The Pittsburgh Steelers like to develop their own talent; they do not keep that a secret. Their philosophy is to draft a player, give him some time to accommodate himself with the playbook and culture, then if the scheme fits, that individual player would get his opportunity to see the field. However, every situation is different. Some prospects get the opportunity quicker than others based usually on depth issues, but when it's time for that player to shine, the team makes sure they are set up for success. Each situation is unique, obviously the higher a player gets drafted the more time they will see on the field over a prospect drafted in the later rounds, but talent is something you can't keep off the field, no matter where they are drafted at.
That being said, the Steelers drafted DT Carlos Davis with the 232nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft last year. Not much was to be expected of him, he was a later round selection that was looked at as a move that would ensure us some depth at that position. He was drafted out of the University of Nebraska with an impressive resume to his name. In 4 seasons with the Cornhuskers, Davis compiled a total of 125 combined tackles with 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 total sacks. Davis played in no less than 11 games total each season in his 4 years at the university, proving himself to be a reliable and productive player. That combination of attributes seemed to have gone a long way in the draft process.
Being a late round pick, expectations of Davis making the team were slim to none. The Steelers already had defensive tackles Tyson Alualu and Isiah Buggs on the roster and had just acquired DT Chris Wormley in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens filling out the depth chart. It looked like these 3 were in prime position to fill in the gap left behind after DT Javon Hargrave left in free agency signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. The defensive tackle position was not one of a necessary need, but more of a want in the Steelers eyes and I would like to think Davis' durability was a main reason in selecting him with their last pick of the draft.
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The Steelers however have just recently lost last year's starting DT Tyson Alualu to a free agency contract he signed to return to the team who originally drafted him, the Jacksonville Jaguars. This means that there is an opportunity for some players to step up and get a shot at seeing the field this upcoming season. Having just re-signed Wormley himself to a new 2-year contract this past week, currently on the depth chart, the Steelers also have defensive linemen Buggs, Davis, and Henry Mondeaux -- four capable guys who have had their noses in the playbooks for a year at the very least. Whether or not more players get added to the roster at this position is still left in question. Free agency is well under way, with moves happening quickly. Although the Steelers cap situation is not ideal, who knows whether we will add a veteran player at a low cost for depth purposes, or draft a young prospect if need be in next month's draft.
If no new pieces are added, it looks like the Steelers will be going into the 2021 season with a question mark as to who is going to be the starting defensive tackle. In my opinion, it is safe to say that Wormley will share a majority of the reps on the inside with the young prospects under him. We could see a situation where there is a healthy competition at the defensive tackle position going into the new year with Buggs and Davis at the top of the list behind Wormley. It may be farfetched, but not many 7th round picks get the opportunity to make the 53-man roster. When they do so, they usually provide a spark in some way that catches the coaching staff's eyes. Davis, having made the team in 2020, may not be a lock for the roster in 2021, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he won't get an opportunity to prove himself this upcoming year.
Do you think Davis has a shot at getting more playing time in 2021? Comment below!
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