Finally changing course on NT

[whisper]

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/17/steelers-mike-tomlin-2023-nfl-draft-mazi-smith/?newsletter_origin=steelerswire.usatoday.com&newsletter_post_position=0

It took long enough but it looks as though the Steelers are finally putting a priority on a beefy NT. Not only from Tomlin's visit with this fellow from UM, but also with time spent with this other space-eater, Clark from Coastal Carolina. Finally, it looks like they figured out they need beef on the DL.

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/17/steelers-mike-tomlin-jerrod-clark-2023-nfl-draft/

Better late than never. I read even Heyward was pushing for the move.

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/18/pittsburgh-steelers-defensive-line-cam-heyward-nfl-draft/

[Blitzer]

Man I hope so. Especially with playing the Ravens and Browns twice a year

[WindyCitySteel]

They are clearly building this team to run the ball and stop the run, in a conference loaded with young, star QBs, including one who might be the GOAT.

[whisper]

They are clearly building this team to run the ball and stop the run, in a conference loaded with young, star QBs, including one who might be the GOAT.

You might want to check out our total D with a serious NT in play, including passing D. Whoopsie! A bow, bow, bow.

[Blitzer]

They are clearly building this team to run the ball and stop the run, in a conference loaded with young, star QBs, including one who might be the GOAT.

you are right KP might be the GOAT

[Northern_Blitz]

They are clearly building this team to run the ball and stop the run, in a conference loaded with young, star QBs, including one who might be the GOAT.

Trying to keep JB off the field seems like a good idea.

Need to be able to score though.

They're been an issue. But when we put KP in, seems like we were at least better at moving the ball. Need to be better on the red zone.

[WindyCitySteel]

you are right KP might be the GOAT

Well played.

[WindyCitySteel]

Trying to keep JB off the field seems like a good idea.

Need to be able to score though.

They're been an issue. But when we put KP in, seems like we were at least better at moving the ball. Need to be better on the red zone.

You can't keep great QBs and offenses off the field all game, they eventually land a flurry of punches and you need to be able to answer.

[whisper]

You can't keep great QBs and offenses off the field all game, they eventually land a flurry of punches and you need to be able to answer.

But having a legit NT is the 1st step in a 3-4 D to getting more stops. Don't know what took this team so long to get that. They've been in denial for a long time. Since Hampton, really. Cool Shades has been anti dominant NT.

[WindyCitySteel]

But having a legit NT is the 1st step in a 3-4 D to getting more stops. Don't know what took this team so long to get that. They've been in denial for a long time. Since Hampton, really. Cool Shades has been anti dominant NT.

Might work early in the game, but then Allen, Burrow, Mahomes, Herbert, Lawrence, etc. go pass heavy and gas out the big man while our secondary gets torched.

[Oviedo]

Might work early in the game, but then Allen, Burrow, Mahomes, Herbert, Lawrence, etc. go pass heavy and gas out the big man while our secondary gets torched.

You are right. Having a two down run stopper in a conference dominanted by passers isn't the recipe to success. You need balance and a guy who can collapse the pocket. This isn't the early 2000s NFL. Casey Hampton would not be effective today as much as he was 20 years ago

[Oviedo]

You are right. Having a two down run stopper in a conference dominanted by passers isn't the recipe to success. You need balance and a guy who can collapse the pocket. This isn't the early 2000s NFL. Casey Hampton would not be effective today as much as he was 20 years ago

Several sources have the Steelers in love with Mazi Smith (6'3" 330lbs) from Michigan. He is one of the guys who can play the run great but probably can develop more as a pass rusher. He scored as the 3rd best DT as far as athleticism at the Combine. Also, we know that Weidl loves to build the lines.

Wouldn't be surprised to see them grab Smith at #32 or maybe even #17 if the top OTs are gone

[Steel Maniac]

Several sources have the Steelers in love with Mazi Smith (6'3" 330lbs) from Michigan. He is one of the guys who can play the run great but probably can develop more as a pass rusher. He scored as the 3rd best DT as far as athleticism at the Combine. Also, we know that Weidl loves to build the lines.

Wouldn't be surprised to see them grab Smith at #32 or maybe even #17 if the top OTs are gone

Saw the same thing. Saw one insider say it SEEMS they like Smith more than Bryan Breese.

[hawaiiansteel]

Several sources have the Steelers in love with Mazi Smith (6'3" 330lbs) from Michigan. He is one of the guys who can play the run great but probably can develop more as a pass rusher. He scored as the 3rd best DT as far as athleticism at the Combine. Also, we know that Weidl loves to build the lines.

Wouldn't be surprised to see them grab Smith at #32 or maybe even #17 if the top OTs are gone

#17 is too high.

but it does look like #32 will have a lot of good players available, hopefully we get some great trade offers to trade down a bit and we would still be able to draft the guy we like.

[whisper]

#17 is too high.

but it does look like #32 will have a lot of good players available, hopefully we get some great trade offers to trade down a bit and we would still be able to draft the guy we like.

That would be the plan. Any extra pick would be nice, an extra 3rd would really fill the bill. Some teams are gonna be jonesing for that 32nd, they will have all Thursday night, Friday morning to think about who they would love to grab. Hopefully, we have our eyes on a guy who will be there a few picks later.