Daniel McCullers

[TMC]

Our lineman are supposed to take up offensive lineman. Not get after the quarterback. Their sole responsibility in a 34 defense is to not let the offensive lineman get to the second level so that our backers can run free. Our pass rush comes from them not the lineman.

Meh, kind of, but what you truly want is an Aaron Smith, a guy that can stop the run and still provide pressure when needed. They have more responsibilities than just occupying the OL. We 2-gap much less than they did prior, especially on the ends. Still need DL that can beat a man one-on-one.

As for McCullers, I see the benefit. I think he is a nose. I think he is a guy that does not get moved easily, but he also won't generate a ton of push. His height will help, could bat some passes, but if he develops, he could allow you to stay in base defense in more situations. That is his upside. He is not a package guy, not a passing down guy, damn sure are not going to take Tuitt/Heyward off the field (when both are very good pass rushers) and put an immobile guy in the middle.

But, in base, he gives you the run stopper, hole clogger in the middle. He should be able to keep your ILBs a little cleaner, especially with Heyward and Tuitt on the edges. ILB are not more capable in coverage. Just need the edge guys to step up the pass rush.

I will state this, in this offseason, the Steelers have added Mike Mitchell and Ryan Shazier, both sub-4.40 guys. It means that 3 of your four DBs have/had sub-4.4s at some point (and I think Troy and Ike are still fast enough). You have two ILBs with speed. You also have a DL that boasts its smallest guy at @305 and that is Heyward. Should give you the run stopping stuff you need up front with speed on the back end in coverage areas. Nice blend.