How Jason Worilds Can Add Value To The Pittsburgh Steelers In 2010
by Michael Bean on Apr 24, 2010 2:34 AM EDT
35 comments
Few thoughts from me on the Pittsburgh Steelers 2nd round draft pick on Friday - Jason Worilds, the DE from Virginia Tech that will almost certainly be converted to OLB in Dick LeBeau's 3-4 defense.
- I like the fact that Worilds just turned 22 years old last month. He's a young pup with limitless energy on the football field. I've asked and dug around about the guy just a little bit and there seems to be one consensus: the guy gets after it and plays to the whistle on all plays, not just most plays.
- On the one hand, it's legitimate to question why the Steelers would draft an OLB in Round 2 when it's plainly obvious that the incumbent starters aren't going anywhere for at least another couple of years. LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison are undeniably two of the best in the business getting after the quarterback from the OLB position in a 3-4 scheme. Sure, Worilds isn't going to be a starter in 2010 for Dick LeBeau's defense, but I do think he has the potential to be inserted into some sort of rotation on defense by the middle of the season, if not sooner. I have no way to substantiate this hypothesis, but I truly feel like Harrison in particular could have benefited from some rest at various points last season. Like the warrior he is, Deebo played all 16 games for the Steelers in 2009. But I think he was playing through several injuries for much of the year. Add in the fact that the game of football seems to be officiated differently for him and it's easy to understand why his productivity tailed off a bit last season compared to in '08. This move gives much needed depth and insurance at the OLB position for 2010. There really was no next line of defense if either Woodley or Harrison were to sustain an injury. That's no longer as much of a concern, but more importantly, even if the dynamic duo do stay healthy, LeBeau can help keep them a bit fresher for late in the season by perhaps deploying Worilds in certain packages and in certain situations throughout the season.
- Let's not underestimate Worilds potential to be just as good as Woodley and Harrison though. This is just me making an observation with my eyes, but I really, really like his frame and what type of growth he still has in store physically. I mean, sheesh, the dude looks like he could be a slightly too bulky safety in the NFL. To me, the Steelers view him as a guy who is going to fill out nicely in his mid and late 20s - a player who will keep his motor and elite speed while bulking up after some time in an NFL caliber strength and conditioning program. I think this selection really is symbolic of Coach Tomlin's interest in getting much faster at certain positions, and continuing to flood the roster with guys who just love to compete and get after it on the football field. From everything I'm reading and have been told, Worilds is just that type of guy - a guy you want on your side when the going gets a bit tough.
- Special teams, special teams, special teams. It killed us last year. I am still searching for ST stats for Virginia Tech this past three seasons, but I am 100% expecting to see Worilds as being a substantial contributor on coverage units. Who knows, maybe he's even blocked a kick or two. I should hold off on this subject until confirming this, but it's no secret that VA Tech is known for their stellar ST play under Frank Beemer. One (probably very large) reason why the Hokies have been so successful in that department is because Beemer plays many of his starters on his ST units. So anyway, someone feel free to jump in if you're more familiar with their program than I am, but I'm digging around trying to confirm that he was productive in Blacksburg. Even if not, he will be in Pittsburgh. Quite sure of it. And he looks like he's got just the right make up and personality to make an impact next year in that department. Fast, fearless, and fierce.
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I think he is a great pick
For the reasons you mentioned and also because he gives us great insurance if Harrison’s age takes a sudden toll on his ability to avoid injury or simply leads to a lack of production. I’m really happy with this pick. I can’t say the same about taking a WR in the 3rd, but I’ll leave that alone for now.
Agreed
The Steelers need to get younger and faster on defense and on special teams. Also, the linebacker position is most responsible for getting pressure on the quarterback. The Steelers philosophy is that if you can get pressure on the quarterback you can get away with a lesser defensive backfield. Jason Worilds is the second rated DE in this 2010 draft and I believe he will develop into yet another stellar linebacker on a long list of past and current stellar Steeler linebackers. The Steelers chose the best athlete available who also fills a need.
I realize some think we should have addressed the aging defensive line with this draft pick, but you really do not need youth and speed on the D-line. We have very capable older, immovable objects who can clog holes at this position with some developing youth who were drafted last year.
