Brett Keisel, Steve McLendon make defensive line a Steelers strength

In the past few years the Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to make some changes up front. Everyone knew that the defensive line was aging and becoming a concern. In the 3-4 defense you can’t stress enough how crucial the D-line is.

What was a concern for the team is now one of their biggest strengths.

The Steelers have done a great job as usual through the draft, using their first picks in 2009 and 2011 to select Ziggy Hood and Cam Heyward, respectively.

It was tough to watch Aaron Smith retire, as he was one of my favorite Steelers of all time, but health became too big of an issue. It was time to let him go and give your first-rounders playing time.

Then there is Brett Keisel. The man has shown what a force he can be and what a great beard he can grow. The best part about Keisel is his overall athleticism. Recently he has talked about how he may have to play some outside linebacker early in the season with injuries to James Harrison and Jason Worilds.

With Casey Hampton still out, Steve McLendon will get the nod at nose tackle. The job is Hampton’s when healthy, but McLendon has been very solid in the middle. With rookie Alameda Ta’amu behind McLendon the nose position may be the Steelers strength.

McLendon has proved how versatile he is on the defensive line as well with the ability to play end. Like Keisel he is very athletic, but I don’t suspect we would ever see him line up at linebacker.

Pittsburgh has created depth through a few years of building by finding great talent in and out of the draft.

Players’ ability to move around can help keep roster spots open for positions of concern. For Pittsburgh it may mean carrying an extra corner or safety this season.