4 players who wouldn’t offer the Steelers anything special in 2021
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers DT Isaiah Buggs
Some fans really like Isaiah Buggs, and while I admit that he’s flashed a bit at times, I’m not convinced that he brings anything to the table that hasn’t already been covered by another player on Pittsburgh’s talented defensive line.
Though he has received some recognition as a former Alabama defensive lineman, Buggs has just average size for a defensive tackle and tested as an atrocious athlete at the NFL Combine in 2019, according to Relative Athletic Score. Obviously, there are more important traits than tested athleticism, but Buggs hasn’t done enough during game action to make me think his value can’t be replaced.
The Steeles only kept 6 defensive linemen on their 53-man roster for most of last season. Their top four DL are a lock to make the team in 2021 with Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, and Chris Wormley, and I would venture a guess that rookie Isaiah Loudermilk is safe as well.
This means that there may just be one or two roster spots available between Buggs, Carlson Davis, and Henry Mondeaux. Mondeaux is versatile and athletic (he even played some fullback for the Steelers last year), while Davis is a quick-penetrating 3-technique. Because Buggs and Davis serve the same role as the backup nose tackle, the team may want to go with the much more explosive and athletic player in Davis.