Tomorrow is the magic day as the Steelers report to the 2010 training camp in Latrobe. We have been previewing each position this offeseason leading up to camp and this preview is dedicated to the defensive line position. Make sure to read our previous previews by following the links below. We have only the special teams yet to go and that will be posted this evening or early on Friday.

Training Camp Preview – Defensive Line |Training Camp Preview – Safeties |Training Camp Preview – Linebackers | Training Camp Preview – Offensive Line | Training Camp Preview – Tight Ends | Training Camp Preview – Wide Receivers | Training Camp Preview – Running Backs | Training Camp Preview – Quarterbacks

Overview: The Steelers lost both Aaron Smith and Travis Kirschke to injuries in 2009 and were forced to play Nick Eason and rookie Ziggy Hood more than they anticipated. Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel anchored an aging line that still ended up ranked 3rd in the NFL against the run. The pass rush lacked in 2009 and the Steelers must improve that in 2010 along with continuing the long tradition of stopping the run well.

Casey Hampton: Big Snack went into the offseason without a contract, but the Steelers franchised the nose tackle and went on to give him a three-year deal, worth $21 million. Hampton has responded by showing up at the OTA sessions looking a bit trimmer and more conditioned. He has one job and that is to clog up the middle on running downs and take on double teamings as well. He might be spelled a bit more this year on passing downs in an effort to keep in fresher for late in games. If things go right, Hampton could be headed back to the Pro Bowl in 2010, especially if he is able to get a bigger push and more pressure on the quarterback. He is the anchor of the defensive line and a great run stuffer.

Aaron Smith: Smith is returning from a torn rotator cuff injury that forced him out of action early in the season and ultimately to the injured reserve list. Smith is great when it comes to creating blitzing lines for the linebackers and is above average in recognizing and stopping the run. It is not unthinkable that Smith, like Hampton will be spelled more this season, especially now that Ziggy Hood is more up to speed going into his second year. Smith ignored orders to sit out until training camp, so by all accounts he should be back healthy. He knows his role in the defense and understands schemes completely. Smith is signed through the 2011 season, so the Steelers hope he can stay healthy this year.

Brett Keisel: Keisel is the force on the right side of the defensive line that never gets a ton of credit. Like Smith, he is well into the over 30 club, but put up good numbers in 2009 despite missing the final game against Miami with a stinger. Also like Smith on the other side, expect Ziggy Hood to get some reps in his place as well. Keisel needs to get back to getting a strong inside push to enable outside linebacker James Harrison a shorter route to the quarterback in 2010. Left tackles seemed to handle Keisel better in 2009 on passing downs, so this does need attention.

Ziggy Hood: 2010 should be the huge jump year for the 2009 first round draft pick out of Missouri. Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell has raved about the progress he has made since his rookie year. According to Mitchell, Hood has a better understanding of the defense entering his second season and his mechanics should allow him to remain on the field longer. That is great news for a starting defensive line that features all 30 somethings. Hood very well could push either Smith or Keisel for a starting spot as the year wears on, but for right now, he will spell both and expected to do so without any drop off of production. Hood needs to prove in 2010 he was worth the number 1 selection and force his way onto the field more as a future starter.

Chris Hoke: Hoke is the man counted on to spell Hampton at nose tackle once again in 2010. He is entering the final year of his contract. While not a lock to make the final 53 man roster, he has inexperience behind him. He is a bit undersized and often gets pushed around against the run. He does have a strong motor still and can get after the quarterback occasionally. He is a pretty sure handed tackler if he gets his hands on the ball carrier, but is not a guy you want starting 16 games for the Steelers. Great all around 3-4 nose tackles are hard to find and I see no reason why Hoke can’t be serviceable one more year. The Steelers may look at final cut down players across the league, but they will be hard pressed to find any that grade out above Hoke and his understanding of the defense.

Ra'Shon Harris: Sunny had a rough rookie year and it started with missing time last year in camp with a groin injury, but performed above average in pre season games. The Steelers hoped to stash him on the practice squad following the 2009 camp, but he was signed by the Panthers instead. After a short stay in Carolina, the Steelers signed him back, but he stayed inactive every game since his return. Sunny looks to challenge for a reserve left defensive end spot behind Smith and Hood. There is talk he might work inside at the nose position as well, but that has yet to be seen. If he gets off to good camp he will make Nick Eason expendable in a hurry.

