be an absolute disaster since he signed his 7-year $50.125 million dollar contract, and the Raiders could also lose Desmond Bryant to Free Agency this offseason as well.  Despite being double-teamed and keyed on for much of the season,  Lotulelei was a 1st Team All-Pac-12 performer in 2012 as he amassed 42 Tackles, 5.0 Sacks, 11.0 TFL’s, Forced 3 Fumbles, and Recovered 4.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jarvis Jones OLB (Georgia)

Philadelphia’s Quarterbacks were beaten mercilessly last year to the tune of 48.0 Sacks (5th most in the League) as injuries and poor play struck the team’s Offensive Line.  King Dunlap and Demetress Bell illustrated that they are not starting-caliber Tackles, while Jason Peters missed yet another year due to an Achilles injury.  Unfortunately for the Eagles, because Jake Matthews and Taylor Lewan both are returning to school, the franchise will likely be reaching for a Tackle if Luke Joeckel comes off the board before the #4 pick.  Philadelphia should not fret however, because Jarvis Jones (6’2″ 242 lbs.) will likely be available when they are on the clock for their first pick.  The Eagles’ could use an upgrade at Strongside Linebacker, and their Pass Rush (T-25th last year with only 30.0 Sacks) could use a player like Jones who racked up 24.5 TFL’s and 14.5 Sacks during his Senior season.

5. Detroit Lions: Bjoern Werner DE (Florida State)

Detroit will likely need some serious help at Defensive End if they fail to do anything in Free Agency.  Kyle Vanden Bosch will be 35 next season, while Cliff Avril will likely be a high-priced UFA and playing elsewhere in 2013.  I can see either Damontre Moore or Bjoern Werner as the Lions’ 1st Round selection, and the team would be wise to select Werner if he fell this far down the board.  Although the German-born Werner is relatively new to football, he continued to improve this past year as he put up 18.0 TFL’s and 13.0 Sacks with the Seminoles during his Junior campaign.  Werner’s speed and strength could force teams to single Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley on the interior and create matchups-galore for the Lions.

6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner CB (Alabama)

If neither Jarvis Jones, Damontre Moore, or Bjoern Werner fall to the Browns at #6, I could see them trying to bolster their Secondary in Round 1 with the selection of Alabama’s Dee Milliner.  The 6’1 198 lb. Milliner had a terrific 2012 season with the Crimson Tide as he put up an incredible 22 Passes Defended over the team’s 14 games, and added 54 Tackles and 2 INT’s to his statline as well.  Adding a physical and potential “Shut-Down” Corner like Milliner would give the Browns the best Starting Cornerback tandem in the A.F.C. North, and one of the top and up-and-coming duos in the entire League.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Geno Smith QB (West Virginia)

Whoever becomes the new Head Coach in Arizona, I hope that he understands that Kevin Kolb, John Skelton, and Ryan Lindley are not the “answers” at the Quarterback position and looks to select a signal-caller high in the 2013 Draft.  Granted, the Cardinals’ Offensive Line gave up a League-high 58.0 Sacks last year, and if a player like Joeckel slides to them #7, or they are confident in reaching for an Eric Fisher, then I can see the franchise going in said direction.  But because the Quarterback cupboard is basically bare, Arizona could take a chance on the accurate and athletic Smith (369 for 518 (71.2%), 4,205 Yards, 42 TD’s, and 6 INT’s) as they hope that whoever is added to their Offensive Line can improve and gel under the new Coaching regime.

8. Buffalo Bills: Manti Te’o ILB (Notre Dame)

Don’t be surprised if Marrone and the Bills pass on a signal-caller in Round 1 and elect to bolster their Defense while they go after his collegiate signal-caller Ryan Nassib in Round 2.  Although Manti Te’o struggled, along with the rest of Notre Dame’s Defense, in the National Championship Game, the Linebacker nevertheless had an incredible career with the Irish.  The Heisman Trophy runner-up was a “Tackling Machine” as he recorded over 100 Tackles during his final three years in South Bend, and improved on his pass coverage during the 2012 season as well (7 Interceptions).  Te’o (6’2″ 255 lbs.) projects well in both 4-3 and 3-4 Defensive schemes, and could be a more than adequate replacement for Nick Barnett at Middle Linebacker.

9. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB (Louisiana State)

First of all, let me say that 2012 1st Round pick Quinton Coples (5.5 Sacks) and 2011 1st Round pick Muhammad Wilkerson (5.0 Sacks) did a fine job last season as they supplied heat from their 5-Technique Defensive End spots, positions I might add which are not supposed to generate many Sacks.  Unfortunately, the Jets lack speed outside of Coples and Wilkerson, and could use an upgrade over veteran Calvin Pace at Outside Linebacker.  The athletic Barkevious Mingo (6’4″240 lbs) could be just the player the Jets enlist to provide some extra speed and heat off of the edge.  Although he was slowed a bit last season (4.5 Sacks, 8.5 TFL’s), Mingo could instantly upgrade one of New York’s Outside Linebacker spots.

