Dwight Smith & Troy Williamson

[Miller]

So according to John Clayton of ESPN, the Steelers (and the Lions) have contacted recently released Vikings safety Dwight Smith with the intent of signing him. He also reported that after receiver Troy Williamson was given the OK to seek a trade from the Vikings, the Steelers were one of 8-14 teams to inquire about him.

Now obviously Tomlin knows these guys (Smith especially, having coached him in Tampa and Minny) and thinks that at the very least they are worth potentially adding to the Steelers. Apparently Smith more concretely than Williamson. Williamson is generally regarded as an all speed, no hands bust. Smith is a good player, had two picks for TD's in SB XXXVII, was a DPOW last year for tearing up Eli and the Giants, is usually good for 70 tackles and 4 picks, and Tomlin obviously likes him having coached him in Tampa, then bringing him to the Vikings. But he has also gotten busted for nailing a chick in a stairwell, for a petty misdemeanor marijuana possession (which was dropped a week or two ago) and reportedly clashed with Childress.

But what do you think of adding one, both, or none of these guys?

[SteelerFan448]

We need depth at FS and an upgrade at WR. Free agency is the way to go for these moves, so it is encouraging that we are heading in the right direction. I don't know much about either player, but there is certainly worse out there.

[Far51]

Williamson has been a bust but a change of scenery might do him good, he has the tools to be e better wr than nate.

[tjack]

So according to John Clayton of ESPN, the Steelers (and the Lions) have contacted recently released Vikings safety Dwight Smith with the intent of signing him. He also reported that after receiver Troy Williamson was given the OK to seek a trade from the Vikings, the Steelers were one of 8-14 teams to inquire about him.

Now obviously Tomlin knows these guys (Smith especially, having coached him in Tampa and Minny) and thinks that at the very least they are worth potentially adding to the Steelers. Apparently Smith more concretely than Williamson. Williamson is generally regarded as an all speed, no hands bust. Smith is a good player, had two picks for TD's in SB XXXVII, was a DPOW last year for tearing up Eli and the Giants, is usually good for 70 tackles and 4 picks, and Tomlin obviously likes him having coached him in Tampa, then bringing him to the Vikings. But he has also gotten busted for nailing a chick in a stairwell, for a petty misdemeanor marijuana possession (which was dropped a week or two ago) and reportedly clashed with Childress.

But what do you think of adding one, both, or none of these guys?

What does the chick look like? Just kidding.

If Coach Tomlin wants to bring in Smith then apparently he has sold the Rooney's, Mr.Colbert, and Coach LeBeau on this idea and this kid has turned the page. We pretty much know the Rooney's don't put up with too many issues from a player.

I thought Williamson was suppose to be Randy Moss's replacement when he got to Minn? What happen to that?

[Big Fella]

Troy Williamson would look good in the black and gold. He was never used right in Minnesota...

[Super Dave]

who threw to him in MN?

Didn't Jeff George want to come out of retirement and play there?

As far as Smith, I remember when Bettis was a rapist.

[Irv24]

Troy Williamson would look good in the black and gold. He was never used right in Minnesota...
If he comes in at the right price why not give him a shot?

[Supersteeler]

That tells me that Ryan Clark may not be able to play next year or ever again....if that's the case we are very shallow at FS. I'm all for adding depth at the position. We probably would draft someone anyway if it wasn't addressed now.

Williamson? I'm not sure...I know he's fast but isn't he kinda small? We need to add a little size to the position, just ask Ben, lol.

[TMC]

I am a big Williamson fan. He was the best WR at South Carolina during his tenure. I am not sure why he is struggling in the pros because I have not watched him enough, but his hands were not an issue in college.....not that I can remember. Of course, I felt he should have stayed for another year instead of opting out.

He was somewhat raw but his speed and big play ability is undeniable. I would not compare him to Nate Washington. While Washington and him have similar size and probably speed, Nate seems to do well making those tough catches in traffic. He seems to get better when the catch is tougher. Williamson is not the type of receiver that will make a living in the middle. He is an edge burner and needs to do his damage on quick hitters outside where he could break one or simply running the outside deeper routes.