Nick Eason: When left defensive end Aaron Smith went down last year, the Steelers turned to Travis Kirschke to fill the spot, when Kirschke went down with a calf injury, Nick Eason was the next man up as rookie Ziggy Hood was not ready to assume the role. Eason’s play was pedestrian at times yet was brought back on a one year deal this off season. He will have a tough time fending off the youth on the roster this Summer and could be a final cut down casuality.

Doug Worthington: Doug Worthington was drafted in the 7th round with hopes of becoming the future at right defensive end. He was blessed to work in the Ohio State 3-4 defense and was even moved inside on nickel fronts on passing downs. He slipped in the draft because of a mediocre combine that was a result of a lingering injury, but could really be a steal for the Steelers if he can get up to speed fast and stay healthy in camp. He indeed has an outside shot at a 53 man roster spot, but at worst should find his way to the practice squad. Watch him close on the right side during preseason as you could be looking at a future 7 year starter on the right side for the Steelers.

Steve McLendon: Steve McLendon is a hold over from the 2009 practice squad that is mostly an interior lineman. He has a hard path in front of him to make the roster and one would think he would have to do so as a nose tackle although undersized. The Steelers will likely only carry 6 or 7 defensive linemen, so McLendon has a ton of traffic, talent and experience ahead of him.

Scott Paxson: Another year, another look at Scott Paxson. Paxson will try to show he has the goods to beat out veteran Chris Hoke for the back up nose tackle spot. While not impossible, it is highly unlikely and Paxson will likely be a first cut down causality. He needs have his name called quite a bit during the preseason games in order to have an outside chance. Good luck, Scott.

Likely Training Camp Depth Chart:
RDE1 B. Keisel RDE2 Z. Hood RDE3 D. Worthington
NT1 C. Hampton NT2 C. Hoke NT3 S. Paxson NT4 S. McLendon
LDE1 A. Smith LDE2 Z.Hood LDE3 R. Harris LDE4 N. Eason

Summation: The growth of Ziggy Hood is paramount in 2010 as he will be looked to spell both Smith and Keisel all season long. It would be nice to see him force himself into the starting left end role at some point during the year, so Aaron Smith can then spell him and stay fresh. Hampton looks to be motivated inside with his new contract, so no let down is expected there. The biggest concern is depth behind those 4 players. Sonny Harris needs to prove he belongs on a 53 man roster and Doug Worthington could surprise everyone and stick on the right side. Age, injuries and depth issuers are the only concerns, but starting camp, the line looks in great shape all things considered.

With just 10 days left until players report to Latrobe, the Steelers still do not have their top two draft picks under contract as of yet as Maurkice Pouncey and Jason Worilds remain unsigned. Should that be of a concern? Absolutely not as Vladimir Ducasse of the Jets remains the only player signed of any of the draft picks selected in the first two rounds of the 2010 draft. The biggest factor right now with the 1st and 2nd rounders is the uncertainty with the NFL and the CBA. Players and agents are wanting big deals and owners are wanting not to over pay. When the dominoes start falling, they should fall quickly once agents and contract negotiators have a ceiling and a floor of a couple picks ahead and behind where their player was selected.

The Steelers currently have a pretty good string going with having first rounders signed and in camp on time. 2009 marked the fifth consecutive summer, the Steelers opened up training camp with their first-round draft choice under contract. Last year Ziggy Hood came to terms 6 days prior to reporting day, but it seems it will be cut much closer this year. Pouncey is currently under investigation by NCAA officials for a potential rules violation that allegedly occurred this past December in which a representative of an agent allegedly paid him $100,000 between the Gators' loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game and their season-ending Sugar Bowl victory over Cincinnati. While not affecting his NFL status, it could either speed up or slow down contract negotiations with the Steelers, whichever way you choose to look at it. Last years No. 18 selection in the 2009 draft, Robert Ayers, signed a five-year, $18.34 million contract with the Broncos that included $9.7 million in guaranteed monies. The contract for Pouncey will indeed be slightly more than that, but will likely include more options and escalators. Steelers chief contract negotiator, Omar Khan, has a way of doing business and I expect this year to be no different. Talks between Khan and Pouncey's agent Joel Segal really haven't even begun yet according to sources, but that should all change by this weekend.

