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Pittsburgh Steelers Day 5 OTAs Recap: Daniel McCullers could be a dominant force on the defense

We check in on what has been happening at the Steelers UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side after Day 5 of OTAs.

By Jeff.Hartman
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Another day passes, and another OTA workout for the Pittsburgh Steelers is in the books. The Steelers continue their offseason workouts, albeit "football in shorts", as they prepare for the 2016 season, and what most fans are hoping for -- another Super Bowl victory.

Time to keep our fingers on the pulse of the Steelers with our Day 5 OTAs recap.

Daniel McCullers the answer at nose tackle?

When the Steelers selected Javon Hargrave in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft, most assumed he would fill the void left when Steve McLendon departed via free agency for the New York Jets. What most people might be overlooking, and I'm not sure how you can overlook this giant of a man, is Daniel McCullers continuing to improve and being the team's nose tackle in 2016.

"I can be a dominant player," McCullers told Jason Mackey of DKonPittsburghSports.com. "I just have to keep working. That's the big thing. Keep working on my technique and fundamentals. I can be dominant. I know I can."

McCullers certainly has the size (6-feet 7-inches tall, 352-pounds) to be the plug in the middle of the team's defense, but the Keith Butler nose tackle position is certainly different from the Dick LeBeau version.

"When LeBeau was here, it was much more about letting the linebackers make the plays," McCullers said. "Coach Butler wants us to get up the field."

Although McCullers has the size and strength to move any offensive lineman he faces, he realizes stopping the run is still paramount with the Steelers defense reclaiming a Top 10 spot in the league.

"Got to do that [stop the run] for the Steelers and be the No. 1 rushing defense," McCullers said. "We have big plans ahead."

Whether McCullers is a large part of those plans remains largely on his giant shoulders.

Taking Attendance

A lot of players were either given the day off, or elected not to participate in Day 5 of OTAs. Per Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the following players did not participate in the workout for one reason or another.

Ben Roethlisberger
Le'Veon Bell
Senquez Golson
Bud Dupree
James Harrison

It should be noted these are voluntary workouts.

DHB doing more than just catching footballs

When Darrius Heyward-Bey was signed before free agency many fans scratched their heads thinking, "Why?"

Then Martavis Bryant's suspension became public news, and it all made sense. However, one of the things Heyward-Bey does with the Steelers is...well...everything. He isn't just a receiver, but much more.

"My job never changes," Heyward-Bey told Jason Mackey of DKonPittsburghSports.com. "In my eyes and in coach Tomlin's eyes, the more I bring to the table, I just try to do everything. Blocker, catcher, great route-runner, great mentor to the younger guys. Just bring it each and every day."

DHB has a great feeling about this team and their potential for 2016. Something which played a big part of him returning to Pittsburgh.

"We are definitely building something here," Heyward-Bey told me. "That had a lot to do with it. I believe in this team. I believe in what coach (Mike) Tomlin is talking about, as well as what we can do on offense, defense and special teams."

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