Steelers select Sutton Smith, OLB, Northern Illinois #175 overall.

[BlackAndGold]

info coming

[polamalubeast]

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[JayC]

future special teams beast?

[teegre]

He is what a lot of people have been clamoring for: all production (30 sacks in two seasons) and not a freak athlete with "potential".

[Mojouw]

A quick tour of the internets, I don't think he stays outside. I think they kick him inside.

But we can list the times I am correct about draft projections on one hand and have a great deal of fingers left...

[BlackAndGold]

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[Mojouw]

Hey! I figured one out!

So I guess the question is whether this kid is better than David Long?

[Born2Steel]

Another MAC beast.

[BlackAndGold]

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[st33lersguy]

They need someone to play outside. Hope they aren't just going to ignore the OLB position and pretend the lack of quality olbs abd depth behind tj watt is viable for a 2nd year in a row

[teegre]

Hey! I figured one out!

So I guess the question is whether this kid is better than David Long?

Good question.

I'd say that he will be used to play ILB, but also some OLB. Could David Long have done the same thing? Probably... but, 30 sacks is 30 sacks.

[Mojouw]

Good question.

I'd say that he will be used to play ILB, but also some OLB. Could David Long have done the same thing? Probably... but, 30 sacks is 30 sacks.

True. This one just seems odd to me. But 30 sacks is 30 sacks.

[BlackAndGold]

David Long Jr's ankle injury may be a legit issue.

[teegre]

True. This one just seems odd to me. But 30 sacks is 30 sacks.

Just saw his highlights on ESPN. The kid uses his hands well, and sniffs out turnovers (forces fumbles as he wraps). Honestly, I'd keep him at OLB.

[Hound]

If he moves inside, by Bostic. I love this pick, pash rush with a bend and production. Appears per highlights this kid is a special teams beast.

[hawaiiansteeler]

this is what I thought the Steelers were going to draft OLB/ILB Gary Johnson from Texas for.

but hey, 30 sacks is 30 sacks.

[Shoes]

David Long Jr's ankle injury may be a legit issue.

Could very well be, Smith should be fun to watch.

[munchy]

love this pick.
a highly productive player that was drafted where he was suppose to be.
if he makes it(special teamer, im guessing or maybe ilb) great. if he gets cut, no big deal.

[Mojouw]

Just saw his highlights on ESPN. The kid uses his hands well, and sniffs out turnovers (forces fumbles as he wraps). Honestly, I'd keep him at OLB.

Perhaps. The reports from the Senior Bowl (or what I just read 12 second ago) seem to indicate that he just gets owned by non MAC tackles. Here is why I see him going inside:

https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/sutton-smith?position=ILB
https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/deone-bucannon?position=ILB

He's a late round version of Bucannon. The very model of a modern major dimebacker...

At worst he is a far more athletically viable version of this guy: https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/tyler-matakevich?position=LB

[BlackAndGold]

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[polamalubeast]

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[Shoes]

He's a lot quicker than Red

[teegre]

He's a lot quicker than Red

I like everything about Red... except for his speed.

[steelreserve]

Remember how I was saying you can just nab players with similar talent to Chickillo in like R6 instead of paying them $4M a year?

[Six Rings]

He's the team Rudy. Might be good on special teams or as a situation type of pass rusher. How is his tackling in the open field?

[teegre]

He's the team Rudy. Might be good on special teams or as a situation type of pass rusher. How is his tackling in the open field?

From what I have seen (limited to highlights) he wraps up. He is not a shoulder tackler*. :nod:

*(That is a knock on Long: he often launched blindly. He was often effective at getting the opponent down, but he was not "technically sound".

[AtlantaDan]

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Spoiler alert Keith - the ship has sailed on someone who “is going to be” a good player entering their fifth season and still needs some “minute stuff” to correct

[stillers4me]

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[Shoes]

I like everything about Red... except for his speed.

Agreed.

