Defensive End Prospects

Let's look at an area of the roster that is getting older.  The Smith and Kiesel are pretty good, especially Smith.  His domination in the run game was evident in the playoff loss to the Jags.  The Steelers struggled to stop the run when he was not playing.  Let's look at good 3-4 DE prospects, and what they need to fit the Steeler's system:

1.  Size:  6-2 or taller, 275 to 300 lbs.  Not a typical DE that is a little lighter in the pants.  Steeler DEs are big and powerful, like smaller DTs.

2.  Need to be able to handle double teams well.  If they get double teamed by the OL, they need to be able to hold the point of attack.  A DE in this position will probably not make the tackle, but they will give the ILBs plenty of room to shut down the run.

The prospects:

1.  Tyson Jackson  6'4"  295 lbs  

McShay grades Jackson out as a 93. 

2.  Robert Ayers  6'3" 273 lbs  

Looks to be a second day pick.  Grades out as an 87.

There is really only one prospect that fits the Steeler DE mold and can be a starter in the future.  That is Tyson Jackson.  The Steelers will probably need to take him at the end of Rd 1, as he will be gone by the 64th pick.  Tyson is an established player with a lot of film.  He stops the run in dominant fashion, and is an adequate, not dominating, pass rusher.  He has no off the field problems.

Jackson is most likely on the draft board as a first pick option for the Steelers.

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