A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

[Chadman]

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

[Lebsteel]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

I was thinking the same sort of thing with when I made up my first mock draft (see sig). I thought Jeff Owens at 6'1 and 301 might be a good pick as apparently you did also.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

do you think the Steelers are looking at Mike Neal as a NT or more as a 3-4 DE?

[Chadman]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

I was thinking the same sort of thing with when I made up my first mock draft (see sig). I thought Jeff Owens at 6'1 and 301 might be a good pick as apparently you did also.

Owens is intriguing. Just changed Chadman's mock to include Mike Neal- just for a change.

[Chadman]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

do you think the Steelers are looking at Mike Neal as a NT or more as a 3-4 DE?

Not too sure. But if it is true that he is a weight room phenom (as has been reported), and he shows the strength at the combine, there is no reason to suspect he couldn't be a Jay Alford style NT.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

do you think the Steelers are looking at Mike Neal as a NT or more as a 3-4 DE?

Not too sure. But if it is true that he is a weight room phenom (as has been reported), and he shows the strength at the combine, there is no reason to suspect he couldn't be a Jay Alford style NT.

do you mean Jay Alford of the Giants or Jay Ratliff of the Cowboys?

[Chadman]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

do you think the Steelers are looking at Mike Neal as a NT or more as a 3-4 DE?

Not too sure. But if it is true that he is a weight room phenom (as has been reported), and he shows the strength at the combine, there is no reason to suspect he couldn't be a Jay Alford style NT.

do you mean Jay Alford of the Giants or Jay Ratliff of the Cowboys?

That'd be the one!!

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

like Ratliff who was drafted in the 7th round, Mike Neal may also end up being a mid to late-round bargain...



MIKE NEAL
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 293 | PositionT | College: Purdue

NFLDraftScout.com


02/17/2010 - PRO POTENTIAL: DT Mike Neal - Neal participated in the Senior Bowl, recording a tackle and an assist. He'll also attend the NFL Combine later this month after starting 23 games for Purdue at defensive tackle. He ended his career with 99 tackles in 46 games, including 13 sacks.

01/19/2010 - East-West Shrine Tuesday Practice: The East's interior defensive linemen had better luck. Defensive tackles Nate Collins (Virginia) and Mike Neal (Purdue) displayed their strength and quick first step that intrigued scouts all season, beating Clemson's Thomas Austin and Ohio State's Jim Cordle on multiple occasions in drills. Cordle was clearly frustrated after he wound up on his back side on one play.

Player Ratings
Position Overall Pos. Rank Proj. Round
DT 155 14 4-5

[Chadman]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

like Ratliff who was drafted in the 7th round, Mike Neal may also end up being a mid to late-round bargain...



MIKE NEAL
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 293 | PositionT | College: Purdue

NFLDraftScout.com


02/17/2010 - PRO POTENTIAL: DT Mike Neal - Neal participated in the Senior Bowl, recording a tackle and an assist. He'll also attend the NFL Combine later this month after starting 23 games for Purdue at defensive tackle. He ended his career with 99 tackles in 46 games, including 13 sacks.

01/19/2010 - East-West Shrine Tuesday Practice: The East's interior defensive linemen had better luck. Defensive tackles Nate Collins (Virginia) and Mike Neal (Purdue) displayed their strength and quick first step that intrigued scouts all season, beating Clemson's Thomas Austin and Ohio State's Jim Cordle on multiple occasions in drills. Cordle was clearly frustrated after he wound up on his back side on one play.

Player Ratings
Position Overall Pos. Rank Proj. Round
DT 155 14 4-5

Hehe- you use one of the same draft sites for your info as Chadman..

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

like Ratliff who was drafted in the 7th round, Mike Neal may also end up being a mid to late-round bargain...



MIKE NEAL
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 293 | PositionT | College: Purdue

NFLDraftScout.com


02/17/2010 - PRO POTENTIAL: DT Mike Neal - Neal participated in the Senior Bowl, recording a tackle and an assist. He'll also attend the NFL Combine later this month after starting 23 games for Purdue at defensive tackle. He ended his career with 99 tackles in 46 games, including 13 sacks.

01/19/2010 - East-West Shrine Tuesday Practice: The East's interior defensive linemen had better luck. Defensive tackles Nate Collins (Virginia) and Mike Neal (Purdue) displayed their strength and quick first step that intrigued scouts all season, beating Clemson's Thomas Austin and Ohio State's Jim Cordle on multiple occasions in drills. Cordle was clearly frustrated after he wound up on his back side on one play.

