Predicting the Defensive Ends Keith Butler Wouldn't Name

PITTSBURGH -- Keith Butler wouldn't tell us who his favorite new defensive ends are.

The Steelers' defensive coordinator came right out and said he has young prospects he doesn't want the NFL to know of yet. I have a fairly good sense of who he's talking about, though.

It starts with Isaiah Buggs.

Granted, I did ask if Buggs has stood out during practice. But Butler quickly acknowledged he has.

"Isaiah [Buggs] has done a pretty good job for us," Butler replied. And so far, the pool report has stuck to Butler's response.

According to the report, Buggs "popped up around the ball plenty" throughout the day on Tuesday. Especially during run periods.

The team's sixth-round pick stepped into somewhat of a role in Stephon Tuitt's absence last season. The rookie recorded nine game appearances, but only found three tackles on the year.

This season, though, he's come in looking slimmer and quicker.

Many believed Buggs was the next nose tackle for the Steelers. It looks more like he'll be taking over Tyson Alualu's role on the outside after a season.

Now, more of a reliever for Tuitt and Cameron Heyward, Buggs will be taking a step in the right direction in year two. A step that's going to put him on the field behind Chris Wormley.

Number two is Henry Mondeaux.

"Defensive tackle Henry Mondeaux played with TE Zach Gentry like a pawn in his game of life on a punt coverage drill, refusing to allow Gentry to get down the field." - 8/23 Steelers pool report.

I'll tell you this, Mondeaux is the quietest person in the Steelers locker room. Both on the field and off.

More of a defensive tackle than defensive end, Mondeaux provides that hybrid player the Steelers are moving towards. A Javon Hargrave-like nose tackle, who can line up across the defensive line as a reliever.

He's only progressed since arriving in Pittsburgh in 2019. This season is somewhat of a make-or-break season for the practice squad player. He has competition but provides the best option to play behind the defensive ends and nose tackles.

Dan McCullers is entering what could very likely be his last season with the Steelers. And an honest Keith Butler might have hinted at Mondeaux taking his role.

"I think he understands that this is the kind of make it or break it year for him," Butler said on McCullers. "I think he will end up helping us in that regard ... We have some young guys that are coming up, too, and we are taking a look at that we like, and we will see how they come along for our defensive line."

He's quiet. He's always been quiet. Maybe, quietly sneaking his way onto the roster.

You have to assume the final player is Cavon Walker.

The Steelers want another Kameron Kelly. The backup safety didn't do much during the regular season last year, but he was quality enough not to have to worry about adding someone else.

The hope for Walker is the same. The XFL's sack-leader, 19 tackles, and nine quarterback hits through five games. He's in a group that moved Alualu inside and is looking for a reliable backup to play behind Heyward and Tuitt. They think that could be Wormley, but he's spent more time on the sideline than practicing because of injuries.

This team wants a player to be able to step in if needed. Walker brings the most recent game experience and a resume that might be more impressive than practice squad experience.

I wouldn't be surprised if he and Mondeaux are neck-and-neck for a roster spot and a practice squad spot. One will earn a place on the 53-man, and the other will be the primary reserve as a "just in case."

Noah Strackbein is a Senior Writer with AllSteelers. Follow Noah on Twitter @NoahStrack, and AllSteelers @si_steelers.