Shaq Lawson

Steel_Elvis · Mar 30, 2016

I have a different take on the strong safety thing. I think the game is evolving to where a strong safety needs to look more like a free safety than an old school safety/LB hybrid. He needs to first and foremost be able to defend the pass, with supporting the run being important- but of secondary importance to pass defense. It would be great to get a guy who can do it all, but those guys are rare. I don't want a SS that's going to be a liability in pass defense just to get a slight improvement in run defense. That's just not the way the league is headed. Also (and it's a big also IMO), the elimination of the high/low chop block will make is easier for the front seven to defend the run. It will be harder for O linemen to get to the LBs on the second level. That will lead to A) less need for good in-the-box safety play; and B) more passing.

I hope when we draft a safety, and we will draft at least one this year, that we're more focused on what he will do in the modern NFL than the old NFL. I'm not saying I want a Holliman who won't support run defense at all, but a guy like Darian Thompson who is a pass defender first, and effective run defender without being LB-ish, is where I want to go. There are plenty of guys who fit that mold in this draft.

NY STEELERFAN · Mar 30, 2016

Steel_Elvis said: ↑

I have a different take on the strong safety thing. I think the game is evolving to where a strong safety needs to look more like a free safety than an old school safety/LB hybrid. He needs to first and foremost be able to defend the pass, with supporting the run being important- but of secondary importance to pass defense. It would be great to get a guy who can do it all, but those guys are rare. I don't want a SS that's going to be a liability in pass defense just to get a slight improvement in run defense. That's just not the way the league is headed. Also (and it's a big also IMO), the elimination of the high/low chop block will make is easier for the front seven to defend the run. It will be harder for O linemen to get to the LBs on the second level. That will lead to A) less need for good in-the-box safety play; and B) more passing.

I hope when we draft a safety, and we will draft at least one this year, that we're more focused on what he will do in the modern NFL than the old NFL. I'm not saying I want a Holliman who won't support run defense at all, but a guy like Darian Thompson who is a pass defender first, and effective run defender without being LB-ish, is where I want to go. There are plenty of guys who fit that mold in this draft.
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You had me right there with ya until you had to throw the Holliman thing out there.....you just had to do it........ lol.....On a serious note nice post!

Wardismvp · Mar 31, 2016

Steel_Elvis said: ↑

I hope when we draft a safety, and we will draft at least one this year, that we're more focused on what he will do in the modern NFL than the old NFL. I'm not saying I want a Holliman who won't support run defense at all, but a guy like Darian Thompson who is a pass defender first, and effective run defender without being LB-ish, is where I want to go. There are plenty of guys who fit that mold in this draft.
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This is a very important piece of the puzzle that will lead us to the promise land. With a competent safety we will be able
to compete and win the big one.And you add a good rush to this you have winning defense.

Dean · Apr 3, 2016

Steel_Elvis said: ↑

I have a different take on the strong safety thing. I think the game is evolving to where a strong safety needs to look more like a free safety than an old school safety/LB hybrid. He needs to first and foremost be able to defend the pass, with supporting the run being important- but of secondary importance to pass defense. It would be great to get a guy who can do it all, but those guys are rare. I don't want a SS that's going to be a liability in pass defense just to get a slight improvement in run defense. That's just not the way the league is headed. Also (and it's a big also IMO), the elimination of the high/low chop block will make is easier for the front seven to defend the run. It will be harder for O linemen to get to the LBs on the second level. That will lead to A) less need for good in-the-box safety play; and B) more passing.

I hope when we draft a safety, and we will draft at least one this year, that we're more focused on what he will do in the modern NFL than the old NFL. I'm not saying I want a Holliman who won't support run defense at all, but a guy like Darian Thompson who is a pass defender first, and effective run defender without being LB-ish, is where I want to go. There are plenty of guys who fit that mold in this draft.
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I agree with this post.

MorrisFoster · Apr 6, 2016

"Big nickel" anyone? Play the SS -type close to the LoS and have a rangy FS-type as a SS?

Diamond · Apr 7, 2016

MorrisFoster said: ↑

"Big nickel" anyone? Play the SS -type close to the LoS and have a rangy FS-type as a SS?
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Why not draft Jaylon Kearse SS type on day two and let him do that instead of switching positions, Kearse reminds me of Kam Chancellor and at 6-4 he is the guy who can play the run and the pass:

F rom CBS Draft Report:

In 2014, he finished third on the team in tackles (60), second in passes defended (seven) and tied for first in interceptions (two) for the Tigers in 2014. He worked his way into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2013 before becoming a full-time starter in 2014.

NY STEELERFAN · Apr 7, 2016

Diamond said: ↑

Why not draft Jaylon Kearse SS type on day two and let him do that instead of switching positions, Kearse reminds me of Kam Chancellor and at 6-4 he is the guy who can play the run and the pass:

F rom CBS Draft Report:

In 2014, he finished third on the team in tackles (60), second in passes defended (seven) and tied for first in interceptions (two) for the Tigers in 2014. He worked his way into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2013 before becoming a full-time starter in 2014.
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In the very beginning of the year one of the very 1st mocks had him going to us in the 1st.

Diamond · Apr 7, 2016

NY STEELERFAN said: ↑

In the very beginning of the year one of the very 1st mocks had him going to us in the 1st.
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If he goes in the 1st round that would be higher than his projected slot in the draft, but you never know he might if a certain team wants him bad enough...

Steel_Elvis · Apr 7, 2016

So, I've only watched 2 games on Kearse, but I've seen plenty of him when watching games on other Clemson prospects. The only thing about him that reminds me of Chancellor is his height. That's it. I wouldn't touch him day 2, maybe day 3, but I would not want him to be the top safety we pick up.

NY STEELERFAN · Apr 7, 2016

Diamond said: ↑

If he goes in the 1st round that would be higher than his projected slot in the draft, but you never know he might if a certain team wants him bad enough...
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No I am not saying he is I was saying in the beginning he was project as a 1st rounder, look how far he has fallen. I remember being very interested in him cause he was slotted to us in the 1st. Kinda weird how the "experts" have changed from then to now......

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Shaq Lawson

Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

NY STEELERFAN Well-Known Member

Wardismvp Well-Known Member

Dean Well-Known Member

MorrisFoster Well-Known Member

Diamond Well-Known Member

NY STEELERFAN Well-Known Member

Diamond Well-Known Member

Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

NY STEELERFAN Well-Known Member

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