Nice options at LB in FA….

[Portland Fanatic]

Thought I’d throw something positive out there other then the QB spin we’ve been in lately…something to be hopeful in March.

ILB (One of these guys needs to be a priority)
Kendred Bell 6’1 / 257 Pitt
Ed Hartwell 6’1 / 250 Balt

OLB
Akin Ayodele 6’2 / 250 JAX (Can play both strong and weakside)
Julian Peterson 6’3 / 240 SF (Can he come back from Achilles injury is ???)

[Eskimo]

Thought I’d throw something positive out there other then the QB spin we’ve been in lately…something to be hopeful in March.

ILB (One of these guys needs to be a priority)
Kendred Bell 6’1 / 257 Pitt
Ed Hartwell 6’1 / 250 Balt

OLB
Akin Ayodele 6’2 / 250 JAX (Can play both strong and weakside)
Julian Peterson 6’3 / 240 SF (Can he come back from Achilles injury is ???)

Do you think Pitt will franchise Bell?

Hartwell would really add some strength and toughness to this D.

Peterson was a big-time athletic LB playmaking ability except in a bigger body that held up better at the point of attack. His game was so explosive - it'll be interesting to see how he does. Will probably affect him less than K Smith and B Westbrook - both of whom were shadows of their former selves at CB.

I haven't seen Ayodele play much.

[Portland Fanatic]

Do you think Pitt will franchise Bell?
Burress is the only other big name FA they have...so there certainly is that chance...

[Common Sense]

Seems like they would be more interested in retaining Burress, for Ben's sake.

[zagnut]

Do you think Pitt will franchise Bell?

Hartwell would really add some strength and toughness to this D.

Peterson was a big-time athletic LB playmaking ability except in a bigger body that held up better at the point of attack. His game was so explosive - it'll be interesting to see how he does. Will probably affect him less than K Smith and B Westbrook - both of whom were shadows of their former selves at CB.

I haven't seen Ayodele play much.

Speaking of shells of their former selves, people must think Kendrell Bell is a lot better than he is.

Why would Pittsburgh franchise him? He's been injured all year and they haven't even missed him one bit. He's a two-down linebacker. He's forced two whole fumbles in four years. He's tubby. He's not very durable. Seems like people somewhat recall him being dominant his rookie year and assume he's only gotten better. That was his best year and he's never really taken the next step.

[Eskimo]

Speaking of shells of their former selves, people must think Kendrell Bell is a lot better than he is.

Why would Pittsburgh franchise him? He's been injured all year and they haven't even missed him one bit. He's a two-down linebacker. He's forced two whole fumbles in four years. He's tubby. He's not very durable. Seems like people somewhat recall him being dominant his rookie year and assume he's only gotten better. That was his best year and he's never really taken the next step.

Not durable, huh?

Oh well, looked good against us from what I recall.

[Natedawg44]

Peterson was a big-time athletic LB playmaking ability except in a bigger body that held up better at the point of attack. His game was so explosive - it'll be interesting to see how he does. Will probably affect him less than K Smith and B Westbrook - both of whom were shadows of their former selves at CB.

I don't know an achilles injury is just about a career ender save for QB or OL. Look at Jamir Miller. I hope he comes back as good as ever but the odds aren't with him.

[Natedawg44]

Kendrel Bell Scout Profile

Bell has the upper body strength to maintain separation from blockers and sheds blocks quickly. Shows rare instincts when playing the run and always seems to be around the ball. Protects body well and fights over cut blocks. Has the range to make plays from sideline-to-sideline, has the agility to slip blocks in the open field and appears comfortable in space. Plays with a great motor, is relentless in pursuit and takes away cutback lanes. Bell also has outstanding closing speed but he failed to make a significant impact as the Steelers' Nickel rusher last year and he is needs to be protected in pass coverage. Doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves and needs to do a better of anticipating snap counts. Missed four games with an ankle injury in 2002, hindered by a groin injury last year and durability is somewhat of a concern. Bell needs to avoid the nagging injuries but he is already one of the best in the league at 23 and his potential is awesome.

[Nors]

Thought I’d throw something positive out there other then the QB spin we’ve been in lately…something to be hopeful in March.

ILB (One of these guys needs to be a priority)
Kendred Bell 6’1 / 257 Pitt
Ed Hartwell 6’1 / 250 Balt

OLB
Akin Ayodele 6’2 / 250 JAX (Can play both strong and weakside)
Julian Peterson 6’3 / 240 SF (Can he come back from Achilles injury is ???)

we can only hope

[Hollywood Henderson]

Mmmmmmm yes, REAL NFL sized LBers are a MUST!