Steelers' position outlook: Defensive line

[hawaiiansteel]

By Ed Bouchette Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Good morning,

Some stuff from Saturday night’s game:

--- Cam Thomas played well early as the base left defensive end and it would be no surprise if he and not rookie Stephon Tuitt starts there in the regular season. Tuitt comes in for the nickel and dime defenses as a tackle and that may be enough right now.

[URL]http://sportsblogs.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers-steelers-blog/2014/08/17/We-ve-Seen-Enough-of-Ben/stories/201408170003[/URL]

[hawaiiansteel]

McCullers was the lowest rated Steeler defender (-3.1) against the Bills according to Pro Football Focus as he failed to register a tackle or pressure and was credited with a missed tackle...

[URL]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2014/08/steelers-chris-hubbard-shamarko-thomas-receive-top-marks-pro-football-focus/[/URL]

[papillon]

McCullers was the lowest rated Steeler defender (-3.1) against the Bills according to Pro Football Focus as he failed to register a tackle or pressure and was credited with a missed tackle...

[URL]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2014/08/steelers-chris-hubbard-shamarko-thomas-receive-top-marks-pro-football-focus/[/URL]

I would expect games like that from him until as every commentator has mentioned he learns technique and pad level. He has done some good things and, hopefully, makes the team to continue the learning process.

I imagine pad level for him is going to be a real thorn simply because of his height, he's a tall NT and getting his pad level down will be a work in progress for him, IMO.

Pappy

[K Train]

I hate PFF.

Mccullers was taking 2 guys on every play, sometimes 3, and they were running away from him.

I am so pleasantly surprised with him, its hard to hate a 6th round pick but i hated when they picked him

[papillon]

I hate PFF.

Mccullers was taking 2 guys on every play, sometimes 3, and they were running away from him.

I am so pleasantly surprised with him, its hard to hate a 6th round pick but i hated when they picked him

Do you still not like the pick?

Pappy

[K Train]

Do you still not like the pick?

Pappy

Ive come around....he has been a big surprise to me. He was not good at tennessee and he was down right horrible at the senior bowl but its looks like hes come to play as a steeler

Hoping he makes the roster, but not holding my breath either. They tend to practice squad players like him. Good potential but raw.

I believe Taamu got practice sqauded, maybe woods too

[Oviedo]

I hate PFF.

Mccullers was taking 2 guys on every play, sometimes 3, and they were running away from him.

I am so pleasantly surprised with him, its hard to hate a 6th round pick but i hated when they picked him

I completely agree. Watching the game, McCullers was one of the most disruptive defensive linemen out there. He was continually pushing the pocket and absorbing multiple blockers. IMO he is a real keeper who can become very, very good.

[Oviedo]

Ive come around....he has been a big surprise to me. He was not good at tennessee and he was down right horrible at the senior bowl but its looks like hes come to play as a steeler

Hoping he makes the roster, but not holding my breath either. They tend to practice squad players like him. Good potential but raw.

I believe Taamu got practice sqauded, maybe woods too

I would be very concerned about keeping McCullers if we tried to put him on the practice squad. There is some good film on him in the preseason and enough teams are looking for a NT that we could lose him.

[papillon]

Ive come around....he has been a big surprise to me. He was not good at tennessee and he was down right horrible at the senior bowl but its looks like hes come to play as a steeler

Hoping he makes the roster, but not holding my breath either. They tend to practice squad players like him. Good potential but raw.

I believe Taamu got practice sqauded, maybe woods too

6th round, two down NT, can't beat it with a stick IMO, hopefully, he doesn't fizzle, but I can't see him not making the team. If they PS him, he'll get snapped up based on what he has put on film this preseason, IMHO.

Pappy

[Ghost]

I would be very concerned about keeping McCullers if we tried to put him on the practice squad. There is some good film on him in the preseason and enough teams are looking for a NT that we could lose him.

I'm with you. He goes to the PS and I think that's the same as him being gone. Some team will want him even if it's just for spot relief a handful of plays a game. Come in and eat up 2 o-line to give your starter a break.