A do-it-all linebacker and DE for the Steelers 3-4 defense
In 2014, the Steelers drafted Ryan Shazier, LB, out of Ohio State in the first round and Stephon Tuitt, DE, from Notre Dame in the second round. No issues with either Shazier or Tuitt making the transition from the college ranks to the NFL ranks. Although Tuitt has not put up the sack numbers that I think most fans assumed or expected him to, he is solid nonetheless.
I would point out that the issue Heyward has in the “Nickel” is the same for Tuitt in that they are tasked with holding their ground against the run or occupying the offensive lineman long enough against the pass to keep the ILB’s clean. That does not happen consistently enough for either Tuitt or Heyward because most college teams run something other than a ‘2-4-5’ Nickel package.
I am no expert in this matter, but for the amount of college football my son and I watch, I would bet most teams run a “3-3-5” look on passing downs. A ‘3-3-5’ is a package that deploys 3 down lineman, 3 linebackers and 5 defensive backs. Why the Steelers do not run something akin to this is anyone’s guess.
In 2015, Keith Butler ascended to the position of Defensive Coordinator (DC). Also, in 2015, the Steelers drafted Alvin “Bud” Dupree, LB from Kentucky, in the first round. Listed as a “DE”, Dupree played the OLB role in Kentucky’s defense meaning he stood up more than he put his hand on the ground. In other words, he lined up in a 2 point stance versus lining up in a 3 point stance.
Although the Steelers exercised Dupree’s fifth-year option, the jury is still out on whether or not he will be a first-round bust or a first-round boon. I truly hope this year will his break-out year. Dupree has managed a meager 20 sacks in 4 seasons.
The Steelers 3-4 defense relies upon the ability of the OLB’s to be stout against the run, to occasionally cover and to rush the passer. Has Dupree been consistent with performing these three tasks? I would say thus far he has been inconsistent and underwhelming.