The Steelers lost 25-19 to the Panthers in their preseason finale, but several players won by showing their worthiness to make the team. In recent weeks I've written about Tuzar Skipper and Ulysees Gilbert, but let's talk about sixth-round pick Isaiah Buggs.
Before training camp I wrote about Isaiah Buggs' tough road to make the roster and the steps he needed to take. After the Steelers' final preseason game, the Steelers have seen enough and it's safe to say that he will make the final 53-man roster this weekend.
Let's break down how he's made his case:
Buggs came into camp with one of the worst combine performances of any defensive lineman, despite having impressive numbers last year with Alabama. Similar to 2018 seventh-round pick Joshua Frazier, also from Alabama, he had a steep hill to climb to prove he deserved a spot on the roster.
But reuniting with his former collegiate defensive line coach, Karl Dunbar, Buggs has hustled his way into a position where the Steelers cannot ignore him as a sixth man for the defensive line. Buggs would have the occasional good play in training camp, but what stood out to me was the work he put in after practice.
Every day you could see Dunbar take certain defensive linemen to the empty practice field at Saint Vincent College and make them run gassers. Some days that involved Cam Heyward, some days that involved Stephon Tuitt. But Buggs was there every day I watched them run.
Buggs' upside was that he was strong and heavy handed, but he often didn't follow through on plays and his lack of a second gear would keep him from finishing. That appears to have not been an issue in his preseason performances. He finished his preseason with totals of nine tackles — two for losses — half a sack and one quarterback hit.
His best performance came last night against the Panthers. Playing right end, watch how he works out of the three technique, keeps his pad level low and engages properly with his hands. He effectively shoves the tackle out of the way to clear up space so he can make a tackle for loss:
This is that second gear that Mike Tomlin and Dunbar needed to see. Buggs used to win gaps in college by just being first to the spot and using his natural strength to bully opponents. Now he's working to win that initial spot, but also fighting hard after that point.
Watch how he is able to shove back guard Kofi Amichia once they engage so that he can break loose and make the tackle at the line:
But to make this roster Buggs had to show he could do more than just be big against the run. He had to show he could contribute as an interior pass rusher, at least in a limited capability. Only players with the size of Dan McCullers can be one-dimensional and make a roster.
Buggs rushed the passer well Thursday night. Watch how he fires off the ball in his three technique by engaging the left guard, but then uses a quick burst to cross the center's face and get a hit on Will Grier for the sack. His work up the middle helped Sutton Smith's rush off the edge collapse the pocket:
The Steelers have seen flashes from other defensive linemen this preseason, like Henry Mondeaux. But Buggs has put in the work to show he's ready for at least the reserve spot on the defensive line should the Steelers need to keep their starters' legs fresh and be short-handed at a rough point in the season.
Buggs didn't make the biggest splash for the Steelers against the Panthers, but he certainly put an exclamation point on his preseason work.
War Room and Carter’s Classroom need your help! We are seeking sponsors for the 2019-2020 NFL season that would be willing to see their brand grow through advertising with us. All interested parties should contact me at christopher@dkpittsburghsports.com.
MORE CLASSROOM
August 29: Ben ramps up efficiency
August 28: Steelers’ safeties new NFL bullies
August 26: Quarterbacks beware
August 23: Skipper’s rush for roster spot
