2016 Steelers Roster, 90 in 90 Days: Javon Hargrave another rookie vying for significant playing time

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania -- As training camp draws closer the 90 day series shifts it’s attention to an explosive rookie interior linemen

Player: Javon Hargrave

Position: Interior Line

School: South Carolina State

Overview:
The selection of Javan Hargrave and his potential of sliding into the NT position for the Steelers is a real embodiment of the shifting nature of their defensive philosophy. It seems like a sign that the days of Casey Hampton and Vince Wilfork type 2 gap, block eating monsters have ended, for now. Enter Hargrave who played his college ball at South Carolina State as an accomplished pass rusher who put up some eye popping numbers including tying and FBS record with six in a single game.

Granted, stepping into the NFL from the MEAC conference will be a major challenge, but after 2015 where Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt really led the charge much of the time on the pass rush it will be interesting to see how he fits into the game plan.

While it seems unlikely that Hargrave will win a starting spot coming out of camp it’s more than plausible for him to see time subbing in on obvious passing downs and replacing for Tuitt or Heyward when they need breaks.

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