The NFL is becoming a fast-paced game, and while elite athleticism isn’t necessary for all positions, it can give players an edge. The Steelers don’t always need dynamic athletes along the defensive line, but adding a player with elite traits makes sense this year. This defense needs a big infusion of talent, and some athleticism and talent along the line would be a huge help.
The combine is naturally the best time to see a player's athletic traits on display. It is an entire week dedicated to athletic testing and measurements, and the Steelers are always keying in on prospects here. The defensive line saw some great prospects show insane athleticism, and they would be wise adds in the draft. Here are four defensive linemen who should be on the Steelers radar after the combine.
4. Zacch Pickens warrants a look from Steelers
Zacch Pickens is a name that has seemingly been cast aside by a lot of Steelers fans. While we focus on some of the top names, many expected Pickens to be a force when he entered college. Inconsistencies marred his game, but when he was on and focused, he was one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the game.
He tested extremely well, both as an athlete and just as a physical prospect. He has long arms which allow him to make contact early and he has the speed and power to shed blockers and disrupt plays. He was more of a nose tackle in college, and while he may start there in the NFL, I do believe he would be best suited to move to more of an end spot in the Steelers defense.
If the team misses out on the first wave of notable names, Pickens could be the target in the third or fourth round to secure some depth with potential. While his inconsistencies are frustrating, he is a fun player to watch when on it. There will be a pretty big transitional window, but Pickens has all of the traits to be a good lineman for the Steelers.
3. Bryan Bresee is becoming a Steelers draft crush
If the Steelers set their sights on a defensive lineman in the first round, Bryan Bresee has to be the primary target. While a hot and cold player in college, Bresee flashed some elite traits that could make him a star along a defensive line. He continued to funnel that narrative at the combine, as his performance there lived up to the expectations people had of the Clemson prospect.
Bresee battled injuries and tragedies in school which aided in his underperforming at times. When he was at his best, Bresee was a dynamic presence, carving through offensive linemen and getting after the quarterback or running back. There were times when he would disappear from the game as well, which has muddied his draft stock.
If he were to make it to the Steelers pick in the first round, it would be tempting to add him. He has the size and the athleticism you want in a player at his position, and the only physical trait I’m not thrilled with is his shorter arms. Besides that, Bresee has to be squarely on the team’s radar after his combine performance.
2. Keeanu Benton could wear a lot of hats for the Steelers
It is no great secret that the Steelers have some interest in Keeanu Benton out of Wisconsin, as the team reportedly told him that he was on their radar. It isn’t hard to see why, as he is one of the best run pluggers in this draft and tested as a better-than-expected athlete. He certainly didn’t hurt his cause while at the Combine.
Benton would be a plug-and-play nose tackle if drafted. It was the position he saw the most work at in school and it is where he would project the best right away as a pro. He has the strength to hold the middle of the line up and the power to take on double teams. His floor seems to be an average nose tackle in the NFL.
Given his size and length, he could transition to an end eventually, but he needs to prove himself as a pass rusher. He had no clear plan there in school and it showed. If he can convert that strength into a capable bull rush, he could work elsewhere on the Steelers defensive line. At worst though, he gives the defense a capable run-stopper and an upgrade at nose tackle.
1. Gervon Dexter is a Steelers prototype
If there ever was a defensive lineman that looked the part almost perfectly for the Steelers, it is Gervon Dexter. I’ve mocked him to the Steelers a few times due solely to the fact that he has the rare size that this team wants in a defensive end. College defenses are going smaller and faster, but Dexter comes in at an impressive 6’6 with a playing weight of 310 lbs.
His film is a bit of a different story, as he is raw as a pass rusher and lacks a defined plan as to how to get after the quarterback. He held his own in run defense though, as his power is key in disrupting running backs. Add in his strong testing, as he was one of the most athletic linemen at the combine, and you have an interesting prospect for the Steelers to chew on.
Dexter likely isn’t ready to play as a rookie outside of some basic run defenses. He needs to develop quite a bit to become a capable starter, but all of the traits are there. If he can put it all together, Dexter could become a good defensive end to have on this line. His numbers pop, and the Steelers have to be strongly considering him.
The combine is a time for players to show off their athleticism, and while not every lineman flashed, these four stood out as great fits both athletically and schematically for the Steelers. The team has to be digging into them more as the draft process continues.