The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Chargers DT Cam Thomas to a two-year deal. Terms not released as of this post. Thomas, 27, was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Chargers. Thomas, aka Baby Zilla, appeared in all 16 games for San Diego last season and totaled 23 tackles and an interception. He started 10 of the 16 regular season games he appeared in during the 2013 season. Thomas was originally drafted by the Chargers in the fifth-round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. Cam Thomas weighs about 330 lbs.
Cam Thomas has played well at times during his short NFL career, but found himself on the back end of a rotation behind Sean Lissemore last season. He needs to be more consistent with his pad level, hand placement, ability to anchor the middle, motivation, and effort. According to the Chargers camp, Thomas lost his starting job for a reason. The scouting report on him reveals that he comes off the ball too high too often and gets himself overextended. The Chargers run defense up the middle last season was pretty anemic. They finished 26th overall in the NFL against the run. Cam Thomas was supposed to remedy this situation, but couldn’t get the job done and relegated to the bench. Let’s hope the change of scenery and in a different system will benefit him.
Thomas is likely to replace former Steelers defensive lineman Al Woods. Also, his arrival in Steel Country likely means that the Steelers aren't happy with the progress of backup nose tackle Hebron Fangupo. With this move, the Steelers may move NT/DT Steve McClendon to play more DE than NT or just backup McClendon. I see it playing out as a move to increase depth. Thomas will most likely come in as a backup. In the 3-4 defense, the primary job of the nose tackle is to eat up blockers and free up roaming linebackers to make plays. In a 4-3 defense, the primary responsibility of the nose tackle is to also rush the passer. Different players fit different styles and a failure in one scheme could be a success in another scheme.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, the Steelers are expected to visit with defensive lineman/tackle Alex Carrington formerly of the Bills who has garnered strong interest from many other teams as well. I would envision Carrington being more in the mix for a starting job than Cam Thomas. Carrington could also compete to start at defensive end. He will be more expensive and will demand a longer contract so it may take some time to negotiate a deal.
Related:Depleted Defensive Line Leaves The Steelers Cupboard Bare
Depth.
Yep…I agree with that!
Better then shellig out stupid money for Raji
Nix would be a good get
Yes, he was relatively 'cheap' and they need to save their $ for a more coveted player…
Two guys I really like at NT are Nix obviously and Daquan Jones. Jones did well at PSU anchoring and his times in the agility drills at the combine are par with 4-3 3 Techs. IMO he is a guy that with the right coach could thrive as both a 2 gap and a 1 gap NT in the NFL. I like him much better then McCullers
Right now he looks like a 2nd or 3rd
I like Nix but not overly enamored with him as the 15th pick when there are so many good players available…I know they need to address the DL but a little bit of reach this high…I would prefer Aaron Donald who I know personally…He's faster (ran a 4.65 40-time) at combine, proven pass rusher, national defensive player of year with 26.5 tackles for loss and has great agility and mobility for a big man (top 5 three-cone drill at combine). Nix is a good run clogger but not a great pass rusher and may not play all downs…Jones is more suited for a 4-3 like at PSU, not a 3-4 with the Steelers…Not a true NT or DE…McCullers doesn't excite me either
Can Thomas play DE? I'd love to see Nix as the Steelers pick…
Donald wont be able to play in a 3-4. He isnt gonna be able to play with the leverage you need to be a 5 Tech and will get washed out of plays
Jones IMO would be a better NT in the NFL then a 1 Tech in a 4-3. He reminds me of a poor mans Wilfork. Stong enough to clog lanes and push the pocket, quick enough to attack a gap
No way Nix comes off the field in passing situations. He wont finish sacks, but few NTs ive seen in the past few years pushes the pocket like he does. That's Nix biggest draw to an NFL team. QBs will be under duress right from the snap most passing plays and wont be able to step im the pocket. IMO thats how you effectivly run a 3-4 and not the Wade Phillips/Jay Ratliff shit fest where the NT is an undersized pass rusher, can get 6 sacks, 25 pressures and washed out of every other play.
Good point! Depends on def scheme…not sure what the stillers will do…if they stockpile DL esp DT/NT in fa can't see them drafting one too
Its still hard to have a top 3-4 without a top NT. They dont have one. Nix may or may not be their guy or they may feel they need to fill other needs, but IMO they need to take a hard look at hom
If they can draft one like they did w hampton that would remedy the situation
Nix is a much better prospect right now then Hampton was coming out of Texas. IMO better prospect then Taylor was and safer then Poe was
Carrington had a good visit…i do think he would be an upgrade to what they have now…when healthy he has been very productive vs run and pass…we'll see
Always liked Carrington. Excellent weakside 5 Tech
Yep…to be continued…look for my post if the news breaks…also check my prof for more info on my biz
I'm not sure Nix is even an option on their draft board now with McClendon and Thomas now in the picture. There are just too many holes to fill on this team…
I agree…Too many good players at 15