"The Shade Tree".
Great nickname for a nose tackle, even better nickname for a mammoth sized man standing 6 ft 7 weighing 352 pounds. It just so happens the Steelers drafted a man of that stature in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft by the name of Daniel McCullers.
McCullers possesses tantalising physical attributes, and carries his weight well, but for a sixth round draft pick he was billed as predictably raw. Consistency and technique were two of the most evident areas that needed improving coming out of college, and remain so, but McCullers has done a good job of showing his potential in the first week of training camp.
According to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune, McCullers was very active Wednesday at training camp.
Two highlights were his man-handling of center Cody Wallace, pushing him into the backfield, and swallowing up diminutive rookie Dri Archer in 11-on-11 drills.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also took note of McCullers on Wednesday as he did battle with one of the Steelers best offensive lineman.
Matched up against David Decastro in one-on-one pass rushing drills, McCullers displayed some of the natural ability that made the Steelers draft him. He got his hands inside DeCastro frame and drove him into the backfield, nearly knocking him over. Not only does this show McCullers utilizing both his strength and proper technique, but it's doubly impressive because it was against the best offensive lineman the Steelers have to offer.
McCullers was also noted wiping out offensive lineman Mike Adams during a two-on-two drill.
One great day at camp doesn't signify Daniel McCullers has arrived in the NFL, but it is a good way to get your self noticed by the coaching staff, and it's one step in the right direction toward making the final 53-man roster.
What McCullers needs to do now is focus on learning as much as he can in terms of technique, and making sure he shows the urgency and consistency that the coaching staff are looking for.
He would also do well to listen to cornerback William Gay, who perhaps gave McCullers the best advice.
‘You’re bigger than everybody. Just move people.’"
Sounds like a solid plan.