Though there are differing opinions on who the Pittsburgh Steelers might pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft, most agree that pick should be on the defensive side of the ball. After all, the offense was among the very best in the NFL in 2014, and with virtually everyone back from that group, it seems likely Steelers GM Kevin Colbert will focus on defense.
The question then becomes, who will that pick be? Will it be the top-flight cover corner many Steeler fans are clamoring for? Will it be a outside linebacker who can be a pass-rushing specialist in the Steelers 3-4 scheme? Or, could it be a defensive tackle who can plug the middle and help control the line of scrimmage?
It would seem with Steve McClendon and Daniel McCullers in place at nose tackle, that the Steelers might not spend their first-round pick on an interior defensive lineman. However, the Steelers have proven over the years to not necessarily go in the direction that’s expected.
The reality is the Steelers have struggled to find an answer at nose tackle since Casey Hampton retired, so if the right player is there to potentially upgrade the position, don’t be shocked if the Steelers buck conventional wisdom once again.
If they do, a player to keep an eye on is Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.
Goldman was part of one of the most talented defenses in college football and played in a rotation with a number of defensive lineman at FSU. That might make his 2014 numbers of 19 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, one pass broken up and one forced fumble look a little misleading for projected top pick. However, with disruptive interior defensive lineman in such high demand, it’s hard to think a talent like Goldman will last beyond the first round.
After having a chance to go back and watch some of Goldman’s play this week, one thing really stands out with the 6’4, 320 pounder; he holds the point of attack extremely well and is tough to move inside. Goldman plays with a lot of energy and I absolutely love his “pop” off of the snap. Goldman has excellent leverage and has great knee bend, a real key for a guy his height. Able to get under offensive lineman’s pads regularly, and most importantly, he played with intensity on every down.
If you want to get a great example of why Goldman could be a top-flight nose tackle in the NFL, take a look at his play this season against the Clemson Tigers. Not only did Goldman have a game changing forced fumble late in the comeback win over the Tigers, he made a critical stop on fourth down during overtime to seal the win, helping propel them to a perfect 13-0 regular season record.
Goldman could be a perfect fit for the Steelers if they continue to rely on a nose tackle playing the “0 technique” in their 3-4 scheme. He has the build, power, and ability to hold the point of attack consistently. However, if the Steelers do decide to vary their approach under new defensive coordinator Keith Butler and go with some 4-3 looks, Goldman is quick and athletic enough to play the “3 technique”, where he would be asked to put pressure on the quarterback on a more regular basis.
That’s one of the biggest positives with Goldman, he has the look of a defensive lineman capable of playing different roles, and thriving in them. This flexibility makes Goldman an intriguing option for the Steelers when it comes time to draft with the 22nd pick of the first round.
