Javon Hargrave went from two sacks in 2017 to 6.5 in 2018. He also was, within the Steelers' own studies, among their most effective defensive linemen at seeking out the ball-carrier through the interior and, from there, completing the tackle.
Next on his list: Play more.
Well, he didn't say that when we spoke yesterday at the Rooney Complex, but I'll say it. Because he logged 455 snaps last season, precisely the same number as the previous season, and that means roughly about a third of all defensive plays. And although I understand the NFL's become obsessed with sub-package specialists, it's time Mike Tomlin and Keith Butler because looking at Hargrave more for what he is than for what Casey Hampton once was.
Sure, Hargrave can take on a double-team, if not necessarily with the, uh, hunger of peak-era Big Snack. But he's also shown exceptional quickness for a nose tackle, as well as increased smart.
We did talk about this and more:
"Best of the best," the big man said, and he didn't blink, if you noticed.
Big talk doesn't bring opportunity. But performance does. So does need.
Another way of looking at it: Devin Bush is already earning raves through these OTAs, even though everyone's still sporting shorts. And that's wonderful. But this also should serve as a reminder that supporting cast should handle some of the more menial labor in the middle of the field. If Hargrave and Vince Williams can stop the run and contribute to the pass rush -- and both are pretty good at both -- that frees up Bush to be more of a wild card and capitalize on all that sideline-to-sideline athleticism.
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