Will Ta'amu beat out McLendon to start at NT for the Steelers?

**CowherPower** · 04-30-2012, 09:54 AM

Alameda Ta'amu appears to be the second coming of Casey Hampton, at least I think so. 6'7" 348 lbs is just a monster of a guy. From what I've read he'll be a 2 down type of player like Hampton is, coming out on passing situations. However he's got what could be some better feet than the big snack so if he is stuck out on the field in no huddle situations and what not he might not be so bad.

I know you can't predict how the guy will do when he hasn't even played yet but do you guys think he can beat out McLendon? If you listen to John Mitchell he'll tell you to not write off McLendon until you see him play more. That comment could go either way depending on what you read into it but at the very least we have some options now at NT with big snack likely not ready to go.

**K Train** · 04-30-2012, 10:00 AM

hes 6-4 not 6-7 that would be a ridiclous tall NT lol.

he will beat him out, theres zero doubt in my mind. mcclendon looks like he could be a great backup at both NT and DE though

**coldrolled** · 04-30-2012, 10:15 AM

mcclendon is not a slouch... We are good with both of them at NT..

Lets see what our corners can do.. thats my worry.

**LatrobePA** · 04-30-2012, 10:17 AM

I like his chances...

**cmerrifield** · 04-30-2012, 10:18 AM

I want to see the 3 NT front line from time to time that LeBeau runs. Those three guys could plug a freeway. I am not sure who will win, but hopefully they both stay and end up with a Hampton/Hoke situation where there is not a drop when the other one is in. Plus, McLendon does seem to move both inside and out well.

**K Train** · 04-30-2012, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by coldrolled

mcclendon is not a slouch... We are good with both of them at NT..

Lets see what our corners can do.. thats my worry.

corners played well last year...im not really worried about the corners, im excited for the younger guys

Keisel, Taamu, Heyward is a line that you simply cant move. Add hood in there that he can penetrate and then you have 2 of the best bull rushing OLBs in the league. Just going to be a nightmare to run on at all

**LatrobePA** · 04-30-2012, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by K Train

corners played well last year...im not really worried about the corners, im excited for the younger guys

Keisel, Taamu, Heyward is a line that you simply cant move. Add hood in there that he can penetrate and then you have 2 of the best bull rushing OLBs in the league. Just going to be a nightmare to run on at all

My wee wee just got a little stiff...

**K Train** · 04-30-2012, 10:37 AM

weve seen this defense have incredible numbers against the run (sometimes <50ypg)....who would have thought that could have gotten better with aaron smith and casey hampton getting old and replaced. damn we are spoiled lol

**coldrolled** · 04-30-2012, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by K Train

corners played well last year...im not really worried about the corners, im excited for the younger guys

Keisel, Taamu, Heyward is a line that you simply cant move. Add hood in there that he can penetrate and then you have 2 of the best bull rushing OLBs in the league. Just going to be a nightmare to run on at all

Ktrain this is just awesome... Our OL and DL are now young and powerful, next years draft should be really fun...

Plus ... OL and Haley with a healthy Ben. BA being gone is another plus positive without the draft. The AFCN better be ready haha... And we still have Wallace.