College Football

Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Watch: Washington DL Vita Vea

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:58 p.m. ET

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Let’s highlight a Steelers Draft target who could help improve Pittsburgh’s defensive line depth: Washington’s Vita Vea.

Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) pursues Portland State Vikings running back Nate Tago (25) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

With the Steeler’s bye week currently underway, let’s briefly turn our attention towards planning for the future. Two of the Steeler’s biggest needs are adding pass rushing threats and adding depth towards the defensive line.

Cameron Heyward is currently sidelined with an injury and Pittsburgh’s defense has sorely missed his overall play and pass rushing capabilities. In the two complete games he has missed due to injury, Pittsburgh has racked up a whopping … 0 sacks.

Even with Heyward, the Steeler’s defense has been unimpressive in terms of their pass rush. In our next Steelers Draft Watch, I will be highlighting a Steelers Draft target whose high energy and pass rushing skills could surely benefit the Steelers.

Steeler Nation, I introduce you to our next Steelers Draft target, Vita Vea.

Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

DL Vita Vea, Washington

Strengths

The most impressive aspect of Vea’s game is his insane movement skills, considering he is a lumbering 330 pound man. Vea is surprisingly nimble on his feet and his unexpected athleticism is augmented by the tenacious effort and hustle he gives on every play.

His set of athletic capabilities is truly special, as you rarely see a 330+ lb. defensive lineman chasing down running backs from behind.

Vea’s continuous effort and passion is extremely contagious, and it is something that the Steeler’s defense could benefit from. I love how hard the whole Huskies’s defense plays and swarms after the ballcarrier. Aside from Alabama, Washington is probably my favorite collegiate defense in the nation.

NEW: DL Vita Vea (Washington) vs Rutgers (2016) https://t.co/YN3McJKzrr @draftbreakdown #UW #Huskies pic.twitter.com/Yp9k8sEhHF

— Alex (@alexr5111) October 22, 2016

Additionally, Vea is a remarkably effective pass rusher as an interior defensive lineman. He can push the pocket and pressure the QB with impressive explosion off the snap. Furthermore, Vea possess a fantastic combination of effective hand usage and power to fuel his pass rush. He has a refined set of pass rushing tools, such as an over-powering hump move, where he pummels the blocker to the ground with his heavy hands.

Lastly, Vea is a legitimate two-gapping threat in the run game, as he can stand up OTs and disengage at the POA to make the tackle. Vea eats up a TON of space against the run and can clog up running lanes. Also, Vea maintains ideal leverage despite his enormous frame and can move blockers with ease. Overall, he is an almost perfect player to place in the center of your defense.

Dec 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) carries the trophy after the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Washington won 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Weaknesses

To be honest I can’t find many flaws to Vea’s game. He possesses such a unique and special skill set for a man his size and is remarkably effective in all facets of his game.

However, one area where Vea could improve is sculpting his body to become more NFL ready. While he moves exceptionally well for a man his size, I believe Vea could benefit by shedding unnecessary weight and adding additional strength. Slimming down slightly would help Vea reach his enormous pass rushing upside, as he has the tools and potential to be an elite interior pass rusher.

Upcoming Schedule

Another potential problem (at least for NFL teams vying for his talent) surrounding Vea is that he is only a redshirt sophomore and may decide to stay at Washington for another year or two. NFL talent evaluators must be drooling over Vea’s tape and are most likely praying that he will decide to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.

Fit

Vea could seamlessly transition into a multitude of roles for Pittsburgh and play all across the defensive line. Vea is at his best lining up over the opposing center or guard where he can stuff the run and rush the passer.

To be honest I would be ecstatic pairing Vea and Javon Hargrave, who I was extremely high on prior to the 2016 NFL Draft, on the Steeler’s defensive line. Both players possess non-stop motors and an array of pass rushing moves to get to the quarterback.

Most importantly, Vea’s contagious energy and hustle is something that Pittsburgh could greatly benefit from. I could envision the Steeler’s targeting Vea somewhere near the 2nd round.