TL24x7
03-22-2010, 11:53 AM
...according to ESPN's James Walker:
10. Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2009 stats: 14 games (13 starts), 78 tackles, seven sacks
Why: Let's first give credit where credit is due: Timmons flashed more ability over the past few years than a majority of the players listed below. But his up-and-down 2009 season -- his first as a full-time starter -- raised a few questions. Does Timmons fit at middle linebacker, which is not his natural position? Considering his tremendous athleticism, why did Timmons struggle at times in pass coverage? Also, the decision to bring back veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote, who started ahead of Timmons in 2007 and 2008 before leaving as a free agent, certainly adds some intrigue.
Mystery rating (scale of 1 to 10): 6.5
9. Lardarius Webb, CB, Baltimore Ravens
2009 stats: 14 games (four starts), 35 tackles, one sack
Why: Webb's mystery revolves around youth and injury. The Ravens feel Webb has the potential to be their starting cornerback next season. The former third-round pick played well opposite Domonique Foxworth for a brief stint before suffering a torn ACL in December. Now there are questions about whether Webb will be ready for training camp or even the start of the regular season. Does Webb have enough experience? Can he be the same player, or will it take another year to shake off the injury? These are all questions Webb has to answer next season.
Mystery rating: 7.0
8. Paul Kruger, DE/LB, Ravens
2009 stats: Nine games (one start), 11 tackles, one interception
Why: Many were surprised when the Ravens drafted defensive end/linebacker hybrid Paul Kruger in the second round last year. Baltimore already had a stud hybrid in Terrell Suggs, and the team later gave him a large contract extension. Kruger took even more heat when he barely saw the field during the first half of last season. Kruger often was inactive because he didn't contribute on special teams, which made the situation look worse. But Kruger did show a couple of flashes last season, particularly in Baltimore's home win over Pittsburgh. With the recent losses of defensive linemen Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan in free agency, Kruger will be asked to step up in 2010.
Mystery rating: 7.7
Here are the rest of the mysteries (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/10797/ten-afc-north-mysteries)
10. Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2009 stats: 14 games (13 starts), 78 tackles, seven sacks
Why: Let's first give credit where credit is due: Timmons flashed more ability over the past few years than a majority of the players listed below. But his up-and-down 2009 season -- his first as a full-time starter -- raised a few questions. Does Timmons fit at middle linebacker, which is not his natural position? Considering his tremendous athleticism, why did Timmons struggle at times in pass coverage? Also, the decision to bring back veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote, who started ahead of Timmons in 2007 and 2008 before leaving as a free agent, certainly adds some intrigue.
Mystery rating (scale of 1 to 10): 6.5
9. Lardarius Webb, CB, Baltimore Ravens
2009 stats: 14 games (four starts), 35 tackles, one sack
Why: Webb's mystery revolves around youth and injury. The Ravens feel Webb has the potential to be their starting cornerback next season. The former third-round pick played well opposite Domonique Foxworth for a brief stint before suffering a torn ACL in December. Now there are questions about whether Webb will be ready for training camp or even the start of the regular season. Does Webb have enough experience? Can he be the same player, or will it take another year to shake off the injury? These are all questions Webb has to answer next season.
Mystery rating: 7.0
8. Paul Kruger, DE/LB, Ravens
2009 stats: Nine games (one start), 11 tackles, one interception
Why: Many were surprised when the Ravens drafted defensive end/linebacker hybrid Paul Kruger in the second round last year. Baltimore already had a stud hybrid in Terrell Suggs, and the team later gave him a large contract extension. Kruger took even more heat when he barely saw the field during the first half of last season. Kruger often was inactive because he didn't contribute on special teams, which made the situation look worse. But Kruger did show a couple of flashes last season, particularly in Baltimore's home win over Pittsburgh. With the recent losses of defensive linemen Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan in free agency, Kruger will be asked to step up in 2010.
Mystery rating: 7.7
Here are the rest of the mysteries (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/10797/ten-afc-north-mysteries)