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Spoiler alert Keith - the ship has sailed on someone who “is going to be” a good player entering their fifth season and still needs some “minute stuff” to correct

Do the defense and team a favor and fire butler before TC and he can take Bud with him since he likes him so much.

[pczach]

He should be a versatile player that can play inside or outside. I like the pick.

Remember when Chad Brown was that guy for the Steelers in the 90s that could play anywhere and play at a high level? He's not as talented as Chad Brown, but you have to like a backup level talent that is versatile enough to play multiple positions and probably will play a big role in special teams. That's a pretty valuable guy if he can make the roster.

[polamalubeast]

Do the defense and team a favor and fire butler before TC and he can take Bud with him since he likes him so much.

I want that Butler be fired since the AFC title game in 2016...No good reason that Butler is still our DC in 2019.

[Shoes]

I want that Butler be fired since the AFC title game in 2016...No good reason that Butler is still our DC in 2019.


I don't even think he is a good LB coach.

[polamalubeast]

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[stillers4me]

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[st33lersguy]

So is he playing outside? They did just select another ILB after him and they need edge rushers

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This exactly highlights the no. 1 problem with this team, their tendency to stubbornly stick with what isn't working while simultaneously denying when there is a problem. Not to mention you depth at the position as well

[polamalubeast]

So is he playing outside? They did just select another ILB after him and they need edge rushers

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This exactly highlights the no. 1 problem with this team, their tendency to stubbornly stick with what isn't working while simultaneously denying when there is a problem. Not to mention you depth at the position as well

I agree and they are not just stubborn about the players .... Just look at the coaching staff ...


It's going to be the 5th year for Butler as DC even if this job is way too big for him and we kept Todd Haley for 6 years (and Haley only kept his job for 8 games with the Browns after)

And I do not understand why the steelers are loyal to Danny Smith even if we have one of the worst field positions in the NFL year after year.The steelers have their strength, but their stubbornness is very frustrating sometimes!

[hawaiiansteeler]

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sutton Smith, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois B+ Grade

Based on his production and 3-cone time, Sutton Smith would be a first-round prospect. Unfortunately, he's extremely undersized. He's just 6-0, 233, so it's difficult to envision where he'll fit in as a pro. However, I could see him being a third-down specialist, and I think this is the correct time to select him; I had him slotted two picks earlier in my mock.

http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades6.php

[Born2Steel]

I am still in the learning phase on this guy, but the more I learn the more I like him. I really hope his game translates to the NFL. A lot to root for.

[BlackAndGold]

I'm excited to see these young fast linebackers.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Kevin Colbert Confirms Steelers Viewing Sutton Smith At Outside Linebacker

By Matthew Marczi
Posted on May 1, 2019

There wasn’t a lot of clarity about why the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Northern Illinois defensive end Sutton Smith in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. A vastly undersized player at his position, he would even be on the small side to convert to outside linebacker in a 3-4 system such as the Steelers.

So it wasn’t obvious what position he would play, with defensive coordinator Keith Butler talking about the possibility of him being able to play both outside and inside, and how they got a look at him doing inside linebacker drills during the Senior Bowl week.

to read rest of article:

https://steelersdepot.com/2019/05/kevin-colbert-confirms-steelers-viewing-sutton-smith-at-outside-linebacker/

[Shoes]

I think this kid has a few rpms on Watt. :lol:

[Bluecoat96]

I shouldn't get so excited about this 6th round pick, but I feel like this guy could take on Kuhn-like properties....in my mind at least. I'm definitely on the Sutton Smith hype train....for now. Lol

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

[FrancoLambert]

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Reminds me of Tomlin’s love affair with Stevenson Sylvester. 😩
Or was it Sylvester Stevenson? 🤔

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

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Yeah, he is an all hustle guy that had a couple blocked kicks on punt rush in college. I think that if he shows the ability to cover in the special team game, he will push Dirty Red off the roster.

