http://www.steelersgab.com/2009/02/10/steelers-looking-to-grab-either-starks-or-smith-before-free-agency/ The Definitive Pittsburgh Steelers Blog! Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:48:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.steelersgab.com/2009/02/10/steelers-looking-to-grab-either-starks-or-smith-before-free-agency/comment-page-1/#comment-5172 Jay Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:47:54 +0000 http://www.steelersgab.com/?p=1304#comment-5172 I like Starks, I like his size and he is right at about the age that someone in his position becomes really GOOD at lateral movement in pass protection (unless of course we're talking about a very high first round pick and even those guys find room to improve). I think Starks can only get better from here whereas Mavel might not only be a health liability but may also have his best playing days behind him. I like Starks, I like his size and he is right at about the age that someone in his position becomes really GOOD at lateral movement in pass protection (unless of course we’re talking about a very high first round pick and even those guys find room to improve). I think Starks can only get better from here whereas Mavel might not only be a health liability but may also have his best playing days behind him.

]]> http://www.steelersgab.com/2009/02/10/steelers-looking-to-grab-either-starks-or-smith-before-free-agency/comment-page-1/#comment-5171 mark Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:41:16 +0000 http://www.steelersgab.com/?p=1304#comment-5171 If I had to make the decision, I would take Starks over Smith. If I had to base it on anything it is that Smith is just not healthy enough to deserve a long, expensive contract. As an athlete, albeit I am not on the level of a professional,I have had back surgeries and disc removal along with plenty of steroid injections. Since my last one, I have not been the same strength wise. I cant imagine playing that position after many back injuries and surgery that Smith will ever perform at a high level again. Imagine the fall-out if they sign him to a big deal and he got hurt and missed significant time again? or plays at a poor level? or is forced to retire? Im sure he would have to pass a physical, but that doesnt insure a long career either. If I had to make the decision, I would take Starks over Smith. If I had to base it on anything it is that Smith is just not healthy enough to deserve a long, expensive contract. As an athlete, albeit I am not on the level of a professional,I have had back surgeries and disc removal along with plenty of steroid injections. Since my last one, I have not been the same strength wise. I cant imagine playing that position after many back injuries and surgery that Smith will ever perform at a high level again. Imagine the fall-out if they sign him to a big deal and he got hurt and missed significant time again? or plays at a poor level? or is forced to retire? Im sure he would have to pass a physical, but that doesnt insure a long career either.

]]>