Mike Wallace Interview

This past weekend I had the opportunity to talk to the Steelers new rookie receiver Mike Wallace. The Steelers took Wallace in the 3rd round with the 84th pick. If you read my pre draft receiver rankings, you may remember that I had Wallace at number eight on the list. Along with being one of the fastest receivers in his draft class with a 4.33 forty yard dash, Wallace is also the first player interview on my blog. I would again like to thank Mike for taking the time out of his busy schedule and I wish him the best in his NFL career.

Fbkid: What was the whole draft process like for you?
Mike Wallace: It was nerve racking but it was a really good experience
FB: What was it like to be called on draft day?
MW: It was the best feeling in the world just to know that all of the hard work paid off.
FB: What is it like being reunited with your childhood friend Keenan Lewis?
MW: It’s good since it makes the transition easier knowing that you will go through the experience with somebody you know.
FB: What do you think you can bring to the Steelers?
MW: Competiveness, speed, whatever Coach Tomlin needs me to bring.
FB: What do you feel is your greatest strength as a player and what do you need to work on?
MW: My greatest strength is my speed but I need to work on my whole game as I can always get better.
FB: What current wide receiver do you think you compare most favorably to?
MW: DeSean Jackson but I’m a little bigger.
FB: What is your greatest football moment to date?
MW: Beating Florida in the Swamp.
FB: When did you realize you had a future in football beyond college?
MW: I always felt that if I stayed focused that I could make it since all of my coaches were really confident in me.
FB: Who was your favorite pro team growing up?
MW: The 49ers I really liked watching Jerry Rice, John Taylor and T.O.
Question: What player are you most looking forward to go against?
MW: Champ Bailey
FB: Who is the best player you played against in your college career?
MW: Percy Harvin.
FB: What do you want to do when your career is over?
MW: I want to own businesses and provide for my family.

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Linebackers

Linebackers are the heart and soul of many defenses and can change the course of games. Whether it's a tackle that prevents a first down, a pass deflection or a forced fumble, linebackers can make their presence felt in many ways. The players on this list have the potential to do all of those things.

LaMarr Woodley Steelers: Woodley didn't start a game in his rookie season but still managed to get 4 sacks. Now that Clark Haggans left for the Cardinals. Woodley has his chance to start for the Steelers and show why he has the upside to be one of the best pass rushers in the league. Woodley has the potential and opportunity to put up a Pro Bowl season in his first full year as a starter.

Ernie Sims Lions: Sims has already established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league as he has 258 tackles in his first two seasons. So why is Sims on this list? That's because he plays for the Lions. Other than Thanksgiving day, football fans around the country don't get to watch Sims and they are missing out. He has already shown what he is capable of and is similar to a young Derrick Brooks. Another good season and Sims should be headed to Hawaii for his first Pro Bowl.

Jon Beason Panthers: If not for Patrick Willis, Beason would have been talked about for his incredible rookie season. Beason had 140 tackles and 1 interception. He is in a similar boat as Sims as the Panthers don't get much national attention either. But if Beason keeps putting up numbers like that, it will be hard for most football fans to not pay attention.

David Harris Jets: As a rookie, Harris only started 9 games. But he was a tackling machine as he had 127 on the year. Harris also had 5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. With a full year starting, Harris could prove to be one of the best young linebackers in the league.

Paul Posluszny Bills: If Posluszny didn't have a season ending arm injury in week 3, he would be in the same discussion as Willis and Beason. In 3 games, he had 26 tackles which would have put him on pace for 139 tackles. Now Posluszny is healthy and with the Bills poised to make the playoffs, Posluszny has the chance to become a star in his second year.

D'Qwell Jackson Browns: In his second season,Jackson showed flashes of his potential as he had 101 tackles, 1 sack and an interception. But because he plays for the Browns, nobody knows who he is yet. That should change this year as the Browns have 5 prime time games this season and with the additions of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams up front, Jackson could be even better this year.

Thomas Howard Raiders: Howard has all the makings to turn into a star in his 3rd season. He had 95 tackles last year and is one of the best linebackers in the league in pass coverage as he had 6 interceptions. With his 4.4 speed, Howard ended up taking two of those for touchdowns. With the Raiders improved defense, look for Howard to make his first Pro Bowl appearance in the near future.

Justin Durant Jaguars: When Mike Peterson went down with an injury, the unknown Durant stepped in as a rookie and had 49 tackles and 1 interception. The most impressive part was how in his first playoff game against the Steelers, he stepped in and had 12 tackles. With Peterson returning to the middle, Durant will most likely move to the outside where he can utilize his speed and has the opportunity to be a game changing linebacker for years to come.