Steelers will draft 15th in round 1.

[Dee Dub]

I get what you are saying. I just don't remember Hamp or Hoke penetrate that much? It was hold the point or push there lane only a tad and hold then shed for a tackle here and there. I know you want the ILB clean as possible. I could be wrong but I am saying he looks to be doing the same things as McClendon. To much Penetration it looks to me. Maybe even out of his lane. Can he hold the point like most here want the NT to do or will it take some time for him to do that? I am just after a fair assessment of all possible Steeler draft picks.

...again what you are seeing him do at ND is from a 4-3 DT. He is required to get more penetration. What is impressive to me is how he can stand up and walk back a one on one blocker deep into the backfield.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Dub...ND defense s a 3-4. That was Bob Diaco's defense. Even the Alabama game you posted, ND used odd fronts most of the game. Nix had 2 gap responsibility in the odd fronts. That was the game where I pointed the arrow down on Nix. B Jones got the better on him. He was block 1 on 1 by Jones allot of the game. He had 7 positive plays out of 47 snaps in that game. I did a breakdown...I will post if I find it. He wears out as the game went on. Conditioning may be an issue but NFL coaching could get that under control. Evident in the Pittsburgh game...He looked average in the 2nd half. I also looked at Nix in the Michigan game '13 & to check out Lewan. I had 9 positive plays out of 54. He showed up for 3 on the last drive when Michigan was up by 11 with 1:30 running out the clock. He was doubled allot more in that game than against Alabama. On most doubles in the run he gave up too much ground. Can't do that...You wash into your ILB & cut off his angle. That was my healthy evaluation of Nix in '13.

That being said...I'm not a Nix hater. I think he is good value #25 back. I had to see more dominate plays against NFL caliber 1 on 1. I will give him a pass in the Pitt game. He was just returning off a two game layoff before he was lost for the season. The biggest reason I devalue him is what he didn't do at NT. Most of this is coach able..But you have to be unselfish to be a true 3-4 NT. You are 2 gap responsibility in a 3-4. When he was lined up over the C, he has to hold ground a flow to the A gap play side. Nix would "guess" allot on A & that's called running himself out of the play. Great if your are a 1 gap 4-3 DT. Penetrating into the backfield away from the play while the C rides you off isn't win. That's called doing the C a favor. There were several plays in the Alabama game where he guessed wrong & the play still went away inside the tackle where he didn't make a play. There were two plays I remember in that game where he was uncovered play side shoulder & the RB hit the A or B without him making a play. One play was a long run by Lacy for a TD where Jones fell down before he could combo block & Nix wasn't agile enough to come down the LOS to make the play. Again...Coach able technique...better Conditioning...Could correct.

3-4 NT is a unique animal. Being unselfish & disciplined makes you great. As a 3-4 NT you make your plays down the LOS not shooting a gap. Why? Because you do your job 1st. Then work down the LOS after you do it & try to get in on the play. You read the C & G combo and engage both. Work your playside shoulder across the G so he can't come off the combo. The great ones will grab the jersey of the G (And get away with it) so the G can't disengage. Playside ILB stays clean & mops up the tackles. You won't here your name called & you may not show up in the stat sheet. But the run defense improves greatly. I needed to see more of that to make him a Top 15 pick...But I didn't. Would Nix be better than McClendon at that? I would say yes. McCelndon did a solid job at NT but "IF" Nix is coached up...He should exceed that against the run. However...This is where I can't pull the trigger. Nix will come off the field in sub packages. Your DE's slide inside. McClendon was versatile enough to remain. Given the amount of snaps the D took in sub...I can't take him at #15. I feel there may be higher rated players at WR, TE, LB, or CB. Given I didn't see enough NT technique...I can't. The Steelers need to address D...No question...CB especially. But just because it may be the biggest need doesn't mean that is your 1st round pick if it doesn't grade out that way. We could use Nix...I would welcome Nix...But I will take the most talented player on the board at #15 if I have to select. Right now...It isn't Nix.

