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Who will fill Stephon Tuitt’s shoes for the Steelers?

By Brandon Kring

Cameron Heyward #97 and Stephon Tuitt #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Cameron Heyward #97 and Stephon Tuitt #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws the ball as nose tackle Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends during the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws the ball as nose tackle Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends during the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

Javon Hargrave

The Steelers took Javon Hargrave in the 2016 draft at 89th overall in the third round. This pick excited me a lot after seeing what Hargrave did in college.

Hargrave went to small South Carolina State, but he did what he was supposed to against his competition. He racked up 37 sacks and 63 tackles for loss in college and dominated every offensive lineman who tried to lock him down.

Hargrave burst on the scene immediately, starting 13 games at nose tackle for the Steelers in 2016. He has been the starter ever since and played in all 16 games the last two seasons.

Now, with Stephon Tuitt’s injury, Hargrave will see even more playing time. He will now likely be thrust into the starting sub package end in Tuitt’s place in addition to his nose tackle duties in base defense.

The Steelers saw what Hargrave could do last year as a pass rusher when he tallied 6.5 sacks playing in just 43.6 percent of the Steelers total team defensive snaps. That is an excellent number, especially from an interior defender.

Hargrave has some extra motivation to show out as he is in a contract year. He will either show the Steelers he is worth an investment from them, something I think he has already done enough of, or he will play himself into a nice payday elsewhere.

Either outcome helps the Steelers in 2019. Hargrave will be the highest producing replacement for Tuitt simply due to his subpackage versatility.

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