Larry Ogunjobi will have a huge role on Steelers defensive line

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently signed defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi. Here’s what we can expect from him on defense in 2022.

For weeks now, I’ve predicted that the Steelers would be in the market to add a veteran defensive lineman prior to the start of training camp. That proved to be the case. In an effort to solidify the interior defensive line, Pittsburgh brought in Larry Ogunjobi for a visit, and was signed to a one-year contract just hours later.

Some fans are already familiar with this name, as Ogunjobi was suspended one game during the 2020 season for his involvement in the Myles Garrett-Mason Rudolph tussle. While shoving Rudolph to the ground wasn’t a great look, Ogunjobi has been a quality player early in his NFL career and should give the Steelers defensive line a big boost.

Over the first five years of his NFL career, Ogunjobi has recorded 21.5 sacks, 41 tackles for a loss, and 53 quarterback hits in 76 total games played, via Pro Football Reference. The former third-round pick by the Cleveland Browns has been a full-time starter each of the past four seasons.

During the 2021 offseason, Ogunjobi signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and played a big role in helping their defense take the next step. The veteran defensive tackle impressed on the stat sheet — earning 7.0 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, and 16 QB hits in 16 games.

Ogunjobi had a deal in place with the Chicago Bears this offseason that would have made him a very rich man, but it eventually fell through as a lingering foot issue scared Chicago out of finalizing the paperwork.

Their loss is now Pittsburgh’s gain, as Ogunjobi recently signed a one-year deal with the black and gold. Now that the Steelers have their former rival under contract, what can we expect from Larry Ogunjobi in 2022?

Steelers have big plans for Ogunjobi

I’ve seen a lot of Larry Ogunjobi over the years. Being in the AFC North all five seasons of his career so far, I got to watch him at least twice per season. I’ve also recently talked to some Bengals writers and went back and watched some of Ogunjobi’s film.

Anyone thinking he can be Stephon Tuitt, I would urge you to leave those expectations at the door. At nearly 6’6” with long arms and a massive frame, Tuitt was a rare breed of defensive lineman thanks to his combination of power, run-stopping ability, and athletic traits.

Ogunjobi is a very different player. According to his Relative Athletic Score, Ogunjobi tested as an 84th percentile athlete at the 2017 NFL Combine. However, he did so at just 6’2 1/2” and 305 lbs. In terms of his frame and play style, he’s really nothing like Tuitt.

However, Ogunjobi does share a lot of similarities with former Steelers defensive tackle, Javon Hargrave — both in terms of build and play style. While Hargrave is better against the run, both defensive tackles are best when rushing from the 3-technique position and knifing into the backfield to get pressure on the quarterback.

Ogunjobi entered the league a year later than Hargrave, but he has put up very similar numbers to the former Steelers and current Eagles Pro Bowl defensive tackle. The biggest difference is their run-stopping ability. While Hargrave continues to grade out as one of the better interior defenders each year, Ogunjobi’s overall grade was dinged thanks to a very low 34.7 run defense grade last year, via Pro Football Reference.

Regardless, the Steelers will no doubt have some big plans for Ogunjobi, who has been one of the more productive interior pass rushers in the NFL over the past four years. It’s hard to tell where his role will be in Pittsburgh’s base 3-4 defense, as he lacks the anchoring ability to play nose tackle and the typical length they require for their 5-techniques.

Regardless, Ogunjobi is going to carve out a huge role thanks to his hustle and ability to routinely get after the quarterback rushing from the interior. Because of this, I think most of his usage will come on passing downs and during sub-packages when he can tee off and provide quick and consistent pressure inside.

While Pittsburgh obviously could have used an elite run defender after finishing dead last in the NFL in run defense a season ago, they certainly couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab a talented defensive lineman like Larry Ogunjobi.

The hope is that the return of Tyson Alualu and the development of Isaiahh Loudermilk will help in this department. The Steelers also added Montravius Adams late in the season who proved to be solid last year, and rookie DeMarvin Leal could have a limited role from the gate as well.

Though Chris Wormley may technically be listed as the starter next to Cameron Heyward on the depth chart, I would almost expect Ogunjobi to earn more snaps in 2022 thanks to his success as a pass rusher. In fact, by the end of the season, I’ll be surprised if anyone not named Cam Heyward earns more snaps along the interior defensive line than Ogunjobi.

Regardless of his underwhelming PFF grade and his lingering foot issue, Larry Ogunjobi immediately becomes one of my favorite Steelers signings of the offseason. He was very good for Cincinnati last season, and I think he gives this defense a noticeable boost and the interior pass rush it was lacking without Tuitt.