LINEBACKERS

It's not a secret that the Steelers have been the NFL team with the best linebackers for many years now. It also helps that they have a D Coordinator that can utilize all the talent they have been able to accumulate at that position. I'm sure they had others throughout their history but the recognition for their linebacking corps started back when they started drafting their Hall of Famers in the 70's. Andy Russell and the Jack's set the pace for a future stacked with big name Linebackers. Others along the line included Bryan Hinkle, Mike Merriweather, David Little, Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirland, Chad Brown, Kendrell Bell, Jason Gildon, Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, and the guys they have now; Harrison, Woodley, and Timmons. Even when they had to go outside the draft they found a few good ones that fit the Steelers mold in Kevin Greene and James Farrior. These guys have all had Steelers Football in them.

The 2 outside linebackers strike fear into opposing quarterbacks each game. Harrison and Woodley sacked the QB time after time last year and had a competition to see who would end up with the team sack lead for the year. Harrison pulled away and took the team lead for good, but good things are ahead for Woodley. He played well beyond his 2 years experience in the league and looked more like a seasoned veteran in the playoff, chasing down Flacco and Warner. It didn't hurt that those teams were putting anyone they could on Harrison trying to keep him away. So Harrison was locked up with a new contract and this is Woodley's in his 3rd year so they're good with those 2 guys.

The 2 inside guys are James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons. James Farrior, the crafty veteran that came to the Steelers via free agency after spending 5 years there has been a rock at the position since he arrived. He is the defenses quarterback and despite his longevity in the league is ageless, he's a timex. Timmons was drafted the same year as Woodley and has been more and more productive as his experience grows. Larry Foote, the stalwart at the other inside linebacker position saw the writing on the wall but was able to keep Timmons on the bench for 2 years. After last season was over and despite having the contract for another year, Larry decided that he would probably be better off somewhere where he could continue playing full time and not come out every other play for Timmons to take over for him. Thus, Mr. Timmons inherited the starting position. He played extremely well last season and looks to be another brick in the foundation for the Steelers.

So, that leaves the rest of the guys in camp to fight for the rest of the backup duties. It helps if you're a backup to be able to play special teams: the Steelers special teams improved significantly from previous years and that had a lot to do with a couple of linebackers on the special teams. Keyaron Fox and Patrick Bailey have been very noticeable on special teams and made some big hits to improve the coverage unit from the previous year. Arnold Harrison and Andre Frazier have provided the depth and now experience after being on the team and learning from the older Linebackers.

Expectations have been that Bruce Davis in his second year out of UCLA would provide additional depth at the position. There is some optimism for his chances of making the team because of improved play, but his skills on special teams are lacking whic does not help his cause. May end up on the practice squad.

The other 2 linebackers Tom Korte and Andrew Schantz will have an uphill battle trying to make this squad.

James Harrison, 5, Kent State
James Farrior, 13, Virginia
LaMarr Woodley, 3, Michigan
Lawrence Timmons, 3, Florida State

Keyaron Fox, 6, Georgia Tech,
Andre Frazier, 5, Cincinnati, ROLB
Arnold Harrison, 4, Georgia, LOLB
Patrick Bailey, 2, Duke, LOLB
Bruce Davis, 2, UCLA, LOLB
Donovan Woods, 2, Oklahoma State, ROLB
Tom Korte, R, Hillsdale
Andrew Schantz, R, Portland State