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4 defensive tackles who could replace Javon Hargrave for the Steelers

By Tommy Jaggi

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills puts on his helmet during the second quarter against the New York Jets at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills puts on his helmet during the second quarter against the New York Jets at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 18: Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers blocks Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 18: Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers blocks Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Vernon Butler

Vernon Butler isn’t exactly a nose tackle, but he certainly has the size for it. The Steelers expressed a good amount of interest in the Lousiana Tech product back in 2016, and Bulter was drafted just picks after Artie Burns in the first round.

Like Burns, Bulter has never lived up to lofty expectations as a former first-round draft choice, but he still has a place in the NFL. Butler had a disappointing first three seasons in the NFL – combining for just 2.0 sacks in 38 games. He also never started a game until last year.

However, Butler had somewhat of a breakout year in 2019 – earning 6.0 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, 8 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles despite starting just 9 games. He should also be a cheap option on the market.

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