Carl Nassib may just be the next Penn State University player to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have a history of bringing in PSU players, with their most recent draft pick being tight end Jesse James last year in the NFL Draft.
This year, Nassib, who is 6’7 and 272 lbs., might be the one that follows in James’ footsteps from being a Nittany Lion to being a Steeler. The Steelers met with Nassib at the NFL Combine this past weekend in Indianapolis. Nassib participated in three active seasons for the Nittany Lions from 2013-2015, but did not see any action in his first two years of 2011-2012.
This past season, his senior season, Nassib, who started 13 games, set the Penn State season sack record by recording 15.5 sacks. Nassib also contributed six forced fumbles, which according to Penn State University Athletics, was the most forced by a Penn State player since Michael Haynes forced seven in 2002. Also at the end of his senior season, he was named the CBS Sports National Defensive Player of the Year.
Also meeting with the Steelers was Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler. Butler had four active seasons with Louisiana Tech. In his career he posted 170 tackles, 87 being solo while 83 were assisted, in 49 games. In his career, he’s credited with two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
His award watch for 2015 is impeccable as he was named to the First Team All-Conference USA, First Team All-Louisiana, the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List, the Outland Trophy Award Watch List, and the Preseason All-Conference USA.
Both would be good options for the Steelers defensive line. The defensive line was one of the more consistent parts of the defense this past season. However, a little extra muscle never hurt an NFL defense. Depending on selections on team’s before them, the Steelers could very well land one of these two big defensive players. Tune into the NFL Draft, which will be aired from April 28-30, to see who the Steelers will select.
