Essex signs

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 91007.html

 

I'm happy. He's not a stud by ANY means, but a somewhat versatile body. I'm kinda interested in seeing him this season after appearing to be in the best shape of his career. We just may need him this season if we have another injury prone season like last. Also glad to see we signed Cotchery too.

 

Just throwing this out there: Essex is a backup at three positions only, not five. He can do LG, C, RG. If you watch him at OT last year you will see that he is sub-Jonathan Scott, who is sub-Steeler caliber. I don't imagine weight loss will change that.

 

I don't like Essex. He's been a disappointment. Wasn't he a 3rd round pick? I think a fat, out of shape "versatile" O-lineman with talent would have made the Steelers roster last year. Essex didn't. I don't know what is keeping him from playing at a higher level; not enough talent, conditioning, determination. But I hope other O-linemen step up and Essex ultimately doesn't make the 53 man roster.

 

I give Kudos for him sticking around, I thought for sure he would be cut years ago. Cowher totally overdrafted him.

He is a capable back up, but both him and Legursk better not be the starting LG in week 1.

Steelers are throwing a lot of bodies at the position. We need Quality over quantity. Hopefully the draft provides that.

 

oh ye of little faith.

 

I hope someone beats him out on the roster but he is good to have for an insurance policy.

 

Todd haley is the biggest FA that the steelers will sign this season.But they are doing wellwith the rest.Sign wallace and that will be the big boost.

 

that was then about him playing tackle. dropping weight and adding speed will help him at the tackle spot. when he had to fill in, in his early years he was much better at tackle. if he comes in stronger and leaner, it could make a big difference in his play there. i think he is truely a 5 possition guy. he plays much better on the left side though. he always had trouble on the right. G or T.

 

I can get on board with that. We've had some games with multiple injuries, but I don't think we've ever had to resort to putting a tight end or defensive lineman in there. We've always had 5 healthy OL at a time. Although I do remember one game where one of our OL came off injured and then was forced back into it with a minor injury, but I forget who it was. So I'll put Essex above guys like Matt Spaeth, but people should not be considering him a backup at OT any more than they think of Legursky that way.