Reporter Jim Wexell was interviewed by Blitzburgh of Behind The Steel Curtin yesterday on July 15th, 2008. At one point the conversation turned, for a moment, towards Bruce Davis, and his future in the Steelers. Here is the conversation between Jim and Blitzburgh.

“For somewhat selfish reasons, I have to ask about your honest opinion on Bruce Davis’ chances to emerge as a legitimate 3-down back in this league in the future. I think he has the necessary attitude and mindset to do his job consistently and even make some highlight type plays on special teams right away, but what about as a bona-fide Steelers-type pass-rushing OLB? And what about his potential against the run? If you can’t clean up the dirty work done by the front 3 of a Steelers defense, you aren’t going to stay on the fied too long. Can Davis be that versatile, long-term solution type of player? I ask because he’s agreed to chat with us the fans on multiple occasions and he’s most definitely a friendly and accesible guy. If he can produce, he’s going to be a fan favorite because of his charisma on and off the field. Can he though?

Wexell: I loved watching Bruce Davis play in college, and I believe he can emerge as a 3-down player. When the Steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons to play OLB, I was surprised, because at his size there was no way he’d be able to hold the point. They saw that right away and moved him inside early last season. But Davis was a defensive end. Yes, I know playing the run wasn’t his strong point, but it wasn’t a glaring weakness. You move him off the tackle a bit and he should be fine holding the point as a linebacker. My problem with him is he needs to put on muscle. I kind of doubt he really weighed the 252 he claimed last spring. He has no chest or arms, so maybe there’s even more upside than we initially expected.”

For the rest of the interview between Wexell and Blitzburgh go here.