The Steelers traded up in the 4th round in a great move to pick up a much needed NT and a great pick on day 3 of the draft, Alameda Ta'amu. A huge space eating NT at 6'3" 348 lbs, he can be the next Casey Hampton 34 type NT. His primary job is going to be stop the run, being a 2 down type of player.
Steelers Defensive Line coach John Mitchell on his newest player: He'll have to double-team blockers to keep them of the linebackers. "He did that very well at Washington."
Kevin Colbert gave the Redskins their 6th round pick in this draft in to swap spots with them and move up to the 109th overall selection to get Ta'amu. The Steelers still have their 5th round pick and their 7 rounders (including compensatory picks which aren't able to be traded.
I was screaming for this pick all along and we got our NT now! He will step right in and compete with McLendon for that starting job. Huge body, can fill a 2 gap spot just by walking on the field.
I've been screaming for this pick since yesterday, I'm stoked he fell this far and the steelers landed him.
Twitter: @MEDATAAMU74
Ta'amu was a big-boned, powerful inside force for Washington who projects to play the nose tackle position in a 3-4 defense at the next level. He has the ability to hold up linemen and clog lanes to keep linebackers clean, which boosts his value. He has been so effective with the Huskies that there have been some arguably "less-talented" players at Washington who have been extremely productive because of his presence inside on the line.
Strengths
Ta'amu is a forceful player against the run who can quickly get off the ball and into a lineman's face. He can hold two blockers to create lanes for his linebackers. He is big-bodied and understands his role within the defense. He can engulf running backs by using his long, strong arms or by pushing the interior of an offensive line into the backfield.
Weaknesses
Ta'amu is a slow-mover who struggles to rush the passer and chase down ball carriers. He lacks pass-rush moves and doesn't use his feet or hands to get off blocks. He has little value in a 4-3 defense given his shortcomings.
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