Louis Nix III

[NJ-STEELER]

mcclendon graded out pretty well on pro football focus , for what its worth

[Shoe]

The reason you dont hear more about Jernigan is because we "just" found out about him. Be honest... did you know about him before the BCS game? I watched a good 5 FSU games and never knew he was on the team until the BCS game. He definitely increased his stock and I would love to have him in the second if he is available.

You're right, but it is only because I didn't really pay attention. I did notice him as a physical speciman, watching FSU games (built like a brickhouse), just like Nix stood out for his sheer mass. But I'm not basing my judgement on him on the BCS. If you get a chance, youtube him. Honestly, in my 20 years watching football with the draft in mind, I cannot recall another guy who threw linemen around with the ease he seems to. His hands are tremendous, as is his core strength. I don't foresee a double-digit sack guy or anything. I do envision him being a physical, tempo-setting D-lineman, mauling fools at the point-of-attack.

[flippy]

mcclendon graded out pretty well on pro football focus , for what its worth

I thought McClendon got much better toward the end of the season and would expect a step up in his play going into next year. I didn't think he would pan out at the start of the season, but now I'm a little more hopeful about him.

While I've wanted a NT forever, I also think a guy like Mosely could have a bigger impact on our D. I think he could turn into a Derrick Brooks like LB for us. These athletic hybrid LBs are becoming more important in a passing league and I'm not sure they're yet being valued as highly as other positions relative to their importance in the new NFL.

[NJ-STEELER]

watching caolina's defense today and i got to wonder why we need all these #1s on defense to be successful.

they have kuekly and star last year plus davis from 2005 draft. and they were a top unit.
their DEs are a mid round and late round pick that can get to the passer. their secondary is a bunch of castoffs and late round picks

kuechly in his 2nd year is an all pro. would he even be on the field yet under DL?

looks like they take these guys and plug and play them cause its not a complicated system like we have in Pitt.
the number of #1s and high picks in our front 7 more then double that of carlonia's and performed much worse


same goes for the seattle defense (best in the league)

and you can throw in cincy as well (aside from their seconday. got 2 #1s but have brought in a bunch of former #1s). another top unit

time for dick to retire and scrap the 3-4

[flippy]

watching caolina's defense today and i got to wonder why we need all these #1s on defense to be successful.

they have kuekly and star last year plus davis from 2005 draft. and they were a top unit.
their DEs are a mid round and late round pick that can get to the passer. their secondary is a bunch of castoffs and late round picks

kuechly in his 2nd year is an all pro. would he even be on the field yet under DL?

looks like they take these guys and plug and play them cause its not a complicated system like we have in Pitt.
the number of #1s and high picks in our front 7 more then double that of carlonia's and performed much worse


same goes for the seattle defense (best in the league)

and you can throw in cincy as well (aside from their seconday. got 2 #1s but have brought in a bunch of former #1s). another top unit

time for dick to retire and scrap the 3-4

Several years ago the Steelers had a top D and these others didn't. It's easier for rookies to make their way on the field on a bad team. It's not a bad thing to have entrenched starters and to bring along the rookies slowly. It's preferable in most cases.

It took these teams a few years to get the young guys gelling. Maybe we're on the cusp of young guys taking over with Heyward and Worilds leading the way. And if we get some young guys developing in McClendon, Tez, Shark, Williams, JJ, etc. and add a couple more.

I look at this D as it was James and Troy and a bunch of role players in reality. We just need a beast or 2 in the unit and other guys to play their roles.

[phillyesq]

JPN, I always enjoy your posts and insight, but I do disagree with you about how the Steelers would use a stud NT if they had him. Years ago, when Hampton was in his prime and Hoke was a very solid #2, the Steelers put in place a big nickel that was called the "fat package" with Hampton, Hoke and the ends. If they had a NT that could control two lineman and get some push in pass rushing situations - not necessarily a rusher, just somebody to control the inside - a NT like that would stay on the field.

I think you'd see a nickel package of Worilds/Woodley, NT, Heyward and Jones.

The Steelers toyed with personnel on defense to find a package that they thought put their best players on the field. They moved Troy to ILB in an effort to mask some of the personnel issues and played a lot of snaps with 6 DBs on the field. Even in 2012, Hampton played just over 500 snaps. I think the Steelers will put together packages that they feel gives them their best 11 guys on the field at any given time.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Hampton doesn't come off the field though, because he's a NT. If Ndamukong Suh was our NT, he's stay in whichever personnel grouping. Hampton came off, because he couldn't rush the passer, and stamina issues. IMO, a guy like Nix could do it. His conditioning would have to improve, but he doesn't have the loaf that most 350 lb. guys have... the guy hustles.

The reason I've cooled on Nix, is because I'm driving the Timmy Jernigan bandwagon for the Steelers. It is disconcerting that no one talks about him here, but this guy would be an every-down NT. He doesn't even have to be NT. He could surely step in at DE, if a bum like Ziggy Hood can play there. In whichever case, Jernigan is a unique talent, in his physical ability. If he doesn't "fit the system", you adjust the system to accomodate him. Because pairing him with Heyward on the D-line, would be a nightmare for offensive lines to deal with.

