#casey hampton

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10 Late-Round Prospects That the Steelers Should Target

10 Late-Round Prospects That the Steelers Should Target

By: Zach Metkler, GZ Sports Report Writer Follow @GZSports_ZM Over the years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have done an excellent job of find late-round prospects that are able to contribute in ways that far exceed that of a Day 3 pick.  Although the team has been effective at finding players in early rounds, the Steelers their fair share of diamond-in-the-rough players that were taken in late rounds…

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My NFL Top Five: Nose Tackles

Now for installment nine: Nose Tackles

These Goliath-sized men play the most physically demanding position in the NFL as the lone defensive tackle in the 3-4 scheme. It is their responsibility to watch both sides of the center, and they deal with the strongest offensive linemen play after play. It is rare to see excellent pass-rushers at this position especially speed rushers, as most are decent pass-rushers but mostly run-stuffers and take double and triple teams to allow the defensive ends and outside linebackers an easier time to get to the quarterback. 

Now for our honorable mentions:

Issac Sopoaga, San Francisco 49ers Ahtyba Rabin, Cleveland Browns Pernell McPhee, Baltimore Ravens Cam Thomas, San Diego Chargers Antonio Garay, San Diego Chargers

And, finally, our Top Five:

5. B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers

 He's probably the best pass-rushing NT in the NFL, but he's an average run defender. If he can improve in that area, he could make a run at the top spot on this list. His pass-rush and speed are second to none for a defensive tackle, giving him a spot on this list. 

4. Jay Ratliff, Dallas Cowboys

 Probably the most under-sized nose tackle in the NFL, but Ratliff has been the most consistent player on the Cowboy's defensive front seven aside from DeMarcus Ware. One of the most under-appreciated NT's in the league.

3. Sione Pouha, New York Jets

 Another guy who isn't flashy, but his size and strength demands double and triple teams, allowing the other players in the front seven an easier time getting to the quarterback or getting to the running backs. His game is all about power.

2. Casey Hampton, Pittsburg Steelers

 Age may be starting to catch up with him, but he's been a rock at the center of the Steeler's front three ever since suiting up. He's only recorded nine sacks in his long career, but that doesn't even come close to telling the whole story. 300 tackles says a ton about his level of play.

1. Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots

 I was torn on where to put him. The Patriots run a hybrid 3-4/4-3 with Wilfork as the core of the line in both cases. Much like Casey Hampton, he isn't much of a threat in the pass-rushing department, but he's a stalwart run defender (probably the best in the business) and the fact that he demands double-teams leads to the edge-rushers having good seasons fairly often. Not to mention he racked up two picks last year, which was fun to watch. I mean, who DOESN'T love watching a 320 pound plus defensive lineman rumble down the field throwing off receivers like bugs?

Again, feel free to re-blog and respond with your thoughts!

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