[DesertSteel]

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sutton Smith, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois B+ Grade

Based on his production and 3-cone time, Sutton Smith would be a first-round prospect. Unfortunately, he's extremely undersized. He's just 6-0, 233, so it's difficult to envision where he'll fit in as a pro. However, I could see him being a third-down specialist, and I think this is the correct time to select him; I had him slotted two picks earlier in my mock.

http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades6.php
So if he was one inch taller and 10 pounds heavier he'd be all-world? I love it when guys like Sutton prove the experts wrong!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

So if he was one inch taller and 10 pounds heavier he'd be all-world? I love it when guys like Sutton prove the experts wrong!

Nope, more like 2 inches taller and 20lbs heavier and this kind of stuff wont happen to him. https://twitter.com/dpbrugler/status/1088247982938558464?lang=en
https://twitter.com/dpbrugler/status/1088247982938558464?lang=en

I don't know how to post a tweet, but its a video of him getting rag dolled at the Senior Bowl by an O lineman.

[Shoes]

Nope, more like 2 inches taller and 20lbs heavier and this kind of stuff wont happen to him. https://twitter.com/dpbrugler/status/1088247982938558464?lang=en
https://twitter.com/dpbrugler/status/1088247982938558464?lang=en

I don't know how to post a tweet, but its a video of him getting rag dolled at the Senior Bowl by an O lineman.

Looked like a good holding call in a real game, no?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Looked like a good holding call in a real game, no?

I wouldn't call it. OT had his right hand inside Smiths frame and on his chest...when Smith spins, the OT just throws him to the ground. Either way...there are at least 2 more reps on video where Smith just got manhandled. One he was trying to run the arc and the OT just two-handed pushed him into the turf.

Smith isn't going to be effective on the edge unless he hits the gym like Deebo. He needs to run around the OT and that isn't a great thing in the NFL. On a RB or TE he is fine.

[Shoes]

I wouldn't call it. OT had his right hand inside Smiths frame and on his chest...when Smith spins, the OT just throws him to the ground. Either way...there are at least 2 more reps on video where Smith just got manhandled. One he was trying to run the arc and the OT just two-handed pushed him into the turf.

Smith isn't going to be effective on the edge unless he hits the gym like Deebo. He needs to run around the OT and that isn't a great thing in the NFL. On a RB or TE he is fine.

hopefully he won't be on the edge. Seems like they are going for speed at every position hoping one of these guys will slip through

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

hopefully he won't be on the edge. Seems like they are going for speed at every position hoping one of these guys will slip through

I rewatched his Combine workout. Daniel Jeremiah said " he shows some suddenness and burst out of his stance, doesn't he". If only he said glide. :)

[Born2Steel]

I wouldn't call it. OT had his right hand inside Smiths frame and on his chest...when Smith spins, the OT just throws him to the ground. Either way...there are at least 2 more reps on video where Smith just got manhandled. One he was trying to run the arc and the OT just two-handed pushed him into the turf.

Smith isn't going to be effective on the edge unless he hits the gym like Deebo. He needs to run around the OT and that isn't a great thing in the NFL. On a RB or TE he is fine.

At only 233lbs he is going to get manhandled by OTs. The combine bench press is basically him holding a 10lb weight. With Bud, Watt, Ola, Chick, and Adams currently under contract I don't think Smith sees the field at OLB in 2019. Maybe in obvious pass rush situations but I think he is headed to special teams first until he gets 'bigger/stronger' or injury forces him on the field. Even if he moves inside he's only blitzing Hilton style, don't you think?

[RunNGun]

This is probably the pick I'm most intrigued by. Imo, if you give this guy 20 lbs and 2 inches he's a 1st rd pick. His tape really jumps out at you. He absolutely dominated his competition. I realize it was mostly MAC competition, but his tape and the instincs he shows is impressive.