He fell into the doghouse in Minny when he opted to attend his grandmother's funeral. The Vikings docked him a game check and even thought about fining him. IMO, it is just a bad relationship.

I will say this though, Williamson is a WR that when he lines up, you better have a speedy corner on his ass or he will toast the guy across from him. I have saw him take a quick slant 99 yards untouched. The secondary took angles on him and before they could get there, he was 5 yards past where they planned to meet him. He has speed to burn. Also, I have read where he has dropped some passes and I do realize that he needs some technique work as he sometimes crosses his hands (Keyshawn Johnson had this issue early in his career). I also do not feel he has had any type of consistent QB play around him. In his rookie season, he saw time from Culpepper and Brad Johnson. His 2nd season, it was Johnson, Jackson, and even Brooks Bollinger. That season, he finished 2nd on the team (for WRs) in receptions and yards. This year, it was Jackson, Holcolmb, and Bollinger again.

Sorry, but when they are raving about Sidney Rice, and he is a good one, and then bashing Williamson, when their rookie numbers are almost identical, I find the issue may not be with the production of the player and more the player himself. The Vikings have not had a WR, ANY WR, top 60 catches in the past three seasons. They have a host of 30-40 catch guys and really like dumping it to the backs and TEs.

IMO, it depends on the price. Like with the Matt Jones debate earlier, I would be willing to see what they would take. I would give a 5th or later without question.

[TMC]

Williamson is 6013-203, so I would not call him small. He is lean. But, he has pretty long arms at 33" and big hands (almost 9 1/2"). He also blazed the combine at 4.32 and he plays to his speed. His cone drill was 4.13 and I can tell you he breaks quickly.

He is just not the type of WR you want in the slot making a living getting blasted by linebackers. South Carolina used him on the edge and threw screens, slants, and go patterns to him. He virtually won games for them on one play.

[BLITZ 43]

I am all for either guy because that means that would be less time spent at them positions in the draft and more time to spend on oline, dline, db and rb. I am worried that if Clark is healthy we would have 3 fs's( Clark, A. Smith, and D. Smith) what about SS? Does A. Smith move there to back up TP, I don't want to see Carter back. If not does that mean A. Smith pissed off Tomlin so bad last year he is gone? I hope not I am not ready to give up on A.Smith.

[Super Dave]

If not does that mean A. Smith pissed off Tomlin so bad last year he is gone? I hope not I am not ready to give up on A.Smith.

Better not be, Tomlin made more mistakes last year than Smith.

[BLITZ 43]

Better not be, Tomlin made more mistakes last year than Smith.

Yeah I hear ya but the whole guarantee might have pissed Tomlin off. I will go on record as saying I don't want to see AS gone but am all for bringing in D. Smith. I would think AS could back up TP and learn a lot, any thoughts?

[the Bubster]

any signing that means punk anthony smith gets cut I'm all for

[Supersteeler]

any signing that means punk anthony smith gets cut I'm all for

Uh oh, it was all fun and games until now...you tried to find away to get more attention and you just did it. The wrath of the Nation is going to rain upon you.

That pretty much cements the fact that you will say anything at all to get people pissed off so they'll pay attention to you.

[Punxsutawney]

Williamson has been a bust but a change of scenery might do him good, .

Having a remotely decent QB throwing him passes would do him even better.

[Steelersrule]

Having a remotely decent QB throwing him passes would do him even better.


Lets compare what we have at WR and CB.

We just cut a CB, who also was a special teamer. We cut our ST captain and Linebacker. We cut a TE.

If Williamson can replace Rossums role in ST, and play WR, we are improved. If Smith takes over what Rossum did as a CB, we are ahead. We were not in bad cap situation before we cut these three. Cap was not the issue.

What does our 4th and 5th receiverrs look like compared to Williamson? I like the idea of giving Williamson a tryout and make our "backup" reeceiveres prove what they can do. Competition.

