The Steelers need a upgrade at NT

I think I heard it on the Terrible Podcast and they said they didn't think Tuitt and Heyward would be a good fit for 4/3 defense.

 

Most of the reason why I think a guy like Tyler Lancaster would be a better fit for us than just a big NT. We need a guy that is stoudt and can run down the line and stop the run in this hybrid. I think we are overworking heyward and tuitt at times. I think we almost need a dedicated Nicole type DT in the rotation. Big Dan can be replaced or upgraded by a guy like this. Maybe Walton could be that guy. We have to change up something to get more stopss by the d-line in these situations.

 

Yeah. Too much money tied up in a great 3/4 end in Heyward and a good 3/4 end in Tuitt.

 

In all honesty, the NT isn’t the problem. We aren’t in base 34 all that much. We didn’t get gashed in the run game until after Shazier went down. We got gashed because our ILB were TRASH. Williams is a nice player, but he is a complimentary player. Shazier was the stud and Vinny was a great Robin to his Batman.... it’s very clear that Spence/Fort/Matakevich weren’t up to snuff, and we got roasted in the run game to show it.

With that said, I’d still be down for a day 3 interior lineman. Someone that is MEAN

 

I thought Hargrave did well too. But I don't think anyone is calling for his replacement. I think an anchor type NT would compliment him well since he is so good at getting pressure. You have to replace Big Dan anyway (lets hope). More of the debate is what round would you get that guy? I would go 2nd or 3rd round but that's my preference. Depending on what happens during FA though for sure. ILB and FS are more pressing if we don't land anyone in FA.

 

5th round but that's estimated I believe. No 4th or 6th rounder I think either.

4th for Vance McDonald and 6th to Cleveland maybe??

 

So you're thinking Vance is not re-signed? How did Smythe look at TE for ND this year?

 

We traded our 4 pick to the niners but we also got their 5 pick in return so it wasnt a total loss, it's actually pretty weird how his contract works going forward:

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/08/vance-mcdonald-contract-details-salary-cap-charges/

 

The problem is he is projected as a mid first rounder so we won't have a chance. Add in the need of a S and a ILB DT/NT is not going to be taken early. The good news is there are some later round guys that would fit nicely and replace Big Dan. Jones, Brown, Hill, Fatukasi and Hall are a few names that we might have a shot at later.

As far as Hargrave goes it is more about the scheme then his play, like others here I want to see him on the field more too.

 

we should also get a 7th for cockrell from the G-men right?

 

If he were to fall to us, do you think the Steelers would take him?

 

No way I do not want a DT/NT in the first 2 rounds. The players I listed could be just as good later on, we have so many other needs ILB, S, OLB, TE, maybe RB Oline depth.