The Pittsburgh Steelers have kicked off their offseason moves by signing a seasoned player to beef up their defensive front. Recognizing their defensive line as a sore spot last year, they brought veteran Daniel Ekuale into the fold Sunday night. Although Ekuale, at 31, won’t bring down the average age of the group, the real question is whether he’ll elevate their performance.
Let’s dive into the specifics of his run defense, pass rush skills, usage patterns, and overall fit with the team.
### Daniel Ekuale’s Run Defense
To start, here’s a quick summary of his run defense capabilities:
– He’s tough and holds his ground at the point of attack, using his reach effectively and functioning as a proficient two-gapper who can maintain control of the line.
– He knows how to stack, shed, and track the ball, showing good leverage with his pad level and hand placement.
– While he’s trusted against strong side runs and is versatile enough to adjust his position along the line, he struggles laterally, finding it hard to keep up with perimeter and outside runs.
– Ekuale’s burst from the line is inconsistent, making it easier for opponents to reach him on zone schemes, and sometimes he struggles to track the ball when it’s far to the edges.
Ekuale’s solid frame makes him a formidable force against interior runs. Since leaving Washington State in 2018, he’s always seemed bigger than his listed 299 pounds and stands at just over 6’3. While his arm length isn’t exceptional at 31 7/8 inches, he leverages his build well to control and shed blockers.
This makes him particularly effective at holding his ground and covering gaps, providing crucial support to spill runs toward the sideline. However, his slower reactions off the line can make him vulnerable, especially when facing the quicker lateral movements common in zone schemes. His shortcomings show when it comes to reaching spots and tracking plays at the perimeter.
### Daniel Ekuale’s Pass Rush
Here’s a quick rundown before we get into the details:
– His go-to maneuver involves a swipe, keeping his hands engaged to break free from blocks.
– He’s capable of stunting and looping during blitzes, showing organized play without losing his assignment.
– He puts in the effort to track plays like screens and quick throws.
– Despite active hands, his tight hips slow him down, affecting his ability to corner effectively and finish plays. His strength wanes throughout the play, and his moves often falter.
Over his six-year career, he’s only accumulated six sacks, with no more than two in any season. Although he started 16 games last year and played over 700 snaps, he only managed one sack.
Nevertheless, Ekuale does possess some spark as a pass rusher. His hands are often active and disruptive, essential for Stunting and containment, tasks he’s already familiar with and ones he’ll continue to get comfortable with in the Steelers system. His hustle to chase down screens and fast throws is commendable.
In depth, however, pass rushing isn’t his strongest suit. He struggles with tightness in his hips, limiting his ability to corner and complete plays. While his swim moves may give him an initial edge, they rarely lead to a full breakthrough. His explosive power feels underwhelming, as his bull rushes often lose momentum, and he can stumble even when he seems to have an opportunity to reach the quarterback.
### Daniel Ekuale’s Usage
Ekuale’s path to where he is now has seen him as a backup across various teams until joining the Patriots in 2021. His big break came in 2024 when after a season-ending bicep injury in September 2023. Making a strong comeback, he played over 700 snaps last year, tallying 52 tackles and one sack, almost matching his total snaps in his previous five years combined.
Ekuale was frequently used as a 3/4/5 technique player, as Dave Bryan noted through a PFF analysis. He typically lined up as a strong-side end and was flexible enough to shift as needed in response to offensive movements.
His adaptability allows him to play on either side of the line. Earlier in the season, Ekuale was also involved in sub-package plays, aligning over the center in the Patriots’ more distinctly strategic setups.
### Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Daniel Ekuale stands as a reliable run defender with modest pass-rushing capabilities. His approach to run defense could potentially outshine teammates like Isaiahh Loudermilk and maybe even Larry Ogunjobi, although they both bring different styles to the table.
While Ekuale enjoyed a starting role last season, his ideal position could be as a top-tier backup and rotational player in the Steelers’ 3-4 defense scheme. As the Steelers prepare for the draft, adding Ekuale seems like a temporary measure as they anticipate bringing in fresh talent. His contract might not be monumental, ensuring the Steelers remain focused on their drafting strategy.
For now, Ekuale lends some experienced depth, stepping in while a rookie gets up to speed. Should he need to begin the season on the starting line or provide support in packages behind stars like Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, a new rookie, and Montravius Adams, the Steelers are banking on continuity and growing reciprocal dynamics in their defense.
Ekuale’s arrival is a preliminary maneuver aimed at strengthening their defense against the run, signaling the start of broader strategic improvements to come.
