Tag: Tyson Alualu

NFL draft history: Every player selected with the 10th overall pick since 2000

We’re looking at every No. 10 overall pick selected since the 2000 NFL Draft and the Philadelphia Eagles’ chances of landing an impact player

The Eagles need impact players on both sides of the ball, and with two first-round picks in this month’s draft, Howie Roseman will have another opportunity to add depth to a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

Top ten picks are expected to be dynamic players, and the list of No. 10 overall selections has a handful of misses, along with several hits and a few Hall of Fame-worthy performers.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every player selected with the tenth pick since 2000.

Podcast: Discussions on Alualu’s decision to sign with Pittsburgh, Lawrence, 17-game seasons

Jags Wire’s James Johnson and Phil Smith review the latest in Jags news this week on the “Bleav in the Jags Podcast.”

In the newest episode of “Bleav in the Jaguars,” Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and myself discussed the latest in Jacksonville Jaguars news this week.

We started episode 65 discussing what a 17-game season means for the Jags and the league in general, as a lot of players aren’t high on it. While it does mean more money for the players and owners, it’s possible the product could suffer with the additional game and we explained why.

Afterward, we discussed the impact of Tyson Alualu’s choice to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers over Jacksonville. It basically put the Jags in a situation where there aren’t many options to replace him, but we mentioned one who the Jags could turn to in the draft.

Lastly, we discussed the biggest takeaway from Urban Meyer’s interview with Peter King. Of course, that was his transparency about taking Trevor Lawrence, which is something fans of the league’s other 32 teams and the media should’ve seen from the jump.

The full episode can be heard below in the media player, while our archived episodes can be revisited here.

Feel free to subscribe to “Bleav in the Jags” via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

Steelers make official DT Tyson Alualu re-signing

The Steelers made the re-signing of Tyson Alualu official on Thursday.

The Steelers inked veteran defensive tackle Tyson Alualu — before changing his mind again — to a two-year contract.

Alualu agreed to terms with Pittsburgh last week after initially doing the same with his former Jacksonville Jaguars team at the start of free agency.

Stepping up big for Javon Hargrave, who left for the Eagles via free agency, Alualu logged five defended passes, a forced fumble, two sacks, 38 tackles and five quarterback hits in 15 games (10 starts).

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The Steelers defense, as a whole, suffered a myriad of injuries last season, including Alualu, who missed close to two games.

The contract’s value hasn’t been revealed, but it was reported Alualu had been planning to sign a two-year, $6 million contract with the Jags.

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Report: Tyson Alualu returning to Steelers after initially coming to terms with Jags

Tyson Alualu cam to terms with the Jags this month, but an unfortunate situation gave him more time to re-think his situation.

After initially agreeing to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tyson Alualu won’t be signing with the team after all. Instead, he will be returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers after a unfortunate chain of events happened after his interaction with the Jags.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Alualu couldn’t make the trip to Jacksonville after testing positive for COVID-19. That gave him more time to think about his decision and he decided to return to Pittsburgh, where his family has settled, as a result.

This news now puts the Jags in a situation where they will have to turn to whatever veterans are on the open market, or get some more defensive line help through the draft. Depending on who fans asked, Alualu could’ve started for the Jags despite being 32 years of age as he accumulated a Pro Football Focus grade of 89.6 last season. He started in over half of the Steelers games (11), too, while accumulating 38 combined tackles and two sacks.

Alualu, who was drafted by the Jags in 2010, would’ve not only brought the team a great run defender, but a versatile veteran who could help bring along the Jags’ young defensive lineman like DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin. However, this shouldn’t put fans in panic mode as they were able to land veterans like Jihad Ward, Malcom Brown, and Roy Robertson-Harris, all of whom have officially signed with the team.

The Jags now will have to re-assess what they will want to do for interior defensive line help. They’ve been frequently mocked Christian Barmore, who is a fit as a 3-4 defensive end (one position Alualu would’ve played) and his name could be one to monitor heavily after Alualu had a change of heart.

Key defender returns to Pittsburgh by way of Jacksonville

In a strange twist, Tyson Alualu decided not to sign with the Jaguars and, instead, will return to Pittsburgh.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, former Steeler Tyson Alualu had a change of heart and will re-sign with Pittsburgh.

