Lawrence Timmons will move into the starting "Mack" inside linebacker job held capably by Larry Foote the past five years. He's the only first-round draft choice since 1996 who did not become a regular starter within his first two NFL seasons.
Can he handle the job?
"He has to be ready," said linebacker James Farrior, the team's captain. "He doesn't really have a choice."
Timmons did a nice job last season as their nickel linebacker, a defense they used often because of him, moving away from the dime defense they favored against the pass in previous seasons. He had five sacks.
Timmons will have to play the run on early downs.
"I think he's coming around, he's really learning the defenses a lot more," Farrior said. "The coaches have done a good job teaching him what he needs to know. It's just got to be a situation with me feeling comfortable with him and us with communication on the field. We just have to go through practice with that."
The Steelers had a perfect setup in 2008 with Foote playing the run downs and Timmons the nickel -- Farrior and the two outside linebackers played every down. It kept both Foote and Timmons fresh and accentuated their individual talents. Now, it'll be all Timmons.
They also have no experienced backup at either inside or outside -- Timmons was the top backup at all four spots. Keyaron Fox and Donovan Woods are among the inside candidates to back up Timmons and Farrior.
Farrior, 34, has not slowed down and made the Pro Bowl last season. But how long can he keep playing every down? The Steelers once thought Timmons might replace Farrior, not Foote, but Farrior crossed them up in a way by playing so well into his mid-30s.
If Farrior hits a wall, Timmons would take his place and they'd need someone to take the other inside spot.
