The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in Round Four to get their man – and what a BIG man he is!
As predicted by the staff here at NPC during our 2012 NFL Draft Coverage, the Steelers found their heir apparent to NT Casey Hampton by selecting University of Washington NT Alameda Ta’amu in the 4th round. The team gave up a 6th round pick for the right to move up ten spots to select Ta’amu, who many had pegged as a 2nd or 3rd round talent.
From NFL.com:
Overview
Ta’amu was a big-boned, powerful inside force for Washington who projects to play the nose tackle position in a 3-4 defense at the next level. He has the ability to hold up linemen and clog lanes to keep linebackers clean, which boosts his value. He has been so effective with the Huskies that there have been some arguably “less-talented” players at Washington who have been extremely productive because of his presence inside on the line.
Analysis
Strengths
Ta’amu is a forceful player against the run who can quickly get off the ball and into a lineman’s face. He can hold two blockers to create lanes for his linebackers. He is big-bodied and understands his role within the defense. He can engulf running backs by using his long, strong arms or by pushing the interior of an offensive line into the backfield.
Weaknesses
Ta’amu is a slow-mover who struggles to rush the passer and chase down ball carriers. He lacks pass-rush moves and doesn’t use his feet or hands to get off blocks. He has little value in a 4-3 defense given his shortcomings.
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Be sure to get the best Steelers coverage year-round here at Nice Pick, Cowher.
Don’t forget to check out NPC all week long as we delve into the 2012 NFL Draft from the Black and Gold colored glasses all weekend long!
Overview
Ta’amu was a big-boned, powerful inside force for Washington who projects to play the nose tackle position in a 3-4 defense at the next level. He has the ability to hold up linemen and clog lanes to keep linebackers clean, which boosts his value. He has been so effective with the Huskies that there have been some arguably “less-talented” players at Washington who have been extremely productive because of his presence inside on the line.
Analysis
Strengths
Ta’amu is a forceful player against the run who can quickly get off the ball and into a lineman’s face. He can hold two blockers to create lanes for his linebackers. He is big-bodied and understands his role within the defense. He can engulf running backs by using his long, strong arms or by pushing the interior of an offensive line into the backfield.
Weaknesses
Ta’amu is a slow-mover who struggles to rush the passer and chase down ball carriers. He lacks pass-rush moves and doesn’t use his feet or hands to get off blocks. He has little value in a 4-3 defense given his shortcomings.
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Follow Jeff Snedden on TwitterFollow Jeff Snedden on Facebook
Follow Nice Pick, Cowher on Twitter @nicepickcowherC
Be sure to get the best Steelers coverage year-round here at Nice Pick, Cowher.
Don’t forget to check out NPC all week long as we delve into the 2012 NFL Draft from the Black and Gold colored glasses all weekend long!