Rebuilding the pyramids: The DL

[SteelerDayTrader]

As others have mentioned (B2B etc) one of the bigger problems facing the Steelers is they don’t have anyone in the building with a solid track record of success.

The guys who did achieve some level of greatness; the Steelers pyramids builders are all long gone in every department and every detail from top to bottom throughout the Steelers organization.

I’m gonna post some thoughts on how the Steelers did great things and how they can do them again in a 3-4 approach both from a defensive and offensive perspective

The Defensive Line

This one is fairly easy although I’m sure some will disagree.

The Steelers most recent championship level defenses prioritized high motor and at least somewhat athletic DL who could shut down opposing run games. Usually you would see those DL possess at one or two notable measurables although not necessarily true elite outlier numbers in that regard. Most the DL had to be adroit at occupying two opponents and still be able to be a force in the run game and at minimum providing some pocket pressure vs the pass

Ideally I’d like to see NTs roughly 310-340 6’2-6’4 with arms at minimum 33.5 with thickly built ankles and legs up through a solid and thick core and a well defined but thick neck. In the Steelers 3-4 the NT might be at once the least heralded player but perhaps the most important. If the middle of your D is a tough out not only do you make the middle of the field tough but essentially you force even good teams to play one side of field simply because they can’t send the ball both left and right of the middle. At least not at the same time. The only time this might not present as a big advantage is vs teams adept at quick hitting counter motion and cutback schemed blocking. Which in no small part describes teams those successful 3-4 teams could struggle with. However the fact remains a strong defense up the middle forces an offense to show your defense where and how the ball is going early AND it creates a much smaller and better angled field to defend. If the Steelers 3-4 doesn’t have a very solid NT they haven’t ever been able to stop good teams on offense in either the run game or the pass.

The defensive ends need to be able to attack 2 blockers all game long and still be a force in the run game and at minimum squeeze the pocket and contain inside.

I tend to look for guys 290-320 ish depending on height and speed who have a natural core strength top to bottom and 34 or better arms

The more your DL can force runs outside the better. Smaller field and early declaration usually by the offense. That’s why the Steelers have prioritized CBs who will stick their face in the fan in the run game. Ideally RBs declare early east-west movement get to a clogged edge and get cleaned up by the LBs

Of course this type of approach to a typically stop the run first DL creates some issues vs the pass but that’s job moreso designed for the back 8 to address in the Steelers 3-4 approach

Is it possible that a great Steelers DL doesn’t have ALL the qualities I mentioned ??

Sure


However the ones that don’t that have been successful usually have some other outlier characteristic(s) in spades so to speak

In most drafts you can find some great Steelers 3-4 DL types 3rd round and later. I’m not opposed to a premium pick at a DL spot however. I’d just like to see at least 1 spot filled with less expensive draft capital successfully before you attempt a premium expenditure. Makes me feel like someone understands the role of the Steelers DL in previously successful incarnations and got the goods in the development and implementation department as well.

[anpsteel]

my concern regarding the DLine, is less about the individuals playing, and more related to the scheme.

You can have the best NT in the league, and it wouldn't matter on this team, because he's on the bench 75%+ of the time.

AND because of that- teams will line up in passing sets, specifically to get the Steelers in Nickle or Dime, just to run on them.

So, the answer to stopping the run is either change the scheme or personnel packages, or keep a thumper on the field at the Buck position. Unfortunately, they just lost their best run defender- so

Anyway- I agree with all of your points. I'm just not sure they matter with the way the team runs their personnel sets and scheme.

[jebrick]

We, the fans, think they need a NT but Tomlin does not. There are some good picks later in the draft for NT that will occupy 2 blockers all day but offer next to no pass rush. Those that can play 2 gap and rush the passer are rare. Nolan might be one but ....

I have hopes they will draft a NT because of the depth of the DL in this draft but I have no expectations.

[Deebo]

We, the fans, think they need a NT but Tomlin does not. There are some good picks later in the draft for NT that will occupy 2 blockers all day but offer next to no pass rush. Those that can play 2 gap and rush the passer are rare. Nolan might be one but ....

I have hopes they will draft a NT because of the depth of the DL in this draft but I have no expectations.

The issue is certainly at DT/NT. Steelers (along with most teams) are in Nickel most of the time. Offenses counter that by running the ball.

Benton has regressed big time and that's going to be a real problem.

[jebrick]

We, the fans, think they need a NT but Tomlin does not. There are some good picks later in the draft for NT that will occupy 2 blockers all day but offer next to no pass rush. Those that can play 2 gap and rush the passer are rare. Nolan might be one but ....

I have hopes they will draft a NT because of the depth of the DL in this draft but I have no expectations.

The issue is certainly at DT/NT. Steelers (along with most teams) are in Nickel most of the time. Offenses counter that by running the ball.

Benton has regressed big time and that's going to be a real problem.

Benton has been and always will be a 3 tech. When he was drafted you could see he did not have the sand in his pants to handle any double teams. nothing has changed. It is a waste to play him 2-gap as it wastes his skills but it is what they want.

[anpsteel]

We, the fans, think they need a NT but Tomlin does not. There are some good picks later in the draft for NT that will occupy 2 blockers all day but offer next to no pass rush. Those that can play 2 gap and rush the passer are rare. Nolan might be one but ....

I have hopes they will draft a NT because of the depth of the DL in this draft but I have no expectations.

The issue is certainly at DT/NT. Steelers (along with most teams) are in Nickel most of the time. Offenses counter that by running the ball.

Benton has regressed big time and that's going to be a real problem.

Benton has been and always will be a 3 tech. When he was drafted you could see he did not have the sand in his pants to handle any double teams. nothing has changed. It is a waste to play him 2-gap as it wastes his skills but it is what they want.

I'm assuming they'll move him outside to replace Oganjobi

That doesn't mean he'll be able to be a 2 gap player, but he is better suited for the end than interior, in the 3-4

[SteelerDayTrader]

I’m not ready to give up on Benton completely

Would I sign him to a C2 given what he’s put on tape ?? Not unless it was very team friendly to the point of being wave player affordable


I never thought he was going to be a great NT

At DE ?? Maybe he can become something but I still think this team needs to draft 3-4 really great DL prospects over the next two drafts

I wouldn’t be opposed to grabbing three in this one as long as the plan was another premium pick next year

[Steelafan77]

Say a Ty Robinson Nebraska in the 3rd RND and Nazir Stackhouse Georgia one of those 7th RND’s….

[SteelerDayTrader]

Say a Ty Robinson Nebraska in the 3rd RND and Nazir Stackhouse Georgia one of those 7th RND’s….

Nazir won’t make it to the 7th

I think if the Steelers want him it’s gotta be a 5th at minimum

I’d be happy if they get him

[steelmann58]

I love TY