10. Tennessee Titans: Johnathan Hankins DT (Ohio State)

If Dee Milliner does not fall to them, and the Titans are not intrigued to take Johnthan Banks or Xavier Rhodes, I can definitely see them adding more depth to the Defensive Tackle position.  Sen’Derrick Marks is an impending UFA and Tennessee could stand to use another stout Defensive Tackle to add to the mix with Jurrell Casey and Mike Martin if Marks leaves.  A wide-bodied, yet athletic gap-clogger, Hankins (6’3″ 320 lbs.) shined during his Junior season with the Buckeyes as he logged 55 Tackles, 4.0 TFL’s, 1.0 Sack, and earned All-Big-10 honors.  Hankins’ presence could also allow the Titans’ Defensive Ends Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley to have some favorable matchups on the outside, especially during pass-rush situations.

11. San Diego Chargers: Eric Fisher OT (Central Michigan)

Philip Rivers was bludgeoned last season with Jared Gaither manning the Left Tackle spot and an assortment of backups doing their best to stop opposing pass-rushers.  San Diego gave up 49.0 Sacks last year (4th most in the League), and could definitely use as many talented Offensive Linemen as they can get as Rivers enters his 10th season in the N.F.L..  The 6’7″ 305 lbs. Fisher was a 1st Team All-MAC performer last year, and also possesses some versatility to his game.  Although he played most of his collegiate career at Left Tackle, he did start games earlier during his time with the Chippewas at Right Tackle and Right Guard.  So even if the Left Tackle spot is not in Fisher’s future, he could fill in at either of those two other positions.  And for an O-Line desperate team like the Chargers, his presence at Right Tackle or Right Guard would be an upgrade nonetheless.

12. Miami Dolphins: Keenan Allen WR (California)

Do not get me wrong, Davonne Bess is a fine slot Wide Receiver, and Brian Hartline is a solid #2 target.  But if the Dolphins are serous about taking Ryan Tannehill’s game to the next level, they could stand to draft their franchise Quarterback a legitimate play-making #1 pass-catcher like Keenan Allen (6’3″ 215 lbs.) from California.  The Dolphins ranked 22nd in the League last year with a 6.8 Yards per Pass Attempt Average and only 30th in Total Pass Touchdowns with 13, thus they could use an upgrade at the Wide Receiver position.   Allen had a terrific career with the Golden Bears (totaled 1,343 Yards Receiving during 2011 and 737 during 9 games last year) and possesses a size-speed skill-set which would make him a solid fit in the League.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnthan Banks CB (Mississippi State)

With Ronde Barber likely to retire soon, and Aqib Talib gone, the Buccaneers would be wise to add more depth and talented play-makers to the back end of their Defense.  Johnthan Banks would be a nice fit with Tampa Bay as he possesses a big frame (6’1″ 185 lbs.), has shown the ability to make plays on the football (16 career INT’s), can mix it up in the run-game (125 Tackles the last two seasons), and even has the skill-set to play Free Safety.  The 2012 Jim Thorpe Award winner could compete to start during his Rookie season, and at the very least he could challenge Leonard Johnson and E.J. Biggers for a starting job.  Tampa Bay’s Pass Defense couldn’t get any worse as they allowed a League-worst 4,758 Yards through the air, ranked 31st in overall Yards per Pass Attempt allowed (7.9), ranked 29th in Passing Touchdowns allowed (30), and ranked 28th in Completion Percentage Against (65.4%).

14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson DT (Missouri)

Although the Panther’s Defense improved this past year, they could still use some upgrades along the interior of their Defensive Line.  Carolina’s Run Defense could be helped by an impact player like the athletic and potential 3-Technique prospect Sheldon Richardson from Missouri.  After two years at the Junior College level and a year in a non-starter role with the Tigers, Richardson (6’3″ 295 lbs.) burst on the scene in 2012 when he racked up 75 Tackles, 10.5 TFL’s, and 4.0 Sacks over Missouri’s 11 Games.   Drafting a player like Richardson would be a solid move for Carolina as Dwan Edwards will be a UFA after the 2013 season, while Sione Fua and Frank Kearse could be pushed for playing time as well.

15. New Orleans Saints: Dion Jordan DE (Oregon)

Overall, the Saints’ Run Defense was downright terrible last season.  New Orleans ranked last in Yards Per Carry Allowed (5.2), Total Rushing Yards Allowed (2,361), and Total Rushing Yards Per Gamed (147.6).  The Saints will also need help rushing the passer (T-25th last season 30.0 Sacks) and an athletic player to help rotate in with Cameron Jordan and Will Smith.  Dion Jordan, who put up 44 Tackles, 10.5 TFL’s, 5.0 Sacks, and Forced 3 Fumbles in 2012, has a unique frame (6’6″ 243 lbs.), and an athletic skill-set (surprisingly in pass-coverage) which could make him a player the Saints might target in the middle of Round 1 if he recovers well from his recent shoulder surgery.

