A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
Nose Tackle is quickly becoming a big time need for us. I like Mclendon, but don't think you can count on him as a full time starter unless he makes a big time jump again this year.
By all accounts he is an animal in the weight room. He apparently is a very hard worker in the film room as well. Mclendon recently told Wexell that he weighs 320lbs.
With Hampton's knee requiring surgery, he is a goner. The Steelers can't wait to see if he will be healthy enough by camp. This will have been his third ACL injury.
Nose Tackle will be addressed by the draft or outside the draft. I think there are two really intriguing options to pursue if we can clear some cap space.
[b]Paul Soliai (MIA) - NT [/b]
A very good NT with the Dolphins. I think him and Mclendon could form a very formidable duo at the position. I also don't think he will break the bank. Like Hampton he is a pure run stopper. He had 27 combined tackles this year with no sacks.
[b]Aubrayo Franklin (NO) - NT[/b]
After generating very little interest in FA last year, he signed a one year deal with the Saints. He is a very capable 3-4 NT, and was franchised at least once with the 49'ers because he was that good of a run stuffer. I do not think he will generate a ton of interest in Free Agency again this year.
I only see two early round options in the draft for a potential NT with Chapman blowing an ACL:
[b]Dontari Poe[/b]- He is a sure fire first rounder and should be in range. He could be our own version of Ngata in 2 years.
[b]Alamad Ta'amu[/b] His is less of a sure thing, and is looking more and more like a 2nd rounder.
This is becoming a bigger and bigger need.
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
i think the draft is the only reasonable way to upgrade. with the cap issues we already have i cant see us spending much of anything in free agency apart from bringing back our own guys
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
I am interested in hearing other opinions on this as well.
I wonder if NT, even though a huge need right now, is worth a 1st round draft pick.
it seems like the way the league is going(thanks fidel) a huge run stuffing NT may be becoming a 2 down player at best. I just have to wonder if that kind of player warrants a 1st round investment. I am still of the opinion that cody was the pick instead of worilds 2 drafts ago, but that is water under the bridge.
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
[quote=focosteeler]i think the draft is the only reasonable way to upgrade. the cap issues we already have i cant see us spending much of anything in free agency apart from bring back our own guys[/quote]
:Agree
unfortunately, expensive free agent options are not an option...
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
[quote=hawaiiansteel][quote=focosteeler]i think the draft is the only reasonable way to upgrade. the cap issues we already have i cant see us spending much of anything in free agency apart from bring back our own guys[/quote]
:Agree
unfortunately, expensive free agent options are not an option...[/quote]
I don't think either of these guys would cost as much as Hampton would have if healthy. Hampton was likely to be cut and then brought back.
I think you can get Soliai or Franklin for a more than reasonable contract. Especially with Dolphins converting to 4-3 now.
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
I think they have no choice but to address it in FA....
:tt1
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
not sure how we can sign any expensive free agents...
we are nearly $20 plus million over the 2012 projected salary cap number of $125 million and that is with just 44 players under contract for 2012. we still need to tender contracts to our restricted and exclusive rights free agents and fill the offseason roster to get to the 80 player limit as well.
my personal opinion is that Big Snack will be back next year, but with a much reduced contract and cap hit.
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
[quote=BigRob]Nose Tackle is quickly becoming a big time need for us. I like Mclendon, but don't think you can count on him as a full time starter unless he makes a big time jump again this year.
By all accounts he is an animal in the weight room. He apparently is a very hard worker in the film room as well. Mclendon recently told Wexell that he weighs 320lbs.
With Hampton's knee requiring surgery, he is a goner. The Steelers can't wait to see if he will be healthy enough by camp. This will have been his third ACL injury.
Nose Tackle will be addressed by the draft or outside the draft. I think there are two really intriguing options to pursue if we can clear some cap space.
[b]Paul Soliai (MIA) - NT [/b]
A very good NT with the Dolphins. I think him and Mclendon could form a very formidable duo at the position. I also don't think he will break the bank. Like Hampton he is a pure run stopper. He had 27 combined tackles this year with no sacks.
[b]Aubrayo Franklin (NO) - NT[/b]
After generating very little interest in FA last year, he signed a one year deal with the Saints. He is a very capable 3-4 NT, and was franchised at least once with the 49'ers because he was that good of a run stuffer. I do not think he will generate a ton of interest in Free Agency again this year.
I only see two early round options in the draft for a potential NT with Chapman blowing an ACL:
[b][b]Dontari Poe[/b]- He is a sure fire first rounder and should be in range. He could be our own version of Ngata in 2 years. [/b]
[b]Alamad Ta'amu[/b] His is less of a sure thing, and is looking more and more like a 2nd rounder.
This is becoming a bigger and bigger need.[/quote]
Does Ngata come out on passing downs? If you've got a big guy who can collapse the pocket and generate some rush, even if it's just straight ahead bull rush, to occupy interior linemen, you've got a cornerstone for a very physical defense. I know Baltimore spent a very high pick (It was a 12, IIRC) on Ngata. If we can get a player who has a good chance of being comparable in impact late in the 1st, I'm listening.
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
You missed the best option...
NT - Ziggy Hood (He's 6'3" 300 pounds of NFL ready size and strength. And he already knows the playbook. Plus he's a better bull rusher on the inside anyway.)
Day one we start:
DE - Heyward
NT - Hood
DE - Keisel
Of course we still need back ups but those can come much cheaper both in terms of cash and valuable draft choices.
Re: A couple of options at NT outside of the draft
[quote=StarSpangledSteeler]You missed the best option...
NT - Ziggy Hood (He's 6'3" 300 pounds of NFL ready size and strength. And he already knows the playbook. Plus he's a better bull rusher on the inside anyway.)
Day one we start:
DE - Heyward
NT - Hood
DE - Keisel
Of course we still need back ups but those can come much cheaper both in terms of cash and valuable draft choices.[/quote]
I would love to see your scenario work out with Heyward, Ziggy and Keisel starting and Steve McLendon, Corbin Bryant, Al Woods, possibly Aaron Smith and a DL draft choice or two competing for back-up spots.