The Pittsburgh Steelers are raring to go back to action with a complete cast as they visit the New York Giants for their opening game on September 14. Big Blue is currently in the middle of their rebuilding efforts as they enter the post-Eli Manning era.

Despite the opponent's situation, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is wary of sophomore defensive end Dexter Lawrence. The big man could spell trouble for his team's offense in their Week One matchup.

“He’s a big dude”, Tomlin said of Lawrence yesterday in speaking to reporters. “He’s uniquely active for a guy his size, and he’s ridiculously agile for a guy his size. I think all of that makes him the dangerous guy that he is, and that’s why he was drafted where he was drafted”.

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Unbeknownst to many, Tomlin had already been eyeing back Lawrence since in his days with the Clemson Tigers. The Steelers also had a chance to select him in the 2019 NFL Draft but opted to move up the draft and select linebacker Devin Bush with the 10th overall pick instead. Lawrence then landed on the Giants with the 17th overall pick in the same draft.

Drafting Bush also turned out to be a good gamble for Tomlin. The rookie was able to successfully meet expectations and soon became a key player for the Steelers en route to a PFWA All-Rookie Team selection last season. Opting to select Lawrence would have yielded a different result as he might have ended up stuck behind an already-loaded Steelers frontline.

Regardless of the what-ifs, Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers are looking to maximize everyone at their disposal and have a better showing in the upcoming season. Huge stakes are on the line as the team aims to lift another Lombardi for the first time since 2008.