What to do with Shamarko Thomas?

I think the Steelers really screwed up the year that Kam Chancellor and Reshad Jones were drafted in the 5th round in 2010.

I wanted Jones (one of the few players I can remember really liking aside from Lavonte David as I don't watch much but highlights of NCAA). Jones would have started at FS in 2012 when Clark was 33 and would be cut.

Many many people on various Steelers forums wanted Kam Chancellor. Obviously replacing a legend like Polamalu is a bit tricky and Kam is a SS through and through but still.

I checked and 2010 was a great year for safeties: Berry, Earl Thomas, TJ Ward, Kam Chancellor and Reshad Jones have all been ProBowlers.

 

Well, uh.....with all those safeties available, and us needing a safety, how could we miss on all those guys?

 

Berry and Thomas were drafted too high, TJ Ward and Chancellor would have both had to replace Troy when he was still at a high level (DPOY in 2010 why would you draft a SS?), and Reshad Jones I don't know haha.

I really really liked Reshad as a player. He wasn't spectacular but he executed his assignments and form tackled routinely. I just thought he was a good all around player based on personal observation.

 

The only players I remember being adamant about being busts were Dion Jordan and Johnny Manziel.

Dion Jordan played in a wide 9 formation at Oregon. His DC lined him up to isolate him on the T in a way that isn't seen in pro football. It was as if Jordan was an offensive player the way plays were run... which he was until college.

I did however think Mingo would be better which is only marginally true.

Manziel had the best protection for a QB that I've ever seen. Literally at least 5 seconds in the pocket on every passing down at a minimum. His tackles were Joeckel and Matthews. They were ridiculous. Plus he was lobbing passes to 6'6 Mike Evans who is also dominant in the NFL.

I have no clue how experts can't see these things when I am constantly reminded of the infallibility of NFL personnel in all their infinite wisdom.

How many picks did the Dolphins give up for Dion "I'm so far wide this is actually a CB blitz" Jordan? At least a couple if I remember.

Who was that guy that just killed it for the Dolphins at OLB? Oh yeah undrafted CFL player Cameron Wake.

 

Well, while we are rooting for bust players, may we also lump in Jarvis Jones too? I want all our designated "bust" players to finally pan out this coming season.

 

The one thing about ST29 I can't figure out is how many snaps he got as a rookie and then the snap count fell off a cliff from there on out. Yes, a lot of injuries in year 2, but dang... I'd play him as much as possible in pre-season next year and I hope he turns it around. He's fast and physical, I'd hate to lose out on that potential.

 

I don't remember them being particularly promising snaps as a rookie tho. They ended up benching him and having him focus solely on safety. I'm fairly sure he was being lined up as an extra S/Nickel CB and not a true SS as a rookie.

He has all the physical tools, but seems to not be capable of putting it all together. Let him fight for his job in camp. If he can become a capable back up and core STer then we can keep him. If he can't be trusted on the field, then his time here is coming to an end.

 

If I remember correctly Thomas got hurt during his rookie year and missed a few weeks. DL kept adding to the defensive plays. He made note that Thomas had fallen too far behind.

 

and year two. when troy got hurt shark was too, which kept him out again. very untimely injuries. if i remember correctly his rookie year he was used as more of a nickle corner.

 

In the famous "tiny big nickel" package.