More to follow on Steelers Wire

Jaguars remain 32nd in NFL.com power rankings after free agent signings

The Jags got better in free agency last week but they still have to prove they don’t belong at the bottom based on NFL.com’s power rankings.

Like most teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars made new upgrades to their roster last week during the opening moments of free agency and were able to acquire various new starters. However, despite those upgrades, several people aren’t high on the roster at the moment.

Among them is NFL Network’s Dan Hanzus, who recently released his post-free agency power rankings. In them, he had the Jags remaining where they were in his power rankings from February, which was at the very bottom of the NFL at spot No. 32.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Urban Meyer went public with his criticisms of the NFL’s free agency process, but that didn’t preclude the Jaguars from being more active than just about anyone in the first week of the league year. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin and wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr.were the highest-profile additions as the team closes in on draft day and the presumed arrival of Trevor Lawrence as the new face of the franchise. Meyer is rebuilding Jacksonville from the ground up.

The Jaguars free agency class certainly could’ve been better as they led the league in cap space, but were unable to acquire names like Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, and John Johnson. While there could be an argument made that a healthier Jags team in 2020 would’ve been better than the New York Jets, their general manager Joe Douglas surpassed the Jags with the solid free agency period they had last week. The signing of Carl Lawson gave them a pass rusher who the Jags needed, and they were also able to add former Jags rival Corey Davis and former Jags receiver Keelan Cole.

While the Jags missed out on several names who would’ve been huge additions, they were able to acquire some players who will be significant contributors or could be great starters. Those players were additions like Marvin Jones Jr., Rashawn Jenkins, Roy Robertson-Harris, Tyson Alualu, and Shaq Griffin. They also re-signed players who could contribute like cornerbacks Sidney Jones IV and Tre Herndon, and defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot.

When considering the impact all of the aforementioned names could make, in addition to Trevor Lawrence, the Jags look ready to take another step forward. The bigger question is how big of a step will it be?

NFL free agency: Former first-round pick Tyson Alualu to re-join the Jags

The Jags are on the verge of signing a former first round pick of theirs in Tyson Alualu.

While with the Baltimore Ravens, Joe Cullen witnessed the defense rotate frequently and seemingly wants to do that in Jacksonville. The team has been adding pieces to their defensive line since Monday and are now bringing back a familiar face to the mix.

According to multiple sources, Tyson Alualu has agreed to a two-year deal worth $6 million with the team.

Alualu, who was the Jags’ first round pick in 2010, is entering his twelfth season in the NFL. His first seven seasons was with the Jags and his last five was with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Alualu will not only reunite with the organization, but he will reunite with his former defensive line coach from his first few seasons in Cullen. As many fans can recall, Cullen was the Jags’ defensive line coach from 2010-12.

 

Alualu brings the veteran presence the Jags’ young defensive line needs. They had two rookies put together solid seasons in DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin, but both clearly needed more help around them and experience.

Alualu registered an 89.6 Pro Football Focus grade in 2020. He also started in 10 games and registered 38 combined tackles and two sacks.

Behind Enemy Lines: Week 11 Q&A with Steelers Wire

Steelers Wire’s Curt Popejoy talks about the undefeated Steelers as they approach their Week 11 game with the Jags.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ and Pittsburgh Steelers’ rivalry is one we’ve covered heavily here from 2017-18, and we’ve now come upon a time where the two rivals will meet again. While they both are on opposite ends of the spectrum record-wise, history says this could be a close battle for Week 11.

To get more intel on the Steelers, we sat down with Steelers Wire’s Curt Popejoy. Here are five burning questions he was able to answer for Sunday’s battle as the Steelers travel to TIAA Bank Field:

Jaguars Wire: This Steelers team is rolling and their record is proof. That said, what are their weaknesses — if there are any and what worries the Steelers’ fanbase about the Jags?

Curt Popejoy: I think both these answers are the same. The Jaguars have a great run game, and the Steelers are very up and down stopping the run. If there is a place where the Jaguars can attack the Steelers, it is with what they do best.