The Worilds deal should come together fairly quick as well once talks get heated up with agent Scott Smith. The Steelers just need a starting point just ahead of Worilds to sign and a four year deal should come together quickly and will likely total out at around 3.75 million or so. If it takes a little longer with Worilds, it is not as big of deal as he is not competing for a starting spot like Pouncey is. With the injury to tackle Willie Colon and the need to perhaps shift Trai Essex to a tackle position, the Steelers have a gaping hole at right guard. A hole expected to be filled by Pouncey and any camp time lost is golden. Segal could very well use this to his advantage in negotiations with the Steelers, but I have a good feeling Pouncey is in on time. It might come down to the 11th hour with both, but the clock seems to tick in the Steelers favor where draft picks are concerned as of late. Let's hope it continues again just one more Summer.

Incoming search terms for the article:

• jason worilds contract
• maurkice pouncey contract
• pouncey contract
• steelers sign pouncey
• Pouncey Signs
• steelers pouncey contract
• pouncey signs contract
• worilds contract
• STEELERS SIGN POUNCY
• maurkice pouncey salary

Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell says he feels great about the defensive line going into camp. Starters Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel are all healthy and in great shape while Ziggy Hood should be able to contribute more this year as he is playing with better pad level, using his hands better and staying on his feet more this offseason. Mitchell hopes to rotate in Hood, Nick Eason and Chris Hoke to keep the line fresher with no drop offs this season.

Steelers.com has part 2 up of the "Ask The Steelers" segment with rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer.

The supplemental draft is few weeks away still, but the Steelers have been named as a team that has interest in BYU running back Harvey Unga. Regardless of how good his pro day is, I find it hard to fathom the Steelers would give up a 2011 pick of any round to draft him with the stable of young backs they already have in the fold.

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2010/06/source-miami-dolphins-showing-interest-in-harvey-unga.html

Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is heading to Mount Laurel, N.J., for the NFL's Broadcast Boot Camp, which begins Monday and runs through Thursday. Ward seems like a natural for this and of the 65 former and current players who went through the program the past three years, nearly half of them have secured jobs in the broadcasting industry.

John Harris has a story on cornerback Ike Taylor who recently was back home in Louisiana to hold his seventh annual Face Me Ike football camp at Arden Cahill Academy in suburban New Orleans.

The Ratbirds signed former Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin on Friday for which most believe is insurance for current safety Ed Reed. Hamlin is a huge drop-off though and he was on the free agent wire for a reason.

Steelers defensive end Nick Eason said he should be close to full strength for training camp after missing the final two weeks of OTA practices following emergency an appendectomy in which part of his colon was also removed. Eason said he plans to keep his weight down following a loss of 28 pounds so it will be interesting to see what he looks like when he arrives at Latrobe.

It is no secret that Mexico is Steeler Country and a few of the younger players got a taste of the International Steeler Nation at a one-day football camp in Mexico City last weekend. Mike Wallace, Ziggy Hood, Keenan Lewis and Daniel Sepulveda were all in attendance lending a hand.

Part 2 of the interview of Team President, Art Rooney II with Bob Labriola is now up on Steelers.com. You can watch it below as well.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

ESPN 1250 radio host Ken Laird posted what he sees as the depth chart and camp battles now that the roster is two players away from being set for training camp.

The Steelers signed two more picks yesterday and we had the news first. 5th rounders, CB Crezdon Butler and T Chris Scott both inked 3 year deals Wednesday leaving only 1st round offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey and 2nd round linebacker Jason Worilds as the two Steelers draft picks who have yet to sign a contract. Do not be surprised to see Worilds be the last one in the fold as the Steelers will likely try to low ball him because of where he was rated coming into the draft. Pouncey will likely get a 5 year deal, while the Worilds deal will be 4 years when it gets done.

The NFL made a presentation to the NFL Players Association during a collective bargaining session in New York on Wednesday espousing the merits of moving to an 18-game season. Jason La Canfora has an article on NFL.com along with a video interview that Rich Eisen did. Two more weeks of football?