[Dee Dub]

Dub...ND defense s a 3-4. That was Bob Diaco's defense. Even the Alabama game you posted, ND used odd fronts most of the game. Nix had 2 gap responsibility in the odd fronts. That was the game where I pointed the arrow down on Nix. B Jones got the better on him. He was block 1 on 1 by Jones allot of the game. He had 7 positive plays out of 47 snaps in that game. I did a breakdown...I will post if I find it. He wears out as the game went on. Conditioning may be an issue but NFL coaching could get that under control. Evident in the Pittsburgh game...He looked average in the 2nd half. I also looked at Nix in the Michigan game '13 & to check out Lewan. I had 9 positive plays out of 54. He showed up for 3 on the last drive when Michigan was up by 11 with 1:30 running out the clock. He was doubled allot more in that game than against Alabama. On most doubles in the run he gave up too much ground. Can't do that...You wash into your ILB & cut off his angle. That was my healthy evaluation of Nix in '13.

That being said...I'm not a Nix hater. I think he is good value #25 back. I had to see more dominate plays against NFL caliber 1 on 1. I will give him a pass in the Pitt game. He was just returning off a two game layoff before he was lost for the season. The biggest reason I devalue him is what he didn't do at NT. Most of this is coach able..But you have to be unselfish to be a true 3-4 NT. You are 2 gap responsibility in a 3-4. When he was lined up over the C, he has to hold ground a flow to the A gap play side. Nix would "guess" allot on A & that's called running himself out of the play. Great if your are a 1 gap 4-3 DT. Penetrating into the backfield away from the play while the C rides you off isn't win. That's called doing the C a favor. There were several plays in the Alabama game where he guessed wrong & the play still went away inside the tackle where he didn't make a play. There were two plays I remember in that game where he was uncovered play side shoulder & the RB hit the A or B without him making a play. One play was a long run by Lacy for a TD where Jones fell down before he could combo block & Nix wasn't agile enough to come down the LOS to make the play. Again...Coach able technique...better Conditioning...Could correct.

3-4 NT is a unique animal. Being unselfish & disciplined makes you great. As a 3-4 NT you make your plays down the LOS not shooting a gap. Why? Because you do your job 1st. Then work down the LOS after you do it & try to get in on the play. You read the C & G combo and engage both. Work your playside shoulder across the G so he can't come off the combo. The great ones will grab the jersey of the G (And get away with it) so the G can't disengage. Playside ILB stays clean & mops up the tackles. You won't here your name called & you may not show up in the stat sheet. But the run defense improves greatly. I needed to see more of that to make him a Top 15 pick...But I didn't. Would Nix be better than McClendon at that? I would say yes. McCelndon did a solid job at NT but "IF" Nix is coached up...He should exceed that against the run. However...This is where I can't pull the trigger. Nix will come off the field in sub packages. Your DE's slide inside. McClendon was versatile enough to remain. Given the amount of snaps the D took in sub...I can't take him at #15. I feel there may be higher rated players at WR, TE, LB, or CB. Given I didn't see enough NT technique...I can't. The Steelers need to address D...No question...CB especially. But just because it may be the biggest need doesn't mean that is your 1st round pick if it doesn't grade out that way. We could use Nix...I would welcome Nix...But I will take the most talented player on the board at #15 if I have to select. Right now...It isn't Nix.

I am seeing more 4-3 on that Alabama hi-light. I know Diaco is a 3-4 guy but if you go to that hi-light ND is in a 4-3 a lot. Also if you consider B Jones as getting the better of Nix when Nix is consistently driving him 5 yards deep into the backfield, then we do not agree.