As far as the third pick, I think it was a reach made necessary by the departure of Tone.
Off topic: Unless the Steelers can quickly develop a running game, after 4-6 weeks of B. Leftwich, D. Dixon and C. Batch at QB all will enthusiastically welcome back Big Ben.
It's Blitzburgh type of guy
Blitz, agree with you that Worilds is a project as far as starter goes. Keith Butler said as much in the press conference: There is an NFL Defensive MVP and Pro Bowler playing on the outside of the defense, and they don’t like to come out of the game.
However, it should be noted that while there are still some needs for the Steelers to hopefully get some good players for tomorrow, Worilds looks to be exactly like the type of guy the organization has drafted and developed into fine players at the most important positions of the Steeler’s 3-4 D.
To those who question why did they not draft a CB with this pick, I ask, why pass on a player that was graded higher on their board and that provides instant depth and special teams play for a CB that is probably a project, much like Burnett and Lewis are this year?
I like “All” Worilds and am positive that he will help fill a need on ST and provide much needed depth to the most important position on the Steelers D.
It all starts in the trenches.
by The_Nation_in_Mexico on Apr 24, 2010 2:49 AM EDT reply actions
Our 3rd Pick
I felt that if we were going to select a WR, then we should have taken Dickerson from Pitt or Gilyard from Cincy. We need to get the best NT available or the best DE. Am also hoping that we can get RB Blount from Oregon. We should have gotten “at least” a 2nd round choice for Holmes. I LOVE my Steelers but feel that keeping Ben will be like holding on to a “ticking time bomb” and WHEN he F’s up again. we will not be able to get anything for him. What was our best “offer” for him? If anyone offered a “first” for him, we should have taken it and gotten Iupati with it. We would have been set for the future with him and Pouncey. I think that Dixon will “do us proud” in Ben’s absence. Just hope that Ben will not be the distraction that I think he will be. I “wish” we could have traded him. I’ve been a Steelers fan since the 50’s, so I am not going to apologize to anyone about my opinion. I hope that I am wrong.
Worilds ran a 4.51 at his Pro Day
And Butler was noted as saying that was not the best part of his day, it was the fluidity he showed. This guy sounds like an awesome athlete. There’s a play I saw on you tube where he dived for an interception that just had you drop your jaw.
4.51 at 255 lbs equals one helluva special teams demon. Cant wait to see him light up Josh Cribbs.
by SteelerMessican on Apr 24, 2010 8:25 AM EDT reply actions
+1
Representing in Louisiana since 1968
by LaSteeler68 on Apr 24, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Needs
The Steelers need for at least half their picks this year to be successful. I love Pouncey. I felt in the 2nd or 3d round the Steelers would go CB or LB. I guess we now know the Steelers are confident the CB’s will be Ok as they are for this season. I think I am going to like the 3d round choice WR E. Sanders. Some prospect site said he had first round talent; But late round size.He was too short and too lite weight. Just the kind of player I like too pull for. If he has talent, heart and a chip on his shoulder he could be a gem.
I hope they get a lot of other gems in the last four rounds. One player I hope the Steelers pick CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah as a project. He could star on special teams as a returner. Fast 4.3 speed ,with great hands. He could some day be the next Ike Taylor. Except he can catch.
There is still a lot of good players left to be had in this draft. I am sure there are some great ones to be found yet. Some players never reach their full potential in college. They are still waiting to be found and coached up.
The more I learn -The less I think I know! Just enjoy reading and sharing.
49 tackles and 4 sacks
this includes special team tackles…a 2nd team ACC player and that was a gift.
How can you use the 52nd pick for this guy?
IF YOU CANT DOMINATE AGAINST COLLEGE PLAYER, HOW WILL YOU IN THE NFL?
you wont, that’s why “underachievers” dont pan out…and why high overachievers who dominated thru out college despite “limited periphials” tend to produce everywhere.
This guy avg’s less than 4 tackles a year last year..incl special teams LOL… 4 sacks vs college guys? LOL
This is a piss poor pick…just wasted!!!
Happy
Being negative won’t make you happy.
The more I learn -The less I think I know! Just enjoy reading and sharing.
by steeler junky on Apr 24, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Take some solace in the fact...
He played last season with a sling on his arm for most if not all of the year. He put up those numbers one handed, literally.
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Apr 24, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Not a steeler fan just football fan. You just got a quality athlete and person. One hell of a football player. Played with one shoulder his sophmore year and was either held or doubled team this past year. Numbers are deceiving and he will fit in nicely
with your scheme. Have faith in your management, after all Pitt’s defense has been one of the best this past decade. And let’s not forget that Harrison was an undrafted free agent, that went from team to team before landing in Pitt and making a name for himself. For pete’s sake, the kid went to his senior prom with his mother (may teach Ben a think or two about character). You sound like a Wahoo, get over it and enjoy the ride, that is if you are truely a Steeler fan.
by IN the Present on Apr 24, 2010 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
We'll See At Latrobe
on all the picks. Can’t judge a player on the track field or the weight room. Can judge a player on the grass in the PA heat and humidity of July. Can’t wait!
- Liked Pouncey because he is an instant contributor. How often do we have a #1 come in and contribute right away. This guy should start at RG and move to C in 2012. (I don’t believe we will play in 2011)
- Always need to have OLB coming up the ranks in Blitzburgh. Currently we didn’t. Now we do. Sure we left some intriguing talent on the board. This kid looks like a Junior Deebo and can play ST. Going to give him a shot and see what he’s got. Latrobe will be the proving ground. Believe in Butler. SteelCage liked this guy in his last mock. Pressure is on SC!
- With the loss of Holmes and Ward getting older by the second we need a young WR to pair with 17. Battle and El are vets. Sweed has “dropped” to #5 WR. I love Logan but perhaps this guy can take his spot on ST opening up the roster and maybe he is Ward’s heir apparent? Again, we left some intriguing talent on the board but who is to say?
- Excited about today. 7 picks! Could 4 be the round they trade up? AOA anyone?
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
With Bailey and A. Harrison the only OLB backups
Worilds will bump one of them and eventually replace Silverback. At least in theory. I like the pick. For now anyhow. Let’s hope the guy is dedicated and learns quickly.
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln
3-4 OLBs drop fast, too
It usually doesn’t take more than two seasons for an endbacker to go from 15 sacks to 5. You have to operate under the assumption James Harrison’s age is a driving motivator here.
i read a funny comment that said
“in the 2010 draft, the steelers select an anonymous guy that will lead the NFL in sacks in 2013.”
I’m down with that lol
"all my bitches, take some shots!"
lack of tackles troubling, but QB pressures impressive
I am also troubled by the lack of tackles, but Worild’s QB pressures were apparently excellent. Wasn’t it near 40? It looks like he is brutal to try and hold a block on for more than a second. He impacts the blocker hard and then gathers himself just long enough to accelerate off either shoulder. So many guys slow down after their intial rush is stopped. He might be tough for a tired OT to block when he spells our starters. It will be fun to see how he does ruching with a running start in training camp.
Worilds and other thoughts
My first thought last night was that they thought one of the problems last year was 4th quarter fatigue leading to not enough pressure on the QB when it counted. As I’ve read some this post and some of the comments, I think there are a couple of other aspects about this pick that come to mind. First, in 2008, we had Timmons subbing in at key times and he made some huge plays with fresh legs and explosive speed. I wonder if they are thinking that Worilds can provide similar burst in key moments. Certainly, if he can help keep Woodley and Harrison fresh for late in the game, that would be huge.
I also had another thought regardings some of us wanting to package as many of our later picks as possible to get a couple extra 2nd and 3rd round picks. Last year, we had the 7th and 5th ranked offense and defense in terms of yards in the league. What we didn’t have much of the season was quality STs coverage (4th quarter defensive meltdowns notwithstanding). Perhaps the FO + Tomlin want more bodies in camp to shore up the STs, and they don’t really believe, as some of us do, that the greatest need is in starter caliber players. Or, they may not think that any DBs past round 1 are clear upgrades over who we already have.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Apr 24, 2010 11:24 AM EDT reply actions
Special Teams is a need
This Steelers draft seems to be more about filling holes on special teams and the one really big hole on the offensive line. Return guy, two high motor LB’s to knock the snot out of people on kick coverage. I remember watching games last year and getting really apprehensive watching kick coverages. The guys they had on the field last year did not get the job done in kick coverage. Special teams is more about effort than anything else- these guys hopefully can get it done.
Representing in Louisiana since 1968
Love the pick...
I actually included him on my mock a while back… in an incredibly wrong spot I might add. Jason has a lot of skill but he needs some refining of technique. In our system he could be really good after some coaching.
Any thoughts on what this may mean for Woodley or Harrison down the road?
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Apr 24, 2010 12:27 PM EDT reply actions
Woodley or Harrison
Woodley is in the last year of his contract in 2010, IIRC, and Harrison is 31 or 32. I’m sure the FO will do everything possible to re-sign Woodley this offseason, but if he asks for DeMarcus Ware type money, that may not happen. Just like we drafted Timmons and Woodley before losing Foote (the first time) and Haggans, the FO made sure we wouldn’t get screwed if either of them is gone or less productive in a couple years.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Apr 24, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Suring up the OLB's is a good move,
especially since we don’t have to tinker with Timmons. Three guys inside, three guys outside. Fresh bodies to keep the 4th Q defense from dropping off a notch.
Solid pick
Not that we need another LB but this looks like a BAA (best athlete available) pick. This guy is relentless and pretty fast. No problems now at LB for a long time to come.
Anyone else think time's up for Farrior?
Let’s do the math . . ..
Woodley, Harrison, Foote, Fox are all keepers. Three new LBs. Timmons is certainly safe unless traded.
If all three of the rooks do well, it sure looks like James Farrior may not make the roster come Opening Day.
More like time’s up for Patrick Bailey, Andre Frazier, etc.
The backups who are strictly special teamers will be dropped for these young guys who cam give the same if not better special team production and project to be in the rotation of the base defense over the next few years.
by iBleedBlack&Gold on Apr 24, 2010 4:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Either seems possible. Hadn’t thought of the Farrior angle, and I don’t recall us taking any ILB’s in this draft.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Apr 24, 2010 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Sylvester
How do I break it to the cat that since he has been declawed, the rabbit he sees in our backyard would kick his sorry butt?
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Apr 25, 2010 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Aging Harrison
I know it seems like Harrison is still young….but he’s actually not. He’s going to be THIRTY TWO this year. That’s OLD for a Steelers OLB. We didn’t keep Porter or Lloyd or Hastings when they were Harrison’s age. I think when Harrison starts to drop off it will be fast. I don’t mind the Steelers shoring up as many OLB’s as they can. It seems everyone has been clamoring on and on about why no CB’s??? Well…..when you lose Aaron Smith one of the very best 5 tech DE’s in the NFL and you lose the best S in Polumalu…..of course it’s going to make our CB’s look bad……no question about it. Do you really expect last years 4th rd pick in Burnett to have made the Pro Bowl his first year? Keenen Lewis the 3rd rd pick was hurt……what about him? Gay’s going to be in his third year and I bet with a healthy Polumalu and a healthy A. Smith….suddenly Gay’s not going to look near as bad.
by baabaablacksheep on Apr 24, 2010 5:06 PM EDT reply actions
If this guy turns out to be really good,
what do we call him? “All?” “Another?”
"Never mistake motion for action." - Ernest Hemingway
This guy is a keeper
He is explosive, intelligent, and has a nose for the football. These LB picks makes the Steelers deep at that position now. As far as drafting a CB higher, it’s not so much a problem anymore since they got McFadden back from the Cards. I know which DEF I’m taking this year for my FF team. Go Steelers!!!!
Hope so......
liking him more and more the more I hear and read! :)
Beamer Ball
Anyone who played for Frank Beamer is gonna have an advantage in the special teams department. Plus, with his size and college experience, I think Worilds can add some depth at DE when needed (like we needed last season). 125 tackles and 14 sacks in 2 1/2 years as a starting DE are good numbers for a team whose LBs do almost all of the tackling (see Cody Grimm). Ave. 50 tackles and 5.5 sacks per season are solid numbers in college. Being a life-long Va Tech fan, I’m thrilled by this pick!!!
by thunderin_hokie on Apr 26, 2010 1:30 AM EDT reply actions
Worilds
will be an OLB here.
How do I break it to the cat that since he has been declawed, the rabbit he sees in our backyard would kick his sorry butt?
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Apr 26, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
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