Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

[Dresden]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

One thing about him is even when he doenst make plays he still almost always requires the double team.

And therein lies the bottom line for me Dub. He NATUARLLY has the physical measurables and strength to require double teams consistently even when he's not at the top of his game so to speak. (and that's without him being morbidly obese with little work ethic)

To me that's the very foundation of what one must have in a 3-4 NT.

Again i feel as though with professional coaching,...and the responsibility of being a professional in regards to his teammates, Family, friends and himself,....this kid could very possibly be as effective for us as Hamp once was IMO.

[steelblood]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

I have watched a few of Ta'amu's games this season. He dominated against Washington State commanding double teams and pressuring the QB with great quickness for his size. But, against Stanford he was a non-factor and they shredded the Huskies all day.

Here is my analysis....

Ta'amu is quick for his size and runs well. He has a very good Nose Tackle build and great natural strength. He also is a relatively well-conditioned athlete who did not play in a rotation and does not wear down as quickly as most men his size.

Ta'amu is a little stiff and sometimes has trouble moving laterally. Ta'amu played on an awful defensive unit and was not able to be a factor against top competition. His technique is sloppy. If he doesn't win with quickness or a bullrush off the snap, he is neutralized. In other words, he doesn't counter very well.

I'd say he is a top 50 talent. It is really hard to put him in the top 25 in this draft. I do think he is a better 3-4 NT prospect than Poe. Poe may be too tall to be an effective NT. Howver, Poe probably has a higher ceiling and more position flexibility.

[NW Steeler]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Unfortunately almost everyone dominated against Washington State's oline this past year. They gave up over 50 sacks and lost both of their starting qb's to injury during the season. They were also near the bottom of the conference in rushing. I would use the Stanford game as more of a litmus test for Ta'amu. Yes, I am a WSU alum.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Why was Ta'Amu a non-factor in the Stanford game?

[NW Steeler]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Good point Ruthless - but that is the type of talent he will be facing in the NFL.

[steelblood]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Ta'amu's performance against Washington State was impressive because he was dominant even with two and three guys trying to block him. He also played nearly the entire game and looked even stronger at the end.

Against Stanford, double teams were enough to move him and sometimes single blockers won or at least stale mated him.

As I said though, Ta'amu needs technique work. Stanford linemen are very technically sound. I wouldn't say the Stanford game means that he won't be able to be successful against that level of talent. I think that is where some folks are going wrong here. Ta'amu needs to work at his craft and perhaps receive better coaching. He does possess enough physical talent and strength to be a good (though probably not great) 3-4 NT.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

steelblood great analyses on Ta'amu. I agree with you. He would be great value for the Steelers but only as a second round pick.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Why was Ta'Amu a non-factor in the Stanford game?

Ruthless, I am glad you included a teammate in that picture of DeCastro. No way was he able to neutralize Ta'amu without one.

And to be fair Stanford ran a lot of two and three TE sets this year. With their O-line and three TE's it isnt a surprise that they were able to control Washington's defensive front.

[feltdizz]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Why was Ta'Amu a non-factor in the Stanford game?

Ruthless, I am glad you included a teammate in that picture of DeCastro. No way was he able to neutralize Ta'amu without one.

And to be fair Stanford ran a lot of two and three TE sets this year. With their O-line and three TE's it isnt a surprise that they were able to control Washington's defensive front.

I wonder if this had anything to do with Luck's low sack numbers?

[Chadman]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Didn't realise that Stanford players were so...umm....close...

[Dee Dub]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Why was Ta'Amu a non-factor in the Stanford game?

Ruthless, I am glad you included a teammate in that picture of DeCastro. No way was he able to neutralize Ta'amu without one.

And to be fair Stanford ran a lot of two and three TE sets this year. With their O-line and three TE's it isnt a surprise that they were able to control Washington's defensive front.

I wonder if this had anything to do with Luck's low sack numbers?

Maybe a little but he did throw the ball 404 times and there is no question that he has a very quick release and is very good a his progressions. He gets some of that credit as well.

[Slapstick]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

I'm probably in the minority, but I think that Ziggy might be better playing over the center as opposed to the 5 Tech DE...

I can see Ziggy as a stronger, more athletic Chris Hoke or Jason Ferguson...

[Chadman]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

I'm probably in the minority, but I think that Ziggy might be better playing over the center as opposed to the 5 Tech DE...

I can see Ziggy as a stronger, more athletic Chris Hoke or Jason Ferguson...

For Chadman- THIS is the big variable. If the Steelers view Hood as the future NT, draft boards will change for everyone. Would another 3-4 DE then be required? Probably- but doubtful it would be a 1st round type need.

[Dresden]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

I'm probably in the minority, but I think that Ziggy might be better playing over the center as opposed to the 5 Tech DE...

I can see Ziggy as a stronger, more athletic Chris Hoke or Jason Ferguson...

Nothing personal dude,..but i honestly do not comprehend this line of thinking.

If Hood already has questionable lower body strength for his size, problems with leverage and pad level, AND is 6 ft 3 and often struggles with single blockers as a 3-4 End,......how does that make him qualified in any way to play at the 'spearhead' position of NT ?

[Prowler]

Re: Ta'amu is really looking like a BEAST

Ta'amu sucks period. A NT who gives up 69 points and 482 yards rushing in a bowl game is a guy who should be avoided at all costs. I am not impressed by a guy who was consistently pushed backwards in the biggest game of the year against Baylor. To me the guy looked like a wounded out of shape dime a dozen backup NT and nothing more.