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IDP Spotlight - DB Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

Culcasi's Thoughts

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a big step last year in improving their pass defense, finishing the year ranked 11th in the league after 2002's 20th ranking, although they still lacked one important factor...speed. The issue of speed should be rectified this year with possibly three new starters entering their defensive backfield: CB Ike Taylor, FS Chris Hope and SS Troy Polamalu.

The 16th overall pick in last year's draft, Polamalu didn't quite live up to the fanfare when he was billed as the next Ronnie Lott (USC ties). They wanted him to start as a rookie, which would've taken Mike Logan out of the lineup, but he wasn't quite ready at that early stage of his career. Combine that with a hamstring injury and Polamalu was relegated to the dime package and special teams (he was a great punt blocker in college).

Entering this year, he's once again expected to open the season as the Steelers' starting strong safety, with a package that could place him among the leagues elite. Said to have run a 4.35, he's not that fast, but he is an intimidator with great strength who will act as an extra linebacker against the run. He possesses great instincts (a must for top flight safeties), football intelligence and has a nonstop motor that, along with his highlight reel hits, will make him a fan favorite for years to come.

Positives

  • Polamalu possesses everything that you look for in a strong safety. Strength, speed, instincts. Dare we say a young Rodney Harrison, capable of posting top IDP numbers?


  • He stepping up to the challenge this year. He worked with a personal trainer during the offseason to improve his quickness and has taken a leadership role during minicamp.


Negatives

  • He possesses enough coverage skills to handle receivers near the line of scrimmage, but he could struggle when forced to cover deep. He's not a great ballhawk.


  • Polamalu needs to avoid injuries, which could be a problem. He played much of his senior season with an ankle injury (didn't stop him from becoming an All-America), missed the NFL combine because of the ankle and hamstring injuries, and had a hamstring injury which played a part in his limited role as a rookie. He sacrifices his body and will likely have to play through injuries often.


  • Mike Logan re-signed with Pittsburgh after starting 15 games a year ago. His presence leaves little margin of error for Polamalu.


Final Thoughts

With Dick LeBeau back in Pittsburgh, look for a return of the "Blitzburgh" days which will make Troy Polamalu a serious force in the box. They key will be his ability to stay healthy, which has been tough over the last two years, but he appears to be prepared for the challenge. Best case scenario, he's regarded as one of the games elite safeties by the end of this year. Worst case, injuries strike once again and his development is further stunted. I'm betting on the former.


Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:

To view the entire thread, click here: DB Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

grady:
"Gotta love this kid. He was a little raw last year that is why he didn't see much playing time, but he appears to have overcome that hump and will be the undisputed starting strong safety for the Steelers this year. He is a BIG hitter and is fast, and I am sure Dick LeBeau will play to his strengths. He is very hard for me to rank, however, as I think he has top 10 potential, but will probably fall somewhere in the 15-20 range."


Projections

Source
Solo
Asst
Sacks
INT
PD
FF
FR
FntPts
Aaron Rudnicki
80
15
4.0
1
6
2
0
113.5
Shawn Culcasi
75
20
3.5
1
5
3
1
112.5
Spotlight Consensus
85
15
3.0
1
5
4
0
118.5

IDP Scoring System
1 pt per Solo Tackle
0.5 pt per Assisted Tackle
3 pts per Sack
4 pts per Interception
1 pt per Pass Defensed
2 pts per Forced Fumble
2 pts per Fumble Recovery

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