Let’s look at some recent players the Steelers drafted in an effort to fit the scheme
The 2016 draft brought the Steelers Artie Burns and Sean Davis, both DB’s; the former from Miami and the latter from Maryland. It also brought us Javon Hargrave, DT from South Carolina State.
Let’s start with Hargrave. Last season was Hargrave’s best season in terms of his production; he tallied 6.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss (TFL) and 8 QB hits. Having played DT in a 4-3 scheme in college, I think it has taken Hargrave some time to adjust to being a 3-4 NT (nose tackle).
Since most college teams do not run a 3-4, you’re asking a lot of a 4-3 DT, who generally only has to worry about the offensive lineman in front of him, to make the transition to a 3-4 NT, who generally has to worry about not only the center but one of the guards as well if the offense chooses to double team the NT. Hargrave sometimes gets lost in the wash, so to speak, and is not able to command a double team as the really good NT’s are able to do. Just think about Casey Hampton and you’ll understand the reference.
Davis has shown his versatility, playing FS (Free Safety) last season and primarily SS (Strong Safety) the previous two seasons. I think he has acquitted himself nicely at FS. Will he become the next Ryan Clark or the next Mike Mitchell? Time will tell. I admire the Steelers for making the switch with Davis from SS to FS, but I think we have a hole at SS right now, which I will discuss momentarily.
Let’s hold off on talking about Burns for the moment, but we will circle back to him.