on draft day I recall everybody was high on this guy, us, the experts and the Bears. Now some seem to be writing him off before he even had a shot.

I never wrote him off. My brother followed LSU two years ago during Steltz’s senior season and told me the same thing about him. I think like a lot of mid-round picks he needs a season to get acclimated to the NFL speed and play style. I think he could be the opening day starter and that a lot of people will be eating their own words if he plays well.

Especially after I saw him and Dusty wearing wife beaters while riding Harley’s and smoking a Marlboro. Reminded me of Steve McMichael and Dan Hampton.

Nice post Geaux. You’re right, he made plenty of plays at LSU and just needs time to develop (big jump in play might be this year). I still believe the ‘08 draft class will turn out to be JA’s best draft class (hopefully it’s topped by ‘09!). I’m not sure why so many fans are quick to judge players so early their careers. Of course everyone wants an Eddie Royal or DJack, but not every situation is conducive for success. Just look no further than the Eagles and Broncos pass-happy offenses. I agree that Steltz is better fitted at SS, and hope JA drafts a true FS in the first three rounds to compete with Bullocks.

GB- did/do you go to school in Baton Rouge?

Like we argued in the numerous Tebow threads, good production in college does not always equal a good NFL player.

I haven’t written him off yet, but I’m not going to endorse him either. I need to see some consistent solid play from him before I believe in him like you do.

I agree w/ you that Steltz is a better fit at SS. I also think that he could be a star at FS. Of course everybody wants the big, fast, athletic free safety out there roaming the field, but it’s not a necessity to have amazing speed to flourish at the position. Sure there’s the Ed Reed’s and Michael Griffin’s, the Laron Landry’s and Kenny Phillips’ type players that make everybody want the same mold in their FS. I can see Steltz as a Brian Dawkins/ Kerry Rhodes type free safety. Neither contain top-end speed, but both are VERY smart and physical. Steltz has good size(6’1" 210-215 lbs) and he’s a student of the game as Geaux pointed out.

For some reason I’ve got faith in Payne. Dunno if I’m drinkin’ the Lovie lean or smokin’ the Mary-JA-wanna, but I like him at SS. Put Steltz at FS and give him a shot. Both are young and have alot of room for improvement, but I think the sky’s the limit for them.

Look who decides to be the physical one at training camp (at 1:12)

i was at the one game Bowman playedin last year and he looked pretty bad-assed. I’d like to see him get a legitimate shot at FS as well.

I like Steltz, but I’m a big fan of Patrick Chung (as stated before) out of Oregon. I know we have a log(jammin) at the safety spot with Bullocks, Steltz, Bowman, Payne … but these guys are all unproven, mediocre, good at one thing and not another. I don’t know that the defense can be successful with such question marks. Of all the current guys we have, I’d say Steltz and Payne would be a good combo – but that’s only if every team we play against runs the football 95% of the time. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen — at all.

But I think Bowman is a stud with size and speed, and he played a great game against Minnesota at home before geting hurt.
Steltz reminds me of the guy from “Remember the Ttians” who couldn’t keep up with the recievers and had to give up his spot to a more athletic FS. If he bulks up a bit and gets faster, he will be a good player, I hope. Give him a chance!

He does seem to be very smart, and he does remind me of Rudy a little bit.