Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 6.13.12

Wednesday, 13 June 2012 14:08

Written by Gerry Dulac

Gerry Dulac: OK, everyone, I'm all set for today's chat. This is my only appearance till training camp, so have at me before I have to get back on the field for minicamp.

Ryan W: Gerry thanks for the chat, how are the young corners looking in mini camp?

Gerry Dulac: Well, I think the biggest disappointment is that Curtis Brown, their fourth-round pick last year, has been unable to practice. The coaches are excited about Brown's ability after seeing the way he performed last year on special teams. He has a chance to be a big contributor this year. I'm not one to evaluate players in minicap because they are in shorts and have no real live competition. But I don't think there's any question the position will be stronger this year with Brown, Cortez Allen and Keenan Lewis, who has been lining up as one of the starters across from Ike Taylor.

SteelersfanSLC: Has Ta'Amu been getting any reps with the 1st team defense?

Gerry Dulac: No, not yet. And I'm not so sure for right now that he will, unless of course there is an injury. But I like him because he is the perfect body type for a Steelers nose tackle -- thick, powerful, hard to move. I think he has a chance to be a very good player in their defense.

t: your take on Rooney and Tomlin both saying Wallace should be there? any update on how far apart the sides are and a prediction perhaps on how the situation will resolve itself? thanks

Gerry Dulac: Of course, they have to say that. But I don't believe they are overly concerned, at least right now. Now, if it drags into training camp, it becomes a bigger problem because at some point he has to get accustomed to what they're doing with the offense with Todd Haley.

I am also told there is little, if any, movement in negotiations and they aren't even close to a resolution. Do I think it will get done. Yes. I'll say one week into training camp.

Michael: Which RB has been getting the most 1st team reps behind Redman?

Gerry Dulac: I would have to say either Baron Batch and/or rookie Chris Rainey, but only in third-down situations. Jonathan Dwyer has been getting a lot of second-team snaps. He did himself a big favor last year with that 75-yard TD run late in the season.

Ryan: How has Toney Clemons looked so far? he's my sleeper pick

Gerry Dulac: Let me say this, I haven't noticed him a lot in 1 1/2 days, but that doesn't mean he's not doing anything right. Of course, I am noticing Chris Rainey a lot and that's because they're putting the ball in his hands. And there must be a reason for that.

Gerry Dulac: That's all the time we have today kids. Have to go back to the practice field. See ya in Latrobe.