Old and slow became a popular way to describe the Steelers the past few years as an aging core of veterans remained in prominent roles in the hope the team would compete for another Super Bowl. But after consecutive 8-8 seasons, general manager Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin are reshaping the roster this offseason with an emphasis on accumulating fast players. From free-agent acquisitions to the players drafted, the Steelers became faster at nearly every position since the 2013 season ended. Linebackers coach Keith Butler noted how the defense has three players who run the 40-yard dash in less than 4.4 seconds. The newest member of the defense is linebacker Ryan Shazier, the No. 15 overall pick who was timed in the 40 at the NFL combine at 4.38. The other two speedsters play in the secondary. Free-agent safety Mike Mitchell once ran 4.36, and safety Shamarko Thomas, a fourth-round pick in 2013, runs 4.37. None would win a race against third-round pick Dri Archer, a running back and kick returner, who ran the 40 in 4.26 seconds at the combine, the fastest time this year. Add in fourth-round receiver Martavis Bryant (4.42), one of the 15 fastest players at the combine, and the Steelers could field a competitive Olympic relay team. "I think you cover speed obviously, but it's football not a track meet," Tomlin said. "If you get a capable football player who happens to be fast, it's an asset. Speed players that we were able to acquire in this draft fit the bill in that regard. They are football players first who happen to be extremely fast." Shazier was by far the fastest linebacker available in the draft. The Steelers will use him on the inside of their defense and have him run sideline to sideline to track down running backs and receivers. Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...p-to-speed/stories/201405150359#ixzz31yacB9eJ