I do not forsee him translating that production against NFL OTs. I doubt anyone does. I believe eventually he will slide inside. However, it won't be the first time he's switched positions. He was recruited to NIU as a RB. I think he's capable of making the transition. I see a lot of "dog" in this one. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say we got 2 ILBs for the future in this draft.

[DesertSteel]

At only 233lbs he is going to get manhandled by OTs. The combine bench press is basically him holding a 10lb weight. With Bud, Watt, Ola, Chick, and Adams currently under contract I don't think Smith sees the field at OLB in 2019. Maybe in obvious pass rush situations but I think he is headed to special teams first until he gets 'bigger/stronger' or injury forces him on the field. Even if he moves inside he's only blitzing Hilton style, don't you think?
Is that how you think Bench Press works? That your body weight is free? Lol

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

At only 233lbs he is going to get manhandled by OTs. The combine bench press is basically him holding a 10lb weight. With Bud, Watt, Ola, Chick, and Adams currently under contract I don't think Smith sees the field at OLB in 2019. Maybe in obvious pass rush situations but I think he is headed to special teams first until he gets 'bigger/stronger' or injury forces him on the field. Even if he moves inside he's only blitzing Hilton style, don't you think?

I think he beats Adams out for the 53 based on special teams prowess. Will have to see, but I think he has a quick first step and might give some RT's in the league a challenge, but think the #5 OLB on the roster isn't going to be a large impact in the pass rush.

[stillers4me]

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[Born2Steel]

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That defensive pre snap look is a 4-5-2. Keep the film rolling.

[Born2Steel]

I think he beats Adams out for the 53 based on special teams prowess. Will have to see, but I think he has a quick first step and might give some RT's in the league a challenge, but think the #5 OLB on the roster isn't going to be a large impact in the pass rush.

Keion Adams is the Senquez of the OLB group.
That’s how I see Smith too. Unless he’s lined up specifically to hit a hole on a blitz, he’s not going to fight his way to the QB. Not in 2019. He’s a ST until he can elevate his game. Hopefully sooner than later.
Ola is a key ingredient in the OLB rotation this year. I’m really hoping he can stay healthy and get on the field. He’s the guy I’ll be watching this preseason.
Chickillo is the only battle tested backup on this roster and got paid because of it. I think he is now as good as he’s going to get.
Bud is better than guys on here give him credit for. After being severely limited by injury 2-3 seasons ago he has improved each year since. If you guys could understand his job is not as a pass rusher blitzburgh OLB style. Bud has a different role from that and does his job well. I still think this is most likely his last year if only because I hope Ola can do it as well and cheaper.
TJ is the star of the room and he is only getting better.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Keion Adams is the Senquez of the OLB group.
That’s how I see Smith too. Unless he’s lined up specifically to hit a hole on a blitz, he’s not going to fight his way to the QB. Not in 2019. He’s a ST until he can elevate his game. Hopefully sooner than later.
Ola is a key ingredient in the OLB rotation this year. I’m really hoping he can stay healthy and get on the field. He’s the guy I’ll be watching this preseason.
Chickillo is the only battle tested backup on this roster and got paid because of it. I think he is now as good as he’s going to get.
Bud is better than guys on here give him credit for. After being severely limited by injury 2-3 seasons ago he has improved each year since. If you guys could understand his job is not as a pass rusher blitzburgh OLB style. Bud has a different role from that and does his job well. I still think this is most likely his last year if only because I hope Ola can do it as well and cheaper.
TJ is the star of the room and he is only getting better.

I think Senquez was going to be a solid slot CB, but the Lisfranc injury and others derailed his career before it got started. Adams has size, but doesn't have quickness off the line, where Smith has quickness and motor, but not the size to set the edge or counter inside if big OT's get their hands on him. I think he can be that pesky situational edge rusher who's speed can give some OT's problems or another backup ILB that is a core special teamer.

Either way, I like Smith as a solid football player, with good speed and quickness that has a big motor. You really cant not-like any of that.

