The Pittsburgh Steelers had the worst run defense in the NFL during the 2021 season. With Tyson Alualu getting up there in age and Stephon Tuitt retiring the Steelers had to make a move. They made a great move by bringing in Larry Ogunjobi to help compliment guys like Cam Hayward and TJ Watt.
Larry Ogunjobi In His First 4 Seasons
Ogunjobi was selected 65th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns out of Charlotte. He only started 1 game in his rookie year but played in 14 games. He ended his rookie season with 1 sack, 32 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. From there he would go on to be the starter and would put up some pretty good numbers. In his 4 years with the Browns he would total 14.5 sacks, 229 tackles and 29 tackles for loss. If you compare him to a guy like Cam Heyward who’s first 4 years as a started total 23.5 sacks, 187 tackles and 37 tackles for loss. Besides sacks the numbers are not too far off.
He would then leave the Browns and go to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2021 season. He would go on to have arguably a career year. His numbers were 7 sacks, 49 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, sacks and TFL being career highs. His season was ended by a foot injury during the Bengals playoff win against the Oakland Raiders. He originally signed with the Bengals on a 1 year deal and would not resign with the team.
Instead, he would agree to a big deal with the Chicago Bears on a 3 year $40.5 million dollar contract. This deal would later fall through due to a failed physical putting Ogunjobi back on the open market. Along comes arguably one of the best General Managers in NFL history Kevin Colbert making his last string of free agent deals before he would eventually retire. He signed with the Steelers on a 1 year deal worth up to $8 million.
Great news for the Steelers
The bears loss is the Steelers gain. They were able to land a sure thing at the defensive tackle position which is where they lack depth. Additionally they were also able to land him for significantly cheaper than what the Bears were able to pay and they have nothing to lose. They have a proven starter for a cheap contract on a 1 year deal. If it works out great you gave up nothing to get him and can extend him. If this does not work out and injuries become an issue or lack of production you simply let him walk at the end of the season.
How is he doing with the Steelers in practice?
Up to this point Ogunjobi has only practiced once and was unable to play in the first preseason game. One thing about him is he’s been considered a true pass rushing DT and at times has been a liability in the run game. So far with 1 practice in the books that does not seem to be the case and he looks ready to go. He began his first practice with a huge play, shedding a blocking and making a tackle for loss on a designed run play. More information about that from Joe Rutter. Mike Tomlin went on to say “Didn’t take long for his presence to be felt,” Tomlin after the two-hour workout at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium. “He’s a big man. He comes off blocks. We’re glad to have him out there, and we’re looking forward to him getting better and better.”
There is no doubt with the lack of depth on the line with young guys like Isaiah Loudermilk and the absence of Tuitt, Ogunjobi improves this defensive line. His presence on the line makes a world of difference. He is a proven starter in this league and commands attention and game planning. It will be very interesting to see how teams game plan. You already have TJ Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith. Teams cannot possibly double team everyone. This force and ability to pressure with this collection of guys tells me the Steelers will not be the worst run defense in the league this coming year.
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