Q: I was wondering what the Steelers long term plans at NT are? It seems to me like they should have locked up Casey Hampton last year instead of Brett Keisel (solely based on need). I know Ziggy Hood was drafted with high expectations last year, but my understanding is that he will probably end up being a good fit as a 3-4 DE (where we already have Smith and Kiesel for a couple more years). If we lose Hampton is a 4-3 possible given Mike Tomlin's background?

Jayshiv Badlani, Pittsburgh

BOUCHETTE: Ziggy Hood is a defensive end. However, so was Kimo von Oelhoffen when he arrived as a free agent in 2000 and he played nose tackle for one season before Hampton was drafted in 2001. In an emergency, I supposed they could press Hood into that spot, especially with Aaron Smith at one end and Keisel on the other in 2010. Chris Hoke also plays NT. Forget about the 4-3. LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison do not fit the 4-3 as outside linebackers, although Lawrence Timmons could play there. And they do not have the defensive tackles to play the 4-3 on a consistent basis.

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