[Oviedo]

Dub...ND defense s a 3-4. That was Bob Diaco's defense. Even the Alabama game you posted, ND used odd fronts most of the game. Nix had 2 gap responsibility in the odd fronts. That was the game where I pointed the arrow down on Nix. B Jones got the better on him. He was block 1 on 1 by Jones allot of the game. He had 7 positive plays out of 47 snaps in that game. I did a breakdown...I will post if I find it. He wears out as the game went on. Conditioning may be an issue but NFL coaching could get that under control. Evident in the Pittsburgh game...He looked average in the 2nd half. I also looked at Nix in the Michigan game '13 & to check out Lewan. I had 9 positive plays out of 54. He showed up for 3 on the last drive when Michigan was up by 11 with 1:30 running out the clock. He was doubled allot more in that game than against Alabama. On most doubles in the run he gave up too much ground. Can't do that...You wash into your ILB & cut off his angle. That was my healthy evaluation of Nix in '13.

That being said...I'm not a Nix hater. I think he is good value #25 back. I had to see more dominate plays against NFL caliber 1 on 1. I will give him a pass in the Pitt game. He was just returning off a two game layoff before he was lost for the season. The biggest reason I devalue him is what he didn't do at NT. Most of this is coach able..But you have to be unselfish to be a true 3-4 NT. You are 2 gap responsibility in a 3-4. When he was lined up over the C, he has to hold ground a flow to the A gap play side. Nix would "guess" allot on A & that's called running himself out of the play. Great if your are a 1 gap 4-3 DT. Penetrating into the backfield away from the play while the C rides you off isn't win. That's called doing the C a favor. There were several plays in the Alabama game where he guessed wrong & the play still went away inside the tackle where he didn't make a play. There were two plays I remember in that game where he was uncovered play side shoulder & the RB hit the A or B without him making a play. One play was a long run by Lacy for a TD where Jones fell down before he could combo block & Nix wasn't agile enough to come down the LOS to make the play. Again...Coach able technique...better Conditioning...Could correct.

3-4 NT is a unique animal. Being unselfish & disciplined makes you great. As a 3-4 NT you make your plays down the LOS not shooting a gap. Why? Because you do your job 1st. Then work down the LOS after you do it & try to get in on the play. You read the C & G combo and engage both. Work your playside shoulder across the G so he can't come off the combo. The great ones will grab the jersey of the G (And get away with it) so the G can't disengage. Playside ILB stays clean & mops up the tackles. You won't here your name called & you may not show up in the stat sheet. But the run defense improves greatly. I needed to see more of that to make him a Top 15 pick...But I didn't. Would Nix be better than McClendon at that? I would say yes. McCelndon did a solid job at NT but "IF" Nix is coached up...He should exceed that against the run. However...This is where I can't pull the trigger. Nix will come off the field in sub packages. Your DE's slide inside. McClendon was versatile enough to remain. Given the amount of snaps the D took in sub...I can't take him at #15. I feel there may be higher rated players at WR, TE, LB, or CB. Given I didn't see enough NT technique...I can't. The Steelers need to address D...No question...CB especially. But just because it may be the biggest need doesn't mean that is your 1st round pick if it doesn't grade out that way. We could use Nix...I would welcome Nix...But I will take the most talented player on the board at #15 if I have to select. Right now...It isn't Nix.

Excellent post. I saw the same during the Alabama game and IMO is is hard not to see him get handled by Jones unless you don't want too. Like I have said many times. Nix just doesn't stand out as dominant.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

I took the first 10 plays & 7 times 3-4 & 3 time 4-3. The only time Nix was in the backfield is when he guessed and ran himself out of the play...Twice. The OL just take him where he wants to go...He is blocking himself. That's what they are taught. Also, that was one of the plays I was talking about on Lacy's TD. They were in a 4 man front. Really...Unblocked. The backside G was to combo block with backside tackle (RT). Nix is slow off the ball. The G chucks & falls down trying to go to 2nd level. Nix's playside shoulder is unblocked because the RT can't reach him.. Nix has B gap (Two hole) & Lacy runs A (One Hole). Coaching could fix that but he showed lack of agility to redirect. Slow off snap & have to read the G & RT. That should have been a TFL.

