Steelers 3rd Round Pick - 2012 - Sean Spence - LB - Miami

[Phenomenal TJ]

Seems to me that they got this guy because of his speed. In other words, they are trying to have a type of linebacker that can run with Gronkowski and the other TE of the Patriots. This is a Patriots pick. I see the logic but I don't agree with it. Not when there are real linebackers still available;not to mention our need at nose tackle.

Not to mention the Ravens tight ends, Bengals, etc. Pretty good tight ends in the North, much less branching out to include Gronkowski and Hernandez.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

Colbert said he's going to play inside and back up Lawrence Timmons. They'll leave Worilds on the outside. Those talks about him moving inside just aren't going to happen anytime soon, if ever. A certain blogger with a god complex tried to keep that rumor going.

Let's just hope Spence doesn't turn into another Bruce Davis from a few years ago.

[Phenomenal TJ]

Colbert said he's going to play inside and back up Lawrence Timmons. They'll leave Worilds on the outside. Those talks about him moving inside just aren't going to happen anytime soon, if ever. A certain blogger with a god complex tried to keep that rumor going.

Let's just hope Spence doesn't turn into another Bruce Davis from a few years ago.

Bruce Davis is a first ballot Hall Of Famer though.

[davidcreighton70]

I liked Chapman here but I really can't fault this pick. He has a great motor & tackle. Obviously not a running down LB but more like a large SS that can help in covering the Gronks

[igor0190]

I liked Chapman here but I really can't fault this pick. He has a great motor & tackle. Obviously not a running down LB but more like a large SS that can help in covering the Gronks

I never though of that... Is Sean Spence a proven cover LB? Could he be used to man up on TE's? I really doubt it actually, especially at 6'0" tall.

Looks like a special teamer for awhile at least.

[steelchamp204]

I liked Chapman here but I really can't fault this pick. He has a great motor & tackle. Obviously not a running down LB but more like a large SS that can help in covering the Gronks

Didnt we also say that Worlids and Sly had a fast motor and tackled well also. I think his size will hurt him, but Beason made it to the probowl as a rookie Lb for the panthers. If he can do it, anyone can. I just think Chapman would have helped more maybe not this season but next year.

[JollyRob68]

Thats what I stated earlier in a post. We spent a 3rd rnd draft pick on a ST player. We could have atleast gotten Chapman for NT position. Our front is getting to old and what better NT to learn from than Casey Hampton?

With Spence who better to learn behind Timmons & Foote. I want Chapman but with his acl injury the 4th would be a better place for him Risk vs reward.

[JollyRob68]

I never though of that... Is Sean Spence a proven cover LB? Could he be used to man up on TE's? I really doubt it actually, especially at 6'0" tall.

Looks like a special teamer for awhile at least.

He has the speed and can tackle. So Yes he can.

[Deviouz1]

I never though of that... Is Sean Spence a proven cover LB? Could he be used to man up on TE's? I really doubt it actually, especially at 6'0" tall.

Looks like a special teamer for awhile at least.

Overview

Spence has been a bright spot and a standout player on a rather uninspired Miami defense. He was a four-year starter at Miami, and although undersized he makes up for this deficiency through speed, instincts and overall athletic ability. He is a great defender on outside runs, as he can effortlessly run down his fastest opponents. He is stellar in coverage, and he can blanket tight ends and tackle from various angles. He makes quick decisions and executes on them. While size will be a concern as he enters the NFL, Spence will be defined by his ability to play free and get off blocks to make plays on the ball. While he was suspended in the fallout from the Nevin Shapiro booster scandal at Miami, there is little doubt of his true character and, likewise, his overall athleticism and ability. Look for him to be taken in the middle rounds, but he could be a late riser.

Analysis

Strengths
Spence's athleticism shows in all that he does. He can quickly diagnose a play and use his explosive hips to meet running backs and deliver the blow. He has fluid hips in coverage and uses his arm strength to shed blockers when he gets engulfed by bigger players. He is an experienced starter at a high level, and this should allow him to play fast and instinctively from the start at the next level. He has natural athletic ability to fit in a 4-3 scheme, in which he can play freely and flow to the ball. He is an active player and almost always involved on run plays.
Weaknesses
Spence is undersized and needs to play free of big blockers on him to be productive. He can flow to plays but "rides the pole" and falls off tackles at times. The scheme he plays in is key to his production.

turn him into a jack ham sort of LB. really theyre not that different in size. ham was 6'1" 220-ish, this kid is 5'11" 231, little bit shorter but a little bit heavier and more athletic than ham was. im actually really liking this pick. he can hit, he's fairly fast, he can catch, he's smart, and has good instincts. with the league moving into the age of nerfball, this kind of pick makes total sense to me.

[JensK]

While he does not seem like a typical Steelers LB, he does have great value around that pick in my opinion. He is a pretty good football player. Besides, both Chapman and Ta'mau are still on the board. Hopefully one of them will fall.