[pourman]

Williamson is 6013-203, so I would not call him small. He is lean. But, he has pretty long arms at 33" and big hands (almost 9 1/2"). He also blazed the combine at 4.32 and he plays to his speed. His cone drill was 4.13 and I can tell you he breaks quickly.

He is just not the type of WR you want in the slot making a living getting blasted by linebackers. South Carolina used him on the edge and threw screens, slants, and go patterns to him. He virtually won games for them on one play. I agree with both posts. He's definitely someone to consider.

[kurtistb]

as with everything it all depends on the cost

[BLEEDS]

We could do a lot worse than Williamson/Holmes as our two starting WR's in 3-4 years from now...

Ward in the slot, and these guys on the edge? FUGGEDDABOUDDIT!! (assuming Arians learns that the slant is your best friend, especially with a suspect pass-protecting OL)

PEACE

-BLEEDS

[Far51]

Cut Wilson add Williamson corps now

Ward Williamson Washington/ Trannon Holmes

[Sluzilla]

makes me wonder if the think Clark may not be able to recover...

[Stlrs4Life]

Smith, marijuana. Sure we should take the chance on this guy? Are we now going to only sign guys that worked with Tomlin before, like Mahan from TB?

[Bclower]

sure would be nice to pick up someone this offseason besides someone from the draft we could use a few vets at good prices

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

I still say instead of Williamson we should try and get Bryant Johnson. And we won't have to give up a draft pick for him either.

[BLITZ 43]

any signing that means punk anthony smith gets cut I'm all for

Yeah ok asswipe like I have said before go to the NY Giant board thats where you belong!!!!!!

[Irv24]

any signing that means punk anthony smith gets cut I'm all for

I'm more worried about getting rid of Tyrone Carter.
Smith is young. He can improve.
Carter is the same vet that tried to tickle David Gerrard instead to tackle him in the playoffs.

[JEFFRO]

any signing that means punk anthony smith gets cut I'm all for

Ignore him and his posts and he will go away.

[3diamonds5rings]

What kinda $$$ do you think Donte Stallworth would command?

[Steel Conviction]

Both of these areas are areas where, at a minimum, we need depth. The former brings us some good experience in the secondary (and perhaps marks that Clark can't return?) and the latter is all about potential and youth. Clearly, both would = depth with probably starting potential.

Either or both would allow us to explore other areas in the draft.

[t-bone]

Smith is interesting.

Williamson, not so much.

[FAB802]

What kinda $$$ do you think Donte Stallworth would command?

It better not be much, he'll cost us a fortune in ace bandages and sweat pants.

[K from Cal]

Williamson is 6013-203, so I would not call him small. He is lean. But, he has pretty long arms at 33" and big hands (almost 9 1/2"). He also blazed the combine at 4.32 and he plays to his speed. His cone drill was 4.13 and I can tell you he breaks quickly.

He is just not the type of WR you want in the slot making a living getting blasted by linebackers. South Carolina used him on the edge and threw screens, slants, and go patterns to him. He virtually won games for them on one play.

Bringing Williamson in and moving Santonio to the slot when we go 3 wide would make us pretty tough to stop.

[pete]

Bringing Williamson in and moving Santonio to the slot when we go 3 wide would make us pretty tough to stop.

I always figured that it would be best to put Ward in the slot and bring someone in to play split end instead of moving Santonio inside and putting someone else at the Flanker position.

[TMC]

I always figured that it would be best to put Ward in the slot and bring someone in to play split end instead of moving Santonio inside and putting someone else at the Flanker position.

I agree. I think, simply because Ward does not seem as fast as he once was and is obviously one of the craftier players and better route runners, I would want him working underneath simply because he can devastate teams there. It would also give you speed on both edges and when you go 4 wide, you have three guys running 4.4 or better in Washington, Holmes, and Williamson.

[Hollywood Bags]

Agree TMC, Hines on the outside makes no sense as his "speed" is shot, he is a monster between the hash marks and putting him against the 3rd or 4th CB is a huge mismatch.

[the Bubster]

It better not be much, he'll cost us a fortune in ace bandages and sweat pants.