No matter how you put it...the reasoning why Hampton came off the field is the same. Saying Hampton came off the field because he was the NT & Saying Hampton came off the field because he was Hampton is the same. Just the skill set. There were better options to rush the passer than Hampton which is the case most of the time in a 3-4. If he was a Poe...It would be different.

Nix will have to rush the passer when he gets caught on the field. Hustle doesn't equate to being productive. If he is inside in a 4 man front he will have allot of ground to cover & he doesn't appear to have the lateral agility to do it on every down. If you think Nix can rush the passer 4 straight plays effectively against an NFL hurry up then you must have some inside info that he is down to 300. He didn't show it in game. Like I have been saying...OCs & QBs look for the personnel matchup & trap them on the field. DCs aren't going to make themselves vulnerable in game when they see what the offense is doing & that's when the NT will see the sideline.

Just remember..In this situation it isn't about what the NT is capable of but more about who does it best. There are only 2 DL in sub. Heyward is not coming off the field. Hood is a FA but for argument say Hood is here in '14. Nix wouldn't be pushing Hood to the sideline in sub. If Nix shows he is capable of giving you a couple snaps rushing the passer of course they would plug him in for a rotation when needed but they aren't calling his number in this defense as the #2 DL.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

JPN, I always enjoy your posts and insight, but I do disagree with you about how the Steelers would use a stud NT if they had him. Years ago, when Hampton was in his prime and Hoke was a very solid #2, the Steelers put in place a big nickel that was called the "fat package" with Hampton, Hoke and the ends. If they had a NT that could control two lineman and get some push in pass rushing situations - not necessarily a rusher, just somebody to control the inside - a NT like that would stay on the field.

I think you'd see a nickel package of Worilds/Woodley, NT, Heyward and Jones.

The Steelers toyed with personnel on defense to find a package that they thought put their best players on the field. They moved Troy to ILB in an effort to mask some of the personnel issues and played a lot of snaps with 6 DBs on the field. Even in 2012, Hampton played just over 500 snaps. I think the Steelers will put together packages that they feel gives them their best 11 guys on the field at any given time.

We will have to agree to disagree. You will always hurt your argument when you say "years ago" moving forward. You are referring to the time where teams actually had a FB and 21 & 22 personnel was the mold in base. Few teams had the QB & personnel to spread or thin you out but there were some. Today...That exception is becoming the rule. It won't go back. I did enjoy the thought of Big Snack coming off the edge. I'm interested to hear you fill out the "Fat Package". If you are telling me Hoke & Hampton were on the field at DE...Who was the DTs? How many LBs & DBs where in this? I have to admit...I missed very few snaps in my lifetime of the Steelers. I can count them on two hands. I can't remember a nickel package that would see the field on a continous basis that had Big Snack coming off the corner. 12 years & 173 games into his career...He piled up 9 sacks. We will just call him "not a threat" coming off the edge....But I would have loved to see him with the old dip & rip or maybe the old club & spin.

The defensive players don't dictate who sees the field against offensive personnel groupings. The offensive doesn't change out players because there is a player standing in the defensive huddle. The defense changes out for matchups (personnel groups) and down & distance. A stud NT can be taken out of the game if that is all he is...A stud run stuffer. If he doesn't have the skill set to rush the passer...He will come off. The offense controls the matchups & the tempo...That is todays NFL. There is no reason to have a 2 gap DL on the field with an offense operating out of shotgun calling the plays from the LOS. A Nix...A Hampton..A whomever fits that mold of a true 3-4 NT would last 3-4 plays & the water boy could block him. 2.5 sacks & 5 hurries in 34 games doesn't scream pass rusher for Nix.I have watched as much game films of Nix I could get my hands on. A fresh Nix could get push in the pocket. I have also seem a fresh Nix require help rushing the passer. You don't see it allot. He wears down quickly in pass rush & very often you see 1 on 1 as the drive wears down with no push. That's not taking anything away from his skills...That's just the animal he is. Unfortunate for him...It is very rare where you see an equalized trade off. Meaning...It's hard to mold him with out giving something up on the other end. If they ask Nix to play at 315-320...How effective will he be at stopping the run? I don't think anyone can safely say he will be as productive.

Here would be the question. McClendon, Woods, & Fango combined TOTAL snap counts in '13 came to 53% of defensive snaps. That is total...That doesn't take into account the snaps Woods & McClendon saw in rotation at DE throughout the season. The had to spell Heyward, Hood, & Keisel. But still 53% for those three & Hampton in 2012 was 50% total. Where do you thing Hampton's snaps would have been if he was here in 2013? Hampton as the starting NT would not have change the offensive personnel groupings. Give me Hampton in his prime in that scenario. What would the snap differential be between a 35 year old Hampton & a 28 year old Hampton?

