GBMelBlount
05-21-2016, 08:37 PM
Anthony Chickillo arrived in Pittsburgh last season to little fanfare. A sixth round selection from the University of Miami (212th overall), Chickillo was identified as a prospect, a 3-4 defensive lineman who would be tasked with making the conversion to outside linebacker.
The Steelers have had a long history of drafting defensive lineman and converting them to outside linebacker. They've had successes: Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, and Lamar Woodley.
And they've had failures: Alonzo Jackson, Bruce Davis, and Steven Conley.
As with most, if not all of these players, the first step in securing a spot on the team by excelling on special teams, something Chickillo did during his rookie season. He recorded six tackles, forced one fumble, and recovered another.
He even had an opportunity to get in some snaps at linebacker during the team's season finale against Cleveland.
Entering his second season, Chickillo needs to further impress coaches and prove that he's ready to assume a larger role in the defense.
(continued)
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2016/5/21/11720444/could-steelers-olb-anthony-chickillo-become-the-next-mike-vrabel
The Steelers have had a long history of drafting defensive lineman and converting them to outside linebacker. They've had successes: Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, and Lamar Woodley.
And they've had failures: Alonzo Jackson, Bruce Davis, and Steven Conley.
As with most, if not all of these players, the first step in securing a spot on the team by excelling on special teams, something Chickillo did during his rookie season. He recorded six tackles, forced one fumble, and recovered another.
He even had an opportunity to get in some snaps at linebacker during the team's season finale against Cleveland.
Entering his second season, Chickillo needs to further impress coaches and prove that he's ready to assume a larger role in the defense.
(continued)
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2016/5/21/11720444/could-steelers-olb-anthony-chickillo-become-the-next-mike-vrabel