Major injury concerns arent a concern for Colbert. If they were, he'd have never signed duce staley to a long term deal. If colbert wants an oft injured player, he signs him then crosses his fingers.

[BermudaSteel]

Oh Moderator(s)...

There's a fly in my soup! ^

Now to the topic of discussion...I'm all for the Smith option; and yes, I'd keep Anthony Smith as well - he has an unproven talent that just needs to be harnessed. Moving him to SS would probably be a better fit.

I like Williamson; but, Dallas Baker "The Touchdown Maker" seems to be the same type of receiver - he just resides on the PS. So, I'll pass on Williamson...this time.

[kurtistb]

Oh Moderator(s)...

There's a fly in my soup! ^

Now to the topic of discussion...I'm all for the Smith option; and yes, I'd keep Anthony Smith as well - he has an unproven talent that just needs to be harnessed. Moving him to SS would probably be a better fit.

I like Williamson; but, Dallas Baker "The Touchdown Maker" seems to be the same type of receiver - he just resides on the PS. So, I'll pass on Williamson...this time.

you do realize Williamson is about 3 inches shorter and .3 seconds faster than Baker

[BermudaSteel]

you do realize Williamson is about 3 inches shorter and .3 seconds faster than Baker

Thanks Kurtis...but I'll pass on the "short receiver" bandwagon...our QB wants and needs bigger targets; but...now that I say that---could Williamson be the next Welker?

[pete]

Thanks Kurtis...but I'll pass on the "short receiver" bandwagon...our QB wants and needs bigger targets; but...now that I say that---could Williamson be the next Welker?

Welker is going to turn back into form if Randy Moss doesn't resign with the Pats*

[K from Cal]

I always figured that it would be best to put Ward in the slot and bring someone in to play split end instead of moving Santonio inside and putting someone else at the Flanker position.

I just don't see Hines getting the separation he used to get. In a small area it's even tougher for him. ON the outside he has more space. Holmes has quickness and speed. Who said you can't run a deep pattern from the slot, sometimes being covered by a linebacker or safety? He would destroy defenses especially with our TE's getting out. I'm not saying wouldn't be effective either, just think Santonio could do more.

[pete]

I just don't see Hines getting the separation he used to get. In a small area it's even tougher for him. ON the outside he has more space. Holmes has quickness and speed. Who said you can't run a deep pattern from the slot, sometimes being covered by a linebacker or safety? He would destroy defenses especially with our TE's getting out. I'm not saying wouldn't be effective either, just think Santonio could do more.

Gotcha. I just assumed moving Ward inside was the "logical" move. Your scenario is definitely palatable though.

[Hollywood Bags]

Welker is going to turn back into form if Randy Moss doesn't resign with the Pats*

Not true, Welker is virtually unstoppable with his quickness and smarts in the slot. There was a piece on him in the playoffs where they showed how hard it was to cover him in the slot, even while a lot of teams double teamed him on 3rd and shorts.

Moss is the player that will start declioning as he goes through his 30s as a speed ONLY WR.

[Sluzilla]

Welker is going to turn back into form if Randy Moss doesn't resign with the Pats*

Welker WAS in form this year...he was the perfect WR for the pats and what they do...he'll be successful with them no matter what...

[t-bone]

Welker is one of the best slot recievers ever.....totally wasted in Miami, too bad....

[kurtistb]

Thanks Kurtis...but I'll pass on the "short receiver" bandwagon...our QB wants and needs bigger targets; but...now that I say that---could Williamson be the next Welker?

I was just pointing out that Williamson and Baker have absolutely nothing in common just like he has nothing in common with Welker. Welker is all smarts, savvy and concentration, Williamson is athletic ability and unrealized potential. His biggest knocks are the very things that make Wes Welker who he is.

[Hollywood Bags]

Williamson is being traded to the Jags for a second day pick acording to the St.Paul Press.

[Avoid Lloyd1975]

Smith gets my vote. He has great speed and has good coverage skills with the talent to also lay a lick. Williamson ummm, I don't think so. The kid is a burner but so is Michael Johnson from the former Olympic team. Speed doesn't equate to great hands.