Player Ratings
Position Overall Pos. Rank Proj. Round
DT 155 14 4-5

Hehe- you use one of the same draft sites for your info as Chadman..

great minds think alike!

[Shawn]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

I don't see major changes coming as long as Lebeau is here.

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

I truly believe Tomlin will move to a 4-3 defense as soon as LeBeau retires (not that he should, but he will). It seems that he is drafting with that purpose in mind. Athletically speaking: Hood, Harris, Lewis, and Timmons all seem to fit better in a 4-3 (Woodley is debatable). I think he wants his D-Line to be able to provide better pressure in the passing game, even if at the expense of stuffing the run, and rightfully so. You don't beat the Saints, Colts, Pats by shutting down the run.

I would be extremely surprised if Tomlin drafts a immobile lug of a NT. I'm interested to see the combine numbers on Neal.

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

I truly believe Tomlin will move to a 4-3 defense as soon as LeBeau retires (not that he should, but he will). It seems that he is drafting with that purpose in mind. Athletically speaking: Hood, Harris, Lewis, and Timmons all seem to fit better in a 4-3 (Woodley is debatable). I think he wants his D-Line to be able to provide better pressure in the passing game, even if at the expense of stuffing the run, and rightfully so. You don't beat the Saints, Colts, Pats by shutting down the run.

I would be extremely surprised if Tomlin drafts a immobile lug of a NT. I'm interested to see the combine numbers on Neal.

[steelblood]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

Tomlin has said that he doesn't see us as a 3-4 team only. Against teams that go 3 wide and in nickel situations, we play a lot of four man fronts and expect our linemen to do more penetrating and less gap control.

Even in a 4-3 though, there are still nose tackles. You usually have at least one large run stuffer that plays on first and second down and occupies two blockers (like Pat Williams or Grady Jackson). Then your other 3 DTs on your roster are better penetrators (some excel at pass rushing, others play the run and pass well). On true passing downs, even 4-3 teams usually take out the NT and go with two penetrators.

Regarding Jeff Owens: I've watched him play many times. He is a good athlete, but he doesn't anchor well, he gets washed out by downblocking guards very easily, and he doesn't make many plays. That Georgia defense was stacked with talent and woefully underperformed all year. Owens played next to Kade Weston and Geno Atkins and still couldn't get much done. Atkins was Georgia's best penetrating DT. Owens may turn out to be a good pro, but he certainly didn't shine as a collegiate player. He wasn't very good at the Senior Bowl either.

[stlrz d]

Re: A question regarding NT's, the Steelers & the 2010 Draft..

As has been debated to death already, the 3-4 NT position in the NFL generally fits the mould of a 6'2"/6'3" 320 + lbs man that has limited movement, but is hard to push out of the way.

The Steelers have that guy- Casey Hampton.

But Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be a great fan.

In fact, Tomlin's 3-4 defensive players that he has added don't necessarily fit the type of player we are used to- examples being the 'light' Lawrence Timmons, and the short, active DE in Ziggy Hood- a far cry from Levon Kirkland & Kimo Von Oelhoffen. Also, one of the first guys Tomlin tried to bring in to the Steelers 3-4 defense was 6'0" 300lb Booger MacFarlane- a move that ultimately didn't happen due to fitness issues. Booger also didn't fit the mould of the Steeler 3-4 NT- too short, light & played a more actice style of game- not exactly a 'plugger'.

So the question Chadman has for you is this- are we looking at the wrong type of player to play NT for the Steelers, in the view of how Tomlin & co may go in this draft?

Instead of 370lb bohemoths like terrence Cody, is Tomlin more likely to look at stout, but active guys like Brian Price, Lamarr Houston, Mike Neal or Jeff Owens- all known for their hustle & movement, more than sheer size.

Could Tomlin envision a Dallas Cowboys 3-4 instead of the traditional Steelers 3-4 for the future?

Pretty sure it was reported that the Steelers spoke to Mike Neal at the Senior Bowl....

I truly believe Tomlin will move to a 4-3 defense as soon as LeBeau retires (not that he should, but he will). It seems that he is drafting with that purpose in mind. Athletically speaking: Hood, Harris, Lewis, and Timmons all seem to fit better in a 4-3 (Woodley is debatable). I think he wants his D-Line to be able to provide better pressure in the passing game, even if at the expense of stuffing the run, and rightfully so. You don't beat the Saints, Colts, Pats by shutting down the run.

I would be extremely surprised if Tomlin drafts a immobile lug of a NT. I'm interested to see the combine numbers on Neal.

I don't.

I think we'll continue to mix it up just like we do now.