Pittsburgh Steelers sign second round pick Stephon Tuitt

According to multiple reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed their second round pick, defensive end Stephon Tuitt.  The former Notre Dame defensive lineman gives the Steelers a ton of size at 6’5″ and just north of 300lbs that can fit as a 5–technique defensive end or line up inside at defensive tackle if the Steelers ultimately move to a 4-3 scheme.  Tuitt and teammate Louis Nix III were one of the most dynamic defensive line duos in all of college football during their sophomore seasons when the Golden Domers went to the National Title game.

Former Houston Texans draft pick Louis Nix III passes away
Former Houston Texans draft pick Louis Nix III passes away

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  • Tuitt has tremendous athletic ability and can use quickness to get around opponents, but he has a tendency to rely on it too much.  He possesses the strength to win and do the dirty work inside but has trouble playing with consistent leverage, has trouble making an impact and then take the easy way out with his speed.  As a result, Tuitt could become too predictable for opponents.

    If Tuitt can become a more natural bender and consistently win with leverage, his power game becomes a huge asset and that makes his ability to win with speed and quickness more dangerous.  Should that happen, Tuitt is not just a good player for the Steelers, but could be a superstar.  Tuitt could end up becoming a nice complement on the other side of Cameron Heyward, who has become a nice player for the Steelers as their other end.