Given depth at defensive line, Steelers have little need to address position in NFL Draft

Apr. 23—Thanks to Tyson Alualu changing his mind and re-signing a two-year contract, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have their entire line returning from last year's third-ranked defense.

Good thing for the Steelers they are deep in the defensive trench because this year's draft class for tackle and interior prospects is considered one of the worst in recent memory.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah put it into perspective.

"It's the worst defensive tackle group that I've seen since I started in 2003," he said.

At least two defensive tackles have gone in the first round of every draft since 1998, a streak that is expected to end this year.

The dearth of prospects suited for the Steelers' 3-4 base system — and the staggering amount of returning players on the roster — means the organization can focus its attention on other positions with the eight draft picks it holds.

When Alualu spurned a return to Jacksonville to remain with the Steelers, it solidified the nose tackle position. In his first full season starting at the position with the Steelers, Alualu was a reliable run stopper who also could cause havoc for quarterbacks.

Fellow starters Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt also are signed through at least the 2022 season, with Heyward's deal carrying through 2024. Not only did the Steelers re-sign free agent Chris Wormley, they have contributors Henry Mondeaux, Carlos Davis and Isaiah Buggs on the roster.

For added depth, the Steelers also signed practice squad players Calvin Taylor and DeMarcus Christmas to futures contracts, then added T.J. Carter and Abdullah Anderson in recent weeks.

Other teams looking to fill holes at defensive tackle or nose tackle won't have to invest a high first-round pick. In his most recent evaluation, Jeremiah had Alabama's Christian Barmore as the 42nd-best player in the draft. Then, Jeremiah has a second- or third-round grade on Washington's Levi Onwuzurike, who opted out of the 2020 season because of the pandemic.

"Those are the only two guys I would be fired up about in the first 75, 80 picks," Jeremiah said. "It's just a really thin, thin year."

Barmore, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound redshirt sophomore, came into his own as a starter in 2020 when he was named first-team all-conference in the SEC. His 37 tackles included 9.5 for loss, and he led the Crimson Tide with eight sacks. He also had three pass breakups and three forced fumbles.

"He really played only one year, but I like him and his perpetual motion," said SiriusXM draft analyst Gil Brandt, the former Dallas Cowboys executive. "He never stops running around. Whoever gets him is going to get a good player for the next 10 years."

Jeremiah, though, cautioned teams about potentially using a first-day selection on Barmore.

"He fits the profile of what traditionally are the second-round guys in that he's a little bit of a boom-or-bust player where you have high highs and then you've got some inconsistent lower lows," he said. "I think there is some risk involved. There are some games where he just kind of disappears."

Had Alualu not rejoined the Steelers, perhaps they would have kicked the tires on N.C. State's Alim McNeil, a true nose tackle at 6-2, 317 pounds. He could go on the second day of the draft.

Louisiana Tech's Milton Williams, UCLA's Osa Odighizuwa and Iowa's Daviyon Nixon are some of the other interior defensive line prospects who could be Day 2 picks.

Said ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.: "There aren't a lot of Aaron Donalds out there."

Speaking of Donald, defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman became the first interior lineman to lead Pitt in sacks since Donald entered the NFL in 2013. That was in 2019 when Twyman had 10.5 sacks. After opting out of last season, he carries a mid-round grade.

TOP 5 DTs

1. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama, R-So., 6-4, 310

A one-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Barmore was named the College Football Playoff championship game defensive MVP. He had five tackles, including two for a loss, and one sack in the title game.

2. Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington, R-Sr., 6-3, 290

Onwuzurike opted out of the 2020 season. In 2019, he became a first-team all-conference performer for the Huskies when he had six tackles for loss, two sacks. He had three sacks the previous season.

3. Osa Odighizuwa, DT, UCLA, R-Sr., 6-2, 280

Odighizuwa was a four-year contributor to the UCLA defensive line, and he was named first-team all-conference in 2020 after registering six tackles for loss and four sacks.

4. Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech, R-Jr., 6-3, 284

Williams totaled 10 sacks among 19 tackles for loss in his final two seasons at Louisiana Tech. Unless he gains weight, he could be viewed as a tweener between down lineman and edge rusher in the NFL.

5. Alim McNeil, NT, N.C. State, Jr., 6-2, 317

A two-year starter at N.C. State, McNeil blossomed into a second-team All-American in 2020 when he had 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.

Best fit for Steelers, first day

Christian Barmore, Alabama

The Steelers aren't going to address defensive line in the first round — or maybe even at all in the draft — but Barmore is the highest-rated prospect that would fit their system so he gets the nod.

Best fit for Steelers, second day

Alim McNeil, N.C. State

McNeil carries a Day 2 grade, and he could be an eventual successor for Tyson Alualu. Given that the nose tackle plays about 25% of all snaps in the Steelers' system, a player at this position likely is a lower-round priority.

Best fit for Steelers, third day

Marlon Tuipulotu, Southern Cal

The 6-foot-2, 307-pound redshirt junior could fit into any spot on a 3-4 defensive line. He was a first-team all-conference pick in 2020 and contributed two sacks in six starts in USC's shortened season.

Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter .