Dec 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
When Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was drafted to the team in 2014 , they were looking for the next Patrick Willis. And that pretty much means they were looking for him to be the next Jack Lambert. And they should have been as he has great instincts with insane physicality for his size to go with his sure tackling ability.
Oh, my bad, I have to mention that he has blazing 4.38 40-yard dash speed to get to the ball as well. He started off showing the Steelers why they picked him No. 15 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. But his rookie campaign rcheckered by injuries that made him miss six games and rookie mistakes.
No matter how good your intincts are, when you’re a rookie in the NFL, you have much to learn. And this offseason, he focused on that, watching much film to see where he went wrong in spots. He also put on eight pounds of muscle to help him make it the the rigors of a 16-game NFL season.
And now, Shazier can’t wait to get back out there and show Steelers fans what he can do. He told the Beaver County Times, “This is definitely a chance to wipe the slate clean and start off healthy and get back on point. Last year, it was kind of a disappointment for me because I felt like I could have brought more to the team.”
He’ll get his chance in 2015 so NFL, be on the lookout because he and his young teammates on defense are coming.