The Steelers JUST don't put their best 11 on the field...They have to put their best 11 players on the field for matchups. That's the same for every team. I called out the 12 personnel problems the Steelers saw this year. I was also the one who posted Hampton's snap count in 2012. Troy played ILB because they couldn't find a nickel/dime backer. They were exposed for putting Troy as that backer against the run. What he did give them is a very effective backer in LB drops. Troy was very productive 15 yards off LOS & may be able to continue for another year or two in that role. His instincts & suddenness can still be utilized there & he could make splash plays. He isn't a Cover 1 safety anymore...Brady showed you that.

[steelblood]

JPN, I always enjoy your posts and insight, but I do disagree with you about how the Steelers would use a stud NT if they had him. Years ago, when Hampton was in his prime and Hoke was a very solid #2, the Steelers put in place a big nickel that was called the "fat package" with Hampton, Hoke and the ends. If they had a NT that could control two lineman and get some push in pass rushing situations - not necessarily a rusher, just somebody to control the inside - a NT like that would stay on the field.

I think you'd see a nickel package of Worilds/Woodley, NT, Heyward and Jones.

The Steelers toyed with personnel on defense to find a package that they thought put their best players on the field. They moved Troy to ILB in an effort to mask some of the personnel issues and played a lot of snaps with 6 DBs on the field. Even in 2012, Hampton played just over 500 snaps. I think the Steelers will put together packages that they feel gives them their best 11 guys on the field at any given time.

If you want a big body for the nickel that can command a double team and push the pocket, I'd prefer Nix's teammate Tuitt. He is more of a DE for early downs and not a true NT, but imho, he is a far more effective disruptor in the pass game. I watched Notre Dame many times over the last few seasons and Tuitt pressure the QB regularly (though he is not necessarily a sack guy). He has elite quickness for his size (6'6, 322). He is big enough to take on a double team, tall enough to bat ball and cut down passing lanes, and quick/strong enough to make teams pay for not double him. I think he'll be a much better pro than a college player. Lot's of upside.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

I'm all for upgrading at NT. The Steelers could use a true NT to play in the redzone & situational ball. It is just hard to get DL on the field early in a 3-4. I'm looking at a Ryan Carrethers or a Beau Allen on the 3rd day and using the higher picks to infuse youth & talent at WR-TE on offense and CB-LB on defense.

[Oviedo]

watching caolina's defense today and i got to wonder why we need all these #1s on defense to be successful.

they have kuekly and star last year plus davis from 2005 draft. and they were a top unit.
their DEs are a mid round and late round pick that can get to the passer. their secondary is a bunch of castoffs and late round picks

kuechly in his 2nd year is an all pro. would he even be on the field yet under DL?

looks like they take these guys and plug and play them cause its not a complicated system like we have in Pitt.
the number of #1s and high picks in our front 7 more then double that of carlonia's and performed much worse


same goes for the seattle defense (best in the league)

and you can throw in cincy as well (aside from their seconday. got 2 #1s but have brought in a bunch of former #1s). another top unit

time for dick to retire and scrap the 3-4

Did you also notiuce the Panthers play a 4-3 which allows player to step into a more familiar scheme?

[feltdizz]

Did you also notiuce the Panthers play a 4-3 which allows player to step into a more familiar scheme?

He said he thinks its time to retire the 3-4...

[NJ-STEELER]

wexall Q: After reading Art Rooney's comments about shoring up the run defense, I'm wondering if the team is going to draft a nose tackle. What are your thoughts on that? AM: The nose tackle thing, I don't get it. I just don't. I don't think football's played the same way in 2014 as it was in 2001. It's just not. I'm not saying you don't need to get better on run defense. Maybe that doesn't have to do with the nose tackle anyway. Maybe it has something to do with the inside linebacker next to (Lawrence) Timmons growing up a little bit and that kind of stuff. But, a nose tackle in the first round, to me, is an incredibly stupid move. I just don't believe the position merits that kind of attention at 15. We're talking about the 15th player off the board. A nose tackle?

[NJ-STEELER]

Did you also notiuce the Panthers play a 4-3 which allows player to step into a more familiar scheme?

absolutely

[Oviedo]

wexall Q: After reading Art Rooney's comments about shoring up the run defense, I'm wondering if the team is going to draft a nose tackle. What are your thoughts on that? AM: The nose tackle thing, I don't get it. I just don't. I don't think football's played the same way in 2014 as it was in 2001. It's just not. I'm not saying you don't need to get better on run defense. Maybe that doesn't have to do with the nose tackle anyway. Maybe it has something to do with the inside linebacker next to (Lawrence) Timmons growing up a little bit and that kind of stuff. But, a nose tackle in the first round, to me, is an incredibly stupid move. I just don't believe the position merits that kind of attention at 15. We're talking about the 15th player off the board. A nose tackle?

Yes. A Nose Tackle with the 15th pick in the draft would be "incredibly stupid." Using that pick to get a player who may be great at stopping the run but limited in getting to the most importnat player on the other team, the QB, would be insane. I'd be happier with us taking another OLB since we are so thin at LB. The NFL has changed but unfortunatley our Def Coord won't or can't.