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Former Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier was on SiriusXM NFL tonight and told Alex Marvez that he had a pre-draft visit with the Steelers.
Pre-draft visits for @OhioStFootball LB @RyanShazier: @STLouisRams @buffalobills @dallascowboys @AZCardinals @RAIDERS @steelers @Patriots
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) April 2, 2014
Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier "I just had a visit with the Rams on my way to Buffalo now. Had visits with OAK, DAL, PIT and New England so far"
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) April 2, 2014
If you’re not familiar with him, Shazier is an extremely athletic and versatile linebacker who can play both outside and inside. He’s got a very high football IQ, and it wouldn’t surprise me (or really disappoint me) if the Steelers picked him at #15. If you’re still with me, and aren’t totally focused on that mainstream mock you read the other day that had the Steelers picking Justin Gilbert, well, gold star for you then.
Shazier was named First-team All-American, First-team All-Big Ten, and finished with 144 tackles, seven sacks, 23.5 tackles for a loss, six QB hurries, and four forced fumbles in 2013. Watching his game tape, you will never see him take off a play. Even on special teams. Here he is blocking a punt with Bradley Roby against Northwestern.
The former OSU standout could play in any defensive scheme in my opinion, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a 4-3 team was interested in him as a Will linebacker. He didn’t run the 40 at the combine due to a hamstring injury, but was clocked at an unofficial 4.37 at Ohio State’s pro day.
.@markpantoni So fast, we couldn’t catch him. #GoBucks @FearTheShazier pic.twitter.com/GCgCr0S6Q5
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) March 7, 2014
In Pittsburgh’s scheme, he’d play predominately on the inside. He is very good in coverage, and plays against the run very well, where his closing speed comes in handy. I’ll close out with a couple games of him in action for you, and with a gif of the “Shazier Suplex”. Thanks for stopping by, and as always, be sure to share with your friends.
