Name: Louis Nix III
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Notre Dame
Louis Nix is one of the most talented defensive tackles in the draft one the most talented nose tackle when healthy. In 2012, he was one of the anchors in the middle of that stout Fighting Irish defense that carried them to the National Championship game. Despite being a huge man, Nix moves very well and has nimble feet for his size. He was named to the First-Team All-Independent in 2012. In 2013 he started off playing poorly, but just as he was getting back into his 2012 form he tore his meniscus and had to miss the rest of the season.
Despite the injury, Nix is being looked at as a mid to late first-round pick. He has shown the ability to be a great player when he is out on the field. At times he looks to be taking plays off, but you have to wonder if that is due to motivation issues or just how large of a man he is. It is something that a coach will want to keep his eyes on with they draft him though.
How Louis Nix III Fits the Steelers Needs
The Steelers just signed former San Diego Charger nose tackle Cam Thomas to a two year deal this past week, but that doesn’t mean Louis Nix III is out of the running to be the pick in Pittsburgh. Steve McLendon who has been the starting nose tackle in Pittsburgh can play defensive end as well. That could make Thomas the starting nose tackle in Pitt, but he couldn’t hold down the starting job in San Diego. Thomas could be used as a good rotational piece with Nix as McLendon was moved to defensive end because the Steelers lost two this offseason in Ziggy Hood and Al Woods.
Potential Impact as a Rookie
As long as the knee heals up nicely before the season, Nix could have a big impact as a rookie for the Steelers. He could come in right away and give them snaps. If they didn’t want to throw him in as the starter right away they could start Thomas and rotate Nix in. If they felt he was ready to start as a rookie, he could easily start and Thomas would be used as a rotational guy. Nix has the talent to be a day-one starter for someone.
What Louis Nix III Does Well
Nix is a huge, strong man who can hold up at the point of attack. However, don’t think he can’t move because he has extremely nimble feet and is agile for a big man. He is good at splitting gaps quickly and has a good arm-over swim move and a really nice bull rush that he can push a center or a guard back into the pocket with. He uses his hands well and keeps his eyes on the ball so he is rarely going the wrong way.
What Louis Nix III Struggles With
He can struggle to get off of double teams at times and needs to develop a good counter-move for when an offensive lineman stonewalls his initial attempt and gets his hands on him. Needs to be more effective in using his strength, he has a good bull rush, but needs to be more consistent with it. He needs to keep his emotions in check and play more under control and focused on the field at times.