Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers LB Ryan Shazier disappointed by rookie season

Published Jun. 3, 2015 1:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier knows full well that he did not live up to expectations in his rookie season.

The 15th overall pick from a year ago was penciled into the starting lineup on opening day last season, but nagging injuries and a lack of production limited him to just five starts in nine games overall.

Shazier has bulked up his frame by seven pounds this offseason, according to the Beaver County Times, now weighing in at 233 pounds. He's hoping the extra muscle will keep him on the field more in his second season.

"This is definitely a chance to wipe the slate and start off healthy and get back on point," Shazier said Tuesday. "Last year, it was kind of a disappointment for me because I felt like I could have brought more to the team."

The added weight hasn't slowed Shazier down. He still has the sub-4.4. speed that helped make him a first-round pick, two spots ahead of Ravens Pro Bowl rookie linebacker C.J. Mosley.

While Shazier would surely love to make a Pro Bowl, he has set his sights on bigger things.

"I definitely have something to prove to my teammates," Shazier said. "I'm just trying to help us get to the next level and get a seventh Super Bowl. I have to prove myself to my teammates, and that's all that matters."

h/t: Beaver County Times