Dr Z

source: @steelers #54 first row of the class.

Spotlight: Akron LB Ulysees Gilbert The writer probably knows less about Gilbert than most ZN members, but I like his intent. I think the writer misses, work ethic, and film study in his list. This comment is uninformed for many reasons, "Yeah, those are MAC stats, but at least he proved he can dominate lesser competition" If I were motivated to respond to him, I could come up with a list of players from the MAC that had better stats in the NFL than they did in college, and come up with players that had better stats in college from the SEC than they did in the NFL. I'm hoping Ulysees proves the writer to be off course with his comment.

Small glimpse of #54

Ulysees selects #54.

Ulysees will attend rookie camp starting today thru Sunday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Way too early predictions have UG3 making the 53 man roster Inside Linebacker (5) Dave: Vince Williams, Mark Barron, Devin Bush, Tyler Matakevich, Ulysses Gilbert III Analysis: They carry five players with Gilbert because of special teams value. He’ll battle with Matakevich for a game-day helmet. Jeff: Analysis: If there is a shock here it would be Matakevich getting cut if Gilbert shows out. But for what Matakevich lacks in talent, he makes up for in awareness and brains. I don’t see him getting cut. ------------------------------------ Dr Z: Analysis: I've watched more of Matakevich in a Steeler uniform, and Gilbert in a Zips uniform than most. I'll be shocked if Gilbert doesn't provide more value to the Steelers from day one, than Matakevich every did. Tomlin craves, what he calls "splash" plays, this is exactly what Gilbert will bring when he steps on the field. The speed between the two is not comparable, and will favor Gilbert.

Mid-American Pipeline has worked well... “Being from Ohio, I’m proud of the MAC,” said inside linebackers coach Jerry Olsavsky, a Youngstown, Ohio, native. “I’ve seen a lot of players from there. I grew up there. It’s just good football. It’s just like in Florida. Florida’s good football. Texas is good football. Ohio is good football, and that’s really where a lot of MAC schools get their guys from, Cleveland and Cincinnati. There are a lot of good players there.”

May 3rd - 5th Rookie minicamp This camp will include draft and undrafted rookies, as well as players invited to camp on a tryout basis.

May 3rd - 5th Rookie minicamp This camp will include draft and undrafted rookies, as well as players invited to camp on a tryout basis.

Jamal to Sign with the Houston Texans AP Photo\Michael Conroy

Mykel is going to get an opportunity with the Oakland Raiders.

Shannon White gives the the Steelers an A for picking Ulysees. "Ulysees gets an A grade due to his coverage abilities and the need for his particular skill set on the team. Much smaller learning curve" From the Post-Gazette: The four new linebackers are all smaller in stature, possess the speed and athleticism to play in pass coverage and offer versatility. Gilbert (6-0, 224) is small for a linebacker, but he ran a 4.48 at the NFL Scouting Combine. And like Smith, he was an effective playmaker in the Mid-American Conference. “We think Ulysees can compete for special teams play, as well as give us the new type of athleticism that you look for,” said general manager Kevin Colbert, who also noted Gilbert might be able to play inside and outside. “That’s where the game is going,” inside linebackers coach Jerry Olsavsky said.

What could Ulysees first NFL contract look like:

Or the coach. Maybe the Browns will draft a Zip, and they go back to coach.

The Steelers currently own the 122, 141, 175, 192, 207 and 219 picks in the draft. They play the 3-4 (linebackers), and in my opinion are not done taking linebackers in this draft. They love MAC players (already selecting one this year). The Steelers had Ulysees in for a pre-draft visit, and have a track record of taking players they meet with. “It was amazing, honestly. The Steelers were my favorite team growing up, so to meet everybody and meet Tomlin and just be around there — it was a blessing. I really enjoyed it.” --UG Edit: The Steelers draft another MAC guy at 175, Northern Illinois, Sutton Smith. Will move to ILB. Probably dismisses Ulysees landing in the Burg. Good luck to him wherever he goes!

Alex is 6'3", Rob is 6'2", and Kato is 6'1" according to my most recent roster sheet (April 5th). Even though they are not standing (perfectly) next to each other, you can make somewhat of a judgement from this (April 6th) photo.

Other than the photos included in the article by @JeffJefflange, here are a few more:

Jamal has 3,438 followers right now, Ulysees Gilbert has 1,145. I'm interested to see how it goes up after they get drafted. ??