It has to be Gilbert if Adams isn't ready to start the year

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 05-25-2012, 08:55 AM

This is going to be a point of emphasis to keep an eye on as the offseason moves forward. There's no guarantee that Mike Adams will be ready to take over at LT whent he season starts. Even if he is I'm still not exactly thrilled with a rookie protecting Ben's blind side.

I personally would rather keep Gilbert on the LT where he's a more natural fit and stick Adams on the right and see how things go.

Things can and probably will change in the coming months, just because Adams is working out on the left side now doesn't mean he's going to stay there. Maybe he will in the end but who knows.

Left tackle update

What happens if rookie Mike Adams goes through training camp and cannot cut the mustard at left tackle?
Trai Essex, Jonathan Scott (who opened there last season) or Marcus Gilbert?

Gilbert was pegged to be the left tackle this season right up until the Steelers drafted Adams in the second round. Gilbert played left tackle at Florida his final year, and both he and Tomlin have called it his more natural position.

Gilbert started 14 games at right tackle as a rookie after the injury in the opener to Willie Colon.
"I'm naturally the left," said Gilbert, who was put there in his rookie training camp.

"When they moved me over to the right tackle, it took me a week or two to get back in the groove.
"I got the hang of things. It's all about preparation and repetition."

**connecticutsteel** · 05-25-2012, 09:20 AM

So if Tomlin felt that Gilbert is a Left Tackle then why draft Adams ? A guy that has played Left Tackle his entire Career even in High School .I get the bpa stuff but Bobbie Massie would have made more sense in the later rounds and take some one else. I believe Adams will be ready to go anyway

**LatrobePA** · 05-25-2012, 09:27 AM

Adams will be fine, it's only May!

**tburg68** · 05-25-2012, 10:03 AM

The reason that Adams was drafted, and will eventually be the left tackle, is because he has the ability to be an elite Top 5 LT, in this league. It's not a strike against Gilbert, it is an acknowledgement of Adam's ability.

This only makes the O Line better. This is not a problem, it is a good thing.

Side note: Goodbye J Scott.

**tburg68** · 05-25-2012, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by connecticutsteel

So if Tomlin felt that Gilbert is a Left Tackle then why draft Adams ? A guy that has played Left Tackle his entire Career even in High School .I get the bpa stuff but Bobbie Massie would have made more sense in the later rounds and take some one else. I believe Adams will be ready to go anyway

Reason is that Adams--LT, Gilberts--RT is better than Gilberts--LT, Massie--RT.
Very Simple IMO.

**coldrolled** · 05-25-2012, 10:20 AM

If Scott started last year, you have to be kidding that Admas who is faster and larger and a 1st round OT will not start...

LMFAO

**LatrobePA** · 05-25-2012, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by coldrolled

If Scott started last year, you have to be kidding that Admas who is faster and larger and a 1st round OT will not start...

LMFAO

I just about puked thinking of Scott!

**connecticutsteel** · 05-25-2012, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by tburg68

Reason is that Adams--LT, Gilberts--RT is better than Gilberts--LT, Massie--RT.
Very Simple IMO.

Say that to Gilbert's face

**KemoTherapy** · 05-25-2012, 02:00 PM

I don't see Gilbert as having the foot speed and mobility to shine on the left side. Don't forget that with the southpaw Teblow he was not protecting "the blind side" of the QB. Adams has me concerned just a little bit in that LT would seem to be the ONLY line position he's suited to play. He's certainly too tall to be a guard and I don't know if he has the power to excel @ RT.