Stephon Tuitt (DE, Notre Dame)
First, there was the Steel Curtain, then Blitzburgh and then the great defenses of this century which won two Super Bowl titles but earned no nickname.
Now, the Steelers would like you to say hello to their new defense, a stunningly quick transformation which swept out the great, iconic players with Super Bowl rings that continued Friday night with yet another key draft choice.
For the first time in eight years, the Steelers went 1-2 at the top of their draft with defensive players, selecting Notre Dame junior defensive end Stephon Tuitt in the second round. He followed linebacker Ryan Shazier, who was picked Thursday night in the first round.
In the third round, the Steelers drafted 5-foot-8 running back Dri Archer of Kent State, who can fly. He was timed at 4.26 in the 40-yard dash. He’s the kind offensive coordinator Todd Haley always has liked to have as a change of pace halfback.
This time, they do not expect either of their top two draft picks to sit and learn the defense for a few years before they get their shot. With virtually all those old vets gone, they think both players can become rookie starters, which has been unheard of on Dick LeBeau’s defenses in this century.
“Both of these players, if all develops as anticipated, are going to get a lot of playing time,” LeBeau said. “Sometimes in the past, we’ve been in a position where our draft choices don’t necessarily have to play for a year or so. That is definitely not the case in this situation.”
That is because the Steelers have weeded out nearly all the players who helped deliver Lombardi trophies. Only three are left — safety Troy Polamalu, cornerback Ike Taylor and linebacker Lawrence Timmons.
Opportunities abound for young players, and the Steelers expect Shazier and Tuitt to take quick advantage and possibly start from the start.
“As I see it on the roster, that is a true statement,” said LeBeau, who admitted some anxiety before the draft when he viewed the various holes in his defense.
“That anxiety has been quieted greatly. The general manager and head coach have taken two defensive players in the first two rounds. That’s a blessing for us, and we appreciate it. We’ll try to bring their fruits to bear.”
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/05/10/2014-NFL-DRAFT-DE-Tuitt-beefs-up-Steelers-line-in-a-hurry/stories/201405100095#ixzz31J7B9ryz
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