For what feels like forever, we know the Pittsburgh Steelers have had a “type” along the defensive line, specifically at defensive end. Big, long, and strong. Players who were at least 6-4, 300 pounds, with at least 33-inch arms. Aaron Smith. Brett Keisel. Cam Heyward. Stephon Tuitt. That’s been their mold and model.
And that might be changing.
The reality is, and Pittsburgh could be realizing this, is those players are hard to find. Maybe they’re not extinct, but they’re on an endangered list. There are conservation projects for the prototypical 3-4 defensive end; be sure to donate today.