The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't as "old and slow" on defense as some accused them of being in 2011, but age is a concern. More than half of last year's starters will be 32 or older midway through next season.
It comes as no surprise the team is scouting defensive talent ahead of next week's draft, and one name among the recent prospect visits feels like a fit.
Dontari Poe -- all 6-foot-3, 346 pounds of him -- was among five prospects to visit the Steelers on Wednesday, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
If the Memphis nose tackle is around when Pittsburgh hits the podium at No. 24, he would fill an immediate need on defense, and Dulac -- a reliable, veteran reporter -- believes the team is high on Poe. "There is a possibility it could be the first of his many trips inside the team's South Side facility," Dulac noted, and we take that as a hint of legitimate interest.
It makes sense.
At 34, Casey Hampton isn't getting any younger and suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury against the Broncos in the wild-card game. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin hinted that Hampton could begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. Ziggy Hood and more likely Scott McLendon would likely step in if Hampton can't go. Either way, it looks like Big Casey's final year in Pittsburgh.