16. St. Louis Rams: Chance Warmack OG (Alabama)

Sam Bradford possesses all of the tools to be a good starting Quarterback for the Rams.  Unfortunately, Bradford has been protected by some porous Offensive Lines’ throughout his career and been Sacked a total of 105 times over his first three seasons (42 Games).  If St. Louis wants Bradford to flourish, they would be wise to go Offensive Line early and often in this year’s Draft.  Thankfully for them, they should have a chance to instantly upgrade their O-Line’s interior if they select Chance Warmack (6’2″ 322 lbs.) out of Alabama.  Warmack started 40 games during his collegiate career with the Crimson Tide and is a fantastic road-grading mauler with some nice pass-protection skills to boot.

One of Spence's greatest strengths is his speed and ability to chase down ball carriers. Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Nice alliteration in that title, right?  3rd Round Draft pick, Sean Spence, was drafted by the Steelers with the intent of having him eventually fill the void at inside linebacker with the departure of James Farrior.  Deemed a bit undersized and inexperienced at this position, many have given the Steelers a lower grade for picking a guy like Spence.  However, I feel that there could be some sort of ‘super project’ taking place on the South Side being conducted by Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau involving newly drafted Sean Spence.

It’s no secret that offensive schemes in the NFL have changed from the grind’em out on the ground run game to a speed kills pass happy one.  Seemed like just about anytime you looked at the Steelers defense you saw them in some sort of nickel or dime package to cover 3-4 wideouts.  Throw an athletic tight end into the mix and that spells trouble for any defense that relies heavily on their linebackers for coverage over the middle of the field.  Farrior, Foote and Timmons were all guilty of getting burned numerous times in the open field.  The Steelers were desperate to find a guy who had the speed and pursuit to cover the middle.  I say ‘were’ because the Steelers found that type of player in Spence.  But I think the Steelers are at a crossroads already with Spence as to what kind of player they want him to be.

This is where the ‘super project’ comes in.  The Steelers have a choice – and it will come out early in camp – whether to have Spence try and bulk up (without slowing him down too much) to play the inside linebacker position OR they will have Spence slim down by just a few pounds, gain more muscle mass, and move him into the safety position.  Hold on now before you start cursing my name out.  I’m not saying that Spence is going to replace Polamalu.  What I am saying is that Spence may very well replace Polamalu in the next few years.  Still think I’m insane… hear me out.

Polamalu is slated to stay with the Steelers through 2014.  That will make him 34 when his next contract comes up, and will probably put him into retirement.  He may even end earlier depending on how his noggin’ holds up over the next few seasons.  Anyone familiar with Dick LeBeau knows that it takes a couple of seasons to truly learn and master his defensive schemes.  Seems like that will be just enough time for Spence to move into that position.  Ok, so the ‘timeline’ would work out.  But, can Spence actually play strong safety?

Well let’s look at the type of player Polamalu is:

5’10″ 207 lbs.

Ran a 4.5 in his early years, and is still pretty speedy now.

Is amazing at pursuing the ball carrier – either in run defense or passing defense

 Great instinct at the line of scrimmage when blitzing – can read blocking coverages and find the gap quickly

Now let’s look at Spence:

5’11″ 230 lbs.

Ran a 4.6 in the combine.  One of the fastest linebackers in the class.

Known for his great speed and pursuit of the ball carrier

From NFL.com: He can quickly diagnose a play and use his explosive hips to meet running backs and deliver the blow. He has fluid hips in coverage and uses his arm strength to shed blockers when he gets engulfed by bigger players. He is an experienced starter at a high level, and this should allow him to play fast and instinctually from early on at the next level. He has natural athletic ability to fit in a 4-3 scheme where he is playing freely and flowing to the ball. He is an active player and almost always involved on run plays.

Hmmm.... this could be on to something.

I don’t know about you, but if you read Spence’s profile, he sure as hell sounds like Troy Polamalu.  Whether or not all of that can translate into being a beast in the backfield like Polamalu can only be found if and when Spence is playing in that position.  I certainly like the idea of it, and feel that this is far from a ‘reach.’  If Sylvester, Foote, Timmons, and Worilds all have strong camps and starts to the season, where does that leave Spence?  Sure, he will be on special teams for most of the season, but what if he started to take over the back up role over Will Allen and Cromartie-Smith for Polamalu?  He could become some sort of super-hybrid defensive player – Strong Safety/Linebacker…. a Strong Lafety… a Strong Safebacker…..

There’s a large part of me that senses that the coaching staff know this as well and might even be willing to entertain that idea.  Guess we’ll only find out once camp starts and the season rolls along.

What do the rest of you think?  Am I outta my gourd?