Notre Dame’s Stephon Tuitt Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 19, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive end Stephon Tuitt (7) sacks USC Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 14-10. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Notre Dame defensive end Stephon Tuitt with the 46th pick in the NFL Draft. Tuitt is exactly the sort of player that will fit perfectly with the Steelers defense.

Tuitt is a disruptive defensive end, who might make a switch to defensive tackle due to his size (304-pounds). He was ranked only behind Jadeveon Clowney, the number one pick in the draft, at the position.

Tuitt had 44 tackles, six sacks and an interception in 2013. Down a bit from his 2012 numbers during the BCS Title run.

Tuitt isn’t likely to be a three down player, but he could provide a pass rush from the inside due to his experience at end on earlier plays. One of the big questions around him is concerning his effort. Tuitt has a tendency to take some plays off and can be streaky with how hard he chooses to play.

Tuitt can be a dominant lineman, but only if he wants to be. He looked a lot better in 2012 than he did in 2013, but he picked it up towards the end of this past season.

When engaged, Tuitt will smash past offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback or running back. He is exceptional against both the pass and run. The Steelers run a 3-4 defense, and putting Tuitt along that line will allow him to  play to his strengths.

Tuitt will need to keep his weight in check, but he should be able to contribute to Dick LeBeau’s defense from day one. He will play well with this rebuilt defensive line.

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