During Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s final press conference of the season, he made it clear that “Bud Dupree is a top [free agency] priority” for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tomlin’s statement seemed to indicate that defensive tackle Javon Hargrave’s career in Pittsburgh likely came to an end following the last snap of the Ravens and Steelers’ waterlogged finale. The Steelers may address Hargrave’s departure by drafting the interior defensive linemen early in the draft, however, the depressed market for run-stuffing nose tackles may be too enticing for the cash-strapped Steelers to ignore. The following five free-agent defensive tackles would serve as capable replacements for Hargrave:
A’Shawn Robinson: 6’4” 330lbs, 2019: 46% Def. Snaps, 40/32/3TFL/3PD/1FF/1.5Sk/2QBHits, 13G/9GS, Age: 24, Alabama
The Steelers prefer younger free agents with upside, and Robinson played under Steelers Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar during Dunbar’s tenure at Alabama. The Steelers will have to determine if the mammoth Robinson is capable of playing nose tackle after spending four seasons in a traditional 4-3 base front.
Brandon Williams: 6’1” 336lbs, 2019: 54% Def. Snaps, 34/13/2TFL/0PD/0FF/1.0Sk/5QBHits, 14G/14GS, Age: 30, Missouri Southern
Williams is on the older side, relative to past Steelers free agency signings, but the Steelers are, to say the least, very familiar with what he can do. Ravens edge rusher Matthew Judon is expected to receive a huge pay raise, and so the Ravens may not be able to afford to retain the stout run stuffer.
Andrew Billings: 6’1” 328lbs, 2019: 61% Def. Snaps, 35/18/4TFL/0PD/0FF/1.0Sk/4QBHits, 16G/14GS, Age: 24, Baylor
Billings checks several boxes the Steelers traditionally look for in free agents: (1) Youth, (2) Power 5 Conference Pedigree, and (3) Familiarity. Whether or not the Steelers will be able to lure Billings away from Cincinnati is another question, but he’s a perfect fit.
Beau Allen: 6’3” 327lbs,2019: , 2019: 16% of Def. Snaps, 10/4/2TFL/0PD/0FF/0.5Sk/1QBhits, 13G/0GS, Age: 28, Wisconsin
Allen is a traditional run-stuffing nose tackle, but with little upside. On the other hand, Allen is a dependable veteran with a Superbowl ring, will only be 28 on opening day, and will likely come at a very low price tag following an unspectacular season in which he was supplanted by Buccaneers standout Vita Vea.
Danny Shelton: 6’2” 345lbs, 2019: 49% of Def. Snaps, 61/30/2TFL/0PD/1FF/3.0Sk/6QBHits, 16G/14GS, Age: 26, Washington
Danny Shelton is a better fit than even Billings. He’s young, has first-round pedigree, the Steelers have faced him eight times over the past five years, and he’s a capable 3-4 base nose tackle. The only problem, at a projected market value of $4.7 million per season (per Spotrac), he is likely too pricey for the Steelers. A yinzer can dream though.
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