The NFL certainly has changed over the years. Or should I say, the players have changed. In the mid-1980s, Tony Chickillo was a defensive lineman, even playing nose tackle, for Bud Carson’s 3-4 defense with the New York Jets. He was 6’3” and played at 262 lbs.
His son, new Pittsburgh Steelers draft selection Anthony Chickillo, has very similar measureables—in fact, is a bit heavier—but projects as an outside linebacker for the team, according to outside linebackers coach Joey Porter, despite playing as a two-gapping lineman in Miami for four years of college ball.