2020 Draft: What DL will be available for the Steelers?

Nose Tackle

Last year two NT’s go off the board before pick 49, and both of them in the first. Dexter Lawrence is a more traditional option at NT while Ed Oliver is a Hargrave type (albeit smaller than Hargrave). Lawrence plugged the run extremely well in his first season and looks like a constant starter going forward. Oliver had a slower start but heated up as the year went on and could break out next year.

2018 saw two NT’s go before 49, and again they were both first-round picks. Vita Vea and Da’Ron Payne have both become steady starters and have played well on their respective teams. Neither are dominant pass rushers, but both have become vital in stopping the run. 2017 saw no NT’s taken before pick 49.

Crunching the numbers, the average number of NT’s taken before pick 49 is 1.33. This means that a player like Justin Madubuike would be the realistic target at 49, while a best-case scenario says the Steelers will have the pick of the litter at NT, with the best option being Neville Gallimore. Either of these options look like solid prospects who can play inside and get after the QB as Hargrave could.

If the Steelers target DL early in this draft, the obvious position would be someone that can play NT as the value is better there and the need is higher. While NT isn’t a slam dunk to be selected early, it is a top three need for the Steelers. This could be a solid trade back and target position for the Steelers if they wanted to go this route.

With DL a likely draft target, be aware of the names that make sense for where the Steelers pick. NT is the only position on the roster without a starter, but due to its depreciated value, it doesn’t require the first pick being spent on it. That said, there should be some valuable options at the position when the team is on the clock at 49.