Incoming search terms for the article:

• steelers chief images
• www six com

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not expected to attend mini camp, OTA practice Tuesday as the Steelers are still awaiting word from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on when he can re-join the team.

Steelers linebackers James Harrison and Patrick Bailey took to the runway as models in a star-studded charity event. Pictures are posted at the link provided as well.

Steelers defensive end Ziggy Hood and punter Daniel Sepulveda will take part in a youth football camp that the Steelers are hosting June 12 at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Santa Fe Campus, in Mexico City. The Steelers as most know have a huge Mexican fan base.

Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley will host a party in Saginaw, Michigan to celebrate his first career pro bowl selection on Saturday, June 12, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. at Horizons Conference Center. The party will be held after Woodley's third annual youth football camp at Saginaw High on Saturday morning.

An interesting footnote on Steelers.com reveals that rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer is a distant cousin of linebacker James Farrior. Dwyer’s great grandfather and Farrior’s great grandmother were first cousins. It's a small Steeler world after all, but I doubt Farrior gives him a free pass at practice.

The Supreme Court rejected the NFL's request for broad antitrust law protection Monday, saying it must be considered 32 separate teams. Also it is unlikely that NFL owners will hold a vote to expand overtime changes to the regular season at this week's NFL Spring Meeting.

Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison and defensive end Brett Keisel did not practice on Wednesday so Andre Frazier and Nick Eason worked in their places respectively. Ziggy Hood has been working at left end this OTA. Keyaron Fox, Justin Hartwig and Hines Ward also did not practice and Troy Polamalu is back in California.

Channel 4 Action Sports' John Meyer sat down with Steelers first-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey on Tuesday for a candid interview.

Teresa Varley of Steelers.com wrote about how Hines Ward has taken on a new role during the Steelers OTAs this offseason of mentoring second-year receiver Mike Wallace. Ward has been hampered by a hamstring injury this Summer, but expects to run some routes during the OTAs. His main focus is on be ready for training camp.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

Joe Starkey also caught up with Hines Ward as well. Ward says he has noticed some changes in the style of offense that the Steelers are practicing with more two back sets at times.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians talks about the Steelers need to run the ball more effectively this season. Arians says he was satisfied with much of the way the team ran in 2009 except trying to run out the clock and trying to get a first down in short yardage situations.

Joe Starkey has an article on the Steelers corners and how they need to improve over 2009. Starkey reports that after the Tuesday session, Mike Tomlin stayed to work with the cornerback group on their skills long after their teammates left for the locker room.

Steelers guard Trai Essex, center Justin Hartwig and h-back Sean McHugh dropped in to visit patients who were getting treatment at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. It is so good to read about stories like this.

Defensive end Aaron Smith is ready for the upcoming season as he has rehabbed from major shoulder injury and ready to fool everyone in 2010 at the age of 34. Smith's son Elijah has also made remarkable progress recovering from cancer and all signs point to him making a full recovery. I can't wait to see Smith back on the field.

Scott Brown blogged about defensive line coach John Mitchell and the age of the defensive line. Mitchell states that Ziggy Hood is coming along fine in his development and that he will be ready to start sooner rather than later should the Steelers need him.

AP sports writer Alan Robinson has a story claiming Ben Roethlisberger has worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh. I think the story is a bit over the top myself and do not think the fan base is so one sided as Robinson suggest in the article.

NFL.com has the complete 2010 NFL preseason national TV schedule posted on the website. NFL.com Analyst Bucky Brooks looks at five teams that face pivotal decisions surrounding quarterbacks in the 2010 season. The Steelers of course being one of the five.

Dale Lolley blogged about how the drug suspension of Texans linebacker Brian Cushing could have an effect on linebackers LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison moving forward.

Limas Sweed joined the action on day one of the on field OTA practice session yesterday. He released a statement first thanking the Steelers for their support as he dealt with some personal issues. The personal issues have still not yet been disclosed and Sweed did not talk to reporters after practice. Gerry Dulac points out that Sweed could battle a 5th round pick this year for the #5 receiver spot on the 53 man roster. Sweed also is wearing #80 now instead of #14.

