“I’m excited for that every day”.
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As Tomlin said, Gilbert’s role is yet to be determined but the makeup of the cornerback group will give him a chance to make a more positive impression in Pittsburgh.
That was his answer to a question about “distractions”, as his then-coach had called the personal issues which swirled around Gilbert during his rookie season after he was chosen eighth in the 2014 National Football League draft. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert had dinner with Gilbert before his college pro day in the spring of 2014.
Gilbert, who missed the Browns’ third preseason game with a concussion, doesn’t think the lofty expectations of being a top-10 pick were too much to handle.
Gilbert believes the locker room leadership in Pittsburgh will help his development.
“Everybody knows what this team is capable of”, Gilbert said.
Heyward and Gay, are the production guys, and on defense, when mic’d up, you can hear them encouraging, rallying, giving direction, and getting in the face of any player not stepping up. The Steelers drafted Artie Burns No. 25 overall in April, the first time the team took a cornerback in the opening round since Chad Scott in 1997. Senquez Golson, the Steelers’ 2015 second-round pick, suffered a Lisfranc foot injury early in training camp that will keep him out long term. He struggled with punctuality as a rookie, prompting Browns safety Donte Whitner to say publicly Gilbert needed to “grow up”. I just want to finish out the year here and make it to the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl.
“I think that was just a little joke played on me by the real No. 7”, Mettenberger said.
“I have a great opportunity with a great organization and I’m looking forward to it”, Mettenberger said. “Hopefully, I’ll be out there”.
The Steelers traded for Gilbert Saturday, and they’re hoping he can resurrect his career in new surroundings. “All I know is what I can do and what I’m going to do for this franchise”.
Dupree, the Steelers first-round draft pick previous year, recorded four sacks during his rookie season.
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This will be Roethlisberger’s eighth time as offensive captain, Gay and Heyward’s second time as defensive captains and Golden’s third time as special teams captain.