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That defensive pre snap look is a 4-5-2. Keep the film rolling.

Its actually a 3-4, but Iowa is running double TE set, so the CB on the bottom of the screen just pinches in. The CB on the top of the screen is locked up with the only WR in the formation and the safeties are looking cover 2 alignment.

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I mean its a 4-3.

[Born2Steel]

I think Senquez was going to be a solid slot CB, but the Lisfranc injury and others derailed his career before it got started. Adams has size, but doesn't have quickness off the line, where Smith has quickness and motor, but not the size to set the edge or counter inside if big OT's get their hands on him. I think he can be that pesky situational edge rusher who's speed can give some OT's problems or another backup ILB that is a core special teamer.

Either way, I like Smith as a solid football player, with good speed and quickness that has a big motor. You really cant not-like any of that.

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Its actually a 3-4, but Iowa is running double TE set, so the CB on the bottom of the screen just pinches in. The CB on the top of the screen is locked up with the only WR in the formation and the safeties are looking cover 2 alignment.

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I mean its a 4-3.

Against this ‘22’ personnel is where an OLB of the size/speed combo of Smith will excel. His initial burst will beat most TEs at the snap. His short area quickness will serve if the TE matadors the block and steps out for a pass.

[Mojouw]

Does anyone know if Smith dropped in coverage at all either in college or during the Senior Bowl?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Does anyone know if Smith dropped in coverage at all either in college or during the Senior Bowl?

They worked him with the ILB at the Senior Bowl, but I didn't see him play in the game. He did the pass drop drills at the Combine and looks like a fluid athlete to drop in coverage. Didn't show the hands to catch the ball well, but showed he can play off the ball IMO.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNVNTCQ_Aeg

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He worked at ILB and OLB in Senior Bowl week that is.

[Mojouw]

They worked him with the ILB at the Senior Bowl, but I didn't see him play in the game. He did the pass drop drills at the Combine and looks like a fluid athlete to drop in coverage. Didn't show the hands to catch the ball well, but showed he can play off the ball IMO.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNVNTCQ_Aeg

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He worked at ILB and OLB in Senior Bowl week that is.

They gotta be at least considering moving to ILB, right?

Or am I missing how he stays on the edge?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

They gotta be at least considering moving to ILB, right?

Or am I missing how he stays on the edge?
I think Smith is a case of "beauty in the eye of the beholder". If you love his relentless motor, quickness and hand use in the pass rush, then you have to want to take a 6th round flier on seeing if he can play OLB, but if he cant...then you think there might be a spot for him as a Mack LB.

He's that pound for pound, good football player that you want on your team. I think there are some teams that took him off their draft board because he doesn't have ideal size for OLB and they don't want to try and find a spot for a draft pick.

[Mojouw]

I think Smith is a case of "beauty in the eye of the beholder". If you love his relentless motor, quickness and hand use in the pass rush, then you have to want to take a 6th round flier on seeing if he can play OLB, but if he cant...then you think there might be a spot for him as a Mack LB.

He's that pound for pound, good football player that you want on your team. I think there are some teams that took him off their draft board because he doesn't have ideal size for OLB and they don't want to try and find a spot for a draft pick.

On the fence. I'm a big believer in size speed benchmarks for the NFL. BUT...this guy just seems to make plays.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pczach]

I think Smith is a case of "beauty in the eye of the beholder". If you love his relentless motor, quickness and hand use in the pass rush, then you have to want to take a 6th round flier on seeing if he can play OLB, but if he cant...then you think there might be a spot for him as a Mack LB.

He's that pound for pound, good football player that you want on your team. I think there are some teams that took him off their draft board because he doesn't have ideal size for OLB and they don't want to try and find a spot for a draft pick.