Wide receiver Hines Ward was the one notable no-show yesterday at the OTA practice, while nose tackle Casey Hampton looks in great shape according to defensivwe end Aaron Smith. Strong safety Troy Polamalu was also back running around which is a great sign foir Steeler Nation. Usually, Polamalu works out with fitness trainer Marv Marinovich in Southern California during this time of year and skips the OTA's. Steelers Depot has learned that the starting center yesterday was Doug Legursky who anchored the line in place of Justin Hartwig who is still recovering from shoulder surgery. Kraig Urbik snapped on the second team unit on the scrimmage portions of practice. Hartwig did snap some on 7-on-7 drills.

Defensive line assistant coach and former linebacker Jerry Olsavsky, running back Mewelde Moore, defensive end Ziggy Hood, center Justin Hartwig, linebacker Patrick Bailey and running back Rashard Mendenhall all have their draft day memories up now on Steelers.com.

Dale Lolley thinks like I do and has the Steelers drafting center Maurkice Pouncey in round 1. If you missed my selections, you can find them here.

The Steelers 2010 schedule dates will be released tonight at around 7 eastern. We might get it early from the NFL office though. Here is the link to the cool NFL.com interactive page.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Director of football operations Kevin Colbert talked about this weekend's NFL draft during their yearly press conference on Monday. You can read the transcript here or watch the presser below.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

Milledgeville Police Chief Woodrow Blue told TMZthey have completed their investigation regarding the sexual assault allegation against Ben Roethlisberger. The investigation included a follow-up interview with the alleged victim, but the Chief said they still would like to do a follow-up interview with Big Ben, who still is not talking.

The dates and times are now officially set for the Steelers 2010 preseaon schedule. The schedule was released last week with a few times yet to be determined. The Steelers will play the Lions, Giants, Broncos and Pathers this year in their four preseaon games.

The weekly Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript went live on the PPG yesterday afternoon, with Ed saying he has heard no news on a Mike Tomlin and/or Kevin Colbert extension as of yet. Ed also thinks as I do, that the Steelers will have no interest in signing home town free agent quarterback Marc Bulger.

The Steelers traveling basketball team will play at the Penn State Behrend fundraiser event on April 18th. The players will be available for a halftime autograph session as well. No word on which players will be participating.

Defensive end Ziggy Hood will throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the Altoona Curve home opener on Thursday. He hopes to do better than LaMarr Woodley did last year.

KDKA has some of the first comments from veteran receiver Hines Ward on both Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes. Ward really did not say much other then he supports his teammates and that the incidents haven't distracted him personally. Ward would not say if he has indeed talked to either teammate. Ward also spoke to kids at Banksville Elementary yesterday as part of the NFL Play 60 program.

Another day now and things are beginning to look a little better for Ben Roethlisberger as his accuser is not showing up for interviews and not being cooperative. Looks like she had a little to drink that night as well. OK, a lot to drink.

Ed Bouchette talked to former Steelers offensive coordinator and current Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt down at the owners meetings and asked about the mandate he received to run the ball more consistently in 2004. A great angle by Ed on this one.

NFL owners amended the jersey numbers system to allow defensive linemen to wear numbers between 50 and 59, as more teams use tweeners that can play both defensive end and linebacker positions. A few other safety rules have been instituted as well.

Steelers Director of football operations, Kevin Colbert, told Pat Kirwan from NFL.com that Ziggy Hood will be ready to make a bigger contribution in his second season in the NFL. Colbert also told Kirwan that wide receiver Limas Sweed was working at the facility and still is very much a part of the Steelers plans. I believe part one, but part two is GM speak for we really want to trade him. It is hard to believe that with the free agent signings of two wide receivers, that Sweed will be on the opening 53 man roster.

ESPN's Bruce Feldman tweeted on Tuesday that the Steelers quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner attended the pro day for Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead and worked him out. Steelers scouts were also in attendance yesterday for the pro day workout of Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour.

Talk about the Eagles trading quarterback Donovan McNabb has resurfaced, this time with the Rams as a potential partner. You have to hand it to McNabb though. His attitude has been great through all of these years as it has to be hard to play for a team that always boos you since your name was called on draft day.