[BLITZ 43]

Williamson is being traded to the Jags for a second day pick acording to the St.Paul Press.

Yeah the Jags gave up a 6th, man how did we let this slip away? TMC you can't be very happy here, man I would have gave our 5th for this kid!

[cutty]

Forget Williams, Jax stole him for a 2nd day pick. You have to be shitting me.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

I'm glad Jax traded for him. I didn't want to see him with the Steelers.

[Garrett]

Another receiver that can't catch on the Jags...no wonder they run so much.

[K from Cal]

Minnesota Vikings' last link to the Randy Moss trade reportedly will be jettisoned from their roster later this week.




Williamson

Though nothing may be officially announced until Friday at midnight ET when the NFL's new league year starts, the Jaguars have all but agreed on a trade with the Vikings for wide receiver Troy Williamson.

Williamson was given permission last week by coach Brad Childress to find a new home via a trade. The Vikings are expected to receive a sixth-round pick for Williamson.

The Jaguars were looking to add speed at receiver, and Williamson is one of the fastest in the league at the position. Going to the Jaguars will allow him to reunite with Mike Tice, the Jaguars assistant who was the head coach in Minnesota when Williamson was drafted.

Williamson was drafted in 2005 with the seventh overall pick, which the Vikings acquired from the Raiders for Moss. Other players which Minnesota acquired for Moss -- linebacker Napoleon Harris and cornerback Adrian Ward (picked in the seventh round via a Raiders selection) -- are no longer with the franchise.

Last season, Williamson was fined a game check -- a decision later reversed by the team -- for leaving the team to be with his family in South Carolina after the death of his grandmother, Celestine, to whom he was very close.

Williamson chose to stay at home the entire week and not return for the Vikings' game against the Chargers.

The Vikings wanted him back sooner, though, and docked him one paycheck for his absence, which amounted to more than $25,000 of his $435,000 base salary.

But after veteran players voiced support of Williamson's decision, the team opted to change course.

In 2007, Williamson caught 18 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown. In three NFL seasons, he has caught 79 passes for 1,067 yards and three touchdowns.

Information from ESPN.com's John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

[TMC]

Actually, I am not upset at all. I would love to see these guys come in, guys like Williamson and Jones, because I think they have some abilities and could potentially help this team, but if they do not come here, that is fine as well. It is not like we are missing out on a Pro Bowl player that will instantly elevate this team. Each of these guys have some risk involved.

Would I have given up a 6th? Yeah, I would. Am I upset we did not, nope. I think we will find someone to add to this team. It is still very early.

[BLITZ 43]

Well now that the Jags have Williamson will that mean they cut Jones? How about Jones for a 7th, oh wait we don't have one thats right, ok a 7th in 09????? I hate to be the one to fuel the Jones talk again but hey he would be a good fit, IMO.

[Steelerfan81]

I'd take Matt Jones for a 6th..

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

I might consider Matt Jones as a free agent for the free agent minimum incentive laden contract. I would not give up a pick for him.

[BermudaSteel]

Not true, Welker is virtually unstoppable with his quickness and smarts in the slot. There was a piece on him in the playoffs where they showed how hard it was to cover him in the slot, even while a lot of teams double teamed him on 3rd and shorts.

Moss is the player that will start declioning as he goes through his 30s as a speed ONLY WR.
Bags - you're incredible...BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I'd take Matt Jones for a 6th..

Me too.

[mallrat80]

I remember Dwight Smith in the superbowl that the bucs won a few years back (that was the same year Warren Sapp came running through our pregame warmups, and the Bus Shoved him and we ended up Killing them in that game) He looked great and he wasnt even a starter. He can at the very least upgrade our Tyrone Carter Situation.....

[ZACKB]

Smith to Detroit.

[Hollywood Bags]

Smith to Detroit.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3267800

Here's the link

[TheStoneMan]

Smith to Detroit.

Business as usual..

[BermudaSteel]

Smith to Detroit.

We missed the bus...











again.:mad: