Steelers News: What will Sutton Smith be for the Steelers in 2019?

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over. As the team disperses for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at trying to decipher what 6th round draft pick Sutton Smith will bring to the Steelers, if anything, this upcoming season.

Let’s get to the news:

• Steelers fans have become enamored with Northern Illinois draft pick Sutton Smith. He plays outside linebacker, inside linebacker and even fullback! What’s not to love?! But then again, what will Sutton Smith actually be in 2019?

Tim Benz: For Steelers, what will ‘The Hybrid’ Sutton Smith be?

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

“A little bit of everything, man,” Smith said as he smiled. “I try to do it all. Just call me ‘The Hybrid.’ ”

“The Hybrid” doesn’t sound as football-tough as “The Bus.” But it’s more eco-friendly. Maybe Smith is the Steelers’ “Green New Deal”

“Things are going well with fullback. They are throwing me in a little bit more,” Smith said. “They don’t want me to pick a position. They want me to learn both positions.”

Wait. “Both?” Which “both?” Inside and outside? Fullback and halfback?

“Offense and defense,” Smith replied.

Oh. Is that all? And special teams, too?

Yeah. No doubt. If Smith is going to make this team, he’s going to have to be Tyler Matakevich 2.0.

To read the full article, click HERE

• Remember Jerald Hawkins? Yeah, the former LSU tackle who impressed his rookie season before being injured, and the same player who was injured last season during OTAs? Yeah, that Jerald Hawkins. Seems he is expanding his horizons to try and ensure his spot on the 53-man roster.

Jerald Hawkins at ‘75%’ for Steelers minicamp, took reps at tackle, guard

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Back on the practice fields at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex the past four weeks, Hawkins was relieved he made it through OTAs and minicamp healthy. He also was heartened his leg held up better than expected.

“This whole OTAs (and minicamp) helped to show me a lot,” Hawkins said as mandatory minicamp wrapped up Thursday. “I like where I am at with (the knee), the mental aspect and what I can do with it and what I need to work on.

“Honestly, it did better than what I expected. I knew I was back strong, and I knew it was stable. But now being able to anchor down and be able to take bull rush, just being able to run on screens, I feel good with it all. Still not where I want to be, but I will say I am like 75% right now, so doing pretty good.”

Hawkins estimated his quad would be “80 or 90%” by the time the Steelers reconvene at training camp July 25 at Saint Vincent. It will be in Latrobe where Hawkins is hoping to impress enough to win the starting right tackle spot.

To read the full article, click HERE

• Will Ben Roethlisberger be able to lead the league in passing yards again in 2019? Odds are against him.

Mahomes is favored to lead the league in passing yardage

By: Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk

Caesers Entertainment has installed Mahomes as a 7/2 favorite to throw for more passing yardage than any other quarterback, even though Caesers has taken receiver Tyreek Hill off the board regarding the odds to lead the league in receiving yardage.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who led all passers in 2018 with 5,129 yards, has 12/1 odds, likely due to the departure of Antonio Brown.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is 11/2, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is 7/1, and Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is 7/1. Saints quarterback Drew Brees is 9/1, and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is 10/1. Rams quarterback Jared Goff is 12/1.

To read the full article, click HERE

• Love the Steelers? Love Steelers memorabilia? Would you pay this much for a Jack Lambert jersey?

Jack Lambert jersey from 1982 fetches $50K at auction

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

A game-used jersey worn by the Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker during the 1982 season fetched $50,131 at a recent auction of Steelers memorabilia held by Lelands.com.

Lambert’s jersey received the highest auction bid among dozens of items, mostly game-worn jerseys, by some of the Steelers’ most prominent former players. A 1981 Franco Harris jersey was second among the items with a $31,127 high bid. A 1976 Mel Blount jersey went for $30,326, and a 1980 Terry Bradshaw jersey sold for $28,297.

To read the full article, click HERE

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