I really like a lot of things about Smith. He has outstanding quickness. His motor is amazing. He shows instincts. He seems to punch above his weight class, in that when he hits people, he drops them and sometimes lights them up. He has a natural ability to dislodge the football from quarterbacks and ball carriers. He shows the athletic skills to possibly move inside, and appears to have the movement skills to play in space.

I know he's a little small. He may get engulfed by huge OT's in the NFL on the edge, but I really like everything about him from a football standpoint, and his speed and motor could translate to him being a special teams phenom.

To me, this was an excellent shot at a player with a late round pick.

[Born2Steel]

Is that how you think Bench Press works? That your body weight is free? Lol

UH HUH YEP YEP YEP!!! How much is the combine weight for the bench? Then...Smith weighs what again? Then...did I add weight or subtract weight? LOL!!!!! Duh! IT IS A FUNNY WAY TO SPELL READ.

[tube517]

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He's back!!!! CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!! :chuckle:

(backup FB?)

[pczach]

1192079255578071046


He's back!!!! CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!! :chuckle:

(backup FB?)

There's no stopping us now!

[Fire Goodell]

SUPERBOWL!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Gilbert III placed on IR with back issue. Spillaine signed to active roster and Smith now added to the practice squad. Just juggling ILB's/special teamers.

[tube517]

Gilbert III placed on IR with back issue. Spillaine signed to active roster and Smith now added to the practice squad. Just juggling ILB's/special teamers.

Do you not see what HOF number Sutton Smith wore? :chuckle:

[SteelMember]

Gilbert III placed on IR with back issue. Spillaine signed to active roster and Smith now added to the practice squad. Just juggling ILB's/special teamers.

yup. It is nice that they were able to fill the spot with a guy they actually drafted though. All things considered, that's probably where he'd still be if other moves didn't need to be made earlier in the year.

[HollywoodSteel]

Do you not see what HOF number Sutton Smith wore? :chuckle:

Dick Hoak?

[DesertSteel]

I hope he's healthy this time.

[SteelMember]

And just like that... he's gone.

Former Pitt star Darrin Hall returns to Steelers’ practice squad for backfield depth.

https://triblive.com/sports/former-pitt-star-darrin-hall-returns-to-steelers-practice-squad-for-backfield-depth/

[Shoes]

I like Hall, it would be fun to see what he can do.

[43Hitman]

And just like that... he's gone.

Former Pitt star Darrin Hall returns to Steelers’ practice squad for backfield depth.

https://triblive.com/sports/former-pitt-star-darrin-hall-returns-to-steelers-practice-squad-for-backfield-depth/

Sounds like JaySam and or Conner will be limited or not playing this week.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Yeah, I bet Conner doesnt play and maybe Edmunds neither. So far just Samuels and Tony Brooks-James at RB. Maybe not even Nix.

[86WARD]

Conner has pretty much been ruled out already.

[BlackAndGold]

Sutton's time with the Steelers
https://media3.giphy.com/media/11gC4odpiRKuha/source.gif

[AtlantaDan]

At least he picked up some cash for holiday shopping

1192530030842302465
(https://mobile.twitter.com/gerrydulac/status/1192530030842302465)

[AtlantaDan]

He's back :sofunny:

1194261063773999105

It’s perhaps a longshot, but with both backup outside linebackers on the 53-man roster (Anthony Chickillo and Ola Adeniyi) battling injury in a short week, it’s possible Smith could be called upon before Thursday’s game at the Cleveland Browns.

https://triblive.com/sports/for-3rd-time-in-7-days-steelers-make-sutton-smith-darin-hall-roster-move-swap/

[Fire Goodell]

He's on the fast track to James Harrison #2, we figure we get legendary OLB's by cutting them twice :chuckle:

[tube517]

He's trying to break Brandon Brown-Dukes record. :chuckle:

[Shoes]

He's on the fast track to James Harrison #2, we figure we get legendary OLB's by cutting them twice :chuckle:

It worked before, why not give it a go again! :chuckle: I really like this kid, hope it works out.