JW: What has been the biggest factor in the fantastic season Pittsburgh is having?

CP: It’s all about the return of Ben Roethlisberger. This team without him went 8-8 last season thanks to the defense when the offense stunk. Big Ben’s return has changed everything.

JW: While there were only six selections, the Steelers rookie class had some interesting names within it like Chase Claypool. Alongside him, how are they coming along?

CP: Claypool is becoming a star in a hurry. He’s got the confidence of Roethlisberger, and it’s paying off huge for him. The rest of the class has been a bit good when called upon. Guard Kevin Dotson is going to be a star once he’s a full-time starter, and I think the same can be said for outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. Both guys are just waiting for their opportunities.

JW: Who are some under-the-radar names to watch from this Steelers team on offense and defense?

CP: On offense, it’s rookie running back Anthony McFarland. Mike Tomlin said he wants to get the run game going, and his speed might be the key to it. On defense, the return of former Jaguar Tyson Alualu is the thing to watch. The run defense nosedived when he was out, but he’s back to 100% and playing like his old team.

JW: What’s your final predictions for the outcome of the game?

CP: The last two weeks have been trap games for the Steelers, and they won them both in very different ways. This week, I do look for Pittsburgh to win, but it will fall somewhere in between. This won’t be a blowout against a well-coached team like Jacksonville, but at the same time, I don’t think the Steelers take it to the final play either.

Steelers 31, Jaguars 21

Steelers’ Tyson Alualu expected return should be huge for Pittsburgh’s run defense

The Steelers defense has been gashed by opposing runners since Alualu’s absence.

The Steelers defense was dealt a major blow early in their Week 8 matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens when tackle Tyson Alualu exited the game midway through the first quarter. Luckily, the knee injury was not serious as the run defense suffered in his absence.

After allowing only 280 total rush yards in four consecutive games, the Steelers defense surrendered 409 yards in Weeks 8 and 9.

  • Games with Tyson Alualu (Weeks 1-7)
    • 413 total rush yards allowed
  • Games without Tyson Alualu (Weeks 8, 9)
    • 409 total rush yards allowed

Alualu was limited in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and was a full participant on Friday. He is without a designation heading into Sunday’s game, so expect that he’ll be active.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin feels good about the progress his tackle made this week. “I think that Tyson [Alualu] is in a better place. His participation was a full one today,” said Tomlin in a press conference on Friday. “I have very little reservations regarding his abilities or availability, so he is a go.”

Alualu’s availability is just the injection the run defense needs to turn things around. The unit slipped three spots from first to fourth versus the run while he was out.

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Week 9 Inactives, Captains: Cowboys still won’t play Anae, Robinson but Elliott to go

With the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers getting ready for kickoff in Arlington, the official inactive lists have been released.

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With the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers getting ready for kickoff in Arlington, the official inactive lists have been released. Ezekiel Elliott, after going through a closely monitored pregame workout routine, is indeed active despite being limited in practice throughout the week. He has yet to miss a game due to injury in his career.

There was some thought that the soft tank would be on for a team that has nothing meaningful to play for the rest of the year, but the team apparently hasn’t reached that point yet, though that could change. The official inactive list can be seen below:

Linebacker Joe Thomas is out with a wrist injury despite returning to practice, though in a limited fashion, on Friday. It will presumably be Sean Lee who fills his shoes.

Defensive end Aldon Smith, who has been dealing with an ailing knee for a couple of weeks will be available for use, though it’s possible he’s on a limited pitch count with Randy Gregory on the gameday roster. Rookie defensive back Reggie Robinson is still not able to get onto the active roster so far this year. The fourth-round pick has been healthy but a scratch all season. Likewise, fifth-round DE Bradlee Anae is inactive as well.

For the Steelers, Defensive tackle Tyson Alualu is out, though that had been reported earlier in the week, which will give the interior of the Dallas line a bit of a break. His replacement is rookie Carlos Davis, a seventh-round pick out of Nebraska.

Week 9 Captains

Meanwhile, the choices for captains for the Cowboys must be getting slim, because it’s a ragtag bunch of players getting the nod this week. Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson, defensive tackle Antwaun Woods and C.J. Goodwin make up that crew.

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