Three Reasons the Steelers Should Upgrade Their Defensive Tackle Depth

by James Layton

The Steelers have had issues with their depth of the Defensive Tackle position the past few seasons. Which lead to the run defense suffer towards the end of the season. And players not getting the rest they need to stay healthy.

The Steelers have five Defensive Tackles on the roster at the moment with Cam Hayward, Montravius Adams, Carlos Davis, Khalil Davis, and UDFA Rookie Donovan Jetter.

  1. The Unproven Depth

Among the four defensive tackles behind Cam Heyward, they have a combined 10 starts out of 66 games in the league. Montravius Adams who they signed off of the Saints Practice Squad last season has the most playing time out of the group with a career 52 games with 10 starts.

Adams showed flashes last season of being a good player that you can trust to give the starter a rest, or if you need him to be the starter for a game.

2. The 17 Game Season

The uncertainty of Cam Hayward (33) being able to play a full 17 game season going forward at his age. He’s still a beast, but that can take a toll towards the end of the season. Last season he played a 1,064 snaps.

3. The Amount of Quality Free Agents still on the Market

Adding a player like Eddie Goldman or Larry Ogunjobi could go a long way this season. If they happen to get the injury bug, making a move now would have a big impact in helping to improve stopping the run and adding much needed depth.