[Shoe]

J-P-N,
Great analysis. So in that game, how would you grade his performance, Truitt's performance, and Teo's performance? (if you paid attention to those other star guys). I do see what you are saying about unselfishness as the NT. I also think you have to fundamentally be a fighter as a NT. A guy like BJ Raji has all the talent in the world for the position, but is a softie. I think Nix has that competitive streak in him. And if we were to expound it (not to justify compromising the scheme), maybe his competitiveness got the best of him? (trying to make plays instead of just doing his job).

Also, since you seem to know what you're seeing re: NT play, how would you grade McLendon's year and (if positive grade) his potential in the role going forward?

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Don't get me wrong...I'm not down on Nix & think he could be a solid addition. I don't think he is sound enough technique wise to be picked at 15 for NT. Let's put it this way. Nix showed he is very good playing the run as a 1 gap penetrator. Now...That doesn't mean he can't develop into a dominant 3-4 NT against the run. The kid has the physical make-up. When you watch him...He wants to make the play. Can you tell a kid to throttle back & do a job first? That's the question that has to be answered.

The upside to Nix at 3-4 NT is he would be above average for a NT in pass rush. The problem there is you will have to get him off the field on 3rd down & long because NT get worked inside taking on doubles. They really are the grunts...The machine of a 3-4. You can't let them get run down. 1st & 2nd down PA he will get you push & pressure. What teams are finding out now is a defense can get in trouble when you get that QB that can run the offense from the LOS. They trot out 12 personnel & you stay in base. They go hurry up & they keep your NT on the field. By the end of the second series...You have to rotate him out. The DC's counter is leaving the NT on the sideline against 12 personnel...Then the Offense runs it down your throat because you 2 gapper is sucking gatorade.

Steelers biggest problem is their lack of secondary "talent-age" has DL playing 12 personnel with his Big Nickel because they can't cover on the back end. Then teams just run against it because the offense is +1 in the box and the Safeties have to come up & set the edge. There is a "step" process to fixing the D imo. Have to get the secondary fixed for coverage. You get Shark or a FS back there with range & another CB opposite Allen who could lock up...You could stay in base against 12 personnel. Troy can walk the LOS to help against run & play in LB zone drops where he is still very good.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

I wanted to add something. When I read my post it may be misinterpreted. When I post 7 positive plays out of 47...That doesn't mean 40 were negative. "Positive Plays" are tackles, sacks, pressure, disrupting the design, etc. That is where the phrase, "Winning the 1 on 1 battles" stems from. Many grade down a player if he doesn't beat his guy off the snap & make the tackle...That just isn't accurate. Those positive plays fluctuate with positions especially the front 3 in a 3-4. That still is a good number for a 3-4 NT. I want to reiterated the fact that this whole conversation is about Nix not being Top 15 talent imo. Not saying Nix isn't 1st round talent.

I evaluate differently...I don't look at a defense being 11 guys trying to make a tackle like a casual fan. It simply isn't. It is 11 guys doing their job to stop the ball. When you understand gap discipline & position role...You appreciate the game more. It is not uncommon for a player to go "O'fer" in the box score & still have a very good game along the DL in a 3-4. Those 40 plays above have plays where Nix got beat & where Nix maintained his discipline but just didn't make the play. Some cases not making the play were being away from the play or someone else did. In a 3-4...That someone else is usually a LB because they are the ones who should. So don't frown on the 40. I did a breakdown of the game for Te'o & Nix. Wasn't Nix's best game but it was Bama.

I know many want to see the NT flash & make plays but that isn't the game. The NT isn't a penetrator. He has to attack the LOS...Use his hands to control 1 & 2 OL...Flow...And disengage in the gap to make tackle. That is where the work comes in. That is why you here DL coaches & players talking about "Hands". Have to become great with your hands & control for all DL in a 3-4. FYI...That's what Hood still hasn't mastered but he has gotten better. You don't want to see the NT chucking an OL & flowing free. That creates angle for the OL in zone & creates trash for LB. You don't want to see gap penetration into backfield because that leaves the ILB out to dry by widening their gap responsibility. Watch the greats as of late. Remember watching A Smith...watching Hampton...Watching Keisel. They all looked like guys giving free piggy back rides down the LOS & when the RB tried to hit the hole...They came off for the tackle. If they couldn't come off...The LB's behind them flowed free & met them in the hole. That's the ugly unselfish job of a 3-4 DL. I don't see that watching Nix. Coachable? Yes...But remember...Teaching doesn't equate to learning if they can't accept that role. We have seen the struggles of Ziggy Hood & that mentality played a big part. Young guys coming into the league can struggle with the transition of game to job called NFL.

Nix's "value" may be different by scheme. To be honest, Nix is a PERFECT fit for the Pats. He would fit nicely in their 3-4/4-3 Hybrid. He could be a great 3-4 NT for the Steelers. I'm just not sure Nix wants a collar. That is something the Steelers will find out in the interview process. If they take Nix at #15...Then they have all the answers to my questions & will trust in them.

[Shoe]

J-P-N,
You didn't answer a previous question I had, though I suspect that you've answered it with your comment above? McLendon as a Steeler NT.

To me, McLendon seems to have a lot of what is needed. The talent (large size), and the mentality (grunt mentality) to succeed. As to your comment about hands, I do often McLendon using his telephone pole-like arms/hands well. I'm also going to guess that he lacks awareness? What is your bottom line on McLendon as a Steeler NT.

[SS Laser]

J-P-N,
You didn't answer a previous question I had, though I suspect that you've answered it with your comment above? McLendon as a Steeler NT.

To me, McLendon seems to have a lot of what is needed. The talent (large size), and the mentality (grunt mentality) to succeed. As to your comment about hands, I do often McLendon using his telephone pole-like arms/hands well. I'm also going to guess that he lacks awareness? What is your bottom line on McLendon as a Steeler NT.

I am no JPN, Dub, etc when it comes to watching football. I am just a fan who played back yard football all my life. But I say give McClendon and Wood some time. Both are being converted. Which is not popular around here. Both have played DE now switched to NT. I thought Woods looked good the last couple games. Also Fangupo still could end up a good NT. McClendon also had a few injuries to hold him back. I am not sure the Steelers need a high 1st rd NT. Just like last year I am not sure the Steelers needed a high 1st rd TE.

[feltdizz]

Ithink Nix is coachable. Pretty sureIread somewhere that Nix was academically considered a senio his junior year and he took19 credits so he could graduate early. I believe it will definitely help when it comes to learning his responsibilities in our 3-4.

[SS Laser]

So is there any thoughts how the Steelers like to take young 1st rd talent the last few years? Nix is 22 will be 23 in July. Wonder how much that really factors into there grading system?

[NJ-STEELER]

I am no JPN, Dub, etc when it comes to watching football. I am just a fan who played back yard football all my life. But I say give McClendon and Wood some time. Both are being converted. Which is not popular around here. Both have played DE now switched to NT. I thought Woods looked good the last couple games. Also Fangupo still could end up a good NT. McClendon also had a few injuries to hold him back. I am not sure the Steelers need a high 1st rd NT. Just like last year I am not sure the Steelers needed a high 1st rd TE.

they also have a practice squader ion the roster that they kept over a guy who started for a (better) cardinals defense

[Shoe]

they also have a practice squader ion the roster that they kept over a guy who started for a (better) cardinals defense

Don't blame the team for that. He tried to kill at least three Pittsburgh area cops with his car.

[NJ-STEELER]

i'm not blaming the team. they brought him back after that incident, didnt they?

they thought the PSer WAS BETTER