3 steps Steelers can take to get back to playoffs next year

Step 2: Get a new nose tackle

Playing in the middle of a three-man defensive line isn’t the most glamorous position in the modern NFL, but it’s vital for the success of Pittsburgh’s defense. The aging combination of Tyson Alualua and Montravius Adams hasn’t gotten it done for Tomlin and his coaching staff in 20222.

It’s time for Alualua to hang it up heading into his age-36 season. He’s been a poor player this year and was understandably benched in favor of Adams in the middle of the year. The fact that Alualua is still getting any snaps just goes to show that Adams isn’t the answer either.

The good news here for Pittsburgh is that nose tackle is such a niche position that it should be relatively easy to find an upgrade. Picking up Jerry Tillery off the scrap heap could be a worthwhile gamble in free agency. Spending modestly on a young veteran like Shy Tuttle could also work out nicely for the Steelers.

The other straightforward way to get more production at the nose tackle position would be to use a middle-round draft pick on a young player who can start right away. That transition can be tough for a rookie, but the Steelers can use a middle-round pick to get one of the top nose tackles on their board. No matter what, it’s a position Pittsburgh must upgrade this offseason if they want to field a quality defense in 2023.