You don’t just replace a Lawrence Timmons type player. Mike Tomlin’s very first draft pick as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach in 2007 is gone, and the team is now dealing with life without “Law Dog”.
The team toyed with D’onta Hightower this offseason, as well as several rookies in the 2017 NFL Draft, but have since decided to move forward with Vince Williams, who received a new two-year contract extension for a reason.
So, what will the defense resemble with Williams alongside Ryan Shazier on the interior of the Steelers’ linebacker corps? According to Shazier, a lot of the same. See what Shazier had to say about having Williams beside him on a regular basis.
Shazier: "I know I have the ability to be one of the best linebackers in the League." pic.twitter.com/zgHGCkcesD
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 6, 2017
The Steelers defense might be losing a great tackler and leader in Timmons, but fans shouldn’t underestimate just how solid a tackler Williams is, and his own leadership qualities.
Williams, who started for an injured Larry Foote his rookie season, knows the defense inside and out, and is finally getting a chance to prove himself as an NFL starter. Some think the Steelers are still searching for linebackers who might be released, but Williams seems to be their guy for the time being.
Hargrave Injury Update
Javon Hargrave made headlines last week when he left OTAs with an apparent shoulder injury, but the injury doesn’t seem to be of the serious variety.
Steelers NT Javon Hargrave did not practice because of shoulder injury in Thursday OTA. Said it is minor and expects to be back this week.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) June 6, 2017
Javon Hargrave standing with Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and LT Walton today. He dressed, but didn't practice. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/80lnytMiYo
— Chris Mueller (@bychrismueller) June 6, 2017
Lost in the tweets regarding the injury is the fact L.T. Walton, not Daniel McCullers, took the starting reps in place of Hargrave. McCullers has reportedly showed up to workouts in the best shape of his life and ready to contribute more than just short-yardage situations.
Hargrave shouldn’t miss much time, and the backup spot could belong to Tyson Alualu when he returns from a calf injury and suits up for the first time.
Nutrition by Dan
Speaking of Daniel McCullers, he spoke to Chris Mueller of the Beaver County Times about how he lost weight. See what got McCullers from Big Dan, to Slightly Smaller Dan.
Dan McCullers said a key to his weight loss in the offseason was a lot of cardio & substituting sugary Gatorade with water. #Steelers
— Chris Mueller (@bychrismueller) June 6, 2017
New Patch
Fans of the Steelers might have been used to seeing the ‘Legendary’ patch on their practice jerseys, but they have been replaced this year. Check out the new threads.
#Steelers sporting new patches on practice jerseys: The Thomas Tull-owned Rivendale Farms. pic.twitter.com/H6xCwMxu0j
— Chris Bradford (@BCTBradford) June 6, 2017
Photos/Videos
Heeeeere’s @RyanShazier! pic.twitter.com/ZKFRSX4qOF
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 6, 2017
Steelers DBs keeping it loose with an improvised game before team drills. pic.twitter.com/z5vlJClmtk
— Chris Bradford (@BCTBradford) June 6, 2017
Steelers safeties Sean Davis and Robert Golden going full Daft Punk with matching multi-colored visors at OTAs. pic.twitter.com/AhZ8SA7dZS
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 6, 2017