Football seems pretty trivial right now. We're all experiencing similar concerns that can make free agency feel irrelevant. But free agency has also served as a nice distraction during my time under self-quarantine.
That said, there hasn't been anything that's happened in free agency to awaken me from Corona virus funk - until the Steelers' signing of Eric Ebron.
I have a lot of questions about Ebron as a person and a player. During his draft process and career in Detroit, Ebron displayed a certain level of goofiness and immaturity that didn't sit well with me. I don't mind a player having a sense of humor, but if it comes with mental lapses in terms of dropped passes and a reputation for being a below-average blocker, the question persists of just how seriously he takes the game.
Colts GM Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich weren't happy with Ebron's decision to shut it down rather than play through an injury last year, so there are multiple concerns in adding Ebron to the locker room.
However, he's not a media distraction. Ebon doesn't appear to have a negative attitude. The hope is that the leadership on the team will bring out his best.
Also, Ebron's claim that he ran a 4.5 40 on pulled hamstrings seemed like a gross exaggeration of the truth (another sign of immaturity). Regardless, if he's a 4.5 or the 4.60 guy officially recorded at the combine, Ebron can stretch the seam and create mismatches.
The reason I'm most excited is that Ebron's signing signals that the Steelers FINALLY plan to use 12-personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends) groupings. Readers know from my past work that I've been begging for it for quite some time. With Vance McDonald and Ebron, the Steelers now have two tight ends with size and speed to make the grouping extremely unpredictable. Opponents won't know whether or not the Steelers are coming downhill with a power run or if they're running four vertical routes.
Most important, this signing signals the Steelers will likely be playing more from under center to utilize the play-action pass. In doing so, the Steelers would be moving toward fielding a championship level offense. Most offenses in the league have moved in the direction of utilizing more play-action. Even Tom Brady has gone back to using it at rates that would match his first three to four seasons in the league.
Ebron's signing makes Derek Watt's signing that much more exciting. Initially, it seemed like Watt received the contract Tyler Matakevich turned down. But Ebron's signing signals that Watt could help increase the Steelers' use of 21 personnel groupings as well.
Watt is much more athletic than Rosie Nix. Reports also suggest the Chargers were happy with what they saw from Watt in his limited exposure playing tight end. With similar 4.7 speed, agility and hands, Watt can be utilized similarly to how the 49ers used Kyle Juszczyk. The fake outside zone/whip route Juszczyk converted into a touchdown reception in the Super Bowl is something Watt can also execute.
With signs pointing to the Steelers utilizing more 12 and 21 personnel groupings, we can hopefully put the speculation about the Steelers drafting a wide receiver in the second round to rest. The Steelers have taken a receiver with their first offensive selection the last three drafts. I can't see them doing that a fourth consecutive year. The signings of Ebron and Watt point directly toward the Steelers selecting a bell-cow running back with their only draft pick within the top 100. With such limited top-end draft capital, it makes too much sense to draft one of the four or five running backs who have first-round talent.
On the trade, I like Chris Wormley. As a Michigan fan, I thought Wormley was an ideal third-round player for the Steelers in 2017.
At that time, Wormley's position wasn't one of need, but I didn't enjoy seeing him drafted by the Ravens. For the Ravens to trade Wormley to their division rival for a swap of 2021 late-round picks suggests they gave up on him.
Not often do I text Jim Wexell to watch a player in college, but I did with Wormley one Saturday afternoon. At 6-5, 298 pounds, Wormley has the prototypical five-technique body. With 4.86 speed combined with a 7.08 cone drill, Wormley has the Brett Keisel/Aaron Smith-type measurables.
Wormley displayed a great work ethic and leadership during his time at Michigan. Hopefully, all he needs is a change of scenery and a better system fit to reach his potential.
I wish everyone and their families nothing but the best of health.
To read the breakdown of the Chris Wormley trade, click here.
"exciting" - Google News
March 21, 2020 at 06:36PM
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Matt Steel: Even with maturity questions, Ebron an exciting add - 247Sports
"exciting" - Google News
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