According to a source, another option the team is strongly considering is having outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree flip sides.
Such a move would mean Dupree moves over to the right side of the defense, with Watt sliding over to line up on what is typically the opposing offense's strong side -- over tight end.
The move would be made for several reasons:
• Watt is better in coverage than Dupree and would be more adept at covering those tight ends.
• The Steelers also feel Dupree's speed rushes might be more effective at right outside linebacker, where he could work as a complement next to Cameron Heyward. Heyward's consistent push up the middle could keep quarterbacks from stepping up on Dupree's outside speed move. And Heyward's demand of double teams should get Dupree more matchups on running backs or tackles one-on-one from the blind side.
• The Steelers also feel Watt's heavy hands might be put to better use against right tackles, who are typically more power-type players than left tackles, who rely more on finesse. That's especially true in the run game.
According to sources, the Steelers were not unhappy with the production they got from Watt in his rookie season or Dupree in his third, but they would like to see both take another step. The two combined for 13 sacks last season and dropped into coverage more than in previous seasons. But just because they're being asked to play more in space doesn't mean Watt and Dupree can't bump their sack totals up.
It used to be that teams automatically put their best pass rusher on the right side of their line to come from the quarterback's blind side. But in recent years, we've seen that change, most notably with Von Miller in Denver and Justin Houston in Kansas City.